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House Party
A slow-burn romance fifteen years in the making...
Hattie has spent half her life secretly crushing on Freddie – her best friend Sam's irresistibly gorgeous older brother. But Freddie? He's barely spared a glance for Hattie, the girl Sam befriended one fateful New Years' Eve when they discovered they were birthday twins.
Fast-forward to Hattie finds herself single for the first time in years – just before the holidays. Enter Sam, who, in classic best-friend fashion, whisks her away to a remote cabin in the Forest of Dean to cheer her up. Snowy woodland views? Check. A crackling fire and a steamy hot tub? Check. Zero cell service, ravenous wild boars, and an incoming snowstorm of apocalyptic proportions? Also check.
And to make matters even more intense, Freddie joins them, unexpectedly. Still infuriatingly gorgeous, and still ridiculously off-limits. Except this time, he's actually noticing Hattie. But then again, maybe he's been noticing her all along.
Fifteen years of longing. One night to change everything. This New Year's Eve, they're playing with fire.
PRAISE FOR CHLOE FORD
'Work Trip is the spicy, swoony, blissful escape I didn't know I needed. I absolutely devoured it' - Annabel Monaghan, USA Today bestselling author of Summer Romance
'Bursting with sparkling wit and crackling tension, readers will fall head over heels for Chloe Ford's debut' - Catherine Walsh, bestselling author of Snowed In
'An addictive, hilarious, rom-com adventure that I couldn't put down' - Donna Marchetti, author of Hate Mail
Hattie has spent half her life secretly crushing on Freddie – her best friend Sam's irresistibly gorgeous older brother. But Freddie? He's barely spared a glance for Hattie, the girl Sam befriended one fateful New Years' Eve when they discovered they were birthday twins.
Fast-forward to Hattie finds herself single for the first time in years – just before the holidays. Enter Sam, who, in classic best-friend fashion, whisks her away to a remote cabin in the Forest of Dean to cheer her up. Snowy woodland views? Check. A crackling fire and a steamy hot tub? Check. Zero cell service, ravenous wild boars, and an incoming snowstorm of apocalyptic proportions? Also check.
And to make matters even more intense, Freddie joins them, unexpectedly. Still infuriatingly gorgeous, and still ridiculously off-limits. Except this time, he's actually noticing Hattie. But then again, maybe he's been noticing her all along.
Fifteen years of longing. One night to change everything. This New Year's Eve, they're playing with fire.
PRAISE FOR CHLOE FORD
'Work Trip is the spicy, swoony, blissful escape I didn't know I needed. I absolutely devoured it' - Annabel Monaghan, USA Today bestselling author of Summer Romance
'Bursting with sparkling wit and crackling tension, readers will fall head over heels for Chloe Ford's debut' - Catherine Walsh, bestselling author of Snowed In
'An addictive, hilarious, rom-com adventure that I couldn't put down' - Donna Marchetti, author of Hate Mail
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
123 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
October 23, 2025
Happy Pub Day!
Not exactly good enough for four stars, but too good for three.
🥂🍾❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️ 🍾🥂
3.5 stars rounded up because I’m in a generous mood.
I very much enjoyed the writing style. It was full of dry humor that was right up my alley, so it was a lot of fun to read. I liked Hattie and Freddie together, and it would’ve probably been a great romance if it weren’t for Sam.
Hattie and Sam have been best friends since they were fourteen. They never dated, tried to kiss once but promptly decided they belonged in the friend-zone. Best-friend-zone. (Don’t get me started on straight men and straight women being “best friends”…😬)
Hattie has always had a secret crush on Sam’s older brother, but since Freddie and Sam never got along, she kept it to herself and “hated” him officially. Instead she found a douchebag boyfriend and spent nine years trying to make him happy.
Now that the boyfriend has dumped her, she’s drunk, and Freddie is single, all bets are off.
That was another thing about this book. It didn’t bother me, but I noticed it and I’m not sure how others would feel about it; there was a lot of alcohol. Most of the story takes place on New Year’s Eves/birthday parties, but still. It was dual timeline: the past, when they were younger and constantly getting wasted, and the present, when they are locked up in the middle of nowhere, also getting wasted. Freddie was, surprisingly, mostly sober, but Hattie and Sam were hammered most of the time.
The dynamic between Sam, Hattie and Freddie was so precarious that I’m not sure I believe in the HEA. Sam and Hattie had long history and I have a feeling that Sam would always come between them and shit would hit the fan eventually, leaving all three parties heartbroken.
That said, I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Not exactly good enough for four stars, but too good for three.
🥂🍾❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️ 🍾🥂
3.5 stars rounded up because I’m in a generous mood.
I very much enjoyed the writing style. It was full of dry humor that was right up my alley, so it was a lot of fun to read. I liked Hattie and Freddie together, and it would’ve probably been a great romance if it weren’t for Sam.
Hattie and Sam have been best friends since they were fourteen. They never dated, tried to kiss once but promptly decided they belonged in the friend-zone. Best-friend-zone. (Don’t get me started on straight men and straight women being “best friends”…😬)
Hattie has always had a secret crush on Sam’s older brother, but since Freddie and Sam never got along, she kept it to herself and “hated” him officially. Instead she found a douchebag boyfriend and spent nine years trying to make him happy.
Now that the boyfriend has dumped her, she’s drunk, and Freddie is single, all bets are off.
That was another thing about this book. It didn’t bother me, but I noticed it and I’m not sure how others would feel about it; there was a lot of alcohol. Most of the story takes place on New Year’s Eves/birthday parties, but still. It was dual timeline: the past, when they were younger and constantly getting wasted, and the present, when they are locked up in the middle of nowhere, also getting wasted. Freddie was, surprisingly, mostly sober, but Hattie and Sam were hammered most of the time.
The dynamic between Sam, Hattie and Freddie was so precarious that I’m not sure I believe in the HEA. Sam and Hattie had long history and I have a feeling that Sam would always come between them and shit would hit the fan eventually, leaving all three parties heartbroken.
That said, I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2025
Unfortunately, that wasn't quite the epic finale I had in mind...
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Last read of the year, folks 🥂❄️
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Last read of the year, folks 🥂❄️
October 10, 2025
House Party by Chloe Ford is one of those rare romance novels that completely sweeps you up in the nostalgia of growing up and the thrill of falling in love with someone you’ve known forever. It’s a funny, heartfelt, and sometimes emotional story about best friends Hattie and Dylan, who have celebrated every New Year’s Eve together since their early teens because their birthdays are just one day apart. Their annual joint party is such a cute idea, you can almost hear the countdown and feel the confetti in your hair.
Everything changes the year Hattie acts on her crush on Dylan’s older brother, Freddie, the one Dylan can’t stand. That’s when the fireworks really start! The tension between the brothers and Hattie and Freddie adds a spark that makes this story more than just a lighthearted romance. It’s about loyalty, forgiveness, and how love can complicate even the best friendships.
I loved how the story unfolds through multiple New Year’s Eve parties over the years. It’s a highlight reel of Hattie’s and Dylan’s lives, each party showing how they grow, drift, and reconnect. Ford captures the awkward, tender, and beautiful parts of friendship that slowly turn into something deeper. By the end, I was completely rooting for them and smiling through every page.
Chloe Ford’s writing is both witty and emotionally grounded. She has such a knack for showing how people evolve while still holding on to the heart of who they are. The party setting gave the story a feeling of celebration and hope, even during the moments of heartbreak.
My feeling about the book: I absolutely loved how nostalgic and hopeful it felt. It reminded me that sometimes, the people who know us best are the ones we’re meant to love all along. Ford made me believe in second chances and in the kind of love that’s been standing beside you the whole time.
If you enjoy romances with great character growth, emotional depth, and just the right amount of holiday sparkle, House Party is the perfect read to curl up with preferably with a glass of bubbly.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries | Aria for the Advanced Readers Copy.
Everything changes the year Hattie acts on her crush on Dylan’s older brother, Freddie, the one Dylan can’t stand. That’s when the fireworks really start! The tension between the brothers and Hattie and Freddie adds a spark that makes this story more than just a lighthearted romance. It’s about loyalty, forgiveness, and how love can complicate even the best friendships.
I loved how the story unfolds through multiple New Year’s Eve parties over the years. It’s a highlight reel of Hattie’s and Dylan’s lives, each party showing how they grow, drift, and reconnect. Ford captures the awkward, tender, and beautiful parts of friendship that slowly turn into something deeper. By the end, I was completely rooting for them and smiling through every page.
Chloe Ford’s writing is both witty and emotionally grounded. She has such a knack for showing how people evolve while still holding on to the heart of who they are. The party setting gave the story a feeling of celebration and hope, even during the moments of heartbreak.
My feeling about the book: I absolutely loved how nostalgic and hopeful it felt. It reminded me that sometimes, the people who know us best are the ones we’re meant to love all along. Ford made me believe in second chances and in the kind of love that’s been standing beside you the whole time.
If you enjoy romances with great character growth, emotional depth, and just the right amount of holiday sparkle, House Party is the perfect read to curl up with preferably with a glass of bubbly.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries | Aria for the Advanced Readers Copy.
October 29, 2025
4.5/4.75
wow
tension ✅
slowburn ✅
brothers best friend ✅
forbidden ✅
cosy ✅
perfect ? yes 🙂↕️
wow
tension ✅
slowburn ✅
brothers best friend ✅
forbidden ✅
cosy ✅
perfect ? yes 🙂↕️
June 10, 2025
Feb 4 at 19:30
Already know I'm going to love it as The Work Trip was a solid 12/10 stars!! Can't wait to get my hands on this!
JUST FINISHED!!!
June 10 at 02:32
I've finished!!! Absolutely everything I wanted/needed/hoped/dreamed of.
Obviously, a big fat 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love them all - the firm friendship between Hattie and Sam, and the extended friendship circle with Priya (I hear you mama!!!), Sara (please be a side quest book with your mystery beach!) and doppy but soppy Dylan, who really earnt his place and loyalty! And Freddie........ #sayless #iykyk
It was brilliant, funny, heartwarming, sexy, the chemistry and build up was *chef's kiss*, and honestly I WANT MORE.
Loved Work Trip, loved House Party, and I'm ready for my love hat trick!
Out October 2025!! But soooo greatful I didn't have to wait that long!!
Massive thank you to @chloefwrites and @headofzeus 😍💜✨
Already know I'm going to love it as The Work Trip was a solid 12/10 stars!! Can't wait to get my hands on this!
JUST FINISHED!!!
June 10 at 02:32
I've finished!!! Absolutely everything I wanted/needed/hoped/dreamed of.
Obviously, a big fat 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love them all - the firm friendship between Hattie and Sam, and the extended friendship circle with Priya (I hear you mama!!!), Sara (please be a side quest book with your mystery beach!) and doppy but soppy Dylan, who really earnt his place and loyalty! And Freddie........ #sayless #iykyk
It was brilliant, funny, heartwarming, sexy, the chemistry and build up was *chef's kiss*, and honestly I WANT MORE.
Loved Work Trip, loved House Party, and I'm ready for my love hat trick!
Out October 2025!! But soooo greatful I didn't have to wait that long!!
Massive thank you to @chloefwrites and @headofzeus 😍💜✨
November 10, 2025
this was my first book by this author and definitely won't be the last! while it wasn't my favourite book of the year, I still had a great time reading this. I think this book would be perfect for those who just broke up with someone and would like to find love someday.
the main characters Hattie and Freddie were definitely sweet together and I rooted for them all the way! I loved how mature he was about everything and kept wanting her consent for things. it was refreshing.
Sam and Hattie's friendship is also to die for, I need a bestie like that! the way they were so supportive of each other. 😭
now, Sara and Priya however, felt a little one dimensional for me. they both kinda came across exactly the same.
the writing style was really easy to get into, you could read this book in a day, it flies by! I do have one nitpicky thing and that is the nickname "storm cloud" that Freddie gave Hattie. I usually don't mind nicknames, but in this book he kept calling her that so many times, it became a tad bit cringy for me.
the plot itself was really sweet. I loved the idea of a getaway with friends and this book would be perfect to read near new years time as it mostly takes place around then! also I can say this one is also for those who enjoy best friend's brother and forbidden love tropes. 🤭
while it wasn't my new all time favourite, I still recommend reading this for a heart warming and fun time!
the main characters Hattie and Freddie were definitely sweet together and I rooted for them all the way! I loved how mature he was about everything and kept wanting her consent for things. it was refreshing.
Sam and Hattie's friendship is also to die for, I need a bestie like that! the way they were so supportive of each other. 😭
now, Sara and Priya however, felt a little one dimensional for me. they both kinda came across exactly the same.
the writing style was really easy to get into, you could read this book in a day, it flies by! I do have one nitpicky thing and that is the nickname "storm cloud" that Freddie gave Hattie. I usually don't mind nicknames, but in this book he kept calling her that so many times, it became a tad bit cringy for me.
the plot itself was really sweet. I loved the idea of a getaway with friends and this book would be perfect to read near new years time as it mostly takes place around then! also I can say this one is also for those who enjoy best friend's brother and forbidden love tropes. 🤭
while it wasn't my new all time favourite, I still recommend reading this for a heart warming and fun time!
October 25, 2025
Loved the dry humour, this was such a fun book to read! I really enjoyed the flashback chapters, which gave a nice glimpse into the past. Freddie having feelings for Hattie was obvious, but it's kind of relatable that Hattie was completely oblivious.
Hattie and Sam's friendship was adorable, but I don't fully believe that he's okay with her being with his brother. There's no way he won't come between them. It also felt quite selfish of him to know about his best friend's feelings for his brother and still make her "hate" him for 15 years. I understand that Sam and Freddie have a complicated relationship, but come on - you're nearly 30, and nothing gives you that much say in other people's lives.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this book. It really captured the essence of university relationships and being in your twenties. Despite Sam's interference, I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys a fun, relatable romance with a touch of humour.
Thank you, NetGalley and Aria & Aries, for allowing me to read this lovely book before its release.
Hattie and Sam's friendship was adorable, but I don't fully believe that he's okay with her being with his brother. There's no way he won't come between them. It also felt quite selfish of him to know about his best friend's feelings for his brother and still make her "hate" him for 15 years. I understand that Sam and Freddie have a complicated relationship, but come on - you're nearly 30, and nothing gives you that much say in other people's lives.
Overall, I had so much fun reading this book. It really captured the essence of university relationships and being in your twenties. Despite Sam's interference, I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys a fun, relatable romance with a touch of humour.
Thank you, NetGalley and Aria & Aries, for allowing me to read this lovely book before its release.
December 31, 2025
With best friends Hattie and Sam sharing a birthday on New Year’s Day, and a dual timeline set around past and present NYE celebrations, this made for a perfect end-of-year read. And I love a snowy cabin setting!
I’m not always a big fan of the best friend’s brother trope. I often find it too silly and annoying when the friend intervenes. But I think it actually worked here! The strained relationship between Sam and Freddie made it believable that Hattie and Freddie were unable to act on their chemistry.
And the chemistry was great. I really loved the subtle ways Freddie made his feelings for Hattie known, especially in how he consistently checked in to make sure she was ok. Something she really needed after her controlling and manipulative ex wrecked her self-esteem.
I did find the romance a bit too lusty, though, especially in the present timeline. And I get it. There's years of unresolved tension between Hattie and Freddie. But it quickly felt like Hattie was constantly just trying (and failing) to jump in bed with Freddie. It got a little tiring.
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, explicit details)
I’m not always a big fan of the best friend’s brother trope. I often find it too silly and annoying when the friend intervenes. But I think it actually worked here! The strained relationship between Sam and Freddie made it believable that Hattie and Freddie were unable to act on their chemistry.
And the chemistry was great. I really loved the subtle ways Freddie made his feelings for Hattie known, especially in how he consistently checked in to make sure she was ok. Something she really needed after her controlling and manipulative ex wrecked her self-esteem.
I did find the romance a bit too lusty, though, especially in the present timeline. And I get it. There's years of unresolved tension between Hattie and Freddie. But it quickly felt like Hattie was constantly just trying (and failing) to jump in bed with Freddie. It got a little tiring.
(heat level: 1 open-door scene, explicit details)
October 7, 2025
The perfect cosy winter read for that time between Christmas and New Year when you don’t know what day it is!
I loved the flashes back in time when you get to see Hattie and Sam’s friendship from the beginning. And also the glimpses of Freddie, Hattie’s secret crush!!! We all love a forbidden romance, especially when is involves a best friends older brother!!
House Party also focuses on friendships in your 20s. The characters are all at very different points in their lives but when they get snowed in together they have no choice but to work through their differences and communicate again.
I loved the flashes back in time when you get to see Hattie and Sam’s friendship from the beginning. And also the glimpses of Freddie, Hattie’s secret crush!!! We all love a forbidden romance, especially when is involves a best friends older brother!!
House Party also focuses on friendships in your 20s. The characters are all at very different points in their lives but when they get snowed in together they have no choice but to work through their differences and communicate again.
December 31, 2025
2 and a half stars
i got the ick too many times for me to say that i enjoyed this
i got the ick too many times for me to say that i enjoyed this
December 31, 2025
Leste denne utelukkende for å rekke lesemålet mitt for i år😁😁 tenkte det skulle bli en underholdende liten sak for å komme kjapt gjennom men dette var jo ikke bra. Skulle gi én stjerne, men det hadde kanskje vært litt vel slemt på nyttårsaften:)
September 9, 2025
ARC - PUBLICATION DATE 23RD OCTOBER 2025
4.5 ☆
『 tropes 』
•best friend's brother
•slow burn
•forced proximity
•forest setting
•flashbacks
•new years celebrations
『 plot 』
hattie and sam were forced together on their 14th birthday (new years eve and new years day), and since then, they've been inseparable, the best of friends and have always always celebrated their birthdays together.
it's now their 29th birthdays, Hattie is single for the first time in 9 years and is rethinking everything about her life and her wasted years on someone who never really wanted her. she makes sure that the last year of her 20s are hers and hers alone, starting with a lodge getaway in a secluded forest with a hot tub. sam is there, helping her and cheering her on, with 2 of their other best friends.
what hattie was not expecting, was freddie coming along for the getaway. freddie, sam's older brother, who is brooding, off limits and who she has secretly been crushing on since she was 14 years old.
『 my thoughts 』
the present tense of this book spans over the christmas/new year period so is the perfect easy, fast paced, cosy read for the winter season!
i really enjoyed this book, hattie and sam's friendship is just genuine and wholesome, always there for each other. sam has a particularly complicated and hard life when it comes to his family and hattie has always been there to help him. sam was the first person to show up and help hattie with her break up.
the whole friendship group are sweet and a good mix of people, i love how in this book, chloe sheds light on being an adult with a friendship group that are all at different stages in life and how it can be hard to find time for each other
i love the dynamic between hattie and freddie. there are flashbacks within this story that helps further the story and adde depth to hattie and freddie's story. the chemistry between them was excellent, the tentative back and forth flirting and the mutual pining was very enjoyable to read.
4.5 ☆
『 tropes 』
•best friend's brother
•slow burn
•forced proximity
•forest setting
•flashbacks
•new years celebrations
『 plot 』
hattie and sam were forced together on their 14th birthday (new years eve and new years day), and since then, they've been inseparable, the best of friends and have always always celebrated their birthdays together.
it's now their 29th birthdays, Hattie is single for the first time in 9 years and is rethinking everything about her life and her wasted years on someone who never really wanted her. she makes sure that the last year of her 20s are hers and hers alone, starting with a lodge getaway in a secluded forest with a hot tub. sam is there, helping her and cheering her on, with 2 of their other best friends.
what hattie was not expecting, was freddie coming along for the getaway. freddie, sam's older brother, who is brooding, off limits and who she has secretly been crushing on since she was 14 years old.
『 my thoughts 』
the present tense of this book spans over the christmas/new year period so is the perfect easy, fast paced, cosy read for the winter season!
i really enjoyed this book, hattie and sam's friendship is just genuine and wholesome, always there for each other. sam has a particularly complicated and hard life when it comes to his family and hattie has always been there to help him. sam was the first person to show up and help hattie with her break up.
the whole friendship group are sweet and a good mix of people, i love how in this book, chloe sheds light on being an adult with a friendship group that are all at different stages in life and how it can be hard to find time for each other
i love the dynamic between hattie and freddie. there are flashbacks within this story that helps further the story and adde depth to hattie and freddie's story. the chemistry between them was excellent, the tentative back and forth flirting and the mutual pining was very enjoyable to read.
November 20, 2025
'Still infuriatingly gorgeous, and still ridiculously off-limits.'
Another winner from Chloe — I adored it. Hattie and Sam as best friends were brilliant, and honestly, they made the book for me. Every year they spend their birthdays together — Sam on New Year’s Eve and Hattie on New Year’s Day — and every year they have so much fun.
Told over dual timelines, we travel back to when Hattie and Sam first met as teenagers at a party their parents were attending, as well as follow what they’re getting up to in the present day. Along with Priya and Sara, they make an awesome friendship group, and then, randomly, at a snowed-in cabin, Hattie’s cousin Dylan and Sam’s brother Freddie turn up too. Just what will happen between Hattie and Freddie — her old schoolgirl crush — remains to be seen.
I read this while lounging on my balcony on a Mediterranean cruise, so while I was soaking up the sun, I was reading about snow and freezing conditions! 😂
Thank you to Chloe Ford and Aria for the gifted copy of House Party.
Another winner from Chloe — I adored it. Hattie and Sam as best friends were brilliant, and honestly, they made the book for me. Every year they spend their birthdays together — Sam on New Year’s Eve and Hattie on New Year’s Day — and every year they have so much fun.
Told over dual timelines, we travel back to when Hattie and Sam first met as teenagers at a party their parents were attending, as well as follow what they’re getting up to in the present day. Along with Priya and Sara, they make an awesome friendship group, and then, randomly, at a snowed-in cabin, Hattie’s cousin Dylan and Sam’s brother Freddie turn up too. Just what will happen between Hattie and Freddie — her old schoolgirl crush — remains to be seen.
I read this while lounging on my balcony on a Mediterranean cruise, so while I was soaking up the sun, I was reading about snow and freezing conditions! 😂
Thank you to Chloe Ford and Aria for the gifted copy of House Party.
September 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!!
Loved Hattie and Sam’s friendship as well as the dynamic between Hattie and Freddie!! Loved the flashbacks, this helped to further the story and chemistry. Also loved the friendship group Hattie has!! Cosy winter forest setting. A perfect winter cosy romance book!! Would 100% recommend
Loved Hattie and Sam’s friendship as well as the dynamic between Hattie and Freddie!! Loved the flashbacks, this helped to further the story and chemistry. Also loved the friendship group Hattie has!! Cosy winter forest setting. A perfect winter cosy romance book!! Would 100% recommend
October 22, 2025
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved Chloe Ford's debut Work Trip, so I was incredibly eager to read her newest book, House Party, which has solidified Chloe Ford as an autobuy author. I absolutely loved this book and ended up staying up into the early hours to finish it as I was hooked.
Chloe writes amazing, realistic, and relatable characters who you can't help but love and root for. I loved Hattie and getting to watch her grow as a character as we get flashbacks of her friendship with Sam and her early interactions with Freddie.
Her friendship with Sam is just so wholesome, and I honestly loved it so much. I also loved the rest of the friend group who joined them on this trip amd I also liked that there was depth to these characters, who are each dealing with their own personal struggles and the discussion about how friendships can change as we get older and end up in different stages of life. Also, I squealed seeing Fliss and James from Work Trip in this one and how Fliss played a part in this, as I adored them so much!
I adored Freddie, and his chemistry with Hattie was off the charts. There is something about the best friend's brother/forbidden romance trope that I just adore, and Chloe Ford does such a phenomenal job of it in this book. I was absolutely here for the slow burn and yearning from both our characters and just loved when it all came together.
This is the perfect book for this time of year, especially with the winter vibes and being set around New years! House Party is a fantastic rom-com, with swoon-worthy romance, wholesome friendships, and amazing banter! I absolutely recommend picking this one up!
I absolutely loved Chloe Ford's debut Work Trip, so I was incredibly eager to read her newest book, House Party, which has solidified Chloe Ford as an autobuy author. I absolutely loved this book and ended up staying up into the early hours to finish it as I was hooked.
Chloe writes amazing, realistic, and relatable characters who you can't help but love and root for. I loved Hattie and getting to watch her grow as a character as we get flashbacks of her friendship with Sam and her early interactions with Freddie.
Her friendship with Sam is just so wholesome, and I honestly loved it so much. I also loved the rest of the friend group who joined them on this trip amd I also liked that there was depth to these characters, who are each dealing with their own personal struggles and the discussion about how friendships can change as we get older and end up in different stages of life. Also, I squealed seeing Fliss and James from Work Trip in this one and how Fliss played a part in this, as I adored them so much!
I adored Freddie, and his chemistry with Hattie was off the charts. There is something about the best friend's brother/forbidden romance trope that I just adore, and Chloe Ford does such a phenomenal job of it in this book. I was absolutely here for the slow burn and yearning from both our characters and just loved when it all came together.
This is the perfect book for this time of year, especially with the winter vibes and being set around New years! House Party is a fantastic rom-com, with swoon-worthy romance, wholesome friendships, and amazing banter! I absolutely recommend picking this one up!
September 5, 2025
Another absolutely fantastic read by Chloe. I was literally obsessed with this, desperate to keep reading on.
I loved getting to know Hattie, Freddie and the whole gang. All the characters seemed lovely, genuine and part of a friendship group I wanted to be part of.
The book flips from present to past flashbacks which I loved. It showed the story and journey the friends had been on and also Hattie and Freddie’s past attraction. The writing is so well structured and fast paced. If you like slow burn and best friends brother then you have to read this.
Overall a throughly fantastic read. Chloe is fast becoming a favourite author of mine.
I loved getting to know Hattie, Freddie and the whole gang. All the characters seemed lovely, genuine and part of a friendship group I wanted to be part of.
The book flips from present to past flashbacks which I loved. It showed the story and journey the friends had been on and also Hattie and Freddie’s past attraction. The writing is so well structured and fast paced. If you like slow burn and best friends brother then you have to read this.
Overall a throughly fantastic read. Chloe is fast becoming a favourite author of mine.
August 13, 2025
Hi, my name is Cristina, and I am absolutely *obsessed* with HOUSE PARTY by @chloefwrites 🎆
I was so lucky to read an early copy of this gem and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen for the foreseeable future. Freddie and Hattie are my favoriteeesss! The craft and skill Chloe used to create this slow burn is nothing short of masterful. The dual timeline? Epic. The yearning? On another level. I loved everything about this book!
HOUSE PARTY is everything you want in a rom-com. The banter is hilarious, the friendships are heartwarming, and the romance is swoon-worthy. Chloe is a master of weaving your favorite tropes into a compelling and delightful story. A wonderfully written, must-read romance!
I was so lucky to read an early copy of this gem and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen for the foreseeable future. Freddie and Hattie are my favoriteeesss! The craft and skill Chloe used to create this slow burn is nothing short of masterful. The dual timeline? Epic. The yearning? On another level. I loved everything about this book!
HOUSE PARTY is everything you want in a rom-com. The banter is hilarious, the friendships are heartwarming, and the romance is swoon-worthy. Chloe is a master of weaving your favorite tropes into a compelling and delightful story. A wonderfully written, must-read romance!
March 17, 2025
Brilliant romcom! This was so much fun and I LOVED getting to know Hattie and Freddie (and Sam! And Sara! And Dylan! And Priya!) over all the years they’ve known each other. Hattie is a great main character - really relatable and funny. And Freddie is a fantastic main man - seriously, some of the lines he comes out with made me melt! This story is great for fans of the best friend’s older brother trope and those who want to WORK for that first kiss.
June 16, 2025
ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK!!! I NEED NETFLIX OR BBC OR SOMEONE TO MAKE THIS INTO A FILM!!! Who doesnt love a house party?!? Such a fun idea as we follow Hattie through her years of house parties to celebrate her birthday on New years day!
Full review coming but this is EXCELLENT! I want to pour a glass and get lost in Hattie and Freddie’s fireworks all over again!!!
Full review coming but this is EXCELLENT! I want to pour a glass and get lost in Hattie and Freddie’s fireworks all over again!!!
July 12, 2025
I loved this cute romance. Hattie and Freddie were adorable. The flashbacks showed a sweet and kind side to Freddie. That he wasn’t always the frowning grouch he appeared to be. The witty banter and teasing between Hattie and Freddie was perfect. As was the slowest of slow burns. Which was so worth the wait. 🔥 Such a wonderful romance.
December 26, 2025
An absolutely gorgeous forbidden romance with all of the longing you could ever wish for. Dreamy location set around New Year with cosy friends and complicated families. (Freddie is a dreamboat)
December 27, 2025
I finished House Party by Chloe Ford in two sittings—and honestly, that says everything. If I hadn’t had to mind the kids, it would have been a one-sitting read for sure.
I absolutely loved this book, and it completely surprised me. I originally requested an ARC because it’s set around New Year’s. After so many Christmassy reads, a New Year setting felt refreshing and original. Our FMC, Hattie, has her birthday on January 1st, while her best friend Sam was born on December 31st. Fun, right? What I didn’t expect was just how much this story would pull me in.
The tagline says it all: a kiss 15 years in the making. We follow Hattie through nearly 15 birthdays and 15 New Year’s Eve parties, until we finally meet her on the eve of turning 29—her last year before 30—when absolutely nothing in her life is going the way she imagined. The structure of this story is so well done, and watching her grow over the years made everything feel deeply emotional and real.
The MMC is such a sweetheart. I absolutely adored how loving and caring he was. Even though he’s often portrayed as the villain by Sam—his own brother—it’s impossible not to fall for him. And the yearning. The pining. Chloe Ford truly delivered on that slow-burn tension.
I also really appreciated how much care went into the side characters. They weren’t just there to fill space; each of them had enough page time and a well-rounded arc that made them feel fully developed and important to the story.
And the best part? This isn’t a standalone. The moment I finished, I immediately bought the first book in the series and pre-ordered the third installment. That should tell you just how much House Party worked for me.
If you love slow-burn romance, emotional depth, and stories that sneak up on you and refuse to let go—this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I absolutely loved this book, and it completely surprised me. I originally requested an ARC because it’s set around New Year’s. After so many Christmassy reads, a New Year setting felt refreshing and original. Our FMC, Hattie, has her birthday on January 1st, while her best friend Sam was born on December 31st. Fun, right? What I didn’t expect was just how much this story would pull me in.
The tagline says it all: a kiss 15 years in the making. We follow Hattie through nearly 15 birthdays and 15 New Year’s Eve parties, until we finally meet her on the eve of turning 29—her last year before 30—when absolutely nothing in her life is going the way she imagined. The structure of this story is so well done, and watching her grow over the years made everything feel deeply emotional and real.
The MMC is such a sweetheart. I absolutely adored how loving and caring he was. Even though he’s often portrayed as the villain by Sam—his own brother—it’s impossible not to fall for him. And the yearning. The pining. Chloe Ford truly delivered on that slow-burn tension.
I also really appreciated how much care went into the side characters. They weren’t just there to fill space; each of them had enough page time and a well-rounded arc that made them feel fully developed and important to the story.
And the best part? This isn’t a standalone. The moment I finished, I immediately bought the first book in the series and pre-ordered the third installment. That should tell you just how much House Party worked for me.
If you love slow-burn romance, emotional depth, and stories that sneak up on you and refuse to let go—this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Read
October 22, 2025House Party was a fast and addicting read. I flew through it! I really enjoyed the dual timeline and watching Hattie and Freddie’s relationship develop over the years. Their chemistry and tension were spot on. Ford did a fantastic job with the best friend's brother trope. Hattie and Fred were adorable together! All of the characters felt developed and interesting. I liked that the friend side characters were at different stages in life. It gave the story some nice variety. I appreciated Sam and Hattie's friendship. Their relationship felt genuine and wholesome. The romantic comedy elements were sprinkled in perfectly. The wild boar scene and Dylan randomly showing up made me laugh. The pacing was solid, and the plot was fun. My only critiques were some choppy sentences here and there, and that Freddie’s breath got mentioned a few too many times. Shoutout to Heather McBreen (go read her books!) for recommending this one. Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the ARC.
October 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
An isolated cabin. Unexpected snow. A hot tub scene to end all hot tub scenes. 👌
It’s slow burn. It’s forbidden. And it’s hot as hell.
I devoured this in two sittings and was fully obsessed. It’s funny, swoony, and surprisingly tender, the perfect cozy-but-steamy winter read!
Hattie’s struggle to stop putting everyone else first hit hard, and I loved that this story explored not just romantic love but friendship, family, and self-worth too. There’s so much emotional depth to these characters (and not just the main two) that I think everyone will find something to relate to here.
Also… the MMC? SWOON. He’s serious and brooding, but also playful and funny. And if there are two things I love in a MMC, it’s when taking the piss is his love language and when he takes care of her. 💕
I only have one question: what happened to the pig? 👀
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC to review.
An isolated cabin. Unexpected snow. A hot tub scene to end all hot tub scenes. 👌
It’s slow burn. It’s forbidden. And it’s hot as hell.
I devoured this in two sittings and was fully obsessed. It’s funny, swoony, and surprisingly tender, the perfect cozy-but-steamy winter read!
Hattie’s struggle to stop putting everyone else first hit hard, and I loved that this story explored not just romantic love but friendship, family, and self-worth too. There’s so much emotional depth to these characters (and not just the main two) that I think everyone will find something to relate to here.
Also… the MMC? SWOON. He’s serious and brooding, but also playful and funny. And if there are two things I love in a MMC, it’s when taking the piss is his love language and when he takes care of her. 💕
I only have one question: what happened to the pig? 👀
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC to review.
December 26, 2025
barely 2,5*
I disliked all the characters.
Sam was incredibly immature and honestly a bad friend, even tho the MC Hattie argued otherwise. I think All throwbacks contain Sam f*ing up somehow, while Hattie is a complete pushover and doesn't bother at all. She is not even aware. Sam never owns up to it.
Their friendship is odd, since they claim to be best friends for 15 years and yet Hattie doesn't know anything about Sam's family issues and doesnt seem to mind that Sam is clearly in a bad place for years now and coping.
I know her ex Adam is supposed to be painted in a bad light but omg It was horrible to read so much of him, I got the jist after two throwbacks. And all her friends are terrible for not stepping up for her, with one friend even saying they were a "good couple".
Freddie was the only sane person, painted like the mean brother even tho he was perfectly regular which made it kinda boring that he was supposed to be the bad boy.
But Yeah it was not a very long read, I liked that it was a NYE setting and not Christmas, so therefore okay-ish.
I disliked all the characters.
Sam was incredibly immature and honestly a bad friend, even tho the MC Hattie argued otherwise. I think All throwbacks contain Sam f*ing up somehow, while Hattie is a complete pushover and doesn't bother at all. She is not even aware. Sam never owns up to it.
Their friendship is odd, since they claim to be best friends for 15 years and yet Hattie doesn't know anything about Sam's family issues and doesnt seem to mind that Sam is clearly in a bad place for years now and coping.
I know her ex Adam is supposed to be painted in a bad light but omg It was horrible to read so much of him, I got the jist after two throwbacks. And all her friends are terrible for not stepping up for her, with one friend even saying they were a "good couple".
Freddie was the only sane person, painted like the mean brother even tho he was perfectly regular which made it kinda boring that he was supposed to be the bad boy.
But Yeah it was not a very long read, I liked that it was a NYE setting and not Christmas, so therefore okay-ish.
January 2, 2026
I really enjoyed “House Party” .. Chloe’s style of writing is so easy to read, follow and become apart of.
I’m not usually a fan of flash backs (as I feel they can sometimes be slow and irritating) however Chloe made hers feel like they belonged. I didn’t rush through the flash backs but instead enjoyed them.
All the characters were lovable and honestly seemed so relatable; you could see your own friendship dynamics or night outs in this book.
Basically I really enjoyed it. It was a refreshing change from my usual picks.
I’m not usually a fan of flash backs (as I feel they can sometimes be slow and irritating) however Chloe made hers feel like they belonged. I didn’t rush through the flash backs but instead enjoyed them.
All the characters were lovable and honestly seemed so relatable; you could see your own friendship dynamics or night outs in this book.
Basically I really enjoyed it. It was a refreshing change from my usual picks.
December 29, 2025
I read the majority of this book during the inbetween stages of Christmas and New Year, it was perfect to read and unwind with at night. I’ve read a lot of emotionally heavy books this year and I really wanted something light and fluffy to enjoy that didn’t require me to think too much - this book ticked those boxes. It’s incredibly predictable, has a multi-timeline arc and is written in the classic rom-com style. A really wholesome and enjoyable read nonetheless.
October 26, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟 THE YEARNING THAT THIS MAN DID 🥹🫂 ugh i was obsessed with freddiehattie ⛈️🍾🎁 the amount of love these two had for each other made me so happy and i loved that they both loved each other from afar for so long 😭 hattie and sam’s annual house party was such a lovely tradition and im so glad they kept it up!! what a lovely lovely couple ❤️🩹 so excited to read chloe’s next book in 2026!
January 2, 2026
Vai bija daudz cheesy un cringe brīži? Jā.
Bet es tāpat izbaudīju.
Kaut kāds mikslis starp People we meet on vacation (jo bija daudzas iepriekšējo Jaungada svinību atmiņas, kur figurēja abi galvenie varoņi) un The Kissing Booth (jo labākā drauga vecākais brālis).
Bet es tāpat izbaudīju.
Kaut kāds mikslis starp People we meet on vacation (jo bija daudzas iepriekšējo Jaungada svinību atmiņas, kur figurēja abi galvenie varoņi) un The Kissing Booth (jo labākā drauga vecākais brālis).
October 21, 2025
Hattie has been crushing on her best friend's brother for fifteen years and finally gets her wish of being noticed when they find themselves on a trip to a remote cabin with friends. Told in dual timelines we get to see the past leading up to the present and the way the story comes together. This was another winner by Chloe Ford. I love her writing style and couldn't help getting emotionally involved in the character's situation. Easy to read and hard to put down, I'm excited for what the author will write next.
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