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Rebel Without a Claus
He’s the town grinch…
And she’s the Christmas-loving girl who just might make his heart grow three sizes.
Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself.
Luke has no patience for Christmas or the chaos that comes with it—especially when it involves Eve, the walking, talking embodiment of holiday cheer. He spent years trying to forget her, but now that she’s moved back to town—with her sharp tongue, city-girl attitude, and an unfortunate talent for getting stuck under mistletoe—forgetting her is impossible.
But between meddling townsfolk, mischievous reindeer, and a snowstorm that leaves them stranded together, Luke is starting to wonder if maybe Christmas—and Eve Winters—aren’t so bad after all.
She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?
And she’s the Christmas-loving girl who just might make his heart grow three sizes.
Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself.
Luke has no patience for Christmas or the chaos that comes with it—especially when it involves Eve, the walking, talking embodiment of holiday cheer. He spent years trying to forget her, but now that she’s moved back to town—with her sharp tongue, city-girl attitude, and an unfortunate talent for getting stuck under mistletoe—forgetting her is impossible.
But between meddling townsfolk, mischievous reindeer, and a snowstorm that leaves them stranded together, Luke is starting to wonder if maybe Christmas—and Eve Winters—aren’t so bad after all.
She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
52 people want to read
About the author
Katana Collins
97 books667 followersKatana Collins is a USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, novellas, and comic books in a variety of genres. She is most known for her sensual contemporary romances and her wildly popular comic book— Batman White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn with DC Comics.
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 30, 2025
Rating
4 💎
1 🌶️
Quick Summary
Eve and Luke’s banter had me hooked from page one, and watching their walls come down was pure magic. Add snowy chapters (wink wink) and festive sparkle, this is the perfect cosy Christmas romance.
Reading Thoughts
📗From the start you can feel straight away threat there is this undercurrent of feelings between Eve and Luke
📗The banter and competitiveness between them was brilliant and kept me engaged the whole book
📗The way Luke has this outward persona for everyone and then you see this other side of him as Eve breaks down his walls.
📗Every book needs snow chapters, these had me swooning (no spoilers)
📗ohh and I think I might want a reindeer now 😝
Words that linger
🍷We’re both covered in hay and exhausted and surrounded by reindeer, and yet—this feels like a moment that matters.
🍷She throws her hands into the air again. “What do you want, Luke?” I sigh. "You, okay? I want you. Are you happy?"
🍷Because Eve likes peppermint mochas. And—dammit—I like Eve.
🍷The man who rebuilt his farm from nothing. The man who dragged me out of my worst days and reminded me I was worth saving. The man who loves so fiercely he’d let me go if it meant I could chase my dream.
Tropes
🦌Second chance
🦌Grumpy v sunshine
🦌Holiday romance
🦌Small town romance
4 💎
1 🌶️
Quick Summary
Eve and Luke’s banter had me hooked from page one, and watching their walls come down was pure magic. Add snowy chapters (wink wink) and festive sparkle, this is the perfect cosy Christmas romance.
Reading Thoughts
📗From the start you can feel straight away threat there is this undercurrent of feelings between Eve and Luke
📗The banter and competitiveness between them was brilliant and kept me engaged the whole book
📗The way Luke has this outward persona for everyone and then you see this other side of him as Eve breaks down his walls.
📗Every book needs snow chapters, these had me swooning (no spoilers)
📗ohh and I think I might want a reindeer now 😝
Words that linger
🍷We’re both covered in hay and exhausted and surrounded by reindeer, and yet—this feels like a moment that matters.
🍷She throws her hands into the air again. “What do you want, Luke?” I sigh. "You, okay? I want you. Are you happy?"
🍷Because Eve likes peppermint mochas. And—dammit—I like Eve.
🍷The man who rebuilt his farm from nothing. The man who dragged me out of my worst days and reminded me I was worth saving. The man who loves so fiercely he’d let me go if it meant I could chase my dream.
Tropes
🦌Second chance
🦌Grumpy v sunshine
🦌Holiday romance
🦌Small town romance
November 27, 2025
✨ Thank you to Katana Collins and Hambright PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. ✨
Katana Collins hooked me with this charming Christmas romance. Eve Winters returns home to help her parents save their Christmas-themed inn after losing her job. To win the town’s big holiday contest, she has no choice but to team up with Luke Dawson—the broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who’s basically the town Grinch.
Eve is the human embodiment of Christmas spirit, while Luke has spent years avoiding anything merry and bright. They secretly pined for each other in high school but never acted on it. Now, a massive snowstorm—and being stranded together—forces all those buried feelings to resurface.
This story delivers cozy small-town vibes, a hint of second chance energy, slow-burn-to-sizzle chemistry, and some of the funniest reindeer moments I’ve ever read. I laughed out loud more than once and would happily read another book featuring Eve and Luke! 🎄❤️🔥
#KatanaCollins #HPRRebelWithoutaClaus #HambrightPR #Bookstagram #holidayromance
Katana Collins hooked me with this charming Christmas romance. Eve Winters returns home to help her parents save their Christmas-themed inn after losing her job. To win the town’s big holiday contest, she has no choice but to team up with Luke Dawson—the broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who’s basically the town Grinch.
Eve is the human embodiment of Christmas spirit, while Luke has spent years avoiding anything merry and bright. They secretly pined for each other in high school but never acted on it. Now, a massive snowstorm—and being stranded together—forces all those buried feelings to resurface.
This story delivers cozy small-town vibes, a hint of second chance energy, slow-burn-to-sizzle chemistry, and some of the funniest reindeer moments I’ve ever read. I laughed out loud more than once and would happily read another book featuring Eve and Luke! 🎄❤️🔥
#KatanaCollins #HPRRebelWithoutaClaus #HambrightPR #Bookstagram #holidayromance
November 19, 2025
I love this so much!! It’s literally Hollywood/Halmark in a book and it’s such a fun and lighthearted read!!
Eve comes home after losing her job only to find out she needs to help her parents save their inn,
Luke is our grump, who I think is more grumpy because he felt trapped and Eve is the one girl he always wanted but never got because she left to chase her dream.
It was such a fun and sweet read! Especially when Luke keeps jumping in to help save Eve, and when it comes time to figure out if they can have each other and their dreams it’s amazing what chaotic reindeer and a Santa’s slay can do!
💔 Second Chance
☀️ Grumpy Sunshine
🎄 Holiday
🏡 Small Town
💞 Found Family
🚪 Forced Proximity
Big thanks to Hambright PR for the review copy!!
Eve comes home after losing her job only to find out she needs to help her parents save their inn,
Luke is our grump, who I think is more grumpy because he felt trapped and Eve is the one girl he always wanted but never got because she left to chase her dream.
It was such a fun and sweet read! Especially when Luke keeps jumping in to help save Eve, and when it comes time to figure out if they can have each other and their dreams it’s amazing what chaotic reindeer and a Santa’s slay can do!
💔 Second Chance
☀️ Grumpy Sunshine
🎄 Holiday
🏡 Small Town
💞 Found Family
🚪 Forced Proximity
Big thanks to Hambright PR for the review copy!!
October 15, 2025
This author's works are always so easy to read and enjoy! I lost myself in Holly Ridge, and all their Christmas spirit!
Eve's parents have been running the North Star Lodge for a long time, and being back home for the holidays is just what she needs. Her career in the film industry in LA cannot compete with the joy in this small town.
Unfortunately, returning also means facing her old crush, a reindeer farmer named Luke. This has all the small town, Christmas, second chance, grumpy/sunshine, sizzling, steamy energy you can handle, with hilarious situations and angst for days. I enjoyed the journey this couple, and the town took, to achieve the HEA I wanted.
This is a stand-alone, but after this one, I suggest reading more from this author's catalog of engaging and addictive works. Worth your time, IMO.
I received an ARC (thank you) and happily leave my thoughts.
Eve's parents have been running the North Star Lodge for a long time, and being back home for the holidays is just what she needs. Her career in the film industry in LA cannot compete with the joy in this small town.
Unfortunately, returning also means facing her old crush, a reindeer farmer named Luke. This has all the small town, Christmas, second chance, grumpy/sunshine, sizzling, steamy energy you can handle, with hilarious situations and angst for days. I enjoyed the journey this couple, and the town took, to achieve the HEA I wanted.
This is a stand-alone, but after this one, I suggest reading more from this author's catalog of engaging and addictive works. Worth your time, IMO.
I received an ARC (thank you) and happily leave my thoughts.
November 24, 2025
Katana Collins has absolutely no right making me care this much about a cheesy holiday romance… yet here we are. From the very first chapters, she hooked me with her clever writing, her humor, and the kind of character chemistry that sneaks up on you and hits like a snowball to the face. Eve and Luke’s history is heartbreakingly tangled, a missed choir concert, a devastating loss, and a childhood misunderstanding that held two people apart for decades. It feels like fate pressed pause on a love story they should’ve had, only to finally bring them back into each other’s orbit when they’re actually ready for it.
As their relationship rekindles, Collins builds an emotional foundation that feels both warm and painfully real. I love how she balances the sweetness of second-chance romance with genuine stakes, like Eve’s parents potentially losing the B&B if they don’t win the contest. Every piece of this story is infused with heart, and just when you’re smiling from the holiday charm, she hits you with scenes that are unexpectedly intense, which I felt deep in my chest.
And then Collins throws in the kind of conflict that elevates the entire book from “cute holiday read” to something genuinely meaningful. Just as Eve and Luke start breaking down each other’s walls, she gets the offer for her dream job. She wants to stay, but fears trapping him; he finds out and is terrified she’ll resent him for giving up her dream. This is the kind of emotional tension that feels so authentic, so visceral, it almost hurts. It’s the perfect example of everyday human fear written with remarkable tenderness and clarity.
I never thought I’d say this, but Katana Collins might actually be turning me into a cheesy romance lover. Her storytelling is simply spectacular, heartfelt, clever, beautifully paced, and layered with real human emotion disguised in tinsel and cozy holiday charm. This book was far more than I expected, and I devoured every second of it.
As their relationship rekindles, Collins builds an emotional foundation that feels both warm and painfully real. I love how she balances the sweetness of second-chance romance with genuine stakes, like Eve’s parents potentially losing the B&B if they don’t win the contest. Every piece of this story is infused with heart, and just when you’re smiling from the holiday charm, she hits you with scenes that are unexpectedly intense, which I felt deep in my chest.
And then Collins throws in the kind of conflict that elevates the entire book from “cute holiday read” to something genuinely meaningful. Just as Eve and Luke start breaking down each other’s walls, she gets the offer for her dream job. She wants to stay, but fears trapping him; he finds out and is terrified she’ll resent him for giving up her dream. This is the kind of emotional tension that feels so authentic, so visceral, it almost hurts. It’s the perfect example of everyday human fear written with remarkable tenderness and clarity.
I never thought I’d say this, but Katana Collins might actually be turning me into a cheesy romance lover. Her storytelling is simply spectacular, heartfelt, clever, beautifully paced, and layered with real human emotion disguised in tinsel and cozy holiday charm. This book was far more than I expected, and I devoured every second of it.
November 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Eve & Luke
My first Christmas book and first ever read by Katana. And I absolutely adored this book
from the yappy ankle biter dog Cringle to the candy cane lover Blitzen. This book was like
reading a hallmark movie which I absolutely adore. Eve finally comes home after getting fired
from her job during Christmas. On her way in she stumbles on ice and almost falling she feels
strong arms from Luke the guy she always had a crush on in high school bringing garland and
pine cones. Every year the small town of Holly Ridge has a contest every night from
Christmas karaoke to build your own gingerbread house. And on the last night is the event of decorating
spectacular but as soon as Eve steps inside her home she notices not many guests at the inn. And
discovers her family needs to win to have keep the inn open. Soon she makes a deal with the one
person she can’t stop thinking about the grump Luke.
🌶️🌶️.5
Eve & Luke
My first Christmas book and first ever read by Katana. And I absolutely adored this book
from the yappy ankle biter dog Cringle to the candy cane lover Blitzen. This book was like
reading a hallmark movie which I absolutely adore. Eve finally comes home after getting fired
from her job during Christmas. On her way in she stumbles on ice and almost falling she feels
strong arms from Luke the guy she always had a crush on in high school bringing garland and
pine cones. Every year the small town of Holly Ridge has a contest every night from
Christmas karaoke to build your own gingerbread house. And on the last night is the event of decorating
spectacular but as soon as Eve steps inside her home she notices not many guests at the inn. And
discovers her family needs to win to have keep the inn open. Soon she makes a deal with the one
person she can’t stop thinking about the grump Luke.
October 15, 2025
Eve Winters returns home to Holly Ridge just in time for the Christmas festivities after losing her job as a producer in LA. Her parents' inn is in financial straits but winning the town's Christmas contests will help them keep the doors open.
Except it means she'll have to work with reindeer farmer Luke Dawson. They weren’t a couple in high school but each secretly crushed on the other. Then life happened and she left town. Now that she's back, all those old feelings resurface, making for a little extra magic during the holiday season.
This one is so much fun! I love their families, the small Christmas town, and all the holiday festivities. It's a light, easy read with a side of steam, loads of heart, and everything you need to put you in a happy holiday mood.
Except it means she'll have to work with reindeer farmer Luke Dawson. They weren’t a couple in high school but each secretly crushed on the other. Then life happened and she left town. Now that she's back, all those old feelings resurface, making for a little extra magic during the holiday season.
This one is so much fun! I love their families, the small Christmas town, and all the holiday festivities. It's a light, easy read with a side of steam, loads of heart, and everything you need to put you in a happy holiday mood.
November 26, 2025
I’ve never read this author before so I didn’t really go in with any expectations. It ended up being a really cute quick Christmas read! This is a second chance (or whatever you call, we both pined for each other in hs but never got together so first but kinda second chance romance) Eve is full of spunky Christmas cheer and Luke is the grumpy reindeer farmer who avoids Christmas like the plague unless Eve is around drawing him into it. It is just under 200 pages so we’re really relying on their past history/chemistry to pull its weight on how quickly they get together but it has plenty of plot for its shorts length!
November 29, 2025
I am absolutely one of those basic holiday girls who fill up on all the holiday romance movies and books and music beginning the second November hits. This was by far, my favorite holiday themed book in a long time. It was full of those cheesy hallmark vibes but done in the most perfect way to get you in the holiday spirit. Filled with angst, banter, of course a small town crisis or two, a snarky & jealous mean girl, a renegade runaway reindeer, and a snowstorm induced only one bed situation… this absolutely hit every single line on my Holiday Romance wishlist.
@hambrightmarketing @hambright_pr @katanacollins
#HPRRebelWithoutaClaus #KatanaCollins #HambrightPR
@hambrightmarketing @hambright_pr @katanacollins
#HPRRebelWithoutaClaus #KatanaCollins #HambrightPR
November 12, 2025
This was VERY cute. Had me laughing and giggling throughout. Extremely cheesy and the "resolution" to the third act conflict was a little over explained...especially when it was pretty obvious where everything was headed. But aside from that I really enjoyed this.
November 22, 2025
Loved this novella! Such a sweet, funny Christmas theme 🎄🎅🦌
I haven't read other books from this series, but I will definitely have to go back.
Thanks Hambright PR for this ARC!
I haven't read other books from this series, but I will definitely have to go back.
Thanks Hambright PR for this ARC!
November 21, 2025
Eve Winters returns home to Holly Ridge for the holidays! Only to find out her parents might lose their beloved Christmas themed inn. Determined to save it, she throws herself into helping with the town’s holiday festival.. which unfortunately means working with Luke Dawson, the reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. She’s all sparkle & cheer, he’s the town grinch. When old feelings resurface, Luke starts wondering if maybe Christmas & Eve aren’t so terrible after all.
Eve is pure Christmas sunshine, bringing warmth and sparkle into everything! She’s bubbly, determined, and just the right amount of chaotic in the cutest way. She’s instantly lovable because she genuinely tries to make things better for everyone around her. Sharp, witty, and quietly resilient, she has the kind of heart that could soften even the grinchiest cowboy.
Luke is the definition of a grumpy cowboy, y’all! Broody, stubborn & hiding a heart he refuses to let anyone see. His dislike for Christmas comes from real hurt and history, which makes his slow thaw feel well worth it! He’s great with animals, hopeless with holiday cheer, and completely undone by Eve despite all his efforts. Watching him fight his growing feelings is both funny and heartwarming!
Every moment between them crackles with tension from accidental touches to being snowed in together, all under twinkling Christmas lights. The yearning was everything! They both want each other but fear the risk of getting hurt again, which makes their push & pull so satisfying to read.
This was such a cute, fun, quick read! It was east to fall in love with Holly Ridge & its people! Also Blitzen definitely stole the show, being so chaotic & stealing all the candy canes!! I definitely had a good few laugh out loud moments while reading this! I absolutely loved this & it’s got me ready for the holiday season!
Eve is pure Christmas sunshine, bringing warmth and sparkle into everything! She’s bubbly, determined, and just the right amount of chaotic in the cutest way. She’s instantly lovable because she genuinely tries to make things better for everyone around her. Sharp, witty, and quietly resilient, she has the kind of heart that could soften even the grinchiest cowboy.
Luke is the definition of a grumpy cowboy, y’all! Broody, stubborn & hiding a heart he refuses to let anyone see. His dislike for Christmas comes from real hurt and history, which makes his slow thaw feel well worth it! He’s great with animals, hopeless with holiday cheer, and completely undone by Eve despite all his efforts. Watching him fight his growing feelings is both funny and heartwarming!
Every moment between them crackles with tension from accidental touches to being snowed in together, all under twinkling Christmas lights. The yearning was everything! They both want each other but fear the risk of getting hurt again, which makes their push & pull so satisfying to read.
This was such a cute, fun, quick read! It was east to fall in love with Holly Ridge & its people! Also Blitzen definitely stole the show, being so chaotic & stealing all the candy canes!! I definitely had a good few laugh out loud moments while reading this! I absolutely loved this & it’s got me ready for the holiday season!
October 9, 2025
"Rebel Without a Claus" is a fun holiday read that captures the magic and mayhem of Christmas in a small town. With its witty banter, charismatic characters, and festive charm, Katana Collins writes a tale that’s both heartwarming and hilarious.
The story follows Eve Winters, the epitome of Christmas cheer, as she returns to her hometown to help her parents run their Christmas themed inn. Her enthusiasm for the holiday season is all encompassing, filled with twinkling lights and joyful music.
However…. her blissful Christmas spirit clashes with that of Luke Dawson, the town’s grumpy reindeer farmer who loathes everything merry.
This classic enemies-to-lovers trope is spot on, with Eve’s sparkling personality providing a sharp contrast to Luke’s broody one!
As the plot unfolds, the author has fun developing their relationship. Luke’s initial disdain for Christmas gradually softens as he spends more time with Eve, especially when they find themselves stranded together due to a snowstorm, laugh out loud moments, especially with the fun antics of mischievous reindeer and well meaning, meddling townsfolk. The setting of the town’s holiday festival adds festive chaos, creating the perfect backdrop for their blossoming romance.
The chemistry between Eve and Luke is brimming with sizzling tension that kept me turning the pages. The trademark ‘grumpy sunshine’ dynamic is done well, creating moments that had me smiling. Eve’s determination to melt Luke’s icy exterior is entertaining. 😂
It’s perfect for fans of small town romances, holiday magic, and those who appreciate a dose of grumpy/sunshine in their books 😉
So whether you're cozied up by the fire or looking for a festive escape, this book is sure to ignite your holiday spirit!
🦋
*copy supplied for review
The story follows Eve Winters, the epitome of Christmas cheer, as she returns to her hometown to help her parents run their Christmas themed inn. Her enthusiasm for the holiday season is all encompassing, filled with twinkling lights and joyful music.
However…. her blissful Christmas spirit clashes with that of Luke Dawson, the town’s grumpy reindeer farmer who loathes everything merry.
This classic enemies-to-lovers trope is spot on, with Eve’s sparkling personality providing a sharp contrast to Luke’s broody one!
As the plot unfolds, the author has fun developing their relationship. Luke’s initial disdain for Christmas gradually softens as he spends more time with Eve, especially when they find themselves stranded together due to a snowstorm, laugh out loud moments, especially with the fun antics of mischievous reindeer and well meaning, meddling townsfolk. The setting of the town’s holiday festival adds festive chaos, creating the perfect backdrop for their blossoming romance.
The chemistry between Eve and Luke is brimming with sizzling tension that kept me turning the pages. The trademark ‘grumpy sunshine’ dynamic is done well, creating moments that had me smiling. Eve’s determination to melt Luke’s icy exterior is entertaining. 😂
It’s perfect for fans of small town romances, holiday magic, and those who appreciate a dose of grumpy/sunshine in their books 😉
So whether you're cozied up by the fire or looking for a festive escape, this book is sure to ignite your holiday spirit!
🦋
*copy supplied for review
October 19, 2025
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and LiterallyYours PR, all opinions are my own.
You might be thinking it is far too early to be indulging in Christmas romcoms, but this was adorable. I related to Luke so much. I'm a bit of a grinch myself. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Christmas the snow, the lights, the peppermint everything, but the holidays can also bring with it some bad memories and a lot of family drama.
Eve is the queen of Christmas, she is home for the holidays from making Christmas movies in LA and she loves nothing more than helping her parents out at their during festival time. Winning the festival's grand prize would really help out Eve's parents as their inn has been struggling since a chain hotel has moved into town, but Christmas and competition are what make Eve thrive. Enter Luke, a local reindeer farmer who hates all things related to Christmas, and for good reason. The holiday brings bad memories with it for him and while none of it is Eve's fault he associates her with that terrible time. Something is different this year and if Eve wants to win Christmas and save the inn she is going to need Luke's help. Armed with candy canes and cheer, Eve manages to melt Luke's icy heart and they both discover why their town and the holiday is so special.
If you love grumpy sunshine, friends to lovers, small town holiday romances this was so cute! It embodied what Christmas and the holidays are all about! Helping your friends and neighbors, making people smile, spreading joy, spending time with the people you care about, new beginnings, and so much more. I thought Eve and Luke had great chemistry, even better banter, and the humor was spot on. I loved the meddling townsfolk and the chaotic reindeer.
You might be thinking it is far too early to be indulging in Christmas romcoms, but this was adorable. I related to Luke so much. I'm a bit of a grinch myself. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Christmas the snow, the lights, the peppermint everything, but the holidays can also bring with it some bad memories and a lot of family drama.
Eve is the queen of Christmas, she is home for the holidays from making Christmas movies in LA and she loves nothing more than helping her parents out at their during festival time. Winning the festival's grand prize would really help out Eve's parents as their inn has been struggling since a chain hotel has moved into town, but Christmas and competition are what make Eve thrive. Enter Luke, a local reindeer farmer who hates all things related to Christmas, and for good reason. The holiday brings bad memories with it for him and while none of it is Eve's fault he associates her with that terrible time. Something is different this year and if Eve wants to win Christmas and save the inn she is going to need Luke's help. Armed with candy canes and cheer, Eve manages to melt Luke's icy heart and they both discover why their town and the holiday is so special.
If you love grumpy sunshine, friends to lovers, small town holiday romances this was so cute! It embodied what Christmas and the holidays are all about! Helping your friends and neighbors, making people smile, spreading joy, spending time with the people you care about, new beginnings, and so much more. I thought Eve and Luke had great chemistry, even better banter, and the humor was spot on. I loved the meddling townsfolk and the chaotic reindeer.
November 26, 2025
He hates Christmas. She’s irresistible. You do the math 😌
5 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins is the kind of Christmas rom-com that makes you want to curl up under a fuzzy blanket, crank up the twinkle lights, and disappear into a world of snow-dusted charm and deliciously simmering chemistry. As a first-time Collins reader, I was instantly pulled in and now, I get the hype.
Eve Winters is pure holiday sparkle: warm, witty, determined, and radiating enough Christmas cheer to power the entire town of Holly Ridge. Luke Dawson, meanwhile, is the flannel-wearing, reindeer-farming embodiment of broody perfection: grumpy, guarded, and absolutely not in the mood for holiday magic. Put them together? Fireworks. Electric tension. The kind of banter that leaves your heart racing and your face hurting from smiling.
The setting feels like a Hallmark movie that discovered its sexy side: small-town charm, meddling locals, chaotic reindeer escapades, and the kind of forced proximity that turns the slow burn into a full-on, snowstorm-fueled blaze. Their second-chance connection is tender, intimate, and beautifully built, with moments that feel both heartfelt and irresistibly fun.
Tropes you’ll savor:
💔 Second Chance
☀️ Grumpy Sunshine
🎄 Holiday Magic
🏡 Small Town Romance
💞 Found Family
🚪 Forced Proximity
This book is a hot cocoa dream: rich, sweet, comforting, with enough spice to keep things interesting. A true 5-star holiday delight and an easy recommendation for anyone craving a festive, flirty, laugh-out-loud romance.
Huge thanks to Hambright PR for the e-ARC, and congrats to Katana Collins on this winter wonderland of a story that arrived just in time for cozy season.
5 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins is the kind of Christmas rom-com that makes you want to curl up under a fuzzy blanket, crank up the twinkle lights, and disappear into a world of snow-dusted charm and deliciously simmering chemistry. As a first-time Collins reader, I was instantly pulled in and now, I get the hype.
Eve Winters is pure holiday sparkle: warm, witty, determined, and radiating enough Christmas cheer to power the entire town of Holly Ridge. Luke Dawson, meanwhile, is the flannel-wearing, reindeer-farming embodiment of broody perfection: grumpy, guarded, and absolutely not in the mood for holiday magic. Put them together? Fireworks. Electric tension. The kind of banter that leaves your heart racing and your face hurting from smiling.
The setting feels like a Hallmark movie that discovered its sexy side: small-town charm, meddling locals, chaotic reindeer escapades, and the kind of forced proximity that turns the slow burn into a full-on, snowstorm-fueled blaze. Their second-chance connection is tender, intimate, and beautifully built, with moments that feel both heartfelt and irresistibly fun.
Tropes you’ll savor:
💔 Second Chance
☀️ Grumpy Sunshine
🎄 Holiday Magic
🏡 Small Town Romance
💞 Found Family
🚪 Forced Proximity
This book is a hot cocoa dream: rich, sweet, comforting, with enough spice to keep things interesting. A true 5-star holiday delight and an easy recommendation for anyone craving a festive, flirty, laugh-out-loud romance.
Huge thanks to Hambright PR for the e-ARC, and congrats to Katana Collins on this winter wonderland of a story that arrived just in time for cozy season.
October 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5stars)
This book is such a sweet and easy read — a perfectly cozy Christmas love story!
Katana Collins did it again. I swear, I fall a little harder with every story she writes. Rebel Without a Claus is a fast-paced, Hallmark-style romcom that warmed my heart from start to finish.
Eve Winters is all about Christmas — she loves every glittering, festive second of it. When she returns home to help her parents run their Christmas-themed inn, she’s ready for nonstop holiday cheer. But her plans take a frosty turn when she’s forced to work with Luke Dawson — the grumpy, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who despises Christmas as much as she adores it.
Luke’s been trying to forget Eve for years, but her return — and her endless holiday spirit — make that impossible. Between small-town meddling, runaway reindeer, and a snowstorm that traps them together, their fiery banter melts into something much warmer. As sparks fly and walls crumble, Luke begins to realize that maybe Christmas — and Eve Winters — aren’t so bad after all.
I loved their “screw it” moment 😭 Their banter, their chemistry, and how Luke just can’t resist Eve even when he’s trying to — it’s all so swoony. And Luke? Ugh, he’s so sweet. Their opposite personalities make every interaction extra adorable, and the town of Holly Ridge feels so warm and welcoming I honestly want to move there 🤣
Rebel Without a Claus is a grumpy-sunshine, small-town Christmas romcom filled with laughter, chemistry, and all the holiday chaos your heart could want.
Thank you Katana Collins and Literally Yours PR for the eARC. As always, this review is honest and entirely my own.
This book is such a sweet and easy read — a perfectly cozy Christmas love story!
Katana Collins did it again. I swear, I fall a little harder with every story she writes. Rebel Without a Claus is a fast-paced, Hallmark-style romcom that warmed my heart from start to finish.
Eve Winters is all about Christmas — she loves every glittering, festive second of it. When she returns home to help her parents run their Christmas-themed inn, she’s ready for nonstop holiday cheer. But her plans take a frosty turn when she’s forced to work with Luke Dawson — the grumpy, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who despises Christmas as much as she adores it.
Luke’s been trying to forget Eve for years, but her return — and her endless holiday spirit — make that impossible. Between small-town meddling, runaway reindeer, and a snowstorm that traps them together, their fiery banter melts into something much warmer. As sparks fly and walls crumble, Luke begins to realize that maybe Christmas — and Eve Winters — aren’t so bad after all.
I loved their “screw it” moment 😭 Their banter, their chemistry, and how Luke just can’t resist Eve even when he’s trying to — it’s all so swoony. And Luke? Ugh, he’s so sweet. Their opposite personalities make every interaction extra adorable, and the town of Holly Ridge feels so warm and welcoming I honestly want to move there 🤣
Rebel Without a Claus is a grumpy-sunshine, small-town Christmas romcom filled with laughter, chemistry, and all the holiday chaos your heart could want.
Thank you Katana Collins and Literally Yours PR for the eARC. As always, this review is honest and entirely my own.
November 30, 2025
A swoony, festive escape that swept me straight out of reality.
From the very first chapter, this book didn’t just pull me in — it wrapped me in a cozy blanket, handed me hot cocoa, and said, “Settle in, you’re not going anywhere.”
Eve Winters returns home brimming with Christmas spirit, practically glowing with lights, glitter, and pure holiday magic. And waiting for her is Luke Dawson — the hometown grump, a flannel-wearing reindeer farmer with zero interest in mistletoe, carols, or complicated feelings… especially when they involve Eve.
Their dynamic is the heart of this story: sunshine meets stormcloud, optimism collides with grumpy resistance, and banter slowly melts into something deeper and wonderfully tender. It’s the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on you — slow-burn, warm, and quietly addictive.
What truly stood out to me was the atmosphere.
Small-town chaos.
Reindeer with more personality than half the cast.
A well-timed snowstorm.
And a community that meddles, nudges, and lovingly interferes until the truth can’t stay hidden any longer.
Katana Collins creates a world that feels like stepping straight into a holiday movie — charming, heartfelt, and impossible to step out of once you’re inside. It reminded me exactly why I reach for festive romances every year: for that soft, suspended-reality feeling where everything slows down, emotions sharpen, and love feels just a little more magical.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy holiday rom-com filled with chemistry, charm, and second-chance spark, Eve and Luke are the perfect pair to spend an evening with.
A solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
From the very first chapter, this book didn’t just pull me in — it wrapped me in a cozy blanket, handed me hot cocoa, and said, “Settle in, you’re not going anywhere.”
Eve Winters returns home brimming with Christmas spirit, practically glowing with lights, glitter, and pure holiday magic. And waiting for her is Luke Dawson — the hometown grump, a flannel-wearing reindeer farmer with zero interest in mistletoe, carols, or complicated feelings… especially when they involve Eve.
Their dynamic is the heart of this story: sunshine meets stormcloud, optimism collides with grumpy resistance, and banter slowly melts into something deeper and wonderfully tender. It’s the kind of chemistry that sneaks up on you — slow-burn, warm, and quietly addictive.
What truly stood out to me was the atmosphere.
Small-town chaos.
Reindeer with more personality than half the cast.
A well-timed snowstorm.
And a community that meddles, nudges, and lovingly interferes until the truth can’t stay hidden any longer.
Katana Collins creates a world that feels like stepping straight into a holiday movie — charming, heartfelt, and impossible to step out of once you’re inside. It reminded me exactly why I reach for festive romances every year: for that soft, suspended-reality feeling where everything slows down, emotions sharpen, and love feels just a little more magical.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy holiday rom-com filled with chemistry, charm, and second-chance spark, Eve and Luke are the perfect pair to spend an evening with.
A solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me.
October 19, 2025
This book is a fun holiday read that is sure to put you into the Christmas mood. This book is very Hallmark Christmas Movie esque. It give you the magic of Christmas in a small town and all the troubles that come with it! This is the story of Eve Winters and Luke Dawson. Eve is the personification of Christmas cheer. She is back home to help her parents with their family Inn. When she realizes how close they are to losing the Inn, she takes on the challenge of winning the local town's Christmas Contest. The prize money would help keep the business afloat. She is the queen of decorating and Christmas lights. Unfortunately, to make their contribution seem over the top, she needs reindeer. And that means she has to talk to her high school crush and local grumpy grinch. Luke is the complete opposite to Eve and the local reindeer farmer. He doesn't want to spend time with her nor does he wants crowds and lots of holiday noise. But to save her Inn, that is exactly what Eve plans to do. This is their story. The two of them have incredible chemistry together. It is a well done grumpy/sunshine holiday story. You get the small town charm and lots of holiday events for them to enjoy. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from Literally Yours PR and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a heart warming story that should be enjoyed with a cozy blanket and cup of cocoa. It will definitely put you in a holiday frame of mind.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2025
Thank you @hambright_pr #partner for the gifted copy of this ebook!
I’m just over here casually eating candy canes and collecting every Christmas book I can get my hands on…and I’m happy to report that Rebel Without a Claus was so stinking fun. 🎄❤️
First of all there is a reindeer farm. A REINDEER FARM!! I’m packing my bags and moving to this small town as soon as I finish typing this review because it was Hallmark level adorable.
This story gives us that classic “grew up teasing each other because we actually had crushes” energy…but now they’re adults and, surprise surprise, figuring life out is still sorta messy. The childhood attitude kind of follows them into adulthood in this funny and cute way. Like they may be older but the behaviors didn’t stray too far from their younger years. It was fun just watching these two work through it.
Our MMC is a total grumpalump.
Our FMC is sunshine in human form.
And putting them together was absolute Christmas magic.
This book checked so many of my holiday romcom boxes and completely launched me into the festive mood. If you want to be dropped smack dab into the Christmas spirit with smalltown charm, banter, sweetness, and yes…a FREAKIN reindeer farm then grab your fruitcake and settle in with this one.
It’s just so stinking sweet.
I’m just over here casually eating candy canes and collecting every Christmas book I can get my hands on…and I’m happy to report that Rebel Without a Claus was so stinking fun. 🎄❤️
First of all there is a reindeer farm. A REINDEER FARM!! I’m packing my bags and moving to this small town as soon as I finish typing this review because it was Hallmark level adorable.
This story gives us that classic “grew up teasing each other because we actually had crushes” energy…but now they’re adults and, surprise surprise, figuring life out is still sorta messy. The childhood attitude kind of follows them into adulthood in this funny and cute way. Like they may be older but the behaviors didn’t stray too far from their younger years. It was fun just watching these two work through it.
Our MMC is a total grumpalump.
Our FMC is sunshine in human form.
And putting them together was absolute Christmas magic.
This book checked so many of my holiday romcom boxes and completely launched me into the festive mood. If you want to be dropped smack dab into the Christmas spirit with smalltown charm, banter, sweetness, and yes…a FREAKIN reindeer farm then grab your fruitcake and settle in with this one.
It’s just so stinking sweet.
November 24, 2025
Summary:
Eve Winters, who may actually be one of Santa’s elves because of her holly jolly nature, returns to her charming small hometown of Holly Ridge for the holidays, and takes on the responsibility of saving her family’s lodge. Her best shot? Winning the town’s beloved Christmas competitions. The catch? She needs reindeer… which means working with the broody reindeer farmer, Luke Dawson, who also happens to be her high school crush and embodies all things Grinch.
Luke has spent years (unsuccessfully) trying to forget Eve after she left town, but meddling townsfolk, chaotic reindeer antics, and being snowed in together lets sparks fly and old feelings resurface. Can their past chemistry stay in the past? Or is there a new future waiting under the mistletoe?
The Sparks:
✨ Fun side characters + chaotic animals = peak small-town charm
✨ Flirty “will-they-won’t-they” tension with swoony and laugh out loud moments.
✨ Dual POV letting the reader fall in love with both characters.
✨ Festive holiday elements everywhere!
The Shadows:
🖤 Some predictable small-town romance vibes (comforting but familiar).
🖤 An ending that didn’t jingle as loudly as the rest of the book and took away a little of the cozy small-town magic.
Special note:
🎄 Thank you to Katana Collins and Hambright PR for providing me with early access to this book. All opinions are my own.
Eve Winters, who may actually be one of Santa’s elves because of her holly jolly nature, returns to her charming small hometown of Holly Ridge for the holidays, and takes on the responsibility of saving her family’s lodge. Her best shot? Winning the town’s beloved Christmas competitions. The catch? She needs reindeer… which means working with the broody reindeer farmer, Luke Dawson, who also happens to be her high school crush and embodies all things Grinch.
Luke has spent years (unsuccessfully) trying to forget Eve after she left town, but meddling townsfolk, chaotic reindeer antics, and being snowed in together lets sparks fly and old feelings resurface. Can their past chemistry stay in the past? Or is there a new future waiting under the mistletoe?
The Sparks:
✨ Fun side characters + chaotic animals = peak small-town charm
✨ Flirty “will-they-won’t-they” tension with swoony and laugh out loud moments.
✨ Dual POV letting the reader fall in love with both characters.
✨ Festive holiday elements everywhere!
The Shadows:
🖤 Some predictable small-town romance vibes (comforting but familiar).
🖤 An ending that didn’t jingle as loudly as the rest of the book and took away a little of the cozy small-town magic.
Special note:
🎄 Thank you to Katana Collins and Hambright PR for providing me with early access to this book. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
“How do I articulate the complexity of wanting someone from a distance, of constructing elaborate fantasies around the most innocuous interactions?"
Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins is a wistful sighing, giggly swooning, and feet-kicking type of romcom filled with coziness and Christmas nostalgia. Eve is the embodiment of the holiday spirit with her plucky optimism and unfaltering cheeriness. Luke, the hot reindeer farmer, is… not. Everything about Christmas reminds him of the family he lost. Yet, he finds himself participating in all of the town’s celebrations and competitions because he can’t bear to see Eve in distress.
The banter between Eve and Luke is laugh-out-loud funny. Luke’s quiet acts of service were heart-melting. Both main characters are likable despite their flaws and the side characters are vivid with their own charms and flairs. Though, the breakout star of this book is easily the sassy reindeer menace Blitzen.
There is one moderately explicit spice scene written with sweetness and tenderness. It encapsulates the heartache and emotions from years of longing. At just under 200 pages, the pacing is tight and the miscommunication trope is short-lived with a cozy happily ever after ending.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you so much to Katana Collins and Hambright PR for this advanced reader copy!
Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins is a wistful sighing, giggly swooning, and feet-kicking type of romcom filled with coziness and Christmas nostalgia. Eve is the embodiment of the holiday spirit with her plucky optimism and unfaltering cheeriness. Luke, the hot reindeer farmer, is… not. Everything about Christmas reminds him of the family he lost. Yet, he finds himself participating in all of the town’s celebrations and competitions because he can’t bear to see Eve in distress.
The banter between Eve and Luke is laugh-out-loud funny. Luke’s quiet acts of service were heart-melting. Both main characters are likable despite their flaws and the side characters are vivid with their own charms and flairs. Though, the breakout star of this book is easily the sassy reindeer menace Blitzen.
There is one moderately explicit spice scene written with sweetness and tenderness. It encapsulates the heartache and emotions from years of longing. At just under 200 pages, the pacing is tight and the miscommunication trope is short-lived with a cozy happily ever after ending.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you so much to Katana Collins and Hambright PR for this advanced reader copy!
December 1, 2025
My first book by Katana Collins and I will definitely be checking out her backlist! Rebel Without a Claus is a Hallmark-esque small town romance between a grumpy reindeer farmer and the Christmas loving local girl returned home from LA who have both been secretly crushing on each other since high school.
Eve is committed to saving her family's inn, which has been facing financial difficulties since a chain hotel opened nearby. Winning the holiday festival will provide the infusion of cash necessary to keep the inn open for another year, which means Eve is pulling out all the Christmas magic she can come up with, including Santa's full team of reindeer. Bartering her services as farmhand for the use of Luke's reindeer, this city girl is out to prove she will do anything to save the inn. Cue the reindeer chaos, laugh out loud moments, and sizzling chemistry!
While this heartfelt novella gives the reader all the sweetness with a side of spice, it is tempered by Eve's tangled connection to Luke's grief and loss, and the emotional tension during the third act conflict truly took it to the next level.
Grab a hot cocoa, a cozy blanket, and join Eve and Luke in Holly Ridge for a swoony romance that will leave you full of Christmas cheer!
I had the opportunity to read an early copy and am sharing my honest review.
Eve is committed to saving her family's inn, which has been facing financial difficulties since a chain hotel opened nearby. Winning the holiday festival will provide the infusion of cash necessary to keep the inn open for another year, which means Eve is pulling out all the Christmas magic she can come up with, including Santa's full team of reindeer. Bartering her services as farmhand for the use of Luke's reindeer, this city girl is out to prove she will do anything to save the inn. Cue the reindeer chaos, laugh out loud moments, and sizzling chemistry!
While this heartfelt novella gives the reader all the sweetness with a side of spice, it is tempered by Eve's tangled connection to Luke's grief and loss, and the emotional tension during the third act conflict truly took it to the next level.
Grab a hot cocoa, a cozy blanket, and join Eve and Luke in Holly Ridge for a swoony romance that will leave you full of Christmas cheer!
I had the opportunity to read an early copy and am sharing my honest review.
November 19, 2025
REBEL WITHOUT A CLAUS
Katana Collins
Available now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for a gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself. She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?
This was a really cute holiday read! I loved the small town, Christmas, second chance romance vibes. Eve and Luke had great chemistry, and candy-cane loving Blitzen was my favorite! This was the perfect cold, winter day read to curl up with under a blanket with a peppermint hot chocolate.
What to expect:
🎄Small town romance
❤️Second chance romance
🎄Grumpy x sunshine
❤️Holiday theme
Katana Collins
Available now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for a gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself. She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?
This was a really cute holiday read! I loved the small town, Christmas, second chance romance vibes. Eve and Luke had great chemistry, and candy-cane loving Blitzen was my favorite! This was the perfect cold, winter day read to curl up with under a blanket with a peppermint hot chocolate.
What to expect:
🎄Small town romance
❤️Second chance romance
🎄Grumpy x sunshine
❤️Holiday theme
November 25, 2025
This book delivered pure Christmas joy wrapped in flannel, reindeer antics, and second-chance swoons. Eve Winters is basically the human embodiment of twinkle lights—sparkly, chaotic, and impossible not to love. And Luke Dawson? The broody, grumpy, reindeer-farming Grinch who swears he’s immune to holiday cheer… until Eve strolls back into town and knocks the “bah humbug” right out of him.
From her little ankle biter named Cringle, a candy cane addicted Reindeer, and even Princess Yuletide Sparkles every side character (human or otherwise) added the perfect touch of small-town charm. Reading this felt like curling up with a Hallmark movie, and I was giggling nonstop at the banter, and the meddling townsfolk.
The high-school-crushes-turned-grown-up chemistry was perfection. I adored that they’d been secretly pining for each other for years, and watching those feelings finally come to the surface was so satisfying. And Luke? My whole heart. His holiday grief added such depth, relatability, and made me love him even more.
Snowstorms, reindeer chaos, forced proximity, and a grinchy cowboy whose heart grows three sizes—sign me up. This book was festive, funny, heartfelt, and such an easy, comforting read. The perfect warm treat for anyone who loves a cozy Christmas romance.
From her little ankle biter named Cringle, a candy cane addicted Reindeer, and even Princess Yuletide Sparkles every side character (human or otherwise) added the perfect touch of small-town charm. Reading this felt like curling up with a Hallmark movie, and I was giggling nonstop at the banter, and the meddling townsfolk.
The high-school-crushes-turned-grown-up chemistry was perfection. I adored that they’d been secretly pining for each other for years, and watching those feelings finally come to the surface was so satisfying. And Luke? My whole heart. His holiday grief added such depth, relatability, and made me love him even more.
Snowstorms, reindeer chaos, forced proximity, and a grinchy cowboy whose heart grows three sizes—sign me up. This book was festive, funny, heartfelt, and such an easy, comforting read. The perfect warm treat for anyone who loves a cozy Christmas romance.
November 30, 2025
An adorable Holiday Grumpy/Sunshine! Eve is holiday cheer and sparkle while Luke is the grumpy reindeer farmer!
“Then… he leans in just slightly. And so do I. His lips brush across mine in the gentlest kiss that’s barely there. Soft. Cautious. Exploratory. Like we’re both unsure if this is a terrible idea or the best one we’ve ever had.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Luke and Eve have known each other since high school and they both unknowingly had crushes on each other. Then Eve graduated and went off to LA while Luke stayed behind in their dreamy winter wonderland of a hometown, but now Eve’s back and trying to save her families wonderful wintry Inn! She just needs Luke’s help to do it.
After all these years, they’re still yearning for each other, and a snow storm leaves them stranded together, and well, you can guess what happens next.
Through a string of hilarious mishaps, Luke and Eve fall in love and save Eve’s family Inn!
“Luke,” I breathe. My voice quivers, but it isn’t fear. It’s adrenaline, wonder, relief. “I’ve wanted this for so long I don’t remember what wanting without you feels like.”
“The world narrows to just us and I swear I can feel the spark of every unspoken word between us. “Careful, Mrs. Claus… I might just let you run my North Pole from now on.”
“Then… he leans in just slightly. And so do I. His lips brush across mine in the gentlest kiss that’s barely there. Soft. Cautious. Exploratory. Like we’re both unsure if this is a terrible idea or the best one we’ve ever had.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Luke and Eve have known each other since high school and they both unknowingly had crushes on each other. Then Eve graduated and went off to LA while Luke stayed behind in their dreamy winter wonderland of a hometown, but now Eve’s back and trying to save her families wonderful wintry Inn! She just needs Luke’s help to do it.
After all these years, they’re still yearning for each other, and a snow storm leaves them stranded together, and well, you can guess what happens next.
Through a string of hilarious mishaps, Luke and Eve fall in love and save Eve’s family Inn!
“Luke,” I breathe. My voice quivers, but it isn’t fear. It’s adrenaline, wonder, relief. “I’ve wanted this for so long I don’t remember what wanting without you feels like.”
“The world narrows to just us and I swear I can feel the spark of every unspoken word between us. “Careful, Mrs. Claus… I might just let you run my North Pole from now on.”
November 26, 2025
The weather outside might be frightful, and the fire oh so delightful, but the real question is: Have you ever wondered what would happen when pure holiday spark crashes straight into a storm cloud?
This book, ‘Rebel Without a Claus’ might have your answer, and let me tell you already… it’s as delightfully chaotic as it sounds!
The story follows Eve, a woman who treats the holiday season as a competitive sport, which honestly, same! We follow Eve as she returns home to help her family’s Christmas inn, fully prepared for a season of cookie baking, carol blasting, and twinkle-light mania, there might not be a single thing she’s not prepared for, or well… maybe a tiny little thing out there.
Might that just be Luke Dawson, the resident grump (or grinch, as you like), the human equivalent to “Morning comes far too early, and I am absolutely dead on my feet.” Yes, that is the quote that represented me the most, ikyk!
Working together brings out the best… and, let’s be honest, the most confused version of Eve. At one point she asks herself, “Does Luke Dawson like me? Or does the man hate me?” And honestly? Mood. The man glares like it’s his love language.
But this is small-town holiday romance, which means chaos is mandatory. It’s got big holiday energy, slow-burn chemistry, and that perfect mix of humor and heart that makes a Christmas romance feel like a snow globe you don’t want to shake too hard.
If you love:
❤️ grumpy x sunshine
🤍 reindeer shenanigans
❤️ forced proximity
🤍 small-town meddling
❤️ a local grinch who tries to resist the holiday vibes but fails spectacularly…
…then you’re in for a (very sweet) treat!
As always, a special thanks to the author, Katana Collins, and the lovely team at Hambright PR for granting me the opportunity to read and review ‘Rebel Without A Claus’. All opinions expressed are, of course, entirely my own! ✨🎄
This book, ‘Rebel Without a Claus’ might have your answer, and let me tell you already… it’s as delightfully chaotic as it sounds!
The story follows Eve, a woman who treats the holiday season as a competitive sport, which honestly, same! We follow Eve as she returns home to help her family’s Christmas inn, fully prepared for a season of cookie baking, carol blasting, and twinkle-light mania, there might not be a single thing she’s not prepared for, or well… maybe a tiny little thing out there.
Might that just be Luke Dawson, the resident grump (or grinch, as you like), the human equivalent to “Morning comes far too early, and I am absolutely dead on my feet.” Yes, that is the quote that represented me the most, ikyk!
Working together brings out the best… and, let’s be honest, the most confused version of Eve. At one point she asks herself, “Does Luke Dawson like me? Or does the man hate me?” And honestly? Mood. The man glares like it’s his love language.
But this is small-town holiday romance, which means chaos is mandatory. It’s got big holiday energy, slow-burn chemistry, and that perfect mix of humor and heart that makes a Christmas romance feel like a snow globe you don’t want to shake too hard.
If you love:
❤️ grumpy x sunshine
🤍 reindeer shenanigans
❤️ forced proximity
🤍 small-town meddling
❤️ a local grinch who tries to resist the holiday vibes but fails spectacularly…
…then you’re in for a (very sweet) treat!
As always, a special thanks to the author, Katana Collins, and the lovely team at Hambright PR for granting me the opportunity to read and review ‘Rebel Without A Claus’. All opinions expressed are, of course, entirely my own! ✨🎄
November 21, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins
A spicy, chaotic, North Pole rom-com that gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.
Rebel Without a Claus is the kind of holiday romance that grabs you from page one and refuses to let go. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and just the right amount of naughty to keep things interesting. Katana Collins delivers a world where Christmas magic and family dysfunction collide in the best possible way.
The characters are pure entertainment — messy, charming, and impossible not to root for. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Peak holiday perfection. And the romance? Sweet enough to melt snow but spicy enough to fog up your Kindle.
What I loved most is how the book never takes itself too seriously. It’s witty, whimsical, and sprinkled with just enough festive charm to pull you into its world. If you’re looking for a holiday read that feels like a Hallmark movie but with more heat, more humor, and way more personality, this one needs to be at the top of your list.
A cozy, chaotic Christmas delight that will absolutely get you in the holiday mood. 🎄🔥
A spicy, chaotic, North Pole rom-com that gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.
Rebel Without a Claus is the kind of holiday romance that grabs you from page one and refuses to let go. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and just the right amount of naughty to keep things interesting. Katana Collins delivers a world where Christmas magic and family dysfunction collide in the best possible way.
The characters are pure entertainment — messy, charming, and impossible not to root for. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Peak holiday perfection. And the romance? Sweet enough to melt snow but spicy enough to fog up your Kindle.
What I loved most is how the book never takes itself too seriously. It’s witty, whimsical, and sprinkled with just enough festive charm to pull you into its world. If you’re looking for a holiday read that feels like a Hallmark movie but with more heat, more humor, and way more personality, this one needs to be at the top of your list.
A cozy, chaotic Christmas delight that will absolutely get you in the holiday mood. 🎄🔥
November 23, 2025
A grumpy flannel wearing reindeer farmer that hates Christmas getting a second chance with his high school love that is basically the embodiment of Christmas cheer? Yes please!
I really enjoyed reading about Eve trying to save her family's lodge. The Christmas festival competition she is determined to win, was so easy to imagine and sounded fun. The best part might have been with Luke never wanted to give in, but the entire town knew he would just because he's never stopped loving Eve. Why yes, yes I am a sap. Proud of it too!
Blitzen sounded like a nightmare to handle but highly entertaining to watch. Princess Sparkles needs to make another appearance if there is a next book. Gemma can go kick rocks. I'm not a fan of a grown mean girl. However.....the singing competition was 🤌🏽😂.
Read this book for entertainment, banter, Holiday shenanigans, jealous MMC, fun small town atmosphere, peppermint hot chocolate, grumpy hotty, and of course a second chance at love.
🫶🏾 Lines I Liked:
Fan-grinching-tastic.
Oh, honey. If that man isn't into you, I'll eat my scarf.
You don't get to play knight-in-flannel-armor just because another human talks to me.
I really enjoyed reading about Eve trying to save her family's lodge. The Christmas festival competition she is determined to win, was so easy to imagine and sounded fun. The best part might have been with Luke never wanted to give in, but the entire town knew he would just because he's never stopped loving Eve. Why yes, yes I am a sap. Proud of it too!
Blitzen sounded like a nightmare to handle but highly entertaining to watch. Princess Sparkles needs to make another appearance if there is a next book. Gemma can go kick rocks. I'm not a fan of a grown mean girl. However.....the singing competition was 🤌🏽😂.
Read this book for entertainment, banter, Holiday shenanigans, jealous MMC, fun small town atmosphere, peppermint hot chocolate, grumpy hotty, and of course a second chance at love.
🫶🏾 Lines I Liked:
Fan-grinching-tastic.
Oh, honey. If that man isn't into you, I'll eat my scarf.
You don't get to play knight-in-flannel-armor just because another human talks to me.
December 2, 2025
Rebel Without a Claus is a super sweet enemies to lovers with a whole lotta reindeer games!
Tropes:
🦌 Enemies to Lovers
🦌 Forced Proximity
🦌 He Falls First
🦌 Snowed In
🦌 Christmas Town Shenanigans
Eve is back home, and she’s determined to help save her family’s hotel by winning the town’s Christmas competitions. She also wants to go all out decorating it with a small budget. All she needs to do is convince Luke, the boy from high school that hates her guts, if she can have a full set of Santa’s reindeer for the price of one…and she’ll work off the rest on his farm, and he counters if she can handle his most problematic. She somehow pulls it off, and he’s starting to realize that having her around might not be too bad after all.
These two were so fun to get to know. It was fun to learn about their high school history, and to see Luke go head over heels for her all over again. I love me a good snowed in moment for characters to figure things out! I really enjoyed seeing them try to rescue the hotel, and the ending was really cute.
🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Katana and HPR, for sending me a copy of this book!
Tropes:
🦌 Enemies to Lovers
🦌 Forced Proximity
🦌 He Falls First
🦌 Snowed In
🦌 Christmas Town Shenanigans
Eve is back home, and she’s determined to help save her family’s hotel by winning the town’s Christmas competitions. She also wants to go all out decorating it with a small budget. All she needs to do is convince Luke, the boy from high school that hates her guts, if she can have a full set of Santa’s reindeer for the price of one…and she’ll work off the rest on his farm, and he counters if she can handle his most problematic. She somehow pulls it off, and he’s starting to realize that having her around might not be too bad after all.
These two were so fun to get to know. It was fun to learn about their high school history, and to see Luke go head over heels for her all over again. I love me a good snowed in moment for characters to figure things out! I really enjoyed seeing them try to rescue the hotel, and the ending was really cute.
🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Katana and HPR, for sending me a copy of this book!
October 14, 2025
Rebel Without A Claus is an adorable read that will get you quickly into the Christmas spirit.
Eve and Luke are completely different when it comes to Christmas. Where she embodies the holiday, he loathes it as it remind him of everything he has lost. When they reconnect years later around Christmas, Luke tries to hold his heart in check, but there is something about Eve that brings the love he has right out to the front. You can feel the love he has for her and that he is fully invested in having her in his life. However, they have the obstacle of her being a city girl and he is a small town guy.
I loved seeing these two reconnect and even though Luke was hesitant being around her and was overly grumpy, we see a softer and kinder side to him. These two were perfect for each other and Eve let some people put some doubts in her head about their future together. However, the Christmas spirit is strong with this story and we see a Christmas miracle and a very festive and joyous read.
Eve and Luke are completely different when it comes to Christmas. Where she embodies the holiday, he loathes it as it remind him of everything he has lost. When they reconnect years later around Christmas, Luke tries to hold his heart in check, but there is something about Eve that brings the love he has right out to the front. You can feel the love he has for her and that he is fully invested in having her in his life. However, they have the obstacle of her being a city girl and he is a small town guy.
I loved seeing these two reconnect and even though Luke was hesitant being around her and was overly grumpy, we see a softer and kinder side to him. These two were perfect for each other and Eve let some people put some doubts in her head about their future together. However, the Christmas spirit is strong with this story and we see a Christmas miracle and a very festive and joyous read.
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