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Holly Ridge #2
Make You Mine This Christmas
Welcome back to the Holly Ridge - Winterberry Glen Holiday Festival, best in New England.
The last person Austin Owens expects to find at Santa’s workshop is his ex-boyfriend.
Ten years ago Brody Walker left Austin for law school, leaving only a note and a broken heart behind. Now, Brody’s back, wearing a big red suit and Austin’s just agreed to be his elf.
Brody isn’t the same person he was ten years ago. As a professional Santa, he jumps at the opportunity to fill-in at the Holiday festival in the hometown of the only man he’s ever loved. Brody heads back to Winterberry Glen with only one thing on his Christmas list: a second chance.
Can they put the past behind them for the chance to build something new, together?
Make You Mine This Christmas is the second interconnected-standalone in the Holly Ridge series. Inside you’ll find Christmas puns, second chances, forced proximity, and open-door steamy scenes with a Happily Ever After guaranteed.
The last person Austin Owens expects to find at Santa’s workshop is his ex-boyfriend.
Ten years ago Brody Walker left Austin for law school, leaving only a note and a broken heart behind. Now, Brody’s back, wearing a big red suit and Austin’s just agreed to be his elf.
Brody isn’t the same person he was ten years ago. As a professional Santa, he jumps at the opportunity to fill-in at the Holiday festival in the hometown of the only man he’s ever loved. Brody heads back to Winterberry Glen with only one thing on his Christmas list: a second chance.
Can they put the past behind them for the chance to build something new, together?
Make You Mine This Christmas is the second interconnected-standalone in the Holly Ridge series. Inside you’ll find Christmas puns, second chances, forced proximity, and open-door steamy scenes with a Happily Ever After guaranteed.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
14 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Holm
7 books77 followersRachel grew up in Western PA and found her love of reading early in life, supported by her parents with frequent trips to the library and local bookstores. She stumbled into the bookish world in late 2020 and has embraced the bookish lifestyle whole-heartedly, diving headfirst into the Romance genre, becoming a book reviewer and Bookstagrammer, changing careers and taking a job at a bookstore and undertaking her first official novel-length writing project.
When not immersed in her bookish world, you can find Rachel hanging out with her husband and two cats, spending time with friends in the Washington DC area and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams.
When not immersed in her bookish world, you can find Rachel hanging out with her husband and two cats, spending time with friends in the Washington DC area and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 29, 2025
Ok I adored Austin in all of the books he has appeared in, so I was so excited to discover that he actually had his own book! And it was just a chaotic and hilarious as you would expect with Austin.
Austin is someone who is always there for his best friends, no questions asked. So when his bestie's wife asks him to be elf for the day, no problem. That is until he discovers the new Santa is his ex - and not just an ex - THE EX. The love of his life ex who broke his heart in a million pieces. But because he loves his friends (and he's a glutton for punishment), he stays as the elf for the season.
I also really enjoyed meeting Brody - the ex and the new Santa. I wanted to know more about him instantly. Why did he just leave Austin? Why was he back now? Why was he a full time Santa instead of a lawyer? What was his deal? We did get all of these answers, even if it took a little bit longer than it probably should have - mainly because these boys just would not talk about real things with each other.
Again, I loved the story and the holiday setting, but I felt like it could have gone deeper with the emotions and focused more on their feelings. It felt like it hit points very quickly instead of having them happen organically. But overall, I still love all of these characters and am happy they cross over into the other series, even if for a brief time.
Austin is someone who is always there for his best friends, no questions asked. So when his bestie's wife asks him to be elf for the day, no problem. That is until he discovers the new Santa is his ex - and not just an ex - THE EX. The love of his life ex who broke his heart in a million pieces. But because he loves his friends (and he's a glutton for punishment), he stays as the elf for the season.
I also really enjoyed meeting Brody - the ex and the new Santa. I wanted to know more about him instantly. Why did he just leave Austin? Why was he back now? Why was he a full time Santa instead of a lawyer? What was his deal? We did get all of these answers, even if it took a little bit longer than it probably should have - mainly because these boys just would not talk about real things with each other.
Again, I loved the story and the holiday setting, but I felt like it could have gone deeper with the emotions and focused more on their feelings. It felt like it hit points very quickly instead of having them happen organically. But overall, I still love all of these characters and am happy they cross over into the other series, even if for a brief time.
October 6, 2025
First I’d like to thank the author Rachel Holm for letting me read an ARC copy of Make You Mine this Christmas!
This book was so cozy! As someone that’s okay with letting fall last a while before the holiday season, this story made me want to drink a peppermint mocha and listen to Christmas music.
Austin and Brody were such lovable people, along with the side characters surrounding them. This was my first ever MMCxMMC read and I’m glad it was this one. I can’t wait to read more of Rachel’s books!
4 star read for this fast paced, holiday read 💚❤️
This book was so cozy! As someone that’s okay with letting fall last a while before the holiday season, this story made me want to drink a peppermint mocha and listen to Christmas music.
Austin and Brody were such lovable people, along with the side characters surrounding them. This was my first ever MMCxMMC read and I’m glad it was this one. I can’t wait to read more of Rachel’s books!
4 star read for this fast paced, holiday read 💚❤️
December 27, 2025
DNF @ 34%
The start was pretty good. I liked that Austin walked out on Brody that first time + his supportive his friends were. Too many second chance romances where the MCs left off on negative terms tend to brush off the animosity during the meet-cute. It was nice to see Austin still holding anger rather than choosing to be an adult and talking to Brody at the very beginning. I also liked how Austin's friends understood what he was feeling and tried to get him away from the situation. Austin needing a job + his friend Blaire needing an elf was also a really nice set-up to force proximity between the two MCs.
I wish Austin had leaned in more to the "not talking to Brody" schtick though. He was forced to be in proximity, but not in conversation. And as happy as I was that Austin didn't drop the animosity the first time they saw each other, I was equally disappointed when he just started being civil and even offering to drive Brody without any real changes between them. I get he wanted to be nice to show he was over things but still, I wanted a bit more of an effort from Brody to get them there and my just Austin choosing to be nice.
Then when they started talking about the relationship and Brody tells Austin why he left, I hated that Austin shuts the conversation down after a very clear misunderstanding thatv he didn't let Brody explain. I know I just said I wished that Austin didn't let Brody off the hook so easily, but him regaining that animosity over intentionally creating a miscommunication that could've been solved if he'd let Brody explain his last sentence was truly annoying. Austin was already justified in not talking to Brody at the start, yet he gave that up when he initiated conversation. Him getting mad over an interrupted sentence was not a good reason.
I called it when we got the full reason for Brody leaving Austin. which is nice and all, but he shouldn't have done it without telling Austin because that just meant that Austin should've been angrier over being ghosted. If he'd told Austin then they left off on good terms then it would've been more palatable for my cold, vindictive heart to see them slowly warm up to each other. Since that didn't happen and they actually left off with Austin feeling resentful, I just couldn't accept them reconciling without some big event or significant shows of apology from Brody over how hurtful he had been.
The start was pretty good. I liked that Austin walked out on Brody that first time + his supportive his friends were. Too many second chance romances where the MCs left off on negative terms tend to brush off the animosity during the meet-cute. It was nice to see Austin still holding anger rather than choosing to be an adult and talking to Brody at the very beginning. I also liked how Austin's friends understood what he was feeling and tried to get him away from the situation. Austin needing a job + his friend Blaire needing an elf was also a really nice set-up to force proximity between the two MCs.
I wish Austin had leaned in more to the "not talking to Brody" schtick though. He was forced to be in proximity, but not in conversation. And as happy as I was that Austin didn't drop the animosity the first time they saw each other, I was equally disappointed when he just started being civil and even offering to drive Brody without any real changes between them. I get he wanted to be nice to show he was over things but still, I wanted a bit more of an effort from Brody to get them there and my just Austin choosing to be nice.
Then when they started talking about the relationship and Brody tells Austin why he left, I hated that Austin shuts the conversation down after a very clear misunderstanding thatv he didn't let Brody explain. I know I just said I wished that Austin didn't let Brody off the hook so easily, but him regaining that animosity over intentionally creating a miscommunication that could've been solved if he'd let Brody explain his last sentence was truly annoying. Austin was already justified in not talking to Brody at the start, yet he gave that up when he initiated conversation. Him getting mad over an interrupted sentence was not a good reason.
I called it when we got the full reason for Brody leaving Austin. which is nice and all, but he shouldn't have done it without telling Austin because that just meant that Austin should've been angrier over being ghosted. If he'd told Austin then they left off on good terms then it would've been more palatable for my cold, vindictive heart to see them slowly warm up to each other. Since that didn't happen and they actually left off with Austin feeling resentful, I just couldn't accept them reconciling without some big event or significant shows of apology from Brody over how hurtful he had been.
October 14, 2025
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. These opinions are my own.
This is such a cute Christmas story with lots of Santa puns. It's a queer and spicy take on the big city and small town opposites attract Hallmark Christmas. And then make it a second chance romance.
Austin is in between jobs and agrees to substitute as an elf at the Santa picture booth for one of his best friends, Blair. Only when he arrives, he is shocked to learn that the new professional Santa is his old flame, Brody.
This is the author's second book set in Holly Ridge at the holiday festival. And I definitely recommend reading Carry Me Through Christmas first as an introduction to Austin. This book is wholly set within the time frame of the holiday festival years later, but the text interludes in it reminded me of the previous book in the series. And I always love epistolary content.
I also really appreciated the migraine representation. As someone who gets migraines, it felt quite accurate to me.
This book was sweet and low angst. And it was filled with the Christmas spirit (with a lot of adult wishes come true).
This is such a cute Christmas story with lots of Santa puns. It's a queer and spicy take on the big city and small town opposites attract Hallmark Christmas. And then make it a second chance romance.
Austin is in between jobs and agrees to substitute as an elf at the Santa picture booth for one of his best friends, Blair. Only when he arrives, he is shocked to learn that the new professional Santa is his old flame, Brody.
This is the author's second book set in Holly Ridge at the holiday festival. And I definitely recommend reading Carry Me Through Christmas first as an introduction to Austin. This book is wholly set within the time frame of the holiday festival years later, but the text interludes in it reminded me of the previous book in the series. And I always love epistolary content.
I also really appreciated the migraine representation. As someone who gets migraines, it felt quite accurate to me.
This book was sweet and low angst. And it was filled with the Christmas spirit (with a lot of adult wishes come true).
October 12, 2025
So, we’re back in Holly Ridge and I, for one, couldn’t be happier! And while this isn’t any where near my first book by this author, it’s my first MM holiday book and it was perfect to kick off my holiday reading season!
Austin and Brody were absolutely adorable together! I appreciated that the reason for their breakup ten years ago wasn’t dragged out, we found out fairly early, which was refreshing. That leads me to another thing I loved: these two were great communicators (if you set aside how Brody left all those years ago). Their little moments awkward moments at the apartments, had me smiling and giggling.
I also loved how Cole and Blair were involved just the right amount, not too much, not too little. Brody’s relationship with his Gram was super cute, and Austin’s bond with his mom and the twins made me love him even more.
The author did a great job of capturing all the cozy holiday vibes while weaving in a few more serious topics. The spice level was just right, and overall, it made for a really satisfying second-chance romance.
I believe we’re headed back to DC next, so I’ll see y’all there!
Austin and Brody were absolutely adorable together! I appreciated that the reason for their breakup ten years ago wasn’t dragged out, we found out fairly early, which was refreshing. That leads me to another thing I loved: these two were great communicators (if you set aside how Brody left all those years ago). Their little moments awkward moments at the apartments, had me smiling and giggling.
I also loved how Cole and Blair were involved just the right amount, not too much, not too little. Brody’s relationship with his Gram was super cute, and Austin’s bond with his mom and the twins made me love him even more.
The author did a great job of capturing all the cozy holiday vibes while weaving in a few more serious topics. The spice level was just right, and overall, it made for a really satisfying second-chance romance.
I believe we’re headed back to DC next, so I’ll see y’all there!
October 12, 2025
“You’re the only present I ever need.”
5 ⭐️ 2🌶️
- Austin & Brody
- small town
- second chance
- forced proximity
Austin’s friends Blaire and Cole realize that they’re one elf short for Santa’s Workshop, and turned to Austin to see if he could help. Except they failed to mention to him that the Santa he would be assisting is Brody, his ex-boyfriend from 10 years ago who left him one day for college and never looked back.
Or so at least that’s what Austin THOUGHT happened between them all of those years ago, but he soon realizes after spending some time together that there was much more to Brody’s side of the story as to why he left. One night after work, Brody comes back to his apartment that he was renting and finds it flooded and he is now in need of a place to stay. Luckily for him, Austin happens to have a spare room available that he can stay in…..what could go wrong? 🤭
Thank you SO MUCH Rachel for the ARC!! Thoughts are my own
5 ⭐️ 2🌶️
- Austin & Brody
- small town
- second chance
- forced proximity
Austin’s friends Blaire and Cole realize that they’re one elf short for Santa’s Workshop, and turned to Austin to see if he could help. Except they failed to mention to him that the Santa he would be assisting is Brody, his ex-boyfriend from 10 years ago who left him one day for college and never looked back.
Or so at least that’s what Austin THOUGHT happened between them all of those years ago, but he soon realizes after spending some time together that there was much more to Brody’s side of the story as to why he left. One night after work, Brody comes back to his apartment that he was renting and finds it flooded and he is now in need of a place to stay. Luckily for him, Austin happens to have a spare room available that he can stay in…..what could go wrong? 🤭
Thank you SO MUCH Rachel for the ARC!! Thoughts are my own
October 16, 2025
Make You Mine This Christmas came out last week and I was delighted to receive a great box of goodies to go along with the book from Rachel!
I loved returning to Holly Ridge for a second Christmas romance! Set at the Winterberry Glen Holiday Festival this is a second chance romance between Austin and Brody. Ten years later Brody is back in town as Santa for the festival and Austin is working as an elf this year, will try be able to put the past behind them?
This was a fun Christmas book with a Hallmark like setting with spice and lots of Santa puns! I liked finding out why Brody left and seeing him and Austin reconnect. There was the perfect amount of angst and reconnecting. We also saw a little bit of Blaire and Cole as well!
If you're looking for a spicy queer romance you'll enjoy this!
I absolutely adored getting to know Holly Ridge through Carry Me Through Christmas and while Make You Mine is a standalone, they are interconnected so I recommend reading them both!
I loved returning to Holly Ridge for a second Christmas romance! Set at the Winterberry Glen Holiday Festival this is a second chance romance between Austin and Brody. Ten years later Brody is back in town as Santa for the festival and Austin is working as an elf this year, will try be able to put the past behind them?
This was a fun Christmas book with a Hallmark like setting with spice and lots of Santa puns! I liked finding out why Brody left and seeing him and Austin reconnect. There was the perfect amount of angst and reconnecting. We also saw a little bit of Blaire and Cole as well!
If you're looking for a spicy queer romance you'll enjoy this!
I absolutely adored getting to know Holly Ridge through Carry Me Through Christmas and while Make You Mine is a standalone, they are interconnected so I recommend reading them both!
October 10, 2025
Your honor, I love them.
Thank you to the author for sharing a review copy.
Austin and Brody, my whole heart.
Second chance romances can be difficult – often wondering why they broke up in the first place, and does it really make sense to reignite the flame to see if there’s something worth saving? Well, in MYMTC, you see the transformation both characters had to go through – both on and off page – in the 10 years between their relationships to earn their HEA. I loved how Brody transformed the role of Santa for communities as part of his healing. Austin built very sturdy walls around his heart after Brody left the first time, but through vulnerable moments together (and some friendly nudging from Carry Me Through Christmas’s Cole & Blaire), he found that he was indeed very lovable and able to make room for Brody in his heart.
This book was so tender, sweet, spicy, and full of the holiday spirit. At 223 pages, you can easily cozy up on an afternoon with a warm holiday beverage and immerse yourself in the magical Holly Ridge & Winterberry Glen wonderland.
Make You Mine This Christmas is out now - KU, ebook & paperback.
Thank you to the author for sharing a review copy.
Austin and Brody, my whole heart.
Second chance romances can be difficult – often wondering why they broke up in the first place, and does it really make sense to reignite the flame to see if there’s something worth saving? Well, in MYMTC, you see the transformation both characters had to go through – both on and off page – in the 10 years between their relationships to earn their HEA. I loved how Brody transformed the role of Santa for communities as part of his healing. Austin built very sturdy walls around his heart after Brody left the first time, but through vulnerable moments together (and some friendly nudging from Carry Me Through Christmas’s Cole & Blaire), he found that he was indeed very lovable and able to make room for Brody in his heart.
This book was so tender, sweet, spicy, and full of the holiday spirit. At 223 pages, you can easily cozy up on an afternoon with a warm holiday beverage and immerse yourself in the magical Holly Ridge & Winterberry Glen wonderland.
Make You Mine This Christmas is out now - KU, ebook & paperback.
October 18, 2025
I had an absolute blast heading back to Holly Ridge. Austin and Brody run into each other after a decade apart. Austin gets volunteered to be a stand in elf during the Christmas festival and guess who is playing Santa? Brody! Their tension was thick to start but eventually Santa just couldn't resist his elf.
After a mishap at Brody's temporary apartment, he reluctantly moves into Austin's spare bedroom. Yay for forced proximity! Brody opens up about why he just up and left before. Although it was a frustrating reason, he helped these two have closure so they could move on.... & jingle each others bells!
2.5🌶️
I just love these Christmas loving small towns and all the characters. Jimmy grew to be one of my favs and really pushed Austin and Brody together. I have loved everything Rachel has written so far and I'm so glad this was the first book to start off my holiday reads! Ho Ho Ho
After a mishap at Brody's temporary apartment, he reluctantly moves into Austin's spare bedroom. Yay for forced proximity! Brody opens up about why he just up and left before. Although it was a frustrating reason, he helped these two have closure so they could move on.... & jingle each others bells!
2.5🌶️
I just love these Christmas loving small towns and all the characters. Jimmy grew to be one of my favs and really pushed Austin and Brody together. I have loved everything Rachel has written so far and I'm so glad this was the first book to start off my holiday reads! Ho Ho Ho
October 7, 2025
Make You Mine This Christmas was a cozy read with some spice. Brody and Austin are both sweet lovable characters that are looking for their second chance. The breakup years before left some unanswered questions and open wounds that need to be resolved before they can get their HEA but don’t worry they do get it. Thank you Rachel Holm for choosing me to receive an ARC. I look forward to reading more of your books
October 10, 2025
In this second instalment of the Holly Ridge series, we join Brody and Austin for their second chance love story.
This was a cosy and spicy MMCxMMC romance that has me longing for Christmas and craving a sexy Santa.
Both of the characters were loveable and I was rooting for them to get there happily ever after. It was great to see Cole and Blaire again too.
It was spicy with descriptive detail but not the main focus of the story.
A fast, quick read which I would definitely recommend.
This was a cosy and spicy MMCxMMC romance that has me longing for Christmas and craving a sexy Santa.
Both of the characters were loveable and I was rooting for them to get there happily ever after. It was great to see Cole and Blaire again too.
It was spicy with descriptive detail but not the main focus of the story.
A fast, quick read which I would definitely recommend.
October 10, 2025
Thanks to Rachel Holm for yet another great ARC!
Austin and Brody really got me into the holiday spirit, and I'm not someone who typically loves the holiday that much. It was just so comfy and cozy and although there was a bit too much spice for my liking, it wasn't a bad book. I've been waiting for Austin to get his happy ending for a long time and I'm pleased that it turned out as well as it did. They're not my favorite couple, but they're a close second 🤭
Austin and Brody really got me into the holiday spirit, and I'm not someone who typically loves the holiday that much. It was just so comfy and cozy and although there was a bit too much spice for my liking, it wasn't a bad book. I've been waiting for Austin to get his happy ending for a long time and I'm pleased that it turned out as well as it did. They're not my favorite couple, but they're a close second 🤭
October 6, 2025
Make You Mine This Christmas
was absolutely beautiful.
This book is a MM second chance
romance that will have you
laughing and blushing!
was absolutely beautiful.
This book is a MM second chance
romance that will have you
laughing and blushing!
December 28, 2025
A cute MM second chance at love story. It had the right amount of depth for the characters, but did lean heavily on the cheesy Christmas theme too much for my taste.
December 30, 2025
This was a perfect second chance love story with all the expected and unexpected holiday puns. I loved being back in Holly Ridge and feeling the warmth of the holiday spirit. There was tension and forced proximity and banter. It was perfect.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews