Christmas Games and Candy Canes

by C.P. Cabaniss

She has something to prove.
He doesn’t understand why she hates him.

When high school rivals Georgie and Eoin find themselves back in town for Christmas, the newly minted Glenwood Christmas Games draws them into a new competition. One Georgie is determined to win.

As the week of competition unfolds, the two discover that rivalry doesn’t have to mean war. Sometimes the best person to fall for is the one who pushes you the hardest.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Young Adult, Contemporary, New Adult

ebook

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

C P Cabaniss lives in a small town in the southern United States where she teaches math, imagines—and sometimes writes—stories, and reads too many books at once. She is most inspired while with her horses, meditating in a historic cemetery, or exploring retired naval ships. She loves to travel and has long dreamed of adopting a nomadic lifestyle—though she has yet to determine what this would mean for her collection of books, which seems to grow by the day.

You can find her on Instagram @courtneysreads and YouTube @CourtneyReads

Reviews

[C.P. Cabaniss]

November 14, 2025
This is now available in ebook and paperback! Thank you to everyone who has been excited for this release. I hope you enjoy the story.

October 4, 2025
ARCs are out in the world! Just over one month before this will be released to everyone. Be sure to grab your kindle copy for the preorder price before release.

August 16, 2025
The book has been through edits, beta reading, I've read a printed proof, adjusted formatting, and it's scheduled for release! Author copies are ordered. This release is getting more real by the day.

Paperback release: November 4, 2025
Ebook Release: November 11, 2025
Audiobook Release: ~November 11, 2025

June 30, 2025
I never rate my own books, but I do like to use this space to give updates. I've just received beta feedback for the story and it's with my editor. Then I will have the cover finalized, a proof printed, and a final read through for typos and formatting.

I can't wait for you to read this story!

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas Romance!

Georgie and Eoin have been rivals since high school, and now both of them are back in town just in time for the Christmas Games. Georgie is determined to win against Eoin, but he doesn’t quite understand her animosity toward him. Yes, they were competitive, but it was only ever to impress their families, never to truly best each other.

As Eoin and Georgie keep running into each other (literally), they begin to unpack their past and realize they’re more alike than they thought. Perhaps the games this year will be less about winning and more about spending time together before they both have to go their separate ways. As the walls come down and feelings grow, they start to wonder if maybe they could have something more than friendship. But when the games end, so does their time together, and long distance isn’t an option. Do they still stand a chance?

This was such a sweet story! I think I was expecting a bit more pushback between these two, but their problems were always pretty minor, so it didn’t have quite the level of drama I anticipated. That said, it was still a really fun read, and I’m totally invested in Landri and Collins’ story next!

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was darling! 😍

Siblings banter, Southern small town, supportive big families, a cute dog, Christmas competitions, and former high school rivals/enemies to lovers!

It was a bit more kissy than I personally prefer, haha, but it was a super cute read!

And I love me an Irish hero. 🤭

p.s. I’m sooooooo invested in the Collin and Landri pairing, haha. 😂

[Callie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘐 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵!!

──୨ৎ──

𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤

𖠰𐂂𓍄𓇥𓋜𓐬𖠰

𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝟓𝟗 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝟕𝟓% 𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 (𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒖𝒑, 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔.) 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒖𝒑 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍.


𖠰𐂂𓍄𓇥𓋜𓐬𖠰

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟏/𝟓 (𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬.)

𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟏𝟒+

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟓/𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧

𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 ℕ𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢:

✦ 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘌𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵!!

✦ 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭.

✦ 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺! 𝘈𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥, 𝘭𝘰𝘭.

✦ 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢 5 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦! 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵, 𝘨𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵!! 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦!

Thank you to C.P Cabaniss on Instagram for giving me an Advanced Readers Copy. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Pre-read: i’m kinda getting an ARC for this 🫣

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Thank you C. P. Cabaniss for my review copy. These are my thoughts:

The last person Georgie thought she’d see during her Christmas break was her high school rival Eoin. But as strange as it seems, her prickly comments don’t seem to land and she and Eoin find themselves in a flirty exchange, filled with banter every time they meet. Might Georgie have misread Eoin in high school and made him out to be the villain he actually wasn’t?

This was so cute! I really enjoyed the small town vibes, the sense of community and all the Christmas related activities. Georgie and Eoin started off hot and cold but their flirty banter quickly revealed that there was potential for more between them. Their chemistry was undeniable, proven by how much they enjoyed kissing each other.

Their rivalry never really went away, but turned into something playful instead.
Both characters struggled with having to prove themselves in different ways and carried the weight of thinking that, if they didn’t achieve that they would be disappointing their loved ones.

Georgie also struggled to trust Eoin at first and had to work through her fears and insecurities.

The side characters all “pitched in” to help Georgie and Eoin come together but also found ways to embarrass them.

I’m very curious to see what’s going to happen with Collins and Landri…

Christmas Games and Candy Canes, is perfect for the no spice readers or for those who want a Christmas themed palate cleanser. The story itself isn’t very long and the chapters are short!

[No spice - kisses only]

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m shelving this as both YA and Upper YA (the mcs are 20, but the story itself has a YA feel to it so I think it works). It got quite cheesy at the end, but I loved the festive elements of the small town. Georgie could be a bit wishy washy at times and Eoin was a sweetheart. I also loved the dog Helli and the competition aspects.

[Amanda Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 🎄🛷

This was such a cute, fun, comfortable Christmas time story. It takes place in a small town in South Carolina that is hosting a big Christmas games competition for the town. I loved the family dynamics and the mention if Irish customs, and faith.

Christmas Games and Candy canes could definitely be read anytime of year but would definitely be fun around the Christmas season. If you've ever dealt with sibling rivalry or comparing pressure you can relate to both Eoin and Georgie.


No spice - just good old fashioned kisses with alluding to makeout ❤️

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers (well only one saw the other as an enemy)
Sibling Rivalry
Competitive Spirits

One small warning - if you've ever dealt with a cheating ex-boyfriend it does play a small role in this story.

[Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Christmas Games and Candy Canes takes place in a small town in South Carolina. Georgie and Eoin (high school rivals) find themselves back in town years after graduation. They quickly go back to their competitive ways!

🎄 I love this book so much!! It definitely gave me Hallmark Movies vibes (which I LOVE) it’s definitely something I can re-read each holiday season. It was funny, sweet, and a bit emotional! I also loved that it was a clean romance!

☃️ I enjoyed each supporting character as well. The author did a really good job or introducing everyone and really describing the surroundings to make you feel like you are actually there.

🎁 also can we just talk about Collin and Landri? 👀

Thank you again to C.P Cabaniss for the ARC! This review was my honest review.

[Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a super cute story, not too stressful, but still really engaging and just super sweet. It's so easy just to keep reading on and on, and I always found myself wanting to pick it up again, because I had to know where their relationship went next. I did love how Georgie is able to see a new side to Eoin when he confides in her about his school troubles, and I feel as though this openess is what leads to the strong foundation of their relationship. And I especially loved how much Collin was involved in their romance!
Definitely would read again; I can totally see this becoming my Christmas comfort book!


Read on for a more in-depth review that contains spoilers...


I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a super cute story, not too stressful, but still really engaging and just super sweet. It's so easy just to keep reading on and on, and I always found myself wanting to pick it up again, because I had to know where their relationship went next. I do feel like the original hate that Georgie has for Eoin passed by too quickly, because we're led to believe that she's held this strong grudge against him for years, and then in like half a week they're in love? I think I would have enjoyed to see a more gradual warming to him. I did love how Georgie is able to see a new side to Eoin when he confides in her about his school troubles, and I feel as though this openess is what leads to the strong foundation of their relationship. And I especially loved how much Collin was involved in their romance! Wish we could have seen more from him and Landri - maybe more flirting?
Definitely would read again; I can totally see this becoming my Christmas comfort book!

[Madison Allshouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
What a sweet love story!! I absolutely loved Georgie and Eoin. They were so easy to root for! I really enjoy rivals-to-lovers books, and I appreciate that Georgie didn’t spend the whole book holding a juvenile grudge. Seeing healthy adult communication and conflict resolution is so refreshing!👏🏻

I can’t wait to read Landri and Collin’s story next!!😍

[mariawbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐

[Johneice · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. ⭐️ I wanted to like this, I really did. I just could not get over the reasoning behind the FMC's dislike for the MMC. I thought that it was not justifiable. I also just don't think I am in the mood for Christmas books just yet. I am thankful for being given the opportunity to read this book early. Thank you to the author C.P. Cabaniss and BookFunnel for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Maggie Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ New Adult no-spice Christmas Rom Com

🖊️ “Christmas Games and Candy Canes” by C. P. Cabaniss

🚨 CONENT RATINGS:
Kissing: 18&up
Fade-to-black: none
Violence: none
SA: none
Language: none
Some father and some issues that are worked through (nothing extreme, just communication)

#️⃣ can be read as a standalone

🗓️ FORMAT /AVAILABILITY
available now
Kindle
Paperback

♥️ TROPES:
Rivals to lovers
They run together
Christmas games competition
College age
Small town
Flirty banter

📝 REVIEW:
Such a cute book to help you get into the Christmas spirit! I really like how Christmas truly was a main theme rather than an afterthought. Bonding over Christmas races, gingerbread house making contests, and decorating trees yes please! I also loved how the true meaning of Christmas was brought into the story.
But it wouldn’t be a rom com without flirty banter and swoony kisses, and this book is full of them! Everything you could want in a cute wholesome romance just in time for the holidays!

[Kelli S. Blissard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute enemies to lovers clean romance. The Christmas theming was so fun. I could really picture the games and competitions. The main couple had realistic and endearing family connections that enriched the story. Definitely worth a read at Christmas time.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

This was a really cute and sweet Christmas story! I really enjoyed the premise of the Christmas Games, and I enjoyed the characters and seeing them work through their struggles together. There were many great side characters as well, and I am definitely interested in reading the next book in the series next year to see what happens with two of the secondary characters...

The main reason my rating isn't higher is because there was so much focus on kissing and physical attraction, which I don't prefer personally. I appreciated that it did stay clean, and the (many) kisses were only described lightly. I also appreciated that there were other reasons we were given for why the characters fall in love with each other, even if it seemed like physical stuff was the focus in the story a lot of the time.

The epilogue was quite long, and included so much that wrapped the story up well and left us without questions...which I was happy about!

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are voluntary and my own. 😊

Content: lots of kisses and mentions of wanting to kiss (lips, neck, collarbone kisses - although all are very mildly described), lots of talk of physical attraction and noticing looks/muscles/etc, lots of flirting, hand holding/cuddling/knee and elbow brushes/etc, a comment about how marriage will be fun in new ways, feelings of inadequacy and not being able to measure up, mentions of cheating

[Lauren Kutney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Rivals to Lovers Gift

If you love rivals-to-lovers, this one is definitely for you. Add in a cozy small-town setting, a dash of Hallmark-movie charm, and a lineup of fun and competitive Christmas games—and Christmas Games and Candy Canes becomes the perfect holiday read. 🎄✨

Georgie and Eoin have been rivals since high school, but Eoin (who absolutely falls first 👀) can’t quite understand why Georgie still seems to hold so much animosity toward him. And honestly? I adored Eoin. He’s smart, helpful, thoughtful, and wears his heart on his sleeve—especially when it comes to proving himself not just to Georgie, but to her family too.

One of my favorite tropes, forced proximity, is used so well here. Cabaniss keeps finding ways to throw these two together, and every moment ramps up their chemistry and delicious slow-burn tension.

And despite Georgie’s best attempts to keep her defenses high, she can’t ignore how her feelings start to shift throughout the holiday—especially as the games bring them closer together. Watching her thaw and finally let herself feel was so satisfying.

I HAVE to mention my favorite part of the book: Helli the dog, who might as well be Cupid in disguise. Honestly, Helli deserves her own spin-off novella. 😂❤️

If you love cute banter, stories rooted in family and tradition, festive competition (same), and a sweet romance you can’t help but root for… then you absolutely need to pick up Christmas Games and Candy Canes. 🎄📚💕

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhh Georgie and Eoin were fun! I loved their chemistry and how they pushed each other from the get go. Their competitiveness made the Christmas games fun to read.

I loved how Eoin flirted with Georgie and how her feelings changed towards him. I loved watching them both fall further for each other and rooted for them as they navigated their relationship. The plot twist was hilarious and perfect for them.

Favorite Parts
-Helli (the dog) and all her energy and mishaps.
-“Stupid men and their stupid muscles”.
-All the Christmas games— they all sounded fun!
-Eoin’s family traditions and candy cane wishes.
-the light show. 😍
-all the sibling dynamics.

Favorite Quotes:
“Maybe you’re a candle, and he’s the wick—you need each other to burn.”

It would be so easy to fall in love with this girl. Honestly, I might as well admit it already—I’m halfway there as it is. A few more weeks or months and I’ll be lost.

She bites her lip to suppress a laugh, and her rigid stance relaxes. “Are you always this flirty?”
“Only with women I really, really like,” I tell her honestly.

But with Eoin, I don’t know how to control myself. He’s a spider, and I’m tangled in his web. Unlike the fly, I don’t want to escape. I want him to wrap me up and never let me go.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Games & Candy Canes is the second book I have read written by C.P. Cabanis. This story was a cute Christmas rom-com read.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook version. The narrator, Madison Brunoehler, did a great job bringing this story to life.

Georgie and Eoin are high school rivals, and they find themselves both home during the holiday season in the middle of the town's Christmas Games. The more they do together, the more they find in common. As romance begins to unfold between Georgie and Eoin, we also find out the root of their rivalry. There were a lot of fun side characters, and this story made me laugh.

This rivals-to-more romance was kisses only, with a few make-out scenes.  
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[dayen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished it ✨

It is my first very first ARC so thank you to author for this opportunity. 😘

As someone who really loves christmas movies, this book kinda played a short movie in my mind 🤧 eventho i kinda cannot go with it at first — maybe because it is too early of christmas mood to me

But then after few chapters, they kinda grow into me then turned to very cheesy and cringe 😝 fortunately for them i do like cheesy and cringe a little 🤏🏻 so yeah they’re good 😌

It’s a 3.75✨ read for me

btw, CAN I HAVE AN EOIN FOR ME TOOO ?! 😖🫦💅🏻

and oh yeahhhh i need the story of collin and landriiiiii 😏😆

[Lexi | Type6Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast, easy, Christmas-y read with a little bit of running mixed it. Both of the main characters are home from their first year of college for Christmas. They ended up running (literally) into it in each other & end up doing the town Christmas games together. It was refreshing to read a clean book with little to no language or spice! My only complaints were the names! I had such a hard time remembering who was who & who was talking. 🙃 Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely delicious. Every single moment I loved, it just made me so happy I couldn't put it down. There were so many moments of perfection, the wait for that first kiss was just right. The appearance of my 2 favourites from another book, the chemistry between secondary characters! Everything. This book I am happy to have on my physical shelf so I can relive it time and time again.
I thank Courtney for having me on her ARC team. She is wonderfully talented and a joy to have in my inbox 😍😍

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives you all the Hallmark movie vibes! High school rivals Georgie and Eoin are back in their small town for the holidays, sparking a renewed competition between the two. At the beginning, I didn’t fully understand Georgie’s huge distaste for Eoin (especially when it seemed one-sided), but regardless of her reasons, she grows a lot throughout the story. I loved all the Christmas activities and how the whole town was involved in the Games. And was there a hint of something between Georgie’s BFF Landri and her brother Collin? Hopefully we’ll find out soon! This is a great read to get anyone in a festive mood, especially lovers of small town rivals.

[Melissa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, clean Christmas read. I was smiling throughout the whole book! The back and forth between the main characters was fantastic.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent Christmas story. I love the characters and their fun banter. I enjoy both people having whole families while also demonstrating that even people from loving homes have emotional struggles they have to work through.
This is such a fun Christmas book. can't wait to read it again around Christmas time.

[Chloe - Lolos.literary.nook · Rating 2 out of 5]

CHRISTMAS GAMES AND CANDY CANES - C.P. Cabaniss

Lit Bits:

- 2/5 Stars 🌸
- Just kisses here!! 🌶️
- Second chance, rivals-to-lovers (sort of),
- Content: Faith themes
- “My advice, though – don’t run just because you can.”

🌸 I loved the premise of this book, high school classmates reunited at Christmas time but their past of being competitive rears its head again as the town host a Christmas Games Competition. There was palpable tension between the MC’s in the beginning portion of the book that kept me intrigued, and all the text conversations were super fun!

I really wanted to love this book, but I really was looking and hoping to get to know the characters more. I didn’t feel like I got to know them individually and their struggles. I really don't feel like I got to know them much at all. The last 30% of the book gave some clarity and a wee bit of depth, but I do feel like there was just so much lacking.

I understand that there is a second book to come out in this series and there was quite a bit of lead up for it in this novel, but I am not sure I loved it as I found myself almost more invested in the side characters story than the main ones.

🌶️ This was a no spice in this novel, but there was a LOT of kissing/making out that I was just over it. I was hopeful when there was a lot of anticipation for the first kiss, but afterwards, it never stopped and I really missed a lot of relational development between the two of them. I struggled to get past this and really only saw the MC’s relationship as lust until the last 25% of the book.

I did love aspects of this book, it was a cute story all around, but I really missed depth of characters that I have grown to appreciate and long for in books. It just was ultimately not for me.

Thank you so much C.P. Cabaniss for the ARC of this sweet new novel.

[Nicole Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Games and Candy Canes is a delightfully fun, sweet, and satisfying holiday romance that will leave you feeling giddy in the best way. If you love Hallmark vibes, festive chaos, sibling shenanigans, and swoony slow-burn tension, this one belongs on your TBR. The author absolutely nails playful, flirty banter—the kind that makes your face hurt from grinning. The more time Georgie and Eoin spend together, the harder it is to ignore the sparks crackling between them. And when they kiss for the first time (after multiple interruptions!), it’s pure relief, elation, and a very satisfying “finally.”

Both Georgie and Eoin are in transitional seasons and not looking for a relationship, but the pull between them only gets stronger. Their competitive streaks make the Christmas games even more entertaining, and their meddling siblings add additional humor to the mix. I especially loved their interactions with Georgie’s brother Collin, and I can’t wait to see how his relationship with Landri unfolds. I’m fully invested!

The flirty teasing, quick banter, and playful push-and-pull are what made this book such a joy to read. Georgie and Eoin encourage each other but aren’t afraid to challenge each other. Any conflicts are light and quickly resolved, making this the perfect, lighthearted, feel-good, holiday read.

✨Includes:✨
High School Rivals To More
College Students Home On Break
Christmas Games Competition
Fun Sibling Dynamics
New Adult Romance
Slow Burn
Small Town
Kisses Only
Dual POV

Favorites:
❤️Flirty texts
❤️Georgie’s brothers
❤️The light show
❤️The scavenger hunt
❤️Candy cane wishes
❤️Top tier banter
❤️Sizzling kisses
❤️Collin and Landri
❤️The epilogue + bonus

Thank you C.P. Cabaniss for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dana M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute holiday read. Georgie and Eoin have been competitive rivals since high school, with Eoin seemingly breezing through life while Georgie has always had to work harder, or at least that’s how Georgie sees it. Now both are home for Christmas break and participating in the town’s annual Christmas Games, and this time Georgie is determined to finally come out on top.

Thanks to a series of run-ins, sometimes quite literal, and often involving Eoin’s loyal running companion, Helli. The two can’t seem to avoid each other. As they spend more time together, they start to realize they’re far more alike than either expected, and that maybe things weren’t quite as easy for the other as they always appeared. Both are also navigating changes in their education and uncertainty about the future, and it’s surprisingly comforting to have someone who understands. Before long, friendship begins to shift into something more… but with Christmas break being so short, is a long-distance relationship really realistic?

Overall, this was a sweet and cozy holiday romance, though it did lean a little cheesy by the end. The characters felt a bit young for me, and the challenges they faced, both personally and romantically, were fairly low stakes. And the big miscommunication? Georgie, please get it together. That said, I loved the small-town atmosphere and the big, bustling families on both sides, even if I didn’t love how overlooked Eoin seemed within his own family. This is a great no-spice read: short, tender, and filled with plenty of flirty, feel-good moments.

Thank you to the author, C.P.P Cabaniss, for the Advanced Copy of the Audio Book. The narrator, Madison Brunoehler did a fantastic job with this one!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑮𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 & 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔 - Book 1 in Glenwood Harts by C.P. Cabaniss.

Releases November 11 in just 2 weeks.

Get ready for some Christmas games, rivalries turns into holiday romance.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
She has something to prove.
He doesn’t understand why she hates him.

When high school rivals Georgie and Eoin find themselves back in town for Christmas, the newly minted Glenwood Christmas Games draws them into a new competition. One Georgie is determined to win.

As the week of competition unfolds, the two discover that rivalry doesn’t have to mean war. Sometimes the best person to fall for is the one who pushes you the hardest.

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love a good Christmas story and this reminded me of a cute Hallmark movie/book that did not disappoint. The banter between Eion and Georgie was fun and sweet. As these two high school rivals see each other again after all these years when they both come home for Christmas to spend time with their families, their old rivalry comes back. Georgie wants to win and be the best, Eion has really no clue why Georgie hates him so much. Georgie has never felt like she measured up. And Eion has a secret of his own but is not sure if his family will understand. The competition heats up again Eion & Georgie in the Christmas Games, they realize they have more in common and some feelings for each other as sparks start flying. Will these two keep the flames going or will their differences keep them apart?

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author @cpcabaniss_author
and @the_audio_collective for the #gifted audiobook.

🎄🍬This was such a sweet, cozy Christmas romance with just the right amount of tension and heart. High school rivals-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and Georgie and Eoin delivered alllll the competitive banter and emotional growth.

They keep running into each other after returning home for Christmas, and when the Glenwood Christmas Games pull them into forced proximity? Let the games begin. Georgie has something to prove, and Eoin truly doesn’t understand why she dislikes him so much—which makes the unraveling of their past even more satisfying. Watching their rivalry soften into understanding (and feelings 😍) was such a treat.

Add in family drama, festive competitions, an adorable animal sidekick, and all the Christmas vibes, and this story felt like a Hallmark movie with extra heart. I also loved the message that rivalry doesn’t have to mean war—and that sometimes the person who challenges you the most is the one worth falling for. 🍬🎄

🎧 The audiobook, narrated by Madison Brunoehler, was fantastic. She brought the characters to life and made this such an enjoyable listen for the holiday season.

✨ Tropes & Vibes:
🎄 Sweet Christmas Romance
🎯 Rivals to Lovers
🏠 Forced Proximity
🎲 Christmas Games
🐾 Animal Sidekick
🎁 Small-Town Holiday Feels

[Heather (Bookedwithheather) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pure small-town Christmas magic! Set in the charming town of Glenwood or what l'd call Christmas town. 😆
Christmas Games and Candy Canes follows Georgie who's determined to make this year's holiday season special - even if it means joining the town's Christmas Games and competing against her HS rival.
What she doesn't plan on? Getting teamed up with her childhood rival Eoin, who somehow manages to be both infuriating and incredibly charming.

As our two MC's continue through the book Georgie and Eoin's playful banter turns into undeniable chemistry. Their connection felt like watching a Hallmark movie come to life.
C.P. Cabaniss nails the balance between holiday cheer and heartfelt emotion. The romance is slow-burn and swoony, the side characters add plenty of charm, and the setting feels like stepping right into a snow globe.
This is the kind of story that'll make you want to bake cookies, light a candle, and watch every holiday romance movie.

*** the only downfall for me, and it's a small one, is the main characters were in their early twenties. It was harder for me to resonate with them and find a connection ***

Read if you love:
small town
holiday competitions
sweet kisses only
candy canes, cocoa and cozy vibes