Planes, Reins, and Automobiles

Catching Feelings #2

by Kate Watson

She's sunshine. He's frostbite. They've got 1,600 miles to go before Christmas—and he's about to discover his new enemy might be his anonymous online soulmate.

Oliver Fletcher has one goal, and he's not happy about it: get home for his brother's wedding. After extreme weather cancels every flight, his only option is to share the last (and smallest) rental car with the last (and most infuriating) woman he could ever want to be stuck with.

Poppy Lewis is everything Oliver isn't—joyful, optimistic, and prone to random acts of kindness. She finds the perpetually cynical ex-athlete totally maddening. Their only truce is found online, where Oliver (GreenArrow11) trades secrets with his anonymous confidante (GracieLou).

But Poppy IS GracieLou. And as the cross-country journey forces them together through storms, car troubles, and not enough hotel rooms, Poppy discovers her new enemy might be her anonymous online soulmate. But when her career as a sentencing advocate collides with Oliver’s family tragedy, the truth she’s been hiding could destroy everything.

Oliver demands justice; Poppy champions compassion. As their disastrous road trip pushes them closer, Oliver must confront the truth: the woman who drives him crazy might be the only one who can stitch his broken heart back together.

It'll take planes, reins, and automobiles to get them back home to their families. But once the secrets are exposed, will they ever want to see each other again? Or never want to be apart?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Holiday, Rom Com, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2025

About the author

Kate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.

She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.

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Reviews

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oliver Fletcher & Poppy Lewis
- Dual POV
- Pen-pals
- Christmas plans/travel going awry
- Road trip
- Protective and caring MMC
- People pleasing, kind FMC
- Sunshine & Grump
- Found family

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- their sarcastic, blunt, honest banter
- Their rental car 😂
- Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong
- Nicknames
- The sweet Amish couple
- Him caring for her so deeply while she was broken and exhausted
- The cuddles 🥹
- The fun and playfulness they have
- The love declarations and finding their way back to each other
- Theme of standing up for yourself and not letting people bled you dry while also caring and loving people well

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 of the Catching Feelings Series - Wow. This book has so much heart. The MCs are real people with some intense struggles that are worked out on page. As a reader, you walk with the characters through all their processing, self-sabotage, spirals, and breakthroughs.

This book is set at Christmas time and has so Christmas magic, but it is so much more than that. The book wrestles with complex emotions over a difficult theme. Much of the book the MCs disagree at their core over this major theme/problem. In the end, they agree that situations and circumstances aren’t that simple but it was a long road to get them there.

There was real character development with strong push and pulls throughout the plot. Both Oliver and Poppy had to fight tooth and nail to figure out what they believe and what they want.

I can’t recommend this one enough if you like things constantly going wrong, cars the size of a raspberry, cute older couples, adventure, him taking care of her, her taking care of him, honest conversations, kind strangers, teasing, spicy food, big love declarations, so much PDA, supportive friends and family, and weather that had to be a paid actor.

This is a closed door Christmas romcom. There is no cursing, minimal vague innuendo, and non descriptive kissing that focuses on emotions more than actions. There are difficult themes and some hard experiences in the book. The author has a content warning at the beginning of the book.

**Thank you so much to Kate for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

an all nighter read :)

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Watson did it again. I was kicking my feet, screaming into my pillow, giggling, gasping... the whole emotional gymnastics routine. And don’t even get me started on the secret identity trope. My slow-burn heart was absolutely eating it up.

This book was an emotional masterpiece. I was hooked from chapter one and immediately felt everything. It breaks your heart, puts it back together, and somehow makes you feel seen in the process.

Poppy absolutely deserves the biggest hug ever. She’s been through so much, yet she’s still this bright, hopeful sunshine girl you can’t help but root for. And Fletcher… listen, he is exactly the kind of quietly sad, deeply caring MMC I fall for every single time. The way these two understand each other is just beautiful.

Yes, it’s a bit heavier than your typical romcom, but that's what makes it hit harder. It handles tough topics with so much care that it never feels overwhelming. Overall, it's a deeply heartfelt, slow-burn gem. I’m obsessed!!!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️‍🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️‍🔥 Road Trip
❤️‍🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Secret Identity
❤️‍🔥 Strangers to Lovers
❤️‍🔥 One Bed

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay............. brb as i go and cry

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The synopsis starts with: She's sunshine. He's frostbite
I am ALL IN

Drop this grumpy sunshine duo in a car for an epic 1600 mile road trip and my schedule is cleared. Chores, and all other adulting responsibilities, consider yourself shirked 😂

This is a great grumpy sunshine, although the reference to Christmas in the synopsis threw me off. It is not a Christmas story, although it does take place during winter.

I really loved this one!

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Kate doesn’t miss!! And her titles are so delightfully punny! 🤭

From the moment I finished Sean and Kayla’s beautiful book, I knew I needed Oliver’s book asap! It was one of my most highly anticipated Christmas reads actually, haha, and with good reason!

Grumpy sunshine in a Buddy the Elf meets the Grinch sort of way? Sign. Me. Up. (And I adored the nicknames 🤣)

It’s comedic and laugh-inducing but also touches on heavier topics, which exactly how I like my rom-coms. Give me laughter but give me depth—and we got it in spades. 😭

And now I dying for Scottie’s story!!! I’m already mentally preparing for ALL THE ANGST! 😂

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planes, Reins AND Automobiles
(Catching Feelings #2)
by Kate Watson
@katewatsonbooks

••ARC Review: 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~She’s sunshine. He’s frostbite. They’ve got 1,600 miles to go before Christmas-and he’s about to discover his new enemy might be his anonymous online soulmate…

“I see you. I choose you. You’re not alone.”

-Planes, Reins AND Automobiles, is a lighthearted cute story. Layered between humor and heart is depth! I enjoyed watching irrational and walls built up be able to melt! The emphasis this story has on not fixing but, being held with feelings, and that it’s okay to not be whole, but healing along the way was tenderly beautiful! Watching characters be able to take a stand, speak minds with bravery, and make space for something more, something that brings joy was heartwarming! Seeing the difference of selflessness, care, protection, being happy, and positivity make in this dear story was so delightful! The emphasis to be one’s self and to not hide, matters greatly. The journey within isn’t the easy path with obstacles, hiccups, and challenges along the way with plans changing, and safety with weather conditions, but where the destination leads was so satisfying in this cute story! Worth the read! 🙌🏻📚❤️

““Every day, Poppy Grace. I’ll choose you every day.”Now come on. Day one starts now.”

•Content: themes of multiple kinds of grief, loss, family struggles. A single-car accident is shown, a criminal justice backdrop and discussions regarding sentencing, victims, and the complexities of justice
and accountability. Side characters critical and demanding. No political message is
advocated for; some drinking, strained relationships. Kisses only. Closed-door!

“The world will not fall apart if you stand up for yourself.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Let yourself help people in a way that makes YOU happy.”

#planesreinsandautomobiles

“I’m all yours, Ollie Pop.”

#catchingfeelings

“You deserve love. Plain and simple and unconditional.”

#katewarsonbooks

“People don’t need a reason to be happy.”

#allaboutthebestreads

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see you. I choose you. You’re not alone.

"𝑶𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔. 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆. 𝑯𝒆 𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒅𝒆, 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔. 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆’𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒙 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔."

What a wonderful story! Oliver and Poppy couldn’t be more different, and yet, they couldn’t be more perfect for each other. If you love tropes like: forced proximity, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed, secret identity, and opposites attract, this book is for you. Add in plenty of family dynamics and drama, and you have one amazing read!

When Poppy and Oliver’s flight is canceled, the only car left forces them to share a ride. Cue the banter...because these two are like oil and water at first. But as their road trip continues, the ice between them starts to melt. Oliver opens up about his struggles, and Poppy begins to share her own worries and fears. Still, both are keeping big secrets: each has feelings for someone they’ve met online, and neither realizes they’ve been talking to each other!

Their connection deepens as the miles roll by, but the truth behind Oliver’s family tragedy, and Poppy’s role in it, hangs over them. As sparks fly, they have to decide what to do about their growing feelings and the secrets between them. What happens when the trip is over, they go their separate ways and the secrets come out?! Will they have a future beyond this road trip when all is revealed?!

This story is both sweet and swoony, yet full of depth and emotion. It delivers all the feels! My only wish was to spend a bit more time in their online world with them (where they started to fall for each other), since that relationship played such a key role in the story. Still, I absolutely loved this, and I’m thrilled we’ve already met Scottie, Lucas, and Jake. I can’t wait for book three in the series!

I gave this 4.5 stars rounded to 5!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

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

This book was an absolute masterpiece and had me feeling all the things from the first chapter. Be prepared for your heart to break and be stitched back together in a beautiful way through forgiveness and gaining deeper understanding of other people. Crying during a book is completely cathartic.

Fletcher (also Oliver) and Poppy were such dynamic characters with complex relationships and challenges. I absolutely adored The You Got Mail element of this story and it made me giddy at all the unintentional hints dropped along the way. I loved the push and pull between them that helped them both grow.

Favorite parts:
-Fletcher offering Poppy a ride in his rental car.
-Scottie’s advice
-Poppy’s ability to see good in so many people and things.
-“Ollie Pop”
-hotel awkwardness
-Poppy calling Fletcher—Oliver.
-the number of times Fletcher thought Poppy was cute or beautiful. 😍
-staying on an Amish farm
-Fletcher’s good heart.
-how they both discovered the others secret identity.

Favorite Quotes:
Oliver Fletcher is a man of contradictions. He’s mad at the world yet he offered to share a car with me. He avoids conversation yet he asks me about myself. He’s rude, yet he apologizes. He’s beautiful and just as broken. And I’ve made it my life’s mission to fix broken things. Systems, people, you name it. Oliver Fletcher is a gorgeous mess with so much potential, it almost aches to look at him. He’s the ultimate fixer-upper. Which means we cannot get to Rochester fast enough.

“Then next time, try believing me. It’s less angsty.”
“I’m not angsty.”
“Right, and this isn’t a raspberry.”

“I know you’re busy tomorrow, but I want to see you if you have time. After the party, maybe. And then the day after tomorrow. And the tomorrow after that.”
“That’s a lot of tomorrows.”
“It is, isn’t it?”

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Kate Watson writes it, I’ll read it, and know I will love it! Planes, Reins, and Automobiles is the cute story of Poppy & Fletch (aka Oliver/Ollie) and their serendipitous meeting in an airport and subsequent cross country road trip to Rochester when their flight gets delayed. Add in a very small car, some single room/bed hotels, a slight injury, some black ice, the cutest older married couple, some Amish helpers, and some online chatting, and you have an adorable RomCom that will steal your heart!!

I absolutely loved Poppy’s and Fletch’s story! I loved their grumpy/sunshine characters and watching their friendship form across the miles! I loved Poppy’s “helper” personality and her ability to always see the good and how she was able to get past Fletch’s initial grumpiness to see what a sweetheart he was! I loved how he called her Elf on the Shelf and how she helped him find himself. I also loved how his heart was softened as he made amends with his family. These two and their story were adorable!!

A few favorite quotes:

“It’s the charming ones who are always the secret bad guys. The surly ones are always the secret softies.”

“Then she glances up and wrinkles her nose. What grown woman wrinkles her nose? Is she straight out of the North Pole?”

“I catch a hint of cedar from his soap or deodorant, an attractive masculine smell that’s probably called Yeti Bait, or something.”

“He kisses me softly. “Now come on,” he says, taking my hand. “Day one starts now.”

[Jenna Killpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels for this holiday romance

There is just something about Kate Watson’s books- they aren’t just “fluff” if you will, don’t get me wrong I love a good fluffy romance but Kate’s books have substance and I feel like every time I read one I come out better on the other side. It’s like therapy with a healthy heaping of romance and I love it so much!
Oliver Fletcher is the perfect grumpy MMC he has had some hard things happen and he has put up some pretty high walls to protect his heart. Poppy is little miss sunshine and rainbows on the outside but just like Oliver/Fletch she has some past grief/trauma she is hiding from the world.
When they meet anonymously online in a chat room they could have never imagined meeting IRL coincidentally, but maybe it’s not a coincidence maybe it’s just meant to be.
I absolutely loved this book! Loved the previous book and all of the sweet as sugar maple books and I would recommend reading them all!

[Hannah Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like clean romcoms with some depth- this is it! I’d probably give it a 4 or 4.5 but since they spent a good chunk of the time in Western(ish) Kansas and it felt well represented I bumped it up to a 5⭐️ 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first moment I met Oliver Fletcher and his super grumpy self, I knew there was more than meets the eye and his story was begging to be told.

Planes, Reins, and Automobiles might be a fun and flirty holiday/sports romcom with hidden identities, enemies to more, tons of forced proximity, but it is so, so much more than that. Kate really pulls at your heart strings with this new story. Poppy and Fletcher (aka Elf and Ollie Pop) have some deep wounds in their pasts. Their little holiday escapade is more than a wild and unforgettable journey across the country, it’s a journey of healing.

So while you will definitely laugh (a lot), you also have many heartwarming and heartfelt moments that may bring a tear to your eye.

Thank you, Kate for this amazing story and allowing me an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Stella McAfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

OLIVER OLLIE POP FLETCHER
This book is a must read. I love anything Kate Watson, but this one? One of her best. I was so excited to read Fletch’s story after the previous book and oh boy, did it deliver.
The best part of the book is the message. It will stay with you long after you’ve forgotten the details of the book and are left with only the best scenes.
We’re all a little broken in some way, but some? A lot deeper than others. Is life fair? Depends on how you view it but what Fletch and Poppy got was more than well deserved.
I’d give Poppy the biggest hug ever, and my heart goes out to those who grew up in similar situations. She’s amazing for being so optimistic even after everything, you just have to love her for that.
And Fletch, as sad as it is, is one of my favorite types of male characters. The way the two of them understood each other was simply beautiful. People have dreams, aspirations, hopes yet nothing is set in stone and can change in a blink of an eye. I adore his personality.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read clean books with plenty of wholesome themes, and who is a fan of anything criminal justice, and is ok with tear jerking moments (often). Thank you Kate for sharing your beautiful story with the world.

[Marissa | storiesinthemeadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content: no language or violence, kissing only (and also a “one bed” situation); author includes note at the beginning with more info on content to consider regarding themes/a couple scenes.

Genre/Tropes: contemporary romcom, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, one bed, hidden identity

Winter vibes, but not really Christmas (other than the dates on the calendar)

My thoughts: Could not put this book down, even from the start. There’s a lot of heaviness in the content, with regards to the criminal justice system, but overall the book is light-hearted and has so many funny and swoony moments. I love the personal journey that both Poppy and Fletch go through, realizing they want more than just the safe “no pushing” online relationship that GracieLou and Arrow have. And the agony you feel for them as the reader, as each of them goes through the “I want this person I know online, but I have to give this person in front of me a chance” dilemma. Kate Watson does a great job at making your heart ache, even though you know the happily ever after is coming.

Favorite moments:
❄️ taking care of each other
❄️ the plane ride
❄️ staying overnight at the Amish guesthouse
❄️ the first kiss 😍
❄️ Scottie realizing who Poppy was
❄️ all the nicknames (and I love Ollie Pop!)
❄️ falling for each other online and in person
❄️ “confrontation” scene at the end (and how all of her dad’s friends stand up for her)

[Homes]

I have not finished this book. Shoot, I’ve barely even started it. Because within the first two chapters I was immediately distracted by the thought of anyone getting on a flight from (somewhere in) SC to Rochester, NY that connects through DENVER. I could not help but spend my entire lunch break researching this. First, I looked up all flights going from Greenville, SC (because I feel like previous books in this series have mentioned Greenville being the greatest big city) to Rochester, NY. Unsurprisingly, there are no direct flights between these smaller airports, but the connections are through places like DC, NYC, Chicago, and Detroit. Then I check flights from Denver to Rochester - and there are no direct flights! They all connect through places like DC, NYC, Chicago, and Detroit! There is no world in which it would be standard enough to fly from (somewhere in) SC to Rochester, NY by connecting through DENVER that even one person would do so, let alone multiple people! Which means that in the universe of this book, where they are stranded because storms in the NE are shutting down airports, either the flight out of SC would be cancelled before it took off, or they would have been stranded at an airport that was MUCH closer to their final destination - at most, 9 hours away, if they were in Chicago. Meaning a lot less time for the relationship develop. So I get why the author chose to have them be further away. But why not have them start farther west? Both characters could have randomly been in CA. Or WY. Or AZ. Or CO!!! And this would have made so much more sense.

So no rating. I’ll try remember to update once I do finish the book. Having read most of this author’s books, I’m sure I will find it enjoyable. I’ll just have to amp up my “willing suspension of disbelief.”

[Audrey Colman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this one down! This one is so good that you’ll need to make a block of child free time (if you have kids) or pet free time (if you have pets) and probably husband free time (if you have a husband). Be sure to include some tissues as well.

The nods to the show Arrow and Miss Congeniality had me kicking my feet! And Oliver’s baseball connection 🫠🫠
I adored both Oliver and Poppy. The grumpy/sunshine trope was amazingly, and the banter was perfect! The one bed moment, tiny car, combined with an adventurous drive sucked me in! I know what that long drive from Denver to the east coast is like! (Did it in 3 days, and thankfully no snow!)

If you’re in the mood for the swooniest grumpy sunshine, pick this one up!

Thank you so much, Kate, for my ARC! I cannot wait for the next book, I need one for Scottie and one for Jake 😏😉

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

an emotional read

I have enjoyed all of Kate Watson’s books. This one was difficult for me as there were a lot of triggers. There was emotional abuse, family bullying, feeling like you are just not enough…..the characters had depth…and there was comic relief….but there was a lot of pain too. I did enjoy seeing the beautiful yet wounded hearts of the hero and heroine, but it was hard. A great book….but can be a difficult read if you are feeling vulnerable. I really did love Poppy and Fletch and was so glad to see them get their HEA after such a difficult physical and emotional journey. Theirs is a beautiful, yet painful story.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planes, Reins, and Automobiles was such a cute and heartwarming read! I made so many reader noises while flying through this story—I was immediately drawn in by Poppy and Oliver’s dynamic. I adored Poppy; her sunshine personality absolutely shines on the page, and I loved how much Oliver cared for her (even when he was being his wonderfully grumpy self). I laughed out loud more than once, and I’ll admit, I definitely yelled at Oliver at one point—but he deserved it.

The grumpy x sunshine tension, the only one bed moment, and the slow-burn chemistry made this such a fun, emotional, and cozy road trip romance. The secret identity twist added another layer that kept me hooked, and the ending was completely adorable. I’m honestly not ready to say goodbye to these characters.

A delightful dual POV, forced proximity, closed-door romance that’s full of warmth, heart, and humor. Kate Watson perfectly balances sweet banter with emotional depth—I loved every mile of this journey.

[Tiffany Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a GOOD time.
Was it believable? No, not really.
Did I care? ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOOT

I had the best time road trippin with Fletch & Poppy.

The Christmasy/wintery vibes were there, but not overwhelming (you could absolutely read it out of season).

Poppy & Fletch both just needed someone to see them & they did that for each other 🫶🏻

🌶️: none, kisses only
🤬: no foul language
⚠️: death of parent (off page, past), incarceration/injustice, emotional manipulation

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, surprisingly wonderful. The romance was lovely, and the characters were so cute, and the roadtrip was too too fun, but the underlying themes of the justice system, grief, living up to expectations, parents, siblings, pressure, careers....🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 Wildly well done and gentle. One of my favorites all year.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be my fave author for clean romance! But I do have to say the FMC in this was a bit much. I’m an enneagram 2, so can kinda see where the character comes from, but she was “selfless” to the point of hurting and damaging herself. It just got beyond frustrating. Almost downgraded overall rating due to this character - but writing, story, and plot were really great

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this author always does an amazing job handling tough topics and making traumatic back stories part of her sweet romance. If you're looking for a sweet, light Christmas story, then pass on this until after the new year. The story totally had me sucked in, and I'm always a sucker for the "it was always you/you've got mail" trope. I highly recommend this story!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, this story appears to be the classic Christmas road trip gone wrong. He's the grump; she's the sunshine. There's plenty of hijinks and lots of romantic tension. A delightful Christmas read.

And while that is all true, this story also goes deeper than typical Christmas fare. She's sunshine because she thinks that's the only way she might deserve love. He's grumpy because he's carrying the weight of his family's expectations. This story touches on some pretty heavy topics and really tugged at my heartstrings. But the fun (and swoony) parts of the story balanced out the heaviness and everything comes together in a heartwarming message of hope, forgiveness, and love.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of relatable real life moments that made me feel and will stay with me for a long time.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meaningful, nuanced inner character worlds? Real, profound conflicts? A freaking beautifully done plot twist? All in a rom com?
Heck yes!

Stupid, icky nicknames?
An absolute HECK no.

Literally 4.5 simply because of “Elf on the shelf.” Yuck.

Also I wish I could’ve saved myself a couple thousand dollars and gone through years worth of therapy work in one single afternoon of self-reflection like these kids, lol.

[Kayla Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10, no notes. Kate Watson is on fire!

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[Sarah Tummey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this book was that both characters had satisfying endings in their own right, aside from the actual ending. I liked Oliver's struggle with what life has dealt him, and how Poppy sees the good in others. It's not just an opposites attract story; as the road trip progresses, we're taken on the journey to understand why.

[Kendal Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I didn’t expect anything less from Kate! I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I really enjoyed this story and the secret identity aspect of it really put the icing on the cake. It had me laughing, sad, mad… all the feels. These characters had a lot of depth and it felt angsty at times. The way his family talked to him and blamed him for things out of his control, really had my blood boiling. But overall, I loved Poppy and Ollie together and I loved watching them get their hard earned, happy ending.

FMC: Poppy - criminal justice advocate
MMC: Ollie Fletcher (“Fletch”) - minor league baseball coach for Mullet Mudflaps

What you’ll find:
✈️ Dual POV
🐎 Strangers to Lovers
🚗 Secret Identity
✈️ He takes care of her
🐎 Road Trip in snowstorm
🚗 Online chats
✈️ Personal Growth
🐎 Criminal Justice
🚗 Winter Storm

INFO:
📚: Book 2 of 3 - “Catching Feelings” series
🔹: Connected Standalone
📖: 350 pages

CONTENT:
🌶️: no spice - kissing only, one bed but nothing happens
🤬: None
⚠️: parent in prison, toxic family