Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed

by Cassidy Hudspeth

Christmas break is looming at Cedar Grove University.

Except Maeve Gray doesn't have a way home for the holidays. Freshly out of a toxic relationship and medical school just around the corner, she wants nothing more than an escape. But with no car, booked-up flights, and a snowstorm on the horizon, she's out of options.

That is...until she meets Tatum Brooks.

When the shy nerd offers to drive her across the country, there's no way she can say no. He may be socially awkward and able to solve any math equation in his head in seconds, but she's desperate.

Seven days. 2,409 miles. An imminent snowstorm.

What could possibly go wrong?

Genres: Christmas, Forced Proximity, College Romance

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Cassidy Hudspeth is an Indie Author who loves to read and write spicy romance books. She’s been writing for twelve years and reading for as long as she can remember. She resides in North Carolina with her son, husband, and fur-child. When Cassidy isn’t writing, she’s usually binge watching reality TV or spending time with her family.

Instagram: @cassidyhudspethauthor
Tiktok: @cassidyhudspethauthor

Reviews

[Navi Singh]

This ARC has my whole heart. It gave me joy-sparking, comfort-read energy I didn’t even realize I was missing. From page one, the MMC owns every bit of that soft, nerdy, adorable innocence that instantly makes you want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him at all costs. It’s been forever since I’ve read a hero this sweet, and I swear I was smiling like an idiot every other chapter.

The FFC Maeve is such a perfect counterpart. She is charming, warm, and effortlessly lovable. She balances the story so well that every scene with the two of them feels like a little holiday treat.

Cassidy completely nailed this, and I already know I’ll be picking up whatever she writes next.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️/2🌶️

OMG, this book was adorable. It gave me everything I didn’t even know I was craving, starting with the sweetest, nerdiest, most innocent MMC. Yes, you read that right: an innocent male main character! It’s been so long since I’ve read one, I genuinely forgot how much joy that trope brings me!💕

Maeve was amazing in her own way, balancing the story perfectly with her charm and warmth.

The whole book felt like a much needed pick-me-up, especially after being stuck in a slump. Sometimes you just need something soft, wholesome, and heart-hugging, and this delivered exactly that.

I cannot wait to read more of Cassidy’s work. 🙌🏼

Tropes: strangers to lovers, virgin H

[Zoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed☕️📖🩺🚙💋🎄

Thank you so much Cassidy for the e-arc of Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed, out now 🫶

This was such a sweet novella that had my heart aching! Maeve and Tatum have both gone through so much that seeing them together? Oh my gosh😭😭😭

I love how they were such opposites but deep inside they were the exact same. Both lonely, both craving peace and love, and both so horrendously down bad for each other.

Tatum is quite literally the cutest most sweetest mmc I’ve read in a while. He had my heart crying whenever he spoke about his past. His growth on their roadtrip had me so in love. Cassidy wrote this in such a realistic way that nothing felt rushed, when issues rose they dealt with it in the way their characters really would (like Cassidy knew how she wanted her characters and never tried to change them to fit a particular characteristic or anything, she wrote them so raw and beautiful).

Maeve feeling down but being such a boss babe when she was with Tatum? Obsessed. I love me a dominant fmc! Her character growth as well was done so organically and beautiful that I loved both these characters so so much on their own and when they got together.

I would loveeeee to read more about them in the future, they seriously are everything to me 🥹 and I love me a roadtrip romance so this was everything I needed in one perfect short holiday read!!! Oh and the spice ???? Hottttttt I was 😮‍💨

- Strangers to Friends to Lovers
- Roadtrip
- Christmas Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- She Calls Him “Good Boy” and there’s a “Teach Me” Scene🤭
- Virgin MMC

[Lyn ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

• Strangers to Friends to Lovers
• Road trip / Forced proximity
• Virgin/Inexperienced MMC
• Open door spice
• See TW at the end!

This was so sweet and gut wrenching at the same time. Two lonely university students, dealing with their own traumas agree on a cross-country road trip so that Maeve can make it home for Christmas.

Tate stole my entire heart. Oh my gosh, I think I’ll cry just typing this out 😭 He was so sweet despite the cards that life dealt him. I want to wrap him up in the biggest hug and take all of his hurt away. Mae was equally an amazing FMC. She was fresh out of a toxic, abusive relationship so it took them both a while to get comfortable with each other, but the character growth with these two is everything. The care, the patience and space they both offer each other to speak about their traumas. And the spice?! ATE. The praise kink, whew. 10/10 no notes!

TW: childhood trauma, physical abuse, alcohol/drug addiction, domestic violence, PTSD, panic attacks

💌 Thank you Cassidy Hudspeth for the eARC! All opinions are my own. [Available on KU]

[Courtney|the.bookcourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Cassidy Hudspeth for the opportunity to read and review this eARC! All opinions that follow are honestly and my own.

I was so excited when I stumbled across this book on social media, another book to add to my Christmas TBR! Add in a virgin MMC with slutty little glasses and the one bed trope??? SOLD!

Maeve is our FMC who’s had her share of trauma thanks to an abusive ex. And just when she’s moving on, she’s reminded of him when she realizes she has no way home for the holidays. That’s when the cute boy who’s been studying across from her during finals, speaks up and offers to drive her across the country so she can spend Christmas with her family. Seven days in a car and random hotels with shy but attractive Tatum Brooks? What could possibly go wrong?

This was such a cute freaking book. I loved Tatum with his nervousness and little nerdy facts sprinkled in to his conversations. And the way he melted for Maeve, ugh my heart. They both deserve the absolute world for what they’ve both been through and I loved them together so much. And omg the spice!? We love a man who listens like such a good boy 😉.
My only issue was just the continuity of some of the major plot points. We never got any closure with Landon, not just with him threatening to go after Maeve again but also her parents not knowing the truth. Maybe that was done on purpose but it definitely felt a bit too open ended for me.
Either way, perfect read for the season and such an adorable story of two people finding the love they were meant to have.

[Kenzi Harlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

if i could give this book more than 5 stars, i would. tate and maeve have invaded my mind, even when i’m not reading. i loved their story, i loved them, both individually and together, and i really think sweet tate is (one of) my new favorite mmc’s. virgin mmc, a very specific trope, done SO well. i’m so incredibly happy with this entire story from start to finish, learning who maeve and tate and watching them grow. i absolutely plan on rereading!

tropes/notes:
- strangers to lovers
- college library meet cute
- black cat FMC
- shy, nerdy MMC
- road trip romance
- forced proximity
- one bed scene
- virgin MMC
- teach me
- “good boy”

❄️📚👓🛻🎄🩺☕️💋🛌🥼🌨️❤️‍🔥

[Breezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️// 🌶️🌶️🌶️

4.75 stars rounded up to a 5! she was smutty and fluffy and sweet. i loved her a lot. and honestly, the only reason im docking it from a full 5 star is cause im greedy and wanted more.

now!!! let me tell you something about me. i LOOOVE a shy, nerdy, man in slutty glasses and that is exactly who Tatum is. he was perfect tbh

i LOOOVE a good reverse, i love seeing then mmc being the inexperienced one. i love seeing the mmc being submissive and willing to do anything the fmc tells him and that’s exactly what you get here!!!

we saw Maeve and Tatum working through their individual traumas together, the whole time. it was nice watching their trust build with each other.

now, i know some people don’t like the insta love and i get it! BUT THIS ONE?! OH BITCH I ATE IT UP!!!! ATE IT UP!!!!!!!

Maeve is a sweetie, she has her struggles but i think she knows and she’s trying and Tate watches that and encourages her to do better and be better.

some of our tropes:
- strangers to lovers
- slutty glasses on a man
- one bed tension
- kind of slow burn
- virgin mmc
- black cat x golden retriever

i highly recommend this sweet holiday romance. as always, please read the trigger warnings first, we go into some heavy topics.

Thank you Cassidy for this amazing ARC. i am obsessed and can’t wait to add her to my shelf.

[Chastine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an arc for this book and I loved it!

Tatum is the shy, nerdy, anxious guy and a virgin and Maeve is the confident one who helps him break out of his shell. I love how in this book the roles were reversed! They have the best black cat/golden retriever energy. It's sweet, it's smutty, and watching them work through their own baggage together was so real and heartwarming!

If you want a holiday romance that’s sweet and a smutty, I really recommend this one!!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise had me entirely hooked. So many things can happen on a road trip and I was so sat for all of it. The perfect mix of fluff and serious topics that these characters felt all too real. Both main characters had traumatic experiences, that they would get through together. I loved watching them build their trust together.

This book had all the fluff I've ever wanted, with a strong, but newly cautious fmc, and the NERDIEST mmc I could've asked for. I loved how accepting of him her family was when they met him. It was really sweet.

I also loved the reversal of the usual tropes, giving her the chance to be the experienced one, and him the inexperienced one. (I giggled)

Thank you to Cassidy for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

(i realize i wrote the word ‘fluff’ twice but Im leaving it as is. just acknowledging my unedited writing.)

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

’Ahora que la conozco, todo ha cambiado. Cada parte de mí ha sido alterada por su mera existencia. Nunca podría volver a ser el chico que era antes de conocerla, ni quiero.’



•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed de Cassidy Hudspeth

Argumento:

Se acercan las vacaciones de Navidad en la Universidad de Cedar Grove.

Pero Maeve Gray no tiene cómo volver a casa para las fiestas. Recién salida de una relación tóxica y con la facultad de medicina a la vuelta de la esquina, solo desea una escapada. Pero sin coche, con los vuelos reservados y una tormenta de nieve en el horizonte, se queda sin opciones.

Eso es... hasta que conoce a Tatum Brooks.

Cuando el tímido empollón se ofrece a llevarla a través del país, no hay forma de que se niegue.

Puede que él sea socialmente torpe y capaz de resolver cualquier ecuación matemática mentalmente en segundos, pero ella está desesperada.

Siete días. 3870 kilómetros. Una tormenta de nieve inminente.


Mi humilde opinión:

Romance universitario, viaje en carretera, proximidad forzada, opuestos se atraen, él cae primero, temporada navideña.

Tatum fue para mi un héroe inesperado cuando ofrece a Maeve llevarla a casa para navidad con su familia. Él es un buen chico, un nerd tímido y solitario, sus sonrojos y siseo me parecían adorables cuando interactuaba con Maeve.

Con una madre alcohólica y drogadicta que no lo protegió tuvo una infancia abusiva. Me partía el corazón porque no sabía como era una verdadera mamá, volver a casa con una familia cariñosa y una verdadera navidad, añoraba tanto todo eso que cuando Maeve lo invita a su casa me puse feliz de que por fin pudiera experimentar todo eso. Ella no solo le dio la navidad sino también la confianza y amor para poder sanar. Lo que hizo él por su madre después de todo lo que le hizo pasar hablaba de su enorme corazón.

Cuando conoce a Maeve no se explica sus sentimientos por ella. Nunca fue atrevido para hablar con una chica cuando apenas podía mantener contacto visual con las personas, nunca se sintió atraído por ninguna tampoco y pasando el tiempo con ella comienza de a poco a tomar valor para hacer y decir lo que sentía por ella. Me encantaba como la adoraba en silencio y simplemente estaba allí para ella. A pesar de su inocencia fue sexy que le pidiera que le enseñe a besar y que le gustara que ella tomara el control para enseñarle otras cosas.

Maeve recientemente termino con su novio abusivo que la dejo creyendo que no era buena para nadie. Me pareció una chica fuerte, ella se dio cuenta que no estaba en una relación sana y lo dejó, se necesita fortaleza y valor para hacerlo. Ella estaba luchando por recuperar su autoestima y el viaje con Tatum le ayuda a entender que no esta rota y merece el amor de alguien bueno como él. Me pareció hermoso que dijera que con él volvió a encontrar motivos para sonreír y reír.

Me alegró que Maeve y Tatum se encontraran, los dos pasaron por situaciones traumáticas que dejaron huella, personas que pensaron que los amaban los lastimaron profundamente y de repente tenían a una persona que los entendía, escuchaba, apoyaba y alentaba. Hay una atracción inmediata, los dos se gustan a primera vista a pesar de que son diferentes, y tienen momentos picantes de “Soy la jefa” y “Haré lo que me pidas”. Pero también hay un gran crecimiento individual en los personajes que me gusto mucho.

No esperaba leer un romance navideño que me hiciera querer llorar! La historia de amor de Maeve y Tatum es linda y sexy con un toque navideño pero con una buena dosis de angustia y emociones que me tocaron el corazón.

[Taylor Dauchy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Cassidy Hudspeth for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! I’ll try to condense any spoilers to the bottom half of my review so please use caution! Strap in cause this’ll be a long one…..

⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
I was very intrigued by the plot summary & tropes included in this book. I enjoyed the dialogue of the characters and their behavior prior to the road trip. I felt the way the characters were acting towards each other made sense. I loved the touch of the playlist, I actually made it into a playlist on Spotify and it is a BOP. On repeat. Unfortunately, once the road trip started is where the book began fizzling out for me. There was much to be desired— I don’t exactly feel it falls under miscommunication but each main character could’ve been way more open & honest with each other. Tatum was set up so well in the beginning but I found he had barely any character development. Other than being less nervous around Maeve, he wasn’t less shy, more transparent about his upbringing, or willing to do the work to move on from his relationship with his mother. Maeve we just got a peek at her dealing with the learned behavior from her past relationship— and yes Tatum gives her that confidence boost but it is the bare. minimum. The author could’ve gotten us so much deeper in terms of character development and really found a way to show a substantial amount of growth by the end. There could’ve been way more yearning and tension between Tate & Maeve. I found myself asking (almost from the start) ‘why is Maeve his dream girl? What is so enticing?’ When the prior set up is just that they are constantly in the library at the same time. Other than looks why is Tate so enamored with her?? Jumping to the end— the entire situation with Tate’s mother pissed me off. Even with a private donor— not from the transplant list— his mother would not qualify for a transplant. She doesn’t have a support system and has not shown she’s willing to take care of the organ she’d be receiving. Why after so many years of being neglected & thrown away by his only family would he even be willing to do that? Sorry but she can choke.

Overall, this was not the book for me. I’d be willing to try the plot line again if the author expanded upon the characters and deepened their background. Thank you for providing me this ARC!

[Tiffani Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you with its softness and then wins you over completely with its heart. Cassidy Hudspeth creates characters who feel emotionally real and easy to root for, especially in the way vulnerability is handled with care and respect. The connection builds in a way that feels both tender and exciting, balancing nervous anticipation with moments of confidence that feel genuinely earned. I found myself smiling a lot while reading, fully invested in the emotional growth and the quiet bravery it takes to open yourself up for the first time.

What really stood out to me was how grounded the emotional themes felt. This story leans into self discovery, patience, and the importance of being seen without judgment. The romance feels safe and encouraging without losing its spark, which made the reading experience comforting but never boring. It is playful in places, heartfelt in others, and always focused on connection over spectacle.

This is a great pick if you love romances that feel intimate and affirming, where the emotional payoff comes from trust, kindness, and choosing each other with intention. I closed this one feeling warm, satisfied, and very glad I picked it up.

Tropes:
• Never been kissed
• Sweet and spicy romance
• Gentle hero
• Emotional growth
• First love vibes
• Feel good connection

[Amanda Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25⭐️ Spice: 3.5🌶️

What to expect:
🥰Virgin MMC
🛻Roadtrip
🎄 Christmas Romance
❤️‍🔥 Forced Proximity
🐈‍⬛ Black cat x golden retriever
💕Strangers to lovers

Ohh my gosh this was a super sweet comfort read. This book gave me something I didn’t know I needed. Maeve and Tatum were perfect for each other. They were fabulous and you couldn't help but fall in love with them. Tatum was this hot, nerdy, shy, innocent guy with slutty glasses (umm what more could you want from an MMC). He’s a major GREEN FLAG boyfriend. It has been awhile since I read a book with a truly innocent MMC. The FMC Maeve is charming, warm and very loveable. Maeve and Tatum couldn’t be more opposite but deep down they were the same, both lonely and craving a connection and love.

I loved watching Tatum grow during the roadtrip with Maeve. Hearing him speak about his past broke my heart a little more each time. He found his voice, he found a way to stick up for himself and not be walked all over. Maeve ohhh man!! She’s a damn boss babe in the bed and I’m here for it. I loved watching her dominant side come out. Maeve also had some great character growth. Watching both of them grow and change was amazing. And the way Cassidy did it was chef’s kiss, she did it so organically and slowly that it didn’t feel rushed to fake. The characters handled their issues and problems when they arose like any person would and it was so refreshing to see.

I loved watching Maeve with Tatum, she was so encouraging during their “lessons”. She never made him feel less than. Lots of “good boy” moments that’ll make you squeal in delight as well as fan yourself. Plenty of teach me moments that’ll melt your panties right off. And definitely lots of sweet moments that’ll have you wanting more.

This was such a sweet holiday romance. It was soft, wholesome and a good heart hugging read with plenty of spice but don’t worry it definitely doesn’t take away from the plot. Cassidy did an amazing job bringing these characters to life and making an amazing romance story with them.

Thank you to Cassidy for my ARC!

[Mizu · Rating 5 out of 5]

💠 Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed 💠
✨️Happy Release Day!✨️
Author by Cassidy Hudspeth . Ayiee!! I'm so honoured to read her new book again! I'm very excited to read this! And gosh this is so cutee couples. I rarely read this kind of books but gosh darn it's so cute. This is perfect timing to start reading Christmas books. And of course Christmas spirit. I really like the story and the flow, hoping to see more scene's Tatum with Maeve family but its okay. And the nicknames for each other ayiee. Cute. Super cute.

Thank you, Author Cassidy Hudspeth for sending me an ARC copy of this book and making me part of your ARC team. I can't wait to read or hear your new books to come.

⭐️Qoutes⭐️

“All of the other stuff isn’t going to matter to me if you’re not there,” I continue. “They’re just…added bonuses. You are my only focus.”

🔹️Trope 🔹️
👓strangers to lovers
☕️christmas/holiday romance
👓roadtrip (across country) romance
☕️forced proximity
👓one bed
☕️semi slowburn
👓virgin/inexperienced MMC
☕️campus library meet cute
👓semi black cat x golden retriever vibes

Spicy: 🌶🌶
Star Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reading Statues(Nov 29, 2025- Dec 1, 2025)

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a Clark Kent-esque MMC who is secretly very muscular and protective. Tatum is shy, nerdy, and quietly in love with Maeve, who is the very feisty and confident FMC.

When they end up on a cross-country road trip for Christmas, their "strangers-to-friends with benefits" arrangement starts to turn into something much deeper. Tatum might be shy in public, but he finds a whole new level of confidence in the bedroom that leads to some serious heat. Between steamy nights in hotel rooms and dealing with some heavy secrets from their pasts, they find a way to help each other heal. I loved how their story was a slow burn that heated up at just the right moment, leaving you hooked through the whole story.

Watching Maeve come into her own, and Tatum finally stand up for himself to his family, was the perfect ending to a super sweet and very spicy journey.

What to expect:
✨ Clark Kent MMC
✨ Feisty/Sassy FMC
✨ Cross-country road trip
✨ Strangers to Friends with Benefits to Lovers
✨ Forced Proximity (Shared hotel bed)
✨ Emotional healing and growth

Thank you, Cassidy Hudspeth, for providing a copy of this book to review.

[Rebecca Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little read set around Christmas time without feeling overly Christmassy.

Tatum Brooks is shy, nerdy, quiet and keeps himself to himself, spending the majority of his time on the campus library while studying for his masters. He is socially awkward, has never had any experience with girls but he's noticed Maeve.

Maeve Gray is aiming to go to medical school and has recently got out of a toxic relationship. With no way to get back home for Christmas, Tatum overhears Maeve's sad conversation with her mother and offers to drive her home for Christmas. It's almost two and a half miles away and she wonders why someone she has never met would do that for her.

With a snowstorm imminent, their trip is a week long with a few little hotel stays required along the way.

Both Tatum and Maeve have experienced their own trauma but the proximity makes them open up and be each others help through their issues.

[DandelionBlowsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75✨

First off, thank you so much to the author for an arc copy in exchange of an honest review!

This book follows Maeve, who after leaving her abusive ex, has no way to go and see her family for the holidays. Tatum being the man that he is, naturally offers her a ride. And thus begins their cosy holiday road trip.

As short as this book was, I really enjoyed the writing and the overall Christmas vibe of the story. They are two beautifully flawed people that found each other and strived to be the people they deserved,for each other. I would definitely recommend this if you want an easy, cutesy, cosy read!

I just had times where I felt like the tension between them was a little lacking and everything happened quite fast between them. (It’s a short book so I know, okay?)😭 However, this could literally just be my brain.

[Desiree Raburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up to 4 ⭐️s)
🌶🌶

If you love:
👫 Strangers to lovers
🎄 Christmas roadtrips
🛏 Forced proximity
🏫 College setting
😇 Virgin MMC
🐕 Good boy moment
💜 Mutual healing

"I guess it's easy to fall headfirst for someone when you've been searching your entire life for someone to love you back."

What started as a Christmas roadtrip evolved into a healing journey for two strangers with very different backgrounds. There are so many layers to these characters, good and bad. It added to the story everytime a layer was revealed. Their healing together was a beautiful thing.

Admittedly, I was expecting a fluffy, rom-com holiday read and I got that for part of the book, but the other part was heavy and emotional. That's not a bad thing - just want readers to know what to expect!

[Angelique Iannetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Cassidy Hudspeth for the ARC Copy!

This book was beautifully written! It was spicy and heartwarming. I read this book so fast! It was so good! There was so much spice.

I absolutely loved Tatum and Maeve they are the cutest and now one of my favorite couples! I loved how they helped each other out through out the book and overcame obstacles together.

I enjoyed reading every moment shared between them. Tatum is the sweetest MMC and Maeve is sweet as well.

I definitely related to each of the characters in different ways!

I loved the Christmas elements in the book as well!

I can’t wait to read more books from Cassidy!

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

🛻🎄ARC Review🌲🛻

Thank you Cassidy Hudspeth for this ARC of Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed

Tatum is my new favorite MMC EVER! Shy, sweet, helpful beautiful Tatum! Man was he down bad for Maeve!

I loved everything about this story from the library meet cute, when Tatum has been silently, secretly crushing on Maeve!

This story was light hearted but had such heavy undertones that were absolutely handled with care! The way that wrote all the trauma yet how she healed it with these characters was fabulous!

Tropes:
🛻Strangers to friends to lovers
🎄Shy MMC
🛻Hurt FMC
🎄Virgin MMC
🛻Christmas Roadtrip
🎄No Third Act Break-Up

[Sukriti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naughty, Nice, Never Been Kissed by Cassidy Hudspeth is a steamy, emotionally charged romance that leans into angst, vulnerability and raw attraction. The story immerses readers in a tumultuous relationship — full of longing, hesitation, and undeniable chemistry. Hudspeth doesn’t shy away from exploring messy emotions and the imperfect reality of love, which makes the characters feel real and flawed. The tension between “should I?” and “can’t resist” is tangible throughout. While it may not be to everyone’s taste due to its intensity and dramatic dynamics, fans of dark-heat romance will likely find this novel immersive and hard to forget.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm so sorry, I wanted to love this so much and for the first half of the book, I was interested in seeing where the story would take Tatum and Maeve. However, I did have difficulties building a connection with the characters and when the conflict arose, I felt like it was a little rushed for such a serious decision. As a healthcare professional, it was difficult for me to see this on page knowing what I know from experience. I think this book just may not have been the right fit for me.

All that to say, I hope Maeve and Tatum are still living and loving each other deeply <3

Thank you Cassidy for the eARC for my honest thoughts.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fall more in love with Cassidy’s writing with every book. This woman knows how to write romance. But this one was particularly special. With both main characters having a lot of trauma and being so similar without even knowing it at times, they help and compliment each other so much. Both so attentive and cautious with their actions and how best to support each other. Tatum in particular hit home for me. He’s quiet and misunderstood but he has such a good heart and his intentions are so pure. This was more than a five star read for me, Cassidy keep smashing it, babe!!

Oh and they’re super spicy so 🤭

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐!!!

Thank you to Cassidy Hudspeth for an e-arc copy of this book!

This was such a short and sweet romance read. The plot moved quickly and I'm always a sucker for a forced proximity story. I enjoyed reading about Maeve and Tatum. While the book did take place during such a short time, and was a bit fast paced, the characters did develop chemistry an a connection. The book was well written and I honestly couldn't put it down. If you're looking for a short and sweet romance book for the holidays, this is the perfect in my opinion!!

Tropes:
strangers to lovers
roadtrip
forced proximity
somewhat slowburn

[Latazia · Rating 3 out of 5]

☆☆☆.5
——-
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓉ℴ 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓇 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝒸!!!

I enjoyed this read. The forced proximity and tension was immaculate. Tatum was so down bad for Maeve it made no sense. He was such a gentleman and I loved him down! I felt so much for my girl Maeve. She went through a lot and I was glad to see her character development throughout the chapters. They both went through there own personal traumas and it was cute to read how they helped each other through their own challenges and obstacles.

[Stephanie Routhier · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Just flew through this!

A quick holiday read with spice and a sweet romance!

I am HERE for a sweet guy with glasses. Who isn’t? But Tatum was THAT guy. Hot, sweet, has glasses, and is down BAD for Mae.

I loved Mae and how she was confident in what she wanted, but also had been through things that should make her wary.

[thetbrhoarder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @cassidyhudspethauthor for trusting me with an arc of this wonderfully giddy book. Tatum and Maeve are the cutest pairing and their story was adorable to read, seeing him open up about his past and start to build his confidence around her was so refreshing to see as it’s normally the other way round. This is my first book by Cassidy and I’ve already got me eye on Lunar Crest. If you want a cute strangers - friends - lovers road trip story then pick this up!

[meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

rating: 4.25
spice: 2

I LOVE TATE SOOO MUCH. 🥹 he’s shy, soft-spoken, but knows exactly what he wants. i was so happy to read that he went out of his comfort zone to talk to maeve. 🥹

maeve bringing out his confidence was so nice to see! they’re absolutely perfect together!! i wish this was a full length novel, i wanted more!

- roadtrip
- friends to lovers
- holiday romance
- university setting
- traumatic pasts

[Destinee · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’d rather have even just a few years with you than to never have you at all.”

This was such a short and cute Christmas read! I devoured it in less than 24 hours.

This book flipped all of our fav tropes upside down and our black cat FMC was the talking him through everything but I actually found it refreshing and loved it? It was fun watching Tatum, our anxious and shy, MMC come out of his shell and find his confidence.

The forced proximity and tension in this were 🤌🏼😮‍💨

[Jasmine Jauregui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I read this in a day yes I did!!!



Omg something about a nerdy vocal man that gets me every time omg 🤭 I love Tatum he is so sweet,strong and kind 💕 he been thru a lot but he always tries to see the best in situations regardless of how he been treated and that makes me wanna give him a hug 😭 Maeve is so strong after everything she been thru as well and the way she defends the people she love is amazing 💕 but I love them both together and i truly believe they both healed each other 💕



5.0⭐️