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Holly Ridge #1
The Bright Side of Christmas
Wren King is the one person in town everyone can rely on: need someone to watch your kids? She’s got it, you deserve a night off! Want a five dozen cookies for a bake sale? Call up Wren; she loves to bake. As the small town of Holly Ridge’s sweetheart, she’s always available to help, even if it leaves little time for herself along the way.
But this holiday season, it’s ramped up to the next level. As her first year as the head of the decorating committee, a title she inherited after her grandmother passed away, she’s determined to make it the best and brightest year Holly Ridge has ever seen. A bigger festival, decorations on every possible inch of town, and, of course, more lights. Who cares if she’s tired and worn down? She can sleep in January. Christmas only comes but once a year, after all.
Adam Porter moved to Holly Ridge in search of peace and quiet. As a well-known songwriter with writer’s block, he’s hoping a sleepy small town will be the perfect place to find his inspiration and write again. The problem? He hates Christmas. This year, he’s hoping to hide away in the small town, avoid Christmas completely, and write the next big hit by the New Year.
Unfortunately, when he tells his new next-door neighbor, Wren, that he has no plans to decorate his home and thus threatens to break a sixty-year tradition in the town, a battle of decor ensues. As the season progresses and Wren becomes increasingly determined, Adam remains steadfast in his conviction that nothing will make him enjoy the holidays.
Definitely not his sunshiny neighbor, who is convinced she has enough holiday cheer for the two of them.
But this holiday season, it’s ramped up to the next level. As her first year as the head of the decorating committee, a title she inherited after her grandmother passed away, she’s determined to make it the best and brightest year Holly Ridge has ever seen. A bigger festival, decorations on every possible inch of town, and, of course, more lights. Who cares if she’s tired and worn down? She can sleep in January. Christmas only comes but once a year, after all.
Adam Porter moved to Holly Ridge in search of peace and quiet. As a well-known songwriter with writer’s block, he’s hoping a sleepy small town will be the perfect place to find his inspiration and write again. The problem? He hates Christmas. This year, he’s hoping to hide away in the small town, avoid Christmas completely, and write the next big hit by the New Year.
Unfortunately, when he tells his new next-door neighbor, Wren, that he has no plans to decorate his home and thus threatens to break a sixty-year tradition in the town, a battle of decor ensues. As the season progresses and Wren becomes increasingly determined, Adam remains steadfast in his conviction that nothing will make him enjoy the holidays.
Definitely not his sunshiny neighbor, who is convinced she has enough holiday cheer for the two of them.
296 pages, ebook
First published October 23, 2025
1623 people are currently reading
14441 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Elizabeth
23 books6,416 followersMorgan is a born and raised Jersey girl, living there with her two boys, toddler daughter, and mechanic husband. She’s addicted to iced espresso, barbecue chips, and Starburst jellybeans. She usually has headphones on, listening to some spicy audiobook or Taylor Swift. There is rarely an in between.
Writing has been her calling for as long as she can remember. There’s a framed ‘page one’ of a book she wrote at seven hanging in her childhood home to prove the point. Her entire life she’s crafted stories in her mind, begging to be released but it wasn’t until recently she finally gave them the reigns.
I’m so grateful you’ve agreed to take this journey with me.
Writing has been her calling for as long as she can remember. There’s a framed ‘page one’ of a book she wrote at seven hanging in her childhood home to prove the point. Her entire life she’s crafted stories in her mind, begging to be released but it wasn’t until recently she finally gave them the reigns.
I’m so grateful you’ve agreed to take this journey with me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,077 reviews
December 16, 2025
i fear that i am not going to spread any Christmas cheer in this review. i fear that i am also unapologetic about it. call me Scrooge.
dnf @ 35% after 100 pages of constant smirking, eyebrow raises, and a plot that went in circles.
here is my own personal naughty list on the war crimes that this book committed against my holiday spirit:
ﾒ the entire plot is smirks and him telling her to go to bed (to sleep). nothing is happening besides these characters going in circles and getting on every nerve i possess in my body.
ﾒ has anyone ever smirked as much as Adam Porter? i think not. this man’s facial smirking muscles must be tuned to perfection. he also clearly does not have botox with all the movement his eyebrows are doing.
ﾒ the insta-lust. they have zero chemistry, he just wants to stare at her butt, smirk, and think naughty little thoughts in his weird stalker brain.
ﾒ how many times can the mmc say “go to bed” to our fmc? I understand he’s trying to get her to sleep and take care of herself but CAN YOU SAY ANYTHING ELSE?
ﾒ the mmc is just oh so broody and oh so big and oh so unoriginal. give me something new. please.
ﾒ our fmc is, you already know, so very petite and fragile and needs to be taken care of.
ﾒ fmc is insufferable and has no depth. she is a people pleaser and that’s all there is to her personality. JUST SAY NO. but she can’t. because if she actually grew a backbone, this book would end at page 30.
ﾒ mmc has writer's block. and he’s big. and broody. did i mention that yet? …and he watches her through his windows late into the night because he just likes watching her. (yikes)
ﾒ the pet names. he calls her “birdie” and, IN HIS OWN WORDS, it’s because she reminds him of a delicate little bird. he also calls her “sweetness” which isn’t as bad but i still despise it.
ﾒ they enter each others houses without consent. it’s creepy and not okay. he enters her house at nearly midnight because he notices her working late into the night through his window and he carries her to her bedroom forcefully to make her to go sleep. they barely know each other…
ﾒ the lack of editing. there were some obvious typos that needed to be caught.
give me something ORIGINAL. or at least well-written. this is neither.
i do want to thank this book for reviving my love for writing a hate review. what a lovely time i have had venting to you all. 😊
*available on kindle unlimited
—————————————————————
♡⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝ pre-read:
there's just something about December that makes me want to abuse my kindle unlimited subscription and read as many cheesy grumpy x sunshine holiday romances as possible.
time for another one ♡ this cover is the cutest. 🎄✨
dnf @ 35% after 100 pages of constant smirking, eyebrow raises, and a plot that went in circles.
here is my own personal naughty list on the war crimes that this book committed against my holiday spirit:
ﾒ the entire plot is smirks and him telling her to go to bed (to sleep). nothing is happening besides these characters going in circles and getting on every nerve i possess in my body.
ﾒ has anyone ever smirked as much as Adam Porter? i think not. this man’s facial smirking muscles must be tuned to perfection. he also clearly does not have botox with all the movement his eyebrows are doing.
ﾒ the insta-lust. they have zero chemistry, he just wants to stare at her butt, smirk, and think naughty little thoughts in his weird stalker brain.
ﾒ how many times can the mmc say “go to bed” to our fmc? I understand he’s trying to get her to sleep and take care of herself but CAN YOU SAY ANYTHING ELSE?
ﾒ the mmc is just oh so broody and oh so big and oh so unoriginal. give me something new. please.
ﾒ our fmc is, you already know, so very petite and fragile and needs to be taken care of.
ﾒ fmc is insufferable and has no depth. she is a people pleaser and that’s all there is to her personality. JUST SAY NO. but she can’t. because if she actually grew a backbone, this book would end at page 30.
ﾒ mmc has writer's block. and he’s big. and broody. did i mention that yet? …and he watches her through his windows late into the night because he just likes watching her. (yikes)
ﾒ the pet names. he calls her “birdie” and, IN HIS OWN WORDS, it’s because she reminds him of a delicate little bird. he also calls her “sweetness” which isn’t as bad but i still despise it.
ﾒ they enter each others houses without consent. it’s creepy and not okay. he enters her house at nearly midnight because he notices her working late into the night through his window and he carries her to her bedroom forcefully to make her to go sleep. they barely know each other…
ﾒ the lack of editing. there were some obvious typos that needed to be caught.
give me something ORIGINAL. or at least well-written. this is neither.
i do want to thank this book for reviving my love for writing a hate review. what a lovely time i have had venting to you all. 😊
*available on kindle unlimited
—————————————————————
♡⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝⸝ pre-read:
there's just something about December that makes me want to abuse my kindle unlimited subscription and read as many cheesy grumpy x sunshine holiday romances as possible.
time for another one ♡ this cover is the cutest. 🎄✨
November 5, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up! ⭐️
As someone who loves Morgan Elizabeth books, I’m so sad that I didn’t completely love this!
I adored the small town setting and the christmas vibes, but the characters just both made me so annoyed. The fmc was described as a people pleaser, which is fine and I didn’t mind that being a part of the story, but it consumed the entire story. The plot was literally her not having boundaries and refusing to say no to people. It became so repetitive and boring. I wish we got more of the main characters relationship instead of just her trying to learn how to say no.
The mmc also infantilized the fmc throughout the entire story and he just really gave me the ick. He kept calling her “birdie” and “sweetness” and I’m so sorry, but no. Maybe I’m the problem but it was so cringy.
I still love Morgan Elizabeth obviously and I will definitely pick up the next book in this series when it releases in December! I only wish I loved this one more.
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝐿𝒾𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝑔𝒶𝓃 𝐸𝓁𝒾𝓏𝒶𝒷𝑒𝓉𝒽 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 🫶🏼
As someone who loves Morgan Elizabeth books, I’m so sad that I didn’t completely love this!
I adored the small town setting and the christmas vibes, but the characters just both made me so annoyed. The fmc was described as a people pleaser, which is fine and I didn’t mind that being a part of the story, but it consumed the entire story. The plot was literally her not having boundaries and refusing to say no to people. It became so repetitive and boring. I wish we got more of the main characters relationship instead of just her trying to learn how to say no.
The mmc also infantilized the fmc throughout the entire story and he just really gave me the ick. He kept calling her “birdie” and “sweetness” and I’m so sorry, but no. Maybe I’m the problem but it was so cringy.
I still love Morgan Elizabeth obviously and I will definitely pick up the next book in this series when it releases in December! I only wish I loved this one more.
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝐿𝒾𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝑔𝒶𝓃 𝐸𝓁𝒾𝓏𝒶𝒷𝑒𝓉𝒽 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 🫶🏼
November 4, 2025
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ 4 Stars
Thank you House of Hearts and Morgan Elizabeth for this arc🤭🤭 I just can’t wrap my head around how every time i read a Morgan Elizabeth book, it is a banger.
Wren my sweet baby, i felt so bad for her. And as someone who has trouble with saying no, i know how hard it can be. The way her character develops is amazingly beautiful, and how Adam helps her through everything to make her stronger is the sweetest thing.
Adam, he is so fine. He has the sweetest heart and i love him. I love a grumpy man that isn’t mean, but is only soft for her.
And i know it’s a bit early for christmas books but i LOVE christmas okay? i just cant be stopped, you will have to pry it from my cold dead hands before i stop. No i seriously was planning to start with christmas books later this year because last year was really early but i cant say no to an morgan elizabeth CHRISTMAS novel. 🫦
Thank you House of Hearts and Morgan Elizabeth for this arc🤭🤭 I just can’t wrap my head around how every time i read a Morgan Elizabeth book, it is a banger.
Wren my sweet baby, i felt so bad for her. And as someone who has trouble with saying no, i know how hard it can be. The way her character develops is amazingly beautiful, and how Adam helps her through everything to make her stronger is the sweetest thing.
Adam, he is so fine. He has the sweetest heart and i love him. I love a grumpy man that isn’t mean, but is only soft for her.
And i know it’s a bit early for christmas books but i LOVE christmas okay? i just cant be stopped, you will have to pry it from my cold dead hands before i stop. No i seriously was planning to start with christmas books later this year because last year was really early but i cant say no to an morgan elizabeth CHRISTMAS novel. 🫦
November 20, 2025
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── 3.75 stars
arc review 💌
release date: oct 23
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
this beautiful cover and christmas book is calling my name!! i eat up grumpy x sunshine 99% of the time so i hope this is not exception!! starting the holiday books early !!! 🎄💌✨
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥: oct 19
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥: oct 24
✧˖°🎀 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 / 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲
⤷ holiday romance
⤷ neighbours
⤷ celebrity mmc (kinda)
⤷ grumpy x sunshine
⤷ she loves christmas, he can't stand it
⤷ banter
⤷ people pleaser fmc
⋆.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆ 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
the fate of ophelia - taylor swift
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
christmas is my favorite holiday and this gave me all the cozy and best feelings of the season!!! so tender and wholesome with fun banter and just a very caring mmc.
we have holly ridge, a small town where christmas is huge. wren king is head of the decorating committee and is the person everyone can count on for lending a helping hand. need someone to watch your pets? shovel your driveway? put up christmas lights? she's your girl. she doesn't know how to deny help to people and loves being the person everyone in her town can rely on!! but sometimes between being an elementary teacher, head of decorating, and helping everyone in town a girl can get burnt out.
adam porter is hiding in holly ridge to see if he can write music again, all of his top hits have only ever been christmas pop songs and he feels embarrassed of this. him and wren cross paths sooner than later, not being able to hide as the broody mysterious neighbor.
wren is on a mission to get him to decorate his house for christmas and soon starts without his permission.
they literally have hilarious banter and the way he wanted her to put herself first 🥹🥹
wren and adam are so cute and i love how they show the other how important they are and how it feels to be loved for who you are and not what you've done or can do for someone.
⋆.˚✮🦢✮˚.⋆ 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
to all my christmas lovers pick this up!!!! truly such a wholesome and memorable book!!!
꒰ ⚠︎ ꒱ 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
⤿ explicit language / scenes
⤿ death of a loved one
⤿ grief
✧ thank you to morgan for sending me an arc !!! ✧
—
mwah,
joni 🤍
arc review 💌
release date: oct 23
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
this beautiful cover and christmas book is calling my name!! i eat up grumpy x sunshine 99% of the time so i hope this is not exception!! starting the holiday books early !!! 🎄💌✨
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥: oct 19
⤿ 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥: oct 24
✧˖°🎀 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 / 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲
⤷ holiday romance
⤷ neighbours
⤷ celebrity mmc (kinda)
⤷ grumpy x sunshine
⤷ she loves christmas, he can't stand it
⤷ banter
⤷ people pleaser fmc
⋆.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆ 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
the fate of ophelia - taylor swift
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
christmas is my favorite holiday and this gave me all the cozy and best feelings of the season!!! so tender and wholesome with fun banter and just a very caring mmc.
we have holly ridge, a small town where christmas is huge. wren king is head of the decorating committee and is the person everyone can count on for lending a helping hand. need someone to watch your pets? shovel your driveway? put up christmas lights? she's your girl. she doesn't know how to deny help to people and loves being the person everyone in her town can rely on!! but sometimes between being an elementary teacher, head of decorating, and helping everyone in town a girl can get burnt out.
adam porter is hiding in holly ridge to see if he can write music again, all of his top hits have only ever been christmas pop songs and he feels embarrassed of this. him and wren cross paths sooner than later, not being able to hide as the broody mysterious neighbor.
wren is on a mission to get him to decorate his house for christmas and soon starts without his permission.
they literally have hilarious banter and the way he wanted her to put herself first 🥹🥹
wren and adam are so cute and i love how they show the other how important they are and how it feels to be loved for who you are and not what you've done or can do for someone.
⋆.˚✮🦢✮˚.⋆ 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
to all my christmas lovers pick this up!!!! truly such a wholesome and memorable book!!!
꒰ ⚠︎ ꒱ 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:
⤿ explicit language / scenes
⤿ death of a loved one
⤿ grief
✧ thank you to morgan for sending me an arc !!! ✧
—
mwah,
joni 🤍
Read
September 29, 2025Blurb Reveal!!!
Wren King is the one person in town everyone can rely on: need someone to watch your kids? She’s got it, you deserve a night off! Want a five dozen cookies for a bake sale? Call up Wren; she loves to bake. As the small town of Holly Ridge’s sweetheart, she’s always available to help, even if it leaves little time for herself along the way.
But this holiday season, it’s ramped up to the next level. As her first year as the head of the decorating committee, a title she inherited after her grandmother passed away, she’s determined to make it the best and brightest year Holly Ridge has ever seen. A bigger festival, decorations on every possible inch of town, and, of course, more lights. Who cares if she’s tired and worn down? She can sleep in January. Christmas only comes but once a year, after all.
Adam Porter moved to Holly Ridge in search of peace and quiet. As a well-known songwriter with writer’s block, he’s hoping a sleepy small town will be the perfect place to find his inspiration and write again. The problem? He hates Christmas. This year, he’s hoping to hide away in the small town, avoid Christmas completely, and write the next big hit by the New Year.
Unfortunately, when he tells his new next-door neighbor, Wren, that he has no plans to decorate his home and thus threatens to break a sixty-year tradition in the town, a battle of decor ensues. As the season progresses and Wren becomes increasingly determined, Adam remains steadfast in his conviction that nothing will make him enjoy the holidays.
Definitely not his sunshiny neighbor, who is convinced she has enough holiday cheer for the two of them.
Book 1 in my brand-new Christmas in Holly Ridge series is coming your way this fall, and it’s full of:
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏡 Next-door neighbors + forced proximity
🎄 Holiday small-town magic
📝 A broody songwriter who hates Christmas
Say hello to The Bright Side of Christmas!
📅 Out October 23, 2025
Pre-order: https://geni.us/MEchristmas2025
ARC Sign-Ups with House of Hearts: https://geni.us/TBSoChristmasARC
Wren King is the one person in town everyone can rely on: need someone to watch your kids? She’s got it, you deserve a night off! Want a five dozen cookies for a bake sale? Call up Wren; she loves to bake. As the small town of Holly Ridge’s sweetheart, she’s always available to help, even if it leaves little time for herself along the way.
But this holiday season, it’s ramped up to the next level. As her first year as the head of the decorating committee, a title she inherited after her grandmother passed away, she’s determined to make it the best and brightest year Holly Ridge has ever seen. A bigger festival, decorations on every possible inch of town, and, of course, more lights. Who cares if she’s tired and worn down? She can sleep in January. Christmas only comes but once a year, after all.
Adam Porter moved to Holly Ridge in search of peace and quiet. As a well-known songwriter with writer’s block, he’s hoping a sleepy small town will be the perfect place to find his inspiration and write again. The problem? He hates Christmas. This year, he’s hoping to hide away in the small town, avoid Christmas completely, and write the next big hit by the New Year.
Unfortunately, when he tells his new next-door neighbor, Wren, that he has no plans to decorate his home and thus threatens to break a sixty-year tradition in the town, a battle of decor ensues. As the season progresses and Wren becomes increasingly determined, Adam remains steadfast in his conviction that nothing will make him enjoy the holidays.
Definitely not his sunshiny neighbor, who is convinced she has enough holiday cheer for the two of them.
Book 1 in my brand-new Christmas in Holly Ridge series is coming your way this fall, and it’s full of:
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🏡 Next-door neighbors + forced proximity
🎄 Holiday small-town magic
📝 A broody songwriter who hates Christmas
Say hello to The Bright Side of Christmas!
📅 Out October 23, 2025
Pre-order: https://geni.us/MEchristmas2025
ARC Sign-Ups with House of Hearts: https://geni.us/TBSoChristmasARC
October 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐
The Bright Side of Christmas
I enjoyed this one a lot, and I'm so glad I got to read it. 😁
Anyway, one of my favorite tropes is grumpy x sunshine, as long as the guy isn't a total jerk and doesn’t act like he has a split personality—being nice one moment and totally unbearable the next. 🙃 Thankfully, this one has a grumpy MMC but is still pretty likable. Also, I’m not a fan of overly sunny or quirky FMCs, and I'm glad this one doesn't have that (at least, imo). She's just the right lovable sunshine who enjoys helping everyone and has a special love for Christmas. ☺️
So, Adam (35) has been experiencing a writer's block lately. He's a musician and hasn't managed to write anything good—or really anything at all—in the past six months. He knew he needed to do something about it, and his first decision towards changing the situation was to switch up his surroundings. That is how he ended up in the small town of Holly Ridge. Living in this place, he hopes for some anonymity and that the locals won’t pay much attention to him. He's also looking for a little inspiration or spark to help him get back to writing.
Then we have Wren (26), the darling sunshine, always willing to help, the go-to person for everyone around here, as in everyone! 🙃 She's the head of the decorating committee and the one who volunteered to run the Christmas Festival this year. That role was her grandmother's before she passed away a few months back, and now she’s taking it on as a way to honor her memory.
This town loves Christmas and everything that comes along with it, but unfortunately Adam is the opposite of that. 😅 So when Wren welcomed him to the neighborhood and told him about the decoration event, he outright told her he wouldn't put up anything in his house because he hates Christmas. 😂 She took it as a challenge to change his mind, but he's determined not to do anything to participate in this festival.
Sooo, Wren began brainstorming creative ways to design Adam's house. 😅 Some might say that her actions felt a bit like bulldozing, because in a way they are. 😅 If she's an HOA president, she's definitely the kind who drives everyone crazy because she just won't take no for an answer. Then again, this is her first year in charge of this festival, and she wanted to make it successful. But Adam is making it difficult for her. 🤣
So, they got into this back-and-forth, where she'd sneak in decorations at his house when he wasn't around, and then he'd take them out and drop them back on her porch when she was out. Ngl, this was entertaining to read. 😂
At first, Adam was annoyed by her attempts, but over time, he started to like her more and more, and he finds her pretty adorable. He even started to look forward to each day to see what kind of design Wren would bring to his house or how she would sneak them. 😅 Realizing he wasn't going to win this war, he decided to just go along with her plans to keep her happy. 🤭
This has an instant attraction going on between the MCs, but they never did anything about it, at least right away. Wren thought Adam was worse than a serial killer because of his hatred for Christmas. 😂 And Adam just couldn't handle how Wren allowed everyone to take advantage of her kindness. 🫣
You see, she's a people pleaser through and through. Need something? Ask Wren. Got too lazy to do something? Ask Wren. Need someone to look after a kid or an animal? Ask Wren. She's literally everyone's go-to person. Adam picked up on this pattern right away, even though he hasn't been in town for very long.
And for some reason, he just felt this strong need to look out for her and take care of her. He realized that Wren's too busy taking care of other people and making them happy even at her expense, but who's looking after her? He's not angry with her. He's just disappointed that she struggles to say no to those people. She's really pushing herself too much and not getting enough rest with all the committee tasks she's juggling, her job, and the favors from everyone, and yet she still finds it hard to say no when people ask for help. So Adam took it upon himself to take care of Wren, and that's how they slowly got involved with each other.
I would say this is a medium-burn romance. I think things changed after the 50% mark. Anyway, their moments are sweet, cute, and hot. It's satisfying to see Wren slowly learning to put up some boundaries, because this girl really needed that. It's also cool to see Adam slowly get his groove back and start to find the spark he needs to write his songs. 😊
I also love that these two communicate so well. There were times when they were unsure about some things, but instead of running away or ignoring the issues, they talked it out and worked through it together. Especially with Adam, I liked that he's matured and knows how to act his age. You'd be surprised to know that there are many books where the man is the older one yet acts as if he's a petulant child. I'm really glad that Adam isn't like that.
There's no third-act breakup, but there is a conflict that led to a night of no talk between them. I got pissed at Wren for a bit, but when Adam realized something, it made me see things from a different perspective as well. They both missed a few things, but they were willing to apologize and compromise, which is why it worked out. It's all about being honest, showing respect, and keeping the lines of communication open.
Welp, my review got long, again. But then, that's really nothing new. 😂 Anyhoo, overall, I really had a great time with it. I love the MCs, the small town, the holiday feels, the side characters, and especially the twist with Wren's grandmother. I just looooved everything in it. 🥹♥️
Book info:
— Small-town romance
— Holiday themed (Christmas)
— Forced proximity (Neighbors)
— Instant attraction
— Age gap (9)
— Grumpy x Sunshine
— Loss of loved one (past)
— No cheating, OM/OW, separation
— No Vs (over a year for them both)
— HFN or HEA (2 yrs later, he said she's wearing his ring; unsure if engaged or married)
Notes:
— Not a whole lot of history when it comes to their relationships. Adam said that he never really had a girlfriend and wouldn't even consider what he had in the past as "relationships." This was only mentioned once, so it slipped my mind while I was reading. I just remembered it now as I’m writing this review.
— As for Wren, she had been in relationships, but we had this cliche of her finding it difficult to have a release. Not saying she didn't get any, but she would do it herself most times, or even if some partner made it happen, it would be a few and rare chances. Even in this aspect she still thinks about her partner and always makes the experience good for them even if it's not working for her. Luckily for her, Adam was great at asking her what she wanted and giving it to her all the time.
The Bright Side of Christmas
I enjoyed this one a lot, and I'm so glad I got to read it. 😁
Anyway, one of my favorite tropes is grumpy x sunshine, as long as the guy isn't a total jerk and doesn’t act like he has a split personality—being nice one moment and totally unbearable the next. 🙃 Thankfully, this one has a grumpy MMC but is still pretty likable. Also, I’m not a fan of overly sunny or quirky FMCs, and I'm glad this one doesn't have that (at least, imo). She's just the right lovable sunshine who enjoys helping everyone and has a special love for Christmas. ☺️
So, Adam (35) has been experiencing a writer's block lately. He's a musician and hasn't managed to write anything good—or really anything at all—in the past six months. He knew he needed to do something about it, and his first decision towards changing the situation was to switch up his surroundings. That is how he ended up in the small town of Holly Ridge. Living in this place, he hopes for some anonymity and that the locals won’t pay much attention to him. He's also looking for a little inspiration or spark to help him get back to writing.
Then we have Wren (26), the darling sunshine, always willing to help, the go-to person for everyone around here, as in everyone! 🙃 She's the head of the decorating committee and the one who volunteered to run the Christmas Festival this year. That role was her grandmother's before she passed away a few months back, and now she’s taking it on as a way to honor her memory.
This town loves Christmas and everything that comes along with it, but unfortunately Adam is the opposite of that. 😅 So when Wren welcomed him to the neighborhood and told him about the decoration event, he outright told her he wouldn't put up anything in his house because he hates Christmas. 😂 She took it as a challenge to change his mind, but he's determined not to do anything to participate in this festival.
Sooo, Wren began brainstorming creative ways to design Adam's house. 😅 Some might say that her actions felt a bit like bulldozing, because in a way they are. 😅 If she's an HOA president, she's definitely the kind who drives everyone crazy because she just won't take no for an answer. Then again, this is her first year in charge of this festival, and she wanted to make it successful. But Adam is making it difficult for her. 🤣
So, they got into this back-and-forth, where she'd sneak in decorations at his house when he wasn't around, and then he'd take them out and drop them back on her porch when she was out. Ngl, this was entertaining to read. 😂
At first, Adam was annoyed by her attempts, but over time, he started to like her more and more, and he finds her pretty adorable. He even started to look forward to each day to see what kind of design Wren would bring to his house or how she would sneak them. 😅 Realizing he wasn't going to win this war, he decided to just go along with her plans to keep her happy. 🤭
This has an instant attraction going on between the MCs, but they never did anything about it, at least right away. Wren thought Adam was worse than a serial killer because of his hatred for Christmas. 😂 And Adam just couldn't handle how Wren allowed everyone to take advantage of her kindness. 🫣
You see, she's a people pleaser through and through. Need something? Ask Wren. Got too lazy to do something? Ask Wren. Need someone to look after a kid or an animal? Ask Wren. She's literally everyone's go-to person. Adam picked up on this pattern right away, even though he hasn't been in town for very long.
And for some reason, he just felt this strong need to look out for her and take care of her. He realized that Wren's too busy taking care of other people and making them happy even at her expense, but who's looking after her? He's not angry with her. He's just disappointed that she struggles to say no to those people. She's really pushing herself too much and not getting enough rest with all the committee tasks she's juggling, her job, and the favors from everyone, and yet she still finds it hard to say no when people ask for help. So Adam took it upon himself to take care of Wren, and that's how they slowly got involved with each other.
I would say this is a medium-burn romance. I think things changed after the 50% mark. Anyway, their moments are sweet, cute, and hot. It's satisfying to see Wren slowly learning to put up some boundaries, because this girl really needed that. It's also cool to see Adam slowly get his groove back and start to find the spark he needs to write his songs. 😊
I also love that these two communicate so well. There were times when they were unsure about some things, but instead of running away or ignoring the issues, they talked it out and worked through it together. Especially with Adam, I liked that he's matured and knows how to act his age. You'd be surprised to know that there are many books where the man is the older one yet acts as if he's a petulant child. I'm really glad that Adam isn't like that.
There's no third-act breakup, but there is a conflict that led to a night of no talk between them. I got pissed at Wren for a bit, but when Adam realized something, it made me see things from a different perspective as well. They both missed a few things, but they were willing to apologize and compromise, which is why it worked out. It's all about being honest, showing respect, and keeping the lines of communication open.
Welp, my review got long, again. But then, that's really nothing new. 😂 Anyhoo, overall, I really had a great time with it. I love the MCs, the small town, the holiday feels, the side characters, and especially the twist with Wren's grandmother. I just looooved everything in it. 🥹♥️
Book info:
— Small-town romance
— Holiday themed (Christmas)
— Forced proximity (Neighbors)
— Instant attraction
— Age gap (9)
— Grumpy x Sunshine
— Loss of loved one (past)
— No cheating, OM/OW, separation
— No Vs (over a year for them both)
— HFN or HEA (2 yrs later, he said she's wearing his ring; unsure if engaged or married)
Notes:
— Not a whole lot of history when it comes to their relationships. Adam said that he never really had a girlfriend and wouldn't even consider what he had in the past as "relationships." This was only mentioned once, so it slipped my mind while I was reading. I just remembered it now as I’m writing this review.
— As for Wren, she had been in relationships, but we had this cliche of her finding it difficult to have a release. Not saying she didn't get any, but she would do it herself most times, or even if some partner made it happen, it would be a few and rare chances. Even in this aspect she still thinks about her partner and always makes the experience good for them even if it's not working for her. Luckily for her, Adam was great at asking her what she wanted and giving it to her all the time.
December 23, 2025
So sweet, and I loved how it dealt with the people-pleasing aspect of it
--------------
Buddy reading this with my irl friend Roni :)
And yes, it was picked because of the cute cover
--------------
Buddy reading this with my irl friend Roni :)
And yes, it was picked because of the cute cover
November 3, 2025
adam is so precious and must be protected at all costs and wren didn’t deserve him at all
November 14, 2025
✨ Rating: 4 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: warm & spicy
🎶 Song: christmas eve - justin bieber
📖 Favourite Quote: "I can’t be mad at Christmas or Christmas lights, not when they brought me to you."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: cozy christmas read
In the package:
📦 grumpy x sunshine
📦 she's a people pleaser
📦 christmas war
📦 feuding neighbours
Plot: Wren, the town's sweetheart and head of the decorating committee, clashes with her new neighbour, Adam Porter, who refuses to decorate for Christmas. As she begins to take on too much work for the holiday season, Adam is determined to make sure she doesn't wear herself out.
Thoughts: This is my first read by Morgan Elizabeth and I loved it! There were some parts I didn't particularly enjoy which is why this isn't a 5 star read but overall it was a very cute Christmas romance. Wren, the FMC, is a people pleaser to a fault but it was almost just too much. It was her entire personality which basically consumed the entire book. I did love the banter between her and the MMC, Adam, who also happens to be her neighbour. She is determined to get him to decorate his home for Christmas, which ensues a full blown Christmas war. Adam turns out to be the sweetest and most caring man who just wants Wren to look after herself and he helps her learn how to set boundaries. This a great book to read by the christmas tree with a warm cup of hot chocolate 🙂↕️
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: warm & spicy
🎶 Song: christmas eve - justin bieber
📖 Favourite Quote: "I can’t be mad at Christmas or Christmas lights, not when they brought me to you."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: cozy christmas read
In the package:
📦 grumpy x sunshine
📦 she's a people pleaser
📦 christmas war
📦 feuding neighbours
Plot: Wren, the town's sweetheart and head of the decorating committee, clashes with her new neighbour, Adam Porter, who refuses to decorate for Christmas. As she begins to take on too much work for the holiday season, Adam is determined to make sure she doesn't wear herself out.
Thoughts: This is my first read by Morgan Elizabeth and I loved it! There were some parts I didn't particularly enjoy which is why this isn't a 5 star read but overall it was a very cute Christmas romance. Wren, the FMC, is a people pleaser to a fault but it was almost just too much. It was her entire personality which basically consumed the entire book. I did love the banter between her and the MMC, Adam, who also happens to be her neighbour. She is determined to get him to decorate his home for Christmas, which ensues a full blown Christmas war. Adam turns out to be the sweetest and most caring man who just wants Wren to look after herself and he helps her learn how to set boundaries. This a great book to read by the christmas tree with a warm cup of hot chocolate 🙂↕️
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
December 26, 2025
⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
.𖥔 ݁ ˖༘⋆𐦍⊹₊.𖥔.When I finally kiss you, it will be because you wanted it. Because you initiated it. My sweet little people pleaser is going to demand what she needs.”.𖥔 ݁. ˖༘⋆𐦍⊹₊.𖥔 ݁
┊✦ This book was so cute it’s your typical Christmas romance read the first setting of the holidays with a grumpy new guy coming into a small town holly ridge which for name town it’s so adorable 😭they always have the same traditions that last centuries new generation tries to keep that tradition alive which I also find so heartwarming ! I really did like the main characters in this they were so fun not very complicated to understand Adam was just so loveable to say he had grumpy attitude from the start but in the end he does slowly start to grow feelings towards Wren. I loved how committed she wanted to make the town special for everyone not letting anyone down is just adorable but also doesn’t take her own feelings accordingly.
┊✦wren
I did like wren ngl I did find her very ongoing wanting to people please a lot doesn’t scare her self to speak her mind either but can get her into trouble ! I did love the fact considering she lost a loved one recently her grandmother wanting to keep he traditions alive was so cute but could get her in deep trouble not looking after her own health only making sure of other people feelings and traditions.
┊✦Adam
I loved how grumpy Adam was in this wasn’t just grumpy but he was legit the town grinch hating Christmas and anything Christmas vibes where he can’t seem to get away with the decorations with it being all over town giving Wren such a hard time about it which I find funny aswellbut sometimes can be a bit harsh with wren to be pushy to like Christmas like people can not like he same stuff leave him be theres always a reason behind why people might not like certain things lool.
˚┊✦ Romance - Epilogue
I thought the romance was really cute the way they both hated each other especially Adam being the town grinch and all trying to get somewhat of a Christmas vibe out of him which was funny. I did feel like with short novellas like this the romance does form into really quick all the sexual tension when there together does form so well!! I guess with short novellas like this I do suppose theres always gonna be a love and hate. With how fast this goes when you love characters like these two you want it to last for a while. Like us readers can’t catch a break either 400 + 600 pas for romances is too long with massive slow burn or 200 + is too short want it longer like can win lmaoo..
𓏲ּ𝄢⋆˙⟡⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆Side characters⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆𓏲ּ𝄢⋆˙
˚┊✦Hallie -
I found Hallie so funny in this one to say she was a bit controlling with wren ngl especially when I came to Adam being too much involved making up scenarios that aren’t necessary like being “town killer”. Like not likely to be a serial killer situation lol but I do love that she was caring at least being there for her when she needs it.
I loved the ending of this one so much the way they had there little arguments too bit silly to fight over something like that but I did like the fact even though Hallie was really annoying when it came to Adam she was always there for wren but this time she was actually changed her ways saw the light side of Adam which I thought was really cute!
I’m so sorry for the late review guys I took a social detox day offline totally forgot to review this one 🤣🤣 as took days off for Christmas which hope you understand !
This was overall such a cute book would definitely finish off this cute series off too!!
╭ ✦ • ⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 & 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
│ ⊹ ⭐️ 3.2
│⊹ 🌶4.1
╰ ✦ •⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
❄️⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒
﹏﹒✦﹒✶﹏﹒✦﹒﹏✦﹒
Pre read : 🎁☃️💃🕺🌰🎄
I cannot wait to read this I’m in the Christmas mood vibes for reading this week! I heard good things about this one and it’s smutty 👀👀 hehehe 😝 hopefully doesn’t disappoint 🩵
.𖥔 ݁ ˖༘⋆𐦍⊹₊.𖥔.When I finally kiss you, it will be because you wanted it. Because you initiated it. My sweet little people pleaser is going to demand what she needs.”.𖥔 ݁. ˖༘⋆𐦍⊹₊.𖥔 ݁
┊✦ This book was so cute it’s your typical Christmas romance read the first setting of the holidays with a grumpy new guy coming into a small town holly ridge which for name town it’s so adorable 😭they always have the same traditions that last centuries new generation tries to keep that tradition alive which I also find so heartwarming ! I really did like the main characters in this they were so fun not very complicated to understand Adam was just so loveable to say he had grumpy attitude from the start but in the end he does slowly start to grow feelings towards Wren. I loved how committed she wanted to make the town special for everyone not letting anyone down is just adorable but also doesn’t take her own feelings accordingly.
┊✦wren
I did like wren ngl I did find her very ongoing wanting to people please a lot doesn’t scare her self to speak her mind either but can get her into trouble ! I did love the fact considering she lost a loved one recently her grandmother wanting to keep he traditions alive was so cute but could get her in deep trouble not looking after her own health only making sure of other people feelings and traditions.
┊✦Adam
I loved how grumpy Adam was in this wasn’t just grumpy but he was legit the town grinch hating Christmas and anything Christmas vibes where he can’t seem to get away with the decorations with it being all over town giving Wren such a hard time about it which I find funny aswellbut sometimes can be a bit harsh with wren to be pushy to like Christmas like people can not like he same stuff leave him be theres always a reason behind why people might not like certain things lool.
˚┊✦ Romance - Epilogue
I thought the romance was really cute the way they both hated each other especially Adam being the town grinch and all trying to get somewhat of a Christmas vibe out of him which was funny. I did feel like with short novellas like this the romance does form into really quick all the sexual tension when there together does form so well!! I guess with short novellas like this I do suppose theres always gonna be a love and hate. With how fast this goes when you love characters like these two you want it to last for a while. Like us readers can’t catch a break either 400 + 600 pas for romances is too long with massive slow burn or 200 + is too short want it longer like can win lmaoo..
𓏲ּ𝄢⋆˙⟡⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆Side characters⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆𓏲ּ𝄢⋆˙
˚┊✦Hallie -
I found Hallie so funny in this one to say she was a bit controlling with wren ngl especially when I came to Adam being too much involved making up scenarios that aren’t necessary like being “town killer”. Like not likely to be a serial killer situation lol but I do love that she was caring at least being there for her when she needs it.
I loved the ending of this one so much the way they had there little arguments too bit silly to fight over something like that but I did like the fact even though Hallie was really annoying when it came to Adam she was always there for wren but this time she was actually changed her ways saw the light side of Adam which I thought was really cute!
I’m so sorry for the late review guys I took a social detox day offline totally forgot to review this one 🤣🤣 as took days off for Christmas which hope you understand !
This was overall such a cute book would definitely finish off this cute series off too!!
╭ ✦ • ⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛 𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 & 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
│ ⊹ ⭐️ 3.2
│⊹ 🌶4.1
╰ ✦ •⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
❄️⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ⋆⭒˚.⋆⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒˚.⋆ ❄️ ⋆⭒
﹏﹒✦﹒✶﹏﹒✦﹒﹏✦﹒
Pre read : 🎁☃️💃🕺🌰🎄
I cannot wait to read this I’m in the Christmas mood vibes for reading this week! I heard good things about this one and it’s smutty 👀👀 hehehe 😝 hopefully doesn’t disappoint 🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
This was a great Christmas romance! Loved everything except for a few nit picky things in the third act.
December 17, 2025
dare I say this might be my new favorite holiday romance? 🤭😍
December 11, 2025
DNF at 52%
It’s a Christmas miracle I made it this far.
The cover is cute, and the plot idea is fun.
THOUGHTS:
- Adam is a stalking, control freak man hoe. He’s always watching her from his window. Day and night. His excuse is that his window is in full view of hers and he’s concerned she’s not getting enough sleep.
- His answer to every situation is to pick up Wren (against her wishes) and forcefully take her away.
- THE WHOLE PLOT IS ADAM TELLING WREN SHE NEEDS A NAP.
- Wren is a spineless Christmas fairy.
- In chapter 4 alone, he’s talking and thinking about her ass 5 times.
- “Good girl” was said twice, and I about ripped my kindle a part.
- In little chapter 6, Wren is watching his “noticeable bulge in his front” and I officially despise her.
-The sex scene that lasted two ridiculous chapters, had some of the most cringe worthy dialogue.
- “Fu**, you’re so pretty” is the best this lusty man can do. Honestly, he’s a songwriter and THIS is supposed to make me swoon?!
- The characters have no depth.
- Their attraction is purely physical.
- The plot repeats like a hamster wheel of torture.
OVERALL:
If you want a book where the smut is paramount and they shag each other before 55%, then this is for you. My Christmas wish would be to erase this book from my subconscious.
It’s a Christmas miracle I made it this far.
The cover is cute, and the plot idea is fun.
THOUGHTS:
- Adam is a stalking, control freak man hoe. He’s always watching her from his window. Day and night. His excuse is that his window is in full view of hers and he’s concerned she’s not getting enough sleep.
- His answer to every situation is to pick up Wren (against her wishes) and forcefully take her away.
- THE WHOLE PLOT IS ADAM TELLING WREN SHE NEEDS A NAP.
- Wren is a spineless Christmas fairy.
- In chapter 4 alone, he’s talking and thinking about her ass 5 times.
- “Good girl” was said twice, and I about ripped my kindle a part.
- In little chapter 6, Wren is watching his “noticeable bulge in his front” and I officially despise her.
-The sex scene that lasted two ridiculous chapters, had some of the most cringe worthy dialogue.
- “Fu**, you’re so pretty” is the best this lusty man can do. Honestly, he’s a songwriter and THIS is supposed to make me swoon?!
- The characters have no depth.
- Their attraction is purely physical.
- The plot repeats like a hamster wheel of torture.
OVERALL:
If you want a book where the smut is paramount and they shag each other before 55%, then this is for you. My Christmas wish would be to erase this book from my subconscious.
November 11, 2025
Don’t let the pretty cover fool you. This book gets SPICY! It’s not smutty, but there are some VERY spicy scenes. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it either because the FMC is so SWEET, kind, helpful, and cuddly. I didn’t think she had a filthy side like this, so I was a bit shocked lol. Regardless, it was nice to see her lose her inhibitions because this poor girl is constantly taken advantage of.
Now for the book as a whole I thought it was cute! The book is festive, has lots of Christmasy scenes and even a Grinch (the MMC Adam does NOT like Christmas). I loved the way Wren was forcing Christmas down his throat and how he slowly got that smile because he thought it was cute. Their banter was adorable, his protectiveness of her was swoony, and the book FELT like Christmas. So overall it was a winner for me!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Christmas Romances
❥ Neighbors to Lovers
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Small Town
Now for the book as a whole I thought it was cute! The book is festive, has lots of Christmasy scenes and even a Grinch (the MMC Adam does NOT like Christmas). I loved the way Wren was forcing Christmas down his throat and how he slowly got that smile because he thought it was cute. Their banter was adorable, his protectiveness of her was swoony, and the book FELT like Christmas. So overall it was a winner for me!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Christmas Romances
❥ Neighbors to Lovers
❥ Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Small Town
October 19, 2025
Thank you to House of Hearts Lit and Morgan Elizabeth for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved everything about this book!!! It's definitely not the typical Christmas book, as it was centered a lot around Wren being a people pleaser and running herself into the ground... but it was soooo much fun!!! Wren and Adam's relationship was sooo adorable, I loved their bickering, and their sweet moments! He might actually be one of my favorite book boyfriends!
After reading this book, Morgan can literally write a grocery list and I would gladly read it! The Bright Side of Christmas is definitely my favorite Christmas book and my favorite book from Morgan Elizabeth.
Read if you like:
• Small town holiday romance
• Opposites attract
• Grumpy × Sunshine
• Forced Proximity
• Neighbors
• A lot of very HOT bickering
• Spice 2/5 🌶
I loved everything about this book!!! It's definitely not the typical Christmas book, as it was centered a lot around Wren being a people pleaser and running herself into the ground... but it was soooo much fun!!! Wren and Adam's relationship was sooo adorable, I loved their bickering, and their sweet moments! He might actually be one of my favorite book boyfriends!
After reading this book, Morgan can literally write a grocery list and I would gladly read it! The Bright Side of Christmas is definitely my favorite Christmas book and my favorite book from Morgan Elizabeth.
Read if you like:
• Small town holiday romance
• Opposites attract
• Grumpy × Sunshine
• Forced Proximity
• Neighbors
• A lot of very HOT bickering
• Spice 2/5 🌶
October 27, 2025
The Bright Side of Christmas was so cute! This is a new holiday romance, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, neighbors to lovers, celeb in hiding, snowed in, Christmas romance.
Holly Ridge is a small town, close-knit community, so when a new person moves in it’s a big deal. Wren and her friends think her new neighbor is a serial killer so she goes over to introduce herself and it’s even worse than she thought…because he says he hates Christmas and doesn’t plan to decorate for the season at all. Which is a huge problem considering their whole street has a tradition of decorating, they’ve done it for 60 years and even have a Nutcracker theme for the year that Wren is in charge of. She’s determined to get Adam to decorate, even if that means sneaking over decor for his yard in the night herself. 🤭
Adam was in a rock band years ago and is not a successful songwriter and producer. He actually hasn’t been able to write in a while so he made the move to the small town for a fresh start where no one would recognize him. He sees how much a people pleaser Wren is and he’s determined to help her set boundaries for herself and put herself first for once.
This one was super cute and has those magical, winter feelings! We have a snowed in, the power goes out type of moment where they huddle up together at his place. For a bit they have a decoration stand-down, she keeps sneaking over Christmas decor to his yard and he eventually steals the centerpiece of her yard decorations…her nutcracker! Super fun moments between these two. He calls her “Birdie”, she’s an elementary school teacher, we see her family and friends throughout. If anything the book went on for a tad too long for me with some 3rd act bits, but otherwise super solid holiday romance!
Holly Ridge is a small town, close-knit community, so when a new person moves in it’s a big deal. Wren and her friends think her new neighbor is a serial killer so she goes over to introduce herself and it’s even worse than she thought…because he says he hates Christmas and doesn’t plan to decorate for the season at all. Which is a huge problem considering their whole street has a tradition of decorating, they’ve done it for 60 years and even have a Nutcracker theme for the year that Wren is in charge of. She’s determined to get Adam to decorate, even if that means sneaking over decor for his yard in the night herself. 🤭
Adam was in a rock band years ago and is not a successful songwriter and producer. He actually hasn’t been able to write in a while so he made the move to the small town for a fresh start where no one would recognize him. He sees how much a people pleaser Wren is and he’s determined to help her set boundaries for herself and put herself first for once.
This one was super cute and has those magical, winter feelings! We have a snowed in, the power goes out type of moment where they huddle up together at his place. For a bit they have a decoration stand-down, she keeps sneaking over Christmas decor to his yard and he eventually steals the centerpiece of her yard decorations…her nutcracker! Super fun moments between these two. He calls her “Birdie”, she’s an elementary school teacher, we see her family and friends throughout. If anything the book went on for a tad too long for me with some 3rd act bits, but otherwise super solid holiday romance!
November 15, 2025
♡ Grumpy x Sunshine
♡ Next Door Neighbors
♡ Small town romance
♡ Looking for a fresh start MMC
♡ People Pleaser FMC
♡ Open door spice
3.5??? // The Bright Side of Christmas is a great book to transition into your winter TBRs. It had all the Christmas vibes and small town love. The battle of decor, the banter, the sleigh and spice - WHEW. I'm so torn on how to rate this because while I enjoyed some parts...it's very hard to ignore the parts that made it a difficult read. The entirety of the book focuses on Wren's people pleasing activities, a slight third act breakup and the writing definitely started to get a bit repetitive and rushed. I have LOVED every single Morgan release so far. She was my very first auto-buy author - if she writes it, I'm running for it so I'm sad about this one.
----- Spoilers ahead -----
Wren is a stubborn, MASSIVE people pleaser and push over. That's her entire personality. She *needs* to help everyone. Always taking on more than she can handle, doesn’t know how to set boundaries and say no. Wren’s character and personality made this extremely difficult to enjoy 😭 I’ve never been SO concerned for a fictional character because she clearly did not care about herself at all...She had no backbone. I wanted to hug her and fight her at the same time.
Which brings me to Adam Porter….a songwriter struggling with writer's block, searching for inspiration in this small town. Christmas hater and extra grumpy, but he pushes Wren's boundaries in every way...out in public and behind closed doors...MHM. NGL though, it almost felt embarrassing that he had to step up for Wren, as complete stranger, to tell her about herself. Like please, you’re telling me your own family and friends are seeing you wear yourself down to the ground and no one at all bothered to intervene in your self destruction?!?! The crash out was extremely valid and imo, not loud enough!! Anyway, I'm still torn.
As a Morgan stan, I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of this series will go, esp with Hallie or Colt.
💌 Thank you Morgan Elizabeth and Rae at House of Hearts for the opportunity to read this ARC! As always, all opinions are my own.
♡ Next Door Neighbors
♡ Small town romance
♡ Looking for a fresh start MMC
♡ People Pleaser FMC
♡ Open door spice
3.5??? // The Bright Side of Christmas is a great book to transition into your winter TBRs. It had all the Christmas vibes and small town love. The battle of decor, the banter, the sleigh and spice - WHEW. I'm so torn on how to rate this because while I enjoyed some parts...it's very hard to ignore the parts that made it a difficult read. The entirety of the book focuses on Wren's people pleasing activities, a slight third act breakup and the writing definitely started to get a bit repetitive and rushed. I have LOVED every single Morgan release so far. She was my very first auto-buy author - if she writes it, I'm running for it so I'm sad about this one.
----- Spoilers ahead -----
Wren is a stubborn, MASSIVE people pleaser and push over. That's her entire personality. She *needs* to help everyone. Always taking on more than she can handle, doesn’t know how to set boundaries and say no. Wren’s character and personality made this extremely difficult to enjoy 😭 I’ve never been SO concerned for a fictional character because she clearly did not care about herself at all...She had no backbone. I wanted to hug her and fight her at the same time.
Which brings me to Adam Porter….a songwriter struggling with writer's block, searching for inspiration in this small town. Christmas hater and extra grumpy, but he pushes Wren's boundaries in every way...out in public and behind closed doors...MHM. NGL though, it almost felt embarrassing that he had to step up for Wren, as complete stranger, to tell her about herself. Like please, you’re telling me your own family and friends are seeing you wear yourself down to the ground and no one at all bothered to intervene in your self destruction?!?! The crash out was extremely valid and imo, not loud enough!! Anyway, I'm still torn.
As a Morgan stan, I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of this series will go, esp with Hallie or Colt.
💌 Thank you Morgan Elizabeth and Rae at House of Hearts for the opportunity to read this ARC! As always, all opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
This book was such a cozy, feel-good holiday read! I loved the small-town charm, the drama between the Christmas-obsessed neighbor and the Christmas-hating songwriter, and the way their story unfolds with all the festive vibes. It felt like stepping straight into a Hallmark movie — but with a little more sass, humor, and heart.
The characters were so easy to connect with, and the slow build toward the romance was adorable. I found myself smiling through so many scenes (and wanting to decorate my whole house immediately).
If you’re in the mood for something warm, funny, and full of Christmas spirit, this one is definitely worth picking up. Perfect to read with a cozy blanket, a candle burning, and a mug of hot cocoa.
The characters were so easy to connect with, and the slow build toward the romance was adorable. I found myself smiling through so many scenes (and wanting to decorate my whole house immediately).
If you’re in the mood for something warm, funny, and full of Christmas spirit, this one is definitely worth picking up. Perfect to read with a cozy blanket, a candle burning, and a mug of hot cocoa.
December 25, 2025
Ця книжка — це, звісно, «щось». І мені дуже хотілося б сказати це в позитивному ключі, але, на жаль, ні.
З одного боку, це виглядає як типова Hallmark-кінострічка: різдвяна, передбачувана, з клішованими поворотами, які ми бачили десятки разів. Від такого формату не очікуєш «вау»-сюрпризів — і це нормально. Але, на жаль, авторці вдалося зіпсувати навіть цю просту формулу.
Історії відчутно бракує мотивації героїв і чіткої структурної редактури: багато подій просилися бути переставленими місцями, аби сюжет мав хоч якийсь логічний ритм. У певний момент склалося враження, що авторка просто забула, що пише різдвяну історію, і замінила атмосферу свят главами сексу, який тут здавався або зайвим, або його було відверто забагато.
Наприкінці стало трохи краще — з’явилися милі, романтичні різдвяні сцени, і здавалося, що історія ще може врятуватися. Але потім з’явився епілог — і стало ще гірше.
2,5 ⭐️ — і це виключно тому, що я дуже добра.
З одного боку, це виглядає як типова Hallmark-кінострічка: різдвяна, передбачувана, з клішованими поворотами, які ми бачили десятки разів. Від такого формату не очікуєш «вау»-сюрпризів — і це нормально. Але, на жаль, авторці вдалося зіпсувати навіть цю просту формулу.
Історії відчутно бракує мотивації героїв і чіткої структурної редактури: багато подій просилися бути переставленими місцями, аби сюжет мав хоч якийсь логічний ритм. У певний момент склалося враження, що авторка просто забула, що пише різдвяну історію, і замінила атмосферу свят главами сексу, який тут здавався або зайвим, або його було відверто забагато.
Наприкінці стало трохи краще — з’явилися милі, романтичні різдвяні сцени, і здавалося, що історія ще може врятуватися. Але потім з’явився епілог — і стало ще гірше.
2,5 ⭐️ — і це виключно тому, що я дуже добра.
November 19, 2025
3.25⭐️
This book started off so strong and it had me giggling and laughing like a school girl! I really liked Adam and his broody, grumpy, Christmas hating self. But Wren wasn’t quite it for me as a FMC. She was a people pleaser which I definitely can relate to, but it got to the point where I literally was getting so annoyed & frustrated by that plot line. I wanted to scream so many times towards the middle/end. It was cute that Adam was the only one that stood up for her & helped her form some boundaries but goddamn. Everyone used this poor girl. It took away some of the spark of the story for me. I’m sad because I really wanted to like this more :(
Overall cute but not my favorite Morgan Elizabeth book. The spice was a good time though 😌
Type: audio (the narrators were so good)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book vibes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Feuding next-door neighbors
Holiday small-town magic
Broody songwriter who hates Christmas x Outgoing town sweetheart who helps everyone
Opposites Attract
Snowed In
This book started off so strong and it had me giggling and laughing like a school girl! I really liked Adam and his broody, grumpy, Christmas hating self. But Wren wasn’t quite it for me as a FMC. She was a people pleaser which I definitely can relate to, but it got to the point where I literally was getting so annoyed & frustrated by that plot line. I wanted to scream so many times towards the middle/end. It was cute that Adam was the only one that stood up for her & helped her form some boundaries but goddamn. Everyone used this poor girl. It took away some of the spark of the story for me. I’m sad because I really wanted to like this more :(
Overall cute but not my favorite Morgan Elizabeth book. The spice was a good time though 😌
Type: audio (the narrators were so good)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book vibes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Feuding next-door neighbors
Holiday small-town magic
Broody songwriter who hates Christmas x Outgoing town sweetheart who helps everyone
Opposites Attract
Snowed In
December 10, 2025
This book was so stinking cute, so adorable and just down right cozy. The banter alone had me laughing out loud and kicking my feet like a little girl. Then by the last few chapters of the book I was a sobbing mess. Like that ending? With her grandmother? Stop.
Also, don’t let this cover fool you. It might look cute and innocent out the outside, but when you get a grumpy sunshine together, you know it’s going to be good, but HOT DAMN. I had tears run down my ✨thighs✨ with how hot and moody Adam is. Like give me an extra grumpy man with a side of secret cinnamon roll, and I’ll eat that up all day. Wren and Adam were so adorable with their banter and chemistry. Like the way I need to move to a small town, have a decoration fight with my hot broody neighbor, that wants to take care of me and tells me to go to bed with cute little signs?! Like shut. The. Front. Door.
I’m so happy this is the first in the series because this girl cannot wait for book two! Absolutely love this series so far and will definitely be reading more of Morgan’s books!
Also, don’t let this cover fool you. It might look cute and innocent out the outside, but when you get a grumpy sunshine together, you know it’s going to be good, but HOT DAMN. I had tears run down my ✨thighs✨ with how hot and moody Adam is. Like give me an extra grumpy man with a side of secret cinnamon roll, and I’ll eat that up all day. Wren and Adam were so adorable with their banter and chemistry. Like the way I need to move to a small town, have a decoration fight with my hot broody neighbor, that wants to take care of me and tells me to go to bed with cute little signs?! Like shut. The. Front. Door.
I’m so happy this is the first in the series because this girl cannot wait for book two! Absolutely love this series so far and will definitely be reading more of Morgan’s books!
November 11, 2025
*ੈ🎄✩‧₊ All I want for Christmas is... a holiday romance with a grumpy x sunshine couple *ੈ🎄✩‧₊
I'm so happy to read a Morgan Elizabeth book. It's always a good day when I do tbh. She never misses I swear! This was no different - you meet Wren, a people pleaser who has too much on her plate this Christmas season, and Adam, her new next-door neighbor who doesn't like Christmas.
I'm a sucker for a "I can do it on my own" x "I know but let me help you" dynamic. And The Bright Side of Christmas has that! She has soooo many things to do and people get advantage of her because they know she will always say yes if they ask her to do something. And Adam sees that. He wants her to choose herself and try to have limits. I loved their dynamic and how easy he was down bad for her from the start, even when she was trying to make him love Christmas, he was SO ENAMORED BY HER already lmao.
Read if you like:
❆ Next-door neighbors
❆ Holiday romances
❆ She takes care of him when he's sick scenes
❆ Grumpy x sunshine
I'm excited for the next in the series! Give me more HOLIDAY ROMANCES SET IN SMALL TOWNS pleaseeee
I'm so happy to read a Morgan Elizabeth book. It's always a good day when I do tbh. She never misses I swear! This was no different - you meet Wren, a people pleaser who has too much on her plate this Christmas season, and Adam, her new next-door neighbor who doesn't like Christmas.
I'm a sucker for a "I can do it on my own" x "I know but let me help you" dynamic. And The Bright Side of Christmas has that! She has soooo many things to do and people get advantage of her because they know she will always say yes if they ask her to do something. And Adam sees that. He wants her to choose herself and try to have limits. I loved their dynamic and how easy he was down bad for her from the start, even when she was trying to make him love Christmas, he was SO ENAMORED BY HER already lmao.
Read if you like:
❆ Next-door neighbors
❆ Holiday romances
❆ She takes care of him when he's sick scenes
❆ Grumpy x sunshine
I'm excited for the next in the series! Give me more HOLIDAY ROMANCES SET IN SMALL TOWNS pleaseeee
November 15, 2025
DNF at 38%. Morgan Elizabeth is one of my favorites but this was not my cup of tea. The repetitive dialogue of Wren being a people pleaser was too much. I think this would have worked better as a novella as I can’t imagine this continuing for another 200 pages. :(
October 24, 2025
ARC Review 💕
I just finished The Bright Side of Christmas and wow… my heart is so full.
First, a huge thank you to House of Hearts and Morgan Elizabeth for sending me this ARC. It’s always such an honor to be trusted with an author’s work before release.
December 2023 was when I picked up my first Morgan Elizabeth book—Tis the Season for Revenge—and it instantly became one of my favorites. I still recommend it anytime someone asks for a book that’ll make them laugh (even when it’s not Christmas).
I honestly didn’t think I’d find another holiday book that gave me the same joy… but Morgan Elizabeth did it again. I laughed, I cried, I kicked my feet and giggled—it was utter perfection.
As a total people-pleaser who struggles to ask for help, I related to Wren so deeply. The banter? Top-tier. The spice? Perfectly spicy. The MMC? A man who communicates—no miscommunication trope here! 🙌
This book was everything I hoped for and more. I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with it like I did. ❤️🎄
I just finished The Bright Side of Christmas and wow… my heart is so full.
First, a huge thank you to House of Hearts and Morgan Elizabeth for sending me this ARC. It’s always such an honor to be trusted with an author’s work before release.
December 2023 was when I picked up my first Morgan Elizabeth book—Tis the Season for Revenge—and it instantly became one of my favorites. I still recommend it anytime someone asks for a book that’ll make them laugh (even when it’s not Christmas).
I honestly didn’t think I’d find another holiday book that gave me the same joy… but Morgan Elizabeth did it again. I laughed, I cried, I kicked my feet and giggled—it was utter perfection.
As a total people-pleaser who struggles to ask for help, I related to Wren so deeply. The banter? Top-tier. The spice? Perfectly spicy. The MMC? A man who communicates—no miscommunication trope here! 🙌
This book was everything I hoped for and more. I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with it like I did. ❤️🎄
November 14, 2025
Well this was ADORABLE. The sweetest holiday romance with just the right amount of rom com moments, banter, grinch moments and an HEA. It felt cozy and lighthearted but also written for the eldest daughters and I enjoyed every moment. The ending was so sweet and I loved the full circle moment.
Read this when you’re in the mood for…
- Christmas pranks
- holiday romance
- grumpy/sunshine
- neighbors to lovers
- acts of service
I would recommend for a holiday read!
Read this when you’re in the mood for…
- Christmas pranks
- holiday romance
- grumpy/sunshine
- neighbors to lovers
- acts of service
I would recommend for a holiday read!
November 7, 2025
I was blessed to read this 3xs as an alpha, eARC and ALC and I SWEAR TO GOD IT GETS BETTER EVERY TIME!!!!
Its so swoony, spicy, cozy and it had me ready to put up my christmas tree in september, halloween be damned!
This duet audio actually changed my life. Erin Mallon is a top favorite of mine and she was fantastic as Wren but RYAN WEST?! Tell me why I gasped and choked on my sandwhich when this man spoke for the first time?! Yes please, i will be listening to his entire backlist now thank you 🙂↕️🎧
Also if anyone heard a loud thud that was just me fainting because Adam Porter said “Put your feet on the f*cking counter, Wren. Spread wide for me so I can feast.” 🥵😮💨
Its so swoony, spicy, cozy and it had me ready to put up my christmas tree in september, halloween be damned!
This duet audio actually changed my life. Erin Mallon is a top favorite of mine and she was fantastic as Wren but RYAN WEST?! Tell me why I gasped and choked on my sandwhich when this man spoke for the first time?! Yes please, i will be listening to his entire backlist now thank you 🙂↕️🎧
Also if anyone heard a loud thud that was just me fainting because Adam Porter said “Put your feet on the f*cking counter, Wren. Spread wide for me so I can feast.” 🥵😮💨
December 27, 2025
The H deserves someone better than the h.
December 27, 2025
✨4.25 stars✨
🌶️ 3 spice 🌶️
"I can't be mad at Christmas or Christmas lights, not when they brought me to you."
What to expect in this
* Holiday romcom
* Small town
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Neighbours
* Musician/songwriter MMC
* People pleaser/boundaries
* Christmas decoration war
* Opposites attract
No one writes Christmas romances better than Morgan Elizabeth.
Can’t believe I almost missed reading this during the holiday season but so happy I read it because this book was a gift.
Our female main character, Wren, a people pleaser who always finds herself taking on other people’s task and stuck in a loop of wanting to make others happy by ‘helping’, takes on the Christmas traditions her grandma had before her passing. Busying herself with tasks to ignore her grief, she meets her new neighbour. Adam, our male main character, a songwriter with writers block and lacks inspiration moves in next door in the small town who thrives on christmas and decorations. Only thing is, he hates Christmas.
So our war of Christmas decorations begin.
I had so much fun reading this book. It was cozy, romantic, and boundary pushing. I truly loved the relationship between Adam and Wren. Opposites in their own way but finding each other all the same.
The chaotic meddling of Christmas decorations, the banter, and the tension. I ate it up. Definitely one of my top Holiday romances!
Check TWs and CWs
Happy reading 🩶
🌶️ 3 spice 🌶️
"I can't be mad at Christmas or Christmas lights, not when they brought me to you."
What to expect in this
* Holiday romcom
* Small town
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Neighbours
* Musician/songwriter MMC
* People pleaser/boundaries
* Christmas decoration war
* Opposites attract
No one writes Christmas romances better than Morgan Elizabeth.
Can’t believe I almost missed reading this during the holiday season but so happy I read it because this book was a gift.
Our female main character, Wren, a people pleaser who always finds herself taking on other people’s task and stuck in a loop of wanting to make others happy by ‘helping’, takes on the Christmas traditions her grandma had before her passing. Busying herself with tasks to ignore her grief, she meets her new neighbour. Adam, our male main character, a songwriter with writers block and lacks inspiration moves in next door in the small town who thrives on christmas and decorations. Only thing is, he hates Christmas.
So our war of Christmas decorations begin.
I had so much fun reading this book. It was cozy, romantic, and boundary pushing. I truly loved the relationship between Adam and Wren. Opposites in their own way but finding each other all the same.
The chaotic meddling of Christmas decorations, the banter, and the tension. I ate it up. Definitely one of my top Holiday romances!
Check TWs and CWs
Happy reading 🩶
November 5, 2025
2.5 stars
December 13, 2025
I loved this so much but I hate the word mewl and I feel like it was used a lot…other than that I adored it! ♥️🎄🎀
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