The Holiday Hate-Off

Hideaway Harbor #1

by Angela Casella

Welcome to Hideaway Harbor, a cozy coastal town in Maine! This series of interconnected spicy romcoms can be read in any order.

All I want for Christmas is his complete and total destruction.

Lucy

The only thing standing between me and an idyllic Christmas in Hideaway Harbor is Enzo Cafiero, the hot jerk whose family runs the Italian market next door to the coffee shop where I work.

He hates me because I convinced his girlfriend to break up with him a few months ago. In my defense, his now-ex ran into the coffee shop sobbing. All I did was make her a latte and validate her feelings.

He didn’t even live here at the time—they were just visiting—but he does live here now.

He ditched his cushy NYC consulting job so he could save his family business. I’d admire his loyalty if he didn’t seem determined to ruin my Christmas. Because within minutes of his return, we’re trading barbs, destroying each other’s holiday events (RIP Santa Speed Dating), and having price wars.

I loathe him. And, unfortunately, I really want to push him under the mistletoe.

Enzo

Hideaway Harbor is the last place I want to be. But family means everything to me, so I left the big city to help mine.

Getting dragged into a full-on holiday feud with the girl next door wasn’t part of the plan, but I’m living for my hate-off with Lucy.

The truth is, I’d rather argue with her than get along with anyone else.

The Holiday Hate-Off is a small-town enemies-to-lovers romcom with dueling shopkeepers, sharp banter, intense chemistry, secret letters (think You've Got Mail), and close proximity.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Audiobook, Small Town Romance

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2025

About the author

ANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.

You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...

Reviews

[sabrina (on vacation🏝️) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 4 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: christmas rivalry with a side of cappuccino
🎶 Song: say all you want for christmas - nick jonas, shania twain
📖 Favourite Quote: "I've enjoyed our war, but part of me yearns to see her like this because of me."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a fun book filled with christmas magic

In the package:
📦 enemies to lovers
📦 christmas competition
📦 found family
📦 You've Got Mail vibes

Plot: When Lucy’s coffee shop in Hideaway Harbor is pitted against her ex-enemy (and new neighbor) Enzo in a holiday rivalry, sparks fly as their feud turns into flirtation.

Thoughts: If you're into hallmark Christmas movies - then this book is for you! Seriously, this has the classic hallmark formula: a man living in NYC comes help his family's business in a small, Christmas-obsessed town. But then he falls for the girl and the town. I thought this one was fun, especially the feud between the main characters, it was pretty funny seeing how they were trying to sabotage each other.

Thank you Hambright PR and Angela Casella for the ARC!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a lot of fun reading this first of the series holiday rom-com!

Lucy is looking for a solution to an…ahem…situation and doesn’t really care much about how she’s going to get it done and who with. She’s setting down roots in Hideaway Harbor after losing someone in her life and realizes this town offers everything she needs…. Except the hot guy in town who seems like trouble from the beginning.

Enter sexy, steamy Enzo. I REALLY loved his character in this. Quite addicting. He has no problem showing Lucy that he’s there for whatever from the beginning. But of course not without giving her a hard time. Thus begins the Holiday Hate-Off. Lucy digs her feet in at every attempt Enzo throws her way so it was super fun watching Enzo break down her walls little by little.

Tropes

💌 You've Got Mail-style secret letters
(so swoony!)
🤭 Banter that had me laughing out loud
☕️ All the cozy, small-town coffee shop
vibes
🎄 Genuine holiday warmth and found-family
moments
🌶️ Spicy, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers
perfection

Thank you Hambright PR and Angela Casella for this opportunity!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah what an adorable enemies to lovers Christmas romcom. 🥰 the banter was top tier. I loved these two. They drove you a little insane but also you couldn’t help but enjoy the ride.

I laughed so much and I had a wonderful time immersive reading this! Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the e-ARC and ALC!

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

"The Holiday Hate-Off" by Angela Casella is so good! I loved this enemies-to-lovers holiday romp! Casella builds an eclectic, engaging cast of characters in a story that is full of bickering, small-town rivalries, cappuccinos, anonymous letter writing, spice, and the spirit of the season. The main characters, Lucy and Enzo, got off on the wrong foot and have been at each other's throats ever since. Lucy is in Hideaway Harbor working as a barista because her mother recently passed away and she is desperate to put down roots in a small town that will embrace her and love her back. Enzo is back in his small hometown to help take care of the family business and to watch after his Nonna. Lucy is also a virgin who wants to get the deed done, something to which Enzo would be a very willing participant despite their animosities. He's super smooth, and she's super awkward. Naturally, this means their chemistry and tension are off the charts good. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had heat, happiness, holiday cheer, a ton of laughs, and even a few tear-worthy moments. It is well-paced, engaging, interesting, and has functioning adults who talk to each other (eventually) about their problems (minus the third act zaniness). I also loved getting a glimpse at some of the other characters from Hideaway Harbor, who also have books in the series. I love how all of these stories are connected to each other via this small town and its gossip-y but well-intentioned nature. Check this out ASAP!

Thank you to Angela Casella for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sugary sweet and delightfully spicy holiday-set romcom, part of the series around the fictional town of Hideaway Harbour, Maine.

This particular volume centers around barista Lucy, who lost not just her mother as she cared for her while she succumbed to a terrible disease, but her academic career as well as her personal life, and corporate whiz Enzo who returned to try to restore the family business back to a thriving enterprise while reeling from the upending of his stellar career. The pair who at first seem wholly unsuited for one another due to their mutual dislike and mistrust soon become close and vulnerable to each other in the most unexpected ways.

Lucy is determined to keep the magnetic Enzo at arm’s length, and Enzo is determined to course correct the business then return to another corporate position in a huge metropolis as soon as possible, but fate has other plans.

As ever, Angela Casella writes characters with huge hearts and stubborn ideals who melt for each other and complement their partners beautifully. The secondary and tertiary characters are also featured prominently, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.


well worth losing sleep to read.

[Lydia Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored The Holiday Hate-Off! The snarky-sharp banter in this enemies-to-lovers romance is full of duality. The concept of this story tugged at my heartstrings, and I loved the irresistible chemistry between the MCs. This story had perfect slow-burn tension and all the small-town charm readers want this time of year.

The writing was lovely. The characters were full of life. And the town is the perfect backdrop for all things holiday! Hideaway Harbor is a magical place I never want to leave!
A spicy, cozy, emotionally satisfying holiday read! The Holiday Hate-Off is a must-read this Christmas season!

[Bethany]

dnf @ 10%

This was…fine? ish? But I didn’t care and knew I’d forget about it as soon as I read it, and life’s too short.

[Juniper Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lobster Stalker is a stupid name for a cat.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is here!! This is a fun, small town, enemies to lovers romance that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

The banter between Lucy and Enzo is chef's kiss and their chemistry is EVERYTHING! Was Enzo stressing me out for the majority of this book? Yes, but what man doesn't, honestly. The way he cares for Lucy and turns Hideaway Harbor into home for her is so sweet; the little moments in this book are top tier.

As much as I adored their love story, my favorite part of this read is definitely Nonna Francesca and Eileen being nosy old ladies. They bring such a light to the story and make the small town element feel real.

Also, I NEED to know who lady lovewatch is, like YESTERDAY

I'll definitely be picking up the others in this series, can't wait to get back to hideaway harbor ASAP. This book is a fantastic way to kick-off the holiday season, no notes.

Thank you to Hambright PR for the eARC :)

[Taylor Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo and Lucy have hated each other ever since she convinced his girlfriend to break up with him months ago. Enzo recently moved back to Hideaway Harbor to help save his family's business. What he didn't expect was a holiday feud between him and Lucy. They are both extremely competitive and plan on beating the other.

I absolutely loved the banter, seeing them working to drive each other crazy. While there is clearly tension, they also both find the other attractive.

Enzo is a little controlling because he had to take care of his family growing up. He was always a problem solver, and as a result, he lost some of his love for Hideaway Harbor. Lucy helps him find joy again in all the activities that the town has to offer. Enzo is also extremely protective of Lucy, which I found to be so endearing and cute.

Probably one of my favorite parts was the secret letters. Enzo and Lucy were sending anonymous letters back and forth. It was wholesome getting to see them open up and be themselves on paper. Plus, they love The Golden Girls!

This was such a fun holiday read, and I'm looking forward to continuing the Hideaway Harbor series!

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up.

Lucy has made a home for herself in Hideaway Harbor since her mother's passing. She has a job she loves, a cute apartment, close friends, and is going to school to develop an app that will help the community. Everything is smooth and easy until Enzo returns to help his family store succeed, and they stir up a rivalry that feels a lot like chemistry.

*****

This was such a fun read! I loved the banter between Lucy and Enzo, the push and pull between their attraction and trying to drive each other crazy, and the undertones of magic realism that are tied into the quaint town and it's wishing bridge.

It was such a cozy atmosphere, with cute contests, silly meddling small town folk, and just the best vibes that had me kicking my feet and giggling along with the mayhem. I adored that these leads acted like adults, communicated, and worked to avoid a third act breakup despite the antics that were thrown at them. Also, the She's Got Mail overture with the cute letters was perfection!

All in all, this is an adorable holiday read, and you should definitely add it to your December TBR!

*****

Thank you to the author Angela Casella for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Crystal Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good holiday, enemies to lovers, Hallmark feels story. I found myself laughing out loud with the banter between the two characters and their shenanigans.

Enzo and Lucy did not start off on the right foot. It was not a love at first site. Lucy moved to Hideaway Harbor after her mother passed away trying to find somewhere to put down roots. She is currently working as a barista at a local coffee shop. Enzo is back in his hometown to help take over his family business and to help look after his Nonna. The back and forth between these two, perfection, but there is also an attraction that they are trying to fight. But that they don’t know, they are writing one another, they just don’t know that the letters the two of them are leaving to the neighbor in their building is one another. Enzo is a smooth talker and Lucy is more of the awkward type, they are so opposite. But their chemistry is electric and off the charts. You can’t help but root for them. I loved the small town feeling of it, it was full of meddling people, and that found family feel.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 overall. I enjoyed the rivalry between Enzo & Lucy. They were deep into shenanigans the whole time and it was entertaining. Although my favorite part was the secret letters and how authentic and vulnerable they were beneath the surface.

But, I was too far in when I discovered it was a virgin trope and she was 28 and trying to just find some random guy to give it up to and get it out of the way. I hated this part.

Lucy wasn’t my favorite fmc, but she was struggling with grief and the first holiday since her mom passed. It put a damper on the overall feeling and it was also way longer than it needed to be for a holiday book in my opinion.

The covers are beautiful for this series!

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers holiday romance with all the festive vibes was a joy to read! We return to the Christmas At Hideaway series with The Holiday Hate-Off featuring Lucy and Enzo. The tension and banter between these two was perfect. Even though it is part of a series any book can be read as a standalone read and can be read in any order. I adored all the returning characters we have grown to love, all the towns festivities and the found family aspect of this one. This is a great holiday series!
I received a complementary copy from the author.

[Dankinia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that spooky season is over, it's time to read some winter themed books. I'd recommend this if you are in the mood for a spicy slow-burn holiday story where enemies become lovers. This story is part of an interconnected series of standalone novels that all take place in the same small town.

Overall, I rate it 4⭐ out of 5 based on the following categories:
🤩Enjoyment - 4;
👥Characters - 4;
📖Plot - 3.5;
🗺️Atmosphere - 4;
🖋️Writing - 4.

What worked for me:
- Enzo's devotion to his family.
- The banter between characters
- No true third act breakup

Finished Reading
11/04/2025

I received an early copy of this book from the author; however, all opinions are my own.

[Queenie2023 aka Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this was a really good Christmas book !! I love the various traditional activities such as baking, family activities and challenges for best cappuccino etc - also love the secret pen pal letters - almost like a You have mail kinda vibe with that mixed in but also different. Definitely highly recommend !!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I adored learning about Hideaway Harbor and I can't wait to read the others in the series!

This book made me laugh and it tugged on my heartstrings, it was a delight to read. The characters were easy to like and I really felt like I was there with the characters.

I will definitely be reading more of Angela's books in the future, I loved her writing style.

[Ann]

DNF. Ugh! Got halfway through, and I just couldn't make myself finish. Story moves agonizingly slow. Lucy's immature and annoying. The story silly. Their knitting club is knitting vaginas 🙄. I've enjoyed other books by this author. This one just not for me.

[Madeline Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s unofficially officially that time of year: time to read all the holiday romance books you can find. I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Angela Casella’s, “The Holiday Hate-Off,” which is book one in an interconnected series, Hideaway Harbor. Casella is a new author for me, and she did not disappoint. The book was whimsy, Christmasy and humorous! I LOVED this book.

The Holiday Hate-Off:

Holiday Cheer Meets Holiday Grump
Meet Lucy, the main character in “The Holiday Hate-Off.” Lucy is new to Hideaway Harbor and is soaking up the holiday magic that the town has to offer after her mom’s passing. She’s on a mission to lose her v-card, which is, of course, when we meet our hero of the story, Enzo. If you’re into Hallmark movies like myself, you know Enzo as the serious businessman from New York that doesn’t do Christmas until a woman full of holiday spirit steps into his life. Enter Lucy.

The two’s relationship is not love at first sight. In fact, Lucy and Enzo despise each other. Anyone up for a good enemies to lovers trope? But how quickly that turns around when Enzo finds out Lucy’s mission for the holiday season and becomes jealous and protective of her. There’s something about a man that’s grumpy and protective that makes me swoon. I adored Lucy and Enzo’s turbulent relationship. What started as a competition between the coffee shop Lucy worked at and Enzo’s family’s Italian restaurant, blossomed into a true love story. Full of spice, might I add! They were two opposites that worked, and I felt their relationship was authentic and didn’t feel too rushed.

I enjoyed seeing them compete with one another and then enjoy the holiday season together once they realized they meant more to one another. Each character grew throughout the book — the side characters also had a hand in helping with the characters’ growth. Also, there was no third-act breakup. That is a huge win in my book.

Lucy was also such a sweet character. Her backstory of being her mom’s caretaker until she passed away showed the kind of person she is. Enzo was also a male character worthy of book swooning.

The town full of merriment:

Everybody in Hideaway Harbor was meant to be a character in a Hallmark Christmas movie. We had Eileen, Lucy’s matchmaking boss; there was Charlie, her edgy, protective best friend; then there was Nico, Gio and Nonna Francesca that rounded out Enzo’s loud Italian family. Each character brought something to the table. Honestly, there are some side characters in books that I cannot stand, but Casella crafted each character so well that I liked them all. They all had such different personalities that worked well to balance Lucy and Enzo.

Let’s not forget how festive the town was. It was fun to read about all the holiday festivities taking place in their little town. It made me long to visit a seaside town during Christmas season. Casella did so well in imagining the town and all its characters to create a fun, sweet, spicy story perfect for the Christmas season ahead.

Here’s what to expect from “The Holiday Hate-Off”:

🎄 A Grumpy hero and a fun-loving heroine

🎄 A cast of jolly side characters

🎄 No third-act breakup

🎄 Found family

🎄 Enemies to lovers

🎄 Hallmark Christmas movie vibes with some added spice

🎄 City man meets small town girl

“The Holiday Hate-Off” is officially ready to purchase for the holiday season! Seriously, if you are a sucker for small-town romances chalk-full of holiday fun, you need to read this book. It will have you smiling while you read.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚STORY📚

The Holiday Hate-Off is a spectacular way to kick off the season of #2025HolidayRomance reading, if you haven’t already! I love a good rom-com full of shenanigans that don’t veer towards slap-stick humor but rather entertain and amuse and this story had that in spades! I am pretty sure I was smiling for most of this read! I loved the rivalry concept which helped level up their sexy spark!

They say there’s a very fine line between love and hate and this story demonstrated how true this concept is all while truly entertaining the reader and filling their hearts with the magic of the season! This story had quite a few vibes that made my heart super happy. From the small-town vibes to the Hallmark Christmas Movie vibes and everything in between! A super fun read and I cannot wait to devour every single one in this series!

🎧AUDIO🎧

🎙️ This audiobook was such a great listening experience! Narration team of 🎤Sean Masters & Heather Firth🎤 was soooooooooooooo good! *heart eyes* They complimented each other really well and elevated an already great story!

[Gina Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, sweet, spicy enemies-to-lovers small town holiday romance

4.25⭐️ 2-2.5🌶️ The Holiday Hate-Off (part of an interconnected series by multiple authors - Christmas at Hideaway Harbor) by Angela Casella. This is a small-town Christmas RomCom with great spice, and my first book by Angela. While all 6 books can be read in any order, I’m loving this town and all of the hilarious Christmas shenanigans (and the spice 🤭🤫😮‍💨🤣).

Lucy works at a coffee shop called Love at First Sip in Hideaway Harbor, a cozy coastal town in Maine. Enzo Cafiero is the oldest of 4 siblings, and is back in town temporarily from New York to help fix some problems at the family’s Italian deli called Hidden Italy. Lucy spent the last 8 years taking care of her mother before she died, and is a V at 28, so she writes a letter to leave at the town’s Wishing Bridge, but Enzo is there and finds it. He offers to help her with what she calls ‘Project Lose the V’ but tells him No on several occasions. It’s not until she gets to know his less-controlling, loyal, family-oriented softer side that she considers it. They have great chemistry and the attraction is undeniable, but she thinks of her mom’s wish that Lucy find a kind, stable man to love her, and Enzo is not staying, so Lucy tries to protect her heart. ❤️ Enzo (with some good advice from his brother, Giovanni, and a little sprinkling of matchmaking magic 🪄 from Eileen, the owner of the coffee ☕️ shop) shows up for Lucy and sincerely participates in all of the town’s Christmas activities, even though he hates Christmas. 🎄 Both have trauma - his mom left when he was a kid, and this is her first Christmas since her mom died (her only family), so they are navigating through loss, grief, feelings, hurt.

❤️ Fulfilling her mom’s magic ball (bucket list)
❤️ He calls her Lucia
❤️ Verbal sparring/push-pull
❤️ She wants to be loved for who she is (what she calls ‘defiantly herself’)
❤️ he takes her V but then he wants to see her again and she says fine, so they agree to exclusive (he doesn’t share) FWB. 🤣 (frenemies with benefits)
❤️ Shower 🚿
❤️ Christmas garland/tinsel fun 🎄🪢 🤫
❤️ Holiday hate-off = holiday lovefest
❤️ She’s independent & stubborn, he wants to fix everything
❤️ He’s arrogant, take-charge, always in control

Favorite quotes:
‘I've never experienced love for myself. Only through other people and in my books. I'm hungry for it. For life.’

‘I'm doing exactly what I'd promised myself never to do. I'm letting him matter, and he's going to leave me...Men like that always leave, Lucy.’

"I want to see what you see when you look at Hideaway Harbor. I want to know if I still can."

‘I remind myself that Enzo doesn't qualify as Mr. Perfect, the ideal man my mom talked about in her letter.’

‘Lucia. My Lucy. My woman.’

"I've felt more alive this past month than I have in the past five years. I'd be a fool to walk away from you, and I'd like to believe I'm no fool."

“This is my home, Lucia. Here with you."

Read this if you like:
*Holiday romance
*Small town romance
*Rivals/frenemies-to-lovers
*She’s 28 and a V
*Grief/loss
*Banter
*FWB
*Meddling/matchmaking townspeople
*Christmas-crazy town

Content warning: death of parent, parental abandonment, parental neglect

I can’t wait to read the next book in this multiple-author 🎄🎅🏻 series, plus brother Giovanni’s story in Falling for Mr. October by Angela!

CHECK out the whole Christmas at Hideaway
Harbor series!
* The Holiday Hate-Off by Angela Casella
* The Holiday Fakers by Evie Alexander
* The Holiday Whoopie by Sara L. Hudson
* The Holiday Post by L.B. Dunbar
* The Holiday Clause by Lydia Michaels
* The Holiday Grump by Enni Amanda

ALL BOOKS ARE INTERCONNECTED standalones and can be read in any order.

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

’Christmas? Check. Holiday rivalry? Check. Enemies to lovers with a holiday twist? Check and check. A festively fun read for all to enjoy!’ - The British Bibliophile

Overall Rating: 4⭐️, Story: 4⭐️, Narration: 4.5⭐️

🎄Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Small Town, Matchmaking, Holiday Romance, Close Proximity, You’ve Got Mail

⛄️Advanced Copy Format:Audiobook (ALC)

❄️Audiobook Narration by: Heather Firth & Sean Masters

🎅🏻Plot: A festive showdown between two rivals who have equal pride & passion for their individual businesses, going from enemies to lovers along the way. Things don’t go smoothly, with tensions & emotions running high in what should be the most wonderful time of the year. It all works out in the end, with a Merry Christmas & happily ever after.

╔═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗
⠀ ⠀ ⠀ 𝐴 𝐿 𝐶 ⠀𝑅 𝐸 𝑉 𝐼 𝐸 𝑊
╚═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝

I broke my ‘no reading Christmas romances until late November’ rule just before The Holiday Hate-Off came along, deciding to continue said rule break with it & zero regrets while doing so.

There wasn’t much resistance, in all honesty. Enemies to Lovers, small town & You’ve Got Mail Vibes? I stood no chance at resisting.

Plus, it was a chance to add another new-to-me author to my list so…I had more to gain than lose, here.

As a recently converted Hallmark movie lady, The Holiday Hate-Off gave me everything I now love about those movies with the added dash of the classic cozy 90s movie nostalgic, cozy, colourful feel that you just had to live through those times to truly experience in its entirety. Think You’ve Got Mail, Home Alone, The Santa Clause & Mrs. Santa Claus.. This book had all of those warm, happy (at times), comforting feeling about it while showing it through the characters of Lucy, Enzo & everyone around them.

Enzo Cafiero? What. A. Man. (Cue song that will now be in your head & on repeat for hours). He’s got every book boyfriend quality we literary lasses could ever want (bonus points for the Italian heritage part to him, that was a delight to listen to), with the added bonus of him being a genuinely likeable character with his caring nature, open vulnerability and romantic expressions. Not so fictional men? Take. Note.

Lucy? Girl, come here and have a hug. You need one. Our girl here has been through the emotional wringer, but still believes in the power of love, the festive season’s magical moments and of course, a wishing bridge that gives her all that she truly ever needs. Eventually. Despite her grieving someone close to her, she is still able to open her heart to love of all kinds, fight for what she wants and keep going no matter what. All in all, a standup gal!

For my first jaunt into the world of Angela Casella, I was impressed right off the bat. Definitely going to look into her other work to see what tickles my fancy.

‘What about the rest of this series?’ I hear you ask. Well, I started it, so that means I’ve got to finish it. Right? Right! After all these books are like Pringles. Once you pop, you cannot stop.

🎁Most liked:Banter, hilarious rivalry/antics, scene-stealing side characters, family dynamics
🦌Christmassy feeling:7/10
🌲Steamy/spicy/smutty or romantic? romance with a dash of spice — just right! (Medium temp!)
☃️Recommended format:Audiobook. Trust me, you need to listen to Sean bring Enzo to life!

*Thank you to Hambright PR for providing me with the ALC for an honest review*

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

🎄 Christmas Romance 
❄️ Family Restaurant x Coffee Shop 
🎄 You've Got Mail Vibes
❄️ Cozy Coastal Town
🎄 Enemies To Lovers
❄️ Business/PR x Barista/PR
🎄 Christmas Competition
❄️ Hate To Love
👨 Mustache Wars


✨️ 📚 BOOK 📖 / 🎧 AUDIO 🎧 REVIEW ✨️

🎙Narrators: Heather Firth & Sean Masters 🎙

As always Heather Firth and Sean Masters truly did this book justice! They were the perfect narrators for Lucy and Lorenzo! I couldn't imagine anyone else for them! They always give the best performance and this was no different! You could feel the tension and love throughout the book!

Lucy and Lorenzo had so much more in common than they realized. Both had businesses that they wanted to succeed, but they both needed help making them up to caliber they had the potential to be with just a little bit of help! I loved seeing Enzo's Nonna still be involved even if she should have been living her best life away from the restaurant! But as she said this was her home and she refused to give up until she had to!

I loved seeing the constant wars the two places had with each other, and also the mustache wars they had! I loved thinking about the flyers that had each of their pictures on that had been posted stating that they had been banned from each place respectively.

I can't help but tell you how much these two were the perfect match for each other. They each had passions to make each business successful! Luckily for them, they had other people looking out for their love lives. I loved the small give and take that they each had, and how they each finally eased up on each other to truly see each other. 

Little things that seemed like coincidences were more than that. They were the little things that truly gave the definition of Christmas Miracles. Especially on the Wishing Bridge. like random snow, and feelings felt of those that had been lost. But action put in motion by more than could be explained when Enzo went to NY and was mugged of his jacket, wallet and phone.

The best part had to be when they both realized how much they each meant to each other. Even if they had felt like that for a little bit but refused to admit it or just hadn't out two and two together.  I loved this book so much and cannot wait to see if there is going to be another book after this one next year!! 


Thank you to 🎄 Angela Casella 🎄 for the complimentary 📖 ARC 📖 & 🎧 ALC 🎧.✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.

[Madi (madifett.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holiday Hate-Off is book one of the Hideaway Harbor series, and I am THRILLED to have been able to read an early copy. Thank you so much Angela Casella and Hambright PR for the gifted copy!

Casella’s my favorite author for a reason - her writing is absolute magic. Her books are laugh out loud funny and heartfelt. The Holiday Hate-Off is the epitome of charm. Lucy, a Hideaway Harbor transplant, is hoping to reclaim Christmas joy after losing her mom to illness. Enzo’s just moved back to Hideaway Harbor from NYC to begrudgingly help with his family’s business. True to form, Casella’s couple has a hilarious meet cute, and they instantly loathe each other. What follows is a riotously funny holiday feud with You’ve Got Mail vibes.

The banter in Casella’s books is initially what hooked me on her work, but I think the people and relationships she writes shine even brighter. They’re the true backbone of her books. Lucy and Enzo are wonderful together - it’s a slow burn, but SO worth it. And I related so much to Lucy trying to find joy in the holidays after her mother’s passing. It’s something I’ve tried to do since my own mom’s passing a few years ago. The Holiday Hate-Off is special in so many ways. I devoured this book and am so excited to continue the rest of the series, which features five different authors!

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Hideaway Harbour, a town of magic, friendship and banned poster wars. Local coffee shop Love At First Sip is where Lucy works. They are currently barred from next doors delicatessen Hidden Italy which is run by the Cafieros family, and Lucy and the rest of the coffee shop crew are banned because she encouraged the girlfriend of Enzo Cafiero to leave him.

So Lucy and Enzo are sworn enemies and now they are doing their best to sabotage each others Christmas events and general business. They enjoy sparring with each other, but might there be more behind the barbs and marker pen posters?

Lucy and Enzo were absolute fire! Their banter was off the scale and I loved seeing what tricks they would come up with next. The sparks between them would ignite a fire big enough to keep the town warm until Easter.

I loved the scene at the taffy pulling, that was funny and sweet but also set the two on a path for something better than rivalry.

The surrounding characters were also great. Eileen and her little matchmaking schemes, Nonna Francesca who ruled Hidden Italy but was struggling. And the other Cafiero brothers, Giovanni and Nico were so much fun with the needling of Enzo but had his back all along.

A great start to the Hideaway Harbour series and my first but not last book by this author.

[Yashna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Lucy, still healing from the loss of her mother, builds a new life working at Love at First Sip. Everything changes when a kind but ill-timed comment leads to the breakup of Enzo Cafiero and his girlfriend. Enzo returns home from New York to save his family’s Italian market and to face the woman he believes caused his heartbreak. What follows is a series of hilarious, tension filled encounters that slowly turn into something warmer and deeply emotional.

I loves how the author beautifully balanced humor and heart. Lucy and Enzo’s growth feels natural, their rivalry gradually giving way to connection and understanding. Their moments together are filled with quiet tenderness and genuine emotion. I loved how both characters carried a sense of responsibility — Lucy through her work on the app, and Enzo through his devotion to Nonna and the family business.

The secondary characters add even more charm to this story. Eileen stood out to me the most, and I hope to see more of her journey in future books. The proposal scene was heartfelt and moving. It left me teary and completely content.

The Holiday Hate Off is the perfect festive read. 🎄

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant Christmas book this is. Lucy has moved to Hideaway Harbour and now enjoys working in the local coffee shop. Now she gets to enjoy the festivities the small-town has too offer. Although she has already made waves with the local Italian restaurant and shop, getting all the staff banned from the restaurant. Enzo really doesn't want to be back helping his family business, but it's what you do for family. The sooner he can leave the better. However with the grudge he has with the new barista, he's dreading seeing her again. Now with the towns Christmas calendar starting in the restaurant he hopes to start rebuilding the business. This is a funny, hilarious Christmas story that keeps you turning the pages. With the twist of the notes Lucy's stalker leaves, and the angst between Lucy and Enzo can there be a Happy ending. This is the series written by various authors I'm really looking forward to the rest. As this is the perfect start

[Jill B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Holiday Hate-Off

Take a holiday hallmark movie and add some spice… that’s my quick summary of this adorable rom-com from Angela Casella.

Enzo and Lucy had a hate at first sight sort of meeting. And that initial impression turned into a bit of a prank war all while banning each other from their respective businesses that they help run in the small town of Hideaway Harbor, Maine.

Feuding families and Christmas chaos makes this book pure entertainment.

And the enemies can’t stay enemies forever or that wouldn’t be any fun. The story unfolds with some cute scenes with love, family, friends and cases of hidden identities. Did I mention this town is basically Christmas personified with a coastal twist?

If you’re looking for a cute holiday romance, check this one out!

TROPES ✨
💥 Enemies to Lovers
🏡 Small Town
💘 Matchmaking
🎄 Holiday Romance
🛋️ Close Proximity
💌 You’ve Got Mail Trope

Thanks to Angela Casella and Hambright PR for the arc to read and provide an honest review.

[Anica Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ rounded up.

I was honored to be chosen to receive an ARC of this book! It is the perfect introduction to the Hideaway Harbor Holiday Series! It’s the sweet, sugary and sometimes spicy cup of cappuccino you need to start these reads off! There was banter, found family, the hunk from NYC, the girl who found a home in his hometown, the local matchmaker, honestly the perfect formula for a hallmark Christmas story! If you love romance and Christmas, this one is for you!

The only reason I shaved off a little from my rating is because my reading style, I don’t enjoy longer chapters and there was a handful of these that just didn’t move along quite as quick as I prefer.

If this book is a preview to this series, I can’t wait to continue discovering Hideaway Harbor and all their holiday matches!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enemies to lovers small town feud romance kicked off the Hideaway Harbor series strong!! I loved both main characters and the way their bickering and rivalry fuelled the flames of their attraction!

Lucy is a 28 year old virgin who's spent the last few years caring for her dying mother and is determined to find the love she deserves while following a list of things her mother left for her to do.

While Enzo is the eldest Cafiero sibling home to help his Italian grandmother with their restaurant and growingly intrigued by Lucy even though she helped drive off his ex. Spicy, heartfelt and great on audio.

The Hideaway Harbor holiday books can be read as standalones but there are fun cameos from all the characters in the books throughout this series set in small town Maine. Highly recommended for fans of the Cross creek collection series!