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Hideaway Harbor #4
The Holiday Post
Doc Hollywood meets It’s a Wonderful Life with a hint of The Santa Clause when a globetrotting toy industry mogul is stranded in this small harbor town days before Christmas.Despite dreams to explore the world, I’ve never been anywhere other than this small harbor town. Single mom, local postmistress, and one-fourth owner of a failing auto repair shop are all the reasons I’ve remained planted where my roots began.
Hideaway Harbor is layered in love for the holidays, enticing visitors to the coastal area for a seasonal respite, so thanks to an unpredicted blizzard, it’s no surprise when a stranger plows into the town’s welcome sign.
What is a surprise is when he’s suddenly—and rather reluctantly by me—an extended-stay guest in my home thanks to no vacancies in town, some pesky matchmaking, and candy cane martinis on a Monday.
There’s something vaguely familiar about this new visitor. The combination of snow and tinsel colored hair. The well-trimmed matching beard. The laugh lines near his coal-colored eyes. How good he looks in the color red. He’s thoughtful and kind, and has a flair for the holiday season, which makes him most likely to make the top of Santa’s good guy (with a hint of bad boy) list.
After some disappointing news concerning the holidays, the hap, hap, happiest time of the year isn’t feeling so spectacular. But my houseguest’s presence builds a snowstorm of emotions in my chest, making my Christmas wish a transfer to the naughty list . . . with him.
Unfortunately, there’s a mystery behind his origins, and he has “not-staying” written all over him. With places to be before the calendar flips to December twenty-fourth, he’ll soon be gone, and I’ve encountered this heartbreaking, lump-of-coal sensation once before.
No matter how short or sweet his visit, there’s no doubt about the magic we make together, leaving me to wonder if love is the greatest adventure we take.
+ + +
Welcome to Hideaway Harbor - where Christmas charm meets small town - and six amazing authors bring you six original holiday romances steeped in heat, heart, and winter quirkiness which can be read as standalones.
Hideaway Harbor is layered in love for the holidays, enticing visitors to the coastal area for a seasonal respite, so thanks to an unpredicted blizzard, it’s no surprise when a stranger plows into the town’s welcome sign.
What is a surprise is when he’s suddenly—and rather reluctantly by me—an extended-stay guest in my home thanks to no vacancies in town, some pesky matchmaking, and candy cane martinis on a Monday.
There’s something vaguely familiar about this new visitor. The combination of snow and tinsel colored hair. The well-trimmed matching beard. The laugh lines near his coal-colored eyes. How good he looks in the color red. He’s thoughtful and kind, and has a flair for the holiday season, which makes him most likely to make the top of Santa’s good guy (with a hint of bad boy) list.
After some disappointing news concerning the holidays, the hap, hap, happiest time of the year isn’t feeling so spectacular. But my houseguest’s presence builds a snowstorm of emotions in my chest, making my Christmas wish a transfer to the naughty list . . . with him.
Unfortunately, there’s a mystery behind his origins, and he has “not-staying” written all over him. With places to be before the calendar flips to December twenty-fourth, he’ll soon be gone, and I’ve encountered this heartbreaking, lump-of-coal sensation once before.
No matter how short or sweet his visit, there’s no doubt about the magic we make together, leaving me to wonder if love is the greatest adventure we take.
+ + +
Welcome to Hideaway Harbor - where Christmas charm meets small town - and six amazing authors bring you six original holiday romances steeped in heat, heart, and winter quirkiness which can be read as standalones.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2025
308 people are currently reading
4648 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
92 books3,288 followersL.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews
November 18, 2025
3💫
if you are looking for a light christmas read with nothing but cheesy (in a good way) holiday joy and christmas small town aspects, i think you will like this one! its giving cute hallmark town and i enjoyed that.
i think the book started off very strong, but then it just because very insta-lust and insta-love for me. i know a lot of people enjoy spicy content, but i love a more emotional read, and i didn't see an emotional connection between these two.
i thought the twist about saint's job was funny and cute too. i wish we got more on the dog tho!!
overall, this was a cute christmas read, but just know its mainly spicy scenes one you get into it. if thats your thing, you will love this one!!
thank you to L.B. Dunbar and Hampright for the arc!
if you are looking for a light christmas read with nothing but cheesy (in a good way) holiday joy and christmas small town aspects, i think you will like this one! its giving cute hallmark town and i enjoyed that.
i think the book started off very strong, but then it just because very insta-lust and insta-love for me. i know a lot of people enjoy spicy content, but i love a more emotional read, and i didn't see an emotional connection between these two.
i thought the twist about saint's job was funny and cute too. i wish we got more on the dog tho!!
overall, this was a cute christmas read, but just know its mainly spicy scenes one you get into it. if thats your thing, you will love this one!!
thank you to L.B. Dunbar and Hampright for the arc!
Read
November 15, 2025Small town, over 40 and an empty nester, Lumi is looking at her first Christmas without her son. He’s an adult and all grown up and out doing adult things. While she looks for more things to fill her free time, she picks up a stranded motorist who’s just wrecked his Aston Martin in the heavy snowfall thanks to the sweet town doggo that no one owns…he claims them all as his home. Enter Seint.
While I loved the entire mystery and secret behind who he really was, I only had a difficult time getting a feel for the connection they started to have. I just didn’t feel it at all until their first romantic encounter which was nice. It’s just there was no angsty build up for me. The constant inner monologue about how he has to leave soon just kinda made me want to skip a lot because I didn’t want to read about it anymore.
I loved the spice in this book! (2/5 🌶️) “Holy peppermint!” Actually had me snorting out loud 🤣. A few other things had me giggling as well.
The ending was super sweet and I would love to hear the story that Seint mentioned at the beginning as “a story for another time”.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the characters. Thank you Hambright PR and L. B. Dunbar for the opportunity to read this and provide my honest review.
While I loved the entire mystery and secret behind who he really was, I only had a difficult time getting a feel for the connection they started to have. I just didn’t feel it at all until their first romantic encounter which was nice. It’s just there was no angsty build up for me. The constant inner monologue about how he has to leave soon just kinda made me want to skip a lot because I didn’t want to read about it anymore.
I loved the spice in this book! (2/5 🌶️) “Holy peppermint!” Actually had me snorting out loud 🤣. A few other things had me giggling as well.
The ending was super sweet and I would love to hear the story that Seint mentioned at the beginning as “a story for another time”.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the characters. Thank you Hambright PR and L. B. Dunbar for the opportunity to read this and provide my honest review.
November 14, 2025
If you enjoy a hallmark vibes cheesy holiday romance with some added spice, this will be for you. I loved that our MC’s were in their 40’s/50’s. Gave it a refreshing story.
I flew through this and it’s definitely got me into my Christmas mood.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for both the e-ARC and ALC! I had a great time immersive reading this and loved the narration.
I flew through this and it’s definitely got me into my Christmas mood.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for both the e-ARC and ALC! I had a great time immersive reading this and loved the narration.
December 3, 2025
This ended up being a fun, festive read with plenty of charm, even if it didn’t FULLY hit the mark for me. It has that cheesy coziness you want from a holiday romance, and it’s super bingeable!
I loved that the characters were older than the usual romance leads - it gave the story a refreshing feel. The beginning especially pulled me in with those warm, Hallmark-style vibes. It’s cute, it’s cheesy in all the right ways, and it definitely brings the Christmas spirit!!
As the story progressed, it leaned way more into the lusty, spice-forward side than I expected or really wanted for these characters. The shift pulled me out of the cozy tone I was enjoying, so by the end it didn’t feel like the same book I fell for at the start. Still a fun holiday read - just not quite the balance I hoped for.
I loved that the characters were older than the usual romance leads - it gave the story a refreshing feel. The beginning especially pulled me in with those warm, Hallmark-style vibes. It’s cute, it’s cheesy in all the right ways, and it definitely brings the Christmas spirit!!
As the story progressed, it leaned way more into the lusty, spice-forward side than I expected or really wanted for these characters. The shift pulled me out of the cozy tone I was enjoying, so by the end it didn’t feel like the same book I fell for at the start. Still a fun holiday read - just not quite the balance I hoped for.
December 18, 2025
Thank god this book was short! But honestly it dragged. How many times can I read about these 2 characters having sex. Gets very repetitive and boring. Wasn’t much of a plot just Santa’s son getting his dick wet with a single mom.
November 17, 2025
this was a cute christmas romance and, unfortunately for everyone around me, i AM the type of person that will start consuming christmas content in november.
although this is part of a series and it was the first book i've read from it, it didn't feel like i was missing out on crucial information. maybe if i'd read the previous books in the series, i'd pick up on some easter eggs, but this works well as a standalone. the writing style was easy and fun to read, and i enjoyed the dynamic between saint and lumi. it was a bit too heavy on the insta love for me, but it was bearable. the dialogue felt a bit unnatural and forced, even with the suspension of disbelief rom coms require (re: "oh my peppermint"), and i do draw the line at sexy santa. i have a young nephew. don't ruin my holidays
overall, the vibes of this book were its highlight. a lovely read for this time of year if you're looking for something, but it didn't really stand out too much.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
although this is part of a series and it was the first book i've read from it, it didn't feel like i was missing out on crucial information. maybe if i'd read the previous books in the series, i'd pick up on some easter eggs, but this works well as a standalone. the writing style was easy and fun to read, and i enjoyed the dynamic between saint and lumi. it was a bit too heavy on the insta love for me, but it was bearable. the dialogue felt a bit unnatural and forced, even with the suspension of disbelief rom coms require (re: "oh my peppermint"), and i do draw the line at sexy santa. i have a young nephew. don't ruin my holidays
overall, the vibes of this book were its highlight. a lovely read for this time of year if you're looking for something, but it didn't really stand out too much.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
January 24, 2026
This was the perfect book to get me started in the christmas mood.
I was skeptical in the beginning, because it seemed a little bit cringy, however the more I read on I just got drawn in. The way both main characters, Saint and Lumi, are written just brings you the upmost joy and happiness.
Lumi is a small-town single mother who has been dealing with the feeling of loss through her son having moved away for work, whilst Saint is a man of many secrets and is left having to crash at Lumi’s for a period of time after a car accident leaves him stranded.
This story reminds you to not take your life for granted, and realise all the beautiful things and people around you, aswell as the best things coming at the most unexpected times. Take that trip, sing that song, kiss the person you want too.
If you want a cute little christmas romcom to get you in the holiday mood, this is the book, and these are the characters. It is a quick and enjoyable read, and I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series over the holidays!
This book includes:
forced close proximity
meet cute
small town romance
Note for the author: one thing I picked up on was the last chapter was named in Saint’s POV when it was Lumi’s but other than that I really loved the book and will definitely read more of your work!
Thank you for netgalley and the published for this ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
I was skeptical in the beginning, because it seemed a little bit cringy, however the more I read on I just got drawn in. The way both main characters, Saint and Lumi, are written just brings you the upmost joy and happiness.
Lumi is a small-town single mother who has been dealing with the feeling of loss through her son having moved away for work, whilst Saint is a man of many secrets and is left having to crash at Lumi’s for a period of time after a car accident leaves him stranded.
This story reminds you to not take your life for granted, and realise all the beautiful things and people around you, aswell as the best things coming at the most unexpected times. Take that trip, sing that song, kiss the person you want too.
If you want a cute little christmas romcom to get you in the holiday mood, this is the book, and these are the characters. It is a quick and enjoyable read, and I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series over the holidays!
This book includes:
forced close proximity
meet cute
small town romance
Note for the author: one thing I picked up on was the last chapter was named in Saint’s POV when it was Lumi’s but other than that I really loved the book and will definitely read more of your work!
Thank you for netgalley and the published for this ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
November 15, 2025
4 stars.
"The Holiday Post" by L.B. Dunbar is wonderful! I have been loving this series so much! I always appreciate love stories featuring older characters in their 30s and 40s, and this is one of the better ones I have read recently. Lumi and Saint are getting a second chance at love in Hideaway Harbor in this forced-proximity, secret-identity romance. She's a single mom and a postmaster, and he's.... well, he's a sexy silver-fox Santa-type, let's say that much! Saint has just gotten snowed in at Hideaway Harbor when he gets lost and crashes his car, necessitating some automobile work. Stuck in town, Lumi and Saint get to know one another when she "invites" him to stay at her home while his car is being fixed. She's been down because her grown son is not coming home for the holidays this year. He has a deadline when he needs to be back in his hometown, but that starts to feel less and less important the more he and Lumi open up to one another. These two have terrific, instant chemistry with one another, but nothing more than friendship can happen because they both have complicated lives and quite a bit of baggage. Still, their feelings and attraction cannot be contained, and with a little holiday spirit, they might just mean more to each other than they know. There is a touch of the mystical and magical in this story, which makes it feel even more holiday-ish! Sure, some of it is a little cheesy, but I grinned so much while reading this. I loved the spice, the magic, the small-town shenanigans and nosy, meddling neighbors. I also loved the audiobook. Erin Mallon and Oliver Highpoint do an outstanding job bringing these characters to life in lively, fun, joyful ways. Their voices complement each other so well! Check this one out ASAP!!
Thank you to L.B. Dunbar and Hambright PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"The Holiday Post" by L.B. Dunbar is wonderful! I have been loving this series so much! I always appreciate love stories featuring older characters in their 30s and 40s, and this is one of the better ones I have read recently. Lumi and Saint are getting a second chance at love in Hideaway Harbor in this forced-proximity, secret-identity romance. She's a single mom and a postmaster, and he's.... well, he's a sexy silver-fox Santa-type, let's say that much! Saint has just gotten snowed in at Hideaway Harbor when he gets lost and crashes his car, necessitating some automobile work. Stuck in town, Lumi and Saint get to know one another when she "invites" him to stay at her home while his car is being fixed. She's been down because her grown son is not coming home for the holidays this year. He has a deadline when he needs to be back in his hometown, but that starts to feel less and less important the more he and Lumi open up to one another. These two have terrific, instant chemistry with one another, but nothing more than friendship can happen because they both have complicated lives and quite a bit of baggage. Still, their feelings and attraction cannot be contained, and with a little holiday spirit, they might just mean more to each other than they know. There is a touch of the mystical and magical in this story, which makes it feel even more holiday-ish! Sure, some of it is a little cheesy, but I grinned so much while reading this. I loved the spice, the magic, the small-town shenanigans and nosy, meddling neighbors. I also loved the audiobook. Erin Mallon and Oliver Highpoint do an outstanding job bringing these characters to life in lively, fun, joyful ways. Their voices complement each other so well! Check this one out ASAP!!
Thank you to L.B. Dunbar and Hambright PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
November 16, 2025
A wonderful Christmas story. Whimsical in hideaway harbor. I mean it’s modern day in small town Maine and very particular that Saint arrives on his way home to the north passing through and gets into an accident . Peculiar how he ended up meeting Lumi .I just love Lumi and her accent. Both characters are quite charming. The close proximity and loneliness is a recipe for lots of steamy scenes. Between these two and I have to say Saint is one hot Santa . Very giving super sweet. The surprise Lumi gets on Christmas was so sweet . The best gift was after Christmas and I swear my heart melted . The narrators did a fine job narrating these characters. All in all everything was perfect in the audiobook.
November 3, 2025
We return to Hideaway Harbour with The Holiday Post. This cozy yet spicy small town holiday romance features Lumi and Saint. I adored that the main characters were older which was refreshing to read. This has all the small town holiday festivities to get you in the Christmas spirit. Even though it is part of the Christmas At Hideaway Harbour series it is perfect as a standalone story.
I received a complementary copy from the author.
I received a complementary copy from the author.
December 25, 2025
I love when a couple in a romance finds love later in life and this single mom and silver fox have a steamy and beautiful holiday fling. Even though Lumi is reluctant to get to know Saint and eventually agree to having him as a houseguest, Saint is mesmerized by Lumi from the start. I rooted for this couple so hard and treasured each and every moment of them falling in love with each other. I also appreciated that there was a touch of magic to this story. Thank you to L. B. Dunbar for the opportunity to read this early.
November 20, 2025
This is the 4th book in an interconnected series of standalone novels that all take place in the same small town. I'd recommend this if you are in the mood for a spicy holiday romance about a single mom who dreams of traveling, a unexpected house guest stranded by a storm, and a bit of holiday magic.
Overall, I rate it 3.5⭐out of 5 based on the following: 🤩Enjoyment - 3.5; 👥Characters - 3.5; 📖Plot - 3; 🗺️Setting - 4; and🖋️Writing - 4 with the first 3 categories being most important.
What worked for me:
• Saint's job and his gifts to Lumi.
• The small town atmosphere, this is a town I want to visit.
What didn’t work for me
• Even though I knew it was going to happen based on the blurb, I'm still not a fan of the third act break-up.
Finished Reading
11/14/2025
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book from the author; however, all opinions are my own.
Overall, I rate it 3.5⭐out of 5 based on the following: 🤩Enjoyment - 3.5; 👥Characters - 3.5; 📖Plot - 3; 🗺️Setting - 4; and🖋️Writing - 4 with the first 3 categories being most important.
What worked for me:
• Saint's job and his gifts to Lumi.
• The small town atmosphere, this is a town I want to visit.
What didn’t work for me
• Even though I knew it was going to happen based on the blurb, I'm still not a fan of the third act break-up.
Finished Reading
11/14/2025
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book from the author; however, all opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
Overall, I'd give this 3.5 stars, it was cute with a dash of magic. Small town Christmas romances are so sweet. The situation that Lumi and Saint found themselves in was interesting, but they needed each other in unexpected ways. There was a lot of self-reflection for both Lumi and Saint in this story, and I really enjoyed that.
Format: ebook
Thank you NetGalley, L.B. Dunbar, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.
Format: ebook
Thank you NetGalley, L.B. Dunbar, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the hallmark vibes of this book! It includes nods to some of the most iconic Christmas movies in a nicely done way. Plus, I love that it features mature main characters!
This book is naughty and nice
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for true holiday vibes in a Christmas book!
This book is naughty and nice
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for true holiday vibes in a Christmas book!
November 27, 2025
This was a quick, Christmas read. I appreciated the characters were my age 😍. I also loved the small town romance but I found the fast paced love connection a bit unrealistic. I know others love this trope so if you do, check this one out. I think you will really enjoy it!
November 5, 2025
I received an ALC and ARC. The narration was really good and the story was cute. The holiday puns and names really threw me off. I get it’s a holiday read but it really felt like it was being crammed down my throat.
That being said, I loved the characters and the mystery and chemistry between them. I loved the over 40 aspect. Over all I enjoyed the book.
That being said, I loved the characters and the mystery and chemistry between them. I loved the over 40 aspect. Over all I enjoyed the book.
November 18, 2025
Who’s ready for a sexy, cozy holiday romance? Grab a cup of tea and your fluffy blanket and settle in for this delightful Hallmark-esque tale.
Running behind schedule and driving a sports car in a snow storm, Saint gets into an accident just outside Hideaway Harbor, ME. It’s going to take a couple weeks to get the specialty parts for his car, and Saint needs a place to stay. The quaint town is filled with tourists and holiday cheer, with no room at any of the inns, so he’s rooming with Lumi whose adult son won’t be home for the holidays.
The Holiday Post is a SUPER CUTE, low conflict holiday romance. Think super sexy Hallmark Christmas with a silver fox lead. I love that Saint and Lumi are “mature” characters around 50 years old. Lumi has always been stuck in Hideaway Harbor due to responsibilities, including being a single mom at a young age. Saint’s life is also dictated by his responsibilities to the family business, located in the mysterious town of North, with their busiest day being December 24th (wink).
I like that they even though both have responsibilities and commitments, they don’t use them as excuses to keep themselves apart or deny themselves the pleasure of a fling. They are upfront about expectations and limits before giving into their attraction. And in the midst of it all, they allow their hearts to get involved… I love that they don’t hold back or have regrets despite the limited time together.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating first person POVs of Saint and Lumi. Highpoint has strong, solid voice befitting of a 50 YO male who likes adventure and driving a sports car. He raises his pitch and/or softens his voice for female characters. Each character of the same gender is mildly different, enough to distinguish different characters during dialogue. Although his voice for Lumi sounds strained and sad, which I didn’t love. Mallon has feminine voice that can be both confident and worn out. She convincingly deepens her voice for males, making each unique. She brings strong emotions to the female characters.
Although The Holiday Post is listed as the fourth book in the Hideaway Harbor series, it’s a multi-author series based in the same setting, with each book a standalone story and romance. This is my first read in the series and I throughly enjoyed the small town. I plan to check out the other offerings in the series now.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
review copy provided by Home Cooked Books tours
Running behind schedule and driving a sports car in a snow storm, Saint gets into an accident just outside Hideaway Harbor, ME. It’s going to take a couple weeks to get the specialty parts for his car, and Saint needs a place to stay. The quaint town is filled with tourists and holiday cheer, with no room at any of the inns, so he’s rooming with Lumi whose adult son won’t be home for the holidays.
The Holiday Post is a SUPER CUTE, low conflict holiday romance. Think super sexy Hallmark Christmas with a silver fox lead. I love that Saint and Lumi are “mature” characters around 50 years old. Lumi has always been stuck in Hideaway Harbor due to responsibilities, including being a single mom at a young age. Saint’s life is also dictated by his responsibilities to the family business, located in the mysterious town of North, with their busiest day being December 24th (wink).
I like that they even though both have responsibilities and commitments, they don’t use them as excuses to keep themselves apart or deny themselves the pleasure of a fling. They are upfront about expectations and limits before giving into their attraction. And in the midst of it all, they allow their hearts to get involved… I love that they don’t hold back or have regrets despite the limited time together.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating first person POVs of Saint and Lumi. Highpoint has strong, solid voice befitting of a 50 YO male who likes adventure and driving a sports car. He raises his pitch and/or softens his voice for female characters. Each character of the same gender is mildly different, enough to distinguish different characters during dialogue. Although his voice for Lumi sounds strained and sad, which I didn’t love. Mallon has feminine voice that can be both confident and worn out. She convincingly deepens her voice for males, making each unique. She brings strong emotions to the female characters.
Although The Holiday Post is listed as the fourth book in the Hideaway Harbor series, it’s a multi-author series based in the same setting, with each book a standalone story and romance. This is my first read in the series and I throughly enjoyed the small town. I plan to check out the other offerings in the series now.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
review copy provided by Home Cooked Books tours
November 30, 2025
This was such a cute read for the holiday season and got me in the mood for festive vibes.
When Saint ends up crashing his car on his way home from a cross county road trip, he ends up stranded in Hideaway Harbour. With no room at the inns, he ends up being Lumi’s houseguest. As sparks fly and holiday festivities ensue - can their relationship progress past the festive season? Or will it end when he has to leave town to get back to his ‘real’ life?
I liked that this featured ‘older’ main characters! Lumi is 43 and not looking for love, since the relationship with her ex crashed and burned. She’s not feeling festive since her son isn’t home for the holidays and she’s trying to balance keeping the family business afloat and do her job at the post office. Essentially she has a lot on her shoulders - too much to pursue her dreams of travelling.
When she finds Saint crashed in the snow - will she have a festive romance and add some sparks to the season after all?
Saint is 50 year old silver fox, with heavy Santa vibes. He’s avoiding his responsibilities back home and hiding in Hideaway Harbour - apt. He’s instantly smitten with Lumi and tries to give her the best festive season he can.
This has all the festive feels of a hallmark Christmas movie and is perfect for the Christmas season! A cute romance with plenty of spice.
Features - Forced proximity, small town romance, festive.
ARC copy provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
When Saint ends up crashing his car on his way home from a cross county road trip, he ends up stranded in Hideaway Harbour. With no room at the inns, he ends up being Lumi’s houseguest. As sparks fly and holiday festivities ensue - can their relationship progress past the festive season? Or will it end when he has to leave town to get back to his ‘real’ life?
I liked that this featured ‘older’ main characters! Lumi is 43 and not looking for love, since the relationship with her ex crashed and burned. She’s not feeling festive since her son isn’t home for the holidays and she’s trying to balance keeping the family business afloat and do her job at the post office. Essentially she has a lot on her shoulders - too much to pursue her dreams of travelling.
When she finds Saint crashed in the snow - will she have a festive romance and add some sparks to the season after all?
Saint is 50 year old silver fox, with heavy Santa vibes. He’s avoiding his responsibilities back home and hiding in Hideaway Harbour - apt. He’s instantly smitten with Lumi and tries to give her the best festive season he can.
This has all the festive feels of a hallmark Christmas movie and is perfect for the Christmas season! A cute romance with plenty of spice.
Features - Forced proximity, small town romance, festive.
ARC copy provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 4, 2025
Make every moment magical
Oh my goodness, I loved, loved this single mom holiday romance with shades of The Santa Clause and It’s a Wonderful Life. It made my sappy holiday loving heart so very happy to read this story. It gave me all the swoony swoons while pulling at my heart strings with all the emotions. Lumi lives in small town Hideaway Harbor, is single mom to an adult son, she works for the post office and owns Rusty’s Wrecks with her sisters. She has always longed to travel but life and a long ago choice to trust the wrong person with her heart has kept her trapped in the town. Saint who looks like a smexy Santa is at the end of a cross country trip planning to end in Bangor where he will take a private plane home. Unfortunately, he gets lost in the weather and ends up in Hideaway Harbour running smack into the welcome to town sign. Since there are no vacancies in town, Lumi “invites” him to be her houseguest while his car is being fixed. There is instant attraction and chemistry between them but there’s also a looming deadline for Saint to leave Hideaway Harbor so friendship is the only option. Despite this artificial line in the sand, their relationship grows and deepens, moment by moment, interaction by interaction as they spend time together and get to know each other while doing all the holiday things. What follows is a swoony and emotional journey toward their HEA and includes laughter, goodness, healing, baggage unpacking, holiday joy, secret twinkles, spice, and life path rearranging. I love this quirky holiday obsessed town and all the stories set here. I especially appreciated this seasoned couple and their heartwarming love story.
Oh my goodness, I loved, loved this single mom holiday romance with shades of The Santa Clause and It’s a Wonderful Life. It made my sappy holiday loving heart so very happy to read this story. It gave me all the swoony swoons while pulling at my heart strings with all the emotions. Lumi lives in small town Hideaway Harbor, is single mom to an adult son, she works for the post office and owns Rusty’s Wrecks with her sisters. She has always longed to travel but life and a long ago choice to trust the wrong person with her heart has kept her trapped in the town. Saint who looks like a smexy Santa is at the end of a cross country trip planning to end in Bangor where he will take a private plane home. Unfortunately, he gets lost in the weather and ends up in Hideaway Harbour running smack into the welcome to town sign. Since there are no vacancies in town, Lumi “invites” him to be her houseguest while his car is being fixed. There is instant attraction and chemistry between them but there’s also a looming deadline for Saint to leave Hideaway Harbor so friendship is the only option. Despite this artificial line in the sand, their relationship grows and deepens, moment by moment, interaction by interaction as they spend time together and get to know each other while doing all the holiday things. What follows is a swoony and emotional journey toward their HEA and includes laughter, goodness, healing, baggage unpacking, holiday joy, secret twinkles, spice, and life path rearranging. I love this quirky holiday obsessed town and all the stories set here. I especially appreciated this seasoned couple and their heartwarming love story.
November 10, 2025
Astan AKA “Saint” is running behind on his too-leisurely journey to meet with his shareholders/siblings in the family subsidiaries when he swerves to avoid a Saint Bernard and crashes his Aston Martin on an icy roadway in the quaint town of Hideaway Harbour, Maine. When the tow truck driver shows up the next morning to pull him out, he’s very intrigued by the self-possessed single mom who reluctantly agrees to let him lodge with her until the hard to source parts arrive and the classic car is repaired.
Lumi is melancholy about the holidays as her son won’t be coming home this year for the first time ever. Sure she’s glad she raised a responsible, productive member of society, but she misses him nonetheless. Having Saint around is a good distraction but also a far greater temptation. He’s not staying, just as her son’s father was never going to stay in the small town.
Of the books in this series that I’ve read, this was probably my least favorite. What I loved was that the MCs were mature (she’s in her early forties, he’s fifty). What fell flat for me was Saint’s (poorly disguised) identity, as well as the tons of bad Christmas phrases used as euphemistic expletives. I did enjoy the inclusion of characters from the other books and Skippy the Saint Bernard’s role in bringing the MCs together.
I received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Lumi is melancholy about the holidays as her son won’t be coming home this year for the first time ever. Sure she’s glad she raised a responsible, productive member of society, but she misses him nonetheless. Having Saint around is a good distraction but also a far greater temptation. He’s not staying, just as her son’s father was never going to stay in the small town.
Of the books in this series that I’ve read, this was probably my least favorite. What I loved was that the MCs were mature (she’s in her early forties, he’s fifty). What fell flat for me was Saint’s (poorly disguised) identity, as well as the tons of bad Christmas phrases used as euphemistic expletives. I did enjoy the inclusion of characters from the other books and Skippy the Saint Bernard’s role in bringing the MCs together.
I received an advance reader copy from The Author Agency, and I’m sharing my honest review.
November 23, 2025
Welcome to Hideaway Harbor, a cozy coastal town in Maine!
This was such a fun read right from the start! It’s funny and festive and full of holiday cheer and small town shenanigans. I love a good meet-cute especially one involving a Saint Bernard and a grumpy FMC!! Saint and Lumi have this immediate chemistry and I LOVED that they were a little older! He wrecked his car…and when there’s no vacancy in town, he ends up staying with her…
I was so excited to do an immersive read for this story. It’s so funny and cozy and spicy - I loved these characters! Lumi is grumpy and struggling with her kids having moved out of the house. Saint is…well no spoilers, but he is a bit of a mystery at first. Hmmmmm….
Both narrators really nailed their characters. I really loved their banter and one liners. From their tones to the voices they really brought Lumi and Saint to life!
✨What To Expect:
🎁 Holiday Romance
🏡 Small Town Romance
🌶️ Spicy Hallmark Vibes
🛏️ Reluctant Roommates
👩👧 Single Mom
💘 Strangers to Lovers
🎅 Sexy Santa Lookalike
🧣 Love over 40
✌️ Second Chance at Love
🎄 Holiday Magic
This was such a fun read right from the start! It’s funny and festive and full of holiday cheer and small town shenanigans. I love a good meet-cute especially one involving a Saint Bernard and a grumpy FMC!! Saint and Lumi have this immediate chemistry and I LOVED that they were a little older! He wrecked his car…and when there’s no vacancy in town, he ends up staying with her…
I was so excited to do an immersive read for this story. It’s so funny and cozy and spicy - I loved these characters! Lumi is grumpy and struggling with her kids having moved out of the house. Saint is…well no spoilers, but he is a bit of a mystery at first. Hmmmmm….
Both narrators really nailed their characters. I really loved their banter and one liners. From their tones to the voices they really brought Lumi and Saint to life!
✨What To Expect:
🎁 Holiday Romance
🏡 Small Town Romance
🌶️ Spicy Hallmark Vibes
🛏️ Reluctant Roommates
👩👧 Single Mom
💘 Strangers to Lovers
🎅 Sexy Santa Lookalike
🧣 Love over 40
✌️ Second Chance at Love
🎄 Holiday Magic
November 6, 2025
I didn’t know I needed a book to fully kickstart my Christmas season until I started The Holiday Post, and I was not disappointed.
This book has close proximity, small town vibes, neighbors to lovers, and all the cozy Christmas charm.
The story follows Saint who ends up in Hideaway Harbor after a bad storm and accident, where he meets Lumi, a single mom, and the rest is sweet, warm, slow-burn history.
I love the Christmas references and the way the author wrote the small town atmosphere. Hideaway Harbor felt so real and comforting.
I also really loved how the author wrote about Lumi’s struggles, her desire to see the world, and the weight of the responsibilities that keep her grounded. Her fear of dreaming beyond what she knows was so relatable.
This is a solid 4 star read for me and I definitely recommend it.
Thanks to the author and hambright pr for this arc
This book has close proximity, small town vibes, neighbors to lovers, and all the cozy Christmas charm.
The story follows Saint who ends up in Hideaway Harbor after a bad storm and accident, where he meets Lumi, a single mom, and the rest is sweet, warm, slow-burn history.
I love the Christmas references and the way the author wrote the small town atmosphere. Hideaway Harbor felt so real and comforting.
I also really loved how the author wrote about Lumi’s struggles, her desire to see the world, and the weight of the responsibilities that keep her grounded. Her fear of dreaming beyond what she knows was so relatable.
This is a solid 4 star read for me and I definitely recommend it.
Thanks to the author and hambright pr for this arc
November 21, 2025
This was such a fun listen! We absolutely need more books with MCs in their 40s and beyond, and L.B. is truly a queen of silver foxes. Hideaway Harbor is such a magical little town, and I love how much care and detail this crew of authors put into bringing it to life. There’s definitely a touch of Christmas magic woven through this swoony coastal setting.
Lumi and Saint spark immediately…starting with the moment she picks him up in a tow truck after he swerves to avoid Skippy, the town dog—and their chemistry only builds when he ends up staying in her spare room while his car gets repaired.
This book has all the best Christmas vibes, from zany town events like a wool-sock run to the lobsta trap tree lighting. I especially loved that Saint looks like Santa, complete with all the adorable little hints that he just might be…cheesy, charming, and completely heart-melting, I loved this!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts Erin Mallon and Oliver Highpoint are fantastic in this! Their performances were so entertaining, and they brought an extra layer of magic to an already delightful listen.
TROPES
🏡Small Town
🎄Holiday Fling
🧑🧒Single Mom
🎅🏼Single Fox (that looks like Santa)
🗝️Forced Proximity
🛏️Reluctant Roommates
Lumi and Saint spark immediately…starting with the moment she picks him up in a tow truck after he swerves to avoid Skippy, the town dog—and their chemistry only builds when he ends up staying in her spare room while his car gets repaired.
This book has all the best Christmas vibes, from zany town events like a wool-sock run to the lobsta trap tree lighting. I especially loved that Saint looks like Santa, complete with all the adorable little hints that he just might be…cheesy, charming, and completely heart-melting, I loved this!
🎧 Audiobook Thoughts Erin Mallon and Oliver Highpoint are fantastic in this! Their performances were so entertaining, and they brought an extra layer of magic to an already delightful listen.
TROPES
🏡Small Town
🎄Holiday Fling
🧑🧒Single Mom
🎅🏼Single Fox (that looks like Santa)
🗝️Forced Proximity
🛏️Reluctant Roommates
November 30, 2025
This is the second book in the Hideaway Harbor series. The first book I read was The Holiday Fakers, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While this book was in the same series, it was more of a standalone. This story focused on Lumi and Saint and their budding romance. Saint gets in a car accident and needs his car fixed, so he's stuck in Hideaway Harbor until the car can be repaired. Lumi's family owns the auto shop that fixes his car and Lumi and Saint's "meet cute" is when she tows his car. Due to the holiday season, the hotels in town are booked and Saint stays with Lumi. The recipe is a close proximity trope that has a few sexy scenes. Overall, loved the story and the magic of Christmas that is weaved within.
I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
December 18, 2025
…no endings, only beginnings ♥️ make everyday moments magical with a promise of flannel and adventures.
Thank you @hambright_pr for the audiobook of “The Holiday Post” by @lbdunbarwrites 🎅🏼
Is he or isn’t he?!?! I was questioning the whole story! I loved the premises and the modern day twist of Santa… and I loved the town setting and Lumi (also, her name being “Snow,” ugh, so perfect!).
I really enjoyed the audio with dual narration. This was the perfect mix of hallmark romance and spice. (Literally naughty and nice 😅) Saint being a big, muscley man with a big heart and small gestures and his sweet nickname for the FMC made him a perfect book boyfriend. I enjoyed hearing the character’s vulnerability come through.
Thank you @hambright_pr for the audiobook of “The Holiday Post” by @lbdunbarwrites 🎅🏼
Is he or isn’t he?!?! I was questioning the whole story! I loved the premises and the modern day twist of Santa… and I loved the town setting and Lumi (also, her name being “Snow,” ugh, so perfect!).
I really enjoyed the audio with dual narration. This was the perfect mix of hallmark romance and spice. (Literally naughty and nice 😅) Saint being a big, muscley man with a big heart and small gestures and his sweet nickname for the FMC made him a perfect book boyfriend. I enjoyed hearing the character’s vulnerability come through.
January 8, 2026
This was my first book by L. B. Dunbar and my first book in the Hideaway Harbor series and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing if the other books are as sweet at this one.
This book was so freaking sweet and perfect in time for the holidays. I absolutely brought the vibes of cuddling up under a cosy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. It's like reading a hallmark movies and is exactly what you want out of a holiday romance. I also loved that both Lumi and Aston not only as characters but also that they were both over 40. It was a super easy read and definitely will be rereading around the holidays.
Thank you to L. B. Dunbar, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was so freaking sweet and perfect in time for the holidays. I absolutely brought the vibes of cuddling up under a cosy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. It's like reading a hallmark movies and is exactly what you want out of a holiday romance. I also loved that both Lumi and Aston not only as characters but also that they were both over 40. It was a super easy read and definitely will be rereading around the holidays.
Thank you to L. B. Dunbar, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and L.B Dunbar for an advanced reader copy of The Holiday Post. This was such a cute and little spicy Christmas read. A 50 year old single empty nester Lumi who lives in such a cute Christmas obsessed town when a sexy Santa looking hunk literally crashes into her town/life! Believe in the magic of Christmas and love at first sight then this books for you! Yes there’s cheesy lines but it’s Christmas it’s allowed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
This was such a sweet, cozy read with all things Christmas sprinkled throughout. From start to finish, it delivered all the festive charm and warmth I was hoping for. I caught myself smiling so many times while listening to the ALC, it just radiated joy, comfort, and that perfect holiday magic. The Holiday Post was everything I wanted it to be and more. The perfect book to curl up with during the holiday season!
November 21, 2025
This is book four in the Hideaway Harbor collaborative series. My second book by this author and a quick read.
I’m sad to say this one didn’t click for me like the others in this series have. This was a much deeper story, not a rom com. The beginning was fine and the ending worked, it was the middle part that I struggled with the most. Which is sad because the story has a great message. So, I’m chalking it off to a me issue, not the book.
Onward to the next installment.
I’m sad to say this one didn’t click for me like the others in this series have. This was a much deeper story, not a rom com. The beginning was fine and the ending worked, it was the middle part that I struggled with the most. Which is sad because the story has a great message. So, I’m chalking it off to a me issue, not the book.
Onward to the next installment.
December 29, 2025
If you're a fan of Christmas romance movies, you might enjoy this book.
Some random thoughts below:
-It was refreshing to read a book with both main characters in their mid-40s/50s.
- So many Christmas and holiday puns and references, some of them felt extra cringe to me (although my cringe barometer might be slightly out of balance this time of the year).
- Also read this if you ever wished Hallmark movies were spicy. I didn’t have that on my wishlist, ha. So perhaps I should stick to more traditional ones.
- The adorable small-town vibes, idyllic community, and cosy town festivals were very much present.
Overall, enjoyable, even if I didn't love it as much as I hoped to would
I really wish for that snow now though..
3/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Some random thoughts below:
-It was refreshing to read a book with both main characters in their mid-40s/50s.
- So many Christmas and holiday puns and references, some of them felt extra cringe to me (although my cringe barometer might be slightly out of balance this time of the year).
- Also read this if you ever wished Hallmark movies were spicy. I didn’t have that on my wishlist, ha. So perhaps I should stick to more traditional ones.
- The adorable small-town vibes, idyllic community, and cosy town festivals were very much present.
Overall, enjoyable, even if I didn't love it as much as I hoped to would
I really wish for that snow now though..
3/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest review.
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