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The Holiday Mixtape
A spicy new holiday rom-com from small town romance author, Liberty Stowe. This Christmas brings a Grumpy X Sunshine with sugar and spice—but not everyone’s nice.
From the author of Steady Now, comes The Holiday Mixtape, this year’s hottest Christmas romance between a misfit ad exec, a handsome small-town basketball coach—and the vintage cassette tape bringing them together. Everyone has a favorite Christmas song... Is it fate when it plays at just the right moment?
When a failed pitch at her Chicago ad agency leads an idealistic dreamer to the perfect Christmas town, Erika with a K stumbles on a holiday mixtape at a flea market that guides her path straight to the town’s most eligible bachelor. But does he want to be eligible?
And is Blitzen, Kentucky a Christmas town?
Erika’s campaign for an old-fashioned Christmas hinges on help from the bachelor basketball coach slash Volunteer Fire Department's assistant chief in need of a new firetruck, and he’s not happy about it.
“Do you realize how much time you just obligated me to? If Erika pulls this off, she’ll have done something unheard of. She landed here the first week of December and she’s going to save the town in one month? That’s not a Christmas miracle. It’s a fairytale.”
Two strangers. One raise enough money for a firetruck through an Old Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival... an endeavor that will join them at the hip throughout the holiday.
“Get in my truck before I pick you up and put you in it.”
“You’re being a dick.”
“You’re being a brat. Get in the f***ing truck.”
“I will not.”
It takes a lot to make Kourt fumble on the court, but this Christmas, the unexpected visit from Josephine Amherst’s great niece proves a lot more than he bargained for. The Holiday Mixtape is a bickering, bantering, fun-filled journey of self-discovery for both Erika and Kourt, with emotional depth and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
What if, and just because it’s Christmas, track three on the holiday mixtape sealed their fate before Erika even pressed play?
From the author of Steady Now, comes The Holiday Mixtape, this year’s hottest Christmas romance between a misfit ad exec, a handsome small-town basketball coach—and the vintage cassette tape bringing them together. Everyone has a favorite Christmas song... Is it fate when it plays at just the right moment?
When a failed pitch at her Chicago ad agency leads an idealistic dreamer to the perfect Christmas town, Erika with a K stumbles on a holiday mixtape at a flea market that guides her path straight to the town’s most eligible bachelor. But does he want to be eligible?
And is Blitzen, Kentucky a Christmas town?
Erika’s campaign for an old-fashioned Christmas hinges on help from the bachelor basketball coach slash Volunteer Fire Department's assistant chief in need of a new firetruck, and he’s not happy about it.
“Do you realize how much time you just obligated me to? If Erika pulls this off, she’ll have done something unheard of. She landed here the first week of December and she’s going to save the town in one month? That’s not a Christmas miracle. It’s a fairytale.”
Two strangers. One raise enough money for a firetruck through an Old Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival... an endeavor that will join them at the hip throughout the holiday.
“Get in my truck before I pick you up and put you in it.”
“You’re being a dick.”
“You’re being a brat. Get in the f***ing truck.”
“I will not.”
It takes a lot to make Kourt fumble on the court, but this Christmas, the unexpected visit from Josephine Amherst’s great niece proves a lot more than he bargained for. The Holiday Mixtape is a bickering, bantering, fun-filled journey of self-discovery for both Erika and Kourt, with emotional depth and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
What if, and just because it’s Christmas, track three on the holiday mixtape sealed their fate before Erika even pressed play?
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
16 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Liberty Stowe
2 books31 followersLiberty Stowe is a Contemporary Romance Author who hit the map with her debut Small Town Romance, Steady Now.
Somewhere dancing at The Pink Pony Club or home, visiting... rocking on her grandparents' porch swing. With a heart split between the Piney Woods and the Hill Country, her mind often wanders to the footprints she left across West Texas, and the nails left in the walls of all her Manhattan, Birmingham and LA apartments. Love life: A Lana Del Ray song about Video games and Diet Mountain Dew, and a handmade spoon ring that could never truly be misplaced. If her Small Town Contemporary romance books had a voice… Yola or Sierra Ferrell. And there's never enough time to throw the dog his ball as many rounds as he wants or to water all the flowers she'd like to grow.
Somewhere dancing at The Pink Pony Club or home, visiting... rocking on her grandparents' porch swing. With a heart split between the Piney Woods and the Hill Country, her mind often wanders to the footprints she left across West Texas, and the nails left in the walls of all her Manhattan, Birmingham and LA apartments. Love life: A Lana Del Ray song about Video games and Diet Mountain Dew, and a handmade spoon ring that could never truly be misplaced. If her Small Town Contemporary romance books had a voice… Yola or Sierra Ferrell. And there's never enough time to throw the dog his ball as many rounds as he wants or to water all the flowers she'd like to grow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
November 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐
❁ Thank you to Netgalley and Liberty Stowe for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion — ARC provided by RupertBossier ❁
I really enjoyed this lovely Christmas story!
It's been the perfect pick me up through two bed ridden days ❤️
It was cute, with perfectly likeable main characters and really peculiar and attention stealers bbfs.
A spicy Hallmark-like moment in a small town setting.
It didn't get the 4th star for two reasons:
1. (even if the story was at times heart melting) I didn't have the highlights-mania I usually have for the books that become all time favourites, which leads to
2. I think I loved this in the moment, but I'm not sure it's a long term love.
But I sure am interested in the sequel it was promised at the end ✨
❁ Thank you to Netgalley and Liberty Stowe for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion — ARC provided by RupertBossier ❁
I really enjoyed this lovely Christmas story!
It's been the perfect pick me up through two bed ridden days ❤️
It was cute, with perfectly likeable main characters and really peculiar and attention stealers bbfs.
A spicy Hallmark-like moment in a small town setting.
It didn't get the 4th star for two reasons:
1. (even if the story was at times heart melting) I didn't have the highlights-mania I usually have for the books that become all time favourites, which leads to
2. I think I loved this in the moment, but I'm not sure it's a long term love.
But I sure am interested in the sequel it was promised at the end ✨
December 8, 2025
°❀⋆ Thank you NetGalley and RupertBossier for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3.5/5 ⭐️
Boyyyy oh boy. I love a small-town Christmas romance, but I’m not gonna lie, I wasn't sure how to feel about this one in the beginning - it really took me some time to get into it BUT it did get a lot better throughout and I really enjoyed it!!
First off, let me get the writing part of this out of the way. Not too many complaints. The biggest thing for me was that the dialogue was quite hard to follow and it got confusing right from the beginning because I was unsure about who was saying what. Next, there were a few things in this book that made me cringe - whether it was how a character described another character or just the very GEN Z language. I had to close my eyes and put my kindle down a few times lmao
Moving on.
Erika. Miss girl is soooooo incredibly stubborn omg (she'd be the first to d*e in a horror movie), and the “he keeps leaving me” bit got kind of annoying because 9 times out of 10 he in fact wasn’t, and she was just being unreasonable. That aside, I still did quite like her.
And Kourt… deserves the world, the stars and everything more. Period.
Now the reason why I had a little bit of difficulty getting into this was because Archer sounded insufferable, and I was just a little off-put by the way his character and his relationship with Erika was being established. Also, Erika throwing a tantrum and messing up a pitch because her name was spelt wrong? Again - unreasonable.
A lot of things in this book were kind of unusual but it obviously is also very much hallmark coded and that itself is enough of an explanation. I feel like things were moving really quickkk (even the most significant events I felt were being glazed over), and I wish the sexual tension wasn’t formed so early on and so (weirdly) excessively at that.
ALSO… The entire situation with Erika and Archer at the end could’ve been… more. It wasn’t the greatest attempt at giving Archer more dimension, or an actual personality aside from being a fuckboy who respects no woman except his best friend lol. I wish it was explored a little deeper, otherwise we could’ve gone without it.
Overall though, it wasn’t a bad read! The banter was great, it was really funny and witty, and I had so much fun reading <3
Did I cringe? Yes. Did I kick my feet? Also yes. It was super cute, and pretty lighthearted. Something good to pick up during the holidays if you want something easy!
3.5/5 ⭐️
Boyyyy oh boy. I love a small-town Christmas romance, but I’m not gonna lie, I wasn't sure how to feel about this one in the beginning - it really took me some time to get into it BUT it did get a lot better throughout and I really enjoyed it!!
First off, let me get the writing part of this out of the way. Not too many complaints. The biggest thing for me was that the dialogue was quite hard to follow and it got confusing right from the beginning because I was unsure about who was saying what. Next, there were a few things in this book that made me cringe - whether it was how a character described another character or just the very GEN Z language. I had to close my eyes and put my kindle down a few times lmao
Moving on.
Erika. Miss girl is soooooo incredibly stubborn omg (she'd be the first to d*e in a horror movie), and the “he keeps leaving me” bit got kind of annoying because 9 times out of 10 he in fact wasn’t, and she was just being unreasonable. That aside, I still did quite like her.
And Kourt… deserves the world, the stars and everything more. Period.
Now the reason why I had a little bit of difficulty getting into this was because Archer sounded insufferable, and I was just a little off-put by the way his character and his relationship with Erika was being established. Also, Erika throwing a tantrum and messing up a pitch because her name was spelt wrong? Again - unreasonable.
A lot of things in this book were kind of unusual but it obviously is also very much hallmark coded and that itself is enough of an explanation. I feel like things were moving really quickkk (even the most significant events I felt were being glazed over), and I wish the sexual tension wasn’t formed so early on and so (weirdly) excessively at that.
ALSO… The entire situation with Erika and Archer at the end could’ve been… more. It wasn’t the greatest attempt at giving Archer more dimension, or an actual personality aside from being a fuckboy who respects no woman except his best friend lol. I wish it was explored a little deeper, otherwise we could’ve gone without it.
Overall though, it wasn’t a bad read! The banter was great, it was really funny and witty, and I had so much fun reading <3
Did I cringe? Yes. Did I kick my feet? Also yes. It was super cute, and pretty lighthearted. Something good to pick up during the holidays if you want something easy!
September 29, 2025
It’s a hallmark movie… but spicy 😂
Sugar and spice and all things basketball???
That was not on my bingo card! I’ve read a lot of small town hockey but basketball was a new one!
I loved the setting and the side characters
The MMC has secrets he keeps close to his chest, he doesn’t let anyone in and for good reason. But why not have fun while you can, except it never stays just fun.
The FMC is basically a female Buddy the elf but dialed down to a 7 😂
You know what, I’m gonna end it there, ☠️☠️☠️ it midnight and I need to go to bed. I sounds nuts
Ok I’ve had more time to think about it and adding
I don’t quite know how to explain why I feel like this is a book more about the male POV, but it definitely felt more like a man’s book than a woman’s book.
I liked it, but I just wasn’t expecting to feel like I got to know the male main character more than the woman’s main character.
I read a romance written by a woman last year that was fully in the man’s perspective in this book read a lot like that. Even when we were in the FMC chapter, it still felt very focused on the MMC.
Sugar and spice and all things basketball???
That was not on my bingo card! I’ve read a lot of small town hockey but basketball was a new one!
I loved the setting and the side characters
The MMC has secrets he keeps close to his chest, he doesn’t let anyone in and for good reason. But why not have fun while you can, except it never stays just fun.
The FMC is basically a female Buddy the elf but dialed down to a 7 😂
You know what, I’m gonna end it there, ☠️☠️☠️ it midnight and I need to go to bed. I sounds nuts
Ok I’ve had more time to think about it and adding
I don’t quite know how to explain why I feel like this is a book more about the male POV, but it definitely felt more like a man’s book than a woman’s book.
I liked it, but I just wasn’t expecting to feel like I got to know the male main character more than the woman’s main character.
I read a romance written by a woman last year that was fully in the man’s perspective in this book read a lot like that. Even when we were in the FMC chapter, it still felt very focused on the MMC.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and RupertBossier for this ARC! All thoughts are my own!
🎉 Publication Date: 03rd of October 2025 🎉
🤍 Tropes 🤍
🎄 Christmas Vibes
🏘️ Small Town
😠🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷 Romance
💋The Spice
🏀/👨🚒 Basketball/Fireman Romance
💚 Jealousy/Possessive Themes
🤏Close Proximity
😜Banter
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
👥 Dual POV
🎵 Music Vibes
⚔️ Rivals
⚠️ Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ LOTS of Swearing
╰➤ Sexual Humour
╰➤ Explicit Sexual Content
╰➤ Blasphemous Language
╰➤ Grief/Loss of a Loved One
Let me start by saying, this was so much fun! I had such a great time with this book. The track list at the beginning of the book was my vibe. Like, I’ve started writing Christmas cards and am contemplating putting the Christmas decs up now. The Christmas theme was on point, the author did an incredible job with that. I just can’t wait for Christmas this year, I can hear the Christmas songs playing in the background already! Bells jingling - the Christmas auditory inputs in this book are just great! 🎶
This mixtape element was so much fun too. I felt so nostalgic about hearing about cassette tapes being used. I grew up on them! I just loved them when I was little. Plus I used to make mixtapes when I was in school, it just made things seem very sweet and wholesome to me. Plus the song choices made by the author are my vibe so I was so happy about that!
I also really enjoyed the small town vibes and the town in trouble angle. It really added something extra to the plot for me. It was great getting to know the different people in the town and how they were all going to pull together in order to save the town. It was pretty fun!
Now looking at the main attraction! THE ROMANCE! I loved how the MMC (Kourt) and FMC (Erika) first meet. The FMC in the beginning is so unconfident in herself, quite frankly, she is a bit of a comic disaster of epic proportions. She reminds me a bit of Bridget Jones! In the book, the MMC describes the FMC as: ‘She’s a deer in headlights’ and ‘Her every emotion is on her sleeve for the world to see.’ This really sums the FMC up, in the sweetest way possible. She is so unsure of herself and bringing nervous energy to the table that she makes silly mistakes all the time initially.
These two just have so much chemistry! I love that the MMC has a really interesting backstory that explains a lot of his behaviours as well. I thought that was a really good addition to the text. They had some great tension and banter together. I also like that we had to work for their relationship. There was no insta-lust for me here that I found. There was a sort of attraction between them but nothing heavy to start with.
There were also great side characters in this series.
I do think Archer is an incredibly sad person though. He is unable to maintain or keep connections with partners outside of the instant gratification, superficial situations that the book describes. He clearly has a thing for Erika but seems to be afraid to start something with her. He uses so much sexual humour and things around her that it is hard not to notice his attraction to her. He also makes comments about being happy to avoid going home for the holidays and being basically a workaholic. What are you hiding Archer? I want to know more about him and can’t wait for book 2 to find out the tea!
Ellis vs Kourt and all that goes on there is just great writing. I really enjoyed their back and forth rivalry. It added a whole other dimension to the text. These couple of thoughts from the MMC in particular had me chuckling, the possessive man that he is!
‘Ellis and I lock eyes. Son of a bitch wants to get in her (FMC) pants. Not happening.’
‘I take Erika (FMC) by the elbow, guiding her away from the football coach who likes to score.’
‘I knew at Fisher’s he (Ellis) had a hard-on for her.’
‘He (Ellis) saunters up to me in his Burbury sweater. Ellis spends more money on clothes than I do on my truck. Surprised he didn’t leave the price tag on.’
I will say however that Archer and Kourt’s womanising was not to my tastes so I pretended all of that didn’t happen lol. This causal sleeping around is not for me but I tried to remain open minded about them both as I do feel the author substantiated their behaviour with backstory and I therefore had sympathy with them. None of us are perfect, we all fall short at times, so I tried to look at them both through this empathic lens. The FMC made me laugh though with this savage comment:
FMC: ‘At least the most we’ll lose with hypothermia from here back into town is an appendage.’
MMC: ‘I happen to be very fond of all of my appendages.’
FMC: ‘I’m sure the entire town is.’
Lol, you tell him Erika! XD
One thing that I really did have a problem with in this book was the amount of swearing and blasphemous language that was used. I think the author needs to wash some of her characters mouths out with soap! The foul language was prolific AND in my opinion it takes away from the impact of the words adding a kind of melodrama to the text that I do not think was intended. Also, it kind of goes against the Christian, small town vibes that the rest of the book was so great at portraying.
I also loved the book cover on this one and I really can’t wait for Book 2!
Thanks all for reading!
🤍🤍🤍
🎉 Publication Date: 03rd of October 2025 🎉
🤍 Tropes 🤍
🎄 Christmas Vibes
🏘️ Small Town
😠🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩷 Romance
💋The Spice
🏀/👨🚒 Basketball/Fireman Romance
💚 Jealousy/Possessive Themes
🤏Close Proximity
😜Banter
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
👥 Dual POV
🎵 Music Vibes
⚔️ Rivals
⚠️ Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ LOTS of Swearing
╰➤ Sexual Humour
╰➤ Explicit Sexual Content
╰➤ Blasphemous Language
╰➤ Grief/Loss of a Loved One
Let me start by saying, this was so much fun! I had such a great time with this book. The track list at the beginning of the book was my vibe. Like, I’ve started writing Christmas cards and am contemplating putting the Christmas decs up now. The Christmas theme was on point, the author did an incredible job with that. I just can’t wait for Christmas this year, I can hear the Christmas songs playing in the background already! Bells jingling - the Christmas auditory inputs in this book are just great! 🎶
This mixtape element was so much fun too. I felt so nostalgic about hearing about cassette tapes being used. I grew up on them! I just loved them when I was little. Plus I used to make mixtapes when I was in school, it just made things seem very sweet and wholesome to me. Plus the song choices made by the author are my vibe so I was so happy about that!
I also really enjoyed the small town vibes and the town in trouble angle. It really added something extra to the plot for me. It was great getting to know the different people in the town and how they were all going to pull together in order to save the town. It was pretty fun!
Now looking at the main attraction! THE ROMANCE! I loved how the MMC (Kourt) and FMC (Erika) first meet. The FMC in the beginning is so unconfident in herself, quite frankly, she is a bit of a comic disaster of epic proportions. She reminds me a bit of Bridget Jones! In the book, the MMC describes the FMC as: ‘She’s a deer in headlights’ and ‘Her every emotion is on her sleeve for the world to see.’ This really sums the FMC up, in the sweetest way possible. She is so unsure of herself and bringing nervous energy to the table that she makes silly mistakes all the time initially.
These two just have so much chemistry! I love that the MMC has a really interesting backstory that explains a lot of his behaviours as well. I thought that was a really good addition to the text. They had some great tension and banter together. I also like that we had to work for their relationship. There was no insta-lust for me here that I found. There was a sort of attraction between them but nothing heavy to start with.
There were also great side characters in this series.
I do think Archer is an incredibly sad person though. He is unable to maintain or keep connections with partners outside of the instant gratification, superficial situations that the book describes. He clearly has a thing for Erika but seems to be afraid to start something with her. He uses so much sexual humour and things around her that it is hard not to notice his attraction to her. He also makes comments about being happy to avoid going home for the holidays and being basically a workaholic. What are you hiding Archer? I want to know more about him and can’t wait for book 2 to find out the tea!
Ellis vs Kourt and all that goes on there is just great writing. I really enjoyed their back and forth rivalry. It added a whole other dimension to the text. These couple of thoughts from the MMC in particular had me chuckling, the possessive man that he is!
‘Ellis and I lock eyes. Son of a bitch wants to get in her (FMC) pants. Not happening.’
‘I take Erika (FMC) by the elbow, guiding her away from the football coach who likes to score.’
‘I knew at Fisher’s he (Ellis) had a hard-on for her.’
‘He (Ellis) saunters up to me in his Burbury sweater. Ellis spends more money on clothes than I do on my truck. Surprised he didn’t leave the price tag on.’
I will say however that Archer and Kourt’s womanising was not to my tastes so I pretended all of that didn’t happen lol. This causal sleeping around is not for me but I tried to remain open minded about them both as I do feel the author substantiated their behaviour with backstory and I therefore had sympathy with them. None of us are perfect, we all fall short at times, so I tried to look at them both through this empathic lens. The FMC made me laugh though with this savage comment:
FMC: ‘At least the most we’ll lose with hypothermia from here back into town is an appendage.’
MMC: ‘I happen to be very fond of all of my appendages.’
FMC: ‘I’m sure the entire town is.’
Lol, you tell him Erika! XD
One thing that I really did have a problem with in this book was the amount of swearing and blasphemous language that was used. I think the author needs to wash some of her characters mouths out with soap! The foul language was prolific AND in my opinion it takes away from the impact of the words adding a kind of melodrama to the text that I do not think was intended. Also, it kind of goes against the Christian, small town vibes that the rest of the book was so great at portraying.
I also loved the book cover on this one and I really can’t wait for Book 2!
Thanks all for reading!
🤍🤍🤍
September 20, 2025
“The Holiday Mixtape” is the second book from new author Liberty Stowe and I couldn’t wait to read her magical Christmas romance! Her book has everything, from a quaint, small town in need of holiday cheer, to a runaway marketing executive who wants to experience the holiday in a big way, and to a handsome, sexy fireman who caught her eye from the moment they met. Erika is a strong and independent woman with a quick mind, creative ideas and a wish to give Blitzen, KY, the best Christmas possible. Along the way, Kourt, the hunky high school basketball coach and volunteer fireman, was nominated to drive Erika around to meet the business owners to discuss her plans for the holiday extravaganza. Just being in close quarters in his truck with Erika drove him crazy and he soon fell under her spell! Her love of all things Christmas made him wish he could be just like her so he would be happy once again! Erika fell in love with the Hallmark movie feeling of Blitzen! Working together to bring joy to everyone during the festive holiday season made her teary-eyed and happy at the same time. Falling in love with Kourt was a Christmas wish she never expected! Kourt swept into her life like a full court three-pointer and being with him gave her a glimpse of how wonderful her life could be! What a fabulous and joyful way to spend the holidays!
November 13, 2025
The Holiday Mixtape is a charming, festive small town romance with really amazing tension and a grumpy x sunshine dynamic 🫠 it really did hook me right away.
Erika and Kourt’s banter is ahhh I loved it so much, and their chemistry builds beautifully as they’re forced to work together to save Blitzen’s Christmas 🩷🫶🏻
Tropes
Grumpy x Sunshine 🌧️☀️
Small Town Christmas 🎄
Forced Proximity 🚙
Opposites Attract 🔥❄️
Bickering/Enemies-ish to Lovers 😤❤️
Found Family/Community 🏘️
Holiday Magic ✨
He Falls First 🧡
💗 What I Loved:
The chemistry and banter were my favourite part 💯 it was funny, tense, warm and full of all the sparksss. The town, traditions and Xmas atmosphere made the whole book feel cozy and magical I loveeeed it!
🖤 What Didn’t Fully Work
Some scenes felt a little jumpy or rushed, and I occasionally wanted smoother transitions or a bit more detail between moments but nothing that took away from my enjoyment. I still really did enjoy this book!
🎄 Overall!!
A sweet, spicy and festive romance that feels like a Hallmark movie with extra heat. perfect for holiday reading.
Erika and Kourt’s banter is ahhh I loved it so much, and their chemistry builds beautifully as they’re forced to work together to save Blitzen’s Christmas 🩷🫶🏻
Tropes
Grumpy x Sunshine 🌧️☀️
Small Town Christmas 🎄
Forced Proximity 🚙
Opposites Attract 🔥❄️
Bickering/Enemies-ish to Lovers 😤❤️
Found Family/Community 🏘️
Holiday Magic ✨
He Falls First 🧡
💗 What I Loved:
The chemistry and banter were my favourite part 💯 it was funny, tense, warm and full of all the sparksss. The town, traditions and Xmas atmosphere made the whole book feel cozy and magical I loveeeed it!
🖤 What Didn’t Fully Work
Some scenes felt a little jumpy or rushed, and I occasionally wanted smoother transitions or a bit more detail between moments but nothing that took away from my enjoyment. I still really did enjoy this book!
🎄 Overall!!
A sweet, spicy and festive romance that feels like a Hallmark movie with extra heat. perfect for holiday reading.
January 6, 2026
So, the holidays might’ve passed (I don't know how I messed up this review and did not write it in time for holidays -.-), but this book still has all the cozy winter vibes. The Holiday Mixtape is exactly what it promises: a cute, grumpy x sunshine rom-com filled with festive charm, a small-town setting, good banter and enough holiday spirit to make you crave cocoa and twinkle lights.
Erika and Kourt had great chemistry and the whole <> energy totally fits here. I can easily see this playing out as a cozy holiday movie.
That said, I did struggle a bit with the pacing. Some parts felt a little uneven and a few dialogues didn’t flow as naturally as I’d hoped. Still, the story is light, fun and perfect if you want something cheerful and easy to read. (you can still read it in June if you want :D)
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 ~ 3.5–3.75★
Thank you NetGalley & RupertBossier for the ARC!
November 21, 2025
The Holiday Mixtape proves Liberty Stowe knows exactly how to write small-town romance that feels real, warm, and just the right amount of unhinged. Her character work is magic—grounded, relatable, and somehow both bigger-than-life and incredibly believable. And her dialogue? Sharp, cozy, and spicy all at once.
Erika and Kourt spark instantly, but Stowe’s slow burn keeps the tension stretched deliciously tight until it finally snaps in the best way. The mixtape element is clever and emotional, the town feels lived-in, and every side character adds something memorable without stealing the spotlight.
It’s festive, it’s charming, it has actual heart, and the spice level is doing the Lord’s (and Santa’s) work. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Skip this book and you’ll be the reason Rudolph drinks eggnog straight from the carton.
Erika and Kourt spark instantly, but Stowe’s slow burn keeps the tension stretched deliciously tight until it finally snaps in the best way. The mixtape element is clever and emotional, the town feels lived-in, and every side character adds something memorable without stealing the spotlight.
It’s festive, it’s charming, it has actual heart, and the spice level is doing the Lord’s (and Santa’s) work. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Skip this book and you’ll be the reason Rudolph drinks eggnog straight from the carton.
November 18, 2025
DNF at 6%
The opening of this book had me already not wanting to continue, and then it got worse.
The dialogue was choppy and hard to follow who was saying what because it would go far too long without a name tag.
The idea that she messed up her big pitch so badly, primarily because the intern printed her name wrong is, frankly, the stupidest thing I've ever read. But I was willing to look past it because what Hallmark esque book doesn't have a ridiculous premise.
And then the story moves to Kentucky, a fictional town with a Louisville zip code, and it sounds like this author has never stepped foot in the Bluegrass State. As this is my home, I couldn't make it more than a few pages without being so frustrated that I refused to continue.
Not being able to find out anything about the author was also a huge turn off for me. Is it a real person? I wouldn't know because there isn't even a face associated with them on any social media.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The opening of this book had me already not wanting to continue, and then it got worse.
The dialogue was choppy and hard to follow who was saying what because it would go far too long without a name tag.
The idea that she messed up her big pitch so badly, primarily because the intern printed her name wrong is, frankly, the stupidest thing I've ever read. But I was willing to look past it because what Hallmark esque book doesn't have a ridiculous premise.
And then the story moves to Kentucky, a fictional town with a Louisville zip code, and it sounds like this author has never stepped foot in the Bluegrass State. As this is my home, I couldn't make it more than a few pages without being so frustrated that I refused to continue.
Not being able to find out anything about the author was also a huge turn off for me. Is it a real person? I wouldn't know because there isn't even a face associated with them on any social media.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
A cozy small-town holiday romance where opposites attract, music heals, and love takes the stage.
Thank you to Liberty her team at RupertBossier and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
What to Expect:
⭐ Opposites Attract
⭐ Grumpy x Sunshine
⭐ Small Town Holiday
⭐ Spicy Hallmark Vibes
⭐ Out of town visitor revives holiday spirit
⭐ Music at the heart of the story
⭐ Witty banter
⭐ Sassy lead character
⭐ Amazing secondary characters!
⭐ A few sports references
TW: Death of spouse
My Thoughts:
I would love to see 14 karat gold swan faucets in the bathrooms!!!
I miss a good mix tape. Making them for myself or having someone else make one. The not knowing or remembering what was next! So nostalgic!
So many ridiculous puns 🤣 So much anticipation & there is spiceeeee. The secondary characters are the best! The two best friends are 10/10! The holiday Christmas vibe, small town Christmas market/festival sounded stroll worthy. Definitely had Hallmarky holiday vibes every where!!!
This story as a whole really had a lot of positives but man some of it felt messy. There felt like some of the pieces to the story could have been written more in depth. It felt to me as if some of it was rushed and other parts slowed down. Not to mention the full on rush of a proposal after a just a few short weeks… I guess if you know you know but it all felt rushed. Almost as if this could be written more like a screen play for a movie rather than a book!
All in all a VERY adorable cozy holiday read to kick off the season!!!
Synopsis:
When a failed pitch at her Chicago ad agency leads an idealistic dreamer to the perfect Christmas town, Erika with a K stumbles on a holiday mixtape at a flea market that guides her path straight to the town’s most eligible bachelor. But does he want to be eligible?
And is Blitzen, Kentucky a Christmas town?
Erika’s campaign for an old-fashioned Christmas hinges on help from the bachelor basketball coach slash Volunteer Fire Department's assistant chief in need of a new firetruck, and he’s not happy about it.
“Do you realize how much time you just obligated me to? If Erika pulls this off, she’ll have done something unheard of. She landed here the first week of December and she’s going to save the town in one month? That’s not a Christmas miracle. It’s a fairytale.”
Two strangers. One goal: raise enough money for a firetruck through an Old Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival... an endeavor that will join them at the hip throughout the holiday.
“Get in my truck before I pick you up and put you in it.”
“You’re being a dick.”
“You’re being a brat. Get in the f***ing truck.”
“I will not.”
It takes a lot to make Kourt fumble on the court, but this Christmas, the unexpected visit from Josephine Amherst’s great niece proves a lot more than he bargained for. The Holiday Mixtape is a bickering, bantering, fun-filled journey of self-discovery for both Erika and Kourt, with emotional depth and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
What if, and just because it’s Christmas, track three on the holiday mixtape sealed their fate before Erika even pressed play?
Thank you to Liberty her team at RupertBossier and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
What to Expect:
⭐ Opposites Attract
⭐ Grumpy x Sunshine
⭐ Small Town Holiday
⭐ Spicy Hallmark Vibes
⭐ Out of town visitor revives holiday spirit
⭐ Music at the heart of the story
⭐ Witty banter
⭐ Sassy lead character
⭐ Amazing secondary characters!
⭐ A few sports references
TW: Death of spouse
My Thoughts:
I would love to see 14 karat gold swan faucets in the bathrooms!!!
I miss a good mix tape. Making them for myself or having someone else make one. The not knowing or remembering what was next! So nostalgic!
So many ridiculous puns 🤣 So much anticipation & there is spiceeeee. The secondary characters are the best! The two best friends are 10/10! The holiday Christmas vibe, small town Christmas market/festival sounded stroll worthy. Definitely had Hallmarky holiday vibes every where!!!
This story as a whole really had a lot of positives but man some of it felt messy. There felt like some of the pieces to the story could have been written more in depth. It felt to me as if some of it was rushed and other parts slowed down. Not to mention the full on rush of a proposal after a just a few short weeks… I guess if you know you know but it all felt rushed. Almost as if this could be written more like a screen play for a movie rather than a book!
All in all a VERY adorable cozy holiday read to kick off the season!!!
Synopsis:
When a failed pitch at her Chicago ad agency leads an idealistic dreamer to the perfect Christmas town, Erika with a K stumbles on a holiday mixtape at a flea market that guides her path straight to the town’s most eligible bachelor. But does he want to be eligible?
And is Blitzen, Kentucky a Christmas town?
Erika’s campaign for an old-fashioned Christmas hinges on help from the bachelor basketball coach slash Volunteer Fire Department's assistant chief in need of a new firetruck, and he’s not happy about it.
“Do you realize how much time you just obligated me to? If Erika pulls this off, she’ll have done something unheard of. She landed here the first week of December and she’s going to save the town in one month? That’s not a Christmas miracle. It’s a fairytale.”
Two strangers. One goal: raise enough money for a firetruck through an Old Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival... an endeavor that will join them at the hip throughout the holiday.
“Get in my truck before I pick you up and put you in it.”
“You’re being a dick.”
“You’re being a brat. Get in the f***ing truck.”
“I will not.”
It takes a lot to make Kourt fumble on the court, but this Christmas, the unexpected visit from Josephine Amherst’s great niece proves a lot more than he bargained for. The Holiday Mixtape is a bickering, bantering, fun-filled journey of self-discovery for both Erika and Kourt, with emotional depth and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
What if, and just because it’s Christmas, track three on the holiday mixtape sealed their fate before Erika even pressed play?
November 20, 2025
The Holiday Mixtape is a warm, cozy Christmas romance with a sweet setup and a charming small-town vibe. I really liked following Erika as she escapes her stressful Chicago life and lands in tiny, festive Blitzen, Kentucky. She’s easy to root for—messy, trying her best, and just looking for a fresh start. And then there’s Kourt, the classic grumpy local with a soft center he pretends doesn’t exist. Their dynamic has some really fun moments, especially when they’re thrown together on the town’s holiday festival.
The mixtape Erika finds is a cute touch. I loved the nostalgic feel of it and how it quietly nudges her back toward herself and toward letting people in again. The side characters and the town itself add a lot of warmth—Blitzen feels like the kind of place you’d want to visit for a weekend of cocoa, lights, and gossip.
That said, the pacing dragged for me in places. I never felt fully pulled into the emotional arc, even though I liked the characters. The slow burn stayed very slow for a bit too long, and there were moments where I found myself wishing the story would pick up.
Still, it’s a sweet holiday read with good vibes, a fun grumpy-sunshine pairing, and enough charm to make it worth curling up with on a cold night. Perfect if you want something light, festive, and comforting—even if it didn’t quite become a new favorite for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Publisher for the ARC !
The mixtape Erika finds is a cute touch. I loved the nostalgic feel of it and how it quietly nudges her back toward herself and toward letting people in again. The side characters and the town itself add a lot of warmth—Blitzen feels like the kind of place you’d want to visit for a weekend of cocoa, lights, and gossip.
That said, the pacing dragged for me in places. I never felt fully pulled into the emotional arc, even though I liked the characters. The slow burn stayed very slow for a bit too long, and there were moments where I found myself wishing the story would pick up.
Still, it’s a sweet holiday read with good vibes, a fun grumpy-sunshine pairing, and enough charm to make it worth curling up with on a cold night. Perfect if you want something light, festive, and comforting—even if it didn’t quite become a new favorite for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Publisher for the ARC !
December 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
SUCH A FUN HOLIDAY READ!!!!!
-grumpy/sunshine
-small town
-found family
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-healing
-funny banter
Erika has a disastrous pitch at work and is forced to take some time off. She finds out her eccentric great aunt has left her the keys to her home in small town Blitzen.
Kourt is a volunteer firefighter/school teacher. He’s known as the town’s ladies man.
The town is trying desperately to raise funds for a new fire truck. Erika arrives at her aunts and finds an insane amount of Christmas decorations. She thinks it’s crazy that they are in an attic wasting away when the town is in dire need of some Christmas spirit.
She volunteers to decorate downtown Blitzen but gets talked into a giant fundraiser that no one wants to help with. Kourt gets volunteered to be her co host.
These two were like oil and water! Constant funny banter and bickering. Kourts best friend Helen is their go between.
I fell in love with all of the quirky side characters (except Archer) The town finally came together to make it what it once was.
It’s very slow burn but once they get together they are 🔥
I enjoyed the plot, the charter development, the banter and the chemistry. This is definitely one of the best holiday books I’ve read this year.
I really hope Helen gets her own book!
SUCH A FUN HOLIDAY READ!!!!!
-grumpy/sunshine
-small town
-found family
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-healing
-funny banter
Erika has a disastrous pitch at work and is forced to take some time off. She finds out her eccentric great aunt has left her the keys to her home in small town Blitzen.
Kourt is a volunteer firefighter/school teacher. He’s known as the town’s ladies man.
The town is trying desperately to raise funds for a new fire truck. Erika arrives at her aunts and finds an insane amount of Christmas decorations. She thinks it’s crazy that they are in an attic wasting away when the town is in dire need of some Christmas spirit.
She volunteers to decorate downtown Blitzen but gets talked into a giant fundraiser that no one wants to help with. Kourt gets volunteered to be her co host.
These two were like oil and water! Constant funny banter and bickering. Kourts best friend Helen is their go between.
I fell in love with all of the quirky side characters (except Archer) The town finally came together to make it what it once was.
It’s very slow burn but once they get together they are 🔥
I enjoyed the plot, the charter development, the banter and the chemistry. This is definitely one of the best holiday books I’ve read this year.
I really hope Helen gets her own book!
October 1, 2025
4 stars for me.
Erika failed a pitch at her presentation, and got a holiday.That's what the call it. Going to her great aunt house, she pass flea market,and buy a Christmas mixtape. The songs are a sign,or so she believes. Erika meet Kourt ,and this grumpy men have to drive her around,as she take upon herself to help this small town,and bring Christmas festives back. Kourt is difficult and helpful at the same time,with Erika sunny personality, he can't believe that someone like her come and disturb his life. Maybe it was a mixtape, or maybe just fate to those two find each other?
Will Erika get enough money for the town?
Will everyone help,and the town get Christmas like they didn't in long time?
Full of Christmas preparation, I could not put this book down. It really make me feel that Christmas is coming. Erika and Kourt banter and tension was very good executed, author didn't rush this romance and it was worth the wait. Once they admit some feelings sparks fly. There was enough spicy scenes to keep me satisfied ,but it didn't overthrown story. Can't wait to read author further work.
If you like Christmas romance with a little bit of spice this book is for you,would recommend.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for my copy.
Erika failed a pitch at her presentation, and got a holiday.That's what the call it. Going to her great aunt house, she pass flea market,and buy a Christmas mixtape. The songs are a sign,or so she believes. Erika meet Kourt ,and this grumpy men have to drive her around,as she take upon herself to help this small town,and bring Christmas festives back. Kourt is difficult and helpful at the same time,with Erika sunny personality, he can't believe that someone like her come and disturb his life. Maybe it was a mixtape, or maybe just fate to those two find each other?
Will Erika get enough money for the town?
Will everyone help,and the town get Christmas like they didn't in long time?
Full of Christmas preparation, I could not put this book down. It really make me feel that Christmas is coming. Erika and Kourt banter and tension was very good executed, author didn't rush this romance and it was worth the wait. Once they admit some feelings sparks fly. There was enough spicy scenes to keep me satisfied ,but it didn't overthrown story. Can't wait to read author further work.
If you like Christmas romance with a little bit of spice this book is for you,would recommend.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for my copy.
September 25, 2025
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book and how a mixtape could shape the story. It felt like such a unique idea and I really enjoyed how the author used it at different points in the book.
After a big pitch goes wrong, Erika heads to Blitzen, Kentucky to stay at her great aunt’s house. She soon gets involved in the town’s fundraising campaign to raise money to replace their volunteer firefighters firetruck. This involves a lot of close proximity with one of the firefighters- Kourt- who is also the high school basketball coach. I felt the immediate chemistry between these two, loved how they pushed each other’s buttons and how the story evolved. The side characters- other town residents- were a lot of fun too.
There were a few points in the middle where it slowed a little but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment, and as someone who is Christmas obsessed I loved how festive this was throughout.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Erika’s bff Austin so am intrigued about his story that’s coming next, but I loved his FMC and will definitely read it.
A cute read to add to your Christmas TBR!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC!
After a big pitch goes wrong, Erika heads to Blitzen, Kentucky to stay at her great aunt’s house. She soon gets involved in the town’s fundraising campaign to raise money to replace their volunteer firefighters firetruck. This involves a lot of close proximity with one of the firefighters- Kourt- who is also the high school basketball coach. I felt the immediate chemistry between these two, loved how they pushed each other’s buttons and how the story evolved. The side characters- other town residents- were a lot of fun too.
There were a few points in the middle where it slowed a little but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment, and as someone who is Christmas obsessed I loved how festive this was throughout.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Erika’s bff Austin so am intrigued about his story that’s coming next, but I loved his FMC and will definitely read it.
A cute read to add to your Christmas TBR!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC!
September 22, 2025
Title: The Holiday Mixtape
Author: Liberty Stowe
What to expect:
*Grumpy / Sunshine
*Small town
*Slow burn
Pros:
A very cute Christmas themed storyline featuring a mixed cassette tape! I always enjoy holiday stories and this book combined my love of found family, small town love, and Christmas!!
Cons:
Kourt has a sad backstory that causes his grumpiness, this isn’t usually a trope I enjoy at all, but luckily he didn’t let his past keep him from falling for the FMC.
Safety:
No real OW/OM drama, some jealously on both parts. No third act breakup.
Thank you to NetGalley and RupertBossier for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
Characters: Erika (FMC) & Kourt (MMC)
Author: Liberty Stowe
What to expect:
*Grumpy / Sunshine
*Small town
*Slow burn
Pros:
A very cute Christmas themed storyline featuring a mixed cassette tape! I always enjoy holiday stories and this book combined my love of found family, small town love, and Christmas!!
Cons:
Kourt has a sad backstory that causes his grumpiness, this isn’t usually a trope I enjoy at all, but luckily he didn’t let his past keep him from falling for the FMC.
Safety:
No real OW/OM drama, some jealously on both parts. No third act breakup.
Thank you to NetGalley and RupertBossier for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
Characters: Erika (FMC) & Kourt (MMC)
September 25, 2025
Liberty Stowe is 2 for 2! This sophomore outing, a Christmas book, has everything. Small town, new girl, save the fire department, Christmas festival, suspense and intrigue. Additionally, there’s some heavier topics, especially around learning to love after grief. Erika and Kourt may be maddening together at times, but the journey is worth it. I believe this is being set up at a series, so there are some unresolved pieces to look forward too. Plus, I love this is set in my home state of Kentucky (thanks for the Kentucky love!) This is pretty open-door, so if that’s not your cup of eggnog, you may want to sit this out. Otherwise, definitely check this out.
Thank you, RupertBossier, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Thank you, RupertBossier, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
September 25, 2025
This book is great. It is about a marketing executive who runs off and looking for a big holiday experience and and ends up meeting a firefighter. He offers to drive her around town to meet the high executives to discuss holiday plans. While helping her out, he falls in love. Christmas wishes do come true. Just a sweet holiday book to read just in time for the winter break. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and share my thoughts.
October 3, 2025
This book was the spicy hallmark read that I needed for the holidays! I thought this book was such a cute concept. I absolutely love the town of Blitzen and I wish I could go visit! Erika is such a bright Christmas joy. I wish that I was more like her! I thought the opposites attract and the tension and even more so the sexual attention was just perfect and it really was a great read for me! If you want hallmark with some unexpected spice for the holidays. You should absolutely pick this up!!
November 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
There’s just something about a holiday rom-com that makes me very happy to curl up and read, and The Holiday Mixtape delivered. Cozy, sweet and spicy Hallmark vibes, that reminded me of some of my favorite holiday movies. This was such a fun read, definitely a perfect addition to my holiday reading list.
There’s just something about a holiday rom-com that makes me very happy to curl up and read, and The Holiday Mixtape delivered. Cozy, sweet and spicy Hallmark vibes, that reminded me of some of my favorite holiday movies. This was such a fun read, definitely a perfect addition to my holiday reading list.
December 19, 2025
A cutesy Christmas slow burn with grump vs sunshine! Blitzen is the picture perfect Hallmark movie small town vibe. I loved the mixtape theme intertwined with the story and the unexpected twist. Kourt is a silly name for a guy, who plays basketball no less 🤣, but I love how it fit the story lol. Read this for a cozy classic Christmas! Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC #TheHolidayMixtape.
January 25, 2026
Thank You Netgalley, Rupertbossier, and Liberty Stowe for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this spicy hallmark holiday read. Small town romances are always fun for me. And the characters were cute and fun. I like that another book could be made to continue for next year. Which I would read. I do wish there was an audio book but will wait patiently for that.
September 22, 2025
Bonus points for talking about the beauty of Kentucky 😍
September 26, 2025
A cozy Christmas Hallmark book but with spice!
3,5⭐️ and a thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
3,5⭐️ and a thanks to NetGalley for the ARC
January 6, 2026
They are so flirty and oblivious, it was maddening! So much happened at the end I needed to know more, wanted more! Also, Kourt in the end with his firefighting gear on🫶🏼
With that being said can we turn this into a movie..?
With that being said can we turn this into a movie..?
December 21, 2025
Cute contemporary holiday romance. When Erika with a K meets Kourt with a K it’s over for both of them. Takes the a while to figure it out, but that’s the magic of Christmas.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. The Holiday Mixtape was my first experience with author Liberty Stowe. I enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. The witty banter back and forth between the main characters kept me engaged and laughing. The mixtape that was part of the story brought back warm memories from my youth. The author was great at building both characters and storylines- I can not wait to see the story develop between the secondary characters in the next book.
The small town, Hallmark holiday charm with a touch of spicy added in was the perfect mix to get me in the Christmas Spirit.
I would recommend this book and author to others looking for a feel good, spicy holiday romance.
TW- death of a spouse
The small town, Hallmark holiday charm with a touch of spicy added in was the perfect mix to get me in the Christmas Spirit.
I would recommend this book and author to others looking for a feel good, spicy holiday romance.
TW- death of a spouse
November 16, 2025
I had a blast with this book... even if it occasionally made me want to throw a glitter-covered snow globe at the wall in affectionate frustration. The Holiday Mixtape delivers all the cozy, chaotic Christmas chaos I crave: small-town holiday magic, grumpy x sunshine with enough sexual tension to fog up a windshield, and a mysterious retro cassette tape that might be playing matchmaker from beyond the grave. It’s messy. It’s merry. And yes, I’d absolutely read the next one.
Let’s talk Erika (with a K, and a lot of capital-E Energy). She’s an ad exec from Chicago who crashes and burns professionally and emotionally within the first five pages, then launches herself into Blitzen, Kentucky to restart her life with the help of a suspiciously timed mixtape and a dead aunt’s meddling from beyond the grave. Erika is like if Buddy the Elf had anxiety, unresolved childhood drama, and a Pinterest board called “Christmas or Bust.” I adored her spirit in theory... but sometimes I wanted to hand her a chill pill and a weighted blanket. Girl, I get the Type-A spiral, but do we need to bulldoze every sentence?
Then there’s Kourt. Yes, with a K. Look. I’m trying to be a bigger person and not hold a man’s name against him, but Kourt? With that spelling? It’s giving gym bro who still uses Axe body spray and thinks being “emotionally unavailable” is a personality. Except he’s actually not a jerk. He’s just emotionally mummified because his ex died and he’s been playing emotional goalie ever since. This man is the definition of "Tall, Dark, and Doesn’t Know How to Talk About His Feelings Unless There’s a Firetruck Involved."
And their banter? Oh my God. It’s constant. Not the “oh no, we’re arguing but secretly flirting” kind. It’s the kind where you're like, “Wait… do they even like each other or are they just both really horny and trapped in the same truck too long?” I swear, half this book is Kourt saying “Get in the truck” and Erika replying “You’re being a dick” and then somehow their faces are five inches apart and I’m sitting here yelling, “Is this sexy? Am I supposed to be turned on right now?”
The mixtape, this magical, plot-convenient relic, was pitched as the emotional thread holding this thing together, but it honestly felt more like a prop from a ghost-themed escape room. It shows up, vibes mysteriously, plays a track at just the right time, and then vanishes like, “Did I move the plot enough? Okay, bye.” I wanted more from that concept. Like, lean in. Haunt them. Possess the truck. Do something. Instead it’s just... vintage Spotify with vibes.
Now, to be clear, there is so much to enjoy here. There’s a Christmas festival that had my inner small-town gremlin thriving, and a few of those found-family, emotionally vulnerable beats that actually made me tear up a little. When Erika finally calms down long enough to realize she’s not a human to-do list, she’s really endearing. Kourt, too, grows into someone who isn’t just a walking trauma wall with biceps. And the chemistry? Pure sexual menace with tinsel on top.
Yes, the pacing sometimes felt like it got fast-tracked with sleigh bells and lust. And yes, some of the dialogue had me whispering “ma’am” to my Kindle. But I still rooted for Erika and Kourt the whole way through, even when I wanted to bonk them both with a Yule log. And I loved Helen and Archer, the chaotic besties I now fully expect to carry book two with the emotional stability of a baby goat in a snowstorm. I’ll be back for them, even if Kourt tries to drag me back into his truck again. 3.5 stars.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Delivering the Dirtiest Truck Dialogue
Thank you to RupertBossier and NetGalley for my copy of The Holiday Mixtape. I had an absolute blast diving into the festive chaos, mixtape mischief, and all the grumpy-sunshine tension. What a ride.
Let’s talk Erika (with a K, and a lot of capital-E Energy). She’s an ad exec from Chicago who crashes and burns professionally and emotionally within the first five pages, then launches herself into Blitzen, Kentucky to restart her life with the help of a suspiciously timed mixtape and a dead aunt’s meddling from beyond the grave. Erika is like if Buddy the Elf had anxiety, unresolved childhood drama, and a Pinterest board called “Christmas or Bust.” I adored her spirit in theory... but sometimes I wanted to hand her a chill pill and a weighted blanket. Girl, I get the Type-A spiral, but do we need to bulldoze every sentence?
Then there’s Kourt. Yes, with a K. Look. I’m trying to be a bigger person and not hold a man’s name against him, but Kourt? With that spelling? It’s giving gym bro who still uses Axe body spray and thinks being “emotionally unavailable” is a personality. Except he’s actually not a jerk. He’s just emotionally mummified because his ex died and he’s been playing emotional goalie ever since. This man is the definition of "Tall, Dark, and Doesn’t Know How to Talk About His Feelings Unless There’s a Firetruck Involved."
And their banter? Oh my God. It’s constant. Not the “oh no, we’re arguing but secretly flirting” kind. It’s the kind where you're like, “Wait… do they even like each other or are they just both really horny and trapped in the same truck too long?” I swear, half this book is Kourt saying “Get in the truck” and Erika replying “You’re being a dick” and then somehow their faces are five inches apart and I’m sitting here yelling, “Is this sexy? Am I supposed to be turned on right now?”
The mixtape, this magical, plot-convenient relic, was pitched as the emotional thread holding this thing together, but it honestly felt more like a prop from a ghost-themed escape room. It shows up, vibes mysteriously, plays a track at just the right time, and then vanishes like, “Did I move the plot enough? Okay, bye.” I wanted more from that concept. Like, lean in. Haunt them. Possess the truck. Do something. Instead it’s just... vintage Spotify with vibes.
Now, to be clear, there is so much to enjoy here. There’s a Christmas festival that had my inner small-town gremlin thriving, and a few of those found-family, emotionally vulnerable beats that actually made me tear up a little. When Erika finally calms down long enough to realize she’s not a human to-do list, she’s really endearing. Kourt, too, grows into someone who isn’t just a walking trauma wall with biceps. And the chemistry? Pure sexual menace with tinsel on top.
Yes, the pacing sometimes felt like it got fast-tracked with sleigh bells and lust. And yes, some of the dialogue had me whispering “ma’am” to my Kindle. But I still rooted for Erika and Kourt the whole way through, even when I wanted to bonk them both with a Yule log. And I loved Helen and Archer, the chaotic besties I now fully expect to carry book two with the emotional stability of a baby goat in a snowstorm. I’ll be back for them, even if Kourt tries to drag me back into his truck again. 3.5 stars.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Delivering the Dirtiest Truck Dialogue
Thank you to RupertBossier and NetGalley for my copy of The Holiday Mixtape. I had an absolute blast diving into the festive chaos, mixtape mischief, and all the grumpy-sunshine tension. What a ride.
November 18, 2025
📚The Holiday Mixtape
✍🏻Liberty Stowe
Blurb:
A spicy new holiday rom-com from small town romance author, Liberty Stowe. This Christmas brings a Grumpy X Sunshine with sugar and spice—but not everyone’s nice.
From the author of Steady Now, comes The Holiday Mixtape, this year’s hottest Christmas romance between a misfit ad exec, a handsome small-town basketball coach—and the vintage cassette tape bringing them together. Everyone has a favorite Christmas song... Is it fate when it plays at just the right moment?
When a failed pitch at her Chicago ad agency leads an idealistic dreamer to the perfect Christmas town, Erika with a K stumbles on a holiday mixtape at a flea market that guides her path straight to the town’s most eligible bachelor. But does he want to be eligible?
And is Blitzen, Kentucky a Christmas town?
Erika’s campaign for an old-fashioned Christmas hinges on help from the bachelor basketball coach slash Volunteer Fire Department's assistant chief in need of a new firetruck, and he’s not happy about it.
“Do you realize how much time you just obligated me to? If Erika pulls this off, she’ll have done something unheard of. She landed here the first week of December and she’s going to save the town in one month? That’s not a Christmas miracle. It’s a fairytale.”
Two strangers. One raise enough money for a firetruck through an Old Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival... an endeavor that will join them at the hip throughout the holiday.
“Get in my truck before I pick you up and put you in it.”
“You’re being a dick.”
“You’re being a brat. Get in the f***ing truck.”
“I will not.”
It takes a lot to make Kourt fumble on the court, but this Christmas, the unexpected visit from Josephine Amherst’s great niece proves a lot more than he bargained for. The Holiday Mixtape is a bickering, bantering, fun-filled journey of self-discovery for both Erika and Kourt, with emotional depth and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
What if, and just because it’s Christmas, track three on the holiday mixtape sealed their fate before Erika even pressed play?
My Thoughts:
Erika has a hard crash at work and with luck, her aunt leaves her home to her in Blitzen, Kentucky. Erika believes she messed up her big pitch, so to get a bit of stress relief, and wanting a Hallmark traditional Christmas, she makes her way to Blitzen where she so happens to crash into Kourt.
Erika had a rough meeting with her bosses, resulting in her sulking and wanting something to cheer her up so close to Christmas. That is when her best friend, Archer, spots a letter from her aunt that leads her right to Blitzen, Kentucky where she so happens to run into, or I should say run over, Kourt. Kourt, being the generous man who serves the community in many aspects, decides to add one more charity to his list by aiding Erika in her quest to turn the entire town of Blitzen into her own Hallmark Christmas.
I honestly loved this story and the relationship between Erika and Kourt. The miscommunication. The angsty energy. The temptation. I literally loved this book from beginning to end. It was quite enjoyable! As usual, I can’t wait to read more from Liberty Stowe.
Thanks NetGalley, RupertBossier and Author Liberty Stowe for the complimentary copy of "The Holiday Mixtape" I a leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RuperBossier
#LibertyStowe
#TheHolidayMixtape
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Liberty Stowe
Blurb:
A spicy new holiday rom-com from small town romance author, Liberty Stowe. This Christmas brings a Grumpy X Sunshine with sugar and spice—but not everyone’s nice.
From the author of Steady Now, comes The Holiday Mixtape, this year’s hottest Christmas romance between a misfit ad exec, a handsome small-town basketball coach—and the vintage cassette tape bringing them together. Everyone has a favorite Christmas song... Is it fate when it plays at just the right moment?
When a failed pitch at her Chicago ad agency leads an idealistic dreamer to the perfect Christmas town, Erika with a K stumbles on a holiday mixtape at a flea market that guides her path straight to the town’s most eligible bachelor. But does he want to be eligible?
And is Blitzen, Kentucky a Christmas town?
Erika’s campaign for an old-fashioned Christmas hinges on help from the bachelor basketball coach slash Volunteer Fire Department's assistant chief in need of a new firetruck, and he’s not happy about it.
“Do you realize how much time you just obligated me to? If Erika pulls this off, she’ll have done something unheard of. She landed here the first week of December and she’s going to save the town in one month? That’s not a Christmas miracle. It’s a fairytale.”
Two strangers. One raise enough money for a firetruck through an Old Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival... an endeavor that will join them at the hip throughout the holiday.
“Get in my truck before I pick you up and put you in it.”
“You’re being a dick.”
“You’re being a brat. Get in the f***ing truck.”
“I will not.”
It takes a lot to make Kourt fumble on the court, but this Christmas, the unexpected visit from Josephine Amherst’s great niece proves a lot more than he bargained for. The Holiday Mixtape is a bickering, bantering, fun-filled journey of self-discovery for both Erika and Kourt, with emotional depth and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
What if, and just because it’s Christmas, track three on the holiday mixtape sealed their fate before Erika even pressed play?
My Thoughts:
Erika has a hard crash at work and with luck, her aunt leaves her home to her in Blitzen, Kentucky. Erika believes she messed up her big pitch, so to get a bit of stress relief, and wanting a Hallmark traditional Christmas, she makes her way to Blitzen where she so happens to crash into Kourt.
Erika had a rough meeting with her bosses, resulting in her sulking and wanting something to cheer her up so close to Christmas. That is when her best friend, Archer, spots a letter from her aunt that leads her right to Blitzen, Kentucky where she so happens to run into, or I should say run over, Kourt. Kourt, being the generous man who serves the community in many aspects, decides to add one more charity to his list by aiding Erika in her quest to turn the entire town of Blitzen into her own Hallmark Christmas.
I honestly loved this story and the relationship between Erika and Kourt. The miscommunication. The angsty energy. The temptation. I literally loved this book from beginning to end. It was quite enjoyable! As usual, I can’t wait to read more from Liberty Stowe.
Thanks NetGalley, RupertBossier and Author Liberty Stowe for the complimentary copy of "The Holiday Mixtape" I a leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RuperBossier
#LibertyStowe
#TheHolidayMixtape
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 2, 2025
The Holiday Mixtape
⭐⭐⭐.25 (3.25/5)
After a failed pitch at her agency, Erika finds out she has inherited a house courtesy to her great-aunt Josie in Blitzen, Kentucky - a small Christmas town. Hoping to help raise money for a much-needed fire truck, she throws herself into planning an Old-Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival, the town’s last shot.
The only problem? Her reluctant wingman in this is the local bachelor basketball coach and volunteer fire department’s assistant chief who doesn’t quite believe she can pull it off.
❤️LOVELY
• I loved all the Christmassy atmosphere, it was present throughout the book which i really enjoyed.
• I loved Helen and her friendship with Kourt, Hail to platonic opposite sex friendship.
• Great aunt Josie for her presence in the entire book without even being there, and her vibes and house both were immaculate.
• Town's people had their own depth and different personalities, and also on the principle of nobody can slap a smiling and kind face, Erika being able to charm the town was convincing except of course Kourt.
• The whole premise, the decorations for Christmas were so fun and cozy, loved the vibes
• The chapters were titled!!
I just realized that I infact don't like grumpy, grouchy men who try to hide their attraction for other person by acting cold and standoffish.
I also want to mention that nobody deserves to be treated badly just because of your own past and trauma's, especially if they have been nothing short of kind and didn't know your past.
🚫UNLOVELY
• Kourt. Its not that i dislike him but i wished Erika did something t put him in his place as a good boy after how he acted most of the time
• Third act- a proper confusion and mess. It could've been handled with more emotional depth.
• I wished there was some soft groveling or detailed apology explaining his actions and why he did that.
• Helen was their couple therapist, the double agent helping them workout their feelings, the wingman. It was fun initially but felt overused later (tho I love Helen just don't love her wingmanning)
• Erika and Archer, her best friend's dynamics and feelings later, I was so frustrated and angry at this at the end!
💌OVERALL...
A fun enjoyable read that I'd definitely recommend to anyone who is up for cozy Christmas vibes, A chirpy optimistic and fun FMC, A grumpy, broody MMC with a past who can't take his eyes off her and tries to hide and ignore all that attraction with a side of fun townspeople with fun personalities and a Christmas magic to make.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc.
⭐⭐⭐.25 (3.25/5)
After a failed pitch at her agency, Erika finds out she has inherited a house courtesy to her great-aunt Josie in Blitzen, Kentucky - a small Christmas town. Hoping to help raise money for a much-needed fire truck, she throws herself into planning an Old-Fashioned Blitzen Christmas festival, the town’s last shot.
The only problem? Her reluctant wingman in this is the local bachelor basketball coach and volunteer fire department’s assistant chief who doesn’t quite believe she can pull it off.
❤️LOVELY
• I loved all the Christmassy atmosphere, it was present throughout the book which i really enjoyed.
• I loved Helen and her friendship with Kourt, Hail to platonic opposite sex friendship.
• Great aunt Josie for her presence in the entire book without even being there, and her vibes and house both were immaculate.
• Town's people had their own depth and different personalities, and also on the principle of nobody can slap a smiling and kind face, Erika being able to charm the town was convincing except of course Kourt.
• The whole premise, the decorations for Christmas were so fun and cozy, loved the vibes
• The chapters were titled!!
I just realized that I infact don't like grumpy, grouchy men who try to hide their attraction for other person by acting cold and standoffish.
I also want to mention that nobody deserves to be treated badly just because of your own past and trauma's, especially if they have been nothing short of kind and didn't know your past.
🚫UNLOVELY
• Kourt. Its not that i dislike him but i wished Erika did something t put him in his place as a good boy after how he acted most of the time
• Third act- a proper confusion and mess. It could've been handled with more emotional depth.
• I wished there was some soft groveling or detailed apology explaining his actions and why he did that.
• Helen was their couple therapist, the double agent helping them workout their feelings, the wingman. It was fun initially but felt overused later (tho I love Helen just don't love her wingmanning)
• Erika and Archer, her best friend's dynamics and feelings later, I was so frustrated and angry at this at the end!
💌OVERALL...
A fun enjoyable read that I'd definitely recommend to anyone who is up for cozy Christmas vibes, A chirpy optimistic and fun FMC, A grumpy, broody MMC with a past who can't take his eyes off her and tries to hide and ignore all that attraction with a side of fun townspeople with fun personalities and a Christmas magic to make.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc.
October 6, 2025
Liberty Stowe’s The Holiday Mixtape is a festive, flirty, and delightfully spicy holiday romance that delivers everything you could want from a seasonal read—and then some. Equal parts heat and heart, this story brings together two people who couldn’t be more different, yet can’t seem to resist the magnetic pull between them. It’s the perfect blend of cozy holiday vibes, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth that makes it impossible to put down.
From the start, Stowe draws readers in with her vivid storytelling and natural ability to build connection between her leads. The relationship that unfolds is equal parts passionate and heartfelt, with tension that crackles on every page. As their story develops, it’s not just about the spice—though there’s plenty of that—it’s also about vulnerability, trust, and the magic of finding love when you least expect it.
One of the strongest aspects of The Holiday Mixtape is how much story Stowe manages to pack into the pages. There’s substance beneath the steam, with character backstories, emotional growth, and genuine holiday charm woven throughout. Readers are given time to really know these characters—their quirks, their desires, and their fears—and that makes their connection feel not only believable but deeply satisfying.
The holiday setting adds an extra layer of warmth to the book, contrasting perfectly with the sizzling romantic tension. Stowe captures the spirit of the season—music, lights, laughter, and a touch of chaos—and uses it to amplify both the joy and intensity of her story. It’s the kind of romance that makes you smile one moment, blush the next, and sigh happily at the end.
The Holiday Mixtape is a fun, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt story about opposites attracting, the courage to take chances, and the way love can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Liberty Stowe has created the perfect holiday escape—a spicy, feel-good romance that will leave readers wanting to hit replay on this love story again and again.
From the start, Stowe draws readers in with her vivid storytelling and natural ability to build connection between her leads. The relationship that unfolds is equal parts passionate and heartfelt, with tension that crackles on every page. As their story develops, it’s not just about the spice—though there’s plenty of that—it’s also about vulnerability, trust, and the magic of finding love when you least expect it.
One of the strongest aspects of The Holiday Mixtape is how much story Stowe manages to pack into the pages. There’s substance beneath the steam, with character backstories, emotional growth, and genuine holiday charm woven throughout. Readers are given time to really know these characters—their quirks, their desires, and their fears—and that makes their connection feel not only believable but deeply satisfying.
The holiday setting adds an extra layer of warmth to the book, contrasting perfectly with the sizzling romantic tension. Stowe captures the spirit of the season—music, lights, laughter, and a touch of chaos—and uses it to amplify both the joy and intensity of her story. It’s the kind of romance that makes you smile one moment, blush the next, and sigh happily at the end.
The Holiday Mixtape is a fun, sexy, and surprisingly heartfelt story about opposites attracting, the courage to take chances, and the way love can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Liberty Stowe has created the perfect holiday escape—a spicy, feel-good romance that will leave readers wanting to hit replay on this love story again and again.
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