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Christmas in the Cotswolds #2
A Chef's Kiss for Christmas: A feel-good festive escape
This Christmas, love is on the menu.
Anna Carrington is tired of being the girl who hasn’t moved on. Two years after a painful breakup, she’s still facing pitying glances from friends and awkward reunions with her ex – who’s now bringing his new girlfriend to the Christmas ball.
Desperate to save face, Anna needs a date. Fast.
Enter Warren: her brother’s best friend and the brooding head chef at the family’s boutique hotel. With his estranged parents coming to visit, Warren needs a buffer at dinner. Anna has a plan – she’ll help him survive his family’s questions if he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend for one night.
One night turns into cosy dinners, snowy weekends, and kisses that feel all too real. As the lines between fake and forever begin to blur, Anna finds herself falling for the man who sees her like no one else ever has.
But Warren is hiding a secret – one that could unravel everything. Coming clean about his past could cost him the career he’s worked so hard to build… and the one woman who accepts him just as he is.
Set against the twinkling lights of Chipping Campden, A Chef’s Kiss for Christmas is a heartwarming story of second chances, slow-burn romance, and finding someone who feels like home.
Anna Carrington is tired of being the girl who hasn’t moved on. Two years after a painful breakup, she’s still facing pitying glances from friends and awkward reunions with her ex – who’s now bringing his new girlfriend to the Christmas ball.
Desperate to save face, Anna needs a date. Fast.
Enter Warren: her brother’s best friend and the brooding head chef at the family’s boutique hotel. With his estranged parents coming to visit, Warren needs a buffer at dinner. Anna has a plan – she’ll help him survive his family’s questions if he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend for one night.
One night turns into cosy dinners, snowy weekends, and kisses that feel all too real. As the lines between fake and forever begin to blur, Anna finds herself falling for the man who sees her like no one else ever has.
But Warren is hiding a secret – one that could unravel everything. Coming clean about his past could cost him the career he’s worked so hard to build… and the one woman who accepts him just as he is.
Set against the twinkling lights of Chipping Campden, A Chef’s Kiss for Christmas is a heartwarming story of second chances, slow-burn romance, and finding someone who feels like home.
376 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2025
147 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Ellis
57 books434 followersHannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 12, 2025
I unfortunately did not connect with this book at all.
The story and the two main characters were uninteresting to me and I had no motivation to finish this book.
The setting is cute, it is all very lovely, I did enjoy book one in this series, but this one just was not it for me. Perhaps everyone felt super young and therefore immature, making me not interested in their big feelings and emotions…
Really too bad!
Some things I remembered when I looked at my annotations: I have an issue with the MMC's short fuse. Yes, he is a chef and they are misunderstood and creative, insert eye roll, but the way he was shouting to the people working onder him... Terrible.
Also, when the FMC and MMC go out together, he picks her up in the car but HONKS his HORN at her while he is in the car and she in the house. OH HELL NO, that man would NEVER see me come out of the house EVER AGAIN. I would climb down three storeys from a back window and jump fences across all the neighbours' gardens before he would ever see me use the front door.
Shoutout to the again really cute cover!
2.5 stars barely rounded up for the seasonal vibes.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
The story and the two main characters were uninteresting to me and I had no motivation to finish this book.
The setting is cute, it is all very lovely, I did enjoy book one in this series, but this one just was not it for me. Perhaps everyone felt super young and therefore immature, making me not interested in their big feelings and emotions…
Really too bad!
Some things I remembered when I looked at my annotations: I have an issue with the MMC's short fuse. Yes, he is a chef and they are misunderstood and creative, insert eye roll, but the way he was shouting to the people working onder him... Terrible.
Also, when the FMC and MMC go out together, he picks her up in the car but HONKS his HORN at her while he is in the car and she in the house. OH HELL NO, that man would NEVER see me come out of the house EVER AGAIN. I would climb down three storeys from a back window and jump fences across all the neighbours' gardens before he would ever see me use the front door.
Shoutout to the again really cute cover!
2.5 stars barely rounded up for the seasonal vibes.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
October 4, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
This was a heartwarming romance set in one of my favourite settings The Cotswolds
Who doesn’t love a story where food and love entwine
We all have those “ families “ and “siblings “ problems they were portrayed just as you would imagine
Loved it
This was a heartwarming romance set in one of my favourite settings The Cotswolds
Who doesn’t love a story where food and love entwine
We all have those “ families “ and “siblings “ problems they were portrayed just as you would imagine
Loved it
November 17, 2025
We first met Anna and Warren in Not Just for Christmas which was Erin and Lewis’s story, now we get to see their story which is not to be missed. I don’t think it will matter if you haven’t read the previous book but you will probably want to after reading this one.
Anna is so sweet and is totally different in terms of personality to Warren but as they always say, opposites do attract. Their family lives are both also very different and my heart went out to Warren who can never seem to do enough to make his family proud and seems to be a constant disappointment to them. If anything this story is a reminder that you don’t have to set your goals so high as being successful can come in many forms and being happy is the most important thing.
The story is set in the run up to Christmas so there is plenty of festive delight running through it. It is hard to not get caught up in the festivities as well as feeling excited about this time of year. It also reminded me I need to get cracked on with my Christmas shopping!
A Chef’s Kiss for Christmas is such a lovely feel-good read and a great book to escape with. Probably best enjoyed snuggled up under a blanket with a delicious hot chocolate. It has everything that I love most about Christmas, the parties, food, and more importantly, spending time with the ones we love. I’m hoping there will be another book in the series as would love to see Carla, Lewis’s sister find happiness with someone. Fingers crossed for another book next year!
Anna is so sweet and is totally different in terms of personality to Warren but as they always say, opposites do attract. Their family lives are both also very different and my heart went out to Warren who can never seem to do enough to make his family proud and seems to be a constant disappointment to them. If anything this story is a reminder that you don’t have to set your goals so high as being successful can come in many forms and being happy is the most important thing.
The story is set in the run up to Christmas so there is plenty of festive delight running through it. It is hard to not get caught up in the festivities as well as feeling excited about this time of year. It also reminded me I need to get cracked on with my Christmas shopping!
A Chef’s Kiss for Christmas is such a lovely feel-good read and a great book to escape with. Probably best enjoyed snuggled up under a blanket with a delicious hot chocolate. It has everything that I love most about Christmas, the parties, food, and more importantly, spending time with the ones we love. I’m hoping there will be another book in the series as would love to see Carla, Lewis’s sister find happiness with someone. Fingers crossed for another book next year!
September 29, 2025
This was my first book by Hannah Ellis. I was very pleased. The story and characters were well developed.
When I first started reading, I was surprised to find the story set in the UK. I was worried about the language translation, I worried for nothing.
I am a lover of all things Christmas. This story did not disappoint. I loved Anna and Warren's storyline. It felt very real. The emotions conveyed were real. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that involved Warren's parents.
The ending was one of the best I've read in a while. No spoilers here, but if you get a chance, read this book.
I did not purchase this book as I was provided an advanced copy by Booksirens. This review is my own opinion and posted voluntarily.
When I first started reading, I was surprised to find the story set in the UK. I was worried about the language translation, I worried for nothing.
I am a lover of all things Christmas. This story did not disappoint. I loved Anna and Warren's storyline. It felt very real. The emotions conveyed were real. I enjoyed all the twists and turns that involved Warren's parents.
The ending was one of the best I've read in a while. No spoilers here, but if you get a chance, read this book.
I did not purchase this book as I was provided an advanced copy by Booksirens. This review is my own opinion and posted voluntarily.
October 5, 2025
If you’re looking for a feel-good book, give this a try. Anna Carrington has broken up with her boyfriend and needs a one-time only date to a Christmas party. Warren, the chef at her brother’s hotel, gets recruited. Along the way, we learn more about Anna’s and Warren’s families, and about them.
My only minor complaint is there were a few too many references to Anna’s emotional responses to things. They were valid, but her cheeks flared red, her heart raced and nerves fluttered in her stomach a lot.
I’m a fan of Hannah Ellis’ work, especially her Lily Larkin series. Her books are easy to read and the plots move along very well.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
My only minor complaint is there were a few too many references to Anna’s emotional responses to things. They were valid, but her cheeks flared red, her heart raced and nerves fluttered in her stomach a lot.
I’m a fan of Hannah Ellis’ work, especially her Lily Larkin series. Her books are easy to read and the plots move along very well.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2025
This was my second book by Hannah as I read the first in the series too.
I was pretty excited to see she wrote another Christmas themed book because her first was perfect so the bar was set pretty high going into this 🥰
Hannah did not disappoint though.
Another beautiful, cute and fun read.
I really loved how the characters opened up in the pages and got through their own personal struggles, without taking any of the romance away.
I’m really looking forward to another in this series and I think I got the hint on who it will be!
Congratulations Hannah on another wonderful book in this series.
I did receive this arc copy for free in return for my honest review.
I was pretty excited to see she wrote another Christmas themed book because her first was perfect so the bar was set pretty high going into this 🥰
Hannah did not disappoint though.
Another beautiful, cute and fun read.
I really loved how the characters opened up in the pages and got through their own personal struggles, without taking any of the romance away.
I’m really looking forward to another in this series and I think I got the hint on who it will be!
Congratulations Hannah on another wonderful book in this series.
I did receive this arc copy for free in return for my honest review.
October 13, 2025
‘Kissing his best friend’s sister was a bad move.’
Anna is dreading getting together with her old friends and seeing their pitying looks because she hasn’t moved on from getting dumped two years earlier while her ex has paraded a bevy of beauties passed them. Warren simply doesn’t want to spend time with his parents even for the length of one dinner. And then they hatch a crazy plan. She’ll be his buffer, if he’ll be hers. When pretend feelings become real, misunderstandings and secrets make the path to happily ever after a trip worth reading. And definitely sign up for the author’s newsletter to get the bonus epilogue!
Anna is dreading getting together with her old friends and seeing their pitying looks because she hasn’t moved on from getting dumped two years earlier while her ex has paraded a bevy of beauties passed them. Warren simply doesn’t want to spend time with his parents even for the length of one dinner. And then they hatch a crazy plan. She’ll be his buffer, if he’ll be hers. When pretend feelings become real, misunderstandings and secrets make the path to happily ever after a trip worth reading. And definitely sign up for the author’s newsletter to get the bonus epilogue!
October 25, 2025
A Chef’s Kiss for Christmas is a cozy, heartwarming delight—full of festive charm, fake dating fun, and a grumpy-sweet chef who stole my heart. Anna and Warren’s chemistry felt natural and tender, with a slow-burn romance that unfolded beautifully. Set in the UK, the story surprised me in the best way, with well-developed characters, emotional depth, and just the right dash of humor. From family twists to a truly satisfying ending, it’s everything I love in a Christmas read. Comforting, swoony, and full of holiday magic—highly recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2025
A Chef’s Kiss for Christmas was such a cozy, feel-good read. It’s got all the festive vibes, a fun fake-dating angle, and a grumpy-but-sweet chef who completely won me over. Anna and Warren’s chemistry felt really natural, and their slow-burn romance unfolded in such a lovely way.
The UK setting was a nice surprise, and the story had more emotional depth than I expected — plus just enough humor to keep it light. Between the family moments and the ending that left me smiling, it checked all my boxes for a perfect Christmas read. Warm, romantic, and full of holiday magic. I totally recommend it!
I received an advance copy for free, and this review is just my honest thoughts.
The UK setting was a nice surprise, and the story had more emotional depth than I expected — plus just enough humor to keep it light. Between the family moments and the ending that left me smiling, it checked all my boxes for a perfect Christmas read. Warm, romantic, and full of holiday magic. I totally recommend it!
I received an advance copy for free, and this review is just my honest thoughts.
December 4, 2025
I loved that the story takes place in England, but not in London. There are so many beautiful places to be referenced, and this was a novelty for me. I researched the region and I already want to visit, for sure.
And despite the whole fake boyfriend/girlfriend plot, the whole story seems very real. The friendships are like the ones anyone could have, the excessively greedy parents who don't see that their son is happy doing what he wants.
I really liked the resolution found by the protagonist at the end (spoiler) where she is happy where she is and doesn't need to change.
I'm going to read the previous book and keep an eye out for future books in this series!
And despite the whole fake boyfriend/girlfriend plot, the whole story seems very real. The friendships are like the ones anyone could have, the excessively greedy parents who don't see that their son is happy doing what he wants.
I really liked the resolution found by the protagonist at the end (spoiler) where she is happy where she is and doesn't need to change.
I'm going to read the previous book and keep an eye out for future books in this series!
December 15, 2025
A Chef's Kiss for this book
This book was so good that I stayed up all night to finish it. It starts out as a fake relationship so Warren's parents won't be so disappointed in him because they'll be distracted by his new "girlfriend" Anna. And Anna won't have to attend a party with her friends where her ex always shows up with a different woman on his arm, because Warren will be with her to act as her new boyfriend. But there are so many twists and turns in the story that you'll get swept away like I did. Will they get together or not? Will Anna's ex be jealous of her new "boyfriend"? You'll love it ... read this book!
This book was so good that I stayed up all night to finish it. It starts out as a fake relationship so Warren's parents won't be so disappointed in him because they'll be distracted by his new "girlfriend" Anna. And Anna won't have to attend a party with her friends where her ex always shows up with a different woman on his arm, because Warren will be with her to act as her new boyfriend. But there are so many twists and turns in the story that you'll get swept away like I did. Will they get together or not? Will Anna's ex be jealous of her new "boyfriend"? You'll love it ... read this book!
September 29, 2025
I adored this book. I love that it's a Christmas love story, but the characters have flaws and issues they have to work through together. Multiple times when I was reading, I realized I was smiling. Anna and Warren are easy characters to love and the best part might actually the surprise bonus chapter. I signed up for the author's newsletter as this will not be the last book I read from her.
* Loveable characters
* White Christmas
* Happy Christmas story
Thank you to BookSirens for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
* Loveable characters
* White Christmas
* Happy Christmas story
Thank you to BookSirens for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
I very much enjoyed this Christmassy story! I enjoyed the characters and their interactions and I loved the quiet, reserved nature of the FMM, Anna. It was only topped by her ability to really let someone have it when she was past her limit 😂
This was the second in a series but also a standalone, as I haven’t yet read the first one and wasn’t lost on the characters or plot. I plan to definitely read that one now though as I enjoyed this one so much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was the second in a series but also a standalone, as I haven’t yet read the first one and wasn’t lost on the characters or plot. I plan to definitely read that one now though as I enjoyed this one so much.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2025
A Chef’s Kiss for Christmas was such a cozy read. The fake dating, holiday vibes, and a grumpy/sweet chef were written so well, there was nothing more I could ask for. Anna and Warren had that kind of chemistry that feels natural and fun, and I loved seeing their relationship slowly turn into something real. It’s light, a little swoony, and gave me all the warm Christmas feels. Definitely one I’d pick up again when I want something cute and comforting!
October 17, 2025
This will draw you right into the story! A hotel, a chef, a friend, a fake date, and family dynamics. Family is a huge part of the story. A close knit family that is constantly in touch and a family that loves each other, but doesn’t show it. Expectations of joining the family business, while trying to follow your heart. Past relationships and developing a new relationship that is filled with honesty cause a lot of introspection. HEA!
September 19, 2025
A chef's kiss is just what I needed to warm me up and get me into the Christmas spirit. Anna and Warren are pretending to be a couple but I think there chemistry is off the charts. I particularly wanted to get into Warren who has a tough exterior but under the surface I think he is a big teddy bear. The romance is slow burn and I loved watching it cook.
September 26, 2025
This was a genuinely 'feel good' read.
I enjoyed the main characters who were real people with depth and character flaws.
It was a heartwarming story. The 'feel good' factor lingered long after I finished the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the main characters who were real people with depth and character flaws.
It was a heartwarming story. The 'feel good' factor lingered long after I finished the book.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2025
The ģrumpy Chef
This book had me gripped as I read the 1st one then started this one. I couldn't work out what was going to happen and then if it was true. I think that this one may be a little bit more entertaining than the last. It really is a great read so go ahead and read the 1st one then this one. I'm sure you'll won't be disappointed.
This book had me gripped as I read the 1st one then started this one. I couldn't work out what was going to happen and then if it was true. I think that this one may be a little bit more entertaining than the last. It really is a great read so go ahead and read the 1st one then this one. I'm sure you'll won't be disappointed.
October 7, 2025
A cosy feel good storyline which I couldn’t put down and thoroughly enjoyed reading. Great characters, and I’m hoping we’ll get a Carla book. I have to say that Hannah Ellis is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
Loved this story so much! The Cotswolds are the place to be if you want a sweet and charming Christmas.
A fake dating trope is always a favourite and then add in Christmas and I am a goner.
An unlikely couple, who are very opposite finding what's always been missing. Perfect and so well written I didnt want to put it down.
A fake dating trope is always a favourite and then add in Christmas and I am a goner.
An unlikely couple, who are very opposite finding what's always been missing. Perfect and so well written I didnt want to put it down.
September 30, 2025
Fabulous read
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved this book about Warren and Anna. Both this book and the book with Lewis and Erin need to be made into film. I loved them and was in them brilliant
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved this book about Warren and Anna. Both this book and the book with Lewis and Erin need to be made into film. I loved them and was in them brilliant
October 9, 2025
family of the heart
Hannah is one of my favourite authors and again Anna and Warren´s story touched my heart, we all hope to heal from past injuries to our souls and her stories always encourage us to never stop believing it might also happen to us.
Hannah is one of my favourite authors and again Anna and Warren´s story touched my heart, we all hope to heal from past injuries to our souls and her stories always encourage us to never stop believing it might also happen to us.
October 11, 2025
What’s better than a Christmas love story!
Hannah Ellis makes Christmas in the Cotswolds funny, romantic, stressful, and most of all, real.
Love these stories, and I’m already looking forward to the next book!
Hannah Ellis makes Christmas in the Cotswolds funny, romantic, stressful, and most of all, real.
Love these stories, and I’m already looking forward to the next book!
September 22, 2025
Hannah Ellis A Chefs Kiss for Christmas.
This book is just what you need to unwind with. Its easy going with lovely characters and a great story line.
This book is just what you need to unwind with. Its easy going with lovely characters and a great story line.
October 1, 2025
Hannah at her best
Another cracking read from Hannah. Only took me two days to read,it was that good. All Christmasy, snowy, good food and romance.what more do you need.
Another cracking read from Hannah. Only took me two days to read,it was that good. All Christmasy, snowy, good food and romance.what more do you need.
October 7, 2025
cute read perfect for the holidays!
October 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2025
Beautiful series!
These books so well written that you got immediately drawn into the stories. The characters are so loveable and you can't help routing for them.
These books so well written that you got immediately drawn into the stories. The characters are so loveable and you can't help routing for them.
November 26, 2025
Cute and charming. I loved seeing the hotel life from the employees, chef, and owner/manager’s perspective.
December 24, 2025
This book didn’t hold my interest.
The characters seemed a little flat and one dimensional and I didn’t sense any chemistry between main characters
The characters seemed a little flat and one dimensional and I didn’t sense any chemistry between main characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews