Clued in to Love

by Ellie Alexander

When her hometown launches a holiday scavenger hunt with a life-changing cash prize, Marissa Henry jumps at the chance to save her fledgling business—until she’s partnered with the most gorgeous but infuriating man in town.

Marissa’s catering company is her passion project but it’s swiftly turning into a financial disaster. With bills piling up and her culinary dreams crumbling faster than aged cheddar, she’s determined to win the prize money.

There’s just one she’s been paired with William Graff, who wrecked her carefully curated display when she catered his wealthy family’s party and who she’s convinced is an entitled jerk. But as they race through holiday challenges, from Christmas light chaos to competitive snowman-creation, Marissa discovers there’s more to William than his trust fund and his ugly holiday sweater collection.

Soon Marissa has something new to fight a chance at an unexpected romance that could really change her life.

If you love cozying up with a Hallmark movie and a hot chocolate, and books by Emily Henry and Christina Lauren, you’ll adore this enemies-to-lovers holiday romance which serves

- Small-town Christmas charm with a competitive twist
- A grumpy/sunshine dynamic that sizzles with tension
- Forced proximity that leads to irresistible attraction
- Multiple POVs featuring beloved secondary characters finding their own second chances
- A swoon-worthy hero who’s more than his wealthy reputation
- Holiday traditions, winter magic, and a guaranteed HEA

Get ready to fall in love with Bend, Oregon, where holiday magic and happily-ever-afters are always in season.

What readers are saying about Clued in to Love:

“I really loved this cute holiday romance! Definitely a book that can keep you up all night!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“If you enjoy clean, sweet romance with forced proximity I would highly recommend adding this book to your TBR!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A perfectly feel-good festive read... how much fun!!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Delightful… There are a number of couples that we follow in the story including the main characters, Marissa and Will, and I became so invested in the outcome of each relationship.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Holiday, Contemporary, Clean Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2025

About the author

Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...

Reviews

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Another Ellie Alexander book with a heavy focus on friendship and growth, with a fun sprinkle of romance.

This story has some really "real life" themes and topics built into the plot.
It isn’t your typical light-hearted Christmas read. Which I think it probably really good for readers for who are looking for something a little deeper than your traditional Christmas romance.

I also want to highlight that I think the topics it is discussing are some important ones.
Things like grief, dating after loss, becoming an empty nester, dealing with aging and hormonal changes as a woman, etc.
I think theres always space to talk about these things, and there will always be people to relate to them.

With that being said, I think I struggled to connect with it a little bit. I think it is just down to it being a bit outside of the realm of my own personal life experiences up to this point.
This is one of those stories that I think will be a lot more enjoyable to readers that are able to see themselves in the main characters.

As for the overall plot of this, I thought it was nice.
We meet four different women, who are all going through different things and trying to overcome their individual struggles during the holiday season.
Having four POVs in one story is quite a lot, and sometimes It got a bit overwhelming (this is the main reason I rated 3.5 stars)- but each of them brings something unique into the mix. So that was good.
Note: The shortness of the chapters really helps with the number of POVs I think. There is a lot of information, but it is quite spread out if that makes sense. So you’re not taking it in all at once.

There is also a scavenger hunt! Which I do usually find pretty cool to read about in books.
I think that was necessary to bring some fun and lighten up the mood a little bit.

Overall nice! I think other people would take more enjoyment from it than me, but I still liked it.

Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and author Ellie Alexander, for providing me with the eARC of Clued in to Love, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 20, 2025

[Niraja Surendran · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a cheesy Hallmark kind of romance, then this is for you! I appreciated how the story followed four different women who were all in different stages of life, making it enjoyable for all ages. I felt very engaged the first half of the book; however, the second half felt repetitive to me with the problems the characters were facing. All of the plot lines were entirely too predictable, as well. Nevertheless, this book has definitely inspired me to make a holiday cheese board this Christmas, and the scavenger hunt was a fun, creative element I haven’t seen in other holiday romances. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The festive season is in full swing in Bend, Oregon, and new business owner, Marissa Henry, is hoping for a full diary of events to keep her Yes, Cheese catering company solvent into the new year. Nothing is guaranteed however, and so when she learns of a scavenger hunt with a very healthy cash prize Melissa is determined to win, even if she is partnered with the most entitled jerk she's had the misfortune of meeting! As they begin to work together however, she finds her opinion begin to change ut then out of the blue everything changes and all she can think about is how she's lost her chance to achieve everything she ever wanted.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. I do love a Christmas romance, and this had everything I wanted. It's not just Melissa's tale included here and as in the previous book in this series, A Cozy Kind of Christmas, other relationships are also included which gave the storyline a much fuller, interesting feel. Even though it's described as a guaranteed HEA, the journeys are all definitely worth reading about.

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I am looking for something light, cozy, and well written, Ellie Alexander never disappoints. Cued in to Love is a Christmas romance, set in Bend Oregon. A scavenger hunt is set up by the Chamber of Commerce called Passport to the Holidays. The idea is to increase goodwill and tourism. Teams are formed and the winners will be awarded 50,000 dollars. Each team has their own reason to be desperate to win. There are some unexpected romances, some rekindling of old flames, and the threat of cheaters in the competition. This is a delightful read, perfect for the holidays.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance reading copy.

[Paige Rothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re craving a cozy, Hallmark-style romance filled with holiday cheer, small-town charm, and second chances — Clued in to Love delivers exactly that.

This story follows multiple women navigating love, friendship, and life changes during the holiday season, all tied together by a festive scavenger hunt that feels straight out of a made-for-TV Christmas movie. I loved the themes of growth, grief, and rediscovering joy — they made the story feel more heartfelt than your typical fluffy Christmas read.

It’s got all the ingredients of a cozy December night: hot cocoa, twinkling lights, a bit of friendly competition, and a slow-building romance that feels warm and genuine. While a few plotlines felt predictable, that’s part of the charm — it’s comforting, not complicated.

Perfect for readers who love Emily Henry’s emotion and Hallmark’s heart.

✨ Tropes:
• Small-town Christmas competition
• Grumpy/sunshine dynamic
• Multiple POVs
• Found family & second chances
• Closed-door romance

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Ellie Alexander for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Gales Tales70 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful of love, competitiveness, long lost friendships.

Following three couples who are all somehow involved with the village Christmas Scavenger Hunt. We have 2 young college students who are in the friend zone and don’t quite realise they are meant for each other. Then we have a middle aged couple competing together, and maybe against each other in a Christmas scavenger hunt to win £50,000, they are from different backgrounds, sparks fly high but could they be perfect for each other and then we have Darby, sweet, sweet Darby who lost her hubby a couple of years ago and then during the opening ceremony of the Christmas event humps into her first love.

This was a lovely story and had all the feels, even though you could sort of anticipate what might happen it was still fun and lively to see home it all developed. The ending was better than I could’ve imagined.

I am looking forward to adding Ellie to my list of authors and look forward to seeking out her other material.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful story. There are a number of couples that we follow in the story including the main characters, Marissa and Will, and I became so invested in the outcome of each relationship. The story is about not making assumptions about people, allowing yourself to move forward in life after a setback, and knowing when you need to fight to keep a good thing in your life. The scavenger hunt was great fun! A really enjoyable, fast read!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Ellie Alexander for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW🤍

This cozy holiday read set in Bend, Oregon is full of warmth, love, and second chances. When entrepreneur Marissa joins the town’s annual scavenger hunt for a fifty-thousand-dollar prize, she’s paired with William Graff, the town’s wealthy heir, and sparks soon fly. Alongside her story, we meet Darby, learning to love again after loss; Olivia, navigating young love; and Hillary, rediscovering herself and her marriage as her kids head off to college. Heartfelt and uplifting, this multiple POV story is perfect for curling up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

[Pamela Raftas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading an ARC book and I am more than thrilled that this is the one I read first. I absolutely fell in love with this book and definitely got teary-eyed several times. The small town Christmas vibes, romance, and somewhat mystery kept me hooked the whole time . I related to the topics of grief and being an empty nester and felt the book was very relatable to real life emotions during the holidays. I would definitely read another book by this author

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Ellie Alexander’s Clued in to Love
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC of this utterly charming, clever, and heartwarming holiday romance. Ellie Alexander has once again delivered a story that feels like wrapping yourself in a flannel blanket, lighting a cinnamon candle, and letting the world melt away while snow falls softly outside your window.

From the first page, Clued in to Love feels like home — that special brand of small-town storytelling where everyone’s lives intersect through coffee shop gossip, community events, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. The setup is festive perfection: Bend, Oregon, is hosting its annual “Passport to Christmas” scavenger hunt, this year with a jaw-dropping $50,000 prize. For Marissa Henry, that cash means survival — it’s her one shot to save Yes, Cheese, the catering business she’s poured her heart (and every last dollar) into. But when she’s paired with William Graff, the infuriatingly attractive heir to the richest family in town — who also happens to have ruined her display at one of his family’s events — her dreams of a smooth win start crumbling faster than the cheddar she sells.

What follows is the best kind of holiday chaos — snowball fights, light parades, and a grumpy/sunshine dynamic so sharp and funny you’ll be grinning through every chapter. William’s dry humor perfectly balances Marissa’s stubborn optimism, and their growing affection unfolds with slow-burn precision. It’s clean, sweet, and genuinely funny without ever slipping into cliché. Ellie Alexander’s dialogue sparkles with wit, her characters feel wonderfully human, and the holiday setting practically hums with charm.

But what truly surprised me — and what gives this book such emotional depth — is how it expands beyond just Marissa and William’s story. We also get the lives of three other women whose paths intertwine through the scavenger hunt. There’s Hilary, newly an empty nester and struggling to reconnect with her husband while managing the festival; Olivia, a bright high school senior realizing that social media perfection isn’t the same as real connection; and Darby, a widow finding courage to love again after loss. Their stories unfold like ornaments on a tree — each one unique, sparkling in its own way, but more beautiful when seen together.

Through multiple POVs, Alexander captures a full spectrum of love and life: first crushes, rekindled marriages, grief, resilience, and second chances. It’s not just about romance — it’s about rediscovering joy. The scavenger hunt becomes more than a contest; it’s a metaphor for searching for what truly matters, for finding yourself again in the midst of life’s snowdrifts.

My favorite quote comes from Marissa herself: “Sometimes the biggest prize isn’t the one you win — it’s the one you never saw coming.” That single line sums up the heart of this book. Love — whether romantic, platonic, or the kind you find when you finally forgive yourself — is the real reward.

Ellie Alexander writes with the cozy confidence of someone who understands people — their quirks, insecurities, and quiet hopes. Her Bend, Oregon feels alive: the glow of shop windows, the crisp scent of pine, the clinking of mugs in the local café. You can almost hear the snow crunching underfoot and feel the warmth of the firelight reflecting off the pages. Her prose has that cinematic quality that makes you think, “This should be a holiday movie.” (Netflix, are you listening?)

What also makes this book stand out is how it balances comfort with complexity. It’s not saccharine — it’s sincere. Alexander doesn’t shy away from hard truths about grief, ambition, and the fear of starting over, but she approaches them with tenderness and humor. The pacing is smooth, the transitions between POVs seamless, and each storyline wraps up in a way that feels earned, not forced.

By the time I turned the last page, I felt like I’d spent time with friends — messy, lovable, resilient friends who reminded me why hope is never out of season. Clued in to Love is exactly what I want from a holiday read: something that makes me laugh, sigh, and believe in small miracles again. It’s a story about love, community, and second chances — but more than anything, it’s about choosing joy, even when life feels like a snowstorm.

If you love the feel-good warmth of Hallmark movies but crave sharper dialogue, genuine emotion, and well-drawn characters, this book is for you. Fans of Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, and Jenny Colgan will find themselves right at home.

Ellie Alexander has created something truly special — a story that’s festive without being fluffy, funny without being forced, and deeply heartfelt from beginning to end. I closed this book smiling, already imagining rereading it next December with a mug of peppermint cocoa in hand.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me — because sometimes, the best kind of love story is the one that reminds you life’s biggest prizes can’t be wrapped under a tree.

#BookReview #CluedIntoLove #EllieAlexander #StormPublishing #NetGalley #HolidayRomance #ChristmasReads #CozyRomance #EnemiesToLovers #SmallTownRomance #ReadersOfInstagram #RomCom #BookishLove #WinterReads #FeelGoodFiction #Bookstagram #BookRecommendations

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like a 3.5 for me

Clued in to Love follows four women: Marissa, Hilary, Darby, and Olivia, each navigating through the holiday season while trying to get over some form of heartbreak, all the while their lives are more interwoven than they realize, which the reader comes to see through the scavenger hunt titled Passport to the Holidays, where teams are competing for a cash prize.

Darby's late husband Jim founded Passport to the Holidays, and this is the first year that it's happening without him, which brings up a string of emotions for Darby. She also reconnects with Samesh, her first love, who has recently moved back to town.

Hilary is running Passport to the Holidays but is so focused on the job (and the mayor who is convinced that there's a cheating scandal involved) to try to forget that she's now an empty nester, she also neglects her husband, further straining their relationship.

Marissa is a struggling small business owner of Yes, Cheese (obsessed with that name), where she makes charcuterie boards for events. While it makes her happy, it isn't necessarily bringing in money, so she joins the hunt. Unable to compete on her own, she signs up to have a partner assigned to her and who should it end up being but William, a well off member of the community who she doesn't understand why he even wants to participate in the first place. He has his reasons, and they grow closer together as the hunt progresses.

Olivia is Marissa's cousin, also in the hunt with 3 of her friends, one of which she has a huge crush on. She's an overachiever and has a lot of the graduating stress of a high school senior. 

I love the premise of this book. It's basically a Hallmark movie in romance novel form, and I adore scavenger hunts, especially in a holiday setting. That being said, I think the fact that there are 4 main characters takes away from the magic that this book could have been. Each story felt rushed and didn't feel like it had the time to breathe. Regardless, it was still really sweet and I did enjoy it. I just wanted more! 

[Sharon Melia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars 🌟

This book follows a few different characters through a scavenger hunt for a prize fund !
Marissa & William first team and she needs it for her cheese business and he doesn’t let on what he needs it for but we find out it for the school. Once they get disqualified we find that there biggest prize wasn’t money but each other ❤️
Hillary & Ben , as new appointed head of passport to Christmas she’s been locked down getting the scavenger hunt sorted burying her head in the sand about being an empty nester and pushing away her husband, I was really hoping these could figure it out when he told her she didn’t love him anymore I nearly broke 😣
The school team - Olivia & Hugo. She has the biggest crush on malik but he’s an odd one doesn’t spend much time with them and always flakes so when her bbf Hugo points out that he’s all fake on socials too she see the real malik and realises Hugo is the one for her ! They also win the scavenger hunt!!!
Brady & samesh- Jim created the scavenger hunt and when he died Brady lost so much more than a husband. She loved him so much so when her ex boyfriend of 40 years ago rocks up outta the blue looking for second chances is she ready to give it a go!!

I really enjoyed this book! It’s a feel good heartwarming story of many people on different paths and different stages of life and how one event can bring so many together and create memories and futures together . It was a really well written book you could follow the stories of many characters easily and even they were they were interconnected was so good. Great story .

[Margie Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Ellie Alexander's Sloan Krause (brewery) mystery series, I picked up her holiday romance and I wasn't disappointed. Clued in to Love is an entertaining story surrounding a holiday scavenger hunt that is center of a town's annual Christmas festival. This year the prize is $50,000,attracting even more interest and participation than usual.

Marissa wants to win the money to expand her fledgling catering company--Yes, Cheese--but she finds herself paired with a member of a local wealthy family who doesn't seem to be taking it as seriously as she would have liked. Olivia is a brilliant high school senior who has put together a team to win money for a worthy cause. And Hilary is the City Council member in charge of the scavenger hunt who is facing interference by the mayor that threatens to shut it down, not to mention depression after her twins left for college. In the process, her relationship with her husband has been sorely tested. And Darby, a beloved teacher, still mourning the death of her husband, is disturbed by the sudden appearance of a long-ago suitor.

I enjoyed all the details of the scavenger hunt, along with other events such as a Starlight Parade and a ball in this small-town venue. We know that everything will turn out well at the end, and that there might be some romance involved, but getting there is fun, fraught, and often emotional.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.

[Mama Needs to Read Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clued in to Love is a book about four women who are living in the same town but facing different hurdles to climb during the holiday season. There's a fun scavenger hunt taking place, as well as a festive holiday setting. Readers will root for the likable characters, all of whom find some festive cheer as part of their HEAs!

I enjoyed this book. I know Ellie Alexander from her mystery novels, and was extra excited when I saw that she'd written this novel (and another one) as essentially holiday rom-coms. This story was relatively low angst. The challenges and clues were fun. The characters were interesting. As a woman in her forties, I was very pleased to see heroines in middle age with relatable struggles.

I had some difficulty maintaining focus on the plot, because, well, there were four of them. It's told in first person by four different people, and I frequently had to struggle to remember who were were hearing from. We also got details about secondary characters that felt superfluous. I had trouble connecting to the novel overall because it felt like I couldn't land anywhere for any length of time.

Bottom line: Readers who enjoy some festive fun, relatable characters, and peppy pacing should try this book!

Trigger warnings: sadness over being an empty nester, marital tension, grief over the loss of a husband, stress related to aging

I'd like to thank Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for your next feel good festive read this is it. Clued Into Love blends heartwarming romance with small town charm which I adore. Add in a holiday scavenger hunt and I’m hooked.
At the heart of the story are Marissa and William, two people from very different worlds. Marissa left her job to start up Yes,cheese and is a hardworking caterer who finds herself unexpectedly partnered with William, a man from the wealthiest family in town. As they team up for a holiday scavenger hunt with a 50k prize on the line does Marissa start to see a different side of him… and maybe, just maybe do sparks begin to fly?
What really set this book apart for me were the multiple viewpoints, especially Hilary’s story. Struggling with empty nest syndrome and drifting away from her husband Ben I thought Hilary’s story felt very raw and real. I genuinely didn’t know how their relationship would play out.
I enjoyed how the various storylines connected and I felt they flowed naturally throughout the book, and it all came together like a perfect holiday puzzle.
I think whether you’re curled up with a hot chocolate or hiding from all the holiday chaos, Clued Into Love brings the Christmas vibes in the best way. It’s heartfelt, festive and just the right amount of romance
Thank you to Netgallery and Storm Publishing for the advance reader copy

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If a Hallmark movie and a romcom novel had a delicious, holiday flavoured baby, Clued in to Love by Ellie Alexander would be it. 🎄✨

Marissa Henry’s catering company is her dream but it’s also hanging by a financial thread. When her hometown announces a scavenger hunt with a massive cash prize, she jumps in headfirst, spatula in hand.

The catch? She’s paired with William Graff, the man who once ruined her catering setup and has been living rent free in her “most annoying humans” list ever since.

Cue forced proximity, snowy chaos, and sparkling chemistry. As the challenges unfold (Christmas light tangles! snowman competitions! small town gossip!), Marissa starts to see that William might not be the smug rich guy she thought.

In fact, under the ugly Christmas sweaters and sharp sarcasm, there’s a genuinely kind, swoon-worthy man who might just be her new favourite ingredient for happiness.

This book had everything I wanted from a holiday romance:
- enemies to lovers banter done just right
- small town charm that feels like a warm blanket
- cozy winter scenes that made me want hot chocolate immediately
- a love story that builds with sweet tension and real heart

It’s light, comforting, and funny. The perfect December read when you want something that sparkles with warmth but still makes your heart flutter.

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW 📚

Clued in to Love ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


When Marissa catering company is starting to turn into a financial disaster, she decides she will take part of her hometown’s holiday scavenger hunt. This year’s prize is a huge amount of money that could save her little business. Unfortunately, she’s partnered with the most gorgeous but infuriating man in town. Why does he even want to do this? He’s from a wealthy family and doesn’t need the money! But as they are forced to work together, Marissa discovers there’s more to William than his trust fund and his ugly holiday sweater collection. Now, Marissa finds there may be more to fight for than just the prize money.



This was such a cute story that gave off those Hallmark vibes! This is told in multiple point of views, where follow a few different people on their paths of life. The main characters as well as the side characters were good and I enjoyed seeing the growth they had and the romance that took place. This was a closed door romance which I appreciated. Overall, it was a good, heartfelt read for the holidays.

This book will publish on October 20, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced reader’s copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marissa Henry is desperate for money to make her food arranging business a full-time reality, she enters the town’s holiday scavenger hunt to try to win the $50,000 prize money. The only downside is that she doesn’t have a team and is then paired with the son of the town’s wealthy family, William Graff.

Marissa has a lot of preconceived notions about William and is quite rude to him through most of the story. I find William’s character hard to like because he is just too much everything. Too nice, too helpful, too “poor little rich boy.” I do feel sorry for him because Marissa is such a jerk to him at times.

There are other women in this book whose stories are interwoven into this scavenger hunt, and their stories are interesting as well. However, there is just so much going on. The mayor’s “someone is cheating” theme doesn’t make a lot of sense and is never proven until the end, and only because William’s rejected ex-girlfriend makes a fuss over an innocent interaction.

In all, it makes for a quick easy read, and the seasonal theme is fun. I like how Marissa makes an appearance in Ms. Alexander’s A Cozy Kind of Christmas, which is also recently released.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute Christmas book.

To be honest I struggled to get into this, especially because I was initally quite confused with the multiple POVs, so I really only felt immersed and that I wanted to know more around 20% into this book. I honestly could've done with this book being longer. Each chapter/POV section felt very short and rushed, and there were important themes being introduced within each POV that never really felt like they were being fully explored or reaching their full potential, as there just wasn't enough space or time.

My favourite POV had to be Marissa and William, they were so cute and I loved their chemistry, but as their relationship grew Marissa's assumptions started to really get on my nerves. I do understand we each hold our own preconceived opinions of people, but it got to a certain point where William had clearly proved most of her assumptions wrong, yet she was still holding onto them as an excuse to not pursue their relationship.

I hate to say this, but I felt like this book had so much unmet potential. I think there's a different POV for everyone to enjoy, but they all just felt so surface-level. I will admit there were some cute moments, and I did enjoy the majority of this book, I just wish I had gotten more from it.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5



Marissa Henry ha apostado todo por su pequeño negocio de tablas de quesos y charcutería, Yes, Cheese. Su última oportunidad de hacerlo despegar llega con el lujoso evento de la familia Graff, donde un desastroso encuentro con William Graff podría arruinar su reputación… o abrirle puertas inesperadas.

Mientras tanto, Darby Reynolds, profesora y viuda de Jim (creador del evento comunitario Passport to the Holidays), debe decidir si está lista para honrar la memoria de su esposo o seguir escondida en su duelo.

Y al frente de todo está Hilary Baldwin, la nueva presidenta de la Cámara de Comercio, decidida a transformar el concurso en un espectáculo nunca antes visto. Su perfeccionismo y anhelo de llenar los vacíos en su propia vida la empujan a hacer de esta edición la más ambiciosa de todas, con un premio de 50 mil dólares en juego.


___

La historia de Marissa desentona por William ya que no queda muy claro su relación con Paker.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Taylor Wyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clued in to Love was such a delightful read! Ellie Alexander does a wonderful job capturing that small-town charm and holiday warmth that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and hot cocoa. The story follows Marissa, a hardworking caterer trying to save her business, who gets roped into a Christmas scavenger hunt and ends up paired with William, the guy she’s always found infuriating. Cue the banter, tension, and all the slow-burn chemistry! I loved the cozy, snow-dusted setting and the way the scavenger hunt brought the community together. Marissa is so easy to root for, and William’s character had more layers than I expected he’s not just the “rich guy” stereotype, which made their connection feel genuine. The romance is sweet, heartfelt, and has just enough spark to keep things interesting. It’s definitely tropey (enemies to lovers + holiday contest + small-town romance), but in the best, most comforting way. If you enjoy Hallmark-style romances with a dash of humor and heart, this one’s a perfect pick for your winter TBR.

[Ale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clued into love is a holiday romance about that follows the love stories of 4 different women (well 3 women and 1 teenager). The stories deal with grief, second chances, friends to lovers, somewhat enemies to lovers, and more. I did like the book and found the four different intertwined stories to be heartwarming, that said, I was not expecting this book to have 4 different povs and tell the stories of 4 different women. The blurb for the book only mentioned one of the stories. I went into this book thinking that it was only about Marissa and William. The blurb is completely misleading.
When I first started the book I was so confused because I did not know what was going on. I understand what the writer was trying to do (the movie Valentine’s Day but in book form) but I do not think it was fleshed out enough. The endings to each story felt kind of rushed.
The book was cute but the description for the book needs to be changed.
Thank you to net gallery for providing me with an ARC.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a diehard fan of Ellie Alexander’s cozy mystery series. When Netgalley offered two romances I couldn’t help myself to give them a chance.

This story evolves around four women’s perspectives on their lives. The story is written from the character’s point of views. At times I felt it was hard to connect with the characters as each chapter came from a different angle. I am glad I pursued the stories and the resolutions were favorable but not without some heartache along the way.

This is a little more than a feelgood Christmas book. Ms Alexander addresses grief, financial insecurity, friendship, and growth which are topics in today’s reallife adventure.

I gave a lot of thought to the topics, perspectives, and resolutions. This book brought me more than a feel good Christmas romance. I rate it as 4.5 stars but must round up as there are no non-whole number stars allowed.

These are my opinions of the ARC provided by Netgalley and Storm Publishing.

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for this ARC.
This is my second book by Ellie Alexander - I enjoyed A Cozy Kind of Christmas, but I absolutely loved this one. I was hooked from the very first page!

I really liked the multiple POVs and how each story connected. We have:
Marissa, trying to get her Yes, Cheese business off the ground and partnered with William Graff (yes, that Graff family).
Darby, a grieving widow who loves inspiring young minds - and unexpectedly crosses paths with her first love, Samesh.
Hilary, head of the Chamber of Commerce and mastermind behind 10th Passport to the Holiday scavenger hunt, while juggling empty-nest feelings and a shaky marriage while dealing with self-centered mayor.
Olivia, an ambitious high school senior determined to make a difference.
The characters are likeable, the plot engaging, and the story has both charm and substance. It’s beautifully written, easy to read, and impossible to put down. A perfect cozy Christmas read. 🎄❤️

[Ashley Scherbenske · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Warm, cozy, holiday vibes with this one! In Bend, Oregon there is always a holiday scavenger hunt; but this year the prize is fifty thousand dollars! Marissa is an entrepreneur and joins the hunt in hopes of winning the money to help her business flourish. She ends up being paired with William Graff, who comes from one of the richest families in Bend. They clash at first, but then sparks begin to fly. Another character, Darby, lost her husband a couple years ago, and swears she won’t ever move on with her life, until she runs into an old flame from her college years. Other characters and their stories are weaved into this charming holiday story. I loved the various point of views & definitely recommend this one!

Get a cup of hot cocoa, turn on the fire place, and snuggle up with this charming delightful holiday book! Thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the ARC. This book comes out end of October 2025. #booksbyashleynicole

[Moushmi Karmokar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie Alexander truly knows how to wrap warmth, small-town charm, and second chances into one story. Clued in to Love follows Marissa Henry, a caterer whose business is barely staying afloat, and William Graff the man she least expected to team up with during a town-wide holiday scavenger hunt.

From the very beginning, this book gave me all the cozy, wintery feels think twinkling lights, community spirit, and that soft spark of romance that grows when two people slowly learn to understand each other. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done beautifully here not rushed, just the right amount of tension and growth.

Marissa’s journey felt real she’s ambitious, emotional, and determined, and I loved how Ellie gave her depth beyond the romance. And William? The kind of grumpy-meets-golden retriever energy that sneaks up on you.

If you love small-town settings, festive hunts, and the kind of love story that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day, this one’s for you. 💕

[Shell Feis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this book. This was the perfect way to kick off my holiday reading! {Thanks to the publisher for the digital ARC!}

This book reads a lot like Love, Actually in that it covers many different POVs, many of which overlap. The main difference between the two is that in this book, the characters are actually likeable- *most* of the characters in Love, Actually are NOT.

This book had something for everyone in every stage of life- there was Olivia trying to figure out young love while getting through senior year and trying to make a difference; Darby, navigating life amongst grief and a possible second chance; Hilary, figuring out what empty nester life looks like; and of course Marissa, trying to prove to herself that she can follow her dream.

I really can't say enough good things about this book. It was cozy and sweet and I suddenly find myself wanting to take a road trip to Bend.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author and it was hard for me to connect to the 4 POVs. I feel like the start with Marissa, the author gotten the reader to be invested in her situation with her background and her run-ins. Then you throw in the other women, their background were less detailed (to me) than Marissa. Nonetheless, you have a widow run into an old crush while she's grieving and time didn't help her but gotten worse. Then you have the empty nesters who are trying to find their way (can I just say I feel bad for Ben and not for Hilary). Then you have young Olivia - sorry I just cannot connect with her much if at all.

All of the characters are going from the base event, the scavenger hunt with $50k winning (before tax). And each showed their true color and background. I was to like this book, cute cover and all, but I really had a hard time.

Thanks NetGalley & Storm Publishing for the ARC.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This book was a Hallmark movie in the best ways. As someone that loves books, coffee and a good winery/brewery, I found myself wanting to be in the story. I loved the story lines of Marissa, Hilary and Darby for the different story lines. I could have done without the story line of Olivia though. It felt unnecessary to the story line as a whole and with the absence of it could have allowed more story for the others with no huge loss to the story. Overall this book was a nice break from the thrillers I have been reading and I will definitely be picking up others by Ellie Alexander in the future. I docked a half star for Olivia's storyline that to me seemed to add very little and I wish there had been a few more challenges in the scavenger hunt.

* I was provided an EBook Arc by Netgalley.

[Chia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie Alexander’s small-town holiday setting feels cozy and vivid: Bend, Oregon comes alive with festive warmth, twinkling lights, and community spirit. Marissa is a determined, heartfelt heroine whose love for her catering business makes her relatable and fully grounded; William’s privilege hides genuine depth, and the slow burn between them feels both real and tender.

Clued in to Love is a charming, heartfelt holiday romance that combines festive fun with emotional depth. It’s perfect for readers who love small-town settings, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and stories about second chances.

Ellie Alexander delivers a warm, multi-layered tale that feels like a cozy movie on a snowy evening, and the kind of read you’ll want to return to again next December.

I received a copy through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.