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Yours for the Season: A picture-perfect Christmas. Except it's with your ex...
Could a fake relationship with your ex over Christmas in Scotland be the perfect opportunity for revenge—or a second chance at love? One woman is about to find out in this charming holiday romance from the author of Always, in December and A Winter Wish.
Melanie has not had a good year. Things are definitely not going as planned in her work life, her best friend has moved to the other side of the world, and her favorite bagel shop is closing down. But the real reason this year has been awful is because Finn, the man who she was sure was the love of her life, dumped her. In front of everyone. At his sister’s engagement party.
So when Finn shows up at her doorstep two weeks before Christmas asking if she’ll help him, her first instinct is to slam the door in his face—or punch him. But he has a proposal for her.
Finn wants Melanie to spend the week of Christmas with him. He has to face the holiday at a vacation cottage in the Scottish Highlands with his two perfect siblings who are happily paired off with their perfect partners. His mother is obsessed with the idea of a perfect Christmas—and to try and help, Finn may have told his mother he and Mel are dating again. All she has to do is come with him and pretend they’re back together.
Melanie may hate Finn, but she loves his mom. And with her own parents on a trip, it looks like the only way to spend the holiday with someone she cares about is to suffer through being around the person she despises most.
So Melanie agrees—on one condition. At the end of the week, Finn will allow Mel to publicly dump him—in front of his family—so she can get her dignity back and he can experience the same humiliation she felt.
As they embark on seven days with Finn's family, Mel tells herself it's only a week. She just has to pretend to still be in love with him. Until she starts to lose track of which feelings are fake, and which are for real...
Melanie has not had a good year. Things are definitely not going as planned in her work life, her best friend has moved to the other side of the world, and her favorite bagel shop is closing down. But the real reason this year has been awful is because Finn, the man who she was sure was the love of her life, dumped her. In front of everyone. At his sister’s engagement party.
So when Finn shows up at her doorstep two weeks before Christmas asking if she’ll help him, her first instinct is to slam the door in his face—or punch him. But he has a proposal for her.
Finn wants Melanie to spend the week of Christmas with him. He has to face the holiday at a vacation cottage in the Scottish Highlands with his two perfect siblings who are happily paired off with their perfect partners. His mother is obsessed with the idea of a perfect Christmas—and to try and help, Finn may have told his mother he and Mel are dating again. All she has to do is come with him and pretend they’re back together.
Melanie may hate Finn, but she loves his mom. And with her own parents on a trip, it looks like the only way to spend the holiday with someone she cares about is to suffer through being around the person she despises most.
So Melanie agrees—on one condition. At the end of the week, Finn will allow Mel to publicly dump him—in front of his family—so she can get her dignity back and he can experience the same humiliation she felt.
As they embark on seven days with Finn's family, Mel tells herself it's only a week. She just has to pretend to still be in love with him. Until she starts to lose track of which feelings are fake, and which are for real...
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2025
358 people are currently reading
18098 people want to read
About the author
Emily Stone
28 books45 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 959 reviews
October 7, 2025
Fake dating her ex over Christmas in Scotland could be the perfect opportunity for revenge or a second chance at love…
When her ex, Finn shows up at Melanie’s doorstep two weeks before Christmas with THAT proposition-her instinct for self preservation, is to say NO. After all, this is the man she was sure she would spend the rest of her life with-before he dumped her in front of his entire family- at his sister’s engagement party.
So what changes her mind? Finn agrees to let Melanie (Mel) dump him in front of his family on Boxing Day-as a way to get her dignity back.
But WHO really gets hurt if she does that?
Is stooping to his level really going to feel satisfying?
Okay, so maybe the premise is a bit flawed, but somehow Emily Stone, manages to pull this off after a slightly slow start.
The story is told in alternating timelines. The PAST is a countdown from the couple’s first meeting to the BREAK UP. And, the PRESENT is a countdown from the first day of vacation until Boxing Day and the pre-planned BREAK UP #2.
Emily Stone has been hit or miss for me, with her holiday stories dealing with grief over Christmas (Always In December 5 ⭐️ and Love Holly 4 ⭐️ ) scoring higher for me than the stories which focused more on romance (A Winter Wish and One Last Gift -each earning 3 ⭐️ from me) so, this story which IS a second chance romance was a pleasant surprise.
Despite what he did to Mel, I was able to forgive Finn and root for this couple to find a way back to each other, which is a MUST in a romance! A cast of wonderful supporting characters makes this a delightful holiday read as well.
Mostly SUGAR with one open door scene full of SPICE- this holiday romance is NOW AVAILABLE so you can add it to your TBR and save it for December! 🎄
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her review to see if this one had her cheering them on as well!
Thank You to Dell for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
When her ex, Finn shows up at Melanie’s doorstep two weeks before Christmas with THAT proposition-her instinct for self preservation, is to say NO. After all, this is the man she was sure she would spend the rest of her life with-before he dumped her in front of his entire family- at his sister’s engagement party.
So what changes her mind? Finn agrees to let Melanie (Mel) dump him in front of his family on Boxing Day-as a way to get her dignity back.
But WHO really gets hurt if she does that?
Is stooping to his level really going to feel satisfying?
Okay, so maybe the premise is a bit flawed, but somehow Emily Stone, manages to pull this off after a slightly slow start.
The story is told in alternating timelines. The PAST is a countdown from the couple’s first meeting to the BREAK UP. And, the PRESENT is a countdown from the first day of vacation until Boxing Day and the pre-planned BREAK UP #2.
Emily Stone has been hit or miss for me, with her holiday stories dealing with grief over Christmas (Always In December 5 ⭐️ and Love Holly 4 ⭐️ ) scoring higher for me than the stories which focused more on romance (A Winter Wish and One Last Gift -each earning 3 ⭐️ from me) so, this story which IS a second chance romance was a pleasant surprise.
Despite what he did to Mel, I was able to forgive Finn and root for this couple to find a way back to each other, which is a MUST in a romance! A cast of wonderful supporting characters makes this a delightful holiday read as well.
Mostly SUGAR with one open door scene full of SPICE- this holiday romance is NOW AVAILABLE so you can add it to your TBR and save it for December! 🎄
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her review to see if this one had her cheering them on as well!
Thank You to Dell for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
October 3, 2025
After six months of being single and the added stress of her business succeeding, Melanie isn’t having a good year. What doesn’t help is that her best friend is thousands of miles away, so naturally, Mel is feeling lonely for the holiday season. But when Finn, her ex, shows up on her front door with a plan to pretend they are dating again to make Christmas special for his mom, the love she has for his family and the idea of sweet, sweet revenge of dumping him in front of his family (just like he did to her) wins over common sense. But she shouldn’t have to worry. Sure, Finn’s green eyes match the evergreens of the Scottish landscape, and the magic and hope Christmas brings is maybe softening her heart, but there is no way she is going to fall for him again…right?
Welcome back to another episode of this book has made me realize that I need therapy because it hits too close to home!
I’m your host, Wreck-It-Because-I-Don’t-Know-What-A-Healthy-Relationship-Looks-Like Ralph!
I think we all know by now that I cannot stand characters that are too insecure for their own good and make not only their lives hard, but everyone else’s in the process. But I can’t even be mad at Melanie and Finn because I relate so much to them, especially Finn.
If there is one thing that I hate more in the world, it is being compared to someone that I really dislike. It hurts so much to think that I can be anything like said person and that someone could believe that I’d be or do anything that that person has done. It makes me doubt who and what I am because if I’m just going to end up like them, then what is the point of trying to be the best version of myself? And if I truly am like that person, then I’m better off being alone than hurting other people I care about, because I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I hurt those that I love. Although what Finn did to Melanie was so not called for, I completely understand where he is coming from, and in all honesty, I would have done the same. ❤️🩹
Gosh, I almost cried at the end of this book. What happened to Finn’s parents was just spot on to what my siblings and I went through. It brought up a lot of painful memories and feelings that I hoped I had forgotten, but I guess you can’t fully run away from your past. 😔 And Melanie? Well, you’re going to have to read the book to find out what misbeliefs she adopted that are hindering her from being happy. 😉
Everything else about the book was great, especially the Christmas vibes. 🎄✨❤ I mean, Christmas in Scotland?! Uh, yes, please! That sounds like an absolute dream! 😍 And the best part? The holidays lasted throughout the book, unlike someone I know! ➡ (You Make It Feel Like Christmas)
But there are two things that I didn’t like about it. One was the lack of communication, but we need conflict in the story, and due to childhood trauma, it’s just hard for people to communicate for fear of confrontation and conflict, which I totally get, so I’ll let that one slide. And the other thing was the number of tag questions in this book. There were SO MANY! 🤣 I was laughing whenever I came across one and eventually just straight up ignored them. “Can’t she?” “Isn’t it?” “Don’t they?” “Won’t he?” Like, I don’t know! That’s why I’m here: to figure out if she can or if he won’t!
Overall, this was a fun, cute Christmas book, and I recommend it if you need a read for the upcoming holidays! ❤💚
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for providing the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions someone being diagnosed with cancer.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶/5)
Welcome back to another episode of this book has made me realize that I need therapy because it hits too close to home!
I’m your host, Wreck-It-Because-I-Don’t-Know-What-A-Healthy-Relationship-Looks-Like Ralph!
I think we all know by now that I cannot stand characters that are too insecure for their own good and make not only their lives hard, but everyone else’s in the process. But I can’t even be mad at Melanie and Finn because I relate so much to them, especially Finn.
If there is one thing that I hate more in the world, it is being compared to someone that I really dislike. It hurts so much to think that I can be anything like said person and that someone could believe that I’d be or do anything that that person has done. It makes me doubt who and what I am because if I’m just going to end up like them, then what is the point of trying to be the best version of myself? And if I truly am like that person, then I’m better off being alone than hurting other people I care about, because I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I hurt those that I love. Although what Finn did to Melanie was so not called for, I completely understand where he is coming from, and in all honesty, I would have done the same. ❤️🩹
Gosh, I almost cried at the end of this book. What happened to Finn’s parents was just spot on to what my siblings and I went through. It brought up a lot of painful memories and feelings that I hoped I had forgotten, but I guess you can’t fully run away from your past. 😔 And Melanie? Well, you’re going to have to read the book to find out what misbeliefs she adopted that are hindering her from being happy. 😉
Everything else about the book was great, especially the Christmas vibes. 🎄✨❤ I mean, Christmas in Scotland?! Uh, yes, please! That sounds like an absolute dream! 😍 And the best part? The holidays lasted throughout the book, unlike someone I know! ➡ (You Make It Feel Like Christmas)
But there are two things that I didn’t like about it. One was the lack of communication, but we need conflict in the story, and due to childhood trauma, it’s just hard for people to communicate for fear of confrontation and conflict, which I totally get, so I’ll let that one slide. And the other thing was the number of tag questions in this book. There were SO MANY! 🤣 I was laughing whenever I came across one and eventually just straight up ignored them. “Can’t she?” “Isn’t it?” “Don’t they?” “Won’t he?” Like, I don’t know! That’s why I’m here: to figure out if she can or if he won’t!
Overall, this was a fun, cute Christmas book, and I recommend it if you need a read for the upcoming holidays! ❤💚
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for providing the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions someone being diagnosed with cancer.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶/5)
June 9, 2025
Two weeks before Christmas, Mel’s ex—the one who broke up with her six months ago—shows up at her doorstep. He asks her to spend Christmas week with him and his family… and pretend they’re back together.
Looking at this lovely cover, you might expect a cute, holiday romcom, but this book goes deeper than that. It explores how parents’ choices and behaviors can shape their children, and how insecurity and a lack of honest communication can quietly erode a relationship.
I really liked how the characters slowly opened up to each other and rebuilt trust. I believed in them! At first, I was mad at Finn, but once I saw things from his perspective, my heart melted.
The book also delivers a wonderful wintery, family-filled atmosphere. I enjoyed every page—even reading it during the summer!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
❅ holiday romance
❅ second chance
❅ fake dating
❅ slow burn
❅ dual timeline
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine (Dell) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Looking at this lovely cover, you might expect a cute, holiday romcom, but this book goes deeper than that. It explores how parents’ choices and behaviors can shape their children, and how insecurity and a lack of honest communication can quietly erode a relationship.
I really liked how the characters slowly opened up to each other and rebuilt trust. I believed in them! At first, I was mad at Finn, but once I saw things from his perspective, my heart melted.
The book also delivers a wonderful wintery, family-filled atmosphere. I enjoyed every page—even reading it during the summer!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
❅ holiday romance
❅ second chance
❅ fake dating
❅ slow burn
❅ dual timeline
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine (Dell) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's becoming clear to me that Emily Stone's holiday books leave me with complicated feelings. Love, Holly was one of those rare, unforgettable reads, one that settled into my heart and stayed there. But since then, each new holiday release has felt a little more distant. A Winter Wish was just okay, and sadly, Yours for the Season left me quietly disappointed.
Ii went into this one with so much hope. I read a lot of romance, and fake dating and second chances are two of my favorite tropes. Especially when they're layered with longing, unresolved feelings, and emotional depth. I wanted to feel that ache. I wanted the slow burn, the tension, the moments of almosts and what-ifs. Instead, Finn and Mel's relationship felt oddly flat. I never quite felt the pull between them. You know the pining, the chemistry, the spark (banter) that makes you believe two people still belong together.
The story leaned extremely heavy on miscommunication and rather than adding emotional depth it chipped away at the connection. Each misunderstanding felt less like heartbreak and more like exhaustion. At times, I just wanted them to pause, sit down and speak honestly because so much of the pain felt avoidable.
And then there was the premise itself. The ex-boyfriend showing up six months after a breakup, just weeks before Christmas, expecting to spend the holidays together with his family?!! Instead of romantic, it felt unsettling. More sad than swoony. It pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
There were things I loved. The Christmas atmosphere in the Scottish Highlands was beautifully done and so quiet, cozy, and full of seasonal charm. The secondary characters brought warmth and life to the pages, and the story does end with a HEA.
But when I closed the book, I didn't feel that lingering fullness I hope for in a holiday romance. It left me a little empty, wishing for more depth, more emotion, more of that magic I know Emily Stone is capable of. For me, it wasn't a bad book, just an okay one. And sometimes that's the most disappointing feeling of all.⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's becoming clear to me that Emily Stone's holiday books leave me with complicated feelings. Love, Holly was one of those rare, unforgettable reads, one that settled into my heart and stayed there. But since then, each new holiday release has felt a little more distant. A Winter Wish was just okay, and sadly, Yours for the Season left me quietly disappointed.
Ii went into this one with so much hope. I read a lot of romance, and fake dating and second chances are two of my favorite tropes. Especially when they're layered with longing, unresolved feelings, and emotional depth. I wanted to feel that ache. I wanted the slow burn, the tension, the moments of almosts and what-ifs. Instead, Finn and Mel's relationship felt oddly flat. I never quite felt the pull between them. You know the pining, the chemistry, the spark (banter) that makes you believe two people still belong together.
The story leaned extremely heavy on miscommunication and rather than adding emotional depth it chipped away at the connection. Each misunderstanding felt less like heartbreak and more like exhaustion. At times, I just wanted them to pause, sit down and speak honestly because so much of the pain felt avoidable.
And then there was the premise itself. The ex-boyfriend showing up six months after a breakup, just weeks before Christmas, expecting to spend the holidays together with his family?!! Instead of romantic, it felt unsettling. More sad than swoony. It pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
There were things I loved. The Christmas atmosphere in the Scottish Highlands was beautifully done and so quiet, cozy, and full of seasonal charm. The secondary characters brought warmth and life to the pages, and the story does end with a HEA.
But when I closed the book, I didn't feel that lingering fullness I hope for in a holiday romance. It left me a little empty, wishing for more depth, more emotion, more of that magic I know Emily Stone is capable of. For me, it wasn't a bad book, just an okay one. And sometimes that's the most disappointing feeling of all.⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 24, 2025
Initial vibes:
Scottish countryside?
Second chance romance?
Cozy Christmas chaos?
Say less. This book had me reaching for a blanket and a cup of tea from the very first page. It’s got that quiet, candlelit vibe of a BBC holiday special but with more kissing.
What it’s about:
Melanie is an indie jewelry designer on the cusp of her big break. But while her career is taking off, her personal life is in shambles: her best friend is out of the country, and her ex dumped her at his sister’s engagement party. So when that very same ex, Finn, reappears with a wild proposition—come to Christmas with his family, break up with him dramatically, and enjoy a very petty bit of closure—Mel reluctantly agrees.
Cue: one charming, complicated family Christmas. Think meals with multiple courses, a scavenger hunt, lingering glances, and a lot of unresolved tension.
What I loved:
A cozy, vivid setting that made me want to move into a snow-dusted Scottish village immediately.
A cast of side characters that felt real—especially Finn’s sisters, whose relationships are quietly unraveling in the background.
Mel’s emotional depth. She struggles with panic attacks and perfectionism, and the story doesn’t handwave those challenges.
That slow burn tension. The moments of domesticity? The shared jokes? The quiet heartbreak? Chef’s kiss.
Vibe check:
✔️ Hallmark but make it British and emotionally intelligent
✔️ Snow, family drama, and rekindled love
✔️ A heroine you want to root for and hug
✔️ Soft boys with tools and regrets
✔️ Feels like being wrapped in a tartan blanket and told “I still love you”
Final thoughts:
While I really wish we’d gotten Finn’s POV (I would’ve loved to see him yearn), Yours for the Season is still a delicious second-chance romance full of warmth, wit, and wintry feelings. Perfect for curling up with in December or for pretending it's December in October.
Scottish countryside?
Second chance romance?
Cozy Christmas chaos?
Say less. This book had me reaching for a blanket and a cup of tea from the very first page. It’s got that quiet, candlelit vibe of a BBC holiday special but with more kissing.
What it’s about:
Melanie is an indie jewelry designer on the cusp of her big break. But while her career is taking off, her personal life is in shambles: her best friend is out of the country, and her ex dumped her at his sister’s engagement party. So when that very same ex, Finn, reappears with a wild proposition—come to Christmas with his family, break up with him dramatically, and enjoy a very petty bit of closure—Mel reluctantly agrees.
Cue: one charming, complicated family Christmas. Think meals with multiple courses, a scavenger hunt, lingering glances, and a lot of unresolved tension.
What I loved:
A cozy, vivid setting that made me want to move into a snow-dusted Scottish village immediately.
A cast of side characters that felt real—especially Finn’s sisters, whose relationships are quietly unraveling in the background.
Mel’s emotional depth. She struggles with panic attacks and perfectionism, and the story doesn’t handwave those challenges.
That slow burn tension. The moments of domesticity? The shared jokes? The quiet heartbreak? Chef’s kiss.
Vibe check:
✔️ Hallmark but make it British and emotionally intelligent
✔️ Snow, family drama, and rekindled love
✔️ A heroine you want to root for and hug
✔️ Soft boys with tools and regrets
✔️ Feels like being wrapped in a tartan blanket and told “I still love you”
Final thoughts:
While I really wish we’d gotten Finn’s POV (I would’ve loved to see him yearn), Yours for the Season is still a delicious second-chance romance full of warmth, wit, and wintry feelings. Perfect for curling up with in December or for pretending it's December in October.
October 5, 2025
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Hopeful, though it has a couple of heavy themes
Melanie (Mel) is not having a great year. Her best friend moved across the world, the love of her life dumped her six months ago, and her business, though going well, was draining her energy.
However, Finn (the love) shows up at her doorstep asking for help. She would have to act as if they had gotten back together to please his mother, who planned an entire week of Christmas events with Mel included. Mel agrees reluctantly, on the condition that she would get to dump him in public, for him to realize how she felt.
As they spend more time together, they have to figure out what happened and what they want.
The story comes in Mel’s third-person POV in the current timeline (present tense) and Finn’s third-person POV in the past timeline.
My Thoughts:
This is my first book by the author who is famous for stories set in and around Christmas. I like that the writing is easy to read. The pace is neither slow nor fast. It is steady.
I won’t talk about the premise since I requested the book knowing what it is. I was curious to see how it would be executed. Been reading second-chance romance lately (professional research purposes).
The chapters dealing with the past come from the MMC’s POV, which is a good idea. The timeline is very clear, so we can see the progress in their relationships and know the undercurrents as well.
The side characters are interesting and add quite a bit to the plot. After all, it is a story about spending a week with the family.
The book deals with themes like parental decisions, pressure, and how their actions/ words have a long-lasting impact on the kids. Even when things are done with good intentions, they can have negative repercussions. In fact, this is worse since we can’t blame anyone either.
I wasn’t expecting a health issue as well, but okay. It’s there, so I can’t do anything. At least, the book ends on a positive note, so all is good.
Miscommunication or lack of proper communication is the conflict, but I think it was handled decently. It felt realistic enough for the characters to think and do what they did.
My main reason for a relatively low rating is my expectations. I wanted more from the main couple. They did have the required conversations (eventually and in instalments), but I hoped for a bit more banter and tension rather than monologues.
A little something was missing, which made me reluctant to give it a higher rating (though I am rounding it up since I enjoyed the book).
To summarize, Yours for the Season is a cozy romance with strong family vibes. It’s a nice read that can leave you with some thoughts and a smile on your face.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #YoursForTheSeason
One Liner: Hopeful, though it has a couple of heavy themes
Melanie (Mel) is not having a great year. Her best friend moved across the world, the love of her life dumped her six months ago, and her business, though going well, was draining her energy.
However, Finn (the love) shows up at her doorstep asking for help. She would have to act as if they had gotten back together to please his mother, who planned an entire week of Christmas events with Mel included. Mel agrees reluctantly, on the condition that she would get to dump him in public, for him to realize how she felt.
As they spend more time together, they have to figure out what happened and what they want.
The story comes in Mel’s third-person POV in the current timeline (present tense) and Finn’s third-person POV in the past timeline.
My Thoughts:
This is my first book by the author who is famous for stories set in and around Christmas. I like that the writing is easy to read. The pace is neither slow nor fast. It is steady.
I won’t talk about the premise since I requested the book knowing what it is. I was curious to see how it would be executed. Been reading second-chance romance lately (professional research purposes).
The chapters dealing with the past come from the MMC’s POV, which is a good idea. The timeline is very clear, so we can see the progress in their relationships and know the undercurrents as well.
The side characters are interesting and add quite a bit to the plot. After all, it is a story about spending a week with the family.
The book deals with themes like parental decisions, pressure, and how their actions/ words have a long-lasting impact on the kids. Even when things are done with good intentions, they can have negative repercussions. In fact, this is worse since we can’t blame anyone either.
I wasn’t expecting a health issue as well, but okay. It’s there, so I can’t do anything. At least, the book ends on a positive note, so all is good.
Miscommunication or lack of proper communication is the conflict, but I think it was handled decently. It felt realistic enough for the characters to think and do what they did.
My main reason for a relatively low rating is my expectations. I wanted more from the main couple. They did have the required conversations (eventually and in instalments), but I hoped for a bit more banter and tension rather than monologues.
A little something was missing, which made me reluctant to give it a higher rating (though I am rounding it up since I enjoyed the book).
To summarize, Yours for the Season is a cozy romance with strong family vibes. It’s a nice read that can leave you with some thoughts and a smile on your face.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #YoursForTheSeason
June 19, 2025
I received a free copy of, Your For the Season, by Emily Stone, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Even though Melanie was dumped by Finn, she still wants to help him. Spending Christmas with Finn and his family in Scotland does not sound so horrible o Melanie. This was a good read, In not a fan of books that have chapters that go back and forth through time though.
June 8, 2025
No tension. Not a huge plot. And honestly didn’t really like any of the characters.
October 8, 2025
This book was… fine. Not great. It’s another fake-dating-turned-second-chance romance with a dose of miscommunication Nothing really hooked me. For a couple supposedly meant to be, it all felt a little hollow.
The story jumps between the present (Mel and Finn pretending to rekindle things for his mom’s “perfect Christmas”) and flashbacks of their past relationship. Finn’s reason for ending things was weak and totally avoidable with a little communication.
Mel was hard to relate to, too. You run a successful business—do what makes you happy! And Finn… you’re not your dad, dude. Make better choices.
Overall, not terrible but definitely forgettable. Middle-of-the-road Christmas romance!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the advanced copy!
The story jumps between the present (Mel and Finn pretending to rekindle things for his mom’s “perfect Christmas”) and flashbacks of their past relationship. Finn’s reason for ending things was weak and totally avoidable with a little communication.
Mel was hard to relate to, too. You run a successful business—do what makes you happy! And Finn… you’re not your dad, dude. Make better choices.
Overall, not terrible but definitely forgettable. Middle-of-the-road Christmas romance!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the advanced copy!
September 7, 2025
The most implausiable of rom-coms: Finn dumps Mel six months earlier the most embarrassing fashion - in front of his whole family with no prior warning. Still incredibly heartbroken, she ends up saying yes to spending the Christmas holidays with his family in Scotland, only if she can dump him at the end. if any man did this to me, I would slap him with a hard NO and this conversation would be over. I would call his family that she loves and let them know what a fool he is.
Alas, we need the inevitable book to happen. I would have liked this book so much more if this wasn't the premise. Emily Stone writes with heart and compassion, with memorable characters, but I just couldn't get past the premise. Also wish it wasn’t in the third person, as it was hard to connect to Mel.
And i abhor the cover. Looks like every other mediocre rom-com out there.
I ended up skimming through to the end, as I didn't see how sparks actually flew, and the family wasn't quirky enough for me. While I loved Stone's first two books, the last two I've read have been clunkers.
Alas, we need the inevitable book to happen. I would have liked this book so much more if this wasn't the premise. Emily Stone writes with heart and compassion, with memorable characters, but I just couldn't get past the premise. Also wish it wasn’t in the third person, as it was hard to connect to Mel.
And i abhor the cover. Looks like every other mediocre rom-com out there.
I ended up skimming through to the end, as I didn't see how sparks actually flew, and the family wasn't quirky enough for me. While I loved Stone's first two books, the last two I've read have been clunkers.
September 25, 2025
Christmas in Scotland ✅
Second Chance Romance ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Dual Timeline ✅
This perfect little nugget landed at my doorstep a little under a week ago- thanks to a Goodreads Giveaway, and even though I told myself to save it for holiday months, I found myself curled up with a cup of tea the other night and blasted through it.
When Mel's ex shows up at her doorstep begging for help through the holidays, she could slam the door in his sexy face, he dumped her 6 months ago...
What he proposes is a little outlandish, but this book total sells the fake dating plot perfectly!
What we end up with is a book with a ton of depth and exposure of how family can affect so much of our happiness and mental health.
I loved this book, and while I read it out of season, it should be popped into everyone's holiday reading list for sure!
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaway, Random House and the author for a chance to read prior to the release on October 7th.
Second Chance Romance ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Dual Timeline ✅
This perfect little nugget landed at my doorstep a little under a week ago- thanks to a Goodreads Giveaway, and even though I told myself to save it for holiday months, I found myself curled up with a cup of tea the other night and blasted through it.
When Mel's ex shows up at her doorstep begging for help through the holidays, she could slam the door in his sexy face, he dumped her 6 months ago...
What he proposes is a little outlandish, but this book total sells the fake dating plot perfectly!
What we end up with is a book with a ton of depth and exposure of how family can affect so much of our happiness and mental health.
I loved this book, and while I read it out of season, it should be popped into everyone's holiday reading list for sure!
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaway, Random House and the author for a chance to read prior to the release on October 7th.
December 17, 2025
4.5 stars
I had low expectations tbh but this ended up tugging at my heartstrings and was a beautifully written second chance romance with gorgeous side characters. The ending felt a little off (maybe rushed?) but was a great read overall. An excellent addition to this year’s holiday reads!
I had low expectations tbh but this ended up tugging at my heartstrings and was a beautifully written second chance romance with gorgeous side characters. The ending felt a little off (maybe rushed?) but was a great read overall. An excellent addition to this year’s holiday reads!
October 6, 2025
Yours For The Season was an adorable Christmas romance! This is the 2nd Christmas novel I've read by Emily Stone, and both of them were very enjoyable. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the rest of her previously published holiday fiction novels!
Mel is approached by her ex-boyfriend, Finn, two weeks before Christmas with a proposal that she come and spend the holidays with him and his family in Scotland, but there is a catch, Mel and Finn need to "pretend" that they're a couple again. When Finn's mother is heartbroken because he and Mel have broken up, he tells her that they've decided to give their relationship another shot in order to make her happy. Mel knows that it just might be the worst decision that she's ever made, but she agrees to spend the holidays with Finn and his family under the guise that they're back together.
This book was both a holiday romance and a second-chance romance and deals with how miscommunication within a relationship can ruin everything. It's clear right away that both Mel and Finn's feelings for each other never truly went away and how being in forced proximity brings their chemistry back to the surface.
This is the perfect holiday romance to cuddle up with during the Christmas season. I loved both Mel and Finn and liked learning about the side characters, as well. Christmas in Scotland just added to the perfection of this love story. This holiday romance is fairly low spice also, with only one open-door scene, which may appeal to romance readers who don't like a lot of spice in their books.
Expected Publication Date: October 7th, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dell, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mel is approached by her ex-boyfriend, Finn, two weeks before Christmas with a proposal that she come and spend the holidays with him and his family in Scotland, but there is a catch, Mel and Finn need to "pretend" that they're a couple again. When Finn's mother is heartbroken because he and Mel have broken up, he tells her that they've decided to give their relationship another shot in order to make her happy. Mel knows that it just might be the worst decision that she's ever made, but she agrees to spend the holidays with Finn and his family under the guise that they're back together.
This book was both a holiday romance and a second-chance romance and deals with how miscommunication within a relationship can ruin everything. It's clear right away that both Mel and Finn's feelings for each other never truly went away and how being in forced proximity brings their chemistry back to the surface.
This is the perfect holiday romance to cuddle up with during the Christmas season. I loved both Mel and Finn and liked learning about the side characters, as well. Christmas in Scotland just added to the perfection of this love story. This holiday romance is fairly low spice also, with only one open-door scene, which may appeal to romance readers who don't like a lot of spice in their books.
Expected Publication Date: October 7th, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dell, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
October 11, 2025Rating: 4.5⭐
Thank you to Ballantine, Dell and Netgalley for the eARC!
Emily Stone does it again! Once more she has delivered us a Christmas romance with LOTS of heart. On the other hand, this one might be one of the most predictable ones she’s written so far. I don’t think this makes the book any worse, but it was easy to guess the resolution to every plotline of the book way before they came up.
Yours For the Season is a second chance romance between a couple that broke up half a year ago, pretending they’re back together for the sake of the family Christmas vacation. It’s a perfect holiday read with all the right cozy vibes, heightened by the setting - a cabin in Scotland.
I love a second chance romance and I thought this book did it so well. Emily Stone does a good job of showing the bond they used to share, somewhat hidden behind the heartache, and also them rebuilding it in the present. It’s hard not to love Finn and Mel individually and together, especially as you start to get glimpses into his perspective through the flashback chapters done from his POV. Also appreciated that there was no unnecessary drama in the book and the main takeaway was that communication is key (because it is!)
Finn’s family is a big part of the story as well, since they spend almost a week together in a cabin, doing Christmassy activities. I loved most of the family members. They were all so full of love, and I also thought that the book did a good job showing each character’s struggles, be it life, work or job related problems, and integrating it into the overall romance.
The main theme of Yours for the Season is how our parents shape us with their own expectations, dreams and trauma, most of the time without even wanting to. Most of the characters in the book are struggling to reconcile between what they want vs what they think others expect of them. This presents itself in a variety of ways in each of them.
Overall, a wonderful hug of a book, with a cute second chance romance.
Thank you to Ballantine, Dell and Netgalley for the eARC!
Emily Stone does it again! Once more she has delivered us a Christmas romance with LOTS of heart. On the other hand, this one might be one of the most predictable ones she’s written so far. I don’t think this makes the book any worse, but it was easy to guess the resolution to every plotline of the book way before they came up.
Yours For the Season is a second chance romance between a couple that broke up half a year ago, pretending they’re back together for the sake of the family Christmas vacation. It’s a perfect holiday read with all the right cozy vibes, heightened by the setting - a cabin in Scotland.
I love a second chance romance and I thought this book did it so well. Emily Stone does a good job of showing the bond they used to share, somewhat hidden behind the heartache, and also them rebuilding it in the present. It’s hard not to love Finn and Mel individually and together, especially as you start to get glimpses into his perspective through the flashback chapters done from his POV. Also appreciated that there was no unnecessary drama in the book and the main takeaway was that communication is key (because it is!)
Finn’s family is a big part of the story as well, since they spend almost a week together in a cabin, doing Christmassy activities. I loved most of the family members. They were all so full of love, and I also thought that the book did a good job showing each character’s struggles, be it life, work or job related problems, and integrating it into the overall romance.
The main theme of Yours for the Season is how our parents shape us with their own expectations, dreams and trauma, most of the time without even wanting to. Most of the characters in the book are struggling to reconcile between what they want vs what they think others expect of them. This presents itself in a variety of ways in each of them.
Overall, a wonderful hug of a book, with a cute second chance romance.
November 7, 2025
Yours for the Season is a sweet second chance Christmas romance. Set in Scotland, readers will be swept away not only for the gorgeous setting but the forced proximity, and family. In this one, the two MCs decide to fake date even though 6 months earlier they had a breakup. But Finn NEEDS someone to go with him to his family’s holiday cottage and chooses her because he already knows his family loves her. What occurs in that week is a deep dive into their past relationship and the possibility that love will come alive once again.
Overall, I enjoyed this one! I love how the author uses dual timelines so we can see what led up to the breakup and get an idea of what happened to two people who seemed like they were totally in love. I also loved the emotional aspects and seeing Finn’s side of the story because it was his decision to end things. And I don’t want to forget about the Christmas aspects. Yes, this one feels like a warm and cozy holiday read. It’s not too festive but the feeling of Christmas is there. So, if you’re in the mood for something like that then I recommend Yours for the Season!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Christmas Romances
❥ Second Chances
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ One Bed
Overall, I enjoyed this one! I love how the author uses dual timelines so we can see what led up to the breakup and get an idea of what happened to two people who seemed like they were totally in love. I also loved the emotional aspects and seeing Finn’s side of the story because it was his decision to end things. And I don’t want to forget about the Christmas aspects. Yes, this one feels like a warm and cozy holiday read. It’s not too festive but the feeling of Christmas is there. So, if you’re in the mood for something like that then I recommend Yours for the Season!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Christmas Romances
❥ Second Chances
❥ Forced Proximity
❥ One Bed
November 4, 2025
Christmas in Scotland. Yes, please! I will forever read whatever Emily Stone writes. Her Christmas stories are always so warm and perfectly balanced with romance, family, and healing. And they’re guaranteed to crack your heart just a smidge. Sometimes a lot.
After a rough year and a humiliating breakup, Melanie is shocked when her ex, Finn, shows up right before Christmas asking her to pretend they’re back together for his family’s holiday in the Scottish Highlands. Very cruel, Finn. But Melanie reluctantly agrees—on one condition! She gets to publicly dump him at the end of the week.
If you’re familiar with Emily Stone, this one isn’t quite as gut-wrenching. At least not until closer to the end. I loved the initial lightness and tension of Melanie and Finn toying with each other as they try to maintain their fake dating scheme. The chemistry was definitely there! And the flashback scenes leading up to the mysterious engagement party breakup really added to the buildup of what went wrong.
I will say, though, the more I read, the more the lack of communication between Melanie and Finn got to me. The things they kept from each other in the past just didn’t feel all that necessary to hide. But it all works out. Finn’s family was so lovely and welcoming during their festivities, and I absolutely loved how everything came together in the end.
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, moderate details)
After a rough year and a humiliating breakup, Melanie is shocked when her ex, Finn, shows up right before Christmas asking her to pretend they’re back together for his family’s holiday in the Scottish Highlands. Very cruel, Finn. But Melanie reluctantly agrees—on one condition! She gets to publicly dump him at the end of the week.
If you’re familiar with Emily Stone, this one isn’t quite as gut-wrenching. At least not until closer to the end. I loved the initial lightness and tension of Melanie and Finn toying with each other as they try to maintain their fake dating scheme. The chemistry was definitely there! And the flashback scenes leading up to the mysterious engagement party breakup really added to the buildup of what went wrong.
I will say, though, the more I read, the more the lack of communication between Melanie and Finn got to me. The things they kept from each other in the past just didn’t feel all that necessary to hide. But it all works out. Finn’s family was so lovely and welcoming during their festivities, and I absolutely loved how everything came together in the end.
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, moderate details)
November 24, 2025
Sometimes, a book find you when you need it the most. This felt like a therapy session, a hug, and a cathartic cry.
Rtc
SAFETY INFO!
Safe for me. He was a manho before meeting her. No other after meeting. Second chance. Separation of 6 months. Both Celibate. No others for neither of them.
Rtc
SAFETY INFO!
Safe for me. He was a manho before meeting her. No other after meeting. Second chance. Separation of 6 months. Both Celibate. No others for neither of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
This was an unusual premise for a holiday romance novel. I have read the enemies to lovers plot before but this story was about two people, Mel and Finn, who were in a serious relationship and then fake date. Finn dumped Mel at a very public and humiliating way and Mel is trying to do everything in her power to get over him. Fast forward and Finn is coming to Mel asking her to pretend they are back together so she will spend the holidays with his family. Mel agrees because she loves Finn's family, however she plans on being the one to dump Finn at the end of the week. As you can probably predict things don't go quite the way she plans.
This was a solid romance. Emily Stone is a great writer and I have enjoyed previous books of her. I loved the setting in Scotland and the author did a great job setting the Christmas mood. My only complaint is Finn. Knowing that he dumped Mel before they really got into the story made it very difficult to like him. I enjoyed reading about the other characters and finding out more about Mel's life. I did enjoy this story but did not love the premise.
Thank you to Dell Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
This was a solid romance. Emily Stone is a great writer and I have enjoyed previous books of her. I loved the setting in Scotland and the author did a great job setting the Christmas mood. My only complaint is Finn. Knowing that he dumped Mel before they really got into the story made it very difficult to like him. I enjoyed reading about the other characters and finding out more about Mel's life. I did enjoy this story but did not love the premise.
Thank you to Dell Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 2, 2025
This is 100% a ‘disband reality and dive into a Christmas ‘rom com’’ mindset read,once you do it is an enjoyable few hours spent in Scotland with Finn and Mel ( split as partners ) and Finn’s family
The problem being though Finn’s family still think they are a couple and very much in love
The truth could not be more different and of course as the holiday goes on it is more and more difficult to ‘keep the lie going’
I liked both characters and was surprisingly invested in their back stories and romance and why it had failed
Descriptions of Mel’s anguish on splitting up were emotive and you could feel her devastation
Enjoyed meeting Finn’s family and the whole Christmassy feeling was really well written and atmospheric ( even in July when read this )
It is a slow burning romance waiting to again ignite and done really well
An enjoyable two sitting read with heart, humour and characters you cant help but like and want to be happy
The problem being though Finn’s family still think they are a couple and very much in love
The truth could not be more different and of course as the holiday goes on it is more and more difficult to ‘keep the lie going’
I liked both characters and was surprisingly invested in their back stories and romance and why it had failed
Descriptions of Mel’s anguish on splitting up were emotive and you could feel her devastation
Enjoyed meeting Finn’s family and the whole Christmassy feeling was really well written and atmospheric ( even in July when read this )
It is a slow burning romance waiting to again ignite and done really well
An enjoyable two sitting read with heart, humour and characters you cant help but like and want to be happy
October 13, 2025
I look forward to Emily Stone's holiday books every year, but I wasn't sure I was going to love this one at first, only because I couldn't imagine why Mel would agree to do such a massive favor for her ex-boyfriend under the circumstances. I was wrong because the author managed to totally redeem Finn by writing the past chapters from his POV and letting us know his side of things. It really worked. In addition to the lovely second-chance romance between Mel and Finn, the family dynamics in this one were perfect - touching and so much fun. But read the content warnings just in case because some things might be triggering.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
3.5 stars. “Yours for the Season” is a cozy Christmas tale set in the heart of the snowy Scottish Highlands.
One-bed, fake dating and second-chance tropes unspool in this wacky romance between a workaholic business owner, and her house flipper ex.
Told in two POV’s in alternating timelines with past flashbacks (shows how the past influences the present), this mainly focuses on family with planned holiday gamesツ in the mix of secrets, struggles, miscommunication and tense moments via Melanie + Finn, and between other family members. Less about romance - more so about the family as a whole with messy family drama (kept me turning pages) in a warm ‘n cozy Christmassy setting. 🎧 Pub. 10/7/25
Much thanks to Ballantine (Dell) via NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
One-bed, fake dating and second-chance tropes unspool in this wacky romance between a workaholic business owner, and her house flipper ex.
Told in two POV’s in alternating timelines with past flashbacks (shows how the past influences the present), this mainly focuses on family with planned holiday gamesツ in the mix of secrets, struggles, miscommunication and tense moments via Melanie + Finn, and between other family members. Less about romance - more so about the family as a whole with messy family drama (kept me turning pages) in a warm ‘n cozy Christmassy setting. 🎧 Pub. 10/7/25
Much thanks to Ballantine (Dell) via NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2025
Thank you to Ballantine | Dell and NetGalley for the eARC!
Fake dating your ex the week of Christmas on a family holiday in Scotland, what could go wrong?
Mel and Finn were doing well in their relationship when Finn abruptly ends their relationship. Now, Finn convinces Mel to join him on his family's Christmas holiday in Scotland and pretend to be back together. For his family. Can they overcome their communication issues and settle into the perfect Christmas?
This was a perfect holiday romcom. A true cozy holiday romance that hit all the feels- will they make it fake dating the entire week? Can they keep up the charade for Finn's family? Does it become real? Can they overcome their past issues and come back to each other and make it work this time?
I enjoyed this story of forgiveness and overcoming your fears in favor of becoming your best self with the person you love. This got me into the holiday spirit and kept me there the whole story.
Fake dating your ex the week of Christmas on a family holiday in Scotland, what could go wrong?
Mel and Finn were doing well in their relationship when Finn abruptly ends their relationship. Now, Finn convinces Mel to join him on his family's Christmas holiday in Scotland and pretend to be back together. For his family. Can they overcome their communication issues and settle into the perfect Christmas?
This was a perfect holiday romcom. A true cozy holiday romance that hit all the feels- will they make it fake dating the entire week? Can they keep up the charade for Finn's family? Does it become real? Can they overcome their past issues and come back to each other and make it work this time?
I enjoyed this story of forgiveness and overcoming your fears in favor of becoming your best self with the person you love. This got me into the holiday spirit and kept me there the whole story.
November 18, 2025
Read This Book If…you want a tender holiday story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Yours for the Season by Emily Stone
Genre: holiday romance
Setting: Scottish Highlands
POV: dual, 3rd person, present tense
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 open door scenes
Tropes: second chance, fake dating, dual timeline
My Thoughts:
For me, a second chance romance is all about the reason why they broke up and what brought them back together. For me, the reasoning was not strong enough, nor was the redemption/reconciliation.
However, this was still a very well-written book that brought the sweetness and emotions. I particularly enjoyed how the present was in her POV, while the past was in his. His family was also very endearing and I loved how everyone was struggling with their own issues.
If you’re looking for an epic second chance romance, this isn’t your book. But if you want a tender story with all the holiday vibes, this is a great choice!
Memorable Quote: “You may be happier without me, but I am not.”
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy! This book is available now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Yours for the Season by Emily Stone
Genre: holiday romance
Setting: Scottish Highlands
POV: dual, 3rd person, present tense
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 open door scenes
Tropes: second chance, fake dating, dual timeline
My Thoughts:
For me, a second chance romance is all about the reason why they broke up and what brought them back together. For me, the reasoning was not strong enough, nor was the redemption/reconciliation.
However, this was still a very well-written book that brought the sweetness and emotions. I particularly enjoyed how the present was in her POV, while the past was in his. His family was also very endearing and I loved how everyone was struggling with their own issues.
If you’re looking for an epic second chance romance, this isn’t your book. But if you want a tender story with all the holiday vibes, this is a great choice!
Memorable Quote: “You may be happier without me, but I am not.”
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy! This book is available now!
November 29, 2025
Tis the season for an Emily Stone book! I always anticipate her books. Nothing screams holidays more to me than getting my hands on her latest!
I absolutely loved this fake dating romance with a twist. Fake date your ex and then get the ultimate revenge to publicly dump him? Sounds totally worth it to me.
I loved how the dual timelines covered their relationship the first time around in the past. It really added depth to the story, making it even better. I really loved this one.
Emily Stone usually packs an emotional wallup, but I appreciated the at this one didn't gut me.
I absolutely loved this fake dating romance with a twist. Fake date your ex and then get the ultimate revenge to publicly dump him? Sounds totally worth it to me.
I loved how the dual timelines covered their relationship the first time around in the past. It really added depth to the story, making it even better. I really loved this one.
Emily Stone usually packs an emotional wallup, but I appreciated the at this one didn't gut me.
August 27, 2025
3.25 stars.
I have read and loved a bunch of Emily Stone's books. I am sad to say that "Yours for the Season," a second-chance, fake-dating holiday romance, left a lot to be desired. Let me start with the good. I loved all of the Christmas games and cheer in this book. I love how the main characters, Mel and Finn, go away with his family for Christmas and how his family seems determined to make it the best, most spectacular one ever. As soon as the story began, I knew where it was headed very early on, so I was left waiting for the "other shoe" to drop. Unfortunately, this book is full of heavy, HEAVY instances of the miscommunication trope. In fact, the entire plot revolves around one big miscommunication after another. That left me feeling annoyed throughout the majority of the story. I did not feel a lot of tension or spark between Mel and Finn. I typically love a fake-dating scheme, but this one felt like it was missing something. I had no doubt Finn and Mel would end up together in the end, but honestly, I sort of didn't want them to get their happily ever after?? Even still, their HEA felt more like a "happy for now" type of deal than "the real thing." I felt more of a connection between Mel and Finn's sister, who was one of her best friends that she lost completely when Finn broke up with her. All of the secondary characters in this story are good, and I enjoyed Finn's family quite a bit because of all of their banter/sniping/snarking with one another. Though it is quite predictable, I still found some enjoyment in reading this. Though part of me wanted to skim through to the end, I stuck with it and wound up feeling like Mel deserved better. In the end, I have no doubt that many people will love this book, but I wish it had had a little more oomph/spark to draw me in completely. I found my attention wandering while reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Stone, Ballantine, and Dell for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I have read and loved a bunch of Emily Stone's books. I am sad to say that "Yours for the Season," a second-chance, fake-dating holiday romance, left a lot to be desired. Let me start with the good. I loved all of the Christmas games and cheer in this book. I love how the main characters, Mel and Finn, go away with his family for Christmas and how his family seems determined to make it the best, most spectacular one ever. As soon as the story began, I knew where it was headed very early on, so I was left waiting for the "other shoe" to drop. Unfortunately, this book is full of heavy, HEAVY instances of the miscommunication trope. In fact, the entire plot revolves around one big miscommunication after another. That left me feeling annoyed throughout the majority of the story. I did not feel a lot of tension or spark between Mel and Finn. I typically love a fake-dating scheme, but this one felt like it was missing something. I had no doubt Finn and Mel would end up together in the end, but honestly, I sort of didn't want them to get their happily ever after?? Even still, their HEA felt more like a "happy for now" type of deal than "the real thing." I felt more of a connection between Mel and Finn's sister, who was one of her best friends that she lost completely when Finn broke up with her. All of the secondary characters in this story are good, and I enjoyed Finn's family quite a bit because of all of their banter/sniping/snarking with one another. Though it is quite predictable, I still found some enjoyment in reading this. Though part of me wanted to skim through to the end, I stuck with it and wound up feeling like Mel deserved better. In the end, I have no doubt that many people will love this book, but I wish it had had a little more oomph/spark to draw me in completely. I found my attention wandering while reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Stone, Ballantine, and Dell for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
December 12, 2025
Mel is trying to rebuild her life after Finn dumped her at his sister's engagement party in front of his entire family. This was heartbreaking, but she is finally moving on until he shows up at her door two weeks before Christmas. Finn has a proposition. He asks if she could help him out by coming with him to his family's holiday up in the Scottish Highlands. He may have told his mom they were back together, as she adores Mel, and he didn't want to break her heart. Would Mel help him out since she has no holiday plans? Mel reluctantly agrees to go as she really likes Finn's mom and sisters, but only under one condition! At the end of the trip, she gets to break up with Finn in front of his entire family. So, off they go! Mel is excited to see Finn's family, and she hopes that this trip will give her the closure she never received. Emily Stone's Yours for the Season is a cute holiday romance involving the fake dating trope, second chances, and includes a great setting in the Scottish Highlands.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
October 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this book.
I'll be honest, I struggled to get into this novel. Possibly, I think it was because the premise seems so unrealistic, and it was hard for me to imagine someone like Mel doing anything to help her ex-partner after the way he dumped her. However, I will admit that I did love the family dynamics and how messy they were instead of the usual cookie cutter "happy" from holiday novels. I also enjoyed Mel's journey to finding herself and going after what she wants, and I think that really resonates with young business women like me because we are all trying to find a way to balance what we do with what we love. All in all, I think this was a fun family holiday read, and I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys those.
I'll be honest, I struggled to get into this novel. Possibly, I think it was because the premise seems so unrealistic, and it was hard for me to imagine someone like Mel doing anything to help her ex-partner after the way he dumped her. However, I will admit that I did love the family dynamics and how messy they were instead of the usual cookie cutter "happy" from holiday novels. I also enjoyed Mel's journey to finding herself and going after what she wants, and I think that really resonates with young business women like me because we are all trying to find a way to balance what we do with what we love. All in all, I think this was a fun family holiday read, and I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys those.
November 16, 2025
Six months after Mel is dumped very publicly by her long term boyfriend she finds herself still struggling to get over him. Add to that the stress of running her own business, she is not looking forward to the upcoming Christmas holidays. When her ex shows up unexpectedly and asks her to pretend they are back together and to spend Christmas with his family in Scotland what can go wrong. This book is funny at times and all the secondary characters are great. I enjoyed this holiday romance.
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October 7, 2025Fake dating, second chance romance, Scotland in the winter... If that's the kind of thing you're looking for, this is the perfect book!
I liked the dual timeline involved in this story, the conjunction of the current times and the previous relationship that existed between the two main characters. Finn and Melanie have not been together for six months, but Finn has not shared that information with his family. Rather, he told them they are back together and begs Melanie to attend family Christmas holiday in Scotland to keep up appearances. I found myself more curious at every turn, wondering not just how they got themselves into this predicament but also how on earth they were going to get themselves out. Full of Christmas spirit and awkward encounters, it's a fun light read!
I liked the dual timeline involved in this story, the conjunction of the current times and the previous relationship that existed between the two main characters. Finn and Melanie have not been together for six months, but Finn has not shared that information with his family. Rather, he told them they are back together and begs Melanie to attend family Christmas holiday in Scotland to keep up appearances. I found myself more curious at every turn, wondering not just how they got themselves into this predicament but also how on earth they were going to get themselves out. Full of Christmas spirit and awkward encounters, it's a fun light read!
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