Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

It Happened

Mr. Snowman

Rate this book
He’s chaos in her kitchen. She’s order in his world. What happens when sparks fly Christmas night, snowed-in during a blizzard?

Once upon a time, Holden West was destined for Olympic snowboarding glory… until a brutal injury ended it all. Years later, he’s back in the mountains, owning a new ski lodge, a world-class winter getaway. And if he hangs a massive framed New York Times article in the lobby crowning him Mr. Snowman? Well. A little ego never hurt anyone.

Chef Lilah Childs doesn’t have time for playboys. She’s spent her life proving she’s more than her famous last name. Now running the lodge’s kitchen for opening week is her shot to make her mark. Only the last thing she expects is to be snowed in with her ridiculously handsome, jovial boss during the biggest blizzard of the season—on Christmas night.

He’s chaos in her kitchen. She’s order in his world. When sparks fly against the backdrop of snow and firelight, lines are crossed.

When the real world storms back in post-blizzard—with jealous reporters, opening night pressure, and a helicopter-level grand gesture—Lilah has to decide if Mr. Snowman is just a holiday fling or the man who might melt her frozen heart for good.

Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Billionaire + Chef, Holiday Romance

1-click today to see if Holden can win Lilah's love this holiday.
Enjoy this related story to Zee Irwin's It Happened Series.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2025

21 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Zee Irwin

81 books502 followers
Zee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
83 (69%)
4 stars
34 (28%)
3 stars
2 (1%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,062 reviews41 followers
December 19, 2025
It was great jumping into the fun of this couple... How much fun!? Soo much!

Holden West has a vision of what he wants for his ski resort, and he knows who he wants to run the kitchen. The issue? Lilah is not a big fan of him.

Against her better judgment, she accepts the position, but Mother Nature decides to dump snow on the resort, trapping her with Holden. Could her luck get any worse?

I enjoyed the situation and chemistry between these two, and it was easy to attach with them. I loved how sassy she is, and how hard he tries to wipe the scowl from her face. Soo sweet!

There's a little tie-in to the "It Happened" series, but you don't need to have read those to enjoy this one.

This storyline kept the pages flipping and I really enjoyed this couple. I recommend this author and her catalog of addictive and creative works.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,147 reviews76 followers
December 15, 2025
Holden West was crowned the best . Mr Snowman no less . He won every snowboarding contest . Until an injury put paid to it all . Now he’s back on those mountain slopes ,not on a board doing free fall or a board that glides on the ice but an alpine Ski Lodge that’s ever-so nice. Lilah Child’s is full of smiles ,a renowned chef, but mr wonderful he doesn’t half chafe. Rub up the wrong way from the start. He’s all smiles and fun but she’s just wanting to get her job done. She plans to make her mark running the kitchen of this esteemed lodge. No complaints does she want lodged. He’s more Chaos in her eyes and playboys she usually does despise. No time for fun ,there’s work to be done if she’s to prove herself more than a name. But when they get snowed in ,she’s sees a whole different side to him, hot damn! Snowed in on Christmas Eve,this is better than make believe he had as a child ,for miss Child has gotten under his skin and he welcomes her in to his inn and his bed? Well enough said…She thought opening week made her squeak . But when the blizzard comes fast ,does the ice melt at last ? Well Yule ( yep I had to go there) have to read and find out . But I assure you without a doubt that Zee Irwin has delivered a gift in this snowdrift as per. With flair and care to take us on a thrill ride this merry Yuletide. It’s no secret,I love everything Zee writes . This book is no exception, immersive and a grand reception it has from me it so delights. Awesome storyline the storytelling is divine ,sublime and compelling to boot. Don’t hurt none that Mr Snowman is cute ,when all said and done
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,110 reviews9 followers
December 14, 2025
Enemies to Lovers romance.
Lilah is a young woman who ran away from her wedding after overhearing a conversation between her ex-fiancé and his friend Holden. Afterward, she went to study culinary arts in Europe. Now she's back as the head chef at a mountain lodge, with none other than Holden as her boss. And to top it all off, she gets stuck in a storm with him.
Holden is a former snowboarding champion who had to give it all up due to a serious injury. Now he's just bought a lodge on the mountain and is preparing for its opening. He certainly didn't expect that being stuck at the lodge with his new chef would stir up old feelings.
Will Lilah and Holden have a beautiful love story, or will their past get the better of them…
1,261 reviews10 followers
December 19, 2025
A life-changing meal...

Chef Lilah Childs has been hired at the new Snow Quest Ski Lodge in Steele Valley. The drive to the lodge was a nightmare for her—a switchback road in snowy weather isn't for her!

It wasn't until after she had arrived and signed her employment contract that she learned who the owner is. He's Holden West. The same Holden West who she holds responsible for ruining her wedding five years ago. He was best friends with Brad, her now ex-fiancé.

Since the wedding debacle, she's been traveling, trying to get established. Even trips to Europe hadn't helped. Being a chef with a famous last name is added pressure that she didn't need. And having a rich, vindictive ex-fiancé like Brad certainly hasn't helped...

Maybe this lodge will be the answer to her problem. After all, she's crashed and burned before. Maybe this will be the place where she'll belong and become the chef her grandfather knew she could be. Of course with Holden there, it may be the site of her most spectacular failure of all time.

Holden West had been an Olympic contender in snowboarding until a fall down a mountain and the resulting surgeries ended his dream. When he decided to build the resort, he was certain Lilah could earn a Michelin star for the restaurant he planned. A bit of guilt also may have had something to do with that...

When Lilah and he are marooned together during the massive storm named Snowzilla, it's make-it-or-break-it time.

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Lisa Nizz.
269 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2025
This book was such a fun read for the holidays. I loved it!

Holden is one of the West brothers we have met in a previous Zee book. He was destined to become an Olympic snowboarder until an injury ended that dream. The snow bunnies and playboy life didn’t interest him as he struggled with the additional heartbreak of losing his father. He decides to open a snow resort like no other including an acclaimed restaurant Quest by West. He hires Lilah. Lilah is part of his past. She misunderstood his part in a conversation when her fiancé spoke about cheating on Lilah as she listened outside as she was prepared to take her place before their wedding. Holden tried to chase after her to no avail. Her dreams of honoring her brilliant chef grandfather blew up as her fiancé took their restaurant from her and ruined her reputation all over Europe.

Though Holden is her enemy she has no choice but to take the job. He’s determined to get through to her. He has never stopped thinking about her. A snowstorm leaves them trapped at the lodge on Christmas and they embark on a relationship. But the pressure and outside forces threaten their future but Holden is determined to melt his Frosty’s heart.

Holden was a sexy golden retriever and Lilah was so sweet and vulnerable, you just felt for her all the pain of her past.

I just loved this couple. The views into their future, chef’s kiss. A definite reread every holiday season.
Profile Image for Didi.
1,926 reviews
December 28, 2025
A wonderful read with just the right mix of heartfelt drama, easy banter, charming characters, and undeniable chemistry all wrapped up with a perfect HEA. From bats, PBJ disasters to hours of roses, I fell in love with Holden’s smolder and his quirky bumbling ways. Experiencing Lilah’s emotional thawing was perfection. I highly recommend any Zee story as you will laugh, sniffle, hot flash and live in each moment. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,918 reviews9 followers
December 28, 2025
Fun and heartwarming
This was great fun to read. Holden was such a cute, clumsy, total green flag, that I couldn’t help but fall in love with him from the start. Lilah was a little more reserved to start with, and when you get her history it’s easy to see why. But once Holden, broke own her walls she really let go and joined the fun.
This is chock full of humour, witty banter, swoons, sweetness and steam, with great family and supportive friends/staff, a little pinch of angst and a boatload of romance. A perfect Christmas quick read.
41 reviews
December 17, 2025
Lilac is allergic to Christmas after learning her fiancée was cheating on her right before her Christmas wedding several years prior. She has accepted a job at a new ski lodge hoping to re-jump start her career as a chef. The last person she expected to work for was her former ex’s friend, Holden.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
879 reviews
December 17, 2025
What a fun ride with Holden and Lilah. He’s a former snowboarder who is opening a new ski resort. She is a Michelin worthy chef and someone from his past. A must read to get all the details and just have a fun, hot read. Enjoy
Profile Image for Tiffany  Hill.
711 reviews15 followers
December 20, 2025
All I want for Christmas is to get snowed in!

Mr. Snowman is related to the *It Happened* series. Holden, steal my heart! Just days away from the grand opening of Holden’s dream lodge, a blizzard is about to hit the mountain, and he wants to ensure that everyone gets home to their families for the holidays. However, Lilah stays behind to make sure that the kitchen is set up and ready to go. Over the next few days, Holden and Lilah confront their past as they really start to get to know each other. They discover they cannot deny the intense, sizzling chemistry between them.

Zee has once again done an outstanding job creating amazing characters in Holden and Lilah, who truly make the perfect couple as they balance each other out in the cutest way. I found myself laughing so hard at Holden, who tries so hard to help but ends up destroying everything he touches at the same time. I felt every emotional up and down from their history. I couldn't put the book down and found myself getting lost in this well-crafted world that I love. I can't wait for the next West brother to find his happy ending!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angie Large.
411 reviews9 followers
December 16, 2025
Super cute snowed in Holiday read! Loved Holden he was such a sweet MMC and Lilah was a likable FMC. Their story was very enjoyable with just enough spice! Perfect Christmas read!
Profile Image for Kate.
353 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2025
This is a nicely romantic winter story, with engaging characters and a satisfying HEA. Lilah is a chef with a complicated background, who dreams of earning a Michelin star. She’s thrilled to be hired to run the kitchen of an exciting new ski lodge. A blizzard is moving in as the resort’s opening approaches. Holden (“Mr. Snowman”) is developing the large resort after his snowboarding career was ended by an injury. Lilah and Holden had actually crossed paths years’ earlier when Holden was friends with Lilah’s icky ex. These characters unexpectedly find themselves together in an empty resort when the blizzard arrives. The storm gives them an opportunity to clear the air as sparks fly. This story covers multiple tropes including enemies to lovers and is wrapped up in enchanting epilogues that guarantee smiles. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,694 reviews5 followers
December 24, 2025
Mr. Snowman is a flirty and fun romance with sexy vibes and lots of style! Frosty Chef Lilah is a grumpy gal with lots of soul and a past that she still lets haunt her. I adore how Holden shows her his true self and lets her choose her own path in each moment while always supporting her choices, even when he disagrees with her. The author makes brilliant work of weaving their individual and shared pasts into the present and building a future. The sweetness and spicy is mixed in with the drama and action, and the epic HEA is super satisfying.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
181 reviews5 followers
December 23, 2025
Holden and Lilah are the odd couple to get snowed in. Because yes, he’s her new boss and she is the new chef at his ski resort; and they kinda don’t get along. Well she doesn’t like him very much. But that doesn’t deter him from trying to make her smile.
They both have different setbacks that sorta brought them together now and it’s up to the circumstances to see how it all plays out between them.
This is a fun and entertaining story, sweet guy, feisty girl and whole lotta chemistry. Perfect amount of spice and nice for the holidays.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,495 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2025
Lilah and Holden are so very good together, He hires her but she blames him for her wedding breaking up, As they talk about things they grow closer and they have a attraction, I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
492 reviews15 followers
December 20, 2025
Enemies to lovers/Christmas Romance/Snowed-in during a blizzard on Christmas night. What a page turner!

Holden (Mr. snowman) was an Olympic snowboarder til an accident took that from him. He decided to open a Ski Lodge. Because of Snowzilla and Christmas, he decides to send his staff home. Lilah (Frosty) is head chef at the restaurant at the lodge and he doesn’t realize she stayed. Wait til you hear the backstory on how Holden and Lilah met. It has to do with an ex, her dislike of the holiday, and what she thinks of Holden at the moment. It seems like it’s gonna be a long Christmas for them being stuck together. Will the truth about the past come out? Can Holden and Lilah possibly become more that just a fling? Their chemistry is definitely undeniable. Wait til you see how they spend their Christmas. The end and the bonus story will put a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Megan Steinberg.
17 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2025
Zee knocked it out of the park with this book, yet again. It was such a cute and heartfelt book to read over christmas. 10/10 reccomend
Profile Image for J.p.
1,404 reviews4 followers
December 22, 2025
What a fantastic feel good and preparing us for Christmas love story. Holden and Lilah have history, she blames him for her past endeavour but Holdens involvement came from a good place. Now that they are stuck together in Holdens ski lodge will it be happy ever after? Will he get the chance to explain what she didn’t want to hear back then? Sunshine/grump story where the sunshine is actually the MMC and chef Lilah is the grump. Characters with chemistry and personality. Really enjoyed the ‘It happened series’ connection. Look forward to more from the author.
44 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2025
I love Zee Irwin's, It Happened series, and this new release, Mr. Snowman, is a wonderful holiday addition to a great series! Holden and Lilah have a history that is founded on misunderstandings and driven them both to make personal decisions that eventually bring them together on a mountain at a ski lodge during the holidays where they are both looking for a new beginning. I'm a huge fan of second chances, heart-melting moments filled with fun, laughable and relatable shenanigans that have you cheering for them both while hoping for a Christmas miracle. This is such a sweet, sexy, funny read that pulls you in at the start and has you wanting more! Excited to see what Zee has in store for us with the next West brother! I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Virginia.
146 reviews
December 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this shortish Christmas holiday romance as it had me hooked from the get go with some fun and amusing moments and feel good emotions.
Both main characters, Holden and Lilah, were strong yet endearing as well as realistic and their chemistry provided some steamy and entertaining scenes.
The plot and storyline was well written and kept me interested and engaged through to the end. I would definitely recommend this as a holiday read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
December 23, 2025
Holden West and Chef Lilah Childs' story is well-written, with a compelling storyline and several engaging twists and turns. The characters are truly memorable and well-developed. I was particularly pleased with the happy ending, which I found very satisfying. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
657 reviews15 followers
December 19, 2025
Can he change the way she feels about him?
I absolutely loved this story.
Happy to be reading Holden West’s story as I enjoyed him popping up in previous books and as one of the West brothers he deserved happiness in both his resort and love life.
I also liked that chef Lilah at first could not stand Holden and gave him a hard time.
With their previous history and her latest actions will they ever be able to be around each other?
Then they get snowed in at the resort together and things heat up.
It’s fun, emotional at times with some spice added in.
A fantastic storyline, loveable characters and a read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Susan Marie Ballain.
685 reviews
December 20, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Enemies to lovers,forced proximity, billionaire tropes!
This was Holden and Lilah’s story of how they overcame the past to see if they had a future!
Then there was “Snowzilla”that had to throw a wrench in Holden’s plans to get his ski lodge and restaurant up and running.
Holden and Lilah are the only two left on the property because of the blizzard, can they fix what happened that botched her almost marriage to Brad???
Pick up your copy and read this for yourself! You dont want to miss this one 💜💜
9 reviews
December 23, 2025
This was a great read! Loved Holden and Lilah! Grumpy heroine couldn’t help to fall for the guy - he showed many times he was willing to do extra to prove himself. So entertaining as well -with many laugh out loud moments! And just enough holiday cheer to not be too much!
12.1k reviews75 followers
December 22, 2025
The author has given us an enemies-to-lovers story that pulls us into the lives of Holden and Lilah. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with humor, regrets, insecurities and realizations.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for A L.
186 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2025
Did I really read two books in one day? Absolutely yes. Because once I started Mr. Snowman, I couldn’t put it down. Zee Irwin surpassed herself with this gorgeous enemies to lovers, he falls first (or rather, he builds her a freaking mountain resort) stunner of a book. I lived every fun, banter filled second of it. Not to mention these two wounded but strong people finding their way together is just catnip for my heartstrings.
Please treat yourself to this wonderful book. You won’t regret it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Claudette Wooddell.
207 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2025
Mr. Snowman and Frosty! ❄️

Loved this breath of fresh cool holiday air! Golden Retriever Holden West is perfect with his messes and thawed Frosty's heart as well. Lilah and Holden are a dream. I enjoyed this perfect holiday read all in one day! Lol
Profile Image for Deb Compton.
275 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2025
What an absolutely delightful read… I couldn’t stop reading it!! Memorable characters, great storyline, amazing writing!! Do yourself a favor and read this one!!
86 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2025
A cute, snowy, foodie, Christmassy story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.