What do you think?
Rate this book
Hashtag Holidate
I came to Legacy, Montana, to sell a fantasy—twelve Insta-ready #Holidates of Christmas. One career-making brand deal. Zero drama.
Then my videographer bailed, and in walked Maddox Sullivan.
Grumpy. Gorgeous. Growly. A mountain man with zero chill and even less tolerance for influencers like me. He agrees to film my content—off-camera only—but when my first date cancels, guess who ends up in front of the lens?
Cue the fireworks.
Our chemistry is instant. My followers are obsessed. #TeamMaddrian starts trending. Suddenly, all my dates are mysteriously dropping out, and Maddox is reluctantly starring in every single holidate—sleigh rides, snowball fights, cocoa by the fire, kisses under the mistletoe.
And I…I’m starting to forget this was ever supposed to be pretend.
Because every time Maddox looks at me, I feel something real. Something lasting. Something terrifying.
I came here for curated content. Now I’m dreaming of a life I never thought I wanted—with a man I never saw coming.
But am I falling for the picture-perfect holiday fantasy? Or could this be the start of my real-life happily ever after?
Then my videographer bailed, and in walked Maddox Sullivan.
Grumpy. Gorgeous. Growly. A mountain man with zero chill and even less tolerance for influencers like me. He agrees to film my content—off-camera only—but when my first date cancels, guess who ends up in front of the lens?
Cue the fireworks.
Our chemistry is instant. My followers are obsessed. #TeamMaddrian starts trending. Suddenly, all my dates are mysteriously dropping out, and Maddox is reluctantly starring in every single holidate—sleigh rides, snowball fights, cocoa by the fire, kisses under the mistletoe.
And I…I’m starting to forget this was ever supposed to be pretend.
Because every time Maddox looks at me, I feel something real. Something lasting. Something terrifying.
I came here for curated content. Now I’m dreaming of a life I never thought I wanted—with a man I never saw coming.
But am I falling for the picture-perfect holiday fantasy? Or could this be the start of my real-life happily ever after?
Audible Audio
First published October 21, 2025
590 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lennox
93 books4,433 followersI write M/M romance with humor, heart, and heat. Check out my backlist here on GR for a selection of series and standalone or visit www.LucyLennox.com!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
I only keep a small list of my very favorite books and series in my bookshelf here. I read A LOT and it's hard to keep the list updated!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
December 17, 2025
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this, since I really don't care about influencers and social media. I'm sure that the reason I didn't mind it here, much, was Adrian's character. And the setting.
I liked the small town setting and the wintery vibes. I liked the dates. Everything about this story felt very festive and cozy to me. I loved Adrian so much. He is such a sweet, endearing and fun person.
Maddox is the one I had trouble with. I really liked him at first, but then he started to annoy me with his indecisiveness. I even liked how pushy and nosy everyone was, because he needed it. He came around eventually, so I liked him again. 😅 I feel that Adrian was more consistent as a character. They did have some fun banter and some really sweet moments.
I didn't plan to read any Made Marian Legacy books, but I really liked Alex in this one and the dynamics between him and Judd seemed fun, and now I'm intrigued. 😅
I liked the small town setting and the wintery vibes. I liked the dates. Everything about this story felt very festive and cozy to me. I loved Adrian so much. He is such a sweet, endearing and fun person.
Maddox is the one I had trouble with. I really liked him at first, but then he started to annoy me with his indecisiveness. I even liked how pushy and nosy everyone was, because he needed it. He came around eventually, so I liked him again. 😅 I feel that Adrian was more consistent as a character. They did have some fun banter and some really sweet moments.
I didn't plan to read any Made Marian Legacy books, but I really liked Alex in this one and the dynamics between him and Judd seemed fun, and now I'm intrigued. 😅
December 4, 2025
Oh, that was so perfect. I don't even know what to say.
I laughed, I was a little annoyed, I was surprised a lot, and I cried with happiness. I just melted away.
It's a really great story, even though I hate fake dating, but basically, that's not what this was about. And the dates were so great, and the banter and harmony between the two characters was really outstanding.
I even liked the residents of this small town, and now I guess I have to read the actual series, right? Because now I'm pretty curious.
Anyway, this may well have been the best Christmas book; I can't think of anything that could be better. And, as I feared, it's still far too early in the season to be in the Christmas spirit.
But never mind. The best moment in this book? Of course, the actual date, the perfect date that Maddox has to deliver because he lost the bet, and simply the way Adrian is dressed for it. I had to laugh so hard, and it was just really perfect.
“You know, before you came here, Maddox was just… existing. Going through the motions. But with you? He’s actually living again. Feeling something.”
The weight of her words settled in my chest. “Maya—”
“I’m not asking you to save him or anything cheesy like that. I’m just saying… maybe think about what it would feel like to stop running toward the next perfect thing and start building something real.”
I stared at her, this wise-beyond-her-years kid who saw too much and understood even more. “What if I don’t know how?”
“Then maybe it’s time to learn.” ❥♥️❥❥♥️❥❥♥️❥
“Even when you’re scared, hold tight and don’t let go.” 🫠🫠🫠
“That’s fucking right,” I said, low and fierce. “Nobody else gets to see you like this because right now, you’re mine. Dirty and beautiful and perfect… and all fucking mine.”
The noise Adrian made deep in his throat and chest was wrecked and broken.
When I finally pushed into him, slow and deep, it was my turn to groan. My eyes rolled back as I felt the tight heat of his body squeezing me. 😳😳😳
I laughed, I was a little annoyed, I was surprised a lot, and I cried with happiness. I just melted away.
It's a really great story, even though I hate fake dating, but basically, that's not what this was about. And the dates were so great, and the banter and harmony between the two characters was really outstanding.
I even liked the residents of this small town, and now I guess I have to read the actual series, right? Because now I'm pretty curious.
Anyway, this may well have been the best Christmas book; I can't think of anything that could be better. And, as I feared, it's still far too early in the season to be in the Christmas spirit.
But never mind. The best moment in this book? Of course, the actual date, the perfect date that Maddox has to deliver because he lost the bet, and simply the way Adrian is dressed for it. I had to laugh so hard, and it was just really perfect.
“You know, before you came here, Maddox was just… existing. Going through the motions. But with you? He’s actually living again. Feeling something.”
The weight of her words settled in my chest. “Maya—”
“I’m not asking you to save him or anything cheesy like that. I’m just saying… maybe think about what it would feel like to stop running toward the next perfect thing and start building something real.”
I stared at her, this wise-beyond-her-years kid who saw too much and understood even more. “What if I don’t know how?”
“Then maybe it’s time to learn.” ❥♥️❥❥♥️❥❥♥️❥
“Even when you’re scared, hold tight and don’t let go.” 🫠🫠🫠
“That’s fucking right,” I said, low and fierce. “Nobody else gets to see you like this because right now, you’re mine. Dirty and beautiful and perfect… and all fucking mine.”
The noise Adrian made deep in his throat and chest was wrecked and broken.
When I finally pushed into him, slow and deep, it was my turn to groan. My eyes rolled back as I felt the tight heat of his body squeezing me. 😳😳😳
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 1, 2025
Hashtag Holidate by Lucy Lennox is a stand alone, holiday romance set in Legacy, Montana, which is the town featured in the Made Marian Legacy series. You do not have to have read the books in this series but I have and they are amazing. So if you read this and love it which I hope you will, then perhaps you’ll be inclined to check out the Legacy series as well and get more of these amazing characters and this wonderful town.
Adrian Hayes is thirty two years old and is a very popular influencer. Not only does he focus on high end branding, he also shares real thoughts and helpful insights of his own, making a real difference. Adrian lives the life of a nomad, building a huge following. His current job is to promote a high end winter apparel brand while visiting Legacy, Montana. His plan is to go on twelve holidates, each of which will focus on different holiday tourist events the town offers. At the last minute, his videographer has to cancel so he needs a fast replacement.
Maddox Sullivan has lived in Legacy all his life. His parents owned and ran the local hardware store that had been in their family for generations. After a tragic accident, Maddox lost his parents around three years ago so he took over the running of the store, while raising his now seventeen year old sister. Maddox is also a talented photographer as well as, you guessed it, videographer!
Maddox might just be a bit of a grump. His life is stressful and busy, trying to make ends meet and trying to scrape together enough to send his sister to college. When Adrian first approaches him to be his videographer, he says no, even though the money would be helpful. Maddox does not like influencers or what they represent! But Adrian is not taking no for an answer. When Maddox agrees, the dates are planned. But for some strange reason, one by one, the dates he has lined up for Adrian cancel. And who do you think becomes the stand in date?!
Both on camera and off, the chemistry between these two is crazy electric. The public loves it. They become the viral sensation, #TeamMaddrian. No matter what happens, though, Maddox’s life is in Legacy. And Adrian’s life is not. He’s leaving in three weeks.
This book was fun and sweet and so swoony. I adored these two. Watching them fall was such a beautiful thing. I loved Maddox’s sister as well as this town full of matchmaking, meddling residents. This was the perfect addition to my holiday reading. I hope you love it as much as I did.
“Even when you’re scared, hold tight and don’t let go.”
Adrian Hayes is thirty two years old and is a very popular influencer. Not only does he focus on high end branding, he also shares real thoughts and helpful insights of his own, making a real difference. Adrian lives the life of a nomad, building a huge following. His current job is to promote a high end winter apparel brand while visiting Legacy, Montana. His plan is to go on twelve holidates, each of which will focus on different holiday tourist events the town offers. At the last minute, his videographer has to cancel so he needs a fast replacement.
Maddox Sullivan has lived in Legacy all his life. His parents owned and ran the local hardware store that had been in their family for generations. After a tragic accident, Maddox lost his parents around three years ago so he took over the running of the store, while raising his now seventeen year old sister. Maddox is also a talented photographer as well as, you guessed it, videographer!
Maddox might just be a bit of a grump. His life is stressful and busy, trying to make ends meet and trying to scrape together enough to send his sister to college. When Adrian first approaches him to be his videographer, he says no, even though the money would be helpful. Maddox does not like influencers or what they represent! But Adrian is not taking no for an answer. When Maddox agrees, the dates are planned. But for some strange reason, one by one, the dates he has lined up for Adrian cancel. And who do you think becomes the stand in date?!
Both on camera and off, the chemistry between these two is crazy electric. The public loves it. They become the viral sensation, #TeamMaddrian. No matter what happens, though, Maddox’s life is in Legacy. And Adrian’s life is not. He’s leaving in three weeks.
This book was fun and sweet and so swoony. I adored these two. Watching them fall was such a beautiful thing. I loved Maddox’s sister as well as this town full of matchmaking, meddling residents. This was the perfect addition to my holiday reading. I hope you love it as much as I did.
“Even when you’re scared, hold tight and don’t let go.”
October 26, 2025
~2.75~
Hashtag Holidate is predictably adorable with enough steam to melt a snowman and an abundance of #christmascheer #sweatersandmittens #hohoho.
Adrian is a content curator and social media star. Maddox is a photographer with an eye for true life moments; he also runs his family's hardware store. #itsalwaysahardwarestore
I don't care about influencers or social media, so the constant talk of posts, likes, followers, and #hashtags got on my nerves.
Parts of the story seemed superfluous, like did we need to spend that much time at Alex's tavern? Why, YES, yes we did because this book serves as a plug for the author's new Made Marian Legacy series. Indeed, the name Marian is mentioned 50 times. #giveitarest
I haven't looked, but I'd bet my next paycheck that restaurateur Alex and fire chief Judd are going to be MCs in Lucy's next book. Do I win?
Sorry to say this book was a mixed bag for me. I liked the small town feels, the opposites-attract vibe, and the sparkling epilogue, but the MCs didn't stand out in any way and the guts of the story felt tired and recycled.
Hashtag Holidate is predictably adorable with enough steam to melt a snowman and an abundance of #christmascheer #sweatersandmittens #hohoho.
Adrian is a content curator and social media star. Maddox is a photographer with an eye for true life moments; he also runs his family's hardware store. #itsalwaysahardwarestore
I don't care about influencers or social media, so the constant talk of posts, likes, followers, and #hashtags got on my nerves.
Parts of the story seemed superfluous, like did we need to spend that much time at Alex's tavern? Why, YES, yes we did because this book serves as a plug for the author's new Made Marian Legacy series. Indeed, the name Marian is mentioned 50 times. #giveitarest
I haven't looked, but I'd bet my next paycheck that restaurateur Alex and fire chief Judd are going to be MCs in Lucy's next book. Do I win?
Sorry to say this book was a mixed bag for me. I liked the small town feels, the opposites-attract vibe, and the sparkling epilogue, but the MCs didn't stand out in any way and the guts of the story felt tired and recycled.
November 28, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
TROPES:
❄️ Small town
❄️ Holiday romance
❄️ Grumpy/sunshine
❄️ Influencer vs mountain man
❄️ Pretend dating
Hashtag Holidate was a fluffy cuddly Christmas-themed romance. Twelve cute winter-y dates, small town charm, and grumpy lumberjack that slowly starts to melt for the new city boy in town.
#GrumpyButCute
The banter between Adrian and Maddox was on point, and a grumpy bear that starts smiling and laughing just for their person is one of my fave tropes.
#YesPlease
It might not be mouth-burning level spicy, but it was full of feels, tender and hot at the same time. You can feel how crazy they are for each other.
#FinallyHome
For what was supposed to be just a happy fluffy time, Lucy Lennox managed to sneak in some jabs to my heart. Adrian and his feeling of loneliness, of not being anyone’s favorite.. that hit HARD.
A very festive-snowy-cuddly-warm read with a perfect winter-y atmosphere AND a load of feels. A perfect pick for this time of year.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CWs (spoilers):
- Grief/parental loss (past)
- Top/bottom
I couldn’t help but wonder if Legacy, Montana, might offer me more than pretty pictures after all.
TROPES:
❄️ Small town
❄️ Holiday romance
❄️ Grumpy/sunshine
❄️ Influencer vs mountain man
❄️ Pretend dating
Hashtag Holidate was a fluffy cuddly Christmas-themed romance. Twelve cute winter-y dates, small town charm, and grumpy lumberjack that slowly starts to melt for the new city boy in town.
Was a grumpiness kink a thing?
#GrumpyButCute
The banter between Adrian and Maddox was on point, and a grumpy bear that starts smiling and laughing just for their person is one of my fave tropes.
“You going to be my pretty boy?” he whispered. “Let me take off all those fancy clothes and lay you out just for me to see?”
#YesPlease
It might not be mouth-burning level spicy, but it was full of feels, tender and hot at the same time. You can feel how crazy they are for each other.
“I’ve told myself for years it wasn’t that bad,” Adrian whispered. “Because it wasn’t. I just don’t… remember being anyone’s favorite. Ever.”
#FinallyHome
For what was supposed to be just a happy fluffy time, Lucy Lennox managed to sneak in some jabs to my heart. Adrian and his feeling of loneliness, of not being anyone’s favorite.. that hit HARD.
“You deserve to be picked, Adrian Hayes,” (…)
“And I will pick you every damn time. I promise you.”
A very festive-snowy-cuddly-warm read with a perfect winter-y atmosphere AND a load of feels. A perfect pick for this time of year.
“I don’t care what our happy ever after looks like, as long as it has you in it.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CWs (spoilers):
- Grief/parental loss (past)
- Top/bottom
November 28, 2025
Arc Review: Hashtag Holidate by Lucy Lennox
MC: Maddox & Adrian 5⭐
Tropes & tags
🎄holiday romance
📱city boy × small town boy
🎄grumpy × sunshine
📱opposites attract
🎄fake dating
📱the text messages and the hashtags 🥰
🎄hurt/comfort
📱totes adorbes chemistry and banter
🎄small town gossip
📱matchmaking bandwagon
🎄only temporary, right!
📱die hard is a christmas movie!
Brace yourselves, because the lame, cheesy sugar rush is coming! 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 My face honestly hurts from all the smiling 😊 and it was exactly what I needed 🫶📱🎄
I’m completely in love with this book—from the setting to the easy flow of the story, the adorable characters (I’m such a sucker for grumpy/sunshine 🥹), the amazing side characters and matchmakers, the funny clever banter, the hopelessly romantic moments, all the feelings but still light and authentic 🥹🥹🥹 and yes… sooooo sexy it could melt ice. All of this wrapped in beautiful writing. Such a gift 🎁 And that cover? Pure perfection ✨
The story itself isn’t new, nothing groundbreaking, a bit predictable even—city boy sunshine who’s all appearances but just needs to be loved, and the grumpy small-town guy who devoted his life to his sister and carries deep abandonment issues, and just wants someone to choose him. But it completely worked for me and for my mood. It’s not all fluff either; these boys have old wounds to heal, and they’re doing that together.
What I loved the most was the intimacy, the small moments, the authenticity between them. It felt like something real growing and evolving. They talked about their fears, about their lives, they opened up, they messed up, they had sex, they made love, they fell in love. They allowed themselves to be vulnerable. Beautiful 🫠🫶
This is almost angst- and drama-free. Decisions have to be made, sure, but there’s no breakup, because honestly? That would’ve been fake drama. The solution is simple, and it works.
I also have to say the hashtags were such a highlight—the chapter names, and then the adorable hashtag train at the end of each one 😊 And those 12 dates? Hell yes, I want that!!! I wished all the dates were with Maddox, but I did love his jealousy and possessiveness 🙌🥹
Bonus points for adorable Maya and her matchmaking skills, and for everyone in town weirdly joining the matchmaking wagon with that creepy-cute level of fixation 😅😅😅 They meant well! And it worked 🫶
I loved the tooth-rotting sweet ending, loved how much it made me feel, how simple love can be, how warm, and how it can actually make you a better person. They were both such cute, compelling characters and I’m so happy they found each other in Legacy, Montana ✨✨✨
I’m definitely reading Tommy and Foster’s HEA in Rescuing Dr. Marian, and Alex and the fire chief’s story in Burning for Alexander! I do wish the author had mentioned earlier that this was an interconnected series, because yes, you can read it as a standalone, but it’s full of characters from previous books with established HEAs.
I received a copy of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Content Warnings
No official list provided by the author — based on my own reading:
Mention of death of parents (MC)
Mention of distant parents
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: no, Adrian goes on planned dates with other guys but they are just arranged dates for the instagram content.
Sharing: no
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Medium heat
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
MC: Maddox & Adrian 5⭐
#ProjectHotAndGrumpy #IrresistibleForceVsImmovableFlannelShirt #MaddoxOrBust #ChallengeAccepted
Tropes & tags
🎄holiday romance
📱city boy × small town boy
🎄grumpy × sunshine
📱opposites attract
🎄fake dating
📱the text messages and the hashtags 🥰
🎄hurt/comfort
📱totes adorbes chemistry and banter
🎄small town gossip
📱matchmaking bandwagon
🎄only temporary, right!
📱die hard is a christmas movie!
Brace yourselves, because the lame, cheesy sugar rush is coming! 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 My face honestly hurts from all the smiling 😊 and it was exactly what I needed 🫶📱🎄
I’m completely in love with this book—from the setting to the easy flow of the story, the adorable characters (I’m such a sucker for grumpy/sunshine 🥹), the amazing side characters and matchmakers, the funny clever banter, the hopelessly romantic moments, all the feelings but still light and authentic 🥹🥹🥹 and yes… sooooo sexy it could melt ice. All of this wrapped in beautiful writing. Such a gift 🎁 And that cover? Pure perfection ✨
The story itself isn’t new, nothing groundbreaking, a bit predictable even—city boy sunshine who’s all appearances but just needs to be loved, and the grumpy small-town guy who devoted his life to his sister and carries deep abandonment issues, and just wants someone to choose him. But it completely worked for me and for my mood. It’s not all fluff either; these boys have old wounds to heal, and they’re doing that together.
What I loved the most was the intimacy, the small moments, the authenticity between them. It felt like something real growing and evolving. They talked about their fears, about their lives, they opened up, they messed up, they had sex, they made love, they fell in love. They allowed themselves to be vulnerable. Beautiful 🫠🫶
“This was what I’d been missing in my life. Not just the sex—though Christ, that had been incredible—but this. The quiet intimacy of shared space. The weight of another person’s arm around me, keeping me tethered to something real.”
This is almost angst- and drama-free. Decisions have to be made, sure, but there’s no breakup, because honestly? That would’ve been fake drama. The solution is simple, and it works.
I also have to say the hashtags were such a highlight—the chapter names, and then the adorable hashtag train at the end of each one 😊 And those 12 dates? Hell yes, I want that!!! I wished all the dates were with Maddox, but I did love his jealousy and possessiveness 🙌🥹
Bonus points for adorable Maya and her matchmaking skills, and for everyone in town weirdly joining the matchmaking wagon with that creepy-cute level of fixation 😅😅😅 They meant well! And it worked 🫶
I loved the tooth-rotting sweet ending, loved how much it made me feel, how simple love can be, how warm, and how it can actually make you a better person. They were both such cute, compelling characters and I’m so happy they found each other in Legacy, Montana ✨✨✨
I’m definitely reading Tommy and Foster’s HEA in Rescuing Dr. Marian, and Alex and the fire chief’s story in Burning for Alexander! I do wish the author had mentioned earlier that this was an interconnected series, because yes, you can read it as a standalone, but it’s full of characters from previous books with established HEAs.
#TheRealMaddrian #Stay #ILY #FinallyHome
I received a copy of this book from GRR, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Content Warnings
No official list provided by the author — based on my own reading:
Mention of death of parents (MC)
Mention of distant parents
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: no, Adrian goes on planned dates with other guys but they are just arranged dates for the instagram content.
Sharing: no
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: Medium heat
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
December 17, 2025
The story itself wasn't particularly enjoyable to me- I found the dynamic between the two MCs a bit annoying in a Hallmark movie sort of way where we judge the busy and focused city professional (Adrian) the entire way through for not embracing the slower pace of life the country MC (Maddox) enjoys. Never mind that the country life is busy and stressful and broke-as-hell, Maddox isn't a 'soulless' influencer so he's free to judge Adrian as much as he wants. After a while, it became very repetitive to constantly crap on Adrian's life (which granted, wasn't perfect) when he was just trying to be successful and do his job.
The part I disliked the most though was the profound misunderstanding of how being an influencer and social media works. I'm an elder millennial and I knew how batshit this was. Someone should have clued Lucy in that influencers with 1.2 million followers aren't famous, and they aren't going to be recognized in the middle of nowhere 😂. The hashtags at the end of each chapter were also deeply uncool and made an already pretty dreadful book even more cringe.
I love Christmas books and corny plot lines but this was just too judgy and unrealistic for me personally.
The part I disliked the most though was the profound misunderstanding of how being an influencer and social media works. I'm an elder millennial and I knew how batshit this was. Someone should have clued Lucy in that influencers with 1.2 million followers aren't famous, and they aren't going to be recognized in the middle of nowhere 😂. The hashtags at the end of each chapter were also deeply uncool and made an already pretty dreadful book even more cringe.
I love Christmas books and corny plot lines but this was just too judgy and unrealistic for me personally.
October 12, 2025
I don't think Lucy could have written a more perfect for me Christmas story than this one.
It has everything I love about a festive romance, the small town vibes (and it's in Legacy, her new setting which I am already in love with from book one Rescuing Dr. Marian so I was utterly delighted with it.
Grumpy one versus sunshiny one who has a bit of an edge, family and communities who rally round when things get tough, humour, so many times I literally laughed out loud when reading.
It's perfectly paced, the scenarios of Adrian and Maddox's dates are exactly what you want to read about in a Christmas setting, they go drink hot chocolate and end up hate flirting.
They go chop a tree down and almost end up kissing when it nearly fells Adrian and Maddox has to rescue him. They do a sleigh ride with a hot and handsome rancher and Maddox grumbles his way throughout the filming etc.
The set-up for the narrative is great because it gives Lucy so much leeway to play around with the characters and I was chuckling to myself at all the Instagram hashtags that appear in both the Chapter Titles and in the footers at the end of each one.
This was such a hit for me, I read it in a few hours because I just didn't want to put it down, I was having such a great time watching a man who never wants to leave Legacy fall for a guy who's spent his life chasing around the world but has never found a home.
It's also smoking hot too and has all the feels you expect from this author.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GiveMeBooks PR, I am voluntarily leaving a review
It has everything I love about a festive romance, the small town vibes (and it's in Legacy, her new setting which I am already in love with from book one Rescuing Dr. Marian so I was utterly delighted with it.
Grumpy one versus sunshiny one who has a bit of an edge, family and communities who rally round when things get tough, humour, so many times I literally laughed out loud when reading.
It's perfectly paced, the scenarios of Adrian and Maddox's dates are exactly what you want to read about in a Christmas setting, they go drink hot chocolate and end up hate flirting.
They go chop a tree down and almost end up kissing when it nearly fells Adrian and Maddox has to rescue him. They do a sleigh ride with a hot and handsome rancher and Maddox grumbles his way throughout the filming etc.
The set-up for the narrative is great because it gives Lucy so much leeway to play around with the characters and I was chuckling to myself at all the Instagram hashtags that appear in both the Chapter Titles and in the footers at the end of each one.
This was such a hit for me, I read it in a few hours because I just didn't want to put it down, I was having such a great time watching a man who never wants to leave Legacy fall for a guy who's spent his life chasing around the world but has never found a home.
It's also smoking hot too and has all the feels you expect from this author.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GiveMeBooks PR, I am voluntarily leaving a review
January 4, 2026
1.75 ⭐
This felt very YA?? Very shallow and surface level, I honestly just skimmed so I could get it over with.
I picked this up because it was one of the higher rated holiday books on my tbr. And now I'm just confused bc this is not the Lucy Lennox that I know.
It was way too insta-lusty, they're talking about being together by day 2. They've basically fallen in love and rearranged their lives for each other in less than 3 weeks.
It was also just super cringe and the dialogue was so cheesy and shallow.... The whole fake, influencer persona vs. the authentic, rustic, small-town lumberjack, it was just so... juvenile.
The spice was NOT spicing. Their first shmex scene was basically skimmed over.
Also teens do not say 'cringe-fest'. Please don't ever write that in a book ever again😭
I literally dare this author to write a completely standalone book. Like without a single character from another series. It's supposed to be a standalone but there are ties to the Made Marian Legacy series in this book.
If you're in the mood for Hallmark in a book, here you go.
This felt very YA?? Very shallow and surface level, I honestly just skimmed so I could get it over with.
I picked this up because it was one of the higher rated holiday books on my tbr. And now I'm just confused bc this is not the Lucy Lennox that I know.
It was way too insta-lusty, they're talking about being together by day 2. They've basically fallen in love and rearranged their lives for each other in less than 3 weeks.
It was also just super cringe and the dialogue was so cheesy and shallow.... The whole fake, influencer persona vs. the authentic, rustic, small-town lumberjack, it was just so... juvenile.
The spice was NOT spicing. Their first shmex scene was basically skimmed over.
Also teens do not say 'cringe-fest'. Please don't ever write that in a book ever again😭
I literally dare this author to write a completely standalone book. Like without a single character from another series. It's supposed to be a standalone but there are ties to the Made Marian Legacy series in this book.
If you're in the mood for Hallmark in a book, here you go.
Read
January 2, 2026Starting my year with a dnf - this isn’t for me. I usually know what I’m getting when I choose to read or listen to a book by Lucy Lennox - but this is silly. Firstly, I’m not a huge fan of the narration. And secondly, all these hashtags annoy me. I don’t think it’s cute, and an overuse of made up hashtags is something that’s a usually a sign that someone isn’t very “fluent” in the mysterious ways of social media tags 😂
So no. Not for me 🤷♀️ dnf at 14%
So no. Not for me 🤷♀️ dnf at 14%
November 7, 2025
I’ve never skimmed a Lucy Lennox book so much….but I was so fucking bored. I did NOT like the influencer storyline because I think it’s fucking stupid, but I did really like Adrian. I did NOT like Maddox until well past 60% and by then I just didn’t care anymore.
Would love some recs on everyone’s most favourite holiday romances? I’m very much in the mood for the vibes.
Would love some recs on everyone’s most favourite holiday romances? I’m very much in the mood for the vibes.
November 3, 2025
4.5⭐️ This was a super cute holiday read! All the feels with vulnerable men and a good dose of gut-punch angst. Small town feels without the overdone, OTT, obnoxious side characters that Lennox is sometimes guilty of.
Audiobook is great.
Audiobook is great.
November 8, 2025
DNF at 50%. Not bad - just not feeling it.
December 15, 2025
This was adorable! The cover is beautiful and drew me in but the story is just as amazing!
I’ve only read one other book by Lucy Lennox but I didn’t feel like I was confused with all the characters from her Made Marian series. They were featured but not prominently where I felt they were too involved.
Maddox is grumpy but I loved him, especially his love for his sister Maya. Adrian was so caring and really the best character to bring Maddox out of his worries.
The setting of Legacy Montana was perfect! I wish there were towns like this out there, so supportive of love and the LGBTQ+ community. It was perfect for this Christmas book.
I did think that for only losing their parents 3 years prior that Maddox, and especially Maya, were pretty well adjusted. I am glad that the book didn’t focus on grief though. The ending was a bit over the top but it fit this story perfectly.
I’ve only read one other book by Lucy Lennox but I didn’t feel like I was confused with all the characters from her Made Marian series. They were featured but not prominently where I felt they were too involved.
Maddox is grumpy but I loved him, especially his love for his sister Maya. Adrian was so caring and really the best character to bring Maddox out of his worries.
The setting of Legacy Montana was perfect! I wish there were towns like this out there, so supportive of love and the LGBTQ+ community. It was perfect for this Christmas book.
I did think that for only losing their parents 3 years prior that Maddox, and especially Maya, were pretty well adjusted. I am glad that the book didn’t focus on grief though. The ending was a bit over the top but it fit this story perfectly.
December 8, 2025
Ahhhhh perfect Christmas romance!!! Perfect perfect perfect. This book read like a warm hug, a cozy blanket and a crackling fire. I started reading and didn’t stop until it was finished.. it was so good!!!
It was low angst, small town, grumpy / sunshine, city boy meets country boy, but country boy doesn’t like city boy at first. They go on a number of fake dates for city boys social media and *shock* they start developing feelings. But city boy leaves in 2 weeks, what are we gonna do!?! Good news, (*spoilers*) no 3rd act break up here!!
It was low angst, small town, grumpy / sunshine, city boy meets country boy, but country boy doesn’t like city boy at first. They go on a number of fake dates for city boys social media and *shock* they start developing feelings. But city boy leaves in 2 weeks, what are we gonna do!?! Good news, (*spoilers*) no 3rd act break up here!!
November 28, 2025
This was cute, unrealistic, borderline corny (especially toward the end), very easy to follow, and ends with the type of HEA you'd expect from these Christmas holiday stories. No reinventing of the wheel here, but still a nice story to listen to while doing other things. You can never go wrong with Teddy Hamilton and Tim Paige. 3 stars
December 27, 2025
Honestly loved this-was so sweet & super cute!
December 9, 2025
4.5⭐️
#banter_and_adorableness
#banter_and_adorableness
December 25, 2025
That hit the spot. So delightful. Loved it.
December 31, 2025
Nothing special. The characters were ok, the steam was practically nil, the romance sweet but seemed forced.
November 3, 2025
5.0 ⭐️ | 3.0 🌶️
-grumpy x sunshine
-videographer and hardware store owner x influencer
-fake/ pretend relationship
-found family
A hearwarming story to start the holiday season.
-grumpy x sunshine
-videographer and hardware store owner x influencer
-fake/ pretend relationship
-found family
A hearwarming story to start the holiday season.
December 28, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Adrian and Maddox
RTC
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Adrian and Maddox
RTC
October 7, 2025
“Anyone who makes you feel small for wanting to be loved, to be chosen—they’re the broken ones. Not you.”
OMG, this book! I can’t begin to explain how beautiful, funny, sexy and full on hot lumberjack it is! I don’t know how Lucy does it. Every one of her books is just an instant classic reread/listen! There isn’t a book I’ve read from her that isn’t reread material and this one is definitely at the top.
I’ve always been a sucker for Xmas romance and when it’s MM? Well that just makes it a million times better.
This story is funny, spicy, heartwarming and absolutely beautiful. Exactly what you expect from a setting where the Marian clan has a connection.
Adrian Hayes is an influencer looking to spice up his social media content. His dream is to become a permanent brand ambassador but he needs something new that will keep his followers engaged.
That leads him to Legacy,
Montana. A picture perfect small town with the perfect setting for his holiday campaign idea. Only problem is that his videographer can’t make the trip with him and that leaves him scrambling to find a new one. Legacy isn’t just the perfect place, it’s also where he meets the grumpiest man he’s ever seen and the hottest one too.
Maddox Sullivan is the town’s talented photographer and videographer. His eye for capturing the beauty of the place is exactly what Adrian needs so when Maddox turns him down, Adrian is stunned.
Not one to back off from a challenge, Adrian is determined to convince Maddox to work with him. But the grumpy photographer isn’t impressed in the least.
Maddox dislikes influencers. He can’t stand staged content with no real substance and Adrian is exactly that. Just an another pretty boy getting paid to post pretty places.
The animosity between them is palpable but so is their chemistry. When Maddox is forced to be Adrian’s replacement date for his video shoot, the chemistry between them is undeniable. It’s what gets not only the townspeople talking about them but the whole internet.
Soon the hashtag Maddrian starts trending and everyone is rooting for them to get together. But Maddox is reluctant to admit how well they fit.
When date after date keeps getting mysteriously cancelled, it’s obvious that the town is conspiring to get the two of them set up. But Maddox doesn’t want to fall for a guy that won’t stick around.
What started as a reluctant business partnership, slowly turns into the real deal. Maddox slowly starts to let down his walls as he gets to know the real Adrian. The one beneath the perfectly curated content. The one no one gets to see.
Adrian might show a perfect life online, but in reality he’s lonely. He’s never felt loved. He’s never felt like he belonged to anyone. Until Maddox and Legacy.
Adrian came to Legacy with the goal of becoming a brand ambassador but instead, he found a home and a family. He never knew what it was like to be picked. He never knew what it was like to have a real family until a meddling town embraced him as their own.
This story made me so happy. I had tears from laughing so hard at their text convo. Their banter was hilarious and sexy. But most of all, their relationship was absolutely goals.
Loved seeing some Marian cameos! And better yet, a little peek into Alexander and Judd. At this point, Legacy, Montana is THE perfect place to live if it’ll keep given us the most perfect characters🥰
Will definitely be listening to this over and over again. Teddy Hamilton and Tim Page were fantastic!
OMG, this book! I can’t begin to explain how beautiful, funny, sexy and full on hot lumberjack it is! I don’t know how Lucy does it. Every one of her books is just an instant classic reread/listen! There isn’t a book I’ve read from her that isn’t reread material and this one is definitely at the top.
I’ve always been a sucker for Xmas romance and when it’s MM? Well that just makes it a million times better.
This story is funny, spicy, heartwarming and absolutely beautiful. Exactly what you expect from a setting where the Marian clan has a connection.
Adrian Hayes is an influencer looking to spice up his social media content. His dream is to become a permanent brand ambassador but he needs something new that will keep his followers engaged.
That leads him to Legacy,
Montana. A picture perfect small town with the perfect setting for his holiday campaign idea. Only problem is that his videographer can’t make the trip with him and that leaves him scrambling to find a new one. Legacy isn’t just the perfect place, it’s also where he meets the grumpiest man he’s ever seen and the hottest one too.
Maddox Sullivan is the town’s talented photographer and videographer. His eye for capturing the beauty of the place is exactly what Adrian needs so when Maddox turns him down, Adrian is stunned.
Not one to back off from a challenge, Adrian is determined to convince Maddox to work with him. But the grumpy photographer isn’t impressed in the least.
Maddox dislikes influencers. He can’t stand staged content with no real substance and Adrian is exactly that. Just an another pretty boy getting paid to post pretty places.
The animosity between them is palpable but so is their chemistry. When Maddox is forced to be Adrian’s replacement date for his video shoot, the chemistry between them is undeniable. It’s what gets not only the townspeople talking about them but the whole internet.
Soon the hashtag Maddrian starts trending and everyone is rooting for them to get together. But Maddox is reluctant to admit how well they fit.
When date after date keeps getting mysteriously cancelled, it’s obvious that the town is conspiring to get the two of them set up. But Maddox doesn’t want to fall for a guy that won’t stick around.
What started as a reluctant business partnership, slowly turns into the real deal. Maddox slowly starts to let down his walls as he gets to know the real Adrian. The one beneath the perfectly curated content. The one no one gets to see.
Adrian might show a perfect life online, but in reality he’s lonely. He’s never felt loved. He’s never felt like he belonged to anyone. Until Maddox and Legacy.
Adrian came to Legacy with the goal of becoming a brand ambassador but instead, he found a home and a family. He never knew what it was like to be picked. He never knew what it was like to have a real family until a meddling town embraced him as their own.
This story made me so happy. I had tears from laughing so hard at their text convo. Their banter was hilarious and sexy. But most of all, their relationship was absolutely goals.
Loved seeing some Marian cameos! And better yet, a little peek into Alexander and Judd. At this point, Legacy, Montana is THE perfect place to live if it’ll keep given us the most perfect characters🥰
Will definitely be listening to this over and over again. Teddy Hamilton and Tim Page were fantastic!
November 1, 2025
4.4 stars.
That was so cute.
This deserves a longer review but I don't have that in me right now.
They are cute together and there's no third act break up. Is it completely realistic? No! But I don't care because everyone is adorable.
That was so cute.
This deserves a longer review but I don't have that in me right now.
They are cute together and there's no third act break up. Is it completely realistic? No! But I don't care because everyone is adorable.
December 6, 2025
Too long but so cute and swoony!
dropped
December 29, 2025Dropped while shelf cleaning
Wasn’t a fan of the narration. Maybe I’ll try again next holiday season.
Wasn’t a fan of the narration. Maybe I’ll try again next holiday season.
December 30, 2025
*checks heart* Yup, still a Grinch.
October 27, 2025
Cozy and cute! Definitely fit the Hallmark-y vibe for a holiday season read.
not-interested
October 22, 2025Fiiiiiine, i'll try another influencer story
December 23, 2025
Adrian (32) et Maddox avec un Culomètre à 🍑🍆
Adrian, influenceur lifestyle, vient Legacy pour filmer douze #RencardsDeNoël pour Instagram. Son vidéaste le lâche, et Maddox Sullivan, un homme bourru, le remplace. Leur alchimie est immédiate, et #TeamMaddrian devient populaire. Tous les autres rencards annulent, laissant Maddox jouer le rôle principal dans chaque rendez-vous. Adrian commence à ressentir de vrais sentiments pour Maddox, se demandant si c'est un fantasme ou un véritable conte de fées.
› Encore une masterclass signée Lucy Lennox, tout ce que j'aime, j'ai envie de vous dire. Les dynamiques sont simples, connues, mais fonctionnent parfaitement encore une fois !
› Adrian est tout ce qu'on imagine d'un influenceur lifestyle, tout en ayant ce côté humain pour faire craquer le grognon Maddox.
› Leurs moments de rendez-vous sont les plus adorables : on sent en lisant qu'ils se lancent des regards langoureux.
› Toute la ville essaie de les mettre ensemble et c'est hilarant.
› Maddox, sortant d'une relation qui a mal fini, a évidemment des problèmes d'abandon et le départ d'Adrian ne va pas arranger la situation.
› Un déroulé parfaitement cohérent avec ce qui a été mis en place et c'est ça qu'on kiffe.
Bref, une romance parfaitement huilée, comme j'aime. Au final, je n'en demande pas plus dans ma vie.
Adrian, influenceur lifestyle, vient Legacy pour filmer douze #RencardsDeNoël pour Instagram. Son vidéaste le lâche, et Maddox Sullivan, un homme bourru, le remplace. Leur alchimie est immédiate, et #TeamMaddrian devient populaire. Tous les autres rencards annulent, laissant Maddox jouer le rôle principal dans chaque rendez-vous. Adrian commence à ressentir de vrais sentiments pour Maddox, se demandant si c'est un fantasme ou un véritable conte de fées.
› Encore une masterclass signée Lucy Lennox, tout ce que j'aime, j'ai envie de vous dire. Les dynamiques sont simples, connues, mais fonctionnent parfaitement encore une fois !
› Adrian est tout ce qu'on imagine d'un influenceur lifestyle, tout en ayant ce côté humain pour faire craquer le grognon Maddox.
› Leurs moments de rendez-vous sont les plus adorables : on sent en lisant qu'ils se lancent des regards langoureux.
› Toute la ville essaie de les mettre ensemble et c'est hilarant.
› Maddox, sortant d'une relation qui a mal fini, a évidemment des problèmes d'abandon et le départ d'Adrian ne va pas arranger la situation.
› Un déroulé parfaitement cohérent avec ce qui a été mis en place et c'est ça qu'on kiffe.
Bref, une romance parfaitement huilée, comme j'aime. Au final, je n'en demande pas plus dans ma vie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews