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Holiday Hearts: A Cosy Holiday Romance About Trust, Vulnerability and Risking It All For Love- TikTok Made Me Buy It
A Festive Holiday Romance set in the late 80’s
Andrea Delaney isn’t here to find love.
She’s twenty-two, ambitious, and already under pressure to pull off the catering event of her a lavish Christmas wedding at the sprawling Bamford estate. With deadlines, deliveries, and kitchen mishaps, Andrea’s focus should be on food, not on the annoyingly charming best man who keeps showing up in her kitchen.
Raymond Bamford has it all—money, charm, and a manor full of responsibilities. When he meets Andrea, all fire and stubborn independence, he sees more than just a caterer. He sees the woman who makes him laugh, challenges his every word, and has no idea how much she’s gotten under his skin.
As snow falls over Oxfordshire, Andrea finds herself caught between her heart and her head. Raymond belongs to a world of ballrooms, vintage cars, and family expectations. She belongs behind the scenes. She knows it. But stolen glances, sneaky late-night cocoa, and a slight brush of his hand against hers makes it hard to walk away.
Christmas is in a few days, and Andrea must stay focused or risk it all for the one man determined to prove she belongs with him.
Perfect for fans of reverse grumpy x sunshine, forbidden holiday romance, rich family drama, and cosy Christmas weddings, Holiday Hearts is a heartwarming festive story full of banter, sexual tension, and swoony moments in the snow.
Readers who enjoy festive books by Christina Lauren, Tessa Bailey and Jenny Bayliss will fall in love with Holiday Hearts.
Andrea Delaney isn’t here to find love.
She’s twenty-two, ambitious, and already under pressure to pull off the catering event of her a lavish Christmas wedding at the sprawling Bamford estate. With deadlines, deliveries, and kitchen mishaps, Andrea’s focus should be on food, not on the annoyingly charming best man who keeps showing up in her kitchen.
Raymond Bamford has it all—money, charm, and a manor full of responsibilities. When he meets Andrea, all fire and stubborn independence, he sees more than just a caterer. He sees the woman who makes him laugh, challenges his every word, and has no idea how much she’s gotten under his skin.
As snow falls over Oxfordshire, Andrea finds herself caught between her heart and her head. Raymond belongs to a world of ballrooms, vintage cars, and family expectations. She belongs behind the scenes. She knows it. But stolen glances, sneaky late-night cocoa, and a slight brush of his hand against hers makes it hard to walk away.
Christmas is in a few days, and Andrea must stay focused or risk it all for the one man determined to prove she belongs with him.
Perfect for fans of reverse grumpy x sunshine, forbidden holiday romance, rich family drama, and cosy Christmas weddings, Holiday Hearts is a heartwarming festive story full of banter, sexual tension, and swoony moments in the snow.
Readers who enjoy festive books by Christina Lauren, Tessa Bailey and Jenny Bayliss will fall in love with Holiday Hearts.
- GenresChristmas
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
9 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Denise B. Henry
7 books41 followersHi, I’m a London-based author with a passion for weaving stories that blends heart, culture, and imagination.
When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me creating beauty content on social media or curled up with a good book and an iced coffee. I’m a devoted fan of romance, fantasy, and psychological thrillers- the kinds of stories that make you swoon, dream, or sometimes sit right on the edge of your seat.
When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me creating beauty content on social media or curled up with a good book and an iced coffee. I’m a devoted fan of romance, fantasy, and psychological thrillers- the kinds of stories that make you swoon, dream, or sometimes sit right on the edge of your seat.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 17, 2025
This review also features on Diary of an Ink Drinker
What’s more enchanting than a Christmas wedding in a grand stately home, love, family, and festive sparkle? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot when you’re the one stuck behind the scenes juggling a frantic kitchen, missing supplies, and a bride teetering on the edge of meltdown. The magic looks very different when you’re the one holding it all together. Add in a stream of well-meaning but demanding relatives, each with their own agenda, and the sparkle dims even further.
That is exactly the position Andrea finds herself in. Brought in at the last possible moment after the previous chef abruptly left, she is determined to hold everything together through sheer competence and willpower. The last thing she needs is any sort of distraction, especially not one that looms over her shoulder, wielding a clipboard, a relentless to-do list, and an alarming ability to appear at precisely the wrong moment. Yet that’s precisely where the charm of the story takes root, because it is often in the chaos that the magic begins.
One of the quiet delights of this book is its setting. It takes place in the late 1980s, though the author never explicitly states it. Instead, she relies on small, carefully placed clues to capture the era: a comment, an attitude, a song played in passing. These hints are never intrusive or heavy-handed; rather, they give you a sense of time and place that slowly intensifies as the story unfolds. The world-building is subtle but impressively vivid. You can almost feel the bustle of the kitchen, the atmosphere of the house, and the quiet undercurrents between family members. It’s woven together gradually, like a tapestry growing fuller with every page.
The cast isn’t enormous, but those who take centre stage are wonderfully layered. There’s complexity and humour, warmth and tension, all of which create an authentic portrait of a large family navigating the pressures of hosting a wedding. Anyone who has spent time in a big family will almost certainly recognise an uncle, cousin, or sibling in one of these characters. They feel real, sometimes exasperating, sometimes endearing, always familiar. It feels lived-in, authentic, and full of affection.
That said, the story does have a few shortcomings. The handling of time within the narrative is the most noticeable. There are moments when it feels as though only an hour or two has passed, yet suddenly the day is finished and we’ve leapt ahead far more quickly than expected. Because the entire book takes place over the course of a single week, time is inevitably tight. Still, the pacing occasionally feels rushed or uneven. It’s not enough to pull you out of the story for long, but it does create the occasional moment of confusion.
The romantic arc has a similar issue, at least from Andrea’s perspective. For a character who is otherwise portrayed with emotional nuance, her romantic feelings seem to appear suddenly, almost fully formed. There is little sense of the gradual build or inner realisation readers often hope for in romance. It’s a surprising omission, given how skilled Denise B. Henry is at conveying other emotional states with precision and authenticity. Perhaps it was intended to show Andrea’s uncertainty or reluctance to acknowledge her emotions, but it does make her romantic shift feel a little abrupt. Even so, this doesn’t overshadow the book's overall charm.
The spicy scenes, however, are a standout. They’re present, but they never dominate or detract from the plot. Instead, they complement the emotional beats, written with originality rather than recycled clichés. It’s refreshing to see intimate moments handled in a way that feels both distinctive and genuine, something many ‘spice-heavy’ romances could learn from.
If you’re looking for a festive read that offers cosy escapism without relying on modern conveniences to smooth over every difficulty, this one is a delight. Andrea’s determination to prove herself is relatable, and her self-doubt is handled sensitively without veering into melodrama. Her journey, steady, grounded, and rooted in integrity, is satisfying to follow.
I also loved the twist on the grumpy/sunshine trope. For once, we have a prickly, guarded female lead paired with an irrepressibly cheerful male counterpart. It’s a refreshing reversal of the usual formula, and it genuinely brings a smile to your face.
All in all, it’s a warm-hearted, festive romance that’s perfect for readers who want to step into a charming world for a while and watch two very different people collide in the best possible way. A genuinely uplifting Christmas treat.
Thank you to Denise B. Henry for an ARC copy in return for an honest review
What’s more enchanting than a Christmas wedding in a grand stately home, love, family, and festive sparkle? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot when you’re the one stuck behind the scenes juggling a frantic kitchen, missing supplies, and a bride teetering on the edge of meltdown. The magic looks very different when you’re the one holding it all together. Add in a stream of well-meaning but demanding relatives, each with their own agenda, and the sparkle dims even further.
That is exactly the position Andrea finds herself in. Brought in at the last possible moment after the previous chef abruptly left, she is determined to hold everything together through sheer competence and willpower. The last thing she needs is any sort of distraction, especially not one that looms over her shoulder, wielding a clipboard, a relentless to-do list, and an alarming ability to appear at precisely the wrong moment. Yet that’s precisely where the charm of the story takes root, because it is often in the chaos that the magic begins.
One of the quiet delights of this book is its setting. It takes place in the late 1980s, though the author never explicitly states it. Instead, she relies on small, carefully placed clues to capture the era: a comment, an attitude, a song played in passing. These hints are never intrusive or heavy-handed; rather, they give you a sense of time and place that slowly intensifies as the story unfolds. The world-building is subtle but impressively vivid. You can almost feel the bustle of the kitchen, the atmosphere of the house, and the quiet undercurrents between family members. It’s woven together gradually, like a tapestry growing fuller with every page.
The cast isn’t enormous, but those who take centre stage are wonderfully layered. There’s complexity and humour, warmth and tension, all of which create an authentic portrait of a large family navigating the pressures of hosting a wedding. Anyone who has spent time in a big family will almost certainly recognise an uncle, cousin, or sibling in one of these characters. They feel real, sometimes exasperating, sometimes endearing, always familiar. It feels lived-in, authentic, and full of affection.
That said, the story does have a few shortcomings. The handling of time within the narrative is the most noticeable. There are moments when it feels as though only an hour or two has passed, yet suddenly the day is finished and we’ve leapt ahead far more quickly than expected. Because the entire book takes place over the course of a single week, time is inevitably tight. Still, the pacing occasionally feels rushed or uneven. It’s not enough to pull you out of the story for long, but it does create the occasional moment of confusion.
The romantic arc has a similar issue, at least from Andrea’s perspective. For a character who is otherwise portrayed with emotional nuance, her romantic feelings seem to appear suddenly, almost fully formed. There is little sense of the gradual build or inner realisation readers often hope for in romance. It’s a surprising omission, given how skilled Denise B. Henry is at conveying other emotional states with precision and authenticity. Perhaps it was intended to show Andrea’s uncertainty or reluctance to acknowledge her emotions, but it does make her romantic shift feel a little abrupt. Even so, this doesn’t overshadow the book's overall charm.
The spicy scenes, however, are a standout. They’re present, but they never dominate or detract from the plot. Instead, they complement the emotional beats, written with originality rather than recycled clichés. It’s refreshing to see intimate moments handled in a way that feels both distinctive and genuine, something many ‘spice-heavy’ romances could learn from.
If you’re looking for a festive read that offers cosy escapism without relying on modern conveniences to smooth over every difficulty, this one is a delight. Andrea’s determination to prove herself is relatable, and her self-doubt is handled sensitively without veering into melodrama. Her journey, steady, grounded, and rooted in integrity, is satisfying to follow.
I also loved the twist on the grumpy/sunshine trope. For once, we have a prickly, guarded female lead paired with an irrepressibly cheerful male counterpart. It’s a refreshing reversal of the usual formula, and it genuinely brings a smile to your face.
All in all, it’s a warm-hearted, festive romance that’s perfect for readers who want to step into a charming world for a while and watch two very different people collide in the best possible way. A genuinely uplifting Christmas treat.
Thank you to Denise B. Henry for an ARC copy in return for an honest review
November 19, 2025
“Mm-hm,” she said knowingly. “And he’s right. You’ve got to stop running, Andrea. Not everyone wants to hurt you. Some people actually want to love you. Ray’s one of them.”
Review: Thank you to Denise B. Henry for an ARC of Holiday Hearts! I loved it.
Andrea gets tossed into the deep end when she’s called last-minute to cater a full week of dinners leading up to a 150-person wedding. What should've been a stressful situation she handled with all the grace and dignity of a chef twice her age. Watching her rise to that challenge was such a delight and hooked me into the story right away.
I loved the friendship between Andrea and Tasha. Tasha was the person she needed to stand by her side and support her, but also tell it like it is. That's so rare to find in female friendships, and this one was handled beautifully. But the real star of the show was Mr. Bamford for standing up to his wife and reminding her of where she came from and not to judge Andrea.
Ray Bamford, what a delicious man. Every Andrea/Ray moment had me grinning. Ray saw Andrea for who she truly is, which is so beautiful to see. Their relationship blossomed into something so beautiful and I loved their connection from the very beginning. Let's hope we get another installment, because I need more about their happily ever after.
Review: Thank you to Denise B. Henry for an ARC of Holiday Hearts! I loved it.
Andrea gets tossed into the deep end when she’s called last-minute to cater a full week of dinners leading up to a 150-person wedding. What should've been a stressful situation she handled with all the grace and dignity of a chef twice her age. Watching her rise to that challenge was such a delight and hooked me into the story right away.
I loved the friendship between Andrea and Tasha. Tasha was the person she needed to stand by her side and support her, but also tell it like it is. That's so rare to find in female friendships, and this one was handled beautifully. But the real star of the show was Mr. Bamford for standing up to his wife and reminding her of where she came from and not to judge Andrea.
Ray Bamford, what a delicious man. Every Andrea/Ray moment had me grinning. Ray saw Andrea for who she truly is, which is so beautiful to see. Their relationship blossomed into something so beautiful and I loved their connection from the very beginning. Let's hope we get another installment, because I need more about their happily ever after.
November 25, 2025
I absolutely adore this book. It was like reading a Hallmark movie and I felt the warmth and love of the characters.
Andrea is given the chance to cater a Wedding ( a week long event) at the Bamford Estate when the previous chef quits . She arrives on the Estate and the bride’s brother Ray introduces himself to her and seems to be constantly underfoot. What begins as an annoyance to Andrea who is uptight , rigid and the consummate professional turns into a beautiful love story when Ray breaks down her defenses.
There are so many quotes in this novella that stood out to me bur my favorite is :
“Not everyone wants to hurt you. Some people actually want to love you”
I would have given this five stars if it wasn’t based on a character who was 22 years old. I felt like her experiences and disappointments , didn’t line up with her age, but that’s just my personal opinion. I would definitely read another book by this author. It gave me all the feels.
I was kindly given an ARC of this book for review and this is my honest opinion. Add this to your Christmas reads, you won’t be disappointed.
Andrea is given the chance to cater a Wedding ( a week long event) at the Bamford Estate when the previous chef quits . She arrives on the Estate and the bride’s brother Ray introduces himself to her and seems to be constantly underfoot. What begins as an annoyance to Andrea who is uptight , rigid and the consummate professional turns into a beautiful love story when Ray breaks down her defenses.
There are so many quotes in this novella that stood out to me bur my favorite is :
“Not everyone wants to hurt you. Some people actually want to love you”
I would have given this five stars if it wasn’t based on a character who was 22 years old. I felt like her experiences and disappointments , didn’t line up with her age, but that’s just my personal opinion. I would definitely read another book by this author. It gave me all the feels.
I was kindly given an ARC of this book for review and this is my honest opinion. Add this to your Christmas reads, you won’t be disappointed.
January 11, 2026
Ray and Andrea awwwh my heart ,
This book gave me a physical hug that’s the feels I got from reading this story ,
Andrea is strong woman who’s walls are higher than the walls of Jericho, and Ray just a man who fell in love the minute he laid eyes on Andrea and new she was worth chipping away until them walls came crumpling down the venerability between the two was chefs kiss to read ,the tension between the two was 🔥, I loved the friends and family also it honestly was a vibe book I couldn’t put this down , at times i felt for Andrea she was so guarded with her love and her inability to let anyone in made her such a relatable character
This was my favourite Christmas read I honestly just escaped in the pages and felt like I was living in the story .
Once again Denise has written an amazing book I was anticipating this read for Christmas and it didn’t disappoint, I adore how easy it is to read Denise’s work she’s one of my favourite contemporary romance writers and forever and always will recommend her books
Thank you so much Denise for giving me this amazing arc xx
This book gave me a physical hug that’s the feels I got from reading this story ,
Andrea is strong woman who’s walls are higher than the walls of Jericho, and Ray just a man who fell in love the minute he laid eyes on Andrea and new she was worth chipping away until them walls came crumpling down the venerability between the two was chefs kiss to read ,the tension between the two was 🔥, I loved the friends and family also it honestly was a vibe book I couldn’t put this down , at times i felt for Andrea she was so guarded with her love and her inability to let anyone in made her such a relatable character
This was my favourite Christmas read I honestly just escaped in the pages and felt like I was living in the story .
Once again Denise has written an amazing book I was anticipating this read for Christmas and it didn’t disappoint, I adore how easy it is to read Denise’s work she’s one of my favourite contemporary romance writers and forever and always will recommend her books
Thank you so much Denise for giving me this amazing arc xx
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Arc review alert 🚨
Initial review: a hallmark-worthy story that will keep you engaged and give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings you want to experience in a Christmas story. It’s also the perfect length book. Read it in one sitting
Book overview:
We are introduced to 22-year-old Andrea, a chef with the dream of opening her own catering company.
She gets assigned to a last-minute catering job for a wedding in Oxford at the bamfort manor.
Where she meets the oldest Raymond, the wedding manager, the bride's big brother and the only son of the Bamfort family. He is the Sunshine of the story always happy, happy to help and eager to find out more about the new chef Andrea. Andrea has mixed work with love before and was burned so when Ray professes love to her, flight mode is activated.
Will Ray(Raymond) convince Andrea that his feelings for her are genuine or will Andrea miss out on true love?
Read the story to find out
Initial review: a hallmark-worthy story that will keep you engaged and give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings you want to experience in a Christmas story. It’s also the perfect length book. Read it in one sitting
Book overview:
We are introduced to 22-year-old Andrea, a chef with the dream of opening her own catering company.
She gets assigned to a last-minute catering job for a wedding in Oxford at the bamfort manor.
Where she meets the oldest Raymond, the wedding manager, the bride's big brother and the only son of the Bamfort family. He is the Sunshine of the story always happy, happy to help and eager to find out more about the new chef Andrea. Andrea has mixed work with love before and was burned so when Ray professes love to her, flight mode is activated.
Will Ray(Raymond) convince Andrea that his feelings for her are genuine or will Andrea miss out on true love?
Read the story to find out
December 1, 2025
A Charming Christmas Novella
This sweet, short read is a must-have for the holidays. It follows professional chef Andrea, who is forced to spend a week catering a wedding where she constantly runs into Ray, the bride’s charismatic, "golden retriever" brother. What begins as annoyance quickly shifts into a heartfelt, slow-burn romance.
Featuring the perfect grumpy meets sunshine dynamic and excellent banter, this book explores themes of vulnerability and finding love when you least expect it. A warm, well-written story that delivers genuine emotion and pure Christmas comfort.
If you need a quick, feel-good read with great banter and undeniable holiday vibes, add this book to your list. Highly recommended!
This sweet, short read is a must-have for the holidays. It follows professional chef Andrea, who is forced to spend a week catering a wedding where she constantly runs into Ray, the bride’s charismatic, "golden retriever" brother. What begins as annoyance quickly shifts into a heartfelt, slow-burn romance.
Featuring the perfect grumpy meets sunshine dynamic and excellent banter, this book explores themes of vulnerability and finding love when you least expect it. A warm, well-written story that delivers genuine emotion and pure Christmas comfort.
If you need a quick, feel-good read with great banter and undeniable holiday vibes, add this book to your list. Highly recommended!
December 16, 2025
What a lovely story! of finding love in when your not even looking, how love can actually be at first sight and even when people are from different worlds they can be together despite the fact.
When Andrea finds herself in the luxury estate of the Bamfords , as head chef and trying her best to be professional, the son, Ray is besotted from the get go.
Andrea is a tough woman refusing to lower her walls and her feels of not being enough almost ruin her happiness but Ray doesn’t give up without a fight. He’s handsome & from a powerful family & he wants her and nothing will stand in the way.
a wonderful short story (149pgs) based in the holidays ! One to read for sure !
High praise for Denise ❤️❤️🫶🏻🫶🏻
When Andrea finds herself in the luxury estate of the Bamfords , as head chef and trying her best to be professional, the son, Ray is besotted from the get go.
Andrea is a tough woman refusing to lower her walls and her feels of not being enough almost ruin her happiness but Ray doesn’t give up without a fight. He’s handsome & from a powerful family & he wants her and nothing will stand in the way.
a wonderful short story (149pgs) based in the holidays ! One to read for sure !
High praise for Denise ❤️❤️🫶🏻🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2026
Thank you to Denise for sending me an ARC of your book.
4.5 stars 🌟
Oh my gosh this book! I think I love it more than Bruised Hearts, this was so heartwarming and I like how the main focus wasn’t about Christmas even though it’s a festive book, the main focus was more on the wedding and I loved that.
Also the snowball fight scene!! I was grinning ear to ear for the whole of that scene and Ray’s love confession and how he stood up for Andrea! I love it and I will always love a man that defends the woman he loves.
This was an amazing read and I’m so glad I got to read Andrea and Ray’s love story 🥰
4.5 stars 🌟
Oh my gosh this book! I think I love it more than Bruised Hearts, this was so heartwarming and I like how the main focus wasn’t about Christmas even though it’s a festive book, the main focus was more on the wedding and I loved that.
Also the snowball fight scene!! I was grinning ear to ear for the whole of that scene and Ray’s love confession and how he stood up for Andrea! I love it and I will always love a man that defends the woman he loves.
This was an amazing read and I’m so glad I got to read Andrea and Ray’s love story 🥰
November 9, 2025
Great book!! Andrea is called on at the last minute to handle a wedding for 150 people. She has to be there for a whole week preparing food for nightly dinners up to the wedding. I absolutely love the friendship that develops between Andrea and Tasha!! I love all the interactions between Andrea and Ray. Uncle Maurice may be my favorite character… always hungry… but full of great advice in the end. I haven’t read book 1 in this series yet, but I am headed that way. Hoping there will be another book in the series about Janelle’s birthday party that Andrea will be catering!
December 4, 2025
What a great little holiday read. It was like a Hallmark movie in book form. Loved the storyline, wasn’t all holiday themed but holidays wrapped around a wedding. Andrea, a chef is called at the last minute to take the reins of a wedding at a wealthy family manor. Raymond, the brother of the bride is like a love sick
puppy from the get go. Andrea not so sure if their two lives could mesh and what indies is some fun and some serious growth from our FMC. Another quick easy fun read by Denise B Henry.
puppy from the get go. Andrea not so sure if their two lives could mesh and what indies is some fun and some serious growth from our FMC. Another quick easy fun read by Denise B Henry.
December 15, 2025
Christmas novella which follows Andrea & Raymond the 2 MC’s. Andrea is guarded and only interested in her job as head chef. Raymond is flirty and mischievous, with a rich family but not quite like them.
You see their journey throughout, and all the emotions that come with people who’ve been hurt in the past, or are trying to figure their lives out.
I really enjoyed this read, only took me a day. I liked the characters and the story, there was a little bit of spice thrown in and it’s set at Christmas time🤩🎅🏼🎄
You see their journey throughout, and all the emotions that come with people who’ve been hurt in the past, or are trying to figure their lives out.
I really enjoyed this read, only took me a day. I liked the characters and the story, there was a little bit of spice thrown in and it’s set at Christmas time🤩🎅🏼🎄
November 12, 2025
What a beautiful cosy book. I couldn't get enough of it.
It was such a beautiful read
Ray man you are. He's such a sweet heart.
This is a lovely short book that was nice for me to curl up on my sofa and read on my day off. The writing style is phenomenal and the way the author draws you in to want to read more is so so good!
100% recommended for anyone that is looking for a cosy Christmas book and for fans of grumpy x sunshine
It was such a beautiful read
Ray man you are. He's such a sweet heart.
This is a lovely short book that was nice for me to curl up on my sofa and read on my day off. The writing style is phenomenal and the way the author draws you in to want to read more is so so good!
100% recommended for anyone that is looking for a cosy Christmas book and for fans of grumpy x sunshine
November 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read the first book as an ARC “Bruised Hearts.” I enjoyed reading the first book in the series.
This is the second book in the series. This book could be read as a stand alone.
It’s a cozy quick read that is only 170 pages that gives all the Christmas Vibes. It shows vulnerability when you love someone. It gets you in all your feels. The MMC is definitely a golden retriever, a true sweetheart…
Troupes: Grumpy x Sunshine ☀️
I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book as an ARC “Bruised Hearts.” I enjoyed reading the first book in the series.
This is the second book in the series. This book could be read as a stand alone.
It’s a cozy quick read that is only 170 pages that gives all the Christmas Vibes. It shows vulnerability when you love someone. It gets you in all your feels. The MMC is definitely a golden retriever, a true sweetheart…
Troupes: Grumpy x Sunshine ☀️
I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2025
“I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review”
If you enjoy a slow burn romance with fun banter, this book is for you! This was truly a great read. I have to honest thought. Me and the MFC was not seeing eye to eye at first lol. But, the more I read, the more I understand where she was coming from. I love the vulnerability of Andrea and how her internal struggle was expertly written. Give this book a try and I promise you will not be disappointed!!
If you enjoy a slow burn romance with fun banter, this book is for you! This was truly a great read. I have to honest thought. Me and the MFC was not seeing eye to eye at first lol. But, the more I read, the more I understand where she was coming from. I love the vulnerability of Andrea and how her internal struggle was expertly written. Give this book a try and I promise you will not be disappointed!!
December 22, 2025
Holiday Hearts is a grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, holiday romance featuring Andrea Delaney and Raymond (Ray) Bamford.
Andrea is a chef who aspires to open her own catering company. When an opportunity presents, she steps in last minute to work a wedding at a private estate. It is there that she meets Ray, older brother of the bride. Ray is a big ball of sunshine, always smiling and happy. This charming man is also serving as his sister Sophia's wedding coordinator.
While she is attracted to Ray, she knows she's there for work and tries to focus on the job. Ray however makes that very hard as he is like a butterfly attracted to a flower. He keeps fluttering around her, trying to help even if he isn't wanted. All he wants is to make her smile, and maybe woo her. Andrea however has some trust issues due to her past experiences.
This was a sweet story with undertones of forbidden romance due to a perceived social gap. Ray was such a sweetheart and he was clearly taken with Andrea. I appreciated Andrea's focus and determination, and her self-doubt was relatable. I loved her new friendship with Tasha, a rare gem of a woman who offered true friendship with gentle honesty and enduring support.
If you're looking for a Hallmark-like book, look no further. This one is sure to put a smile on your face.
Andrea is a chef who aspires to open her own catering company. When an opportunity presents, she steps in last minute to work a wedding at a private estate. It is there that she meets Ray, older brother of the bride. Ray is a big ball of sunshine, always smiling and happy. This charming man is also serving as his sister Sophia's wedding coordinator.
While she is attracted to Ray, she knows she's there for work and tries to focus on the job. Ray however makes that very hard as he is like a butterfly attracted to a flower. He keeps fluttering around her, trying to help even if he isn't wanted. All he wants is to make her smile, and maybe woo her. Andrea however has some trust issues due to her past experiences.
This was a sweet story with undertones of forbidden romance due to a perceived social gap. Ray was such a sweetheart and he was clearly taken with Andrea. I appreciated Andrea's focus and determination, and her self-doubt was relatable. I loved her new friendship with Tasha, a rare gem of a woman who offered true friendship with gentle honesty and enduring support.
If you're looking for a Hallmark-like book, look no further. This one is sure to put a smile on your face.
December 21, 2025
Another holiday hit! It wasn't what I expected but I loved how Andrea came into her own. Ray already saw her for all she was, even if she is from a different world than he is. It was just her finding herself and realizing how amazing she truly is. Plus, the friendship between Andrea and Tasha ended up being the star of the book. Tasha is everything a female friend needs to be. Loyal, kind, but also straight up and has tough love. Very rarely in romance novels are there good female friendships.
December 28, 2025
4.75 Stars
The banter in this book is chef’s kiss—so fun, so natural, so addictive. And Doris? She is the undeniable star of the show 😂🤣🤣.
This is the perfect cozy read: a soft, fluffy holiday romance that warms your soul from page one. It’s wild how much you can see yourself in these characters—their quirks, their heart, their messiness.
And Ray? Pure book boyfriend material. A comforting, feel-good read you’ll want to curl up with again.
The banter in this book is chef’s kiss—so fun, so natural, so addictive. And Doris? She is the undeniable star of the show 😂🤣🤣.
This is the perfect cozy read: a soft, fluffy holiday romance that warms your soul from page one. It’s wild how much you can see yourself in these characters—their quirks, their heart, their messiness.
And Ray? Pure book boyfriend material. A comforting, feel-good read you’ll want to curl up with again.
November 26, 2025
This book is a perfect holiday read. The story follows a chef who gets her professional “second chance” With an event for a wealthy family. She has well earned walls up so when she starts getting attention she can’t imagine that it is something she deserves to pursue. She assumes the worst in people based off the pain she has experienced. I loved watching as she was proved so wrong!
December 9, 2025
This book was such a great story of opposites attract. Andrea and Ray keep you hooked into the story as it has Andrea catering a wedding for family that is related to Ray. Things progress between the two and it keeps you wondering what will happen between the two. Definitely a great read that is funny and cute.
December 16, 2025
What could be a better start to a book than to have a great soundtrack? Anita Baker, Janet Jackson and Roxette to mention a few. She must have been reading my mind on Great music of the late 80’s. This book is a cute and engaging love story. I was gifted this book as an arc and truly enjoyed the story. This is the second book I have arc read for the author and both stories have been amazing.
November 26, 2025
i read this book so fast and that’s how you know i just truly loved it! it’s a solid 4.5/5! got me feeling incredibly christmassy and it’s so apparent that the author is getting increasingly better at writing after every book she publishes! i can’t wait for the next book!!!
December 30, 2025
This is not the e first one I’ve read of this author. Every book I’ve read of hers made me feel like I was as watching it unfold in front of me. This book was written do’s good hands down too 10 of books I’ve read this year
November 17, 2025
This was a different romance story but still gave you the warm and fuzzies
November 24, 2025
If you’re looking for a quick and easy holiday romance read, look no further. This book was adorable and wonderfully written.
December 9, 2025
This was a lovely heartwarming story-if you want a feel good book you can read during the holidays in only a few short hours its definitely the one for you. Felt like watching a hallmark movie.
December 26, 2025
Such a fun little seasonal book 💕 a fast paced story but builds on characters and very enjoyable! Didn’t want to put it down, just so lovable and cute!
December 29, 2025
I loved this super cute Holiday book, fab story and great characters. A great reminder that we all deserve love and friendship.
I highly recommend this Christmas read.
I highly recommend this Christmas read.
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