The Ex-Mas Duet

by Grace Elena

Being ex-cowriters in Music City is one thing. But ex-lovers? That’s where things get messy for Paloma and Graham.

Paloma Gentry-Tapia is quickly realizing her songwriting contract is coming to a close with not much to show for it. A few hit singles here and there, but nothing she’s really proud of. Her best works were when she wrote with someone she swore she’d never work with again. She can’t even remember the last time she picked up her Gibson and wrote something from the heart.

Graham Westin is cocky, knows he can get what he wants, writes the best songs for his label, and has the songwriting contract he could dream of. But when the next artist asking for new material is none other than Nashville’s country superstar, he can’t say no.

There’s always a catch and when Paloma and Graham realize they have no choice but to work on an EP together, they’re stuck. Stuck on the idea of being in the same studio again, stuck on having to write lyrics together, and stuck on feelings that haven’t quite passed. But they won’t ever admit that, until they are quite literally stuck in a cabin over two hundred miles away from Nashville.

With a snowstorm working against them in a town that seems to have the holiday magic they refuse to believe in, Paloma and Graham are forced to get through it one lyric at a time.

-
The Ex-Mas Duet is a standalone holiday romance set in a fictional town in Tennessee. This book is intended for readers 18+.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

About the author

Grace Elena is a Mexican American author who loves to write slow burn romances with strong Latinx leads. She's been writing since she could remember and even dabbled in some songwriting during her college years. When Grace isn't writing, she's spending time with her cat in Nashville, Tennessee.

IG: graceelenaauthor
Tiktok: graceelenaauthor

Reviews

[joni ౨ৎ - busy]

𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
second chance and holiday romance? im sat 😌 two songwriters who were friends to lovers to strangers? and are now forced to work together to write songs for a holiday ep?? YES and forced proximity 😋


↪ started dec 9
↪ finished dec 10

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 4 out of 5]

English first, Dutch next!

Thanks to House of Heartsl Lit for this eARC! Here is my honest review.

A Cozy Christmas Duet to Fall For

Grace Elena’s writing style is accessible and smooth, with plenty of dialogue that gives the story a natural flow. It reads like a warm blanket wrapped around you, and you’ll fly through it, perfect for a cozy winter evening.

'The Ex-Mas Duet' is told from two perspectives: Paloma, a songwriter who has lost her inspiration after ending her relationship with Graham, and Graham, who is also struggling with writing new music. Through these alternating viewpoints, you experience their frustrations, doubts, and small victories up close.

Elena has crafted her characters with care. Paloma and Graham feel layered and relatable, with their thoughts, insecurities, memories, and little quirks. This makes it easy to fully immerse yourself in their story and follow their journey toward music and love.

The themes of 'The Ex-Mas Duet' are second chance romance, forced proximity, Christmas, and music. The duo writing songs together gives the story a fresh twist and a musical touch you won’t find elsewhere. Anyone looking for a cozy Christmas read that is heartwarming, romantic, and musical will completely lose themselves in this story.

A book that carries you into the magic of Christmas, where music and love intertwine, leaving a lingering warmth long after the final page is turned.


***Dutch***

Een Cozy Kerstduet om van te Houden

De schrijfstijl van Grace Elena is toegankelijk en vlot, met veel dialogen die het verhaal een natuurlijke flow geven. Het leest alsof je een warme deken om je heen slaat: je vliegt er zo doorheen, perfect voor een gezellige winteravond.

'The Ex-Mas Duet' wordt verteld vanuit twee perspectieven: Paloma, een songwriter die na het beëindigen van haar relatie met Graham haar inspiratie kwijt is, en Graham, die zelf ook vastloopt in zijn muziek. Door deze wisselende oogpunten voel je hun frustraties, twijfels en kleine overwinningen van dichtbij.

Elena heeft haar personages goed uitgewerkt. Paloma en Graham zijn gelaagd en herkenbaar, met hun gedachten, twijfels, herinneringen en kleine eigenaardigheden. Het maakt dat je volledig opgaat in hun verhaal en meeleeft met hun zoektocht naar muziek én liefde.

De thema’s van 'The Ex-Mas Duet' zijn second chance romance, forced proximity, kerst en muziek. Het duo dat samen liedjes schrijft, geeft het verhaal een frisse twist en een muzikaal randje dat je anders nergens vindt. Wie op zoek is naar een cozy kerstboek dat hartverwarmend, romantisch én muzikaal is, zal zich helemaal verliezen in dit verhaal.

Een boek dat je meeneemt in de magie van kerst, waarin muziek en liefde samenkomen, en dat je nog lang nazindert als de laatste pagina is omgeslagen.

[d_uhreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It’s stupid to admit and I hate that it’s even a thing to discuss at all. But something about you makes me a better writer. A better storyteller.”

I have read a few things from this author and I have loved her writing style. It is always emotional, heartfelt, and filled with sweet heat.

The Ex-Mas Duet is a fast paced, second chance novella about two song writers.
Years after a heartbreaking split, these two are forced together once again to work on song writing.
Neither of them have lost their spark for writing music and apparently each other. Paloma never knew why Graham broke up with her all those years prior.
Well after a steamy session of song writing and even steamer time in the remote cabins hot tub, Graham drops a bombshell on Paloma.

He tells her the truth why they broke up and why they originally stopped creating music together.

Without spoiling everything...I do think this would have been great as a full length novel with an emphasis on the orginal relationship that led up to this story.
I personally would have never forgiven the MMC and I would have left him to freeze in that cabin after I kicked him straight in the snowballs.
I can understand that having history and amazing chemistry can create beautiful blinders, but this would be a tough one to get over.

[Alax Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little novella. Paloma and Graham are exes that used to song write together, and are now being forced to write five songs together in a cabin. I loved that their love of writing is what brought them back together, even if it was what pushed them apart in the first place. The way these two work together, despite the tension, was incredible. The chemistry between these two is very much still there, but Graham has a secret he’s been keeping that could blow it all up again. I wish we would have felt a little more push and pull between these two and I wish more light would have been shed on the conflict, but I understand a novella format makes that a little difficult. Overall I really enjoyed this one and if you’re looking for a quick holiday novella to read in between books, definitely grab this one!

Thank you to Grace Elena and House of Hearts Lot for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

read if you love:
holiday novella, snowed in cabin, forced proximity, songwriters, second chance, strangers to friends to lovers to exes to lovers, nicknames

[Alana Bittersweet Chapters Aus · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
The Ex-Mas Duet- ARC
@graceelena
Releasing on 12 December 2025.

Heartwarming holiday romance.

Paloma -sugarplum- Songwriter

Graham - Frosty- ⛄️- Songwriter- is keeping a secret.

🍋The chemistry was 🔥, the nicknames were cute and plenty of playful banter.

Words that Linger:
🍋”Meeting you has changed me forever, I shouldn’t have ever let you go.”-Graham.

🍋”Kiss me, sugarplum. Make me the happiest man in the world.” -Graham.

🍋”I’m just following her. She’s my wind. My Northstar.” -Graham.

Tropes:
🍋 forced proximity
🍋Christmas
🍋Music/ Songwriters
🍋Second chance romance
🍋Friends to lovers to strangers
🍋Novella

“Thanks to Grace Elena and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.”

#bittersweet_chapters_aus #ARC #christmasromance #graceelena #booksofig

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Paloma and Graham have instant scorching chemistry, and with their second chance at love, it was obvious that they both loved each other, despite how strong their hate seemed for each other.

There may not be as much spicy scenes as Grace is used to writing, but ooohh boy, it was hawt!!

Thank you Grace Elena and House of Hearts for an advanced copy.

[Tara Arriola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christmas Novella is so cute with a touching little story.

The characters are heart-warming and easy to get attached too. I really wish we could have more of them.

I am looking forward to read more of Grace Elena's work.

[Nydia Escobar Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance and music

I loved that the characters were able to reconnect through music. It was super romantic, just enough spice and sickly sweet for the holidays in the BEST way. Plus, it was a novella, so it was a short and sweet read. I ate up this book, and I highly recommend if you like second chance romance and music centered plots.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

What a wonderful novella to be introduced to Grace Elena. I have never read her, but will definitely be adding more of her works to my TBR. Although The Ex-Mas Duet is a short, holiday novella, it still pulled me in with the wonderful writing, amazing chemistry, and feel good storyline. If you have read my reviews before you know I am a sucker for a second chance romance that truly deserves a second chance.

Paloma and Graham used to be a songwriting duet, who also used to date. When they broke up Paloma lost something within her and hasn’t written a single song since. Graham was wanting more, to be recognized for his individual songwriting talent. They never thought they would see each other again, let alone work together again. But that is where they find themselves when a famous singer requests they write a song especially for her.

The singer also arranges for them to stay in a secluded cabin, no distractions allowed. When a snowstorm traps them, their past feelings catch up to their present anxiety. The more time they spend together, the more confusion arises about why they broke up in the first place. When their seclusion allows for action to be taken, they don’t waste their second chance. As they truly begin to be honest with each other, they find their writing struggles begin to disappear.

I could have easily read a full length story about these two. I would have loved to dive deeper into the reasons for the break up and seen more resolution around it. But I also get it! It’s a novella and could be setting up for the future. The short story wasn’t missing anything to cause me to dislike it, I just would love more! I am so happy I discovered Grace and can’t wait to read more of her.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🎶Second Chance Romance
❄️Snowed In Cabin
🎶Holiday Novella
❄️Songwriters and Ex’s
🎶Cute Nicknames

[Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for that cuddly, cosy Christmas read to devour in one night? You found it! ☕️🧸🕯️🧺🎄🎶

(Thank you to Grace Elena & House of Hearts for gifting me this ARC 📖 review below is my own 🤍)

The Ex-Mas Duet is a sweet and easy Christmas novella about exes Graham and Paloma; two songwriters who were once a duo both in and outside the studio. Still under contract with the same record label they’re asked to combine their great lyrical minds once more, only in the cutest little cabin in Frostpine Hollow: a magical snowy town in the mountains. 🏔️❄️ So naturally, when the storm hits and they get snowed in, it becomes the perfect setting to discuss some unresolved issues and feelings 🔥 perhaps even some hidden truths? And to write some amazing tunes! 🎼

I had a bit of a slow start to be honest, especially in the beginning there’s some relationship dynamics to learn that kind of had me feeling like I was missing some parts. But the pace quickly picked up after Paloma and Graham fell back into step with each other. It becomes apparent from the pages that music and songwriting is one of Grace Elena’s passions, I really appreciate that. It also made this story refreshing in a way (not your average Pumpkin Spiced Latte / small business owner story like a LOT of Christmas romances). The author knows her stuff here and it shows! 🎵

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Grace Elena and House of Hearts, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
This is the first, but not the last book of Graces that I will be reading!
May contain brief spoilers.

Ex-Mas Duet is a fun, quick, holiday read. It is a standalone, but I look forward to future installments.

Tropes
Exes to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Smalltown
Coworkers to lovers

Paloma- lost her spark for music writing when she and Graham broke up. Hasn't written a song since.

Graham- branched out, wants recognition for his work, wants to do more than duets.

Everyone always warns you don't date your coworkers, but Paloma and Graham have been there, broke up, and now have to work together again. When famous singer Colbie Brooks wants the two writers that got her song of the year to write her a Christmas holiday Ep, they are forced together in a cabin with no distractions.

Even though this novella is short and sweet, you really get the full picture of how Gram and Paloma used to be. It is funny, spicy, and a nice quick cozy read for the holidays! I would recommend you give this book a try, take a break from the holiday stress and escape for an hour or two!

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paloma and Graham are exes, but even worse, they're ex-cowriters in Nashville with contracts at the same label. When they're specifically requested by an artist to write a holiday EP, it results in them being shipped off to a secluded cabin with no one else to distract from the other. What could go wrong, right?

This year, I've read a few music-themed books and this novella was a perfect mix of music and holidays. It was clear from the beginning that Graham was the one who ended things, but you could still feel there was a connection there, so I was interested to see how it all unraveled.

After having her heart broken, Paloma has struggled to write new music and has been recycling old songs that she wrote while she was still with Graham. So being forced together was a blessing and a curse. But then having feelings bubble back up is just a recipe for disaster.

The Ex-Mas Duet was the perfect length and would be a great novella for anyone looking to break up some of the longer books that still wants the holiday vibes. This was my first Grace Elena book, and I'll definitely be circling back to her backlist. I enjoyed her writing and the spice absolutely hit!

Thank you to House of Hearts Lit for a free copy for my reading!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex-Mas Duet by Grace Elena
3.5☆

Such a cute & cozy holiday novella—so glad I didn’t pass this one by.

Paloma and Graham are exes, forced back together when they’re hired to write songs for a major country artist. And it’s only natural that they’re sent to a secluded cabin to inspire their work together… and then conveniently get snowed in.

The setup works and I really enjoyed how their shared love of music becomes both the source of their tension AND the way back to each other. They are both able to push through their writer’s block—individually and as a duo—which is honest and satisfying, especially given how deeply their breakup affected their creativity.

The off-limits chemistry is still very much there and their collaboration only fuels their yearning, despite the unresolved hurt between them. That said, the central conflict—particularly Graham’s reason for ending things—felt pretty heavy…heavier than the space it was given, but novella formats make things like that understandable.

It was a sweet, second-chance romance with a solid emotional core and I enjoyed the heart of the story.

*Thank you to Grace Elena & House of Hearts for the advanced reader copy!

[Tiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC Review – no spoilers!

I went into this expecting a cute, festive second-chance romance… and ended up grinning the entire time. A Huge thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC — holiday romances are hit or miss for me, and this one absolutely hits!

The chemistry is immediate, the banter is effortless, and the shared history between the characters feels genuinely real. Every interaction has that quiet, messy emotional tension that makes ex-romance so addictive, without feeling dramatic just for the sake of it. It’s cozy and festive without being over-the-top, romantic without being cheesy, and actually funny in a very natural way.

My favorite part is that the author included such a personal piece of herself by adding in her own song lyrics.

The pacing was great, the emotional beats landed, and I never felt like I was pushing through to get to the good parts — because the whole book is the good part. If you love holiday romances with believable second chances and heart, this should be on your winter TBR. 🎄📚

[Jen Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
* Second chance romance
* Songwriter duo reuniting
* Holiday romance
* Forced proximity
* Exes to lovers

Thank you to House of Hearts and Grace Elena for this eARC! All opinions in this review are my own.

This was a wonderfully sweet holiday romance novella with a little spice 🎄 I enjoy romance between singers and songwriters, and this had some of my favorite tropes! I was surprised to read about their past, but I also understand how much Graham has changed since they broke up. Both he and Paloma really are better together, so when she can look past that, their relationship artistically and romantically are so much stronger! Grace Elena writes really great romance with yearning and emotional growth between her MC’s, and I really enjoyed this one! Their HEA was a good fit for them, though I would have liked a little more of a look into their future together. But I loved the Christmas song lyrics throughout and really shows Grace Elena’s own creativity!

[Dawn Cornelius · Rating 3 out of 5]

This holiday novella is a great read for a snowy day with Christmas music low in the background.

Graham & Paloma are both songwriters who broke up years prior - career wise and romantically - and now they are asked to write together again for the hottest country star.

The musician arranges them at a secluded cabin which ends up being snowed in after a couple days and the chemistry sets off from there.

I enjoyed how they were able to break through their own barriers of writer's block in a way for themselves and as a duo - both something they struggled with after the break up.

I felt his reason for breaking up years prior was a bigger issue than it was handled in the book, but given it's a novella I understand why it was resolved so quickly.

I enjoyed these two and will check out this author's other works.

Thank you House of Hearts for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[• Dan reads books • · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow I really enjoyed this one! I loved how the Christmas seething is perfectly balanced with the narrative of a second chance story, the references to the season played on point with the storyline of being forced to work together with your ex, there was a mix of happiness from Christmas with a nostalgic that just worked perfectly.

I liked both Characters so much, I think Graham and Paloma had so much to say and I definitely connect with them. For me the perfect hooked was the fact that we didn’t knew their break up story til the ending when we were already on board with them, because I got to tell you…. Graham definitely has to work on proving himself going forward but I love where the ending goes with them.

I had a really good time, the characters are relatable and deep, the writing was great and the story was perfectly executed in a novella style.

“Thanks to Grace Elena and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.”

[Elifs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and short read. First of all, I genuinely enjoyed the story — there were moments that made me laugh and others that made me emotional. Most importantly, I absolutely loved the friendship between Paloma and Lacey. Just like Paloma says, they truly are yin and yang.

Graham was a character I couldn’t quite figure out at first, but eventually I understood him. I initially thought he was the one with the broken heart, only to realize that the situation was actually the opposite.

Paloma is an incredibly strong woman, and the fact that she built her success from the ground up with sheer determination made me feel so proud of her. 🥺 This story captures forced proximity perfectly, especially when they come together again to write a song.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys rom-coms. It was a wonderful story about two exceptionally talented musicians and songwriters.

Thank you so much for the arc!!🤍

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the angst that came behind them being two songwriters who are also exes having to work together in a snowed in cabin to make an ep after years of being broken up. It added a level of drama that really engaged me.

However, the reason behind the breakup was too brutal for it to work for a novella for me. I still enjoyed the book but I wasn’t able to love it because I didn’t believe that graham was as sorry as he said he is about the very messed up thing that he did that led to the breakup and I didn’t believe that Paloma would forgive that easily. I do believe that there was room for a second chance that worked here I just think it needed the full novel word count to make room for his groveling and her healing process in understanding his actions and believe that he’s not that man anymore/ that he’s truly remorseful.

❄️1st person pov and dual pov
❄️songwriting exes
❄️snowed in a cabin
❄️second chance
❄️not very Christmasy but is winter themed

[Bookish_Carisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
* forced proximity
*Christmas
*Music/ Songwriters
*Second chance romance
*Friends to lovers to strangers
*Novella

Everyone always warns you don't date your coworkers, but Paloma and Graham have been there, broke up, and now have to work together again. When famous singer Colbie Brooks wants the two writers that got her song of the year to write her a Christmas holiday Ep, they are forced together in a cabin with no distractions.I loved that their love of writing is what brought them back together, even if it was what pushed them apart in the first place. The way these two work together, despite the tension, was incredible. The chemistry between these two is very much still there, but Graham has a secret he’s been keeping that could blow it all up again. This was my first book by Grace Elena but it won't be my last.

Thank you to Grace Elena and House of Hearts Lot for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

[Tóth Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was my second read from the author and I really enjoy her writing style. Easy to read, but meaningful.

In this novella we can read about Paloma and Graham who used to write songs together, but not anymore. This changes when a famous country star asks them to write together an EP.

I really enjoyed the writing style as well as the characters especially because it is a novella. Paloma’s and Graham’s characters are very well written with a meaningful background. The vibe of the book was magical. It felt really cozy and I had a heavy Christmas feeling. This was a perfect read for this time of the year.
The only thing I wish for this book to be longer, because I would love to read more about this duo. Both from their past as well as their future.

Thanks to Grace Elena and House of Hearts for the gifted copy, this is my honest review of the book.

I recommend this book if you like second chance romance, cozy Christmas vibes, songwriters.

[Megan Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐ for me

I think this just wasn't for me - I really wanted to like it, there were plenty of aspects to it that I usually love, but overall I just couldn't connect with the story or characters, and the pacing felt off to me.

Things I liked:
❄️ a snowed in cabin in the mountains (that has a hot tub)
🎄 songwriters (who are exes) writing holiday songs by the fire
🎶 MMC seemed to have decent morals, not wanting to take advantage of the FMC, and wanting to talk about their history before moving forward with anything new

Things I couldn't move past:
-FMC on page 92: "it'll take time to forgive you. You hurt me" FMC on page 96: "Let's do it" (yes, that 'it')
-The head of the music studio not knowing two of her star duet writers haven't written together in THREE YEARS

Thank you to House of Hearts Lit and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! 🤍

[Aaliyah Shabazz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Ex-Mas Duet. After the end of their relationship and writing partnership Paloma and Graham have spent the last few years avoiding each other. They’re forced back together when a famous country singer requests that they co-write a Christmas EP for them, and they’re in no position to say no. I love forced proximity and second chance romances so this was definitely up my alley. I loved the meddling bar owner who tried to push them together. Watching them step back into their routine and slowly start to open back up to each other really made the book for me.

I wish Paloma had taken just a little bit more time before forgiving Graham. I wanted just a bit more groveling from him, especially when they’ve been avoiding each other for years because of what he did. Thanks to Grace Elena and House of Hearts for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas novella with the perfect amount of romance and spice!

I find I really like the second chance trope in novellas because the chemistry just feels so real and full. I enjoyed the way Grace wrote this as well, allowing us to learn how the were together through little snippets of thoughts instead of the timeline jump. It allowed for the new memories to shine through.

Paloma and Graham had the perfect story. It was nice to see them being honest and opening up in order to move forward with their future instead of being stuck in the past. It’s a breath of fresh air, for sure!

I loved the song writing scenes! Seeing their routine and falling in sync- perfection! And those lyrics!!!

A great read with a bit of spice (1 explicit scene) which was perfect in my opinion.

Thank you to Grace Elena and House of Hearts for the arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Csakegyluca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paloma and Graham are famous songwriters who are forced to work together on a new album for a superstar. The problem? They used to be in love. Now they’re stuck in the mountains, sharing the same house and the past is impossible to ignore.

This was such a lovely story with a beautifully written plot. It instantly put me in the Christmas spirit and made me feel like I was walking through a snowy landscape page by page.
I really enjoyed learning more about songwriting and about the passion music can bring into our lives as well as how demanding and emotional this kind of work can be.

This book made me smile so much. The vibe was absolutely magical. I loved Graham’s calm, confident attitude and Paloma’s warmth and cheerfulness. Reading this felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a snowy winter afternoon. Dreamy, cosy, comforting, everything I want from a Christmas read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect holiday novella and such a great intro to Grace Elena 🎄✨ This was my first book by her, and I’ll definitely be adding more to my TBR. The Ex-Mas Duet may be short, but it packs in beautiful writing, strong chemistry, and all the feel-good vibes.

Graham & Paloma are former lovers and former songwriting partners who broke up years ago—romantically and career-wise—only to be forced back together to write for the hottest country star 🎶🔥 Second-chance romance done right (and yes, you know I’m a sucker for those).

This novella was the perfect length, great for breaking up longer reads while still delivering holiday vibes. I loved her writing style, and the spice definitely hit 🌶️❄️ I’ll absolutely be circling back to her backlist.

Thank you to Grace Elena & House of Hearts for the opportunity to read 🤍📖

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex-Mas Duet is a really adorable little novella. This is Paloma and Grahams story.
Paloma and Graham are ex lovers and also ex co writers in the music industry. Since they've broken up though, they haven't worked together. But when they are being forced to co write a few songs together, they have put everything aside to get the job done. Not only that, but to help them be able to write their duets, they are to stay together in a cabin during an unforeseen snow storm.
I loved the chemistry between Paloma and Graham, however, I feel like Paloma forgave Graham too easily for what he had done. I felt like she should have let him grovel a little more or move things a little more slowly with him. Nevertheless, it still made for a great story and recommend giving it a read. The story flows really well and is captivating.

[Julissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet novella, with second chance / exes-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes. There were cute moments, but I wanted to feel more of the pull between the main characters. I also felt like the big “conflict” looming over them was kind of glossed over, despite having had such a big impact on the FMC’s career. But I understand that in the brief format it couldn’t get more attention. I think I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous holiday novellas more than this one, but this was still worth the read and follows her characteristic style. If you’ve enjoyed her other books, definitely check this one out!

Thanks to Grace Elena & House of Hearts for an advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 12/12/25

[Adam Reisinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from House of Hearts Lit in exchange for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed this story, but what kept it from being a five-star read for me was that I couldn’t help but feel like it should have been a full-length novel. It felt like the story was rushed to keep it to novella length. We get almost nothing about Paloma and Graham’s original relationship, which would have strengthened our connection to them getting back together.

Still, what we do get in these few pages is very cute, and I always appreciate a story about people in creative industries rediscovering their passion for their art through a romantic relationship. And the small town holiday setting was perfect for this time of year.

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

what to expect
❄️second chance
🤍snowed in cabin
❄️songwriters x exes
🤍cute nicknames
❄️holiday novella

Graham & Paloma are songwriters, and exes, trying to navigate their careers since their split that has left them both closed off and lost of their songwriting magic. Until a job opportunity, a snowstorm & holiday magic help them find their way back - their emotional connection stronger than ever and bleeding into their creativity at every turn✨

This was the coziest, sweetest second chance novella with a dash of holiday spirits mixed in! I loved seeing Graham and Paloma come back to one another, seeing their emotional connection bleed through their music & the magic of the holiday bringing them closer together.

Thanks to Grace Elena and @houseofheartslit for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.