Snow for the Holidays

The Warner Park Collection #3

by M. Anderson

Snow, chaos, and coming home. A cozy MM holiday romance about an established love that survives the storm.

AubreyI just wanted one snow day. One lie about being sick, one drive out of L.A. before I cracked. But my boyfriend, Eli, shows up—because of course he does. Always determined to save me from myself. Between one snow-day mishap and the next, we stop pretending we’re fine. Maybe loving someone forever isn’t about running off together. Maybe it’s about finally staying put.

EliHe lies, skips work, and vanishes into the snow-covered mountains. My boyfriend, the drama queen. I should’ve stayed at the shop with Mike, but instead I follow him into a storm. Loving him means learning to stop fixing and start feeling, to let the mess exist and still call it ours.

Part of the Warner Park CollectionThis novel is part of the Warner Park Collection, a set of interconnected romances set in Los Angeles. Each book can be read as a standalone, but together they weave a larger story of friendship, found family, and love in all its forms.

Warner Park — Andrew & Vincent (slow burn, strangers-to-lovers, Hollywood romance)The Bad Idea — Aubrey & Eli (frenemies-to-lovers, banter, hurt/comfort novella)Snow for the Holidays — Aubrey & Eli (established couple, reigniting spark, holiday hijinks novella)Perfect for readers who holiday romanceEstablished coupleSmall town vibeEmotional gay love storiesRom-com humorSnowed-in with only one bedCharacter driven LGBTQ+ fictionSlow burn queer romanceHeartfelt MM spice

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

M. Anderson is an independent author and illustrator of emotional, character-driven queer romance. Known for blending heartfelt storytelling with a touch of humor and spice, her books explore themes of self-acceptance, second chances, and the quiet chaos of everyday life in Los Angeles.

Her collections follow interconnected friend groups, each book offering a new point of view and a standalone reading experience, while rewarding readers who love to follow character arcs across multiple stories. With a background in art and a love for nostalgic, slice-of-life narratives, M. Anderson’s work invites readers into soft, intimate worlds where love feels personal.

When she’s not writing or drawing, she can be found at her 9-5, digging around in her garden, and spending quiet days at home with her husband and their dog, Charlie.

Website: https://authormanderson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.m.an...
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/m20anderson
Email: authormanderson@gmail.com

Reviews

[Cinthya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect fun, cozy read for the holidays!!

It took me a bit to fully understand the characters because I hadn’t read the previous book, but once I got their vibe and dynamic, I was totally immersed. It can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you’re someone who loves analyzing characters and having a clear grasp of their personalities like I do, I think you’d benefit from reading the previous one first. And trust me, it’s 100% worth it because they’re everythiiiiing 😭. If you’re not obsessive like I am lol, you can still enjoy this book as a cozy, fun, and also heartfelt standalone.

🔔 Ok, now to the review!!

These two had such a complex yet beautiful connection that you can’t help but root for them. I thoroughly enjoyed the contrast between Aubrey’s upbeat yet introspective personality and Eli’s quiet but detail-oriented one. I loved how Eli seemed more serious, yet could read Aubrey like a book and knew exactly what he needed to feel okay. Eli had that “I can’t believe I’m doing this, it’s crazy, but I’ll do anything to make him smile” vibe, and it was ridiculously adorable. And Aubrey was so precious. You can tell he feels everything intensely and doesn’t always know how to process it, but he’s sooo easy to love. There’s a moment during their snow day when things go completely off the rails, and it really highlights not only their differences but also where they meet in the middle. It was incredibly entertaining. They got into such an unnecessary mess, and I was dying laughing at how it happened in the first place 🤣 they're so stupid but so in love, I can't 🥹

I absolutely loved them, and I’m definitely going to read the previous book. Even though the author gave all the context needed to understand this one and their relationship… I want more 🙊 I love them and need to know how it all began 💜

The vibes:

♥ Cozy snow day
♥ Fun, messy situations
♥ Two idiots in love who would do anything for each other
♥ Lighthearted moments of them being silly and cute
♥ Heartfelt moments where you can feel their love and how much they mean to each other

[unhingedreaderaunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow for the Holidays by M. Anderson
5⭐️ 2🌶️

🎄 Barista X Auto Mechanic
☕️ Established Couple 
🎄 Holiday novella
☕️ Chaos & hijinks
🎄 Forced Proximity / Snowed in

M. Anderson’s gorgeous art drew me to her books, and I was thrilled to discover a new favourite author in the process! Snow for the Holidays is a holiday novella for Aubrey and Elijah, an established couple from Em’s Warner Park series, so of course I had to also go back and read The Bad Idea first! (It’s not necessary to read The Bad Idea to enjoy Snow for the Holidays, but it’s worth it!)

Snow for the Holidays is beautifully written, with Anderson’s distinct style of succinct and minimal prose that’s packed full of heart and emotion and punctuated with sharp wit. The story provides the cosy kind of chaos that I love in a Christmas read. It’s a modern Christmas tale, capturing that specific ennui that I think a lot of people are feeling in today’s world—those fed up with the daily grind, who are feeling invisible and unimportant. Aubrey and Elijah’s story teaches us that sometimes you just need to reconnect—and cause some chaos—with those you love in order to feel whole again.

This was a definite 5 star read for me; I loved these wonderfully complex characters. Their often unhinged antics were artfully balanced with plenty of raw emotion that will hit you right in the feels. I also loved the hilarious Ferris Bueller’s Day Off-esque subplot, with Rosie the cafe manager acting as the headmaster to Aubrey’s Ferris Bueller, and Patrick coming through as the MVB (Most Valuable Barista). We could all use a friend like Patrick, and an enduring love like Aubrey and Elijah’s.

Thank you to the author for giving me an ARC, this is my honest review.

Join me on IG @unhingedreaderaunt for more MM reviews and reccs.

[Cassandra Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

Snow for the Holidays is the cozy, chaotic holiday romance I didn’t know I needed! ❄️☕️

Aubrey & Eli are an established couple, and their snowed-in adventure had me laughing, swooning, and crying quietly at the same time. Aubrey’s impulsive snow day sets off a series of hilarious, over-the-top mishaps, while Eli follows along because… well, he loves him and will do anything to keep him safe. Their chemistry is adorable, chaotic, and so effortless, it’s the kind of relationship that makes your heart ache and your cheeks hurt from smiling too much. 🥰💖

M. Anderson’s writing is beautiful in its simplicity, packing sharp wit, heartfelt emotion, and a cozy winter vibe into every page. The Ferris Bueller-esque chaos, Rosie the cafe manager, and Patrick being the absolute MVP added extra layers of joy to the story. These little touches made me laugh out loud more than once. 😂

Even though this novella is part of the Warner Park series, it works as a standalone, but I cannot wait to go back and read The Bad Idea to fully understand Aubrey and Eli’s journey. Their love, their chaos, and their sheer adorableness had me hooked from start to finish.

If you’re looking for:
❄️ Cozy winter vibes
❄️ Two idiots completely in love
❄️ Heartfelt moments + chaotic fun
❄️ A story that warms your heart like a mug of cocoa

…then Snow for the Holidays is absolutely for you. Aubrey & Eli = my chaos babies, and I am officially obsessed! 💜🎄

[Tired as a Muther · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️ ARC Review ❄️
A heartfelt MM romance about skipping work, getting lost in the mountains, and accidentally fixing your relationship along the way.

M. Anderson, WHAT did I just read?? 👀😂
Allow me to clarify.
I loved Aubrey and Eli, but I feel like I am missing some important information regarding their relationship. I will definitely go back to read their origin story in book 2. I absolutely loved the idea of Aubrey needing a break & taking an adult snow day. Obviously Eli tries to be the responsible voice of reason in the beginning, but ends up following Aubrey on this wild adventure, simply because he loves him and needs to reassure him that he will be okay...their relationship will be okay...everything will be okay in the end.
Now, the chaos that ensues as a result of Aubrey's snow day was crazy and so over the top that I didn't know whether to scratch my head or cackle. Like, HOW do two people find themselves in the middle of so many chaotic situations in 48 hours time? 😂

Overall, this was a quick, fun little holiday read! I just adore Aubrey & Eli. 🥰

Snow for the Holidays is Book 3 in the Warner Park Series and features an established couple, Aubrey & Eli from Book 2, The Bad Idea. While it can technically be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading Aubrey and Eli's first book. I have not read this yet, but definitely plan to to give me a better understanding of their relationship.

[sixteenpawssevenears · Rating 5 out of 5]

💙 Eli & Aubrey 💙


My favorite chaos couple. 😽🩵

I loved them in "Bad Idea" and I love them now just the same.

The first thing that came to my mind when I started reading was - sadness.

I felt for Aubrey.

Those moments in your life when you wake up to another day that will be just like the last 100 days. Where you just stand there in the quiet and just - can't.

When life feels too much and not enough at the same time.
When all you want to do is crawl out of your skin, close your eyes and open them to a different reality.
But since that is impossible, you get the unbearable urge to start running and never stop.

Well. Been there. Done that.

Didn't help.

But sometimes you just can't help yourself.



Anyway.

Even if this was a "short" story, if wasn't fast paced. It was slow and sweet.
Even if this started kind of sad, reading it felt peaceful in a way most books aren't.
I didn't want to scream or cry.
I flew through the pages in no time, but it left me feeling calm and wholesome the whole time.
I kept thinking this is what tranquility must feel like.

Don't get me wrong.

This was chaotic and fun, and just Eli and Aubrey.
But for some reason I felt peaceful throughout their chaotic aldult snow break 💙

[Kate Apal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated this 4.5⭐

This novella gave me all the cosy Christmas feels. It’s fun, easy to read, and even managed to give me a few butterflies along the way. I absolutely loved the relationship between the two MCs, Aubrey and Eli—their connection is strong, genuine, and so easy to root for, which made it effortless to get fully invested in their story.

The found family element, especially shown through the friendships in the interludes, added an extra layer of warmth. Those interludes were such a delight—funny, cosy, and full of heart. The dialogue and banter throughout the book are sharp and genuinely hilarious; M. Anderson’s sense of humour really shines.

I do think I might have bumped this up to a full 5 stars if I’d read the previous books, not because it was necessary for understanding the story, but because it would’ve given me that extra bit of connection I felt I was missing. Still, this stands strong as its own festive, romantic, and charming read.

I definitely recommend this novella!

Release date: 5 December
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️
Emotional Rollercoasters: 🎢
Tears Cried: 💧

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored these two lunatics. They were unbelievably sweet and absolutely lovable.
Eli is the more responsible one, maybe a bit more serious between the two of them, yet he’s the one who causes the chaos on the snow day Aubrey wanted for himself because he was a bit overwhelmed. And of course Eli followed him and spent the day with him because… well… he loves him 🥹 and it really shows.
And the fact that they managed to create this much chaos in barely 48 hours—I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. In the end I laughed while crying; the situations they ended up in were just that funny.
And Patrick! My God, that guy—he’s insanely funny and such a good dude!
Patrick and Aubrey are true drama queens, and they overreact to absolutely everything, but they’re still adorable.

Overall, this book is a light, cozy, comfortable, pleasant, short MM holiday romance—you can read it in just a few hours, and the boys’ shenanigans really lift your spirits.

I received a copy of this book as an ARC from @author.m.anderson, and this is my honest opinion.

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

genre: mm romance
4🌟 1🌶️


🏍️my thoughts:
I want to start off by saying that I definitely recommend reading the original novel, The Bad Idea, first to introduce yourself to the characters as this is a holiday spinoff novella. Though you can read Snow for the Holidays by itself, Aubrey and Eli are already an established couple and you miss most of their story that led to this novella.

I do love this story nonetheless because I relate to Aubrey - wanting to escape the mundane routine where you feel like you can never escape and enjoy things in life. Though I could never just take a snow day for myself and abandon work, I admire Aubrey for doing so. Even if I think mans needs some therapy or some sort of HEALTHY coping skill to process his emotions instead of escaping and lashing out.

I also relate to Eli in the way that he wanted to do whatever he could to support those that he loves, even at the risk of missing wholesome time with said loved ones. I'm going to be really honest, I want someone obsessed with me the way Eli is to Aubrey. I can't wait to read their story and how the obsession came to be.

This is still a perfect holiday read if you chose to dive in without reading the original novel with it's comfy but chaotic storyline, with hilarious side characters and a shocking ending.

While I do love the characters and their chaos, I think my rating would have been higher if I did read The Bad Idea first, so this is my TEMPORARY rating until I read The Bad Idea and then re-read this next winter 🖤 The only problem I have with the content is in the chapter 10, the scene felt a bit forced but again, my opinion might change when I read the book this novella is based off.

[Ky Ky ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning back to the Warner Park universe! Eli and Aubrey were, as always, chaotic and sweet in the best way; they're so perfect together. They match each other's energy, drive each other mad, and love one another fiercely. This story was relatable, cozy, and lovely. I'm so glad we were able to revisit this world and read about how they are not only trying to navigate their relationship, but also their own individual growth, obstacles, and mental health. Love is complex and messy, but worth fighting for. This book was a beautiful display of navigating the ups and downs of established relationships.

Also let's not forget their found family consisting of truly unique and crazy characters. They're the best! Patrick's sassy interludes were so cute!

I loved this story and I'm so thankful that M. Anderson gave us more Eli and Aubrey ♥️

[Wicked River Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet, chaotic and relatable. Aubrey and Eli were cute together and their shenanigans were fun. From the diner to the tree shop they were a good time. I can totally understand Aubrey needing an adult snow day and I think his fear of disappearing is something many can relate to. I love how supportive Eli was of Aubrey and their slight obsession with each other is cute. It’s clear there isn’t anything they wouldn’t do for one another. I liked the side character (excluding Rosie) and I’m glad I picked this up!!!

💚ARC REVIEW❤️

☑️ Trigger Warnings.

[Robert West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow for the Holidays is an interesting take on an adult snow day.
It was a quick enjoyable read that highlights the loving connection of Aubrey and Eli while showing how their personal insecurities and sense of self affect every choice they make. It shines a light on how even imperfect moments can sometimes be exactly what we need. Grab a coffee, sit back, and enjoy the chaos these two create.

[Samantha Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow for the Holidays is a warm, tender MM romance that blends festive charm with a surprisingly heartfelt emotional journey. At its core are Eli and Aubrey two men who care deeply for one another but wrestle with their own insecurities. Anderson handles their vulnerabilities with a gentle, empathetic touch, showing how doubts about worthiness, desirability, and being truly understood can weigh heavily even in adults who seem to have life figured out.

The snowy getaway doesn’t magically fix everything, but it gives Eli and Aubrey the space to see their own strengths reflected in each other’s eyes. By the end, the reader is left with the warm satisfaction of watching two people not only fall in love, but start to believe they’re worthy of that love. A cozy, uplifting holiday read for anyone who enjoys romance with emotional depth and a generous sprinkle of seasonal magic.