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Holidays with Hart #3
My Merry Mistake
Sometimes the perfect gift is standing right in front of you. . . You're just too stubborn to see it.
I don’t like to make mistakes. Ever.
Especially when those mistakes are witnessed by the same person—flirty Finn Holbrook—who can’t seem to leave me alone. Can I really trust him not to tell anyone that the night we met, I tried to kiss him? Or that I fell apart after I got fired from a job I loved? Or that I’m not as strong as I want everyone to think I am?
The simple fact that he’s boomeranged back into my orbit after all these years feels like a great, big cosmic joke.
Only now he’s a professional hockey player, and while he doesn’t look like the goofy college bartender I met all those years ago, he still acts like one—immature, flirty, and unable to take anything seriously.
Which is why I never, ever fall for his game.
I know better than to get swept up in romance. I don’t have time. I’m busy making myself irreplaceable in my new job with the Chicago Comets. Work isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am.
And while my sisters are constantly on me to slow down and take breaks, those things aren’t on my schedule, so . . . I push on. Do more. Load up my schedule. Overcommit. Until eventually, my stress lands me in the emergency room.
The prescription? A month off. No emails. No work. No distractions.
Unless you count Finn Holbrook, who keeps showing up at my door, determined to leverage his positive, golden retriever energy to show me there's a great, big world outside that I haven't bothered to explore, most of it covered with white twinkle lights and Christmas decorations.
I begrudgingly go along with his grand plans, and little by little, I start to see there really is more to life than work—and more to Finn than flirting.
Which makes me wonder . . . how can someone so obviously wrong for me start to feel completely right? And more importantly . . . how do I make those feelings go away?
I don’t like to make mistakes. Ever.
Especially when those mistakes are witnessed by the same person—flirty Finn Holbrook—who can’t seem to leave me alone. Can I really trust him not to tell anyone that the night we met, I tried to kiss him? Or that I fell apart after I got fired from a job I loved? Or that I’m not as strong as I want everyone to think I am?
The simple fact that he’s boomeranged back into my orbit after all these years feels like a great, big cosmic joke.
Only now he’s a professional hockey player, and while he doesn’t look like the goofy college bartender I met all those years ago, he still acts like one—immature, flirty, and unable to take anything seriously.
Which is why I never, ever fall for his game.
I know better than to get swept up in romance. I don’t have time. I’m busy making myself irreplaceable in my new job with the Chicago Comets. Work isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am.
And while my sisters are constantly on me to slow down and take breaks, those things aren’t on my schedule, so . . . I push on. Do more. Load up my schedule. Overcommit. Until eventually, my stress lands me in the emergency room.
The prescription? A month off. No emails. No work. No distractions.
Unless you count Finn Holbrook, who keeps showing up at my door, determined to leverage his positive, golden retriever energy to show me there's a great, big world outside that I haven't bothered to explore, most of it covered with white twinkle lights and Christmas decorations.
I begrudgingly go along with his grand plans, and little by little, I start to see there really is more to life than work—and more to Finn than flirting.
Which makes me wonder . . . how can someone so obviously wrong for me start to feel completely right? And more importantly . . . how do I make those feelings go away?
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2025
839 people are currently reading
5472 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Walsh
38 books6,209 followersCourtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes low spice romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. She is also a Carol award winner and Christy award finalist.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 890 reviews
December 6, 2025
Courtney just knows how to write feel-good romances! Love a reverse grumpy sunshine story!
November 14, 2025
My Quick Takes:
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 closed-door hockey romance
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 kisses only
- Content 🤔 past death of family member
Loved it so much I read it in a single day, been a long time since that’s happened!
What a fun book. Courtney Walsh is on my auto buy list, I’m a big fan of all the books I’ve read of hers so far, especially her Christmas books! While you can read this book as a stand alone (I did) it is technically the third book in an interconnected series. I definitely plan on reading the other two books! I also loved the few nods to one of her other Christmas books, Christmas with a Crank
I loved the main characters families. There’s just something extra wholesome about two characters that both come from fun, loving families. There’s still plenty of character development and depth to be had. I found myself tearing up multiple times during shared moments that both main characters had with their families.
The narration is a dual point of view and I always enjoy getting both sides of the storyline as a reader. Some of the tropes are he falls first, pining, slow burn, and opposites attract. It’s a great book to ease into the Christmas season because it starts at a Halloween party, and then goes through both Thanksgiving and Christmas! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a clean Christmas romance!
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 closed-door hockey romance
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 kisses only
- Content 🤔 past death of family member
Loved it so much I read it in a single day, been a long time since that’s happened!
What a fun book. Courtney Walsh is on my auto buy list, I’m a big fan of all the books I’ve read of hers so far, especially her Christmas books! While you can read this book as a stand alone (I did) it is technically the third book in an interconnected series. I definitely plan on reading the other two books! I also loved the few nods to one of her other Christmas books, Christmas with a Crank
I loved the main characters families. There’s just something extra wholesome about two characters that both come from fun, loving families. There’s still plenty of character development and depth to be had. I found myself tearing up multiple times during shared moments that both main characters had with their families.
The narration is a dual point of view and I always enjoy getting both sides of the storyline as a reader. Some of the tropes are he falls first, pining, slow burn, and opposites attract. It’s a great book to ease into the Christmas season because it starts at a Halloween party, and then goes through both Thanksgiving and Christmas! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a clean Christmas romance!
November 4, 2025
I read this too fast 😭!!
This book was so good and I loved everything about it. The whole reverse grumpy/sunshine, the secrets, the lovability of Finn, the secondary characters. I need more time with the Harts!
This book was so good and I loved everything about it. The whole reverse grumpy/sunshine, the secrets, the lovability of Finn, the secondary characters. I need more time with the Harts!
November 4, 2025
I am going to NEED EVERYONE TO READ THIS
November 8, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 6/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Oh…my…HART! Books one and two in this series are some of my all-time favorite RomComs. I was so excited about the release of Raya’s story and let me tell you, Courtney Walsh absolutely knocked this one out of the park. There’s an incredible amount of depth in this one, combined with humor and character development that will just do your heart good. RomCom perfection!
Raya is fiercely independent; she’s a perfectionist and workaholic who hardly ever pauses to come up for air. Her 24/7 on-the-go lifestyle finally backfires and lands her in the E.R. Her body is screaming for her to slow down, but she simply doesn’t know how. Her responsibilities working for the Chicago Comets NHL team are endless, but her boss sees the need for her to pull back and enforces a 4-week paid leave to rest and recover. Raya is NOT happy with this decision at all.
Lucky for Raya (although she refuses to see it that way), hockey player Finn Holbrook plans to take care of her both physically and mentally while on leave. He conjures up plans to keep her busy and encourages her to try new things. If he can sweep her off her feet in doing so, all the better. Raya has never had “time” for romance and has never taken Flinn for much more than a big flirt, but their time together starts to prove otherwise. I’m telling you that it’s impossible to read this book and not feel thoroughly invested and connected with these characters. Raya and Finn are simply the best!
I truly appreciate the way Courtney tackles her romances. Sweet kisses without make-outs that get too heated or uncomfortable for me to read. You NEVER feel like you’re lacking anything in her writing. There’s always purpose and a relatability within the pages of her stories and she simply wows me every time.
Trigger Warning: Topics of alcohol consumption. Death of a sibling due to a drunk driver (past).
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Oh…my…HART! Books one and two in this series are some of my all-time favorite RomComs. I was so excited about the release of Raya’s story and let me tell you, Courtney Walsh absolutely knocked this one out of the park. There’s an incredible amount of depth in this one, combined with humor and character development that will just do your heart good. RomCom perfection!
Raya is fiercely independent; she’s a perfectionist and workaholic who hardly ever pauses to come up for air. Her 24/7 on-the-go lifestyle finally backfires and lands her in the E.R. Her body is screaming for her to slow down, but she simply doesn’t know how. Her responsibilities working for the Chicago Comets NHL team are endless, but her boss sees the need for her to pull back and enforces a 4-week paid leave to rest and recover. Raya is NOT happy with this decision at all.
Lucky for Raya (although she refuses to see it that way), hockey player Finn Holbrook plans to take care of her both physically and mentally while on leave. He conjures up plans to keep her busy and encourages her to try new things. If he can sweep her off her feet in doing so, all the better. Raya has never had “time” for romance and has never taken Flinn for much more than a big flirt, but their time together starts to prove otherwise. I’m telling you that it’s impossible to read this book and not feel thoroughly invested and connected with these characters. Raya and Finn are simply the best!
I truly appreciate the way Courtney tackles her romances. Sweet kisses without make-outs that get too heated or uncomfortable for me to read. You NEVER feel like you’re lacking anything in her writing. There’s always purpose and a relatability within the pages of her stories and she simply wows me every time.
Trigger Warning: Topics of alcohol consumption. Death of a sibling due to a drunk driver (past).
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
December 4, 2025
“There’s beauty everywhere if you slow down long enough to see.”
❣ Hands down my favourite romance book of the year! ❣
Finally, finally, finally … an author who can write a clean sports romance with all the sizzle and none of the spice. I want to jump up on a podium and share my love of this fantastic book. LOL!
Walsh writes to show us that sometimes love is saving each other and that this ‘saving’ involves knowing how to help someone who doesn’t think they need it.
I’ll admit that I saw more of myself in Reya than I’d care to admit (like TONS), and quite a bit of my husband in Finn, making this a relatable novel and perhaps influencing my rating.
However, I need to shed light on Courtney Walsh’s amazing ability to:
(1) show that falling in love is more than just great chemistry; it’s also connection, showing up for each other, and healing. Walsh allows readers to see the messy side of connection through vulnerability and this drives her plot.
(2) pen an emotional connection that gives rise to great banter and tension. It’s been a l-o-n-g time since I’ve giggled and gushed while reading romance.
(3) balance the obstacles in Finn and Reya’s journey with the chemistry that pulls them together so that one doesn’t overshadow the other.
(4) craft characters who aren’t stock & a male character who is younger than his love interest
The reminders about self-care, living like it matters, choosing to explore rather than conquer, and that we are more than what we do for a living, were ones I needed to hear. My takeaway: “Perfect is the enemy of great.”
I’ll definitely be adding this author to my auto-read list!
❣ Hands down my favourite romance book of the year! ❣
Finally, finally, finally … an author who can write a clean sports romance with all the sizzle and none of the spice. I want to jump up on a podium and share my love of this fantastic book. LOL!
Walsh writes to show us that sometimes love is saving each other and that this ‘saving’ involves knowing how to help someone who doesn’t think they need it.
I’ll admit that I saw more of myself in Reya than I’d care to admit (like TONS), and quite a bit of my husband in Finn, making this a relatable novel and perhaps influencing my rating.
However, I need to shed light on Courtney Walsh’s amazing ability to:
(1) show that falling in love is more than just great chemistry; it’s also connection, showing up for each other, and healing. Walsh allows readers to see the messy side of connection through vulnerability and this drives her plot.
(2) pen an emotional connection that gives rise to great banter and tension. It’s been a l-o-n-g time since I’ve giggled and gushed while reading romance.
(3) balance the obstacles in Finn and Reya’s journey with the chemistry that pulls them together so that one doesn’t overshadow the other.
(4) craft characters who aren’t stock & a male character who is younger than his love interest
The reminders about self-care, living like it matters, choosing to explore rather than conquer, and that we are more than what we do for a living, were ones I needed to hear. My takeaway: “Perfect is the enemy of great.”
I’ll definitely be adding this author to my auto-read list!
December 9, 2025
Infinite stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dare I say it? This might be my favourite Christmas read of the year, and also my favourite Courtney Walsh rom-com!
I utterly adored Poppy and Eloise's books. I love them and their guys sooo much. But Raya? Raya I understood in an "I am her, she is me" way. When Courtney dedicated this to the eldest daughters because "you get it," she wasn't kidding. On so many levels, this book broke me and put me back together again. There were plenty of tears shed between the laughter.
Finn is Raya's perfect match. Not because he's perfect, but because he sees her. He helps her open up, slow down, rediscover fun in her life. He's good for her. All the eldest daughters need a Finn in their lives.
I loved all the Hart family cameo appearances, and of course, Dallas, Gray, and the rest of the Comets! This series is one I'll definitely be revisiting again and again!
Dare I say it? This might be my favourite Christmas read of the year, and also my favourite Courtney Walsh rom-com!
I utterly adored Poppy and Eloise's books. I love them and their guys sooo much. But Raya? Raya I understood in an "I am her, she is me" way. When Courtney dedicated this to the eldest daughters because "you get it," she wasn't kidding. On so many levels, this book broke me and put me back together again. There were plenty of tears shed between the laughter.
Finn is Raya's perfect match. Not because he's perfect, but because he sees her. He helps her open up, slow down, rediscover fun in her life. He's good for her. All the eldest daughters need a Finn in their lives.
I loved all the Hart family cameo appearances, and of course, Dallas, Gray, and the rest of the Comets! This series is one I'll definitely be revisiting again and again!
November 29, 2025
This was so cute!!! Raya was an insufferable killjoy in the previous books, so I was both nervous and excited to finally read her story. she was frustrating in this book, as per usual, but she lightens up and is more likable as the story progresses. Finn is the best, I love him. Overall, this is my favorite book in the series.
Content notes: Making out and a few suggestive comments
Content notes: Making out and a few suggestive comments
December 15, 2025
I love absolutely everything that Courtney writes but her Christmas books have a little extra special sauce making them the best of the best.
This is such a great opposites attract romance and I loved how the MMC was the the fun loving playful one while the FMC Raya was the structured uptight one.
If I'm being honest, Raya is my twin soul
Dislikes sports ✅
Not a fan of the Marvel universe ✅✅ (except Guardians of the Galaxy, I'm with Finn on that)
Forming quick opinions of others ✅✅✅
A Little uptight ✅✅✅✅
Courtney did a fantastic job developing this characters. This is the absolute perfect book for the season
This is such a great opposites attract romance and I loved how the MMC was the the fun loving playful one while the FMC Raya was the structured uptight one.
If I'm being honest, Raya is my twin soul
Dislikes sports ✅
Not a fan of the Marvel universe ✅✅ (except Guardians of the Galaxy, I'm with Finn on that)
Forming quick opinions of others ✅✅✅
A Little uptight ✅✅✅✅
Courtney did a fantastic job developing this characters. This is the absolute perfect book for the season
November 9, 2025
MUST BE ON YOUR HOLIDAY TBR.
ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELDEST DAUGHTERS.
Full review to come.
ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELDEST DAUGHTERS.
Full review to come.
November 17, 2025
The long anticipated 3rd Holidays with Hart book is here, and boy have I been anxious to hear Raya's story! While she has been a tough cookie to crack throughout the series, I have been curious as to what made her the way that she is. Always a fan of a backstory!
Spice - just kissing
Language - none
Content - past death of a loved one
Tropes - opposites attract, she's a workaholic, he's a golden retriever, hockey romance, small town christmas
I will say, even after reading, I definitely think Raya is the sister I understand the least (also noting that Eloise is the one I resonate with the most). I spent the entire first half of the book frustrated with how cold she was and the decisions she was making. I've never understood the mindset of a workaholic or someone who refuses help from others. Even learning why she had a tougher exterior didn't really justify the extent of how she was acting to me. I do think some of this can be chalked up to life experience. I don't understand the pressure of an eldest daughter, nor do I know what it's like to bottle up my emotions - I'm an only child and I'm an open book! So, Raya took me some time to get used to.
By the second half, I felt like I was reading a different story - AND I LOVED IT! It's not really a spoiler to note that Raya does soften (because she has to, right?) - and that was when I really got into it. This is also when more fun, small town Christmas activities were taking place, and we also got a little bit more of Finn's back story, too.
Overall, while not my favorite in the series, I did end up enjoying this story. And rumor on the street is this isn't the last Hart book we're getting! I truly love this family and the Chicago Comets hockey team. Courtney has done a great job of building a community of people I adore. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
Spice - just kissing
Language - none
Content - past death of a loved one
Tropes - opposites attract, she's a workaholic, he's a golden retriever, hockey romance, small town christmas
I will say, even after reading, I definitely think Raya is the sister I understand the least (also noting that Eloise is the one I resonate with the most). I spent the entire first half of the book frustrated with how cold she was and the decisions she was making. I've never understood the mindset of a workaholic or someone who refuses help from others. Even learning why she had a tougher exterior didn't really justify the extent of how she was acting to me. I do think some of this can be chalked up to life experience. I don't understand the pressure of an eldest daughter, nor do I know what it's like to bottle up my emotions - I'm an only child and I'm an open book! So, Raya took me some time to get used to.
By the second half, I felt like I was reading a different story - AND I LOVED IT! It's not really a spoiler to note that Raya does soften (because she has to, right?) - and that was when I really got into it. This is also when more fun, small town Christmas activities were taking place, and we also got a little bit more of Finn's back story, too.
Overall, while not my favorite in the series, I did end up enjoying this story. And rumor on the street is this isn't the last Hart book we're getting! I truly love this family and the Chicago Comets hockey team. Courtney has done a great job of building a community of people I adore. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
December 15, 2025
This was a great read! It had banter, family, and lots of Christmas. I liked that there was lightness balanced with depth. I really enjoyed it.
January 1, 2026
I love this series so much! The Hart sisters are all adorable & I'm so glad there's a clean hockey romance out there.
February 27, 2026
❤ I loved everything about this book! It was so good to me. I read it slowly because I wanted to savor the story.
🏒 I loved the premise and the history between the two main characters, especially that unforgettable office party filled with chemistry. The way the author weaves in flashbacks from both Finn and Raya’s perspectives added so much depth. And the banter? Everything! I loved how Finn teased Raya but also knew when to step back and care for her.
❤ Raya drove me a little crazy at times, but I understood why she made the choices she did. She put so much internal pressure on herself that she forgot how to enjoy life and just go with the flow. I could definitely relate to that. It’s wild how the pressure we put on ourselves can even start affecting us physically.
🏒 I thought Finn was exactly what Raya needed to help her loosen up and have fun. I also really appreciated his character arc, watching him process the loss of his brother and learn to be vulnerable, even on his hard days, was beautifully done. Both characters had to learn how to open up, and I loved that growth for them.
❤ The side characters were such a highlight too. Raya’s and Finn’s families, plus the hockey team, made the story even funnier and cozier (lol, if that’s a word). This book gets 5 stars all the way!
🏒 I loved the premise and the history between the two main characters, especially that unforgettable office party filled with chemistry. The way the author weaves in flashbacks from both Finn and Raya’s perspectives added so much depth. And the banter? Everything! I loved how Finn teased Raya but also knew when to step back and care for her.
❤ Raya drove me a little crazy at times, but I understood why she made the choices she did. She put so much internal pressure on herself that she forgot how to enjoy life and just go with the flow. I could definitely relate to that. It’s wild how the pressure we put on ourselves can even start affecting us physically.
🏒 I thought Finn was exactly what Raya needed to help her loosen up and have fun. I also really appreciated his character arc, watching him process the loss of his brother and learn to be vulnerable, even on his hard days, was beautifully done. Both characters had to learn how to open up, and I loved that growth for them.
❤ The side characters were such a highlight too. Raya’s and Finn’s families, plus the hockey team, made the story even funnier and cozier (lol, if that’s a word). This book gets 5 stars all the way!
November 25, 2025
Raya and Finn. My word, I just loved their reverse grumpy/sunshine, friends to more goodness! I related to Raya on many levels (though not quite so extreme, haha) and I just loved seeing Finn draw her in, first with his flirting, and then by just being her friend and not giving up on her. Plus the ways Raya was able to help Finn heal too. Plus the awesome Hart family crossed with Finn’s big, chaotic, wonderful family—it was just a beautiful, funny, heartstring-pulling read!
TW: Past Loss of a Sibling, Dealing with Bitterness/Forgiveness
TW: Past Loss of a Sibling, Dealing with Bitterness/Forgiveness
November 21, 2025
I loved the first two in this series, but this one not so much. The MMC was the most lovable golden retriever, but the FMC was one of the least likable characters I’ve ever read. She was ridiculously stubborn with an inflated sense of her own importance, and honestly I could find no reason for the MMC to be into her at all. It was very contrived and over the top. Stick to the first two in this series, they were great!
December 12, 2025
4.25/5 stars
I’ve become a big fan of the Hart series and this installment was no exception. I’m not really a hockey fan, but these books have made me reconsider my position. 👀☺️ Raya Hart is a driven and talented woman who prefers to do things her own way. She didn’t want or need anyone in her life, other than her family. 7 years earlier, at a very low point in her life, she was vulnerable, and Finn Holbrook came to her rescue. They’ve never really forgotten each other, even though Raya really wanted to. Fast-forward to the current day, and she’s working for the hockey team that Finn plays for. Will she be able to resist his charms now that he’s set her in his sights? Highlights | 🎄opposites attract 🎄slow burn romance 🎄he falls first 🎄sweet holiday vibes 🎄family 🥰 🎄forgiveness
🎄great banter I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gave me all the feels. 🥹 It’s heartwarming and yet has depth to it. I absolutely loved the family aspect to the story and how taking a chance on love can bring so much joy. Add this book to your holiday reading lineup. I think you’ll be happy you did. It was delightful. ❤️
I’ve become a big fan of the Hart series and this installment was no exception. I’m not really a hockey fan, but these books have made me reconsider my position. 👀☺️ Raya Hart is a driven and talented woman who prefers to do things her own way. She didn’t want or need anyone in her life, other than her family. 7 years earlier, at a very low point in her life, she was vulnerable, and Finn Holbrook came to her rescue. They’ve never really forgotten each other, even though Raya really wanted to. Fast-forward to the current day, and she’s working for the hockey team that Finn plays for. Will she be able to resist his charms now that he’s set her in his sights? Highlights | 🎄opposites attract 🎄slow burn romance 🎄he falls first 🎄sweet holiday vibes 🎄family 🥰 🎄forgiveness
🎄great banter I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gave me all the feels. 🥹 It’s heartwarming and yet has depth to it. I absolutely loved the family aspect to the story and how taking a chance on love can bring so much joy. Add this book to your holiday reading lineup. I think you’ll be happy you did. It was delightful. ❤️
December 11, 2025
4.25 🌟 This was adorable!! I identify entirely with Raya. 💯 We are the same person! I’m glad to be a recovering perfectionist, so I really enjoyed her story. Super cute!!
Content: Loss of loved one, medical episode, kissing & joking innuendo
Content: Loss of loved one, medical episode, kissing & joking innuendo
March 6, 2026
“All I’m asking for is a chance.”
My Merry Mistake was a reverse grumpy sunshine, holiday sports romance that was so swoon worthy and addictive! This feel good romance was absolutely adorable, but had a more emotional side to it too. With Christmas markets, ice skating, watching Christmas movies, decorating Christmas trees, and drinking hot cocoa, this festive book was so much fun!
Is it wrong that I like things a certain way? Neat. Ordered. Tidy. Everything in its place.
It’s how I like my feelings too. I learned a long time ago that those need to stay tightly wrapped.
Raya always felt like she had to be going a million miles a minute. She came across as so serious and having everything together. But even though her sisters and family loved her deeply, she still felt alone at times. When she got a job working at the same company as Finn, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was impossible not to be happy when he was around! I loved that he could catch her off guard with his words. She was so put together, so it was beyond entertaining to watch her get startled off her game.
“What are you watching, Morticia, if you don’t like Marvel and you don’t like sports?”
“Literally anything but those two things.”
“So, Amish romance, then?”
Finn was the ultimate golden retriever. He had the hugest heart, always had a smile on his face, and came from a family that loved him deeply. And he wanted Raya sooooo bad lol. I loved his tenacity and his ability to get her to smile. Or even get her to feel butterflies. Watching their relationship shift from work, to friendship, to more had my heart soaring! I loved that he got her to slow down and actually take a look around. They were so good for each other. But they both had some healing to do too.
“Are you always like this?”
“Like what?”
“Happy,” I say.
“You say that like it’s a disease.” He smirks.
My Merry Mistake made me cry. This book had so much depth, from healing from your past, to a name sign, to even a Christmas checklist. I loved it all so much! And while this can be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend the two previous books enough! You got to see what they were up to, and it made me so happy! I binged this trilogy in a week and can’t recommend it enough!
I think about the little white box of chocolate. His teasing is harmless. I can handle that and brush it off.
His kindness, though, is much more difficult to ignore.
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November 11, 2025
As always Courtney Walsh delivers on adorable, sweet, but also emotional and thoughtful holiday romance. Finn was such a sweetie. 🥺 And as someone who has struggled with perfectionism I highly related to Raya.
November 11, 2025
Another great series! I THINK this is my favourite of the three. There were lots of funny moments, fun banter, and of course all the people from the other books that you love, make an appearance. 🥰
I loved watching Raya's character unfold. I think she is the most complex of the three Hart sisters, but they all have their struggles. This book was definitely worth the wait.
I loved watching Raya's character unfold. I think she is the most complex of the three Hart sisters, but they all have their struggles. This book was definitely worth the wait.
November 29, 2025
(Rounded up for GR) MY MERRY MISTAKE by Courtney Walsh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Eeee I loved this! If you need a book that will make you smile, goes down easy, and you’ll want to binge in a day… try this! Finn: I love you. He is gentle and steady and exactly what Raya needs. Raya’s sisters and Finn’s family are all so fun and add so much to the book. This is a slow burn, but let me tell you, the chemistry is off the charts!
Raya is a workaholic who has no time for a love life. When Finn comes into her life, she believes she has him all figured out. He has a goal to show her who he really is and that there is more to life than just a rigid work schedule!
Perfect if you like:
•Reverse grumpy sunshine.
•Lovable side characters!
•Slow burn.
•He takes care of her.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️ (just kisses)
Mood: 🍩🌮
Raya is a workaholic who has no time for a love life. When Finn comes into her life, she believes she has him all figured out. He has a goal to show her who he really is and that there is more to life than just a rigid work schedule!
Perfect if you like:
•Reverse grumpy sunshine.
•Lovable side characters!
•Slow burn.
•He takes care of her.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️ (just kisses)
Mood: 🍩🌮
November 21, 2025
⭐️5
THIS WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER
I absolutely adore Finn and his family, I love his adoration for Raya and I am so happy she got her happy ever after 🥹
I love this book and the whole Hart sister series but this might be my favorite 🥰
As the oldest sister, I felt a connection with Raya immediately and the character growth she went through was one of the best I’ve ever read about 🥹
I really really enjoyed this Christmas, opposites attract romance
Would recommend 🥹
tropes:
🎄no-spice hockey romance
🎄age gap
🎄opposites attract
🎄slow burn
🎄friends to lovers
🎄he takes care of her
🎄dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
THIS WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER
I absolutely adore Finn and his family, I love his adoration for Raya and I am so happy she got her happy ever after 🥹
I love this book and the whole Hart sister series but this might be my favorite 🥰
As the oldest sister, I felt a connection with Raya immediately and the character growth she went through was one of the best I’ve ever read about 🥹
I really really enjoyed this Christmas, opposites attract romance
Would recommend 🥹
tropes:
🎄no-spice hockey romance
🎄age gap
🎄opposites attract
🎄slow burn
🎄friends to lovers
🎄he takes care of her
🎄dual pov
CONTENT:
- kisses only (closed door)
- no language
December 23, 2025
3.5 I'm an oldest sibling and can relate to her train of thought and feelings, but Raya was a bit much and didn't budge on her feelings through most of the book so that started to get frustrating. I loved Finn and everything with his back story so I just wished we would have had more time of the two actually getting along. All in all still a fun read, but I think Poppy's story is still my favorite.
November 5, 2025
I really loved this book! Such a sweet romance that touched on deeper subjects without getting to deeeeep. Which I think allowed the romance to feel real but not heavy. Definitely recommend this series and am super sad that it’s over. I guess I’ll go reread the other two books now✌🏻
April 7, 2026
I thought, I wouldn't like Raya and would've hated the book too but was I wrong 😅💕
December 28, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the Holidays with Hearts series. It is a kisses only contemporary romcom. It can be read as a standalone story, but in my opinion, it is best read after the other books. This series is about 3 sisters. You get to know Raya's personality through those other books and it gives a foundation for this story. I'd read the others a year or more ago. Before reading this one, I went back and listened to the others again. I can't wait for this one to come out in audio. I'll be buying that as soon as it does.
Finn and Raya have such an interesting dynamic. It is so sweet to watch how it all plays out. Getting to see Poppy and Eloise again was such fun, especially while watching Raya's sorry play out.
I don't purchase many books to actually read, but this I'd one that I am very glad I bought and made time to read. I even stopped in the middle of an ARC to read this once I'd finished listening to My Lucky Charm.
Finn and Raya have such an interesting dynamic. It is so sweet to watch how it all plays out. Getting to see Poppy and Eloise again was such fun, especially while watching Raya's sorry play out.
I don't purchase many books to actually read, but this I'd one that I am very glad I bought and made time to read. I even stopped in the middle of an ARC to read this once I'd finished listening to My Lucky Charm.
December 1, 2025
Courtney Walsh is a master at crafting deep and intricate plots while keeping things light and not fluffy. There is so much...substance to this book. Finn was an unexpectedly layered hero who was lovable from the very beginning. Raya was stone cold serious and career driven yet even from the start, I knew she needed someone to be the sunshine to her struggles. (This is the first time I've met the Hart siblings but you better believe I will be going back to read the first two books of this series!) Finn became her unwanted sunshine and despite her grumpiness she had been his beacon for years.
I love a good "he falls first" trope and this one was no exception. Finn was so patient with her, focusing on being her friend--being what she needed. Yet we see the very believable struggle there because he's wanted her for so long.
I absolutely adored this book and the Christmas goodness throughout.
It was the perfect balance between light and serious. I found myself smiling and giggling throughout their story. The sweet and tender moments weren't just between the hero and heroine but with their family and friends. Like I said, the depth to this book was just perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of it!
*I was provided a complimentary copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
RATINGS:
💋
15+
I love a good "he falls first" trope and this one was no exception. Finn was so patient with her, focusing on being her friend--being what she needed. Yet we see the very believable struggle there because he's wanted her for so long.
I absolutely adored this book and the Christmas goodness throughout.
It was the perfect balance between light and serious. I found myself smiling and giggling throughout their story. The sweet and tender moments weren't just between the hero and heroine but with their family and friends. Like I said, the depth to this book was just perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed every single second of it!
*I was provided a complimentary copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
RATINGS:
💋
15+
November 7, 2025
I don’t have words, truly, how do I describe what this book meant to me?
This book was everything I wanted it to be and MORE. Though I don’t consider myself an antisocial workaholic, there was SO much to Raya’s character that I connected with deeply - her deepest core fears and beliefs about love truly reflect my own. Courtney Walsh wasn’t kidding in her dedication when she said this one is for the eldest daughters…I felt that❤️🩹
This book was healing in so many ways - I cried multiple times; not because of something sad, but because I resonated with so much of this story. The true goodness of Finn’s character made me actually feel like…maybe there is a Finn out there in the real world for me too?🥹
Courtney Walsh does it again - a perfect blend of humor and banter, with depth and growth. The book never felt heavy while still dealing with some past traumas. What a PERFECT conclusion to the Hart sisters’ stories🥰 ALSO THE ROMANCE?! Flippin incredible 😭❤️🫶🏻
I’ll probably never shut up about this book, sorry not sorry. This is literally my favorite romance book and possibly my favorite romance series
♾️⭐️
P.S. yall better read the authors note because it sounds like she is teasing another story???😍 IM OBSESSED ALREADY
This book was everything I wanted it to be and MORE. Though I don’t consider myself an antisocial workaholic, there was SO much to Raya’s character that I connected with deeply - her deepest core fears and beliefs about love truly reflect my own. Courtney Walsh wasn’t kidding in her dedication when she said this one is for the eldest daughters…I felt that❤️🩹
This book was healing in so many ways - I cried multiple times; not because of something sad, but because I resonated with so much of this story. The true goodness of Finn’s character made me actually feel like…maybe there is a Finn out there in the real world for me too?🥹
Courtney Walsh does it again - a perfect blend of humor and banter, with depth and growth. The book never felt heavy while still dealing with some past traumas. What a PERFECT conclusion to the Hart sisters’ stories🥰 ALSO THE ROMANCE?! Flippin incredible 😭❤️🫶🏻
I’ll probably never shut up about this book, sorry not sorry. This is literally my favorite romance book and possibly my favorite romance series
♾️⭐️
P.S. yall better read the authors note because it sounds like she is teasing another story???😍 IM OBSESSED ALREADY
December 17, 2025
Def need to go read the other two books in this series after realizing this is the most recent hah oops. Love a holiday romance with characters that have some depth to them and even more when I can resonate with them. Not gonna lie I felt like I was reading about me at times 🙃. Loved the grumpy x sunshine vibes but she’s the grumpy one.
Content:
❤️ Over multiple holidays starting at Halloween through Christmas (in different years)
❤️ Reverse grumpy x sunshine
❤️ Grief and loss (loss of sibling)
❤️ Themes of forgiveness and connection
❤️ Opposites attract
❤️ Amazing banter
❤️ Close Knit Family
❤️ He falls first
❤️ Small Town (outside of Chicago)
❤️ Spice: 🫑 (kissing only)
Content:
❤️ Over multiple holidays starting at Halloween through Christmas (in different years)
❤️ Reverse grumpy x sunshine
❤️ Grief and loss (loss of sibling)
❤️ Themes of forgiveness and connection
❤️ Opposites attract
❤️ Amazing banter
❤️ Close Knit Family
❤️ He falls first
❤️ Small Town (outside of Chicago)
❤️ Spice: 🫑 (kissing only)
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