See You Next Winter: Snowbound Secrets, Book 2

by Holly June Smith, Shane East (Narrator), Zara Hampton-Brown (Narrator)

Kayla

Ryan Richmond and I have spent every Christmas since we were kids in the same snowy Alpine village. As we grew, so did our chemistry.

On our eighteenth winter, we made a ‘festive friends-with-benefits’ take advantage of our limited time together, then wave goodbye with no strings attached.

Those two weeks were the highlight of my year. Until, without warning, Ryan stopped coming here for the holidays. It broke my heart, and I’m determined not to waste another winter pining over him.

Ryan

The best things about Christmas are snow, skiing, and sneaking around with Kayla McInnes.

My oldest friend is funny, adventurous, and gorgeous. She's everything I'd want in a partner, if only she didn’t live half a world away.

We always agreed a long-distance relationship was pointless, but saying goodbye got harder and harder. I thought if I stopped visiting, I’d get over her. But I was wrong.

I can’t stay away anymore. And I’m hoping this year we can make winter last forever.

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Christmas, Friends To Lovers, Holiday, Novella

Audible Audio

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

Holly June Smith is a writer and romance addict who is constantly falling in love with fictional heroes and dreaming up new ones.

Originally from the North East of Scotland, she now lives in Hertfordshire, England.

You can also find her on Insta and TikTok @hollyjunesmith

Reviews

[Brittany Ferraro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the first book in this series on audio and thought it was adorable, super spicy, and just a really fun time. This one… not so much.

Don’t get me wrong, the narration is still phenomenal. You really can’t go wrong with Shane and Zara. I just didn’t connect with this story the same way I did the first.

It’s still a lighthearted, laid-back, easy listen, but there were quite a few things I didn’t love. I’ll be honest: the whole premise of them constantly making excuses for why they couldn’t be together felt kind of silly, especially when we’re literally watching a couple from the first book do exactly that.

I also wasn’t a huge fan of their relationship dynamic. I get that they were friends with benefits, but the moment he was getting off to her talking about being with another man… it was a no for me, dawg. Not my thing 🤣

And then there’s the ending. These two clearly want to be together, and instead of just committing, they decide to play games? I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like maybe it’s just me (maybe it was my mood) but this one definitely missed the mark for me.

That said, if you’re looking for a quick duet-narration audiobook with winter vibes, you might still enjoy this one.

[cozycornernovels ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute, fun and spicy! I definitely enjoyed book 1 more, but this one was also very festive while packing a punch in the spice category. If you're looking for a quick holiday novella to read, add this one (and book 1) to your list! They're both amazing as audiobooks as well as they're done as duets. ✨

4 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio was absolutely amazing . Give me 20 more please

[Cheeseluvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problem I had with this book is a me problem. The FMC drove me nuts for a good portion of the story by running hot and cold with the MMC and just creating a lot of unnecessary angst. The spice is nice and the audio narrators deliver good performances. The first book in the series, "Can I Tell You Something" should not be missed, especially the audiobook version.

[Valerie B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setup for this book was interesting, these are friends that already have a hookup situation when the book starts. But of course, feelings always get in the way. I enjoyed their relationship and the push and pull of figuring out where they would end up. This book was spicy!

[Chel Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in my feels with this one! Holly knows how to write an emotional, spicy af rom-com 🔥

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this audiobook! And audiobook is THE way to do this spicy, winter series. Enjoyed first one more, but this was fun and short with great duet style.

[Andrea Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these little novellas. 3.5 rounding to a 4 for the voice narration.

Enjoyed book 1 more; this one was a little fast.

[Amy Storment · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚SEE YOU NEXT WINTER
🎤Shane East & Zara Hampton-Brown
Featuring Adam Gold & Evelyn Rose

Thanks to Holly June Smith, East House Productions and Must Love Audio for a copy of the ALC.

✨️Available Now✨️

Picture this: a snow-covered Alpine village so picturesque you want to Instagram it, two childhood friends who have spent their entire lives skiing, sledding—and apparently sneaking in some very festive “friends-with-benefits” arrangements—then one winter things get real.

Kayla and Ryan, have a pact: for two weeks every holiday season they’ll frolic in the snow, enjoy each other, then wave goodbye, no strings attached. Sounds solid? Sure—until Ryan vanishes one year. Cue the emotional meltdown by Kayla & for good reason. The long-distance angst, the romantic escalation. It's enough to drive a woman bonkers..

I LOVED⤵️
❄️The setting- The Alps is so romantic. You'll wanna go on a skiing trip after this

❄️The shift between Kayla & Ryan is everything. You're cheering when it finally happens, its spicy & so satisfying

❄️I mean...childhood friends to lovers, enough said! 🥹

❄️There's a will they/won't they moment & you're just hanging on for dear life tonsee if they choose the right path.

This is slightly a romantic comedy but filled with big emotions. It's steamy, cozy & perfect for the season.

🎤Let's talk audio: Shane and Zara are seriously perfect and we get a glimpse into what happened with Adam Gold & Evelyn Rose's characters which was SO MUCH fun. Shane & Zara really SHINE when it comes to fun & sexy banter. Zara brings an emotional aspect to the story & when Ryan finally gets his head on straight, Shane is ALL swoons, soft-hearted & smitten.

This novella is perfect for those who love a little romantic comedy with a side of emotional turmoil. 😂

I liked Can I Tell You Something a little better but if you loved that one, this is an absolute must.

All thoughts are my own. Audio is available now.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I was eager to get my hands on See You Next Winter in audio would be an understatement. When I finished Can I tell You Something? last year I was so ready for SYNW in audio and it was everything and then some!

Ryan and Kayla are life long friends, and for 2 weeks every winter their families vacation in the same spot. As they get older their relationship turns from friendship into friends with benefits. So each winter they have 2 weeks of steamy fun and then go on their way again. After skipping 2 winters Kayla is surprised to see Ryan again. It’s clear that both of them have feelings towards each other that go beyond just the “benefits” but can they make long distance work?

This fast paced holiday novella sure did put a smile on my face and a blush on my cheeks. Holly June Smith sure knows how to pack a steamy punch! While this is a shorter, high heat read Holly sprinkles in just the right amount of plot to create a fun, spicy and engaging story. Also that epilogue was adorable!

See You Next Winter is narrated in duet by Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown. With Adam Gold and Evelyn Rose to perform the roles of Cameron and Hannah, which was an absolute treat for my ears, I loved both of them in Can I Tell You Something? Shane and Zara did a great job capturing all of the emotions the characters felt and of course their performances just took the spice up another level. Did I mention their accents? Shane’s British accent was so yummy and I can’t say enough about Zara’s Irish accent. This is audiobook gold!

[Kay West · Rating 4 out of 5]

An angsty holiday romance with a beautiful setting and lots of dirty talk.

I highly recommend reading Can I Tell You Something first before this one because both of these stories take place at the same time, which is really cool. And I am glad I re-read the first book in the series before picking this one up.

We're following Ryan (the brother of the FMC from the first book) and his childhood love Kayla, who's families have neighbouring chalets in the French Alps and they see each other every winter for a few weeks. As they get older, their friendship turns to something more.

These two just can't get out of their own way to make room for love. Kayla is stubborn and needs to always 'win', even to her own detriment. Ryan lacks emotional intelligence, but makes up for it with a wild sex drive.

The angst in this was intense and my heart hurt. If you're looking for a light and fun holiday romance, Can I Tell You Something is what you need. If you want some yearning and challenges, this one is it.

What to expect
✈️Amazing Audio
✈️Medium Spice
✈️Only For Winter
✈️French Alps
✈️Angsty
✈️Childhood friends
✈️Long-distance

This book is best listened to after booking a one-way ticket to France.

[Anna Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3

This book had a lot more pining and yearning than I was expecting! It had a lot of angst and crossed wires, lots of back and forth. A little miscommunication going on too.

For the first half of the book I didn’t like the MMC much, I found him a little leading - felt like he kept her on a string. But then it kind of flipped and I liked him… and disliked her instead! I can’t even really describe why.

I liked the story with the dual timelines going on, the flashbacks to different ages throughout their relationship was cute. I got annoyed when she went to see him in LA and he stood her up. I actually wanted to dnf for a chapter or so there!! But I persevered and I’m glad I did because I liked the way he won her back and wooed her.

Shane East narrated this so well for me! I loved all his growls and the emotions from him during the harder chapters and arguments. It felt raw and fresh which appreciated. And Zara did a good job too, again especially during the emotional scenes.

Overall enjoyed the book but it left me with some mixed feelings that I can’t even explain. I had high hopes after the first book because I loved that one, but this one just fell slightly short for me.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫/🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Format: Audiobook - Duet narration by Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown featuring Evelyn Rose and Adam Gold
Series / Standalone: Interconnected Standalone (Snowbound Secrets Book 2)
Tropes: Childhood Friends to Lovers, Holiday Romance, Secret Pining

Thanks to the Must Love Audio, East House Productions, and the author for this gifted audiobook - all opinions are my own

I loved everything about this book!! These characters are so fun on their own, but their relationship is such a great mix of wholesome with fiery chemistry. The way the story progresses was unique. The dual timeline was beyond interesting with the past unfolding in reverse. I really felt a lot for these characters and that feeling had me so invested I couldn’t wait to restart when I had no choice but to pause it. I highly recommend this as a quick listen/read.

This one was especially good on audio!! Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown are one of my dream duos in the audiobook world and this book felt like it was written just for them to narrate. Between the amazing cast, beautiful accents, and the multi-cast duet style production, this is a no-brainer on audio.

[txmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a lucky little witch to get chosen for the ALC of See you next winter. Thank you again for this gift.
I loved the writing and how Shane East and Zara Hampton Brown brought Kayla and Ryan to life.
This was a sweet but still very spicy holiday winter Xmas story.
What I loved most about it was the switching between the chapters that showed Kayla‘s and Ryan‘s story as kids as well as the current time chapters. It really helped to bring the connection these two share to the surface.
I have to admit it melted me to hear Shane’s Sweetheart again and his Bunny for Kayla did not fail eighter.
I guess bunny is short for the well known term skibunny in Europe. Which I really enjoyed to find here.
The affection between the two is so present and the long distance pinning is next level.
The spicy scenes are passionate and very well written. I loved all of it.
Although you can read See you next winter as a novella without reading the first part of the Snowbound series -Can I tell you something ? I would highly recommend to also listen to the first part simply because you don‘t want to miss that great story.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

See You Next Winter by Holly June Smith is a fun, emotional, sweet skiing romance. Lifelong vacation friends Kayla McInnes and Ryan Richmond have had a hookup pact for years. It’s a friends with benefits, spicy bucket list, once-a-year arrangement, but each year it gets tougher to say goodbye after New Year’s. I really enjoyed the way Holly revealed Kayla and Ryan’s backstory and their romance developed. This was a sweet, slightly angsty, banter-fueled love story, and a grand wintry romp!

Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown were terrific in this duet narration! Their saucy and sweet performances brought this heartwarming, snowy adventure off the page. Shane’s portrayal of the broody, charming, pining Ryan was delightful. Zara brought fantastic energy, charm, and passion to the fiery, captivating Kayla. Adam Gold and Evelyn Rose made wonderful guest appearances! If you’re looking for a flirty holiday romance with great characters and matchmaking mischief, grab See You Next Winter now!

[Mamie Diemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

have always loved the friends-to-lovers trope because that was how my husband and I got together, but this adds the *childhood* friends-to-lovers element and idk what it is about the childhood friends part that makes me immediately fall in love with a story but omgggggg the fact that they’ve known each other since they were MONTHS old is SO FREAKING SWEET.

They only ever see each other for two weeks every year but somehow, no matter what the year apart brings them, they always come “home” to each other for the holidays. They spend the entire year pining for each other and wishing they could somehow make a relationship work, but they are content with the time they have…until now 👀

Just like the first book, the audio production is SO AMAZING OMG. I am so impressed with both audiobooks! And also like the first book, this is a short, novella-length story and the length of the book fit the story so well. Things never felt rushed or lacking. Of course there’s always the “I wish there were more!” aspect, but the story is so perfect as it is!

If you read (listen to) any of my holiday recs, PLEASE don’t skip this duet!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALC REVIEW!

The slopes are snowy but this story is anything but cold!

The narrators perfectly brought Ryan and Kayla to life as we jumped back and forth between past and present, learning all that has lead us to the big decision Ryan makes in the end.

Years of yearning, back to stealing kisses as teens, came to halt when Ryan’s busy life kept him off the mountain for 2 holidays in a row. Kayla knew her heart was on the slopes and chose to move here year round.

The long distance thing has never been something they want to do and the way Ryan finally breaks (thank you Cameron for the push!!) and so casually shows up at the market made me squeal!! Loved this random meet cute moment and the absolute shock from Kayla.

Thank you Holly for the ALC! This was the perfect holiday novella: short, spicy, and sweet.

[Amy Bergesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, spicy audiobook with very good narration. FMC Kayla and MMC Ryan have known each other since infancy, and have always been the best part of each other’s winter holidays. One of the best parts of the book is the toggling back and forth between their present day relationship and winters past. This structure builds depth and poignancy and separates this very spicy novel from a purely fluff read.

I was not a fan of the constant “we can’t make this work” conflict, especially on the part of Kayla. Despite being in love with Ryan, she seemed determined to not give them a chance. Ryan was slightly less frustrating (he caves first, and goes all in on the relationship).

Beautiful wintry descriptions of mountains and skiing, complete with cozy family chalets and delicious French onion soup. HEA, standalone, 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.

[Indecent Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Holly for the ALC!

I love a duet style audiobook, and Shane East (of course) and Zara Hampton-Brown were amazing! Obviously, I was obsessed with their accent and I really think they portrayed the characters well!

There was so much spice AND emotions in this short novel, I enjoyed the plot too! I thought it was a unique story how the main characters have known each other since childhood, and basically met yearly, and were friends with benefits. It was frustrating to read about how they loved each other but couldn't work it out, but I can definitely see that as a real world problem.

Well, this book made me giggle, made me swoon, made me fan myself and made me upset, so I got everything I like in a book :)

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this last year and the story stands up on a reread. I love Kayla and Josh’s dynamic and that journey from winter fling to something more is hard earned. Their chemistry in the bedroom is sensational and I loved seeing how that had grown through years of building trust with each other where they were able to fully be themselves and ask for what they wanted.
I love Shane East and thought he was a great gruff Josh. I wasn’t sold on Zara’s Scottish accent though and found it a little too forced which did take me out of the story a few times. While I may not listen to this on audio again, I will absolutely be reading the book again and again when the festive season rolls around.

[Pang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved See You Next Winter by Holly June Smith when I first read it, and hearing Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown bring Ryan and Kayla’s story to life made me fall for it all over again.

Their childhood friends-to-lovers romance still hits deep! The yearning, the emotion, the connection, it’s all there. Shane and Zara’s narration is pure magic: heartfelt, passionate, and perfectly matched. And those spicy scenes? Shane’s deep, growly voice with Zara’s soft, breathy tone... perfection! 🔥

It was such fun to hear Adam Gold and Evelyn Rose too. It made me want to relisten to Can I Tell You Something!

If you’re thinking about the audiobook 🎧, do it, you won’t regret it!

[Jo Venison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!!! It's a perfect escape with spice :)

June Holly Smith delivers a story that’s equal parts cosy winter magic and spark-flying chemistry. Think snow-kissed chaos, awkward, but adorable, encounters, and that warm, fizzy feeling you only get from a romance that knows exactly what it’s doing. The characters? Utterly lovable. The banter? Sharp enough to cut through ice. The swoony moments? Yummy! The narrators are perfect too. I love Shane Easts voice, and have listened to a few books with him now and it's warm and spicy!

Add this to your next listen list, you will be thanking yourself by chapter 2!

[Scandi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narrated in duet style (full cast actually!!!!)

I am not ashamed to say I’ve been waiting for this audio since last year. And Holly and her team did not disappoint one bit. It is just as good, if not better than the first one. The story is fun, sweet and oh so spicy.

I really love how Holly writes her stories and characters. And all the work she puts in these novellas and their audios.

Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown are both perfectly casting for this story.
This is a short sweet and spicy little Christmas novella. That’s guaranteed to get you in some cozy Christmas spirits😮‍💨😉

Story ⭐️: 5/5
Spice 🌶️: 4/5
Narration 🎙️: 5/5

[briebriereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 Audiobook Review: See You Next Winter by Holly June Smith
⭐️ 4 Stars | 🌶️ 4 Spice

The dual narration in this audiobook was fantastic — great chemistry and really high-quality production!

The story follows two people who have a long-standing tradition of reconnecting every winter break. After a few years apart, our FMC tries to protect herself from getting hurt again. But when they finally decide to give long distance a chance, they have to figure out what their future really looks like.

A super spicy and emotional read that perfectly balances heat with heart.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

See You Next Winter is the second book in the Snowbound Secrets duology, with this book following Kayla and Ryan’s story. Their’s is a lifelong-friends to friends with benefits to forever love romance. It’s hot and sexy, but also shows the vulnerability of both of them. It’s an excellent story performed beautifully in duet by Zara Hampton-Brown and Shane East. It was slightly a seasonal story but so much more, and the main part (aka. the non-flashback part) spanned an entire year. I appreciated the lack of corny Christmas stuff so much.

[Woke Scorpio Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Holly. June. Smith. Do you know a Kayla?! As a Kayla myself, I feel completely called out in this book! 😅 This is the first time an FMC has had my name and I feel so seen!

Chapter 46 had me in tears because boy have I been where Kayla has been emotionally a time or two in my adult life.

I also cried again when Ryan proposed to her with her grandmother's ring 😭

I am so wrecked! I think this is going in my Top 3 Reads of 2025 🙌🏾

[Samantha | Chapters + Tequila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: Audio - duet
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

🎧 Audio Review: See You Next Winter (Snowbound Secrets #2)

I wanted to love this. Book 1 took me for a RIDE. A ride I plan to take every holiday season. Book 2, while it was good, there were parts that bugged me. They are Festive Friends with Benefits turned lovers, but something about Kayla irked me. I do love their teach-me lists moments and going through everything together. They should've ended up together sooner.

[Angelic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I’ve been waiting for this audiobook since I listened to it”Can I tell you something?”!!! This book was just as good and its own lane of course!!

I just love a good friends to lovers story and this one was perfect! Definitely recommend if you want a smutty read 😉 or listen, whatever you prefer! Plus the ending was absolutely precious. 🥹🥹 This book was so worth the wait!

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanna's brother, Ryan has been cozying up to Kayla every Christmas season in the French Alps since they were kids. Every winter, their families meet in France in a small skiing town for the holidays. This story does a reverse timeline about what happened between Ryan and Kayla during these holiday season, while also telling the present story of them. Fun Christmas holiday vacation read with a bowl of French onion soup or hot cocoa!

[Breanna 🍒 · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAAHHHH this was SO good!
The begging & the pining nearly took me out!!!! I felt soooo feral reading this.
10/10 highly recommend listening to the audiobook!!!

Rating — 5 stars
Dates read — December 9th-11th, 2025
Read on — audiobook available on Spotify premium
Spice — SPICY. Multiple explicit descriptions & scenes.