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Seeds of Christmas: A STEM college romance novel
He's failing geology. She's got her life planned. Eight days snowed in together is either a disaster or destiny.
Carter Wolfe hasn't been back to his fraternity house since his brother's funeral. He's barely passing his classes, barely holding it together, and definitely not ready for Christmas with his aggressively cheerful family pretending everything's fine when it's not. He’s also secretly debating a major life pivot—dropping out of UMS entirely to become a firefighter or finishing his degree.
Rhiannon Pierce has escaped her controlling ex, survived her mother's guilt trips, and locked down the research opportunity that'll get her into grad school—until her professor bails and sticks her with the charming slacker who she has a secret crush on.
Now they're trapped in a remote cabin over Christmas with expensive equipment, zero cell service, and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
Turns out the golden retriever frat boy knows how to stay calm in a crisis. And the uptight overachiever is hilarious when she's not trying so hard to be perfect. Between emergency rescues, motel room service, and one very inappropriate scientific experiment involving kissing, they start seeing each other for real.
Welcome to the University of Mountain Springs, where STEM students find love, face their demons, and discover that sometimes the best research involves matters of the heart. This is Carter and Rhiannon's story—a Christmas romance about showing up, speaking up, and learning that you're already enough. Canonically falls after Seeds of Trust (Book 4)
Carter Wolfe hasn't been back to his fraternity house since his brother's funeral. He's barely passing his classes, barely holding it together, and definitely not ready for Christmas with his aggressively cheerful family pretending everything's fine when it's not. He’s also secretly debating a major life pivot—dropping out of UMS entirely to become a firefighter or finishing his degree.
Rhiannon Pierce has escaped her controlling ex, survived her mother's guilt trips, and locked down the research opportunity that'll get her into grad school—until her professor bails and sticks her with the charming slacker who she has a secret crush on.
Now they're trapped in a remote cabin over Christmas with expensive equipment, zero cell service, and enough sexual tension to melt the snow.
Turns out the golden retriever frat boy knows how to stay calm in a crisis. And the uptight overachiever is hilarious when she's not trying so hard to be perfect. Between emergency rescues, motel room service, and one very inappropriate scientific experiment involving kissing, they start seeing each other for real.
Welcome to the University of Mountain Springs, where STEM students find love, face their demons, and discover that sometimes the best research involves matters of the heart. This is Carter and Rhiannon's story—a Christmas romance about showing up, speaking up, and learning that you're already enough. Canonically falls after Seeds of Trust (Book 4)
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
19 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Lola Lockhart
12 books43 followersWhen she’s not getting lost in vivid daydreams about her next book boyfriend, you can find romance author Lola Lockhart devouring or writing yet another swoon-worthy novel, going for a hike to fuel her imagination, or planning her next cozy café writing session (caffeine is a must).
This passionate Brit loves the UK, but her heart will always remain wherever the sun shines brightest – AKA, she tries to escape the cold weather as much as possible.
Lola has been hooked on sweeping love stories since childhood, when she could often be found secretly reading under the covers long after bedtime, flashlight in hand. Now she gets to share that obsession, serving up steamy new couples destined to melt hearts.
This passionate Brit loves the UK, but her heart will always remain wherever the sun shines brightest – AKA, she tries to escape the cold weather as much as possible.
Lola has been hooked on sweeping love stories since childhood, when she could often be found secretly reading under the covers long after bedtime, flashlight in hand. Now she gets to share that obsession, serving up steamy new couples destined to melt hearts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 24, 2025
First off I want to thank Lola for sending me this eARC at a point where I was in a slump and I just KNEW her romance was about to pull me out of that said slump. And it DID. (Like they always do because her writing is so real and addictingggg.) TW : This book holds a bit of trauma surrounding sibling loss. (Please proceed with caution if needed. 🤍)
Seeds of Christmas is a super cozy holiday read with laugh out loud banter and lots of steamy yearning. Following Carter, a golden retriever frat boy, who is slipping in school following the unexpected passing of his sibling. He hides his hurt behind a mask of smiles and up-beat energy but one professor notices and offers him a deal he cannot refuse, accepting a research trip position alongside another student so he can pass the class and not lose his scholarship. Said student is Rhiannon, our second POV and female in STEM representative. She is the complete opposite of Carter. Organized, timely, a star student. But she’s not without her own trauma. With a very controlling ex boyfriend and a mother who pesters her constantly, she’s struggling to learn her boundaries and where to put the lines. When she learns Carter, the class “slacker”, is her second on this trip that is very important to her, she nearly spirals. Two people, opposites in just about everything, both running from their families. Stuck in a remote cabin for a week? What could go wrong? (Or right?)
Follows is one of the best holiday books I’ve ever read. 250ish pages of pure magic! Banter, tension, steamy scenes (literally because they’re monitoring temps of stem vents in the mountains). The way you can just feel the characters and atmosphere is everything! The character growth? Chefs kiss. I will always, ALWAYS, recommend a UMS book and this one is no diffferent!
Seeds of Christmas is a super cozy holiday read with laugh out loud banter and lots of steamy yearning. Following Carter, a golden retriever frat boy, who is slipping in school following the unexpected passing of his sibling. He hides his hurt behind a mask of smiles and up-beat energy but one professor notices and offers him a deal he cannot refuse, accepting a research trip position alongside another student so he can pass the class and not lose his scholarship. Said student is Rhiannon, our second POV and female in STEM representative. She is the complete opposite of Carter. Organized, timely, a star student. But she’s not without her own trauma. With a very controlling ex boyfriend and a mother who pesters her constantly, she’s struggling to learn her boundaries and where to put the lines. When she learns Carter, the class “slacker”, is her second on this trip that is very important to her, she nearly spirals. Two people, opposites in just about everything, both running from their families. Stuck in a remote cabin for a week? What could go wrong? (Or right?)
Follows is one of the best holiday books I’ve ever read. 250ish pages of pure magic! Banter, tension, steamy scenes (literally because they’re monitoring temps of stem vents in the mountains). The way you can just feel the characters and atmosphere is everything! The character growth? Chefs kiss. I will always, ALWAYS, recommend a UMS book and this one is no diffferent!
November 24, 2025
Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I’ve read the UMS series from the very beginning, so I was really excited to receive this holiday continuation. I loved this just as much as the others—maybe even more. Two people going on a research trip together with barely any phone reception?? What could possibly happen?? Just everything I wanted and love for Rhi and Carter!
I absolutely loved these two. I resonated with both characters and my heart goes out to them. They're so different, yet they make so much sense together. Rhi and Carter are so well-balanced and give each other what they’ve needed and desired for so long. Their story was so fun yet packed with so many emotions—great banter, flirting, tension, the perfect amount of spice, and all the cozy holiday feel-good vibes you could want.
I’ve said this in every review for the UMS series, but I truly love Lola’s writing. The way she tells stories just feels so romantic and beautiful. It’s not just the characters or the plot but her words carry emotional depth that I adore. Her books always warm my heart and leave me feeling so good.
Thank you, Lola Lockhart, for letting me be part of this ARC team!
I’ve read the UMS series from the very beginning, so I was really excited to receive this holiday continuation. I loved this just as much as the others—maybe even more. Two people going on a research trip together with barely any phone reception?? What could possibly happen?? Just everything I wanted and love for Rhi and Carter!
I absolutely loved these two. I resonated with both characters and my heart goes out to them. They're so different, yet they make so much sense together. Rhi and Carter are so well-balanced and give each other what they’ve needed and desired for so long. Their story was so fun yet packed with so many emotions—great banter, flirting, tension, the perfect amount of spice, and all the cozy holiday feel-good vibes you could want.
I’ve said this in every review for the UMS series, but I truly love Lola’s writing. The way she tells stories just feels so romantic and beautiful. It’s not just the characters or the plot but her words carry emotional depth that I adore. Her books always warm my heart and leave me feeling so good.
Thank you, Lola Lockhart, for letting me be part of this ARC team!
November 23, 2025
Did someone say early Christmas?! New UMS book was the gift I didn’t know I needed.
Rhi and Carter may have been the most raw characters in the UMS universe yet. Their internal struggles were so real and emotional, and their chemistry and banter were ✨chefs kiss✨
It was so thoughtful to depict a Christmas that isn’t just love and joy with family, but shows the emotional struggles that so many people face during the holiday season.
Thank you so much to Lola for allowing me to leave my honest opinion of this book. As always, I started and finished this in one sitting. Maybe someday I’ll learn to slow down with these but I doubt it!
Rhi and Carter may have been the most raw characters in the UMS universe yet. Their internal struggles were so real and emotional, and their chemistry and banter were ✨chefs kiss✨
It was so thoughtful to depict a Christmas that isn’t just love and joy with family, but shows the emotional struggles that so many people face during the holiday season.
Thank you so much to Lola for allowing me to leave my honest opinion of this book. As always, I started and finished this in one sitting. Maybe someday I’ll learn to slow down with these but I doubt it!
November 28, 2025
EXACTLY what I needed
December 27, 2025
Ein Buch das Berührt
Ich muss gestehen zu Beginn musste ich mich etwas durchkämpfen, weil die Übersetzung etwas holperig war. Doch das wurde von der Autorin recht schnell korrigiert, so dass sich die aktuelle Version deutlich besser liest.
Doch nun zum Inhalt.
Weihnachten als Zeit der Familie ist nicht immer eine Zeit der Freude. Und das kann unterschiedliche Gründe haben. Zum einen, dass das Fest von der Trauer um einen geliebten Menschen überschattet wird, oder aber auch, dass manche Menschen einfach nur anstrengend und nervig sind. So unterschiedlich die Gründe sind, so ist die Möglichkeit einer Exkursion für Bonuscredit doch eine willkommene Ausrede für Carter und Rhi. Das wäre auch super, wenn Rhi sich nicht an Carter erinnern würde. Dieser verdammt gutaussehende, arrogante und unzuverlässige Student, der sie bei einer Partnerarbeit hängen lassen hat. Und genau mit ihm soll sie nun die Exkursion machen, an der ihre berufliche Zukunft hängt.
Doch allein zu zwei im Schnee lernen sich beide kennen und lassen hier und da die Fassade etwas fallen, bis nicht nur das Feuer im Kamin knistert.
Das Buch ist sehr knackig geschrieben mit einem sehr umgangssprachlichen Sprachstil, der durch die kurzen Sätze auffällt. Aber der Still passt aus meiner Sicht zu dem Alter und wirkt daher auch authentisch.
Was mich an dem Buch fasziniert hat, dass die Autorin es schafft, trotz dieser getakteten Sätze mit immer wieder die Tränen in die Augen zu bringen. Denn die Emotionen, die beide Protagonisten mit sich herumtragen werden aus meiner Sicht wunderbar beschrieben und transportiert.
Eine emotionale Liebesgeschichte zur Winterzeit, die kein Auge trocken lässt.
Gern mehr davon
Ich muss gestehen zu Beginn musste ich mich etwas durchkämpfen, weil die Übersetzung etwas holperig war. Doch das wurde von der Autorin recht schnell korrigiert, so dass sich die aktuelle Version deutlich besser liest.
Doch nun zum Inhalt.
Weihnachten als Zeit der Familie ist nicht immer eine Zeit der Freude. Und das kann unterschiedliche Gründe haben. Zum einen, dass das Fest von der Trauer um einen geliebten Menschen überschattet wird, oder aber auch, dass manche Menschen einfach nur anstrengend und nervig sind. So unterschiedlich die Gründe sind, so ist die Möglichkeit einer Exkursion für Bonuscredit doch eine willkommene Ausrede für Carter und Rhi. Das wäre auch super, wenn Rhi sich nicht an Carter erinnern würde. Dieser verdammt gutaussehende, arrogante und unzuverlässige Student, der sie bei einer Partnerarbeit hängen lassen hat. Und genau mit ihm soll sie nun die Exkursion machen, an der ihre berufliche Zukunft hängt.
Doch allein zu zwei im Schnee lernen sich beide kennen und lassen hier und da die Fassade etwas fallen, bis nicht nur das Feuer im Kamin knistert.
Das Buch ist sehr knackig geschrieben mit einem sehr umgangssprachlichen Sprachstil, der durch die kurzen Sätze auffällt. Aber der Still passt aus meiner Sicht zu dem Alter und wirkt daher auch authentisch.
Was mich an dem Buch fasziniert hat, dass die Autorin es schafft, trotz dieser getakteten Sätze mit immer wieder die Tränen in die Augen zu bringen. Denn die Emotionen, die beide Protagonisten mit sich herumtragen werden aus meiner Sicht wunderbar beschrieben und transportiert.
Eine emotionale Liebesgeschichte zur Winterzeit, die kein Auge trocken lässt.
Gern mehr davon
December 5, 2025
Hello christmas book,
Seeds of Christmas is a super cozy holiday read with laugh out loud banter and lots of steamy yearning. Following Carter, a golden retriever frat boy, who is slipping in school following the unexpected passing of his sibling. He hides his hurt behind a mask of smiles and up-beat energy but one professor notices and offers him a deal he cannot refuse, accepting a research trip position alongside another student so he can pass the class and not lose his scholarship. Said student is Rhiannon, our second POV and female in STEM representative. She is the complete opposite of Carter. Organized, timely, a star student. But she’s not without her own trauma. With a very controlling ex boyfriend and a mother who pesters her constantly, she’s struggling to learn her boundaries and where to put the lines. When she learns Carter, the class “slacker”, is her second on this trip that is very important to her, she nearly spirals. Two people, opposites in just about everything, both running from their families. Stuck in a remote cabin for a week? What could go wrong? (Or right?)
Follows is one of the best holiday books I’ve ever read. 250ish pages of pure magic! Banter, tension, steamy scenes (literally because they’re monitoring temps of stem vents in the mountains). The way you can just feel the characters and atmosphere is everything! The character growth? Chefs kiss. I will always, ALWAYS, recommend a UMS book and this one is no diffferent!
Seeds of Christmas is a super cozy holiday read with laugh out loud banter and lots of steamy yearning. Following Carter, a golden retriever frat boy, who is slipping in school following the unexpected passing of his sibling. He hides his hurt behind a mask of smiles and up-beat energy but one professor notices and offers him a deal he cannot refuse, accepting a research trip position alongside another student so he can pass the class and not lose his scholarship. Said student is Rhiannon, our second POV and female in STEM representative. She is the complete opposite of Carter. Organized, timely, a star student. But she’s not without her own trauma. With a very controlling ex boyfriend and a mother who pesters her constantly, she’s struggling to learn her boundaries and where to put the lines. When she learns Carter, the class “slacker”, is her second on this trip that is very important to her, she nearly spirals. Two people, opposites in just about everything, both running from their families. Stuck in a remote cabin for a week? What could go wrong? (Or right?)
Follows is one of the best holiday books I’ve ever read. 250ish pages of pure magic! Banter, tension, steamy scenes (literally because they’re monitoring temps of stem vents in the mountains). The way you can just feel the characters and atmosphere is everything! The character growth? Chefs kiss. I will always, ALWAYS, recommend a UMS book and this one is no diffferent!
December 28, 2025
Seeds of Christmas completely blindsided me in the best way. I went in expecting a cozy holiday romance and walked out with my heart cracked open, warmed, and very much invested. This story balances grief, healing, and slow-burn romance so beautifully that I found myself savoring every quiet moment just as much as the charged ones.
Carter and Rhiannon are opposites in all the ways that matter, and that’s exactly why they work. Carter’s golden-retriever energy hides a deep, aching grief that he doesn’t know how to face, while Rhiannon is all discipline and determination, desperately trying to prove her worth after a controlling relationship and years of pressure. Watching them be forced into close proximity in a snowed-in research cabin over Christmas was pure magic.
What I loved most was how real this story felt. The holiday setting wasn’t just twinkly lights and cheer; it showed the loneliness, the avoidance, and the quiet ache that the season can bring. Their growth felt earned, their communication refreshing, and the romance was tender, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.
Seeds of Christmas is a reminder that sometimes love shows up exactly when you’re trying hardest to run from it. I adored this one
Carter and Rhiannon are opposites in all the ways that matter, and that’s exactly why they work. Carter’s golden-retriever energy hides a deep, aching grief that he doesn’t know how to face, while Rhiannon is all discipline and determination, desperately trying to prove her worth after a controlling relationship and years of pressure. Watching them be forced into close proximity in a snowed-in research cabin over Christmas was pure magic.
What I loved most was how real this story felt. The holiday setting wasn’t just twinkly lights and cheer; it showed the loneliness, the avoidance, and the quiet ache that the season can bring. Their growth felt earned, their communication refreshing, and the romance was tender, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.
Seeds of Christmas is a reminder that sometimes love shows up exactly when you’re trying hardest to run from it. I adored this one
November 25, 2025
UGH I love the UoMS world.
Carter and Rhiannon are 'newbies' in this series: mostly unrelated to our core 4 men and their women, but so uniquely UoMS: STEM driven, deep, complex romance with a good sprinkling of spice. I LOVED the geology world this portrayed: the experiments, the desire for authorship, the setup for grad school: it all feels so comfortable to me.
The romance here is STELLAR. I think it works because of how beautifully flawed these two were: Rhiannon, from her desire to make her mother happy and get out of the shadow of a terrible ex, and Carter, who is drowning in grief and a self-identity crisis. In particular, a Christmas book that ISN'T pure glittery/tinsel-covered magic is just SO realistic and humbling...its got cozy, romantic, sexy vibes in a close proximity cabin nestled between some real-world truth bombs.
As always, Carter is SO well written its shocking, and Rhiannon is relatable. I love these two, I LOVE UoMS, I never want Lola to leave this universe ever.
Carter and Rhiannon are 'newbies' in this series: mostly unrelated to our core 4 men and their women, but so uniquely UoMS: STEM driven, deep, complex romance with a good sprinkling of spice. I LOVED the geology world this portrayed: the experiments, the desire for authorship, the setup for grad school: it all feels so comfortable to me.
The romance here is STELLAR. I think it works because of how beautifully flawed these two were: Rhiannon, from her desire to make her mother happy and get out of the shadow of a terrible ex, and Carter, who is drowning in grief and a self-identity crisis. In particular, a Christmas book that ISN'T pure glittery/tinsel-covered magic is just SO realistic and humbling...its got cozy, romantic, sexy vibes in a close proximity cabin nestled between some real-world truth bombs.
As always, Carter is SO well written its shocking, and Rhiannon is relatable. I love these two, I LOVE UoMS, I never want Lola to leave this universe ever.
November 26, 2025
I’ve read the whole UMS series, and I picked up this holiday installment with high expectations. Seeds of Christmas did not disappoint.
This story brings together Rhiannon, a determined STEM student trying to rebuild her confidence after a controlling relationship, and Carter, a charming but broken young man still struggling with the grief of losing his brother. Their forced proximity during a research trip in a remote cabin sets the stage for a slow-burn romance filled with banter, tension, and heartfelt moments.
What I loved most was how real and layered both characters felt. They challenged each other, balanced each other, and grew together.
The cozy cabin setting gave the book all the holiday warmth, but it also showed the harder side of Christmas, the loneliness, the grief, and the pressure of family expectations. That balance made the story feel honest and relatable.
Seeds of Christmas was emotional, funny, and beautifully romantic. Lola Lockhart’s writing captured both the magic of the season and the reality of healing.
This story brings together Rhiannon, a determined STEM student trying to rebuild her confidence after a controlling relationship, and Carter, a charming but broken young man still struggling with the grief of losing his brother. Their forced proximity during a research trip in a remote cabin sets the stage for a slow-burn romance filled with banter, tension, and heartfelt moments.
What I loved most was how real and layered both characters felt. They challenged each other, balanced each other, and grew together.
The cozy cabin setting gave the book all the holiday warmth, but it also showed the harder side of Christmas, the loneliness, the grief, and the pressure of family expectations. That balance made the story feel honest and relatable.
Seeds of Christmas was emotional, funny, and beautifully romantic. Lola Lockhart’s writing captured both the magic of the season and the reality of healing.
December 18, 2025
This one was such a cozy, feel-good read with way more heart than I expected. Snowed in over Christmas, forced proximity, quiet pining, and excellent STEM rep... this book checked so many boxes for me.
Carter and Rhiannon felt really real. Carter is carrying grief, uncertainty, and that lost feeling of not knowing if you’re on the right path, while Rhiannon is the kind of driven, overachieving STEM girl who feels like she has to hold everything together. Watching them slow down, open up, and actually see each other over those eight snowed-in days was sweet, funny, and surprisingly emotional.
I especially loved how STEM wasn’t just a backdrop. Tt’s part of who they are and how they connect. The banter, the tension, the small moments of care, and the gentle way this story handles grief and pressure made it such a comforting holiday read.
This one felt warm and hopeful in that quiet, soft way. Perfect if you love smart characters, cozy Christmas vibes, and romances that focus just as much on healing and growth as they do on falling in love. ❄️❤️
Carter and Rhiannon felt really real. Carter is carrying grief, uncertainty, and that lost feeling of not knowing if you’re on the right path, while Rhiannon is the kind of driven, overachieving STEM girl who feels like she has to hold everything together. Watching them slow down, open up, and actually see each other over those eight snowed-in days was sweet, funny, and surprisingly emotional.
I especially loved how STEM wasn’t just a backdrop. Tt’s part of who they are and how they connect. The banter, the tension, the small moments of care, and the gentle way this story handles grief and pressure made it such a comforting holiday read.
This one felt warm and hopeful in that quiet, soft way. Perfect if you love smart characters, cozy Christmas vibes, and romances that focus just as much on healing and growth as they do on falling in love. ❄️❤️
November 23, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exactly what I needed
I picked this up expecting a cute holiday romance and got SO MUCH MORE.
Carter and Rhiannon stuck in a cabin, pretending they don't have feelings while the sexual tension builds and builds. The banter is so good as always with Lola. The emotional depth is real. The slow burn is slow but SO worth it.
Carter dealing with his brother's death while trying to figure out who he is wrecked me. Rhiannon learning to trust herself again after a controlling relationship is so satisfying.
This is the kind of romance where both characters grow and heal without losing themselves. Where communication actually happens andthe ending feels earned.
Cozy cabin vibes, STEM heroine who's actually passionate about her career, a hero who falls first, and enough emotional damage to keep you up all night reading.
Highly recommend if you love character-driven romance.
I picked this up expecting a cute holiday romance and got SO MUCH MORE.
Carter and Rhiannon stuck in a cabin, pretending they don't have feelings while the sexual tension builds and builds. The banter is so good as always with Lola. The emotional depth is real. The slow burn is slow but SO worth it.
Carter dealing with his brother's death while trying to figure out who he is wrecked me. Rhiannon learning to trust herself again after a controlling relationship is so satisfying.
This is the kind of romance where both characters grow and heal without losing themselves. Where communication actually happens andthe ending feels earned.
Cozy cabin vibes, STEM heroine who's actually passionate about her career, a hero who falls first, and enough emotional damage to keep you up all night reading.
Highly recommend if you love character-driven romance.
December 22, 2025
This book is full of banter, trauma, emotional, tension and spice. Two completely opposite people who are brought together over a project who are forced to work together over Christmas.
Carter wants to avoid Christmas this year, life has changed ever since his brother passed away. He is the first boy who everyone sees as happy go lucky, but he is struggling lately on who he really is. Rhi is the opposite, she is organized and always prepared. But she has some own traumas of her own, an ex boyfriend who killed her confidence and a mother who loves to pester her.
Research brought these two opposites together, but their trauma and connection brought them closer. They opened up to one another about the deep and dark things. Carter started to feel for her and she felt the same but got scared. The two had to find out how to get over their traumas before they are able to let their hearts open up fully to one another.
Carter wants to avoid Christmas this year, life has changed ever since his brother passed away. He is the first boy who everyone sees as happy go lucky, but he is struggling lately on who he really is. Rhi is the opposite, she is organized and always prepared. But she has some own traumas of her own, an ex boyfriend who killed her confidence and a mother who loves to pester her.
Research brought these two opposites together, but their trauma and connection brought them closer. They opened up to one another about the deep and dark things. Carter started to feel for her and she felt the same but got scared. The two had to find out how to get over their traumas before they are able to let their hearts open up fully to one another.
November 24, 2025
“He’s not running from Christmas. He’s running from grief.”
Rhiannon and Carter did not have the best start. He bailed on a group project in freshman year, so she did the work, and she really does not want to work with him. She’s also got a horrible ex. He’s controlling, and heading to borderline DV adjacent territory if it continues.
He’s hiding and using his brother’s death as a shield to escape…
Paired together for an academic study at Christmas - the location is remote, and with forced proximity, they actually get to know each other.
This was a gorgeous story about two people finding love in trying circumstances… Carter was secretly a golden retriever, and I loved how the author developed his character. He was protective, yet allowed Rhiannon the chance to find her worth and her courage.
Such an engaging story, and really enjoyable.
Rhiannon and Carter did not have the best start. He bailed on a group project in freshman year, so she did the work, and she really does not want to work with him. She’s also got a horrible ex. He’s controlling, and heading to borderline DV adjacent territory if it continues.
He’s hiding and using his brother’s death as a shield to escape…
Paired together for an academic study at Christmas - the location is remote, and with forced proximity, they actually get to know each other.
This was a gorgeous story about two people finding love in trying circumstances… Carter was secretly a golden retriever, and I loved how the author developed his character. He was protective, yet allowed Rhiannon the chance to find her worth and her courage.
Such an engaging story, and really enjoyable.
November 25, 2025
Lola Lockhart does it yet again.But this time tis the season. I love that it gives a warning list like these are the heavy stuff in the book read at your own risk. The first chapter is kind of heavy starting off and in all honesty I almost started tearing up. It is beautifully written, the kind of book you don't want to put down. This is not my first lola Lockhart book, Not even my first university of mountain state book so this type of writing is just what I have come to expect from her.I love the banter.They eventually have.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
Snowed in college colleagues on a research assignment over the holidays where he helps her open a bit of her heart to love and romance and she helps him heal from loss and grief. University of Mountain Springs students Rhiannon and Carter are meant for each other but they just don’t know it yet…There’s cool STEM references, some steamy slow-burn spice, lots of banter and an overall sweet message of support and love in this quick to read cozy college holiday, romance. This book isn’t a continuation of the main series but a standalone set in the same MSU universe with new characters—a great introduction if you haven’t read the MSU series yet!
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
November 30, 2025
I was pulled into the story from the first page. Rhi and Carter find themselves working together in the field on a research project over the Christmas holidays. Both agree to do the research to avoid the expectations of their families. Both are damaged in different ways, but their simple acceptance of each other builds a bond that grows into something more that is scary, leading Rhi to try to protect herself. This book will make you smile and cry as each shows up for the other in just the right way. A lovely balance of hope, humor, and heart. The book ends a bit abruptly, but otherwise a near perfect, engaging read.
November 26, 2025
Omg this might be my favorite Christmas read of 2025 so far!
Rhi and Carter were so raw and real. The struggles were so real but also very emotional, their chemistry and banter was just the icing on the cake! The characters were so different but they fit together so well. I also loved that Lola also wrote about the struggles people have during the holidays and all the emotions that comes with it. If you want something to break your heart and put it back together again during the holiday season this is the book for you.
Rhi and Carter were so raw and real. The struggles were so real but also very emotional, their chemistry and banter was just the icing on the cake! The characters were so different but they fit together so well. I also loved that Lola also wrote about the struggles people have during the holidays and all the emotions that comes with it. If you want something to break your heart and put it back together again during the holiday season this is the book for you.
December 5, 2025
*3⭐️3🌶️ (look on my profile to see what my ratings mean to me)
**ARC REVIEW**
First of all I would like to thank Lola Lockhart as usual for allowing me to read this ARC and your other stories.
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Christmas Novella
Forced Proximity
College Romance
Slow Burn
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Easter Eggs
People Getting Put In Their Place
Banter
Christmas/ Cabin Setting
Didn’t like/ improve:
While I was reading this novella I realised how greedy I can be because I was longing for this to be a full book. I wish we go to see more of the characters and their storyline.
**ARC REVIEW**
First of all I would like to thank Lola Lockhart as usual for allowing me to read this ARC and your other stories.
Main Tropes:
Dual POV
Christmas Novella
Forced Proximity
College Romance
Slow Burn
Points I enjoyed in this book:
Easter Eggs
People Getting Put In Their Place
Banter
Christmas/ Cabin Setting
Didn’t like/ improve:
While I was reading this novella I realised how greedy I can be because I was longing for this to be a full book. I wish we go to see more of the characters and their storyline.
November 28, 2025
Research project over Christmas break in a cabin with two people who are broken in different ways, what's not to love?? Carter is healing after the loss of his brother. Rhiannon is healing after a horrible ex. They're stuck in a cabin at Christmas time working on a STEM research project. I love that they don't like each other and that each one has walls 10 foot tall. And through the magic of a Christmas cabin those walls melt away and they find a love that's perfect for them.
December 8, 2025
amazing characters, tension, emotional depths, believable characters and struggles, *the snowball fight scene *, supportive male lead, strong character female lead, great conversation and opening up to each other, vulnerability, grief, family struggles, (mostly) good communication, physical crush turned emotional and so much more ❤️
all in all a well written story, character driven and putting the reader in holiday spirit!!
all in all a well written story, character driven and putting the reader in holiday spirit!!
December 17, 2025
4,5⭐
Un romance navideño adictivo y rápido de leer, justo lo que necesitaba.
La trama me encantó, bastante original y bien desarrollada. Me encantó que no solo se centrará en lo que pasó en el viaje sino como siguió después de este.
Los personajes estuvieron bien desarrollados y se sintieron bastantes realistas, y con respecto a las difilcultades que cada uno atravesaba me encantó como se apoyaron y ayudaron mutuamente para afrontarlo y superarlo.
Un romance navideño adictivo y rápido de leer, justo lo que necesitaba.
La trama me encantó, bastante original y bien desarrollada. Me encantó que no solo se centrará en lo que pasó en el viaje sino como siguió después de este.
Los personajes estuvieron bien desarrollados y se sintieron bastantes realistas, y con respecto a las difilcultades que cada uno atravesaba me encantó como se apoyaron y ayudaron mutuamente para afrontarlo y superarlo.
December 29, 2025
“Seeds of Christmas” ist Teil 5 der University of Mountain Springs - Reihe von Lola Lockhart. Ich kenne bisher keinen der ersten vier Teile, konnte Teil 5 aber trotzdem lesen, ohne mich über vergangene Dinge zu wundern.
Grundsätzlich bekommt man das, was der Titel verspricht: Es ist Weihnachten, kalt draußen und gemütlich in der abgelegenen Hütte, in der die beiden Protagonisten Rhi und Carter für eine Forschungsreihe die Feiertage verbringen.
Ich mochte die Charaktere. Sie sind meiner Meinung nach realistisch beschrieben, haben beide ihre Päckchen zu tragen und manövrieren sich mehr oder weniger gut durchs Leben. Die Autorin schafft es, die Handlungen einigermaßen nachvollziehbar zu halten, basierend auf der Tatsachen, dass die beiden sich im Verlauf der Story immer besser kennen und verstehen lernen.
Sprachlich war meine Lektüre etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig, was wohl auch daran liegt, dass ich eine deutsche Vorabversion lesen durfte. Die Sätze sind eher kurz gehalten, was besonders in Konversationen etwas abgehackt wirkt. Gleichzeitig unterstützt es aber den verbalen Schlagabtausch, den sich Rhi und Carter besonders zu Beginn liefern. Letzteres fand ich wirklich gut und sehr erfrischend. Zudem wird ziemlich viel umgangssprachlich ausgedrückt, mit Ausdrücken, die mir - die nicht mehr so ganz Anfang zwanzig ist - etwas fremd vorkamen. Da die Figuren aber altersmäßig vermutlich ganz gut dazu passen, habe ich mich einigermaßen schnell daran gewöhnt.
Alles in allem fühlte ich mich beim Lesen sehr gut unterhalten. Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass die Story gegen Ende deutlich nachlässt. In den letzten Seiten passiert zu viel auf einmal, so dass es etwas gehetzt wirkt. Gleichzeitig schießt die Autorin Happy-End-technisch meiner Meinung nach etwas übers Ziel hinaus. Etwas weniger Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen und gelöste Lebensfragen hätten es auch getan.
Grundsätzlich bekommt man das, was der Titel verspricht: Es ist Weihnachten, kalt draußen und gemütlich in der abgelegenen Hütte, in der die beiden Protagonisten Rhi und Carter für eine Forschungsreihe die Feiertage verbringen.
Ich mochte die Charaktere. Sie sind meiner Meinung nach realistisch beschrieben, haben beide ihre Päckchen zu tragen und manövrieren sich mehr oder weniger gut durchs Leben. Die Autorin schafft es, die Handlungen einigermaßen nachvollziehbar zu halten, basierend auf der Tatsachen, dass die beiden sich im Verlauf der Story immer besser kennen und verstehen lernen.
Sprachlich war meine Lektüre etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig, was wohl auch daran liegt, dass ich eine deutsche Vorabversion lesen durfte. Die Sätze sind eher kurz gehalten, was besonders in Konversationen etwas abgehackt wirkt. Gleichzeitig unterstützt es aber den verbalen Schlagabtausch, den sich Rhi und Carter besonders zu Beginn liefern. Letzteres fand ich wirklich gut und sehr erfrischend. Zudem wird ziemlich viel umgangssprachlich ausgedrückt, mit Ausdrücken, die mir - die nicht mehr so ganz Anfang zwanzig ist - etwas fremd vorkamen. Da die Figuren aber altersmäßig vermutlich ganz gut dazu passen, habe ich mich einigermaßen schnell daran gewöhnt.
Alles in allem fühlte ich mich beim Lesen sehr gut unterhalten. Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass die Story gegen Ende deutlich nachlässt. In den letzten Seiten passiert zu viel auf einmal, so dass es etwas gehetzt wirkt. Gleichzeitig schießt die Autorin Happy-End-technisch meiner Meinung nach etwas übers Ziel hinaus. Etwas weniger Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen und gelöste Lebensfragen hätten es auch getan.
February 7, 2026
SEEDS OF CHRISTMAS is Book 5 of the University of Mountain Springs: A new adult college romance series. It's a steamy, emotional, STEM college Christmas romance. I adored Rhiannon and Carter. They are opposites in so many ways but find themselves working together. Both are dealing with their own baggage, harder at the holidays, but find support in each other. I loved this emotional but heartwarming story.
December 1, 2025
The fifth book in the University of Mountain Springs: A new adult college romance series. Carter Wolfe and Rhiannon Pierce will have some things to overcome if they are to get their happy ending in this well written story. A compelling storyline and great, memorable characters. I was particularly pleased with the happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2025
ARC review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am obsessed with this series! This was full of forgiveness, letting go of the past and getting over the loss of a family member but not forgetting them and remembering all the good times. I loved this so much! You might want to get your tissues ready, this is a tear jerker…
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am obsessed with this series! This was full of forgiveness, letting go of the past and getting over the loss of a family member but not forgetting them and remembering all the good times. I loved this so much! You might want to get your tissues ready, this is a tear jerker…
December 26, 2025
I loved this holiday story that was laugh out loud funny, and slow burn steamy to great character development with a Christmas setting, I loved every minute of it! It is very easy to feel connected with the characters in this series and this book is no different. I highly recommend!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2025
I loved this novella so much!! I loved Carter and Rhiannon both as characters and as a couple. I love how there was no miscommunication and how everything wrapped up so nicely. This is definitely my new favorite Lola Lockhart story. 😎
December 6, 2025
A very cute, cosy Christmas romance book with an amazing storyline that made me laugh and cry!
December 7, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
February 5, 2026
Historia corta ambientada en navidad que nos descubre a dos personajes que no conocíamos pero que resulta muy interesante
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