The first in the brand-new cozy romance quartet, perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore and Elsie Silver! Welcome to Clover Pines…
Killian is furious. His dad is having an affair, and he’s determined to put a stop to it. He arrives in the quaint snow-covered town of Clover Pines to confront the couple, only to find Scarlett alone with her two children.
Scarlett is tired. As a single mom with a job that isn’t paying the bills, this Christmas is looking doomed from the very start. Killian's news is a shock she doesn't need, and she really doesn't need the undeniable chemistry between them.
When Killian realises what his dad has done to Scarlett, he's determined to step in and help out. But living under one roof, it becomes harder and harder for the pair to deny their feelings for each other (or keep their hands off each other).
Scarlett’s done with fairy tales – so why does this Christmas with Killian feel like it could be one?
Sophie Snow lives in Scotland with her husband and cat, Pumpkin (who she loves dearly, even if he does bite.)
She writes spicy romance books with messy, queer characters and too many Taylor Swift references to count. She has been in love with love stories for as long as she can remember, and writing them as songs and novels since she was twelve.
A forest fairy in a past life, Sophie loves spending time in nature, drinking too much coffee, and trying out more hobbies than she can keep up with.
Now there aren’t many authors I’d read a Christmas book for out of season but I am obsessed with Sophie Snow so obviously she got me to do Christmas in March! & let me tell you, I loved it! What I really enjoyed is although you know whilst reading that it’s a Christmas book, it’s not in your face with it and instead it just feels really cosy with the Christmas vibes👌🏻
When I realised that this book was going to be the trope dad’s ex-girlfriend I was intrigued but knew that she’d manage to make it thoughtful and emotional instead of just smutty! Don’t get me wrong, that side is absolutely included but isn’t the focus at all! It wasn’t until I was halfway through that I registered that the queen of age gap had flipped the ex’s dad trope on its head and made it ex’s son instead which I am here for!
I absolutely adored seeing Scar’s character really come into herself throughout this book. You know her entire focus, ever since Caitlin and James came along, has been on her children and being the best mum she could be whilst being let down time and time again by Dom (ew, Dom). & Kill? Well he just wanted to be there and support all of them in any way he could as soon as he knocked on her door! Honestly I was rooting so hard for both of them right from the get go🥰 You could see the love and care between Killian and Scarlett grow in such a beautiful and mindful way as well as the relationships between Kill and Caitlin & James grow too which was heartwarming!
Thank you to Avon Books UK and Sophie Snow for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you Avon UK for approving my request via NetGalley to read and review this book!
Killian is one of my favorite book boyfriend names and I was hooked immediately. I loved how he was set to seek out his dad’s mistress only to quickly change his tune after meeting her. I love how Scar developed throughout the book, realizing it’s okay to lean on others for help, without losing independence.
The family dynamic was beautifully written. Killian’s family and Scar’s family all brought so many different and wonderful things to the table. I was immediately hoping for books for some of them and trying to figure out who was paired with who!
Dom…ugh. Whenever his name would pop up I would cringe. Sophie did a great job writing an unlikable character that made me seethe when he spoke or showed up. He has no redeeming qualities and was a well written antagonist!
I usually don’t go for books with kids in them because it’s not my thing. However, the two in this book were adorable (and not annoying). They were so much of the plot that it worked for me and I loved them. Seeing how Killian instantly took to them and loved them melted my heart. The family photo in front of their tree was one of my favorite parts!
Overall, I loved this book. I loved that there wasn’t a third act break up and that Killian and Scar never fought their attraction. There wasn’t any miscommunication and it all panned out in a way that was perfect for two adults with their lives (mostly) together. I cannot wait for book two!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Sophie Snow knows how to write vulnerability with aplomb. She takes what could be a strictly salacious premise and infuses it with care, nuance and sweetness.
Killian sets out to confront his father’s mistress but ends up finding out he has two half-siblings. Connecting with them becomes the goal and the feelings the burgeon between himself and Scarlett the bonus.
Scarlett deserves every good thing that comes her way in this book. Becoming a young mother shaped her entire being. She constantly tries to ensure her kids have a good, happy childhood which normally means she fills her cup last. She finds it hard to ask for support; part of what makes her romance with Killian so great is that he sees her burdens and without asking does what he can to lighten her load.
Killian is a green flag. He clocks the harm his father has done and shows that the apple falls far from the tree.
I’ll absolutely continue on reading the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
“No one told me how good falling could feel when you’re holding on to the right person.” -Scarlett
Killian and Scarlett's story is one of Love, Surprise, Support and Family.
Oh my days, this book was incredible. As someone who's been reading Sophie's books since Legally Binding was released, I did not doubt that this book was going to be amazing. I loved this book with my whole being. I fell in love with all these wonderful characters, and I want to move to Clover Pines immediately. It seems like the perfect small town where everyone knows you and is willing to help you no matter what. As always, the plot was perfect; it gripped me from page one. I needed to know everything about these characters and what led them to where they are at the start of this book. At no point was I confused or bored; the pacing was spot on. Sophie's writing style is so realistic and emotional. She brings the things she writes about to life and makes the reader fall into their heads, feeling every emotion they do, which gives the story another depth.
My heart broke for Scarlett, the way she'd been treated by Dom. She'd gotten pregnant so young, and he'd made all these promises, only for Scarlett to end up doing the mum thing alone. But she hadn't let that stop her; she'd put her little girl first and been the best mum she could, and when Dom returned, and Scarlett ended up pregnant with her baby boy, she did it all over again. Putting her needs and wants on the back burner and making sure she was giving her kids the best childhood that she could. She was such a well-rounded character, her emotions overflowing, and I found myself crying for her more than once. She needed help but was too scared of being let down once again, so she hid it and carried on alone, even if that made it all ten times harder.
I fell in love with Killian from the first sentence, which I knew I would, he is a Michaelson after all. He went to Clover Pines to confront his dad's mistress, only to find a single mum too scared to ask for help. And instead of making her situation worse, he stayed, he got to know her and his half-siblings. He proved to Scarlett that she still deserved to be happy and loved, that she could trust him to be there for her and the kids. Killian is very much the hero of this book; he stays and proves to everyone in Scarlett's life that not everybody in his family is a jerk, and he stands up for Scarlett and the kids at every turn. I wish we could have more from his point of view, like another book, because he was such a well-written character, and I'd love to know more about him and his life.
Sophie, I'll forever be honoured that you asked to name a character after me. The fact that my name is in one of your books is so incredible. I love you!
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sophie's books never miss 👏🏻
I already had high expectations for this book, and it exceeded them. I'm sorry Cal, but I think I have a new favourite Michaelson 👀
I devoured this book so fast. I didn't want to put it down! I love the Micaelson clan with my whole heart and I am so happy we get more of them! Killian and Scarlette were the perfect introduction to this series and the extended Michaelson family. If you've read the Spicy in Seattle series, then you'll be aware of how big this family is and how much they all care for each other, so Killian and the rest of the family's decisions throughout this book did not shock me at all. It just cemented their characters even more in my opinion. Do you think they'd adopt me?
This was just one of those feel-good romances that just burrows into your heart and leaves you feeling all warm and gooey inside. The way they built trust and go to know each other was rewarding for me as a reader and it I loved watching them slowly heal together.
Scarlett is a bad ass mama bear, and I will protect her and those adorable children with my life. Scarlett has been done dirty over the years, and it's caused a lot of pain and led her to believe she shouldn't rely on anyone else. She spent all her time and energy making sure her kids and all the people around her were happy that she forgot to take care of herself. Killian rocking up at her door was probably the most terrifying and also the best thing that could have happened to her. I was so proud of Scarlett by the end of this book and she deserves the world.
Killian. Killiaaaaan! This man is just a walking green flag. That's not my opinion. It's just a fact. He loves with his whole being. It's like he gets a high helping people become the best they can be and see their true potential. Unless you are a certain someone that shall not be named. There's no saving him from Killian's wrath, and it is 1000% deserved. You don't want to see this golden retriever's bad side. I knew I was going to love him by the end of the first chapter. His positivity is infectious, and it's hard not to gravitate to him.
It's set in a small town, that may be too nosey for their own good sometimes, but they look out for their own and I just love that kind of community. So, believe me when I tell you that the found family trope is there in abundance for all you found family lovers out there! You might find the relationship between Killian and Scarlett a little taboo depending on your thoughts of their situation, but I just felt she lucked out and upgraded to be honest 🤷🏼♀️
In this book you'll find: - Age Gap (Sophie's signature trope at this point and I love it!!) - Single Mum - Dad's Ex Girlfriend - Small Town - Found Family - Forced Proximity - No Third Act Breakup (Another Sophie Snow signature trope and I adore her for it)
I can't wait to see what unfold throughout the rest of the series! 😍
Thank you so much to Avon Books UK for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
I loveeee a forbidden romance, and thought Id read just about every ex’s [insert relationship here] possible, but ex boyfriend’s son never occurred to me, especially when kids / half-siblings are in the mix. But I’m not surprised in the slightest that Sophie could write it and get me completely invested in their story. I fell in love with Sophie’s writing when I read Legally Binding back in 2024, and every book of hers Ive read since has been amazing.
Scarlett and her kids, Caitlin and James, made the cutest little family, and no matter how much Scarlett was struggling to keep her head above water, she was an amazing mum and never failed to make sure the kids knew they were loved. Her past ‘relationship’ did a number on her confidence, but watching her grow to respect herself and give herself grace through the story was amazing. And yes, some of that was due to Killian’s unwavering support and encouragement, but it’s made very clear that Scar would have gotten their herself, it would just have been a longer road - I can’t get over just how strong she is and that the story wasn’t about romance being a quick fix to a happy ending, but rather that the right person makes the hard times that much easier to bear.
And I can’t not mention how much I love how naturally Sophie navigates sexuality (in all her books, not just this one) - in here, it’s never explicitly discussed, and when Killian mentions an ex-boyfriend, there is no shock or adjustment, just complete acceptance and no difference in treatment to discussing his ex-girlfriend. AS IT SHOULD BE!
Thank you to Avon and the author for my eARC through netgalley
I love a cosy Christmas novel at any time of year, and who doesn't love a bit of forbidden spice? But unfortunately this missed the mark for me. Killian is a son on a mission to uncover his father's affair, only to discover Scarlett, a woman significantly younger than his dad, who has been single-handedly raising his dad's two kids for the better part of a decade. Very Jerry Springer set in a beautiful Christmassy town.
So, when Killian and Scarlett develop feelings for each other, you'd expect their friends to be in uproar! Alas, no. There's about 50 pages of tension between our FMC and MMC, but honestly after that it's largely plain sailing... Everyone wishes them well, aside from one notable exception, and not only do they overcome that hurdle, but Killian also negotiates the visa system faster than anyone I've ever heard of, ensuring his permanence in Scarlett and her kids' lives.
It's a real shame as I could see the chemistry between the characters and how challenging the backdrop to them meeting was, but those plots were, at best, quickly resolved, and at worst, completely ignored.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher & author for the Advanced Reader Copy
This cozy romance was incredible! I’m not going to lie, at first the idea of the relationship dynamic between MMC and FMC concerned me a bit, and I don’t see how it would work without feeling ‘icky’. But my word was I proven wrong. The plot, characters and pacing were all bang on.
This will be such a perfect festive read, it’s sunny April right now and I’m tempted to chuck up some Christmas decorations!
I absolutely love Killian and Scar; the focus on the happiness of the children, and Kill’s drive to ensure Scar gets what she deserves?? Incredible!
The romance was well paced and explicit scenes were written perfectly, not too heavy on spice but PLENTY to give it a 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ / 5 spice score (open door).
I love the spotlight given to parents who refuse to put themselves first, finally getting some (well deserved) selfish joy.
I just loved this book - the ending was fab, I just wish we have a bit more time / slightly longer epilogue.
I highly reccomend picking this book up once published!!
[ ARC REVIEW ] A Lucky Little Christmas by Sophie Snow
🗓️ Release Date: 10.22.2026
If there is one person I’m a sucker for, it’s Sophie Snow. This is my 6th ARC of hers and I immediately sign up when they’re available because I know I'll love whatever she writes. I go in blind and am always captivated and can’t put them down and this one was no different. I absolutely ADORE Killian and Scarlett and the kids. I did happen to spot 2 potential couples for future books and can’t wait to find out if I’m right.
Killian was the greenest of the green flags throughout the entire book and I’ll forever be feening for him. And I see so much of myself in Scar so it was so healing to go on this ride with her and watch her blossom.
This part is for Sophie…they say yes at the end right??? If not I am fully prepared to throw down with some kids lol
Anywaysss off to ARC read Fall or Fly byeeee
Tropes: 🍀 Dad’s ex girlfriend 🎄 Single mom 🍀 Forced proximity 🎄 Spicy and cozy 🍀 Small town 🎄 Holiday 🍀 Forbidden romance 🎄 No third act breakup 🍀 Irish MMC
Thank you SO much to Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this as an ARC (and so early!) As soon as Sophie announced this book, I was SO hyped. I'm so lucky that I get to be part of her street team, too, but that didn't guarantee I would receive this ARC, so when I did, I had literal tears in my eyes.
Literally, at this point, it's so true when I say this: Anything Sophie Snow writes, I will read and absolutely love. And A Lucky Little Christmas hit just right for me, just like all of her other books. Scarlett and Killian were two incredible characters, and you could feel the warmth and love seeping through the pages, as usual with her stories and between all of her characters.
The family, the characters, the references and nods to other parts of her different series, were just EVERYTHING. I don't want to go into spoilers, especially with this being an early ARC read, but just know this has definitely made it as one of my favorite reads this year. 5 stars all around.
Even though I read this book with on a cruise to Bermuda, I was feeling the winter cozy, but spicy vibes. When Killian finds out that his dad has a mistress, he flies from Ireland to Canada to ask her to end the affair. What he doesn't realize is that his father has two children with her: 8 yr old Caitlin and 4 yr old James. They are his half siblings, and he finds out that his dad had an affair with her when she was 18 and he was 48.
He wants to spend time with his siblings, and he moves in with them and Scarlett. He feels a slow burn connection with her. They do things all through Christmas like going ice skating and going to a Christmas fair. He realizes that he can be there for her, and he wants to take care of her. Despite the family drama and awkwardness with being with his dad's former mistress, I really liked Killian and Scarlett. The story gets spicy, and the dual POV really adds so much to the story. I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes too.
The sweetest story, filled with vulnerability, healing and so much love.
I adored both Scarlett and Killian, one who doesn’t like to ask or accept help and the other who shows up and proves that accepting help doesn’t prove you’ve failed.
Killian is the greenest flag and he proves this throughout the story. He’s nothing like his father and the way he devotes himself to Scarlett and the kids was so beautiful.
I love how Sophie wrote this entire book, there’s obviously a complicated dynamic going on but Scarlett and Killian navigated their feelings so well.
Killian’s family was so accepting of Scarlett and the kids, despite the circumstances. There are definitely no bad feelings and I love how they all come together to support Scarlett.
Dom is an absolute arsehole with no redeeming qualities. He tries to cause an issue between Scarlett and Killian but my cuties are way too strong for that. There is no third-act breakup.
I’m very excited for more of these characters.
Thank you so much for Sophie and Netgalley for the ARC.
The first in a Clover Pines series that I already can't wait to go back to for more small town, cozy and relatable characters 🙌🏼 The side characters in friends and family of Scarlett and Killian already have me intrigued to their follow ons in the upcoming books. Loved the subtle little interlink to characters in previous books read as well
Sophie Snow definitely got Scarlett right in this. I was rooting for her to have her forbidden romance happy ending all the way through. . Family drama, characters with depth, a side of spice and a sprinkling of cute to create a perfect Christmassy read Hallmark would be proud of.
One of my biggest red flags is reading books in a series out of order, and reading holiday books out of season
And I love, I absolutely love reading Christmas books. This was the first one I’ve read by this author, and oh my gosh, I love discovering little gems like this. What made me request the book was the “dad’s ex-girlfriend” trope—that’s way too “forbidden,” and in my mind, that means: PERFECT hahahahaha.
... and indeed, it was. I loved the family dynamics, the way the relationship developed, and how adorable those two were. I honestly highly recommend reading it, and thank you, Netgalley, for feeding my obsession.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 🫶 I love Sophie Snows books so I had high hopes for this one! I enjoyed it! Short festive read even if I read it in March 😂 A forbidden romance romance between single mum Scarlett and Killian... I wont say anymore to avoid spoilers 😜 I liked both characters, in particular Scarlett our FMC. I really warmed to her and I was rooting for the pair from the first chapter. This book was the perfect length, faced paced from the beginning since its a short read. Just the right amount of spice in my opinion too 🔥
A cozy and easy Christmas romance with great chemistry between the main characters. I liked that the relationship developed naturally and never felt forced, and I especially enjoyed seeing the FMC’s growth throughout the story.
Some parts felt a bit filler and had me wanting to skip ahead. The dad’s ex-girlfriend trope was unusual for me, and I would have liked a little more about how they would handle the relationship with the children.
Overall, a warm festive read that romance readers will enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon UK for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
What a lovely read at any time of the year, but especially Christmas when wrapped up with a lovely blanket and a hot something to keep you warm. Killian was such a lovely man, you could tell why he would be upset and what he needed, he just wanted his mum to have the space to get better, and he gets so much more than he bargained for, they all do. There are so many sweet moments in this story, and I enjoyed so many, you do have to suspend your reality and let go of some things that not everyone will enjoy, like the dating history and stuff, but once you get into the story you will love it.
The first book in the Clover Pine series (1/4) and I am counting the days to go back to Clover
Forbidden love, Force proximity He is her ex's son and the half brother to her kids, but Killian is the perfect golden retriever, loving mmc. He introduces himself in their life slowly just wanting to learn more about them .
Scarlet is a great Mother and a loving FMC. Caitlin and James, the kids are just so sweet. All the side characters are just perfect, cannot wait to learn more about then on the following books!
Thank you Avon,, NetGallley and the author for the advance digital copy
A rollercoaster ride with some curve ball romantic links. Life is never simple and it certainly isn't for Scarlett and Killian. I enjoyed reading about Clover Pines and meeting lots of characters. I know there will be a nice series here as I already want to know more about Landon and Pipers story. I'm sure there is some history there and I want to know about Ronan and Fallon too. I need to go and read more books by Sophie Snow!
the book is good and the story line is there. there are just some formatting errors that i think needs to be fixed. the story line needs to be touched up just a little bit but other than that, i think the book is a nice quick read
Has there been a Sophie Snow book I don't love? Nope!!!
But this 🤩🤩🤩 Scar and Killian 🔥🫦🥵
Seriously forbidden 🚫 Dad's ex mistress!!!
This books jumps straight into the drama and bends it into a beautiful family filled happy ever after. A spicy, hallmarky Christmas romance with amazing family and friends.
I can't wait to devour the rest of Clover Pines.
❄️ Small town 🎄 Christmas 🇮🇪 Irish MMC 🇨🇦 Set in Canada 🚫 Forbidden romance 👨👩👧👦 Supportive community
🎄Ex’ Son ❄️ Age Gap 🎄 Single Mum ❄️ Small Town 🎄 Found Family ❄️ Forced Proximity
This was such a cute festive read, even reading it in april didn’t take me out of the christmas spirit.
sophie snow is a must read author for me with any new release from her. i absolutely LOVE ex’s dad as a trope but ex’s son was a new one for me and full disclosure, i wasn’t sure how i felt about it going in but i shouldn’t have doubted sophie at all as i enjoyed this trope so much.
killian was such a good mmc, green flags all round! and i loved seeing scar come into her self more, putting herself first and not taking a certain someone’s shit!
definitely add this to your festive tbr for this year! thank you netgalley for the arc.