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Tangled Like Christmas Lights

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Two strangers.

One storm.

A connection neither of them is ready for.

Rowan Carter isn’t running—but she’s definitely not standing still. After discovering her ex’s betrayal, she drives west for Christmas, determined to outrun heartbreak for a few days. But when her car dies on a snow-covered mountain pass, she’s rescued by Beck Callahan—a gruff, solitary man whose quiet intensity warms her faster than the fire in his lodge.

Beck keeps people at a distance.

Rowan makes it impossible.

As the storm traps them together, longing turns into heat, and heat turns into something deeper—something Beck never lets himself want.

But storms always end.

And when Rowan leaves, she’ll take the first real piece of Beck’s heart he’s given away in years.

A tender, seductive mountain-man Christmas romance about wrong timing, right people, and the spark that refuses to fade.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2025

3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read

About the author

M.K. Long

3 books6 followers
M.K. Lives in WV with her husband, 3 children, 2 dogs and a cat. It’s rare to catch her without a book, or kindle, in her hand.

She started writing at a young age. Her first literary love was Edgar Allan Poe.

Her stories are mainly based in the Appalachian mountains where she grew up, with the exception of Tangled Like Christmas Lights.

She enjoyed writing stories that are emotionally charged and will leave readers wanting more.

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5 stars
34 (52%)
4 stars
27 (41%)
3 stars
4 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany Harville.
118 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2025
ARC review. Well……. If the ending didn’t TOTALLY leave me wanting more! 😫😫😫 talk about frustration! This was soo so cute and a perfect lil novella for the season! Rowan and Becks quick and accidental meeting is the perfect story of meeting the right person at the wrong time. This whirlwind romance had it all. Sooo sweet and so worth the read! Sometimes we do go through some “not meant to be’s” to get there 🥰
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,475 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
rcvd and ARC from the author.

we meet Rowan on her way home for Christmas when her car breaks down in thr mountains. she manages to walk to a hotel looking like a drowned rat. Beck, the hotel owner is shocked to see a gorgeous girl wandering in looking a little wet and in need of a room. Having Rowan reminds Beck of happier times and he wants Rowan. Rowan is in trouble with a man like Beck and what could happen. a small intimate Christmas leaves Beck and Rowan wanting more except Rowan leaves soon.
Profile Image for Beth Dunnery.
31 reviews3 followers
Read
December 10, 2025
Received as an ARC, leaving my honest review. Both main characters were like-able, their chemistry was on point, and it gave me serious snowy christmas vibes. Cute, fun, and spicy.
3 reviews
December 9, 2025
What’s Christmas without a good holiday novella? A spicy little romance that results from a one chance encounter from two strangers who didn’t know they needed each other.

The story follows Rowan as she learns to navigate the newly single life— but after a short and unexpected encounter with the mysterious and dauntingly handsome Beck she’s second guessing everything she thought she wanted.

Tangled like Christmas Lights is a perfect novella that gives you off the charts humor, character depth and plenty of steamy scenes that leave nothing to the imagination. Definite 10/10 read, 100/10 recommend.
Profile Image for Chrystal.
24 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2025
I settled down after work with a cup of hot apple cider on a chilly 22° night to read this. I’ve never read this author but the way I devoured this novella, I’ll be checking out other books they wrote.

Short review…

If you want a fun, fast, and semi steamy Christmas in a snow storm, to get you in the spirit this is for you.

Longer review…

Rowan a bake shop owner, after receiving a shocking surprise runs to the mountains of Colorado to heal, where she meets Beck the owner of a Christmas lodge in Snowcap Springs.

The author really makes it like you can feel the chill of the snow and smell the fire burning. The attention to detail is amazing. Down to the holiday magic.

Rowan’s witty banter drew me in the first page. She is funny and relatable. From the moment she meets Beck you can feel the heat sizzling between them.
Profile Image for Liz.
7 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2025
I was provided a copy by the author. I am giving my honest opinion. This is a cute Christmas novella that I enjoyed reading. It’s like a hallmark movie with a dash of spice. Some of the dialogue felt predictable but that’s typical for these types of books. I really liked that the ending was more realistic than I expected.
5 reviews
December 11, 2025
This is a short spicy read but worth the read! If you’re looking for a great Christmas book that’s quick but will keep you lured in, this is it. I loved the banter between Beck and Rowan. Most of all I loved the way the book ended. It’s not what you expect to happen and that’s a breath of fresh air when you read a lot of books! Definitely recommend for the holiday season!
Profile Image for Kayla.
3 reviews
December 16, 2025
Trust me, you’ll want to make sure you’re sitting down with your eggnog first (iykyk).

I love this short, spicy hallmark of a Christmas story. The witty banter, the spice and the ending that will leaving you reeling for more. Perfect if you want a hot little read to keep in the holiday spirit.
Profile Image for Brooke.
21 reviews
December 8, 2025
If you are looking for a cute winter holiday Hallmark style book with a few spicy scenes, this is worth checking out! I loved the story development between Rowan and Beck! Book is short and a perfect quick and cozy read this holiday season!
Profile Image for mrsbattle.
29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 13, 2025
Festive, steamy, emotionally charged.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wycech.
976 reviews23 followers
December 12, 2025
A cute Christmas novella. I loved the story.

Quick and easy read. Great characters and good spice for a short read.
Profile Image for Yoder.
211 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2025
Note: I received advance review copy of Tangled Like Christmas Lights

First off, this book is extremely short and horny. Typically with these types of books you see the lack of a complete story, though Tangled Like Christmas Lights no only has a complete story it's also a good one. I will say there entire thing feels like the pizza woman is delivery and asks for a big "tip" and the "tip" and "pizza" are so good they become obsessed with one another.

Still a good little story though.
Profile Image for Grace.
59 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
December 11, 2025
I will start this review off by saying thank you so much to the author for providing me with this opportunity to read your wonderful book, although It wasn’t for me I still enjoyed reading it. I loved the characters and their bond and the writing style, I’m honestly not sure why I didn’t enjoy it more. But the ending had me SHOCKED. I was so confused on why it ended the way it did and I kept trying to flip to the next page for more when there wasn’t more so CLEARLY I did enjoy it lol

I personally love the plot, the plot was amazing I just felt it was rushed but then again it’s a novella so it’s going to be rushed so I’m not upset or anything because I knew it was going to be like this when I signed up — but overall I enjoyed this book I just felt it was lacking something, I just don’t know what…

It wasn’t my favorite but as always I highly recommend picking it up for yourself and giving it a try, just because it’s not my cup of tea doesn’t mean it isn’t someone else’s.

Thank you again for this opportunity, if you’re looking for a read to spice up your cold holiday this book will sure do the job!

TROPES AND FEATURES
- Mountain Man
- Christmas Read

STARS AND SPICE RATINGS
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
Profile Image for CuriousPigeon.
28 reviews1 follower
Read
December 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ ARC Reader’s Confessional – Tangled Like Christmas Lights by M.K. Long

Tangled Like Christmas Lights is a sweet, festive novella that delivers cozy holiday vibes and an easy, comforting read. The Christmas setting is warm and charming, making it a nice pick for getting into the seasonal spirit.

As a novella, the pacing is quick, which works well for a short read, but it also means the character development and emotional depth feel a little limited at times. The romance has a lovely foundation and clear potential, though I would have enjoyed seeing the relationship unfold more gradually to create a stronger emotional connection.

The writing is smooth and approachable, and the story flows well enough to be finished in one sitting. While it didn’t fully pull me in emotionally, it was still an enjoyable and pleasant read that fits perfectly into the holiday romance category.

Overall, Tangled Like Christmas Lights is a cozy, feel-good novella that does what it sets out to do. With a bit more depth and development, it could easily have been a standout holiday romance, but as it stands, it’s a solid seasonal read.

📖 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Justine Noble.
63 reviews
Review of advance copy
December 14, 2025
This was such a cute Christmas novella and perfect for the holidays. Rowan and Beck’s story was cozy, heartwarming, and exactly the kind of winter escape I love. A snowstorm, a lodge getaway, and a mountain-level handsome owner? Say less.

Rowan truly needed the time away she took, especially after what she’d been through, and watching her step into a new environment felt refreshing and deserved. Then there’s Beck...once he’s introduced, it’s immediately clear he’s everything Rowan didn’t even know she needed. The way he’s described alone had me smiling, and I was instantly rooting for him. Let’s just say the past stayed where it belonged… IN THE PAST. Ex fiancé who? 😉

The snowed-in setting made everything feel extra cozy and intimate, and I completely understood why Rowan didn’t want that storm to end. It was a short read, but it packed in the holiday vibes perfectly. Sweet, comforting, and ideal for a quick Christmas escape. I loved every minute of it. 🎄✨
Profile Image for Melissa Visser.
19 reviews
Review of advance copy
December 16, 2025
tangled Like Christmas Lights is a delightfully festive, quick read that perfectly captures the cozy chaos of the holiday season.
​The story follows beck, who finds their life unexpectedly entwined with rowan after a very 'Christmas-y' mishap involving a ridiculous amount of string lights. What follows is a charming, enemies-to-lovers or forced-proximity trope that feels both familiar and fresh.
​The author does a great job of injecting genuine holiday cheer and sparkling banter into the short format. It’s light, a little steamy (depending on the author's style), and packed with enough seasonal charm to melt even the Grinchiest heart.
​Perfect for: A quick, feel-good escape when you need a concentrated dose of holiday magic
Profile Image for Vicki Rogers.
31 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 18, 2025
ARC review
This is a quick evening read.

Straight off the bat there was a few small grammar/typos.

My honest review, it’s a cozy little snowed in fling, where the MMC falls hard and fast, the MFC is the typical sunshine energy.
And the ending left me wanting more!

The plot:
Rowan walked in on her fiancé with another man, so she heads to her sister cabin in the mountains, however like a typical girl didn’t refuel at the ‘shady looking’ station and therefore runs out of fuel, stranded on the side of the mountain she walks the rest of the way. The first lodge she sees brings to Beck, who offers her a meal & his room.

The chemistry between these two spark, and becomes the best 3days of Christmas snowed in bliss.

In my option it’s worth the quick read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carisa Kerr.
92 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
I want to thank M.K. Long for allowing me to ARC read this.

Snowed In
Grumpy Lodge Owner
Running Away

I loved Rowan and Beck. Rowan was running from her life in Boston and her own heartbreak. She rented a cabin in Colorado to get away during the holidays. On the way her luck just isn't the greatest as she runs out of gas, hikes to the Christmas Lodge. That's where she meets Beck. I loved the tension, and the banter. But as always the snow ends and life must go on. If you love Christmas stories this is a good book for you. I don't want to give too much away as it's a novella and too much detail would spoil the story. Add this to your TBR!!!
3 reviews
December 22, 2025
Tangled Like Christmas Lights by M.K. Long is a charming holiday novella that captures the magic of unexpected romance. After discovering her fiance's infidelity, Rowen leaves Boston in search of peace and finds herself at a secluded snow-covered Christmas lodge. The only other person there is Beck, the lodge's reserved owner. Though Beck initially tries to maintain his distance, both he and Rowen soon find themselves drawn to each other, their connection deepening as they get to know one another. This quick, delightful read is perfect for the holiday season, blending heartache, healing, and romance under a wintery backdrop.
1 review
December 16, 2025
Received this book as an ARC!

It's cute, spicy, and an easy read.

I believe I received an earlier copy as it seemed a little rushed with some grammatical errors, but I will absolutely read it again once it comes out to see if the version I read was different. I do wish the ending had a little more beef to it, as it seemed to end in the middle of a thought. I also know that this is a novella, but it seemed a little too short as it took me less than 2 hours to read it. I hope we see more of Beck and Rowan!

If you are looking for a quick read that's got plenty of spice, I would recommend.
Profile Image for Jessica Melby.
60 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
ARC read.

It's a blizzard outside and her car breaks down on top of a hill. She spots a lodge in which a sexy mountain man owns it. Theres no other guest. Sexy mountain man knows the stranded girl sister, but the chemistry between mountain man and stranded stranger is unbearable!

Both have had crazy breakups where their hearts felt like they could never move on, till they found eachother.

fast paced on how the story unfolds. wiah there was more details about the build up and not just diving in. Spice is perfect though.
3,119 reviews47 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 15, 2025

Rowan needs to get away after finding her now idiotic ex has cheated. Driving on a the road that is now covered in snow her car gives up the run and just dies. Beck a hotel owner can’t believe his eyes when he sees a wet and cold woman working down the mountain road. Her heart is broken and his is guarded. Beck is a man of solidarity and grumpy, well that is until Rowan comes walking into life.

This is a short read, but has humour, steam and romance.

93 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
This is a cute holiday novella. Rowan leaves for a weekend getaway after catching her fiance with his best friend. She gets stranded on the way to her sisters cabin and walks to a nearby lodge. Beck the owner helps her out with a warm place to stay while thr storm closes roads. What neither of them expect is to fall for each other after bad relationships. Beck needed Rowan just as much as Rowan needed Beck.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 16, 2025
I just finished my ARC copy of M K Long's 'Tangled like Christmas lights'. It was an awesome novella, just short enough to enjoy and Beck and Rowan were like fireworks. It's like waiting and meeting that right person for you, even if the timing seems wrong. They were just what the other needed at the right time. Will absolutely recommend it and the chemistry was off the charts. Well written M K long. Look forward to your other books 🌟🌟🌟
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 19, 2025
ARC Review.......This book had me hooked from the 1st page to the last. I was giggling and screaming at the same time. I felt like I knew Beck & Rowan completely. I love the nickname it fits the scenery 😍. I am creating endings in my head lol because not knowing what happens is frustrating. Give me anything Christmas and you have my vote...but give Christmas and Beck well let's just say it's magical.
Profile Image for Bookish_Ashleigh.
153 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 11, 2025
This was a perfect holiday novella. it was full of spice, and both characters fell hard and fast. Not only did it have romance but it was funny too which is amazing to find in such a short read. Rowan and Beck found each other at the perfect moment and were able to mend their broken hearts together. This was a clear showing of needing to lose the wrong person in order to find the right one !
Profile Image for Cassie.
99 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 12, 2025
This book makes me want to get lost in a snow storm!

Rowan is not having the best luck. First she walks in on an unforgivable situation, then while running away her car dies on the side of a mountain. She’s grateful to find a warm lodge with a room available, but she is so unprepared for the mountain man running it.

This book is sweet, spicy, and everything you want in a quick holiday novella!
Profile Image for Jessica.
5 reviews
December 15, 2025
Received as an advanced copy. And leaving my honest opinion.

This sweet, short and spicy Christmas novella did not disappoint. From the first page, I couldn’t wait to unfold Rowan and Beck’s accidental meeting during a massive snowstorm in Colorado. I almost read the book in one sitting, it kept me coming back. I sure hope there is a follow up to their story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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