This Is Fine: A snowed in, only one bed, former stepsiblings romance

by Lizzie Stanley

They were fine.

Totally fine.

Absolutely, definitely fine.

Sure, Nate Woodruff had a tiny, inconvenient crush on his new stepsister Ally Montrose when they were teenagers. And yes, she accidentally walked in on him and her college roommate in bed once (in fairness, Ally wasn't to know that nothing happened between them).

But they grew up. Her mother divorced his father. They moved continents and crafted perfectly separate lives.

Until a blizzard locks them together in her ex-stepfather’s deserted Montana cabin.

Now, Olympic archer Ally is running from heartbreak and public humiliation. Hollywood heartthrob nepo baby Nate is running from fame and burnout. The generator is unreliable, the food is rationed, there’s only one damn bed...

...and the chemistry they’ve both been ignoring for twelve years is busy thawing faster than the snow outside.

What starts as awkward tension turns into soft honesty, toe-curling intimacy, shared baths, accidental confessions, and one moment that changes everything.

Falling for your former stepsibling?

Not ideal.

Realising they might be the only person who has ever really seen you?

Even less fine.

THIS IS FINE is the second spinoff from the Wishbone Tattoos universe featuring the following

Former stepsiblingsHe fell firstSnowed in romanceOnly one bedMutual pining

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

Lizzie Stanley writes steamy romance with dark themes, and likes to collect the tears of her readers.

When not writing, this chaos goblin of a human tells her husband how much he reminds her of a goth Keanu Reeves, cuddles her disabled dog, and reads. Tons.

She's housetrained and friendly and loves to hear from people. Feel free to hit her up on Instagram or TikTok, or by emailing lizziestanley.author@gmail.com.

Reviews

[KelsBookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLYSINGLEBED!
You ABSOLUTELY KNOW book is going to wreck you in the best friggin way when the prologue is OFFTHEFRIGGINCHARTS… and SQUELS let me tell you this did not friggin disappoint 😍🔥
I am OBFRIGGINSESSED with Nate & Ally from the very start of this book!

Introducing the man himself Nate—HOLY. GUACAMOLE. 🥵 This man has officially secured a spot as my bew damn obsession. I was instantly drawn to him, not just because HELLOOO 🔥 but because he’s genuinely such a beautiful person inside and out.

And then we have Ally friggin BADASS. ICONIC. Absolute queen energy. 👑 Her brilliant, badass one-liners are comedy gold, but it’s her strength and fearlessness—saying it exactly how it is that as a reader make me friggin love her.

This book delivers brilliant humour. Emotional moments and did I mention the SWOONING! The writing is chefs kiss, the pacing is perfection, and the story flows so effortlessly it pulls you right in.

It’s no friggin secret how much I adore Lizzie and her writing, and this surprise release? Friggin Phenomenal... And yes… cough cough... the single bed trope owns my heart 😍

[Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite Lizzie Stanley book

5 phenomenal freaking stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10 absolutely recommend!!!

Nate and Ally will have my heart forever and more I need more books about them and definitely a book in their parents!!!

This was absolutely delightful and I might need to read it again and again!

[Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute as fuck and surprisingly wholesome given the sort-of taboo. I read it in one sitting and am now screaming with excitement.

[Rhiannon Sharples · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild quick paced read, loved every second ngl. Steamy, heart melty. . It has banter, wit, strong FMC and lovable MMC. A story of making life what you want it to be and chasing your dreams without having to sacrifice love in the process. Go get them things for yourself, but you can have your Person there with you.
.
Got me in the feels, knowing my person is with me and supports me and that's what being in a relationship is. How much easier life can feel, the security , the whole I can bloody do this, all because of being with the right person, regardless of what people on the outside might think.
.
thank you to Lizzie and Wings & Words for bagging a spot on the secret reading train!!

[Holli Pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Nate & Ally. They are step siblings... forbidden did you say? Well, thats my favourite flavour!

If you've had the pleasure of reading the Wishbone Series, you'll be familiar with Nate as hes a regular in the tattoo parlour.

It starts when Nate meets Ally when shes 16 they are introduced as new step siblings, Nate took an instant liking to Ally but he knew nothing to come of it and vowed to stay away from her.

Twelve years later, Nate is a staring in his own TV series but hes completely burnt out and trying to figure out who he is without being in his fathers shadow. He goes up to Montana for the holidays to recoup and to find himself, but who happens to turn up at the cabin? ALLY!!
Ally isn't happy to see Nate after a misunderstanding few years ago. They are still pining after eachother. The tension leading upto their first kiss was intense! But loved every second!
After sharing a couple of drinks infront of the fire, the truth comes tumbling out & its amazing to read, im all up in my feels!
They decide to have a "for now" relationship & wont decide anything until they are out of this snow bubble.

Im going to stop rambling now & let you guys read this absolute masterpiece!

This book is a perfect swoony & deliciously forbidden winter read! I gobbled it up! Can't wait to read more from Lizzie!!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is fine by Lizzie Stanley

❄️ Snowed in
🛌 Only one bed
👫 Forced proximity
😈 Former step siblings
❌ Forbidden feelings
🎭 He's a famous actor
🏹 She's an Olympic athlete

𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗶 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲.

This is the first book i have read by this author and now i will be reading all her other work! While this is a novella with links to the Wishbone Tattoos world, i read this as a complete standalone and didn’t feel i missed any information. The other characters that were mentioned i am now truly intrigued about and will be diving into their stories..

For a novella i felt i really grew attached to these characters, their inner monologue and personalities really drew me in and the interactions between Ally and Nate had me grinning. A weird twist of fate had them trapped in a cabin together and ‘cabin rules’ were dutifully embraced. The relationship felt really genuine with reactions, thoughts and feelings that fit the circumstance. There were parts that had me laughing out loud!

I loved the glimpse into the future at the end which had me kicking my feet!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing story by Lizzie Stanley..with a small connection to her Wishbone family who I adore,adore,adore !!!
Nate and Ally were step siblings who have always had deep feelings for one another but nothing ever happened between them...Even though deep down they both want something to happen.
Nate is an actor who is burnt out and wants a change.
Ally is on the Oylmpic Archery team and her boyfriend has just cheated on her and she also needs a change.
They both head seperately to the family cabin,shocked when they find one another there.
They get snowed in and this is when truths are told and sparks fly...and they are finally honest with one another in the confines of that little cabin...But what will happen when the snow melts and they have to face the world.
I Love Lizzie Stanley's writing and I will always read whatever she writes.
This is a steamy and heartfelt story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading,Lizzie makes a short story feel like a full length book.
Excellent read.
5 glowing Stars.

[Chloe Downie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 2 🌶️🌶️. This short ex step sibling Christmas novella is a stuck in a cabin in a snow storm with only 1 bed kinda vibe.

Nate and Ally have unresolved chemistry and tension that collides when they find themselves under the same roof. The trip was supposed to be a break for them and a solo time to think.

Instead, it makes them think all kinds of inappropriate thoughts about their step like sibling.

It was a very well written quick read that amazingly made you quickly connect to the characters personalities. I was frequently laughing at Ally’s language outbursts and Nate had some funny lines too.

I loved how Ally’s career/sport was revealed! It happens to be one of my secret hobbies too and I wish I could practice more! So I enjoyed this element.

This book was kindly sent to me in advance from the author and the wings & words community for the opportunity to review which I am leaving voluntarily and honestly.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Is Fine, is a beautiful novella that held my attention from the start and made me sigh when it was finished. It's a steady read that has banter, it's packed with heart, and heat! You will get lost in the moment with them, in a cabin, snowed in, but the beauty of it all is the stand they take to finally live their lives together.

I think it's a great winter read. A feel-good book that is character driven, has you cheering for them as individuals and as a couple. The writing is smooth. Nate and Ally thought they didn't stand a chance. A little taboo, considering who their parents are. The aesthetic was well written and vivid; you can feel the bitter cold outside of the cabin and them living in their cozy isolated world. And you can feel the absolute steam, their sensual love when they finally take one another. Their unrequited love made them survive, their love now will set their souls free, and they will conquer any dreams far better together than apart.

[Amanda Armour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was grateful to be part of this secret arc campaign. This is my first introduction to Lizzie Stanley’s writing and I shall be going back to read more.
This is a sweet but saucy, novella with snowed in, forced proximity, one bed, former step-siblings. What more could you ask for.

We go through Nate and Ally’s journey of their secret feelings for each other coming to the surface whilst having double booked the family cabin. No phone signal and no outside interruptions, just ‘cabin rules’.
Will this be for the cabin only or will they get a happy ever after. Well… you will have to read and see.

This is a spin off from the series Wishbone Tattoos. However this can be read as a stand alone but I do now want to go back and read the series.
I would recommend this book for some good quick fun.

[Tasha Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 2/5
📖 This Is Fine

Another fantastic book from Lizzie Stanley. Ally is one of my fav FMC's. I found her internal monologue absolutely laugh out loud funny! I loved her.
Nate was so cute I was rooting for him from the first mention of him in the book. I love that he stepped into his own light and went for what he wanted in the end.

Ally and Nate are ex step siblings who both find themselves at Nates dad Cabin, both looking for an escape and low and behold they are the last people the expect to be snowed in with but the perfect person to be with.

I could have had a full book of these two, Nate the 🐱 worshiper is exactly what Ally needed to get over her cheating tw@t of an ex.

The perfect short and steamy read.

[Joanie Lunsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Can Never Be Suppressed

But acting upon the feeling can be restrained when it is believed to be forbidden. This Is Fine is what needs to be mutually believed about a love mutually felt. Contentment in life is dependent on it.

Lizzie Stanley skillfully delivers a love story by way of a snowstorm.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally & Nate are awesome! They've held torches for each other, unbeknownst to each other, for YEARS. And then they end up snowed in together, a rescue has to happen, and then... finally ... they air their surprisingly similar secrets!

The care they have for each other, their banter, Nate's particular kink... whew!! 🔥🌶🔥🌶 This might be a slow burn, but when they ignite, it's both firey and sweet. And their banter & playfulness with each other is delightful!

Loved these two & their story. Their HEA & Leo cameo are pretty nifty, too.

😍😍😍

[Susiesbookishworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is perfect for the winter season. Snowed in, in a cabin! Short, sweet and spicy!
I absolutely loved Ally’s personality and she made me laugh out loud with her inner monologues. I do think there were certain parts of the book I would have loved to have read in her POV rather than Nate’s as I think it would have been hilarious.
This novella is connected to the Wishbone tattoos series but can be read as a standalone.
❄️ Snowed in
❄️ One bed
❄️ Forced proximity
❄️ Former step siblings

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

A steamy snowed in romance with characters(stepsiblings)they could not avoid their attraction through the years.

This is a spin off of the excellent Wishbone Tattoo series from Lizzie Stanley and I have to say: It has all ooh's and aaah's that I also had with Eli, Dean and Leo.

The thing that I love in her writing is that alpha guys are also emotional available and funny.

Although the characters are stepsiblings there is no blood relation between them. They are related over a late marriage from their parents.

[Brooke Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, what a quick cute novella

Former step siblings, one bed, cabin fever. OMG!!!!!

The attraction was instant when they met but because of their parents got married it was a no go, after years of not seeing each other and a lot of growing they are forced together suck in a cabin with no internet, no signal and some cabin rules.

I absolutely loved their dynamic, it was a lovely quick happy read, even though it was short I didn’t feel like I missed anything

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just want to thank Lizzie Stanley for sending this to me in advance of its release.

This was a lovely little read, that kept me enthralled throughout, as I just loved Ally and Nate's story and the way they had both kept their feelings for each other hidden for all those years, and so kept the tension sizzling when they came together until the inevitable happen and secrets are finally revealed.

Lets just say that when the spice hits, its so good!! 🔥

💕 Former Step Siblings
❄️ Snowed In
😉 Forced Proximity
🛏️ One Bed
🌶️ Spicy
🎥 TV Star (MMC)
🏹 Sports Star (FMC)

[Jamie Stahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding out your boyfriend is cheating on you at Christmas sucks. Driving through a blizzard to your former step dad's mountain cabin is probably not the best coping mechanism. Getting snowed in with your former step brother who you have been in love with for over a decade? It's fine. Everything is fine. But finding out he has been in love with you even longer? That makes for a very ✨interesting✨ New Year 😏

Start your year with a bite size dose of angst and romance sprinkled with humor

[Feri G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very easy and quick read, but it still had enough emotion to keep me hooked. The snowed-in cabin setting created the perfect forced-proximity situation, and the ex step-siblings dynamic added just the right amount of tension. I really enjoyed how the story explored feelings they’d both been holding onto for years because of a misunderstanding. It was cozy, emotional, and satisfying without being heavy.

[JenzBookCorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension is felt in every way. When there’s something or someone you truly desire but the world would pass judgement and you push it to the back of your mind for years….what do you get
Hot steamy fireworks
That’s what you get
This book man. Nate I really felt for him so badly and Ally is such a strong minded character who can’t see past the forbidden
But True love always find its way through

[Janene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming story, so well written and was just a joy to read. Ally fuelled by the hurt and betrayal, Nate lost and burnt out. They are both hilarious together with the sarcasm and quick witty comments. High recommended

[Georgia-Leigh Shipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting and was completely hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was particularly pleased that the couple ultimately didn’t let their careers interfere with their relationship. They travelled together and managed to make it work.

[RomanceReader1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠.

𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒆 & 𝑨𝒍𝒍𝒚𝒔’ 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ.

𝑁𝑜𝑤, 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑔𝑒𝑡 ᴍᴀᴄ & ғᴀʟʟᴏɴs’ 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦?

𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑒 ʟᴇᴏ!!

[Wings & Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, fun read. I love Lizzies writing and I loved the moment when the assistant walked in. However, i didnt get the feels in the other ways as I did with the full series. It is a novella though so thats probs why. Deff read. Thanks for the ARC, this review is voluntary.

[Laura Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this book! This book was excellent from start to finish.

The story follows two ex step siblings who have long buried feelings for each other, and watching those emotions resurface and slowly turn into true love was so lovely.

When they accidentally getting snowed in at the same cabin, not realizing they’d be there at the same time. Add one bed and forced proximity, and the chemistry absolutely crackles.

If you love forbidden-ish romance, forced proximity, and characters who can’t deny their feelings any longer, this is a must-read.

Highly recommend. 💙❄️📖

[Simplymetaramarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆ I loved This is Fine by Lizzie Stanley. We are introduced to Nate, son of mega star actor-director, Mac Woodruff, and a budding actor himself and Ally Montrose, daughter of Mac's fourth wife, Fallon. Nate is instantly infatuated with his new stepsister, a woman he can never have. Now, 12 years later, their parents are divorced, each is going through their own personal struggle, and they find themselves accidentally snowed in together.

The slow-burn of Nate and Ally is perfectly done. I fell for both MCs. The tension, the chemistry and the spice are on point. Outside may be cold, but not in the one bedroom cabin with the unreliable generator. The intimacy, the cinnamon roll, the heroic damsel, the finally going for what you want. Swoon. I want to go to Montana and be Ally.

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t like the fmc

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and spicy.
I love a forced proximity and this was fast and fun.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie has done it again! Loved Nate and Ally!

[Rebecca Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about following your heart, following your dream, and going for what you truly want...

I loved this! The dynamic between the characters was soooo good! This is a quick, spicy, get-you-in-your-feels novella, with everything you want. The tropes alone should make you want to pick this up.

This was my introduction to Lizzie's world, and she did NOT disappoint. I will 100% be going back and reading the Wishbone Series. It was also my first ex step-sibling romance, which at first, I wasn't sure about, but it was written brilliantly and in a way that doesn't give you the ick!

The spice was written amazingly well. It wasn't too much. It was definitely written in a way that was pertinent to the story and not just thrown in for the sake of it. I do appreciate a Consent King, ngl.

It was an honour to be asked to be a part of this secret mission by Wings and Words and Lizzie.

Lizzie, your story was amazing and I can't wait to read more.