A Little Christmas Rivalry: The BRAND NEW Christmas romance with workplace rivals, frosty tension and a trip to the Swiss Alps from Sandy Barker for 2026

by Sandy Barker

A BRAND NEW brilliantly funny, romantic read from Sandy Barker, author of Match Me If You Can Praise for Sandy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A delightful romance that left me with a big smile on my face.' Jessica Redland

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A perfect romcom filled with delicious banter, a swoony hero and a classy, confident heroine!' Katie Ginger

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A brilliantly funny and addictive love story with all the feels and so much more!' Nina Kaye

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'A cracking romcom, full of laughs and misadventure.' Leonie Mack

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Such a heartwarming, uplifting read, full of love, hope, heart, friendship and joy! Thoroughly enjoyed it!' Kim Nash

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'With smart banter and swoony moments… Sandy Barker gives us another brilliant romcom and joyful read.’ Pernille Hughes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A wonderfully warm and witty will they/won’t they romance... a perfect romantic read.’ Kathleen Whyman

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'It's so brilliantly will they, won't they that it really kept me guessing!' Anita Faulkner

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I loved this book! An adorable laugh-out-loud romance, that gives all the right tingles and touches the heart.' Ella Hayes

Genres: Christmas, Romance

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2026

About the author

I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.

I am currently on a one-year sabbatical, living and writing across the world, with my partner, Ben, who I met while travelling in Greece. Our real-life love story inspired my debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the five-book Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.

Also with One More Chapter, is the Christmas Romance series, celebrating my favourite time of the year, and a stand-alone romcom, The Dating Game, set in the world of reality TV.

I am now writing for Boldwood Books, including the 5-book Ever After Agency romcom series. Next up are 5 more standalone romcoms for Boldwood.

I am represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency.

Reviews

[Margo Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew and Sophie are rival work colleagues, competitively pitching ideas for a Christmas advertising campaign. In true enemies-to-lovers style, sparks fly. The author, Sandy Barker, captures the giddiness, nerves, hope and romance of that transition beautifully. 'A Little Christmas Rivalry' delivers on the promise of the gorgeous, festive cover. 💖🎄

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie is an Australian who moved to London for love, and stayed after losing it. Drew is an American who moved to London to run away from a failed love. After everything they've been through, neither of them wants anything to do with romance anymore. But you can only fight fate for so long.

The last thing I expected when I started this book was to tear up right after finishing the prologue, but here we are.

Honestly? This book is such a page turner. I mean, after that prologue, all I wanted was to keep reading. And Drew's backstory? It was wild. Even though it's a backstory I've come across in other books before, the way it's told makes it feel fresh. I was genuinely so invested in everything that was happening.

The characters were another huge highlight. Not just Drew and Sophie. Every single one of them felt memorable. Jane doesn't get a lot of page time, but the little things we learn about her made me love her even more. She's such a badass. Harlow and Maisie were adorable and hilarious, Gen and Connie gave the best advice, and even though Chris doesn't appear much, he managed to make me laugh. Character wise this book is an easy 10/10.

The chemistry between Drew and Sophie is honestly on another level. The tension between them is chef's kiss, and the slow burn only makes it even better. I was hooked on every interaction between them.

I also really loved that this wasn't just romance for the sake of romance. The story gives so much space to their careers, and their healing journey before getting to that ending, and I appreciated that so much.

A Little Christmas Rivalry is a slow burn workplace romance that made me laugh, cry, and fall completely in love with the characters. It's an absolute must read if you ask me.

[RAECHEL THOMAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely delightful. I adore Sophie, Drew and the rest of the characters…especially Connie.

Slow Burn ✅
Characters with depth ✅
A wee bit of spice ✅

If you’re looking for a quick and easy Christmas novel, this is it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Demi Snell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️
Tropes: dual POV, workplace romance, work nemeses, forced proximity, single mom, slow burn, fade to black

“He’s the sexiest man in my orbit – no question. Which is unfortunate, because he’s also a smug, arrogant, up-himself prick and my work nemesis.”

Sophie is a widow who’s terrified of opening her heart to someone again, so she’s made peace with admiring her work nemesis, Drew, from a distance and nothing more. She’s done a pretty good job of keeping him at arm’s length… until they’re thrown together on the biggest project of their careers. And to her dismay, her daughter Harlow quickly becomes best friends with Drew’s niece, Maisie, meaning Sophie suddenly has to spend even more time with him outside of work. The festive backdrop added a cozy charm without completely overshadowing the romance.

“How do I work with someone who both infuriates me and turns me on? Until recently, I’ve maintained a buffer of disdain, but Drew seems to have found a chink. I’m starting to see him as a person.”

Watching Drew with his niece starts to chip away at the version of him Sophie had built up in her mind. She slowly realizes maybe he isn’t the arrogant jerk she thought he was. Meanwhile, Drew is fighting a battle of his own. His growing feelings for Sophie have to stay buried because risking his career—or jeopardizing the campaign they’re both working so hard for—isn’t an option.

“Sophie Reid is way the hell off-limits.”

“If Sophie Reid was a no-go before, now she’s nuclear waste – to be handled with professionalism and kid gloves.”

But in true rom-com fashion, the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore what’s developing between them. Their banter was fun, but I found the workplace nemesis dynamic faded a little too quickly once they were forced to work together. Even so, Sophie is convinced nothing good can come from pursuing someone like Drew.

“There’s no way that getting tangled up with a player like Drew Parker is a good idea.”

I really liked the premise, and I thought the holiday setting, workplace tension, and family dynamics had a lot of potential. Seeing Sophie slowly let her guard down after everything she’d been through and watching Drew’s softer side come out around Maisie were some of my favorite parts of the story.

That said, I never felt fully invested in the romance. While Sophie and Drew had chemistry, their emotional connection felt a little underdeveloped, so I found myself wanting more depth between them before they fell for each other. I wanted more conversations, more vulnerability, and more moments that made me believe they truly belonged together beyond the physical attraction.

Overall, this was still a quick, cute Christmas romance and a nice palate cleanser between heavier reads. While I wanted more emotional depth from the romance, I still enjoyed spending time with these characters and think it’ll be a great pick if you’re looking for a cozy holiday read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love rivals-to-lovers romance, workplace chemistry, witty banter, and a generous dose of Christmas magic, this sounds like the perfect festive read.

Sophie Reid has everything under control. She’s a talented advertising executive, a devoted single mum, and she’s determined to land the biggest campaign of her career—the coveted Christmas advert for retail giant Hargreaves.

There’s just one problem: Drew Parker.

Drew is Sophie’s biggest professional rival, having won the Christmas campaign two years in a row. He’s confident, arrogant, frustratingly attractive, and absolutely determined to win again. Sophie would find him much easier to dislike if she could stop noticing just how hot he is!

When the two are forced to work together on the campaign, their competitive relationship takes an unexpected turn. What begins as rivalry slowly develops into undeniable chemistry, and as their work takes them from the office to snow-covered Switzerland, those carefully maintained walls begin to crumble.

I love the setup of this romance. Sophie and Drew have that perfect enemies-to-lovers energy, with plenty of tension and opportunities for witty exchanges. Watching two ambitious people who are determined to beat each other slowly discover there’s more beneath the surface promises plenty of fun, romance, and emotional moments.

The festive setting makes it even more appealing. Add snowy Switzerland, Christmas deadlines, workplace rivalry, and two people trying very hard not to fall for each other, and you have all the ingredients for a cosy holiday rom-com.

A fun, charming, and festive romance that combines career rivalry with irresistible chemistry and Christmas magic. Perfect for curling up with during the holiday season when you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, romantic, and full of feel-good moments. 🎄❤️❄️

[Kayla Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew and Sophie are work rivals in London and the enemies to lovers is strong in this book! The banter is fun and the Christmas setting just makes it feel so cozy. I had a great time with this one! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!!

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Reid has apparently decided that the healthiest way to handle being wildly attracted to her work nemesis is to mentally call him an asshole every time he enters the room. This strategy is going GREAT.

Because Drew Parker is not just some guy from work. No, this man has beaten Sophie out for the Hargreaves Christmas campaign two years in a row, walks around with all the irritating confidence of someone who knows he is good at his job, and has somehow committed the additional personal offense of being extremely hot while doing it. Sophie cannot stand him. Sophie does not trust him. Sophie would also like everyone to stop asking why she knows exactly how attractive he is, thank you very much.

And I understand her problem because Drew initially has the emotional accessibility of an airport lounge. He keeps to himself, has the whole arrogant lone-wolf reputation going, and Sophie has already constructed a complete psychological profile of him based largely on the fact that he annoys her. Meanwhile Drew thinks Sophie genuinely despises him, so naturally these two adults choose the mature option and continue aggressively misunderstanding each other while experiencing enough mutual attraction to power the Hargreaves Christmas lights.

Then their daughters slash nieces get involved. Sophie’s daughter Harlow and Drew’s niece Maisie become friends, because children can smell unresolved romantic tension and apparently enjoy making it everybody’s problem. Suddenly Sophie is seeing Drew outside the office, where he has the absolute nerve to be lovely with Maisie. Excuse me? No. You cannot spend all this time establishing yourself as Hot Workplace Dickhead and then casually reveal that you are an attentive uncle. Sophie had a system. Drew is ruining the system.

And then THEY HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER. On the Christmas campaign. The campaign Sophie desperately wanted to beat him for. There is something deeply satisfying about watching two people who have spent ages professionally circling each other suddenly discover, to their mutual horror, that they are actually really good together. Sophie starts realizing Drew is not the man she decided he was. Drew starts realizing there might be a difference between Sophie wanting to murder him and Sophie wanting to murder him but also maybe put her mouth on him first. Progress.

There is also Max, Drew’s movie-star friend, who initially rolls in carrying the exact amount of famous-man nonsense you would expect and somehow became someone I wanted more of. Connie has her own life happening instead of sitting around dispensing grandmotherly wisdom until the young people get their shit together. And Harlow and Maisie actually behave like little girls instead of tiny producers from The Bachelor engineering private dates for their guardians. Everybody has something going on, which makes Sophie and Drew’s little workplace psychosexual cold war even funnier because nobody else has time for this nonsense.

And THEN Switzerland happens. Of course Switzerland happens. Apparently England could no longer safely contain this level of denial, so everyone gets shipped to the Alps. Snow. Christmas. Forced proximity. Attractive coworker you absolutely definitely do not have feelings for standing there looking all festive and emotionally available. Sophie, babe, the call is coming from inside the chalet.

But Sophie’s resistance actually got me because this is not just a woman being stubborn for sport. She lost her husband. She has built a life around Harlow. She knows how to be a mother and how to be excellent at her job and how to keep moving because those are things she can control. Drew is not controllable. Wanting someone again means admitting there is a part of her life she might be ready to open back up, and that is terrifying when you already know exactly what losing someone costs. That landed. No jokes. It just did.

Drew has his own reasons for keeping people at a distance, which makes their entire situation even more ridiculous because they have basically been standing on opposite sides of the same emotional fence yelling inaccurate things about each other. Once those assumptions start falling apart, the rivalry gets softer pretty quickly. I did miss some of the teeth there. I wanted another round or two of Sophie and Drew professionally trying to destroy each other while privately thinking, unfortunately, WOULD. Give me the spite. Let Christmas work for it.

Still, I had a genuinely good time with these idiots. A Little Christmas Rivalry gets 3.5 stars from me for workplace warfare, inconvenient horniness, tiny children bulldozing carefully constructed emotional boundaries, Switzerland doing what Switzerland apparently does to emotionally unavailable people, and Sophie discovering that sometimes the man you have spent months mentally throwing into traffic is actually someone you might want to keep around.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Most Aggressive Use of “I Hate That Man” When the Actual Problem Is Very Clearly “I Would Like to Sit on That Man”

Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC and for confirming that corporate team-building has been doing it wrong for years. Forget trust falls. Send two hot coworkers who hate each other to Switzerland and let God sort it out.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

A Little Christmas Rivalry by Sandy Barker was such a fun festive romance. It had workplace rivalry, forced proximity, a snowy trip to Switzerland, family dynamics, and plenty of chemistry between two people who are both very determined not to fall for each other.

Sophie is an Australian living in London, raising her daughter Harlow and focusing on her career after losing her husband. Drew is her biggest professional rival and has beaten her out for a major Christmas advertising campaign two years in a row. Sophie has basically decided that Drew is arrogant, annoying, and unfortunately extremely attractive- which makes having to work with him even more inconvenient.

I really liked Sophie and Drew’s banter and the tension between them. Their rivalry gives the story a fun start, but I also liked getting to see how both of them had made assumptions about the other that weren’t entirely accurate. Once they start spending more time together, especially outside of work, those walls slowly start coming down.

Harlow and Drew’s niece Maisie were also adorable, and their friendship gives Sophie the chance to see a completely different side of Drew. Watching him with Maisie definitely helps chip away at the image Sophie has built of him as her smug work nemesis.

I appreciated that Sophie’s hesitation about starting another relationship had some real emotional weight behind it. She isn’t just being stubborn for the sake of creating conflict. She has already experienced losing someone she loved and has built a safe, predictable life around her daughter and career. Letting Drew into that life means allowing herself to be vulnerable again, and I thought that part of her story was handled really well.

Drew has his own reasons for keeping people at a distance, so their relationship ends up being about more than just workplace attraction. I also liked that both characters had lives outside of the romance, with their careers and families getting plenty of attention.

And of course, once the story moves to snowy Switzerland, the Christmas atmosphere really kicks in. There’s something about snow, mountains, forced proximity, and two people desperately pretending they don’t have feelings for each other that just works in a holiday romance.

I do wish the rivalry had lasted a little longer because once they started getting to know each other, some of that enemies-to-lovers energy disappeared pretty quickly. I would have happily taken a little more competitive banter before everything softened.

Overall, A Little Christmas Rivalry was a sweet, funny, and festive slow-burn romance with characters I genuinely liked. The combination of workplace competition, family, grief, healing, and Christmas in Switzerland made this an easy 4-star read for me.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Rivalry is just the kind of cute Christmas romance I needed, yes, even in August, because I'm an 'all-year-round Christmas Romance' kind of reader. 🥺🎄

This story is so many things. It’s insanely funny, the banter is witty and humorous, the enemies-to-lovers aspect with a touch of workplace competition adds even more to the story, and the single-mom trope is really well done.
Sophie and Harlow’s mother-daughter dynamic is super cute, and with the addition of a slightly eccentric but loving grandmother, their little family is all the more adorable. The underlying grief and the way it’s portrayed throughout the story really tugged at my heartstrings and had me wiping away a tear or two more than once.

Sophie and Drew’s relationship was also really well paced, going from rivals/enemies, to maybe friends, to maybe rivals again, and finally into the sweetest love story. Their journey felt natural, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

Overall, this was a cute and hilarious Christmas rom-com that I really enjoyed.

There were just two small things that prevented it being a 5 star read for me. The first was the dialogue tags. I found the repeated phrasing a little clunky, and personally, I found the dialogue flowed much better when the tag came after the character’s name. It’s a small thing, but once I noticed it, I couldn’t unnotice it. 😂

The other was the Switzerland setting. The picturesque Swiss setting was actually one of the things that initially drew me to the book, so I was a little disappointed that we didn’t really get there until the final 10% of the story. By that point, Sophie and Drew’s romance was finally taking off, so the Switzerland portion felt quite rushed. We only got a few days there, with a handful of moments showcasing the snow and scenery, while most of the focus remained on the romance and their advertising work. I just wish we’d had a little more time to actually experience that gorgeous Swiss setting because it felt like such a missed opportunity.

Other than that, this was a really great read, and definitely one I’d recommend to anyone looking for a funny, heartwarming Christmas romance with plenty of banter, rivalry and a whole lot of festive charm. 🎄❤️

Thank you Netgalley for the E-ARC copy.

[Tanisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a book lover, and romance has been my favorite genre for years. Over time, I have found certain tropes that consistently pull me in, and "enemies to lovers" is definitely one of them. After enjoying both "My Big Greek Island Ex-Scape" and "The Great Italian Holiday Mix-up," I was excited to pick up another book by this author, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

This story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I really appreciated that we got a glimpse of Sophie's life before everything changed for her and her daughter. That extra background made it easy to understand her motivations and root for her success. I felt the same way about Drew. Learning what brought him to the UK added depth to his character and made me just as invested in seeing him find his own happy ending. Their rivalry was fun to watch, and I loved seeing all of those competitive moments slowly turn into mutual respect and something much deeper.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the advertising setting. As someone with a degree in Advertising, it was fun getting a behind-the-scenes look at that world, especially with the competition surrounding the Christmas campaign. The trip to Switzerland added even more charm to the story, and it was the perfect backdrop for Sophie and Drew's relationship to begin changing.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Sophie and Drew were easy to root for, and I loved watching their relationship grow from rivals into partners in every sense of the word. The epilogue was especially satisfying, although I would not complain if the author revisited these characters in the future. I also found myself hoping that Jane and Max eventually get stories of their own. I would happily pick those up!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Paperbacked Otter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bedtime? Nah. I needed to keep reading A Little Christmas Rivalry by Sandy Barker because I immediately became invested in how the two main characters would move from rivals to romance.

Drew and Sophie are both top performers for an advertising agency: rivals battling each other for the Christmas campaign of a prestigious toy company. Drew has won for the last two years and is not exactly humble. In fact, Sophie thinks he is an arrogant lone wolf who she wants nothing to do with. Unfortunately, he keeps showing up in her dreams naked. Even if she might be attracted to him, she is a single mom of a ten year old and a widow of six years. Can she even let herself move on from that first love?

Drew does not know why Sophie dislikes him, but he does like getting under her skin and riling her up. She is cute when she is angry. Even if they did get along, he would never date a co-worker. Been there, done that. Not again! In fact, his golden rule to keep from getting attached is to never to date a woman more than once … and he has no problem getting dates.

Between working the present year’s Christmas campaign together and play dates between Sophie’s daughter and Drew’s niece, the main characters start to thaw toward one another. I like the way the author brings down her character’s walls a little at a time. She gives them time to see one another differently and to understand one another's reluctance to get romantically involved.

The supporting characters add humor, but they also provide meaningful guidance. It’s refreshing to have an author create supportive families who joke around with each other, but also are honest in their feedback.

I loved this story. My one complaint is that the end felt rushed. I am definitely going to recommend this holiday read to my fellow romance-reader friends.

[vlm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Rivalry by Sandy Barker is everything I want in a holiday rom-com: charming, funny, heartwarming, and filled with just the right amount of festive magic.

Sophie and Drew are fierce professional rivals, each determined to land the biggest Christmas advertising campaign of the year. Their competitive banter is sharp and entertaining from the very beginning, and watching them go from trying to outdo each other to reluctantly working together makes for a wonderfully satisfying rivals-to-lovers romance. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved seeing the layers beneath their first impressions slowly unfold.

Sophie is an easy heroine to root for. She balances the demands of being a successful advertising executive while raising her son as a single mother, making her both relatable and inspiring. Drew initially comes across as overly confident, but as his walls begin to come down, it becomes clear there's much more to him than his reputation suggests.

The snowy Swiss setting adds an extra layer of holiday magic, creating the perfect backdrop for romance. Between the festive atmosphere, heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and believable emotional growth, this story captures the warmth and joy of the Christmas season without becoming overly sentimental.

Sandy Barker delivers a delightful romantic comedy that blends workplace rivalry, slow-burn romance, and plenty of holiday cheer into a story that is impossible not to smile through. If you're looking for a cozy Christmas romance with lovable characters, sparkling chemistry, and all the festive feels, this one deserves a spot on your holiday reading list.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy. I truly appreciated the opportunity to read and review this wonderful holiday romance.

[Sree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A Little Christmas Rivalry is about two office rivals, Sophie and Drew, having to work together on a christmas themed project while they slowly realize they might have feelings for their colleague. I thought the premise was interesting and the christmas themed appealed to me. However, there were a few aspects of the book which either didn’t sit right with me.

The book starts off talking a lot about the grief of losing a husband, how it sneaks up on you, and how unexpected things in life can affect people. I thought that we’d explore a lot more about grief, navigating it and moving on. However, the romance was very abrupt and there was not a lot of discussion around how it was for Sophie to move on and start a relationship with Drew. I think the grief could have been explored more in depth, especially since she is a single mom, raising a child without a father. There were few very short conversations but nothing that really made me feel connected to the characters.

Towards the end, there’s an argument between Sophie and Drew, which was a case of miscommunication on Drew’s part. However, in the resolution, Sophie apologizes for overreacting, which didn’t really sit right with me. It felt very different from the character and personality that Sophie was leading up to be from the beginning of the story. Lastly, I will say the christmas spirit was mostly present only in the epilogue, so it wasn’t a book full of christmas cheer from beginning to end.

However, there were some cute and heartwarming scenes with Sophie’s daughter and Drew’s niece bonding. I thought the relationship between Sophie, her daughter (Harlowe) and her mother in law (Connie) was explored well.

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving A Little Christmas Rivalry by Sandy Barker a cozy, festive 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​Get ready to deck the halls with competitive sparks and office banter, because this seasonal romance brings all the Christmas vibes, workplace competition, and rivals-to-lovers heat right to your Kindle screen! 🎄✨🏢
​ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, publisher Boldwood Books, and author Sandy Barker for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
​The Review
​A Little Christmas Rivalry by Sandy Barker is a total festive treat and the ultimate seasonal read! Sandy Barker delivers top-tier Christmas vibes that instantly wrap you up in holiday cheer. If you love a crisp winter setting filled with snow, festive decorations, and high-stakes office dynamics, this story delivers on all fronts.
​The workplace romance and rivals-to-lovers setup create the perfect recipe for snappy banter and delicious tension. Watching two ambitious professionals go head-to-head while fighting the undeniable holiday sparks between them is so much fun. The transition from icy professional competition to heartwarming romance feels completely earned and ridiculously charming. It’s the perfect cozy read to curl up with during the holiday season!
​The Good
​The Christmas atmosphere paired with workplace rivalry is pure perfection! The witty back-and-forth banter, snow-covered setting, and festive cheer make for a super fun, fast-paced read.
​The Not So Good
​The workplace competition conflict hits a brief, predictable bump near the final act, but the resolution is so sweet and heartwarming that it completely lands the ending

[Gina Marie Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ There is nothing like curling up with a warm cup of tea & a book filled with warm, good-feeling holiday vibes! Sandy Barker has a special talent for bringing the extra details to paint beautiful settings while creating characters who are both funny, vulnerable & healing from the past. The story of Sophie & Drew is an enjoyable, warm-hearted book about enemies-to-lovers with a strong attraction & moments that have them stumbling as they move forward into uncharted territory.

❤️ Sophie finds Drew to be arrogant & unwilling to work with his colleagues. Despite this, she feels attracted to him. She finds herself feeling both scared & wanting to possibly pursue it all. She does not know if she can find happiness again; her past is difficult to let go of. On the other hand, Drew is equally attracted to Sophie. However, he feels like she hates him, & he spends more time fumbling & messing up around her.

❤️ Here is the fun part—as Sophie & Drew spend more time together on their advertising account, each learns how different their perceptions are, & they discover themselves in situations outside of work that show a completely different side of each person. They banter more, they open up more, & eventually there is a possibility for more.

❤️ I had way too much fun reading this book! Jump into the holiday vibes early & enjoy a developing romance.

[Joanne]

Bedtime? Absolutely not. These two idiots had a romance to figure out. 😂

Sophie and Drew are workplace rivals competing for the same Christmas advertising campaign. Sophie thinks Drew is an arrogant jerk. Drew thinks Sophie hates him. They’re both wildly attracted to each other.

So obviously, the mature solution is to spend the entire book pretending they’re not. 🤦‍♀️😂

I loved watching their rivalry slowly turn into attraction, friendship and finally romance. Sophie has her grief and single-mum life to navigate, while Drew has his own reasons for keeping people at a safe distance. Their walls come down gradually, which made the romance satisfying.

The supporting characters were great, the kids were adorable, and Switzerland provided the perfect combination of snow, Christmas and “Oh no, I’m attracted to my coworker.” 🎄❄️

My only complaint? The ending felt a little rushed. I wanted a bit more time for everything to be wrapped up emotionally.

Still, this was a fun, cosy and feel-good Christmas romance with banter, chemistry, family and two people who desperately needed someone to tell them:

“For goodness’ sake, JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!” 😂

Definitely one for the Christmas romance TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of A Little Christmas Rivalry by Sandy Barker in exchange for my honest review.

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this had all the elements to make for a good holiday rom com. It starts with two office rivals forced to work together on a Christmas ad campaign who slowly start developing feelings for each other. Sophie is a single mother and widow who is still deeply in love with her late husband. Drew is a bachelor who had his heart broken by an ex and now keeps every woman at arms length.

I was a little lost on why these two liked each other. Beyond a mutual attraction there was very little in common between them and they honestly just felt like regular coworkers. A good chunk of the book is spent on the ad campaign and I think thats where it went wrong for me. I was more invested in the commercial than I was their love story.

Everything kind of bottle necked towards the end and didn't offer any resolution. Sophie started out HEAVILY grieving her husband, but we never revisit once she gets together with Drew. Drew started out traumatized by his ex gf who left him for his bestfriend, but once again this is never resolved.

The Switzerland trip was the best part and I wish it had played a bigger role in the story! Perfect Christmas backdrop.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Andie Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, sexy romcom that I couldn’t put down!

Every time I crack open a Sandy Barker book, I know I’m in for a treat. She delivers everything I want in a romcom: a fun story, fabulous atmosphere, compelling characters, and dialogue that's smart and hilarious. She never disappoints.

Without giving away any spoilers, the story kicks off with a jaw-dropping first chapter that completely caught me off guard—and I loved every second of it. From there, we’re off and running! I’ll spare you the plot synopsis aside from mentioning that Sophie has a BIG problem. She is competing on an ad campaign with her nemesis, Drew Parker. He annoys her majorly, but what really irritates her are the sexy dreams she keeps having of him. 😊 I adored Sophie and Drew. At first, they seem like total opposites, which makes their chemistry and dynamic so much fun to watch unfold.

Sandy is a master of destination fiction, so I was especially excited when the story whisked me off to Switzerland. Add a work trip, a gorgeous setting, and forced proximity between Sophie and Drew, and, well… let’s just say things get interesting. 😉

I can’t wait for Sandy’s next book! If you love your romcoms smart, funny, sexy, and packed with chemistry, this one is definitely for you!

[Claire Beall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks and @Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.


🎄 RIVALS TO LOVERS + SWISS SNOW = THE ULTIMATE FESTIVE READ! ☕️✨
If your favorite holiday tradition is cosying up with a sizzling romcom that gives you all the warm, fuzzy feelings, put A Little Christmas Rivalry by Sandy Barker at the top of your TBR! 📚❄️
The Vibe: Sophie is a badass single mum and brilliant ad exec aiming for the top. Standing in her way? Drew. He’s arrogant, infuriatingly successful, and worst of all… utterly gorgeous. When forced to team up on a massive holiday campaign in snow-covered Switzerland, the professional sparks turn into real-deal holiday magic. 🇨🇭🏔️
Why You’ll Love It:
* ⚔️ Spicy Workplace Banter: The tension between Sophie and Drew is elite from page one.
* 🏔️ Dreamy Alpine Setting: A snowy Swiss backdrop that will make you crave hot cocoa and a cabin getaway.
* 🥐 Real-World Heart: Sophie balancing her high-powered career with being a devoted single mum adds so much depth to the fluff.
* ❄️ Melt-Your-Heart Romance: Watching two stubborn perfectionists drop their guards is the ultimate gift.
If you love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and guaranteed happy-ever-afters, this is an absolute must-read for the season! 🎁✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
Festive Vibes: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 / 5

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie and Drew are workplace rivals competing for a coveted bonus that Drew has won the last two years. Secretly they're attracted to each other, but chose to ignore each other at work. When they are chosen to work together on the company Christmas campaign things slowly begin to develop between them thanks to some interference from Drew's niece and Sophie's daughter. As they get to know each other, they begin to enjoy spending time together.

Drew's childhood friend, Max, is now a mega star and has agreed to help with the campaign which gets him brownie points at work, but more so with his niece. I can totally see Max pop up in a future book because he is single and not such a bad guy when you get to know him.

The secondary characters all play a part in this book and we also get to know them pretty well. Also, there's a trip to Switzerland due to unforeseen circumstances and I loved the descriptions of the snowfall that happens and the fun descriptive scene.

This is a quick read and a nice and cozy kind of book that I enjoyed.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Christmas Rivalry has a fun setup, and I liked how the dynamic between Sophie and Drew played out. While they called it a rivalry, and yes, they were applying to run the same project, I just didn't really feel like that.

They had chemistry from the beginning, but both were a little leery at first to start something. Drew had been burned in the past, and that was the reason he ended up working at Sophie's company in the first place. Sophie, on the other hand, is a single mom and widow and isn't sure she wants to move on.

I loved that it was Sophie's daughter and Drew's niece that provided an easy way to get them together at first and spend more time together. I love any book that involves Christmas, and this one was fun with the decorating concept and the ideas that they came up with.

It’s a quick read with a simple premise and delivers a nice distraction.

Netgalley ARC Review

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love an enemies (or perhaps in this case, rivals) to lovers story? Drew and Sophie seem to have little, other than their career, in common. Sophie is a young widow with a daughter. Drew is the eternal bachelor who doesn't want any kind of commitment. Although they've always been rivals at work, with Sophie frustrated by, but tolerating, Drew, it's clear that they actually have plenty in common and make a really good team when they work together.
I loved the way that this pair fell for one another as they spent more time together and began to understand more about each other. It does seem a little early for a Christmas story, given that we've just had such a hot summer, but that doesn't really matter I don't suppose, I still really enjoyed it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Work rivals Drew and Sophie compete for the Christmas special commercial at their ad agency. Each has a great premise, but he eventually is the winner because of his lifelong friendship with a mega-star. Essentially enemies that are forced together socially because of her daughter and his niece, suddenly they are working together on the coveted ad. The resulting campaign is exceptional, and before long tolerance becomes friendship.
A wonderful Christmas centered story that has great characters, real past life changing issues, and loads of sweet family time. Real issues are discussed (death, infidelity, keeping promises to children, etc.) and always handled responsibly and genuinely.
A delight to read, I was fortunate to have received a copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. This review reflects my personal opinions.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read that I was sent by Boldwood Intern. So thank you for letting me read this in advance of its publication date.

This was a nice cosy read, full of love, hope, and it certainly gives you all the Christmas feels, and what about that prologue 🥹

You really feel for both Sophie and Drew as you slowly find out about what has happened to them in the past and the reasons why they are annoyed with each other.

The tension that slowly builds between them was fabulous to read, and also loved how everyone was trying to see what they could already see, especially Harlow and Maisie. 


I absolutely love the story, and it really got me into the Christmas spirit, a fabulous read.

🎄 Christmas Romance
💕 Rivals to Lovers
🎄 Rom-Com
💕 Single Mum
🎄 Forced Proximity
💕 Work Colleagues
🎄 Slow Burn

[Jen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie and Drew aren't quite each other's work nemesis, but close enough. They definitely aren't harbouring secret feelings for each other (they are) and they can remain strictly professional when they are forced to work together on the biggest campaign of the season (they can't).

Sophie and Drew each have their own painful reasons for not wanting to get involved with a coworker. It doesn't help that they have competed against each other for the top holiday advertising deal three years running, making them rivals of sorts. This makes their eventual change of heart so much more satisfying.

The banter is great, whether it is between Sophie and Drew or Sophie's inner monologue. Sophie's inner monologue alone led to some cringey but hilarious situations.

This book has a little bit of everything. It's serious, sweet, funny, and has just enough holiday vibes to round out the story.

[Emma H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect warm tale to get you in the festive spirit as the days draw in. Sandy always gives a really allows to to get to know her characters, they are so well rounded that you care deeply quickly, which I love. I always feel really invested, which means I struggle to put her books down!

This book has two characters that have been deeply affected by their long term relationships ending, although they ended in very different ways. One is trying to forget his by bringing a playboy and the other is just deeply entrenched in her past.

Rivals at work, seemingly disliking each other but being drawn together can they get through testing times and bring out the best in each other. With a backdrop of snow, Christmas trees and family it makes the best read to get you in the Christmas spirit.

[Aga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

I love Christmas romance, enemies to lovers, slow burn.

The story started strong. the 6 year time jump, although necessary took me a while to get use it, and almost straight away we learn about dreams Sophie is having about Parker (no backstory there at all).

In theory there is nothing wrong with Sophie or Parker but I couldn't connect with any of them. The story is good, although it was way too slow for my liking, actually nothing happens between them until the last 20% of the book. The rivalry wasn't as interesting as it could be.

I did not want to give up on the book so I am giving it 3.5 stars, In my opinion there was something lacking in the story. I did appreciate the dual POV, but I wasn't convinced of their chemistry.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book hooked me right from the first chapter - I was not prepared for that by the way! 😅😭
I enjoyed the rivals to lovers vibes and their slow-burn romance which I almost felt was never going to happen with how late into the book they ended up together! 😂
Sophie's backstory broke my heart and the way she lives her life felt so relatable as a single parent. I loved her meddling mother-in-law who was scheming with her child to set Sophie up with Drew after they all met at a work event.
Drew had suffered a big betrayal from his fiancée and his best friend and is rightly sceptical of forming any significant relationships but spending time with Sophie causes him to have a change of heart 🥰
Definitely recommend reading 💕

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Reid is determined that this year, her pitch will be chosen for their main customer..she's just got to make sure she beats the dashing Drew Parker to the prize; but when fare throws them both to work together, will it be more than the Christmas advert that they create together?

This is a charming read; the story is told from both Sophie and Drew's perspectives and it makes for easy reading. Trigger warning should include that Sophie is widowed and the story, obviously, revolves around that quite a lot. The romance is a slow burner but I found that quite charming. The side characters are fun and the plot is pretty predictable, but engaging nonetheless.


It's a good festive read; will make you want to hunker down by a fire and watch some Christmas adverts!

[LORIANN (my opinion doesn't mean much, but ...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Christmas read that would make the perfect Hallmark movie!

Two work rivals who have both loss in the romance department and are as tough as nails at work. Only Drew wants to break down those walls, and Sophie is secretly fantasizing about them. At least for the time being. The two most come together and work on their biggest work project ever, and things get a little more than all work and no play. It takes a while for the romance to take place, but it is still a sweet story. I love all the characters. The kids are especially very charming.

THANK YOU, NETGALLEY and BOLDWOOD BOOKS for this ARC EDITION. All opinions remain my own.