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12 Days of Awkward

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Lexi Monroe told one little lie at Thanksgiving dinner.

She has a boyfriend, and he's coming for Christmas.

Now she has less than a month, a mother who is already planning the seating chart, and a December that is quickly becoming the most chaotic of her life. The dates that follow are something else entirely. A collection of disasters so specific and so spectacularly wrong that they could only have happened to her.

Through every single one, one person keeps showing up. Chase Henderson. Firefighter. Next door neighbor. Best friend since the first grade. He has had her door code since 2014 and her heart since they were six years old, even if she is the last one to know it.

Lexi has spent all of December looking for someone to bring home for Christmas. Turns out he already knew where she lived.

Warm, hilarious, and swoony in all the right places, Twelve Days of Awkward is a love story set in Grapevine, Texas about wrong math, red cowboy boots, and the boy next door who never stopped waiting for the girl to finally look up.

188 pages, Paperback

Published September 8, 2026

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Kailey Brown

3 books12 followers

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5 stars
16 (34%)
4 stars
28 (60%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
294 reviews56 followers
October 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author

This short and sweet Christmas novella was so cute!

I loved all of Lexi’s horrible dates! The dating world is hard, so I get it, sis! I loved that Chase was always there for her.

Watching both of them come to terms with their feelings and be vulnerable enough to act on them was everything!

Definitely a cute little Christmas read!
Profile Image for Ashtyn Stovall.
52 reviews
October 6, 2026
I was able to ARC read for Kailey for 12 Days Of Awkward and it did not disappoint! This was such a sweet story about 2 childhood best friends Chase and Lexi, they have been in love with each other since they were 6 years old! However neither of them told the other so Lexi finds her self going on date after date trying to find someone to take to family Christmas after she told a little white lie to her mother 😅.This small town romance checked off some of my favorite boxes,
🩷Fake Dating
🩷Friends to Lovers
🩷Childhood Best Friends

If you haven’t already you need to add this one to your TBR ASAP!
Profile Image for Tasha.
2,219 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2026
12 Days of Awkward by Kailey Brown is a fun, sweet, and heartwarming holiday romance! I love the combination of humor, Christmas vibes, and the friends-to-lovers storyline. Lexi’s awkward dating experiences made the story entertaining, while her relationship with Chase added a lovely touch of romance and emotional depth. The chemistry between the characters and the idea of discovering love with someone who has always been there makes this a charming read. It’s the kind of story that puts you in the holiday spirit and reminds you that sometimes love is closer than you think. Overall, 12 Days of Awkward is a sweet, festive romance that’s perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers stories!

I received an ARC copy from the author themselves. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
5 reviews
October 18, 2026
Thanks for the ARC. Such a Hallmark type read. Enjoyed it from start to finish. Didn’t take me long to devour it at all! Making me want to visit want to visit Grapevine. Might just have to re-read come December.
Profile Image for Grace Harris.
11 reviews
October 22, 2026
This story is so cute! Some of these dates made me cringe and others made me laugh out loud and some made me do both! It’s definitely put me in the holiday spirit for sure! If you want a sweet, Christmas rom-com, I highly recommend you read this book!
Profile Image for Sheri Jelinek.
133 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2026
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars | Sweet, Awkward, and Absolutely Adorable

12 Days of Awkward by Kailey Brown is the perfect friends-to-lovers holiday romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments, heart-melting chemistry, and all the cozy small-town Christmas vibes.

One tiny Thanksgiving lie sends Lexi Monroe into full panic mode when she tells her family she has a boyfriend who will be joining them for Christmas. With less than a month to make that lie a reality, she embarks on a series of increasingly disastrous dates that are as entertaining as they are cringe-worthy. Every awkward encounter had me smiling, laughing, and rooting for her.

But the real star of this story is Chase Henderson. The firefighter next door, lifelong best friend, and quietly devoted hero completely stole my heart. While Lexi is busy searching for the perfect Christmas boyfriend, Chase is right there beside her, proving over and over that sometimes the person you're looking for has been there all along. Their history and effortless connection made the romance feel genuine, sweet, and incredibly swoony.

The holiday setting in Grapevine, Texas added so much charm to the story. Between the festive atmosphere, hilarious mishaps, and heartfelt moments, this book felt like wrapping up in a warm Christmas blanket with a cup of hot cocoa.

The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me was that I would have loved a little more time with Lexi and Chase as a couple once everything finally came together. Their chemistry was so good that I wasn't ready for the story to end.

If you love friends-to-lovers romances, lovable disasters, devoted golden-retriever heroes, and holiday rom-coms that leave you smiling, 12 Days of Awkward is a must-read this Christmas season. 🎄❤️📚
Profile Image for Brandi Trejo.
6 reviews6 followers
October 23, 2026
ARC Reader 😁


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Awkward, Adorable, and Absolutely Worth the Read!

Sometimes you pick up a book expecting a cute little romance, and it ends up being so much more fun than you anticipated! That was exactly my experience with 12 Days of Awkward by Kailey Brown. 🎄❤️

This story had me hooked with its charming romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and the kind of chemistry that makes you want to scream, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” 😂 I loved the playful tension between the characters and all the little moments that made their connection feel special. It’s sweet, entertaining, and has just enough spice to keep things interesting!

What really stood out to me was how enjoyable this book was to read. It’s the perfect choice when you want something lighthearted that will make you smile and give you that warm, fuzzy feeling. The holiday atmosphere is an added bonus, but this is definitely a story I could enjoy any time of year.

And Kailey Brown? Consider me officially a fan! She has such a fun way of telling a story, creating memorable characters, and keeping readers entertained. Her writing pulled me right in, and I love discovering authors who make reading feel this effortless and enjoyable. I’m absolutely looking forward to seeing what she writes next!

If you’re a fan of romantic comedies, witty banter, awkward-but-adorable moments, and a romance that leaves you grinning, do yourself a favor and pick this one up!

Kailey Brown, you did your thing with this one! ❤️📚

Five stars and a whole lot of love for this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
358 reviews10 followers
October 29, 2026
12 Days of Awkward was the sweetest holiday romance novella! If you love a good Hallmark classic movie, you'll love this story! Lexi and Chase have been best friends since they were six years old. Their parents were best friends (until his died), and they grew up together. They have also both been secretly in love with each other since they were kids, but Lexi somehow got the idea in her head when they were in high school that she was not Chase's type (she thought he was into girls who looked like Britney), so she buried her feelings and placed him firmly in the friend zone. Fast forward to present, when Lexi goes to Thanksgiving dinner and is grilled by her family about when she will settle down. She panics and lies to them, saying she is dating someone, and will bring him to Christmas dinner. Now, Lexi must try to find a boyfriend to show off at the family gathering, so she downloads some apps and starts dating, with each potential suitor being worse than the last, and Chase having to rescue her from each one (literally, in the case of the 11th and final date). A short, sweet, funny, chemistry-filled romance that will have you laughing at the chaos, and sighing contentedly at the ending.
Profile Image for feelslikeleni.
159 reviews
October 30, 2026
"It has always been you, Lexi Lou. It is only ever going to be you."

first of all i want to thank kailey brown to have send me an early copy. i feel incredibly blessed and honored to be chosen.
this was my first christmas read of the year and it did not disappoint. it gave me the familiar vibes of a hallmark movie in a good way. i mean, who doesn’t love a good romcom with a firefighter mmc in a quirky whimsical fmc? and when I’m telling you, the mmc yearns for the fmc, I’m telling the truth. chase yearns for lexi. her nickname for him is literally fire daddy. and according to lexi he looks like the third hemsworth brother. (i know that there are already three brothers). i love the awkward little moments that they’ve shared. it makes the book more real and realistic. i’ve laughed so much about her dates and their little interactions. i really like the writing. it’s easy to read and you just want to keep going. and i love how well rounded the characters are. all the little details like how lexi junk journals and loves to wear her red boots. these are the things that actually make books magical.
overall this book feels like a good christmas romcom movie that i want to watch asap. and like people always say: “the twelfth time's the charm.”
Profile Image for Julia.james0228.
21 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2026
Thank you Kailey for the ARC!

If you love rom-coms, Christmas dates, best friends who are both in love with each other but refuse to admit it, horrible dates, and iconic red cowboy boots, add this book to your TBR immediately.

I loved this book! I caught myself laughing out loud several times. The dates kept me reading to know what horror of a date comes next for FMC Lexi. It was so easy to relate to her and the pressure of finding someone to bring home to her family. Lexi keeps a junk journal as a memory tracker and I feel like that small detail made all the difference on the impact of the story at the end. I loved that Chase used it to help prove their feelings for each other. Which brings me to Chase. Sweet, kind, patient, and reliable chase. I loved him as the MMC. The way he is towards Lexi is how I feel everyone wants their partner to be.

At the end learning that Grapevine, Texas is real made me add it to my Bucket list as a Christmas vacation destination. So cool learning the coffee shop is a real business and that the author included it and the owners in her story.
Profile Image for Cassie Hammer.
297 reviews10 followers
September 16, 2026
A big thank you to the author Kailey Brown for gifting me an advanced copy of 12 Days of Awkward 💝 This is my honest and voluntary review:

Lexi lied to her family and told everyone she has a boyfriend who will be coming for Christmas. Now stuck with her lie she has to quickly find said boyfriend for Christmas! Lexi goes on 11 crazy dates with 11 different men that never get a second date out of her. Each date is disastrous and after each one she finds herself going to her childhood best friend, boy next door, fire daddy Chase.

Everyone seems to know how Chase feels about Lexi, but Lexi!

The moment I saw this cover, I knew I HAD to read this book! 👀 Who doesn't love a holiday romance?! 🎄
From the moment I picked this book up, I already knew I was going to love it! And let me tell you, I did! starting off strong with a playlist? Yes, please! A sexy firefighter who has it so bad for his childhood best friend 😏 Say no more!
Profile Image for Ciara Biggs.
49 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 21, 2026
ARC Reader Review

Lexi told one “little” lie on Thanksgiving
and now she has to find a boyfriend that
doesn’t exist to take home for Christmas.
Chase is Lexi’s childhood best friend who
is pretty much along for the ride since he
keeps finding himself saving her from her
dates to find Mr. Fake boyfriend. The 12
disastrous dates Lexi goes on are beyond
hilarious. I laughed out loud multiple times!
I loved the witty banter between Chase &
Lexi. I felt bad for Chase during parts of
the book just because of how blind Lexi
was to him being madly in love with her. I
definitely enjoyed the ah ha moment Lexi
had when she realized everything with
Chase. This book has Hallmark movie vibes
for sure. This holiday rom-com was a fun,
hilarious, quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie Santillo.
36 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 15, 2026
If you’re looking for a Christmas romance novella that will have you laughing out loud, 12 Days of Awkward is such a fun read!! 🎄😂

It follows Lexi, who might have put herself in a bit of an awkward situation when she tells her family she has a date for Christmas Eve… except she definitely doesn’t. She decides to go on 12 dates to try and find the perfect guy, all while her best friend and neighbor, Chase, is always there to pick up the pieces.

I loved the banter between Lexi and Chase and all of the awkward dates had me cracking up! This was such a cute, quick Christmas read with plenty of laughs and romance mixed in. Definitely recommend adding this one to your holiday TBR! 🎄❤️
Profile Image for Shaylee.
87 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2026
This book was really fun! I love a good childhood friends to lovers romance & all of the disastrous dates had me giggling throughout! 😂 The FMC is stronger than me! I would have probably given up dating for a long time, but… I’m glad she didn’t, because I was having fun reading about her experiences! 😆
I loved how the MMC was Lexi’s safe place, always coming to her rescue! ❤️ It was fitting + sweet & romantic! 🥰

- Childhood friends to lovers 💞
- Firefighter MMC 🔥
- Disastrous Dates 😆
- Small Town 🏡
- Holiday Season 🦃🎄
- Dual POV 📖
- He Falls First ❤️
- Texting Convos 💬
- Cute Phone Nicknames 🥰

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
13 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 17, 2026
Thank you Kailey Brown for this ARC!

I absolutely devoured this book! 12 Days of Awkward by Kailey Brown is the one of the best holiday rom-coms I've read! It's got all the feels of a Hallmark Christmas movie (no spice) and leaves you feeling elated when the MCs finally get together!

After all the awkward blind dates, I felt so devastated for Lexi, the FMC. As someone who did the online dating thing before I met my hubby, I can relate all too well to Lexi's disappointments and dashed hopes at the end of each date. So props to the author for making that relatable!
23 reviews
October 25, 2026
I enjoyed Lexi and Chases story, it was a quick and fun read. Parts of the story had me laughing out loud. I wish there had been a little bit more information on the aspects of their family, but overall I enjoyed it. It is a closed door romance which I loved, but there was mild language sprinkled throughout. I received a ARC of this book.12 Days of Awkward
Profile Image for Tashareadsfiction .
46 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 20, 2026
12 days of Awkward was such a cute & enjoyable read that has that holiday Hallmark movie vibes. Honestly, it was so good I finished it in one sitting! I don’t know about you, but I love a good small town romance - add some holiday spirit and 12 super awkward dates...it’s the perfect read.
The chemistry between Lexi & Chase is undeniable. The little moments, the banter, the history - it’s all so clear - leaves you hoping for that HEA.
Profile Image for Steph.
10 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2026
NOTE THIS IS AN ADVANCE READER COPY this is out 10/31/26

This was such a cute book! This needs to be a hallmark movie now!

Lexi and Chase have the cuteness back story and just story over all. I like how it talks about things that happen in a real family about someone being alone and wanting what’s best for them.

I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a short holiday romance book to get you in the spirit of Christmas and love!
Profile Image for Amanda.
10 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2026
This cute little holiday romcom is the perfect cozy afternoon read. If you're looking for a sweet little he falls first Hallmark type romance you'll love it. Chase is the absolute sweetest and most patient guy and Lexi, bless her heart, has seriously gone through the ringer with some of these dates. Each one left me equal parts laughing and horrified.

I was graciously given a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
5 reviews
October 17, 2026
12 Days of Awkward by Kailey Brown was such a feel-good holiday romance!

I LOVED every single date! Some of them even reminded me of a few bad dates I've had myself. Talk about bringing back memories!

Between the awkward moments, the laughs, and the sweet romance, I was rooting HARD for these main characters to finally find love!

If you love childhood best friends, small-town romance, and Hallmark Christmas vibes, ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR!
Profile Image for Em Solomon.
68 reviews
October 20, 2026
** ARC REVIEW**

I really enjoyed this quick holiday read! It was so fun and just like our girl, it brought be back to the days of dating and how much of a bummer I can be but then you find the one!

I love a fake dating trope and this one was done so well! It gave me all the feels and made me so excited for the holidays! If you’re looking for a sweet, fun holiday romance this is your book!

Thank you Kailey Brown for the opportunity to read this book!
3 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy

Thank you to Kailey Brown for allowing me to be part one or her ARC readers!

This is such a sweet hallmark type story! It’s a lovely short cozy Christmas story detailing disastrous dates that the FMC goes on which cause the MMC to come to terms with his feeling for her and finally share his 20yr crush with her. It is a lovely light read that will have you laughing and leave you smiling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
69 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2026
This is a really cute, funny and quick holiday read.

I can't believe that those dates were all real experiences. The book's title is acurate because some of those dates are so awkward and unconfortable.

Chase is a sweetheart and a perfect friend/boyfriend. Lexi does have determination because after two dates like this, I would have given up. Their friendship is the nicest thing.

This book made me wish to never be single again!
11 reviews
October 26, 2026
Think of your worst date. Got it? Okay... now imagine repeating it ELEVEN times, and you've got Lexi Monroe's dating experience! 😂 Between the cringeworthy moments, the jaw-dropping disasters, and the times when things finally go right, this book had me feeling ALL the emotions!

And Chase Henderson is just... ughhhh. LOVE him! 😍

This was such a cute holiday read, and at just 180 pages, you'll fly right through it! 💕📖
Profile Image for Amanda Porter.
28 reviews
October 27, 2026
Received this as an ARC and I loved it! It would make the perfect hallmark movie. Each of the dates going south so fast, only to find the love that’s right under her nose. Childhood friends to lovers was the main trope. I also loved how Chase was always there for Lexi even when he’s on call as a firefighter. This book has made me want to get into the Christmas spirit in October and I’m not mad about it. It was also a quick and easy read. Thank you Kailey Brown for this warm and cozy book.
Profile Image for Sas.Reads.
126 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 17, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! The MMC is a dream and the FMC is so relatable. I found myself chuckling out loud as I read through all of Lexi‘s hilarious encounters with different men that she was dating. I laughed and I cried during this book (happy, sentimental tears) and I don’t want to leave my literary escape to Grapevine, TX. What a wonderful story!
Profile Image for Mackenzie Pye.
7 reviews
October 20, 2026
I was given the opportunity to ARC read this book and I’m so incredibly glad I got the opportunity to do so!

This book has been me laughing, cringing, and crying in all the best ways possible.

The story setting gives off such Hallmark vibes and such a cozy Christmas feeling.

The connection between childhood friend to lovers is 😍😍😍😍

Definetly Recommend!!!
Profile Image for Katina Sites.
115 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2026
This is a cute, friends to lovers, holiday themed, romantic comedy filled with disasterous and cringe-worthy first dates, the process of finally seeing what was right in front of you and realizing that everyone around you already knew what it took years for you to figure out.  This novella was a quick and easy but very fun and festive read. Everyone needs a Chase like character in their life!
76 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2026
ARC Review:
This is such a good holiday romance. I love the dynamics between Lexi and Chase. This is a legit best friends to lovers but clean, no spice. I love when Lexi finally figures it out. The banter between the 2 besties is great. Easy and funny read. The dates are something else…. I would hate to be Lexi during them.
Profile Image for Farrahlea.
291 reviews10 followers
October 27, 2026
Oh I loved this! It was a cute, fast read and I fell in love with Chase. I do have to say that is one of my favorite all-time favorite names, but it is such a cute little story of two friends. I loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews