Spending Christmas with my goddaughter and her widowed father feels like a dream, but he’s my late best friend’s husband. I’m not supposed to be falling for him.
When Rafa needs help taking care of eight-year-old Sofi during her winter break, I pack my bags and come play house for the holidays.
Five years after Gabby’s passing, he and I share more than our grief. We stay up late talking by the fire. We cozy up in a living room fort to watch a movie. We kiss under the mistletoe. Until we can’t resist doing more.
I’ve always dreamed of love like this, but we were never meant to end up together. Gabby’s parents might not understand, and we can’t risk Sofi’s happiness if something goes wrong.
We need a sprinkle of magic to make this work. It’s a good thing Christmas is the perfect time for miracles.
Leonor wrote her first Meet Cute at eight years old and never really stopped. Her stories are cozy and fun: low conflict, slow burn books that will make you swoon... and will reward you with great spice. With a healthy dose of humor, these stories guarantee a happily ever after to her plus size and multicultural characters.
Leonor is a Latina living in Canada, working as a therapist during the day and fitting as much writing to her life as she can. She’s also a multicrafter, trying her hand at watercolor, jewelry, sewing, and anything else that strikes her fancy. She makes her own covers!
A very sweet story of two friends brought together by tragedy finding unexpected love, and a family finding just a little bit of heart healing from increditble loss during the holidays. I love a single dad story. Make it a sweet little girl who has her dad wrapped around her finger and I am SOLD! Rafa and Lori were so intentional with each other and mindful of Sofi, his daugeter's feelings. This felt real. And I am truly happy for them all.
Thanks to Leonor for the eARC of The Blitz in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so sad to say goodbye to the whole Seattle Strike team. This series means so much to me. A part from the latine representation, the plus size rep in each of her books but especially in this series makes me feel seen and I just adore it. I can't wait to see what is next from her.
When it comes to The Blitz, I think is an extremely sweet and cozy story. I adored Rafa's role as a single dad, how careful and considerate he is of Sofi and her feelings. I sometimes have trouble with the single dad trope because oftentimes they don't seem to be PRESENT, but with Rafa we don't have that problem. I really cared for Lori, and loved her relationship with Sofi as well. Leonor did a good job showing us Lori's relationship with Sofi as her godmother, without removing from Gaby from the narrative at all.
The romance was sweet, and I was constantly thinking "how they are going to actually do this", and again, Leonor did a great job wrapping it up in a very beautiful and satisfying way.
My issue with the book (and maybe it is because it's short and it was intended to be a novella at first) is that I wish I got to know more about the characters individually. I was left feeling I didn't know who they were apart from their roles as "Dad/Godmother".
Other than that, a sweet, cozy story that is perfect for the holiday season.
This was such a heartfelt, emotional, and incredibly romantic read. Rafa and Lori absolutely stole my heart!
I loved the way their relationship developed, especially considering the circumstances. Rafa is a widower who has worked through so much of his grief, and while he's ready to open himself up to love again, there's understandably a lot holding him back. Lori has been such an important presence in his and Sofi's lives, not only as Gabby's best friend but also as Sofi's godmother. I appreciated that the story made it clear Lori hadn't always had romantic feelings for Rafa. Her feelings developed over time, and that distinction made their relationship feel much more meaningful.
The domestic moments between these two had me swooning. Cooking breakfast together, spending the holidays as a little family, the fireplace conversations, and all those almost-kisses! THE TENSION. Rafa had me melting with the way he appreciated Lori, reassured her, and made sure she never felt like she was taking Gabby's place. And when things finally heated up? LORD. This man knew exactly what he was doing while still managing to say all the sweetest things.
But beyond the romance, I really appreciated how grief and the idea of loving again were handled. There is no replacing Gabby, and I loved that the story allowed space for that while also showing that moving forward doesn't mean leaving someone behind. Both Rafa and Lori had understandable fears, especially when it came to Sofi and Gabby's family. Those conversations weren't always easy, but the vulnerability and communication between them were honestly 11/10.
Sofi was such a sweetheart, and I loved seeing her relationship with Lori. Her little observations, questions, and the way she navigated everything made my heart melt. The significance of the feathers, the connection to her mom, and the way those little signs were woven throughout the story were especially touching. I also loved the cultural elements Leonor incorporated, particularly the explanation of the novena. It's always nice seeing those details included naturally in the story.
And can we talk about the team and their partners? I absolutely LOVE these group scenes. The teasing, the meddling, the interventions, and the genuine love they have for one another make this found family so special. Rafa has spent so much time being the quiet voice of reason and giving everyone else advice, only to realize he needed to take some of that advice himself.
The proposal was adorable, especially with Sofi involved, and that second epilogue was such a beautiful, emotional send-off. It also touches on something that might be triggering for some readers, so please keep that in mind, but I wouldn't skip it.
I'm genuinely going to miss this series and these characters. What a wonderful way to wrap things up. Leonor, you did it again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Christmas, close friendships, family traditions, and finding love again when you least expect it — this was such a heartwarming holiday romance! The final instalment in the Seattle Strike series has very little football, instead focusing on what matters most: family, healing, and opening your heart to a new chapter.
I really enjoyed Rafa and Lori’s story and how natural their relationship felt. As a widower and a father, Rafa’s journey was especially meaningful, showing that life continues after loss and that it’s okay to heal, work through grief, go to therapy, and eventually open your heart to a new kind of love.
One of my favourite things was how well Rafa and Lori communicated instead of dragging things out unnecessarily. They were honest about their feelings and their fears, especially when it came to changing their friendship and what that could mean for their family. Lori is Sofi’s godmother and was also Gabi’s best friend before Gabi passed away. Since Lori has grown up close to Gabi’s family, they both worried about how Gabi’s parents would feel about Rafa and Lori becoming more than friends. I really appreciated that these concerns were acknowledged and that they cared about how their relationship could affect the people closest to them.
Their feelings had been changing over the two years before the start of the book, but it was lovely to see them finally acknowledge those feelings and take that step together. I appreciated how the story explored the fear that comes with changing a long-standing friendship while also showing that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting someone you’ve lost.
This was a very quick read for me, and I really enjoyed the cozy Christmas atmosphere and the focus on family. This was my first book by this author and my first in the Seattle Strike series, but I had no trouble following along, and it can easily be read as a standalone.
If you’re looking for a sweet, cozy Christmas romance with great communication, family at its heart, and a reminder that it’s okay to find love again after loss, this is definitely one to pick up! ❤️🎄 I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The Blitz is book 5 in the Seattle Strike series. This is a Christmas themed novella following Lori, Rafa, and his daughter Sofi. Rafa lost his wife a few years back, and her best friend/Sofi’s godmother Lori has been trying to help fill the gaps and maintain her relationship with Sofi helping out where she can. This book is packed with delicious spicy scenes, forced proximity, grief/healing, found family, so much tension and lots more. Sofi’s relationship with Lori was so special. I really appreciated that even once Rafa and Lori decided to give their relationship a go, she didn’t try to step in and replace Gabby. I also appreciated that we got to see more of the luncheon scene that we got glimpses of in The Replay! So cool to see these come together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and thought it was the perfect completion to the Seattle Strike. I love all these characters and the extended epilogue gave me the warm and fuzzies! 🥰 I cannot wait to see what Leonor Soliz does next and if we will catch any glimpses of these characters along the way!
Thank you to the author, Leonor Soliz, because I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our last stop in the Seattle Strike series! This book provides a tension-filled friends-to-lovers plot with a good dose of yearning. Rafa & Lori are understandably nervous about potentially ruining their friendship, especially with the family stakes involved, but I loved that they communicate openly once they finally admit their feelings. Lori’s relationship with Rafa’s daughter was so sweet.
My main issue is that I felt like we didn’t get to know Rafa & Lori outside of their roles as father/godmother. Part of that is because it’s a shorter story, but I still think there was room for a little more character depth. There isn’t a football focus in this one compared to the previous installments in the series, and although there are cameos from past couples, it definitely works as a standalone. In fact, it’s a quick little novella that is perfect to give you a taste of this author’s style, even if you haven’t read the others in the series. Overall, it’s a sweet, cozy, and warm Christmas-y end to the series!
Thanks to Leonor Soliz & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own. Expected to be available on KU on 11/05/26
An unexpected love after losing your first and only love? I'm in. 🥹 Rafa, Sofi, and Lori definitely found a place in my heart. 😍 Rafa lost his wife, Gabby, and was left raising his little daughter all by himself. Lori is Sofía's godmother and, on top of that, she was Gabby's best friend. Through all the pain, grief, and everything they've been through, they eventually become really good friends… until they start feeling something more for each other. Something that, without a doubt, neither of them had planned. 👀 I found this book SO sweet and lovely. I really loved how they both discovered and accepted their feelings, giving themselves time to understand what was happening without rushing things or ignoring everything that it meant. It was sooo sweet to see how carefully they navigated those emotions. I also liked that they really thought things through before taking that step, and that they even had their doubts. I mean, come on, being in that situation can't be easy at all. I LOVED that Rafa put Sofi first and that they both were absolutely clear that Lori wasn't there to take Gabby's place or fill any kind of void, but rather to become part of something that was already there. I thought Lori was such a lovely character: thoughtful, loving, determined, and someone who knows what she wants. I loved how well these two complement each other. 🥹 BUT, for me, the one who stole the show was Sofi. 😭❤️ I love that, despite everything she's been through, she's a happy little girl who has learned to live with the fact that her mommy is no longer with them. She has such an amazing personality, and every time she showed up in the book, she made the reading experience even more fun. And I LOVED how VERY, VERY perceptive she was about everything going on between Rafa and Lori. HAHAHA. 😂 Another thing I really enjoyed was the conflict the story presents. I liked how it was handled with so much care and naturalness, giving space to grief and to each character's emotions. Because this story doesn't try to make Rafa and Lori's new love erase the love that came before, but instead reminds us that we can find happiness again without stopping loving, remembering, and carrying in our hearts those who are no longer here. All in all, I enjoyed this story so much. It's one of those reads that leave you with a warm heart, a silly smile, and such a beautiful feeling of hope. ❤️
The final book in the Seattle Strike series will grab you by the heartstrings and not let go! It's finally Rafa's - wise, no-intervention-necessary Rafa - turn, and when I tell you I've been hoping this sweet man and his daughter get their HEA after seasons of watching his teammates find their people... whew.
Rafa is a widower (tw: he loses his wife to sudden heart disease), and one of the people who helped him pick up the pieces and be there for his daughter, Sofi, is her godmother and his late wife's best friend - Lori. Over the years, they've become each other's comfort and holder of one another's grief - a place to talk about how much they miss Gabby and how they each deal with their grief.
Now it's been years, and their relationship has begun to change - which scares both of them - because of the feelings themselves, but also because of how complicated it could be because of their shared history. But Lori comes to stay and help out with Sofi for the holiday season, and the magic of the holidays and time passing bring them together.
The TENSION - oh my word, it's just so beautiful. Both of these characters are green flags, and the tension builds as they each struggle with how their grief has changed, and their relationship evolved. They are already a family - as much as Rafa's Seattle Strike family - and I adored how Leonor brought them together with their emotional and physical intimacy. It was both comfortable and still surprising for them to feel the butterflies, and I appreciated how tenderly she handled their grief and their hesitation at what could be - and how brave she let them be in going for a future together.
10/10 no notes - I'm so sad to say goodbye to the whole Seattle Strike team, but am SO excited to see what comes next in the Leonor-verse!!!
* Opinions are my own, and I am grateful to the author for an eARC of this book.
Typically I wouldn’t pick up a book that had anything to do with death but I saw this author and jumped a change to read this ARC. I went in blind because I have loved the rest of this series. It is a pretty short book so you kick off with instant chemistry between the two main characters. They have a lot of history built up and the tension is there right away. At first I hated the idea of a husband moving on with his late wife’s BFF but this situation was handled so well and realistically that I was very much rooting for them and their HEA! The colder weather in my city this week and the setting in this book were giving me the early Christmas vibes I wanted. Leonor Soliz has such a beautiful and romantic writing style, I love the way she describes the characters emotions. I love when characters make sense. They feel so real and relatable. And her tension is unmatched! Their almost first kiss was amazing…. anddd the second one…. And the fort scene omg
I don’t usually care for the single parents trope or family romances at all but Rafa was such a sweet dad and Sofi was adorable. I was rooting for this family the whole way through. I loved that Sofi was the one to tell the grandparents about Rafa and Lori. I had a feeling she knew the whole time and the way she announced it seemed very her.
I love a sports romance so I do wish there was more football mentioned- however I loved the ode to the blitz title at the end with the puppy’s name! That was a perfect little tie together and the sweetest moment
My favorite part of this book was that there was no third act breakup or miscommunication trope! This was a sensitive topic handled so beautifully and realistically, it is not my typical read but I find myself loving everything I read by Soliz. Thank you so much for this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Such a lovely (maybe?) end to the Seattle Strike series! Rafa and Lori's book was such a sweet and cozy one; I loved the warm, Christmas vibes and how Sofi, Rafa, and Lori were like a little family participating in the Christmas festivities. Sofi was such a doll and was written quite realistically; she acted like an eight-year-old, so props to Leonor Soliz for writing a realistic kid. :) Lori is such a sweetheart AND a girlie in STEM, so I just had to root for her. Rafa was such a good dad and a great person; he's helped all the other guys out with their relationship issues, so it was great to see him finally get his happily ever after. Also, I love my MMCs emotionally intelligent so it's safe to say that Rafa has become one of my fav main characters from the Seattle Strike series. Rafa and Lori were very sweet together; they both tackled the "issue" between them very maturely and carefully and always put Sofi first in everything they did. I appreciated the care that was taken writing the topic/Lori's connection to Rafa's late wife. It could've been ignored or quickly dismissed, but it was tackled with respect to Gabby without drawing out the conflict, and I greatly appreciated that. Overall, a sweet and cozy novella that perfectly captures the warm and fuzzy feeling that the holidays bring! Thank you to Leonor Soliz for allowing me to arc-read another one of your books! I received an arc copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The Blitz is a beautiful, heartfelt story that gave me so much more than romance. It gave me characters to become invested in, relationships to grow attached to and moments that genuinely tugged at my heartstrings.
One of my favourite things about this book is how it explores love, friendship, family, grief and healing. The characters feel like a little community you become part of, and I loved watching their relationships develop throughout the story.
The romance is full of warmth, tenderness and chemistry, balanced with emotional depth and moments of humour. The friendships and family dynamics add so much to the story, making it feel like more than just a love story.
I particularly loved the balance between the emotional moments and the lighter scenes. There were moments that made me smile, moments that made me laugh and moments that genuinely touched my heart.
This is the kind of book that reminds you how important love, connection and having people in your corner can be. I finished it feeling happy that I had spent time with these characters, and I know they will stay with me for a while.
A truly lovely read that I would happily recommend to romance readers looking for a story with plenty of heart. ❤️
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the ability to read this Arc
I felt like was being welcomed back into the Seattle Strike Series with the final installment, The Blitz. Our wise, single dad Rafa, whose sole focus is ensuring his daughter Sofi is always protected. Letting Sofi grow and explore, lets Rafa do the same. Rafa, always there for everyone's interventions, but will he need his own. Don't worry those meddlesome, good natured friends make an appearance. Some good natured teasing and coaxing of information. Set during Christmas time and with his busy schedule he has Sofi's madrina, Lori, come and stay. Lori just happens to be the woman he can't help think about late at night. They have reasonable qualms about their changing relationship, but have already laid the foundation, so communication comes relatively quick. Thank you, Leonor! They have similar concerns, Sofi, what would Gabi think, what would their parents think, but there are signs that help lead them in defining their new relationship. Cozy, quick read with fat rep spice, Latiné rep and that holiday feel. Sad to see the series end, but I know Leonor will have something else in the works.
And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings Thank you Leonor Soliz for this ARC. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Such a cozy festive feel to this final book in the Seattle Strike series. I’ve been waiting patiently for Rafa’s story. I enjoyed how natural their relationship felt, friends because of his wife Gabby and Lori’s bestie who they sadly lost. Recently however, these emotions have begun to change and develop, but little 8yr old Sofi was their main focus and doing right by her.
It was so heartwarming to see Rafa in this new stage of life. Wanting to still remember his wife but know that now was the time for him to move on with his life and accept love from a woman again, and who better than Lori, she’s been around for years helping him, supporting him and Sofi and loving them. Only now that love means more, but both of them are nervous to make the first move.
The communication between them both was brilliant, they were honest and thoughtful of the others feelings, always with Sofi in all considerations of next steps. Yet again the child is the one that notices things adults believe they are hiding or they’re being discreet, Sofia called them on it all, unfortunately it was in front of Gabby’s parents!
This was a lovely heartwarming and quick read that can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest you read the whole series.
A single dad Christmas romance with forced proximity, found family, a little forbidden love, and years of complicated feelings? Oh, this one was sweet!
I really enjoyed Rafa and his love interest’s story, especially because their connection came with so much emotional history. Falling for your late best friend’s husband is definitely complicated, and I appreciated how the story explored the guilt, grief, and uncertainty that came with allowing themselves to feel something more.
Rafa was such a sweetheart, and I loved seeing him navigate fatherhood while slowly opening himself up to love again. And Sofi? Absolutely adorable! The family moments were easily some of my favorites and gave this novella so much warmth.
I do wish we’d gotten a little more time with the emotional development, particularly when it came to navigating their shared history and what a relationship would mean for everyone involved. Some things felt a bit rushed, but that’s also the challenge with novellas.
Overall, this was a cozy, heartfelt holiday romance about second chances at happiness, healing, and realizing that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the people we’ve lost. A sweet little Christmas read with plenty of heart!
The Blitz is the final installment of the Seattle Strike Series. It's a bit more novella than full-length and set during the Christmas season. If you read the previous book in this series, you are aware of Rafa and Lori and the speculation about their relationship. Well, this is their story.
Lori arrives in Seattle to spend the holidays with her best friend Gabby’s widow, Rafa, and his daughter Sofi. Sofi is her goddaughter, a role that Lori takes very seriously. But somehow, over the past few years, Rafa has come to be more to her than she expected. What Lori doesn't know is that Rafa feels the exact same way!
If there is one thing you should know about this story, it is to be prepared for the YEARNING!!! These two really do wrestle with their emotions. Which is to be expected. But watching them realize what they want and go for it, and then explain it to Sofi, their family, and friends made all the yearning worth it. Add in the cutest kid ever and all the found family vibes from the Strike teammates, and this is a very enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Leonor Soliz, for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. 🏈
From the start, I liked that Rafa and Lori didn't rush into a relationship. They've been friends for years, with Lori being there for Rafa and Sofi after Rafa's wife and Lori's friend passed away, and that closeness and history made their feelings feel believable. Even when they decided to see where things could go, they took it slow and really considered what it might mean for Sofi and how their families would handle the news.
I also enjoyed seeing how close Lori and Sofi already were. Since Lori had been around since Gabby passed, it wasn't uncommon for her to come help out while Rafa was away, and their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the book. It really showed how important they were to each other.
The Christmas setting added a nice touch without overshadowing the story. It gave everything a cozy feel, which I think helped make Rafa and Lori's relationship easy to root for.
And honestly, I'm a little sad this series is starting to wind down. I've had a great time with these football players and their families, and it's been fun checking in with familiar characters along the way.
** I received an electronic ARC of this book directly from the author **
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶 - but it felt right for the story
I devoured this book in less than 18 hours. It's more novella length than full length novel. If you enjoyed the rest of the Strike series, you'll likely enjoy this one too, but reading the others is not a prerequisite.
Survivor's guilt is a heck of a thing. Rafa & Lori both loved Gabby and want only the best for Sofi, but, in the process of grieving their mutual loss of Gabby, have come to depend on each other and, ultimately, developed feelings for each other. The guilt they themselves feel - as well as worrying about how not only their own parents but Gabby's will react - is a tangible weight throughout a significant part of the story. How they wrestle with and overcome that guilt is very well handled.
But it's worth all the emotional turmoil (and multiple uses of the Spanish to English translation on my Kindle) for them to get to their HEA as a family.
The spice was spicing - very definitely a sort of slow burn but when it gets there, mmmm. The blanket fort?? Chef's kiss.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Leonor Soliz and NetGalley for the ARC.
A cozy, comfort, Christmas read where love grows where grief once was. It's a slow developing love as both Rafa and Lori have to surpass the guilt for their developing feelings towards each other.
Rafa is a great father, he thinks of Sofi, his daughter, above else. He's a good friend and a good person. Lori is a great godmother who wants the best for Sofi. After years from Gabby's death, therapy, healing, they all deserve happiness and love.
It's a short read where two people have to learn to accept life goes on, heal their grief and open themselves to the possibility of love together. We don't get other conflicts besides that, and their personalities don't really shine through, except for their roles as father, godmother, and trying to begin a new chapter together.
It's a short, comfort read, with spice between its pages to keep you warm. Didn't read the other books from the series, so it does good as a standalone as well.
So happy to be back with the Seattle Strikes! This book is the perfect blend of emotion, laughs, and oh so steamy scenes. Lori heads to Seattle to spend time with her late best friend Gabby’s daughter, her niece Sofi, but finds herself falling for Sofi’s Dad, Rafa. Will they give into their feelings? How will it be received by those who knew Gabby? Is it just shared grief?
Absolutely can be read as a standalone but I highly encourage reading the series. I get so much joy checking in on my previous favorite couples! Soliz does an excellent job of cultural representation that makes the books feel familiar and cozy. I loved the added Christmas magic and was happy to get to know Rafa more.
I struggled with some of the fixation around the best friend/widow dynamic even if it’s central to the story. Grief can be uncomfortable as it is so the heaviness of the relationship felt somewhat awkward at times to me. I really liked how the team handled it and their support of Rafa and welcoming of Lori.
I can't believe that was the end of the Seattle Strikes😭 What a journey it was! I had the privilege to read The Blitz, and almost all of the books as ARCs and I can't even tell you how grateful I am.
I loved Rafa and Lori, their relationship was so beautiful, and heartbreaking, and healing. The fact that they found each other after a loss like that was just so beautiful. This book felt really cozy with all the Christmas activities, and I loved seeing the rest of the friendgroup (even though they couldn't give an intervention to Rafa😆). Lori and Rafa's love was also so bittersweet to me. I mean they both lost someone they truly loved more than anything, and their love for each other came after so much pain. But I'm so glad they got their happy ending, and that they got a second chance to love❤️
I will miss these characters and these stories a lot. I had some of the best times reading about them. Thank you Leonor for writing these people for us to love, to cry laugh with, and witness their journies to happily ever after💖
🏈 Football romance 🖤 Widowed hero + Best friend's widower 🏈 Forced proximity 🖤 Single dad 🏈 Friends to lovers 🖤 Slow burn 🏈 Spicy romance 🖤 Love after loss
A cozy Christmas romance with a little angst, a sweet slow burn, and a whole lot of heart! I loved Rafa and Lori’s story and how their relationship grew from friendship, shared grief, and years of being there for each other. There’s something especially touching about watching two people find love again while learning that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the person they lost.
Rafa is such a wonderful dad, and the relationship between him, Lori, and Sofi made this story even sweeter. I also really appreciated the communication between the characters and how thoughtfully they navigated their feelings. Add in the Christmas setting, some adorable moments, and a little spice, and this was such a lovely way to wrap up the Seattle Strike series!
*** I want to note that I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
It is bittersweet writing the last review for the last installment of the Seattle Strike series.
I have loved this whole series. Each one has been amazing. But this one might just have become my favorite. Rafa single Dad and widow. Just playing football and taking care of his daughter. Lori Rafa's late wife's best friend and the godmother to his daughter. It's the Christmas season and Lori is spending it with Rafa and Sofi. Rafa and Lori have already been having some feelings for each other the past couple of years because of how close they got leaning on each other after the passing of his wife and her best friend and Lori being there for Sofi. Will the magic of Christmas help these two come together as a couple? Will Sofi be okay with them being together? What about everyone else that was affected by his late wife's passing? This was such a heartwarming read and even brought tears to my eyes a few times.
The Blitz by Leonor Soliz was such a sweet and heartwarming read! I loved the relationship between Rafa and Lori and the way their friendship slowly turned into something more. The fact that Lori was her late best friend's best friend and Sofi's godmother added an extra layer of emotion to their story. I enjoyed the cozy Christmas moments, late-night conversations, living room forts, and stolen kisses. But what really made this story special was the emotional journey of learning to love again while navigating grief, guilt, and the fear of what others might think. Rafa and Lori's chemistry was wonderful, and little Sofi added so much sweetness to the story. Overall, The Blitz is a beautiful reminder that life can surprise us with happiness when we least expect it.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Released day was yesterday but here I am with my book review of this amazing Christmas story 🥰
Sometimes all I need is a short romance that gives me butterflies, a little Christmas magic, and characters I can’t help but root for. And this one delivered! ❤️
I loved the Christmas setting, the mistletoe moment, and having an adorable dog included (because let’s be honest, a dog in a romance automatically gets extra points from me! 🐶).
It was a quick and enjoyable read that gave me those cozy holiday romance vibes without feeling like I needed to commit to a super long book. I especially loved the combination of romance, family, and Christmas magic. Loved Sofi!!!
If you’re looking for a short holiday romance to curl up with, definitely add this one to your list!
4.5 ⭐ | ARC Review
Thank you for the opportunity to read this one! 🎀 @leonor.soliz
Lori & Rafa's story is short & sweet... a perfect cozy Christmas read!! This novella is part of the Seattle Strike series, as a standalone.
I like all the characters & how their story plays out. I like the setting also.
While Rafa is a football player, there isn't really much in the book about football as it takes place over Christmas.
The book is told in a dual 1st person POV
Spice level: 3/5
*Christmas cozy romance *Holiday romance *Football romance *sports romance *he's a widower *she's his deceased wife's best friend & the godmother of his daughter *he's a single Dad
Thank you to the author (Leonor Soliz), publisher (Victory Editing) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
What a lovely ending to this series. Soliz’s writing is stronger than ever in this sweet HEA romance. Much of the story—especially in the first half—is conveyed through Rafa and Lori’s internal thoughts as they wrestle with the attraction growing between them. Falling in love after the death of a spouse is never easy; doing so with his late wife’s best friend and their daughter’s godmother adds another layer of complication. Soliz handles this sensitive subject with the delicacy and care it deserves.
Expect: - Single Dad - Dead wife’s best friend - Friends to lovers - Christmas Setting 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5 of Spice!
ARC REVIEW I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the Author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was such a sweet and heartfelt holiday read. Throughout the series Rafa has been the guy to give good advice on relationships but isn’t ready to enter the dating field himself after the loss of his wife. Lori was his wife’s best friend and she is the godmother to his daughter. She has stepped up in every way possible since the death of her friend. Through grief and time together their bond has grown, throw in a little mistletoe and a chain reaction of sparks happen!
The Blitz is a holiday novella set in the world of the Seattle strike Series by Leonor Soliz. It takes place in the same time as The Replay and should probably be read last. However it does fully stand alone if you just want to enjoy this holiday novella for all the good feels!
The Blitz is a great read as a stand alone, but after reading, I’m going to check out the entire series. The anticipation for the main characters to get together had me not wanting to put it down several times. Such a cute story for a couple of people in what feels like a tough situation. Readers can definitely relate to both main characters who are trying to figure out their relationship. It did seem like most of the story went on a bit too long and then when the flip happened, it was pretty quick.
Leonor will always have a piece of my heart. This was such an amazing story (please go and read all of Leonor's books and series you wont be disappointed). This series is the one that will make me want to watch the Superbowl for the game and not the ads. To be able to see the character development, the family aspect of how each book brings the series together just makes me anticipate and want anything Leonor writes. In this story we get to see how someone can have a great second chance at love and family during a very difficult but family moment (Christmas).