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The Perfect Winter Plan
Kindergarten teacher Allie Hayes loves her life in the small town of Sterling Grove. She has a solid group of friends, her dream job, and easy access to the best cocoa shop a winter-loving girl could want. Allie is perfectly content being single, which comes in handy since she can't seem to sustain romantic interest in anyone for more than a few weeks. The only downside? Her favorite season is on its way, and while she's more than willing to be her friends' best source for wintertime date ideas, she'd love to experience those dates herself.
Architect Grant Covington is a meticulous planner, looking forward to the next phase of his life: marriage and family. Unfortunately, Grant's laser focus on his career hasn't left much room for a personal life, and his dating skills are rusty. So when Grant's lack of work/life balance puts his upcoming partnership bid at risk, he decides to accelerate his plan.
Grant offers himself as Allie's just-for-the-winter boyfriend. The mutually-beneficial relationship—with its predetermined expiration date—is a good fit for Allie's romantically-challenged attention span, and it provides Grant with a risk-free dating refresher course. The best part? Since they already know when they're breaking up, there will be no hard feelings or broken hearts. For these polar opposites, it's the perfect winter plan. What could possibly go wrong?
Architect Grant Covington is a meticulous planner, looking forward to the next phase of his life: marriage and family. Unfortunately, Grant's laser focus on his career hasn't left much room for a personal life, and his dating skills are rusty. So when Grant's lack of work/life balance puts his upcoming partnership bid at risk, he decides to accelerate his plan.
Grant offers himself as Allie's just-for-the-winter boyfriend. The mutually-beneficial relationship—with its predetermined expiration date—is a good fit for Allie's romantically-challenged attention span, and it provides Grant with a risk-free dating refresher course. The best part? Since they already know when they're breaking up, there will be no hard feelings or broken hearts. For these polar opposites, it's the perfect winter plan. What could possibly go wrong?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2022
3 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 10, 2022
ADORABLE. Absolutely adorable. It had all the festive, fun activities of the holiday season, sprinkled in with every delicious combination of hot cocoa possible! If you want a sweet romcom with minimal drama, this a great read for you.
I LOVED THE PLOT. The entire plot of "let's date so that I can practice for the real thing" mixed with "I just want a boyfriend to do cute winter things with" was so cute. This book was SCREAMING hallmark romcom and I ate it up. I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for their happiness as they slowly realized they were actually falling in love with each other. Reading this whole book had me smiling from ear to ear!
Allie and Grant were such a cute pair. I loved the way their personalities meshed together. Such opposites, but they brought out the best in each other. (If you read this book, just know that a conversation involving complimentary colors made me CRY.)
I LOVED THE PLOT. The entire plot of "let's date so that I can practice for the real thing" mixed with "I just want a boyfriend to do cute winter things with" was so cute. This book was SCREAMING hallmark romcom and I ate it up. I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for their happiness as they slowly realized they were actually falling in love with each other. Reading this whole book had me smiling from ear to ear!
Allie and Grant were such a cute pair. I loved the way their personalities meshed together. Such opposites, but they brought out the best in each other. (If you read this book, just know that a conversation involving complimentary colors made me CRY.)
November 2, 2022
Lifting a salted-caramel-hot-cocoa toast...to this huggable new romcom series, to a fun-loving spontaneous heroine and a careful organized hero, and to some unforgettable romantic "grand gestures" that prove these two opposite personalities truly get each other, appreciate each other, and belong together. And I can't wait to revisit the little town of Sterling Grove (hurry up, book 2!) thanks to multiple secondary characters whom I want to get to know better (looking at you, Adam Cleary).
Recommended especially if you're looking for a genuinely sweet romcom that won't blindside you with unexpected dark notes. This book delivers absolutely on its promises: all the cocoa, all the froth, all the sweet romantic fun!
Recommended especially if you're looking for a genuinely sweet romcom that won't blindside you with unexpected dark notes. This book delivers absolutely on its promises: all the cocoa, all the froth, all the sweet romantic fun!
February 27, 2023
This book was cute. I really did like the book. The characters were cute too. It was well written. It just wasn’t my thing. I still recommend this book. I was trying a different genre like stepping out of my comfort zone, I decided to give this one a chance
October 29, 2022
Frothy and Fun
This is the perfect sweet, frothy, and fun winter read- the perfect book to read while curling up with a cup of hot cocoa. It's sweet, fun, and clean.
This is the perfect sweet, frothy, and fun winter read- the perfect book to read while curling up with a cup of hot cocoa. It's sweet, fun, and clean.
November 8, 2022
What a feel good, romantic story! This book made me want to cuddle up under a blanket with a giant mug of hot cocoa! I don't even like to drink hot cocoa, but this book made me want to drink it! That's how swept up I was by this story.
I love winter, and I was transported to a winter wonderland through Allie and Grant's winter dates. Allie and Grant decide to date each other just for the winter, so they can be there for each other during the holidays. Allie wants Grant to plan amazing winter dates for the two of them to experience together, and Grant has been out of the dating game for so long that he wants the dating practice. Allie and Grant were adorable separately and together.
I love that the story was told from Allie and Grant's point of view. It switched between chapters, and I feel like I could really tap into how each character was feeling. It was beautiful to see how their relationship changed during the winter dates.
'The Perfect Winter Plan' would make a perfect Hallmark movie. I love Hallmark movies so much, and I think that this would be an awesome Hallmark movie. I can picture the snow falling and Allie and Grant drinking their hot cocoa at Cocoa & Froth.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet, romantic winter read. Grab a cozy blanket and a warm beverage to cuddle up with this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC of this book.
I love winter, and I was transported to a winter wonderland through Allie and Grant's winter dates. Allie and Grant decide to date each other just for the winter, so they can be there for each other during the holidays. Allie wants Grant to plan amazing winter dates for the two of them to experience together, and Grant has been out of the dating game for so long that he wants the dating practice. Allie and Grant were adorable separately and together.
I love that the story was told from Allie and Grant's point of view. It switched between chapters, and I feel like I could really tap into how each character was feeling. It was beautiful to see how their relationship changed during the winter dates.
'The Perfect Winter Plan' would make a perfect Hallmark movie. I love Hallmark movies so much, and I think that this would be an awesome Hallmark movie. I can picture the snow falling and Allie and Grant drinking their hot cocoa at Cocoa & Froth.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet, romantic winter read. Grab a cozy blanket and a warm beverage to cuddle up with this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC of this book.
December 14, 2022
4.5/5
I’m a sucker for a hallmark movie type book and this didn’t disappoint. It had all of the cheesy goodness that you would expect from a romcom and I was in heaven!!
I’m a single girl and love it but one of the small areas that I would wish to have a boyfriend is to do all the cutesy winter activities. I mean who doesn’t want to “practice” and just have a boyfriend to do all the winter activities with! Yes please sign me up!
I loved reading about Allie and Grant. They were such a cute fun couple that I loved getting to know them. Even thought they were different they worked perfectly together!
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book, these are my honest opinions.
I’m a sucker for a hallmark movie type book and this didn’t disappoint. It had all of the cheesy goodness that you would expect from a romcom and I was in heaven!!
I’m a single girl and love it but one of the small areas that I would wish to have a boyfriend is to do all the cutesy winter activities. I mean who doesn’t want to “practice” and just have a boyfriend to do all the winter activities with! Yes please sign me up!
I loved reading about Allie and Grant. They were such a cute fun couple that I loved getting to know them. Even thought they were different they worked perfectly together!
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book, these are my honest opinions.
November 8, 2022
This wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great. Something was off about all of the characters. Maybe the way that Allie kept saying “my guy!” or “my dude!” all the time. She just came off as really annoying. Are flash mobs even still a thing?
The concept was good though and it’s always nice to have an opposites attract storyline. The cocoa shop wasn’t working for me. Some of the flavors people were ordering sounded downright disgusting but that’s just my own taste.
The concept was good though and it’s always nice to have an opposites attract storyline. The cocoa shop wasn’t working for me. Some of the flavors people were ordering sounded downright disgusting but that’s just my own taste.
November 12, 2022
This book is a very charming holiday read! I do wish there was more depth to Allie, our FMC. She is a kindergarten teacher and is written as very quirky, but she comes off as juvenile at times. Grant seemed way more realistic to me.
If you love warm and fuzzy Hallmark Christmas movies, then this is definitely the book for you!
If you love warm and fuzzy Hallmark Christmas movies, then this is definitely the book for you!
January 5, 2023
To be completely honest, I was originally going to rate this 2 stars, and even that felt generous, but after sitting with it for a while, I’m giving it a pretty solid 3, maybe even a 3.5. The writing, especially towards the beginning, felt very… cringy (for lack of a better word). Maybe it’s just been way too long since I’ve read a YA book, but I don’t know. It was not my favorite. But finallyyyy, about 60% of the way into it, I started to enjoy it more. To be fair, this is the authors first published book (from what I can find) so my dislike of the writing could probably be attributed to lack of experience. Who knows.
Although this wasn’t my favorite book of all time or anything, the storyline was incredibly cute. I found myself rooting for Allie and Grant from the very beginning of their relationship. They fit so well together and I smiled SO hard when they finally kissed - which I should mention, was 72% into the book. Talk about a slowww burn). Aside from loving them as a couple, I also really liked both characters individually. Allie is definitely someone I would be friends with. I love her high energy and enthusiasm; she would make me feel like she ******wanted****** to hang out with me and never make me question whether she was enjoying our time or not. I appreciate that. And Grant is just as organized and methodical as me, something I also really appreciate. I like that he thinks things through, but also knows when the moment is right to just let his heart lead the way. I want someone in my own life who cares about me as much as he cares about Allie and plans cute dates like he does 🥲
Absolutely will read the sequel to this, if one is released. I need more to the story!
Although this wasn’t my favorite book of all time or anything, the storyline was incredibly cute. I found myself rooting for Allie and Grant from the very beginning of their relationship. They fit so well together and I smiled SO hard when they finally kissed - which I should mention, was 72% into the book. Talk about a slowww burn). Aside from loving them as a couple, I also really liked both characters individually. Allie is definitely someone I would be friends with. I love her high energy and enthusiasm; she would make me feel like she ******wanted****** to hang out with me and never make me question whether she was enjoying our time or not. I appreciate that. And Grant is just as organized and methodical as me, something I also really appreciate. I like that he thinks things through, but also knows when the moment is right to just let his heart lead the way. I want someone in my own life who cares about me as much as he cares about Allie and plans cute dates like he does 🥲
Absolutely will read the sequel to this, if one is released. I need more to the story!
November 30, 2022
The Perfect Winter Plan
by Vanni Shaw
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
I love the story! So sweet and heartwarming! I would love to watch it as a movie! It took me a while to get into the story and I confess that I almost DNF it because of the writing style in the beginning, that was more like a YA book. But I’m so very glad that I decided to keep going. It gets better as you read. It’s a very sweet story and a great book for Christmas time.
Allie Hayes: Kindergarten teacher; Can’t seem to keep a relationship; Lives life one day at the time; Loves Christmas time and all the romance it brings along.
Grant Covington: Architect; Too focus on his Phase 1 (career) to think about relationships (Phase 2); Plans everything in his life; Needs to balance work and life so he can bit a partnership at his company.
Grant and Allie dating for the holidays? Seems like The perfect winter plan.
In this opposites attract romance, The perfect winter plan is not a fake dating plan. It’s a real winter time dating plan where they will have holiday teamed date nights, lots of hot cocoa, fulfill each other’s holiday wishes and on Jan 1, they would break up. But as the days go by, they start actually liking each other. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect winter plan after all.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
by Vanni Shaw
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
I love the story! So sweet and heartwarming! I would love to watch it as a movie! It took me a while to get into the story and I confess that I almost DNF it because of the writing style in the beginning, that was more like a YA book. But I’m so very glad that I decided to keep going. It gets better as you read. It’s a very sweet story and a great book for Christmas time.
Allie Hayes: Kindergarten teacher; Can’t seem to keep a relationship; Lives life one day at the time; Loves Christmas time and all the romance it brings along.
Grant Covington: Architect; Too focus on his Phase 1 (career) to think about relationships (Phase 2); Plans everything in his life; Needs to balance work and life so he can bit a partnership at his company.
Grant and Allie dating for the holidays? Seems like The perfect winter plan.
In this opposites attract romance, The perfect winter plan is not a fake dating plan. It’s a real winter time dating plan where they will have holiday teamed date nights, lots of hot cocoa, fulfill each other’s holiday wishes and on Jan 1, they would break up. But as the days go by, they start actually liking each other. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect winter plan after all.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
January 31, 2023
The Perfect Winter Plan
by Vanni Shaw
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
I love the story! So sweet and heartwarming! I would love to watch it as a movie! It took me a while to get into the story and I confess that I almost DNF it because of the writing style in the beginning, that was more like a YA book. But I’m so very glad that I decided to keep going. It gets better as you read. It’s a very sweet story and a great book for Christmas time.
Allie Hayes: Kindergarten teacher; Can’t seem to keep a relationship; Lives life one day at the time; Loves Christmas time and all the romance it brings along.
Grant Covington: Architect; Too focus on his Phase 1 (career) to think about relationships (Phase 2); Plans everything in his life; Needs to balance work and life so he can bit a partnership at his company.
Grant and Allie dating for the holidays? Seems like The perfect winter plan.
In this opposites attract romance, The perfect winter plan is not a fake dating plan. It’s a real winter time dating plan where they will have holiday teamed date nights, lots of hot cocoa, fulfill each other’s holiday wishes and on Jan 1, they would break up. But as the days go by, they start actually liking each other. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect winter plan after all.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
by Vanni Shaw
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
I love the story! So sweet and heartwarming! I would love to watch it as a movie! It took me a while to get into the story and I confess that I almost DNF it because of the writing style in the beginning, that was more like a YA book. But I’m so very glad that I decided to keep going. It gets better as you read. It’s a very sweet story and a great book for Christmas time.
Allie Hayes: Kindergarten teacher; Can’t seem to keep a relationship; Lives life one day at the time; Loves Christmas time and all the romance it brings along.
Grant Covington: Architect; Too focus on his Phase 1 (career) to think about relationships (Phase 2); Plans everything in his life; Needs to balance work and life so he can bit a partnership at his company.
Grant and Allie dating for the holidays? Seems like The perfect winter plan.
In this opposites attract romance, The perfect winter plan is not a fake dating plan. It’s a real winter time dating plan where they will have holiday teamed date nights, lots of hot cocoa, fulfill each other’s holiday wishes and on Jan 1, they would break up. But as the days go by, they start actually liking each other. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect winter plan after all.
I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
December 21, 2022
“Off all the bright and shiny things, you’re my favorite.”
I really like the winter dates plan made by the main characters - Allie and Grant as a couple only for the holiday season, they’re all fun and simple to do!
Grant’s character felt a bit uptight and weird at first but he started to grow on me as he goes on this exciting dates with Allie – I started to find him sort of adorable!
While I like the winter date plans they have, I’m having difficulties in connecting with Allie’s character. Some of her dialogue felt stiff and she appears not as playful as I thought she would be.
I also wish the secondary characters have more role in the story, I would like to know more about them.
Overall, this is not a bad one but it’s not that great either. I like the concept of the story and wish Allie’s character and the writing style slightly more developed.
It’s an okay read, if you’re looking for a simple and fun holiday read then you can give this one a try.
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
I really like the winter dates plan made by the main characters - Allie and Grant as a couple only for the holiday season, they’re all fun and simple to do!
Grant’s character felt a bit uptight and weird at first but he started to grow on me as he goes on this exciting dates with Allie – I started to find him sort of adorable!
While I like the winter date plans they have, I’m having difficulties in connecting with Allie’s character. Some of her dialogue felt stiff and she appears not as playful as I thought she would be.
I also wish the secondary characters have more role in the story, I would like to know more about them.
Overall, this is not a bad one but it’s not that great either. I like the concept of the story and wish Allie’s character and the writing style slightly more developed.
It’s an okay read, if you’re looking for a simple and fun holiday read then you can give this one a try.
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
December 23, 2022
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
I have one word for this book: adorable ❤
This is my 1st winter themed book of the month and it got me in the holiday spirit.
Allie is a kindergarten teacher in a small town, she's a real sunshine type, full of energy. She's happy being single but she loves winter and has a list for the perfect winter date ideas. The only problem is you need a boyfriend to make these ideas come true.
Grant is an architect and a workaholic, he's a real planner. His life is separated into phases: 1. succes and career, 2. marriage and family, 3. reteriment and relax. But when his bosses want proof that he can balance work and his presonal life he comes up with a new plan.
Allie and Grant agree to date each other during winter and then break up after New Year's Eve.
The plan is perfect.
Grant can prove to his bosses that he can have a life outside of work. Allie gets to experience her winter dating dream.
It's a planned out, risk-free dating.
What could possible go wrong?
Well, everything of course once they start dating and slowly growing fond of each other.
This book was so cute, I caught myself smiling several times. 🥰
I have one word for this book: adorable ❤
This is my 1st winter themed book of the month and it got me in the holiday spirit.
Allie is a kindergarten teacher in a small town, she's a real sunshine type, full of energy. She's happy being single but she loves winter and has a list for the perfect winter date ideas. The only problem is you need a boyfriend to make these ideas come true.
Grant is an architect and a workaholic, he's a real planner. His life is separated into phases: 1. succes and career, 2. marriage and family, 3. reteriment and relax. But when his bosses want proof that he can balance work and his presonal life he comes up with a new plan.
Allie and Grant agree to date each other during winter and then break up after New Year's Eve.
The plan is perfect.
Grant can prove to his bosses that he can have a life outside of work. Allie gets to experience her winter dating dream.
It's a planned out, risk-free dating.
What could possible go wrong?
Well, everything of course once they start dating and slowly growing fond of each other.
This book was so cute, I caught myself smiling several times. 🥰
November 30, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Candent Gate LLC for an ARC of The Perfect Winter Plan!
I loved the hallmark movie feels that this book gave. I loved all of the different types of characters throughout. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the writing. It felt very YA. It also included a lot of details that could of been left out as they weren’t necessary for the story.
All in all, a cute little winter book.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
I loved the hallmark movie feels that this book gave. I loved all of the different types of characters throughout. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of the writing. It felt very YA. It also included a lot of details that could of been left out as they weren’t necessary for the story.
All in all, a cute little winter book.
3.5 rounded to 4 stars
February 3, 2023
LOVE LOVE LOVE!! This is one of those books you want to grab a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa and sit by the fireplace to read. This was such a sweet, cute, and clean read. I can never get enough of these books that give you Hallmark movie vibes. If you are into any of the things I mentioned then this book is definitely for you!
Thank you NetGalley and Candent Gate LLC for allowing me to read this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Candent Gate LLC for allowing me to read this ARC.
December 7, 2022
This book is as cozy and warm as the hot cocoa that stars in it! Allie and Grant are easily my comfort couple.
The idea, the story, the characters all amazing. There were a few times the writing got a little simplistic, especially when it was a character’s thoughts. But that is the only thing wrong with this book! A Hallmark rom-com that just hits that holiday spot!
The idea, the story, the characters all amazing. There were a few times the writing got a little simplistic, especially when it was a character’s thoughts. But that is the only thing wrong with this book! A Hallmark rom-com that just hits that holiday spot!
December 26, 2022
3.5
this was exactly like a hallmark movie. it's a light reading and somehow I didn't expect a lot of the plots in between.
maybe it was a little but to dense?? or idk somehow it felt like a long book. still it was funny and I really liked it.
i don't feel like I have a lot to say, both characters were nice and so so cute!
this was exactly like a hallmark movie. it's a light reading and somehow I didn't expect a lot of the plots in between.
maybe it was a little but to dense?? or idk somehow it felt like a long book. still it was funny and I really liked it.
i don't feel like I have a lot to say, both characters were nice and so so cute!
February 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! A refreshing clean romcom, one I wouldn't feel weird if my coworkers see me reading it or dare thumb through. This book should be made into a hallmark movie, the characters and different winter activities would be so fun to see on the screen! If you're looking for a light read with excellent characters, this book is for you.
November 23, 2022
What a perfect wintertime romance! I loved that we got the entire winter season and got the chance to watch our characters grow in their love story over the course of the story. I loved the setting of Cocoa and Froth and I would love to visit there and try some cocoa some day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 21, 2022Mood! A Very Merry four ✨ read... This is subjective. I'm in the depths of Africa, in the summer, enjoying a wintery, cold cold Christmas romance. Cocoa and Sparkle Transitions included... I live and love 💕
March 21, 2023
This book was so fun! It was exactly what I needed right now. The author had wonderful character development and each character acted exactly as you think they should; not doing anything crazy out of character. I can’t wait to visit the town of Sterling Grove again in the next book!
November 26, 2023
Love this and found a new author
I love this tory so much. There were several places I actually laughed out loud. Grant and Allie are a hoot together. I am so happy to have found Serena Chase story under this pen name. Love her and her stories. Clean, well written and swoony.
I love this tory so much. There were several places I actually laughed out loud. Grant and Allie are a hoot together. I am so happy to have found Serena Chase story under this pen name. Love her and her stories. Clean, well written and swoony.
December 11, 2022
This is a very clean romance.
December 23, 2022
Cute, light Christmas story.
December 28, 2022
Adorable😍😍😍
April 8, 2023
I loved Grant & Allie's whimsical, sweet, caring, loving, swoony story!
October 19, 2023
fun!
Totally enjoyed this book by Vanni Shaw. She & Serena Chase are favorite authors of mine. Can’t wait for more!
Totally enjoyed this book by Vanni Shaw. She & Serena Chase are favorite authors of mine. Can’t wait for more!
February 17, 2024
I loved this book! It is cute and so much fun! A great feel-good story.
December 26, 2025
3.5 🌟
This book is cute and festive so very fitting for Christmas 🙌
This book is cute and festive so very fitting for Christmas 🙌
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews