Max and Josie have been best friends since the fourth grade, but when they're snowed in overnight and the power goes out, their "just friends" relationship is put to the test when they snuggle for warmth.
Josie has only had one secret her entire life: she's been in love with her best friend for two decades. She'd never risk losing the most important relationship in her life, so she's shielded her feelings from her broad-shouldered cinnamon roll BFF, Max.
Max moved back to Benning Falls, Vermont, to run his family's maple syrup farm after breaking off his engagement. As he's spent more time with his best friend, Josie, thoughts of her perfect curves and sparkling smile invade his thoughts more and more.
Can this rom-com-obsessed maple syrup farmer keep his hands and spicy thoughts to himself? Or will he be willing to risk the possibility of a happily ever after even if it means risking the most solid friendship in his life?
Featuring: Snowed In + Forced Proximity Best Friends to Lovers Solo Sessions Spicy Scenes Only One (warm) Bed Hurt / Comfort Vermont in the Winter Maple Syrup Farm Vibes Never Have I Ever + Drunken Confessions
This was a steamy friends-to-lovers novella. Even though the book was short, I had fun with Max and Josie. Both of them have been best friends since forever and are in love with each other. None of them wants to confess their feelings because of the fear of being rejected and losing their friendship over it.
They were so cute and in the end everything went well ♥️.
Snowed In & Snuggle weather was a cute, romantic story for me and I loved it.
Thanks to Elise Kennedy for providing me with this ARC copy.
Snowed In & Snuggle Weather by Elise Kennedy (2023) Small-Town Romance Shorts #4 aka Only One Cozy Bed 122-page Kindle Ebook story pages 6-119
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
Featuring: Content Warning Link 🌐 Mostly Sexually Explicit Scenes - Exact Wording At the End of Review; Author's Bibliography, Best Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Forced Proximity Trope, Small-Town Vermont, February, More To Love, Farmer, Maple Syrup Farm, Curvy MC, Teacher, Secret Pining, Link to Newsletter and free Bonus Epilogue, Author's Bibliography, Author's Links
Rating as a movie: XX for strong sexual content and language
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🍁❄️🎄
My thoughts: 🔖Page 35 of 122 [Chapter] 7 Josie - It's not bad, I was expecting a holiday setting but it's not even Valentine's Day.
This was probably the best story from this series in my opinion, although they almost got on my nerves with the insecurities over confessing. I'm going to be reading the 6-month epilogues next.
Recommend to others: Yes. This was a fun book.
Small-Town Romance Shorts 1. Pumpkin Spice and Pour-Overs (2022) 2. Apple Cider and Subterfuge (2022) 3. Hot Cocoa and Mistletoe (2022) 4. Snowed In & Snuggle Weather (2023) Only One Cozy Bed - Novella collection with bonus epilogues
🌐 Minor injuries, drinking games, snowball fights, masturbation, consensual explicit sexual content including power play (‘Yes sir’ / ‘Good girl’)
This is my least favorite novella from this author. I don’t understand how those two adults, in their 30s, have been best friends since they were little and in love for so long without ever talking about it or anything happening. I disliked them dating other people as it only ever lead them on. I don’t like that Max never confronted Josie about walking in on her that night at his place because obviously it meant something. But then, pretty much out of nowhere they both managed to grow a pair big enough to kiss and talk - yay - but it was so easy and a bit of a letdown. I disliked the smut most of all - maybe it was the writing, I don’t know cause it doesn’t happen often but I was a bit uncomfortable reading it.
This novella was short, spicy and sweet featuring two best friends who are hopelessly in love with each other but don’t want to ruin their friendship.
So, Josie and Max have known each other for like 2 decades. Besties for life, Max has recently moved back home to take over the family maple syrup business. Josie and Max have romcom movie nights where they hang together, drink and watch movies. Our story begins one snowy evening, with Josie unable to drive home in the horrid weather. She’s been in love with Max for years, but he’s her bestie, so she’s gotta behave, right? Max happily hosts Josie for the evening, especially since he’s also been in love with her for years. And now they’re both single. And staying in his house. Alone. 👀
So, the writing style for this book was excellent! The writing was the perfect blend of plot and dialogue with excellent pacing! The whole will they/won’t they aspect of their relationship and the tension built throughout the novella were exquisite and I was rooting for Josie and Max! There are 2 spicy scenes and, while short, I felt they were perfectly timed for the plot.
The banter between Josie and Max was really enjoyable to read! They definitely have history and it’s fun to see snippets of their lives show in the inside jokes they have. Josie was a fun, stubborn and full of energy. Max was the epitome of a cinnamon roll hero who is an alpha in the sheets. I just really enjoyed the energy they gave off! The majority of the book takes place in Max’s home, which I think was a wise idea. Josie was obviously comfortable in this place, as was Max, and it provided almost a safe place for them to figure themselves out.
If you want a sweet and spicy novella with excellent banter and a friends to lovers dynamic then I HIGHLY recommend checking this novella out!
Thanks very much to Elise Kennedy for providing me with a. ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Snowed In & Snuggle Weather brings us the story of Josie and Max, best friends who have been close since elementary school, but not nearly as close as either of them would like. When a massive snowstorm causing a power outage forces Josie to stay the night with Max, they have to figure out a way to stay warm til morning 🔥
If you like friends to lovers, forced proximity, one bed, and spice, this novella would be a perfect pick for a quick read! The characters are endearing, the banter is fantastic, and the pining just made you want more!
Josie and Max have an obvious emotional connection, but their physical chemistry is scorching once they give in to their desires. I loved how they attempted to maneuver around the awkwardness of finally giving in to temptation by going on a few dates, giving this a fun story along the way.
I needed a cute, quick read as a palette cleanser in between some heavier fantasy books- Snowed In & Snuggle Weather did the trick! As much as I’m getting into romcoms, I find a lot of them are too “cutesy” for me but I didn’t feel that way about Snowed In & Snuggle Weather. The inner dialogue and awkward moments were relatable and the romance didn’t make you cringe- I will always consider this a win!
Max and Josie have been best friends since fourth grade but could that change after they’re snowed in together?
There were a lot of great (and some new for me) tropes like childhood friends, friends to lovers, drinking games, forced proximity, some solo action, and open door spice. Did I mention there’s some good girl/yes sir?
Overall, great book! Can’t wait to reread in the winter!
A wonderful end to the year with a warm novel about a love story buried for years under the cover of friendship, then boom the facts fall out. With a little bit of spice, I couldn't put it down since I started it until I finished it. 😊🌲♥️ ...
But now I want to know what happened after the six months. 😁
I absolutely adored this super cute best friends to lovers book. A lot of good tropes and the relationship seemed “natural,” as much as best friends afraid of love would be. Loved seeing Josie and Max get closer during the snowed in weather and work on his maple syrup farm.
This was my least favorite from the collection but it may be because I'm not a big fan of friends to lovers. I gave it a shot because I love the author and had read the rest of the series but I still couldn't get into it. If you're a fan of friends to lovers you might enjoy this though!
The most perfect, spicy, quick read set in snowy Vermont with the best winter vibes. In this best friends to lovers romance, Josie and Max find themselves snowed in after a movie marathon. Each trying to suppress stronger feelings for the other, they find themselves pushing the boundary between friends and lovers. And when lines are inevitably crossed, Max asks for three dates to prove they can be just as great of a couple as they can be as best friends. You cannot help but root for these two. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
'¿Cuándo empezaste a verme como algo más que una amiga?' Ella se arriesgó a mirarlo. 'No lo sé', dijo, sus mejillas sonrosadas se volvieron un poco más rosadas. '¿Cuándo te das cuenta de que alguien se ha convertido en tu persona favorita? ¿Cuándo te das cuenta de que quieres verla todos los días? ¿Cuándo todas las miradas compartidas, todas las risas, todo el apoyo se hayan acumulado en una montaña de posibilidades, y te esté mirando a la cara con labios perfectamente fruncidos?'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers. •Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
❄️Snowed In & Snuggle Weatherserie Only One Cozy Bed Novellas libro 4
Argumento:
Max y Josie han sido mejores amigos desde cuarto grado, pero cuando la nieve los cubre durante la noche y se corta la luz, su relación de "solo amigos" se pone a prueba cuando se acurrucan en busca de calor.
Josie solo ha tenido un secreto en toda su vida: ha estado enamorada de su mejor amiga durante dos décadas. Ella nunca se arriesgaría a perder la relación más importante de su vida, por lo que ha protegido sus sentimientos de su mejor amigo, Max, de hombros anchos y panecillos de canela.
Max regresó a Benning Falls, Vermont, para administrar la granja de jarabe de arce de su familia después de romper su compromiso. A medida que pasa más tiempo con su mejor amiga, Josie, los pensamientos sobre sus curvas perfectas y su brillante sonrisa invaden sus pensamientos cada vez más.
¿Podrá este productor de jarabe de arce obsesionado con las comedias románticas guardarse sus manos y sus pensamientos picantes para sí mismo? ¿O estará dispuesto a arriesgar la posibilidad de un final feliz incluso si eso significa arriesgar la amistad más sólida de su vida?
Mi humilde opinión:
Este mes me hice fan de los romances de Elise Kennedy. Son tan dulces y acogedores. Me encantan las parejas que presenta y sus historias de amor divertidas y románticas!
Snowed In & Snuggle Weather es una historia corta con el tema de mejores amigos a amantes con proximidad forzada y mucha nieve para que el romance suceda.
Josie ha estado enamorada de su mejor amigo Max desde hace mucho tiempo mientras que Max se ha dado cuenta recientemente que también ama a Josie más que a una amiga. Sus pensamientos internos me frustraron! Yo creí que con ayuda del tequila y el juego 'Yo nunca he' confesarían sus sentimientos secretos pero no se animaron y los dos continuaron anhelándose en silencio. El temor de arruinar su hermosa amistad era grande. Disfruté de la quemadura lenta y cómo superan la incomodidad y temor de arruinar su amistad. Por supuesto estuve apoyándolos en cada cita! Me gustó su interacción, tenían bromas chistosas y pensamientos traviesos sobre el otro. Más que nada se notó su lealtad y que estaban para el otro en sus momentos difíciles.
Una cosa que me gustan de los héroes de EK es que son súper lindos y atentos pero a la vez alfas atrevidos. Josie tenía talla grande y era un tanto insegura pero Max le mostró lo que significaba y lo hermosa que era para él.
Me encantó el final y el bonus epílogo con el casamiento.
Reading all of Elise Kennedy’s novellas so far has been a delight. They’re all short, sweet, with a bit of steam, and they’re purely feel-good romance. I was so excited to get an ARC of this one since I’ve enjoyed all her other ones (and will need to reread and go back to review them bc it’s been a while!). (Also, this novella got me out of a book slump of sorts. I finished it in one go pretty much, so it’s the perfect length and helped me feel like reading again for the first time in a month!)
I love a good best friends to lovers story, especially one that comes with some forced proximity (a classic, being snowed in together, with the twist of it not being the snow itself but the effects of the snow haha). The easy banter and mutual pining between Josie and Max made this novella so fun and lovely to read. They understand what the other person needs (with the exception of having requited feelings of course) and want the best for each other, ultimately wanting the other to be happy. It’s clear how much they love each other, firstly as best friends and later as more than friends, and I just wanted to make them be honest with each other the whole time Max was trying to feel Josie out during Never Have I ever, haha. But the uncertainty around being that honest was realistic and believable, and it made the payoff worth it when they finally do open up about their feelings.
I also loved that they’ve got such different taste in movies but watch them together for movie night because they’re just that cute hehe. And the puns because puns are great. And the setting of a maple syrup farm! Also getting to see Becca again at the bookstore! It took me a second to realize it was her haha. And did I mention Max is indeed a cinnamon roll but likes to be in control in bed? 😏
Anyway, my thoughts are kind of a mess bc I forgot to review right when I finished! (Might come back and edit this later if I can make it more coherent lol.) But I’m looking forward to Elise Kennedy’s first full length novel in a few months! Thank you so much for the ARC and for sharing all these adorable romance stories with us.
THIS BOOK WAS A LAUGH RIOT! Although this was a short 2 hour read it didn’t feel like it. With an impressive amount of character development and some of the best lines I’ve read in a while, Josie is a complete scene stealer and it is no wonder that Max is secretly in love with her -- the only question is How did he resist her for so long?? How did Josie put up with all her exes knowing Max, who is such a sweetheart, was always in the wings. So, what will it take to finally get them together? Literally - An Act of Nature!
Josie and Max have been friends since childhood and their connection was not only immediate, but it was lasting. Without even realizing it they have been moving from the best friend to boy/girl friend over the past 25 years. Both have been unable to find their ‘perfect other’ because that person was literally right under their noses. With no meet-cute or other preamble we meet Josie and Max on Movie Night as a Vermont Winter Storm kicks up. For the first time both are single, and Josie knows that her moment to move this relationship forward is now or never, but she is unwilling to jeopardize her friendship so she leaves and goes out into the dangerous storm. But Mother Nature knows best and the weather conspires to keep pushing them together no matter what this reluctant pair tries. As you can guess this is a quick paced, humor filled romance that will make you sigh, laugh, giggle, and shake your kindle as well as your head while thinking “WHAT ARE YOU TWO WAITING FOR??!!”
I just finished reading Booksta Central’s Indie Author Book Club pick for December, Snowed in and Snuggle Weather by Elise Kennedy! If you’re a fan of Vermont maple farms, best friends to lovers, novellas, and spice, you’ll want to add this story to your winter tbr!
Do you love cinnamon roll MMCs? Look no further than Max Bard😍! He’s a hopeless romantic that owns and operates his own maple syrup farm in Vermont. Oh, and he’s also been head over heels in love with his best friend, Josie, forever. I couldn’t get enough of how gentle and reassuring Max was towards Josie throughout the novella😍.
Josie was a great character to read about too. I really liked her playfulness and her ability to pull Max out of his serious moods. She also has an uncanny ability to anticipate Max’s needs and meet them before he could even think to ask for help. They clearly are made for each other. ❤️
As an added bonus, Snowed in and Snuggle Weather is book 4 in an interconnected standalone series titled, Only One Bed Cozy Novellas! If you’re looking for romance, a bit of spice, quick reads, and of course, one bed, this series is perfect for you!
In the pages, you will find:
❤️A romantic MMC 👩🏫A teacher FFC 😍BFFs to lovers ❄️Snow storms 🛏️One Bed 🌳A Vermont maple syrup farm 🌶️Spice 🤞”Will they, won’t they” vibes 🥰HEA 📖Book 4 in an interconnected standalone series!
I know this is a novella and it was short but the story just felt so unfinished and abrupt with so many plot holes or just missing storyline. Isn't the MMC not going to talk about how he walked in on her on the first night? Aren't we going to get a bit of storyline of their past to understand how abrupt or not so abrupt their dynamic is? Everything between them happened so quick and so fast and when I came to the end I was shocked that the book was already over and there wasn't anything left to read or look forward to. I personally didn't like the fact that despite all this the MMC was engaged or they were seeing OW/OM. For someone who knew each other for so long, that never have I ever game at the start was so blunt and straightforward all of a sudden covering strong topics. I really thought there was going to be more story on the MMC running the maple farm or feeling stressed and tried to complete as much work as possible. I also thought there was going to be some follow-up to the phone call about the address (I didn't want it to happen and thank god it didn't but I felt like that phone call story kind of was forced into the plot).
This was an ultra sweet friends to lovers novella! Josie and Max have known each other for 15 years and Josie has been harboring a crush on him ever since. The funny thing is, Max has too. When an unforeseen snow storm strands Josie at Max’s house, they finally have a chance to confess their feelings!
Seriously like I said above super sweet. It was fast paced because it’s a novella but I also thought it moved along wonderfully and everything made sense. Their non communication of their feelings made me laughable yell at them to tell each other already 🤣 but it was a very cute work up to that point.
A very cozy read and it’s perfect for a palette cleanser. Don’t go into this expecting smut. There is some spice but the two scenes are very short and almost fade to black-esq. I would have preferred even a touch more spice but it was still a sweet story.
Definitely would recommend this to anyone who loves short stories, friends to lovers, unrequited love, snowed in together, only one bed, and a semi dominate cinnamon roll mmc.
A cute, fun, lighthearted best friends-to-lovers story that’s perfect for a wintry night! Grab a hot drink and your favorite blanket and snuggle up for a quick, heartwarming read.
Max and Josie have been best friends for years, but when a terrible snowstorm makes them roommates for a weekend, are they brave enough to take a chance on the secret feelings they’ve been harboring for each other, in the hopes that their friendship might become something more?
The friends-to-lovers tropes is one of my favorites, and I think it works well here. Josie and Max are an adorable couple, and the dual POV format works well to show how they’re each handling the twists and turns of their budding relationship. The novella format also ensures that the third act conflict that’s customary in a lot of romances isn’t belabored (thankfully!) so we can get right back into the cute dating shenanigans.
Max and Josie have been best friends since the fourth grade, and for almost that long Josie has been in love with him. Not wanting to ruin the friendship, she has kept quiet about how she really feels for him for years. Max has just moved back to town after six years away to take over his family's maple syrup manufacturing business, and has also just broken up with his fiance.
When a blizzard keeps the two snowed in at his home for the weekend, sparks start to fly and they have to decide whether their friendship can survive the new feelings they have for one another.
This book was short and sweet, and filled with so many amazing romance tropes, that I couldn't help but finish the whole thing in one sitting. The chemistry between the two is smoldering, and the banter between the friends is everything. I loved these two characters, and really enjoyed watching them overcome their fears of trying something new!
Thanks so much to Elise Kennedy for providing me with a copy of this book for review!
I got to say, Elise Kennedy is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I’ll be diving into some of her other books in 2025 after reading her series of small-town romance shorts/novellas this season.
This novella may have been set in a snow storm in the winter of Vermont, but it absolutely warmed my heart, and I couldn’t put it down.
Synopsis: Max and Josie have been best friends since the fourth grade. After a brutal breakup with his fiancé, Max decides to move back home to Benning Falls, Vermont to takeover as CEO of his family’s maple syrup farm. When Josie and Max end up stranded together in the middle of a brutal snowstorm, they have to make choices if they truly want to profess their feelings and take things from “best friends” to something more.
TW: none Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Tropes: friends to lovers, close proximity, one bed, winter, snowstorm, farmer, novella
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my first time reading Elise Kennedy. I read this novella in one day, I didn’t want to put it down. Josie & Max have been best friends since 4th grade, and have been secretly in love with each other since then. But neither one wants to admit their feelings because they don’t want to lose their best friend if the other one doesn’t feel the same. But, one bff Friday movie night they get snowed in together…feelings grow stronger for both, but still they both keep silent. But what happens when Josie still can’t go home the next day? No spoilers! You’ll have to read to find out if these best friends finally realize what’s been in front of them the whole time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Felt like a spicy Hallmark movie, actually, so while predictable it was still safe and a fun read. I would have wished for a little bit more character building and backstory, however I do realize we know pretty much right off the bat the two main characters have known each other for 20 years. So while I wanted some more, I’m not mad it isn’t there. The banter between the two main characters is fun, and the tension build up in the first 13 or so chapters makes the ultimate love story that much sweeter. It was, as my school librarian would have put it, a great piece of “brain candy”.
I loved this friends to lovers story. I have been making maple syrup for over 25 years and that was one of the reasons why I decided to read this book. The two friends were so easy to love, their banter was fun to read and I felt satisfied when the book was done. Excellent writing. "He realized how easily she fit into his life, like she was the last puzzle piece clicked into place." "I think this is our first sleepover since we were 10." "Get it? Sappy? she said, nudging his shoulder at her pun-tastic wordplay about maple syrup." "To the secrets we take to our graves." I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love all the small town, best friend to lover troupes. Elise worked her magic with this novel.
Best friends are forced to spend the night together when Josie accidentally falls on ice at Max's house. Due to the winter storm Josie is now stuck with her lifelong crush. They both work out their feelings amongst whether the are friends or more.
Thank you to the author for the arc. Can't wait to read more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Snowed In & Snuggle Weather by Elise Kennedy is a good, and enjoyable short sweet spicy small town best friend to lovers romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This is Josie and Max's story. They have been best friends for a long time and are both in love with each other. But neither wants to confess their feelings for the other because of fear of losing their friendship or being rejected. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I friggin loved this book! It has so many cute moments and I actually laughed out loud multiple times. I liked how it felt organic as they got together. Most novellas rush straight into it, but this one was much more realistic. I enjoyed it so much I went and bought all her other books!
My rating system: 1 Star- DNF hated it 2 Stars - seriously considered DNFing it 3 Stars- Meh, it was ok. 4 Stars- I liked it! But I probably wouldn't read it again. 5 Stars- I loved it! Will definitely read again.
4.5⭐️ This story was adorable and I’m an absolute sucker for friends to lovers. I felt like the story managed to squeeze in a decent amount of plot for it being a novella, but I still wanted SO much more which is why I didn’t give it 5⭐️ I want more background story to really see what their friendship is like and I wanted more little details during their transition from besties to lovers and I would have loved a little more after the transition as well. Regardless, very sweet and drama free which was great.
4/5 ⭐️ 2.5/5 🌶️ multiple explicit and one more closed door sex scenes. Masturbation—almost mutual masturbation…mutual adjacent? That will make sense when you read it. Power play—lots of yes sirs and good girls. Enough to earn those 4 stars.
This is giving late winter vibes to me and would be another great novella option to help round out your end of year reading goal. Very cozy one bed trope with winter, but no holiday vibes.
Best friends to lovers. He falls first? One bed. Snowed in Cozy winter vibes. Small town romance. Vermont maple syrup farm?? Come on. 🍁
Josie and Max have been best friends for 15 years, and when a snow storm locks them up for two months straight, both of them learn that they’ve been harboring feelings for one another but too scared to admit it for fear of losing the best friendship either of them have. This was such a cute novella! You were able to discern how close the MC’s were from the very beginning and the pininggggg. Elise’s writing was able to pull me in very quickly and keep me reading in one sitting! And she was able to make me feel things that I typically struggle with in novellas.
Josie and Max are very sweet characters, but they are just so dense when it comes to their feelings for each other. They’ve been in love with each other forever and are both too scared of ruining their friendship that they just don’t communicate their feelings at all.
This was short, cozy, and spicy. At times I just wanted to shake them both and be like ‘you’re obviously in love with each other’!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.