Am I about to set up my Christmas tree after reading this? Absolutely.

Alison Cochrun's writing immediately sent me into holiday mode and I am living for it!

*insert throwing my planned reading out the window for every holiday romance I own*

This book will guarantee you instant warm fuzzy feels. It's the sweetest love story. It transports you right into the magic that is the holiday season. The dialogue is hilarious. The characters are beyond delightful.

The real reason why I resonated so deeply with this book is my deep love for Ellie Oliver. I found a piece of myself in her character and it made me really love reading about her journey not only in love but becoming a more confident woman. Ellie's important storyline is that she is an artist who is deeply passionate about her drawing and animation skills although being fired from her job has made her feel anxious and unworthy of being amongst other talented people in her field. I loved being able to read about an artist especially an animator who was having self-doubts about her skills and talent. I understand that so deeply being a graphic designer professionally. There are so many moments that I have experienced in my career where I question whether I am going to be able to compete with every young person graduating art school as I continue to get older and my knowledge of the design world become archaic. Being an artist is competitive world to live in. I understand Ellie, I really do.

Not only is Ellie an artist but she is someone who deals with severe anxiety and overthinking. The way Cochrun wrote her anxious moments throughout the book was eye-opening and reassuring that feeling these pressures and self-doubt thinking is something that is experienced amongst the masses. I love that her romances always focus on making people dealing with mental health issues feel more normal and pushing us to seek help. It's okay to not feel okay but its so important to get the help you need when you're feeling deeply overwhelmed with your thoughts. I loved Ellie's character because she felt so normal in a sense that I found myself in her.

I'm sorry, I had to gush about how much Ellie Oliver truly means to me but this book is so wonderful outside of her character. It reminded me so much of an LGBTQIA+ version of the movie Love Hard. The fake dating trope is hilarious and Ellie's predicaments she gets herself into will suck you into the book. You will learn so much about mental health and the queer community.

Trust me, the charm and warmth of Alison Cochrun's "Kiss Her Once for Me" will bring you the magic of the holiday's at the crack of the spine.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of "Kiss Her Once for Me" in exchange for an honest review. This was such a fun read. It definitely got me excited for the winter holidays. The next time I see Alison Cochrun on the shelves, I will definitely be purchasing. I appreciated how the story still had depth to it. I love the trope of found family during the holidays. I would recommend this.

As I began reading Kiss Her Once for Me, I was not sure if this novel would be a good fit, since I do not often read romance novels, but as it turns out this sensitive and wonderfully written novel is deeper and more complex than a romance. I could not stop reading. Author Alison Cochrun has a way of wrapping her words around the reader and refusing to let go. The central protagonists are more complex then a simple love triangle and far more interesting than a simple rom-com of fake romances strung together. Ellie and Jack hold central stage, but the supporting characters--Andrew, Dylan, the grandmas, mothers, work colleagues, and best friends, filled this novel with warmth, betrayal, and layers of complexity. Ellie and Jack have been damaged by family members, whose job should be to love these two women. Instead, the pain of rejection leaves each with a fear of failure and a sense of betrayal.

There was much to love in Cochrun's novel. The characters are multi-dimensional and interesting, including the weather and the city of Portland, which I also love, having grown up there. The dog is terrific, as well. The plot is captivating and holds the reader's attention. What doesn't work quite as well are the flashbacks. In many places, the flashbacks to December 2021 feel intrusive and distracting. I recognize the desire to connect the past with the current, but in some cases, a flashback interrupts a good narration and causes the story to lose momentum.

I want to thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read this wonderful ARC, in exchange for my honest review. And I want to thank NetGalley for introducing me to an exciting new writer.

This book was a delight!!!! It was so fun and it also told a deeper story about our 2 main characters. As always, for me, the supporting characters were what really made this book shine. Jack’s family was pure joy and I absolutely loved getting a glimpse of their family Christmas. I also thought the representation and explanation of demisexual was excellent. I loved this book!

Thank you so much to Alison Cochrun, Atria Books & NetGalley for this advance copy of your book!

"On a snow day in Portland, you could fall in love."

Kiss Her Once for Me was such a delight to read and gave me all the holiday magic feels!

Quick recap: Ellie met Jack last Christmas and after a magical 24 hours ago, she has never heard or seen from her again. Their paths never crossed until a year later when Ellie is asked to be fake engaged to Andrew the owner of property where she works only to discover that he is the brother of Jack.

I LOVE the concept of this book!! I have never seen While You Were Sleeping (which I definitely need to make sure I find to watch this holiday season) but I do remember seeing it listed on the TV Guide channel. This was also my first book that had the topic of marriage of convenience which I didn't think I would enjoy but I did. I am wondering if its because in this case it was link to fake dating which is one of my favorite tropes.

Cochrun has such a way with dialogue and banter that you can't help but smile while reading. The same charm is here as there was with her debut novel The Charm Offensive. You cannot help but root for the MC and her love interest, Jack.

"You have to stop letting your fear of failure keep you from letting people in."

My heart went out to Ellie because she was trying SO hard to just make it through life daily but always was getting knocked down. The growth from the beginning to the last 25% of the book made me so happy. I was happy she set a boundary up between herself and her mom. I am fairly certain my blood pressure rose every time she called Ellie. I was so happy she was able to take these small connections and develop this new found family that is supportive.

One thing that I love about Alison's writing and this was captured in her debut as well as in this is her way of having a lot of diverse characters. It is SO refreshing to see sexual identities that are not normally found in romance books. I look forward to seeing what she has up her sleeve next!

My only two small critiques were: The repetition of failure and then those around her constantly telling her how she didn't fail. I think it was done a little more than I needed. The other was the webcomic add ins as it told Ellie and Jack's story but I could have done without them. I found myself wanting to get back to the present day text. I understood the importance of both of these as it told the backstory and aided in the anxiety of why Ellie was the way she is.

The way Alison writes about the Pacific Northwest makes me want to travel out there even more than I already wanted to. It seems like such a beautiful place to visit and just to experience in person.

One of my favorite things that authors do is have some sort of media attached to their book that takes it outside of the book In this case, Alison has made playlist for not only the book for Jack's character. This playlist is referenced in the book so it's awesome to have it there to listen to. Just scanning through it, my little 90s-00s pop heart is bursting over the song choices that takes me back to simpler times.

PS: The line that I felt attacked by was: "Honesty game: what is your favorite Taylor Swift album, and why is it Evermore?" I mean come on, it clearly is her BEST album. It's also no surprise that I do this book as the author was inspired by Taylor's song "Tis The Damn Season" which is a top song of hers for me. Major kudos all around!

Rating; 4.5

This was so cute and such a fun concept. I loved the fact that Jack was her fake fiancés sister and I loved their whole family so much with their mom and grandmas. It was a really sweet book that gave you a little touch of Christmas and I just really enjoyed it!

This was a cute romance. The main character was slightly insufferable and definitely got on my nerves, but not enough that I wasn't rooting for her to get her happily ever after. I think this is one of my favorite Rom Com books I've read this year.

Alison Cochrun's latest, Kiss Her Once For Me, checked all the holiday rom-com boxes for me! The loveable characters, awkward moments, angst and winter cozies had a direct line to my heart. The flashbacks to last Christmas (cue music) were effortless and helped to provide more insight to the characters.
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I seriously loved all the characters (well except Ellie's mom and Andrew's dad - puke toxic). Ellie with her big ideas but small backbone, general anxiety disorder and so much love to give. Andrew, the typical (or not so) financial fuck boy who adores his family. Loud, stubborn and sweet Jack, with her questionable music tastes. Dylan, the blunt protector with soft and squishy insides. Plus all the rest of the Prescott-Kims!

The whole premise is about meeting that one special person who you just click with (yes, basically instalove) and how hard it is to let that go, even if you're demisexual and it scares the crap out of you. The plot wouldn't work if it wasn't meant to be love, but just be aware if that's not your bag.
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The rep: bisexual, nonbinary, demisexual⁠, general anxiety disorder⁠.
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Read if you like:⁠
- meant to be⁠ head over heels love⁠
- love trapezoids⁠
- artists & bakers⁠
- snow days & snow storms⁠
- fake engagement⁠s
- ridiculous grandmas
- open door scenes (two)
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CW: ⁠panic attacks, biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, toxic relationships, infidelity, alcohol, drug use

Miscommunications are for the straights.”

This was so fantastic. As someone with ADHD who also dreads failure and not meeting expectations, I really felt for Ellie’s career situation. Been there 😅

But more than anything, this book is fantastic because of the relationships. Family, friends, lovers, all given so much care and space to show their love for each other. The chaotic family gatherings, the fake engagement gone horribly wrong once Ellie realizes her “betrothed” is the brother of her magical snow day love, Jack, and the love trapezoid for the ages make this book so much more than just a Christmas romance. It’s about finding where you belong, allowing yourself to believe, and facing your fears.

I am filled to the brim with joy after reading this book, and I would highly recommend it.

Ok, I think I was sold the second I read that this was a queer While You Were Sleeping without the coma. LOVE.

PLUS they have a meet-cute at Powell’s! I loved exploring Portland and Powell’s books this spring while I was there!

Yet again, Alison delivers a delightful queer romance that doesn’t shy away from tough subjects like self doubt and shitty parents. Everyone needs someone to believe in them and these two heroines are no different. I loved each of them. I also adored the whole family… except Alan and grandpa… such douche-canoes.

This book was Christmas-y, but not overly so where it couldn’t be read any time of year. I held of reading it because I wanted to wait til closer to Christmas, but now I wish I’d read it sooner!

Kiss Her Once For Me is a queer Christmas romance that takes place in Portland, OR. This romance novel contains fake dating, forced proximity, and forbidden romance. I really loved The Charm Offensive so I had high exceptions for this one! I loved the music and pop references in the book. I think there should have been a playlist at the end of the book or something! The biggest part that didn’t work for me was the storyline The plot seemed interesting, but the storyline was an utter mess. There were too many subplots going on and the flashback section was so drawn out. I couldn’t get onboard with Ellie and Jack’s insta-love connection and the miscommunication of it all. There were so many times where one of the characters could have come clean and they didn’t. Overall, this wasn’t for me.

Every copy of this book should come with a complimentary package of tissues. Even just reading the prologue turned me into a giant weepy mess. It touched my heart in just the right way.

Cochrun told an absolutely beautiful story that pulls on your heartstrings and still can make you full-on belly laugh. Get ready to fall completely in love with this book and every character in it.

Full to the brim with Christmas magic, you definitely need to pick up Kiss Her Once for Me this holiday season.

I really liked this book. I loved the fake engagement but I love someone else story line it was different. I loved the happy ending. I just didn’t rate the book higher because compared to other books this one just didn’t compare to my 4 and 5 star reads. The author still did an excellent job.

Alison Cochrun has done it again. Kiss Her Once For Me is a beautiful sapphic hallmark christmas movie-esqu rom com about a woman who falls in love with another woman one christmas and never hears from her again... until she decides to fake date the owner of the building where she works for a chunk of his inheritence and goes home with him for christmas to then find out the woman she fell in love with last christmas is her fake fiance's SISTER. and throw in another gay into the mix and you've got a full on love trapezoid. This book is heartfelt, chaotic, hilarious, christmas cheesy in the BEST way, and all around perfect. I truly cannot sing its praises enough. Please just go read it.

After a tear-fueled meet cute in Powell’s Bookstore, the one perfect snow day lead Ellie and Jack to opening their hearts to one another and then after a misunderstanding, Ellie runs out. She’s been thinking of Jack for an entire year. And in the strangest way, they are brought back into each other’s lives.

Fueled by an intense fear of failure, Ellie generally holds everything at arm’s length and once she’s confronted with difficulty, she seemingly gives up.

This book and these complex characters resonated with me and I was happy to be reading Alison Cochrun again.

I have never read a book that has so perfectly encapsulated my experiences with self worth, failure, anxiety and bad parents. This book and it’s messages of overcoming mistakes, and moving forwards through failure was like a warm hug (wrapped in a Christmas sweater ofc) Ellie is a fantastic main character, who really struggles. And you know what? Her struggles get her down, she becomes frozen, throughout the whole book. And I think that’s just such an incredibly accurate portrayal of trauma/anxiety. Ellie is allowed to struggle, but she also works on herself and figures things out.
The romance was brilliant. Fake dating, falling for the sister AND the one bed trope? That’s like the trifecta of best romance tropes! A absolute candy bowl of romance! I absolutely ate it up, the romance fed my and my whole family, watered my crops and made the sun shine. And Jack? Omg the butch representation and love in this book was incredible! Jack is such an amazing character and I may now be in love with her. Jack is loved and praised for her butchness, not despite it. More sapphic romances that show butches love please!
I genuinely appreciated and loved this book so much, and I highly recommend it!

Kiss Her Once for Me is a DELIGHTFUL Christmas Rom-Com that is oozing charm and joy. Not to say that it is a completely joyful read - there is plenty of drama, tension, and chaos but the feeling that this left me with is a happy one. A year ago Ellie Oliver, a recent Portland transplant via Ohio, stumbled into Powells Books on Christmas Eve and met a woman, Jack, who she spent a perfect night with. In the morning light things become suddenly clear and she has to leave her behind. Fast forward a year later, Ellie is working at a local coffee shop when the shop's landlord, Andrew, proposes a shocking plan: marry him so that he can get his inheritance. Ellie is desperate for cash so she says yes - what could go wrong? When she walks into Christmas at Andrew's family she is confronted with none other than Jack from the Christmas before.

I'll read literally any queer rom-com and especially a holiday one. I really enjoyed the premise of this one and the characters made me want to be their friends. I could see this as a fun TV show or move - it gave me The Proposal vibes big time. I wish the author would have gone a little deeper on some of the tensions introduced - like whatever happened with Ellie's exciting email (IYKYK).

But overall, this was extremely enjoyable and I would recommend to everyone! Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC. Kiss Her Once for Me is out now!

I fell in love with this book! The book takes you on a trip between Christmas Eves, but isn’t overly holiday-ish.

Ellie is dealing with a lot. Life is not going how she wanted and she really got the short end of the stick when it came to family. But she meets this amazing woman who breathes some life back into her for the day they are together.

The next year, she spends wondering. What if? Maybe Andrew, her landlord, will get her mind if things. And it turns out he needs to marry someone to get his inheritance which would help her financial situation.

The holidays with Andrew’s family really turns everything upside down. And that’s when the book gets really interesting!

I found myself outwardly reacting to points in this book. A laugh here, a gasp there. I felt like a friend of Ellie’s along for a ride.

I also appreciate that for how insufficient and not confident Ellie felt, it was so suffocating that it was hard to read. In fact, I found her self doubt relatable. She’s just trying to figure it out like the rest of us.

If you’re looking for a relatable, humorous and endearing holiday rom com this season, check out Kiss Her Once for Me!

Thanks to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own personal opinions.

In this book, a year before the book started, main character Ellie had a Christmas Eve meet cute with a woman named Jack and spent a magical day and night with her, only for things to end badly (we see all of this in out of order flashbacks throughout the book). In the year since, in addition to moping over Jack, Ellie has lost her dream job and is now struggling to make ends meet working at a coffee house, when her customer Andrew who is the landlord of the coffee house offers to solve her money woes - he’s just been left a bequest by his grandfather that he’ll only get if he marries - so if she pretends to be his fiancé and comes to his family’s house for Christmas week and marries him, then he’ll give her a portion of his inheritance. She reluctantly agrees but to her shock discovers upon arriving at the family get together that his sister is actually Jack!

Sounds like a lot, right? And there is SO MUCH MORE going on than that - that description is just the basic premise of the book. There are obviously a million different romance tropes - instalove, fake dating, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and more. There’s Ellie’s messed up family and Andrew and Jack’s mostly loving but also messed up in other ways. There’s tons of discussion about Ellie’s anxiety issues. There’s lots and lots of LGBTQ+ representation, which is great, though I must admit I’m very confused by Ellie’s alleged demisexuality - not something I had previously heard of but if she rarely experiences sexual attraction and only in the context of a deep emotional relationship, how did she have this instalove thing with Jack? And there’s so much miscommunication and misplaced blame which drags on for too long but then everything gets tied up maybe too quickly at the end.

Basically, this book was cute, but I just didn’t love it. And this was especially disappointing because Cochrun’s debut novel, The Charm Offensive, was possibly my favorite rom com novel of 2021. (It actually reminds me very much of how I felt about the other big new LGBTQ rom com author Casey McQuiston - loved her debut Red White and Royal Blue but then was disappointed by her next book One Last Stop.) I appreciate what Cochrun was trying to do with this one, and it was a pretty fun read, but it just wasn’t a standout.

3.5 stars

After getting fired from her job as an animator, Ellie is barely scraping by working at a coffee shop. The shop’s landlord Andrew makes a drunken offer of a marriage of convenience so he can get his inheritance. But things get complicated when Ellie meets Andrew’s family and realizes she might be in love with his sister.

This is such a festive holiday romance, but it's also got some real depth and meaningful contemplations on building a life you love after a traumatic childhood. Ellie feels so real and layered. I love that we get to see her learning how to establish healthy relationships while also doing fun, tropey, wintery romance activities. Great demisexual, anxiety, and ADHD representation throughout. Don't miss this one, Christmas lovers!