Elisha Rowe is passionate about movies and holidays, and she would like to see a re-enactment of a great film that was filmed in her hometown fifty years ago. The most famous setting for the filming of Sleigh Bells Under Starlight, Elisha's favorite holiday classic, was Piney Peaks' cherished Christmas House. Elisha just returned home to be with her folks and help out with their business. At twenty-eight, she is unmarried, works full-time, and aspires to fulfill a long-held ambition of hers and her late friend Maeve's: to have Maeve's stunning home, known as the Christmas House in Sleighbells Under Starlight, appear in a future sequel to the well-loved classic.

There's one thing Elisha needs to do. Regretfully, she had previously verified that the well-known home was open for filming in the upcoming year without consulting the new owner, Maeve's great-nephew, who had just moved there. In this charming romantic comedy, which is full of irresistible tension, amusing banter, and a captivating slow-burning romance, opposites do attract. While attempting to persuade Ves Hollins that the holidays are unquestionably the most wonderful time of year, Elisha discovers an unexpected romance.

Despite Ves's initial coldness and distance, I really enjoyed reading about how he and Elisha grew close and formed a sweet bond. He was beaming as he opened up to her, and I particularly liked how he developed into this kind, understanding, and considerate person because she exuded warmth and positive vibes everywhere she went. Despite being humorous, this book addressed serious subjects including death, feelings of inadequacy in child/parent relationships, and more. Lillie penned such adorable dialogue. The author handled each of these with great care, and I truly valued the effort she invested in making sure everything was done well.

This was a fun holiday read. I enjoyed it until the forced third act break up. There was so much character growth up until that point and then they just reverted back instantly.

A cute swoon worthy holiday romance, this will be a great Christmas read for anyone who loves to tuck up with a feel good book when it's cold outside!

This holiday romance novel is a cozy, heartwarming tale that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Set against a backdrop of festive decorations and winter wonder, the story follows two characters who find themselves thrown together in unexpected circumstances. Their initial differences spark tension, but as they navigate holiday traditions and shared experiences, a charming romance begins to bloom.

Cute cover, cute title, cute premise; but unfortunately it just wasn't for me in the end. Sadly I didn't find either main character to be likable and overall the dialogue and plot felt a little too Hallmark Christmas movie to me. So if you're an extreme fan of cheesy holiday movies, check it out because you may enjoy it much more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

So, I just finished "Wrapped with a Beau" by Lillie Vale, and honestly, it left me with mixed feelings. The story had so much potential—a small-town Christmas setting, a classic opposites-attract romance, and the nostalgia of a beloved holiday movie backdrop. The premise of Elisha trying to put her hometown back on the map by securing a movie sequel is charming, and I was excited to see how it would all unfold.

But here’s the thing: while I liked the idea, the execution felt a bit off. The chemistry between Elisha and Ves didn’t quite sizzle for me, which made it hard to really root for them as a couple. The pacing also seemed a little uneven, which left me wanting more depth in both the characters and the storyline. Piney Peaks is adorable, but I didn’t feel like I got to know the town or its people as much as I wanted to.

Overall, it’s a cute holiday read if you’re looking for something light, but it didn’t quite deliver the festive magic I was hoping for. Maybe it’ll hit differently for you, but for me, it was just okay​.

This was a really cute, run of the mill Christmas romance. Think Stars Hollow meets New Girl ish characters in which a production assistant is trying to stage a Hallmark-esque movie in a beloved home in her town. However, the owner of this home has recently passed away and her nephew just wants to sell the house and be done. Hello perfect romance novel set up.

This was just cute and fun and what I needed at the time and I would recommend if you want a wintery romance for all the vibes.

This was an ok Christmas read. Wasn't one of my all time favorites but if your looking for a cutesy holiday filler book, I would recommend it.

I loved the dual POV. The story was cute and nice and just what someone would want for the holidays. Definitely did not hit me in the feels though!

I found "Wrapped with a Bow" by Lillie Vale to be a charming and heartwarming holiday read. The setting was festive and the romance was sweet. The characters were likable and relatable, and I enjoyed following their journey. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I felt that the plot was a bit predictable at times. Overall, a lovely book to curl up with during the holiday season. 4 stars!

This was such a sweet book.
A light hearted read with some serious content. I actually laughed out loud at some parts!
Could see this becoming a rom-come movie, which I hope it does. Lillie Vale is an auto-buy author

Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale is a delightful holiday romance that expertly balances charm and tension. Elisha Rowe, a driven film liaison, is determined to secure a sequel to the beloved holiday film Sleighbells under Starlight. Her mission to film at a historic Christmas house is complicated by her need to deceive the new owner, Ves Hollins, who has no intention of allowing the production.

Ves, a city dweller who returns to his hometown of Piney Peaks only to sell his great-aunt’s house, is initially resistant to Elisha’s overtures. Despite his aversion to the holidays and commitment, he finds himself increasingly drawn to her warmth and determination. The contrast between Ves’s frosty demeanor and Elisha’s spirited enthusiasm creates an engaging dynamic that drives the plot.

As the story unfolds, the sparks between Ves and Elisha grow, and their differing goals create both conflict and chemistry. Vale’s narrative captures the tension and humor of their interactions, making for a heartwarming and entertaining read. "Wrapped with a Beau" delivers a satisfying holiday romance with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps the festive spirit alive.

Christmas in a small town is always a treat, and I throughly enjoyed my time in Piney Peaks. Elisha was the sunshine to Ves' grump, and it was wonderful seeing them fall in love. I did feel for Elisha and her painful past coming into her present, but it was Ves I was way more invested in.

Ves had people in his life who offered warmth and support, but he always felt on the outside of it. His parents were very hands off and shuttled him off to boarding school and other places so he wasn't underfoot. I loved the way Elisha's family and the people of Piney Peaks embraced Ves. They showed him the type of affection he always desired, and I swear, I could see his heart melting.

Overall, this was a sweet and fun rom-com that delivered the warm fuzzies I expect from a holiday romance.

I love the idea of making something that was once wonderful, wonderful again. I loved this book and will definitely read more of Vale in the future.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an early copy!

Wrapped with a Beau was one of my anticipated reads but unfortunately, it was not for me. I liked how the story starts off and liked seeing how different the main characters were. And the small town, and the characters were really funny! It had the hallmark of all good christmas stories but I wasn't really invested in it. I had to dnf it more than halfway through the book.

This was adorable!! Cute opposites attract and enemies to lovers tropes, 4 stars. I enjoyed this so much

This was a wonderful Christmas romance novel, that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good holiday read!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher

It’s so lovely to see books written by South Asian authors that speak to the experience of the desi diaspora. This was so tender and sweet and full of heart!

Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale is a sweet holiday read. It's a nice, cozy, predictable holiday romance. Its a Hallmark movie in a book! The characters had amazing chemistry and the setting was perfect. I love a small town holiday romance mixed with the grumpy sunshine trope. Overall, I'd recommend this author and book!

This was a fun Christmas rom com read. Gave me Hallmark vibes without being over the top cheesy. I love reading these types of books when it’s cold out because they give me all the warm fuzzies