Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for an ARC of this book! I’ve willingly read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.

3.5 ⭐️s

WRAPPED WITH A BEAU is a cute Christmas read, perfect for Hallmark fans who want a little spice to go with their romance, comedy, and guaranteed HEA.

Piney Peaks, Pennsylvania was the site of a classic Christmas movie fifty years previously and now film liaison Elisha is tasked with making sure production of its sequel goes smoothly. Her only road block is the newest owner of the house that served as a major showpiece for the original film, Ves.

As you can imagine, what starts out as grinchy Ves wanting nothing more than to clean out this house he’s inherited and head back to his home in the city, turns into a small town love story between two unlikely people.

WRAPPED WITH A BEAU will certainly appeal to those who are looking for a cute Christmas story with a quirky small town and cast of side characters. And while I enjoyed the story, I do wish the story and the small side plots had been fleshed out further.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing me with this arc of Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale!

Elisha Rowe has a passion for all things holidays and films, and wants to see a recreation of a classic movie that was shot in her hometown, fifty years ago come to life again.

Piney Peaks’ beloved Christmas House was the most famous filming location of Sleighbells Under Starlight, Elisha’s favorite holiday classic. Elisha has recently moved back home to be with and support her parents and their business. At twenty-eight, she is single, working full time and hoping to accomplish a dream that has been hers for a long time as well as her late friend, Maeve’s; to see Maeve’s beautiful house aka the Christmas House in Sleighbells Under Starlight be featured in an upcoming sequel to the beloved classic.

Elisha has one obstacle to overcome. Unfortunately, she had already confirmed that the famous house was available for filming for the new year, without asking the new owner - Maeve’s great nephew who just recently moved in. Opposites attract in this adorable romantic comedy filled with hilarious banter, undeniable tension and an addicting slow-burn romance. Elisha finds unexpected romance while trying to also convince Ves Hollins that the holidays are most definitely, the most wonderful time of the year.

*My Review*

I genuinely liked this book and I was pleasantly surprised seeing how this was my first arc from NetGalley and I wasn’t sure what to expect!

This book was filled with amazing tension and a slow-burn that had me still waiting 60% in for more and more. Their chemistry was so well written and I was pleasantly surprised by some of the flirting and their sexy banter.

Although Ves was cold and distant at first, I loved reading him and Elisha become close and develop such a cute relationship. The way he opened up to her had be smiling so much and I especially loved how he became this warm, patient, thoughtful character, because she radiated warmth and good energy whenever she went.

Lillie wrote such cute dialogue and although this book was lighthearted, it also dealt with serious topics such as feelings of inadequacy (child/parent relationships), death and more. These were all handled with such care from the author and I really appreciated the time she took to make sure that it was done correctly.

Some of my favorite quotes:

* “Meet-cutes are everywhere you look. Save a local business, protect a landmark, fall in love with a wholesome small-town girl. Maybe she’s the hot lumberjane daughter of a tree farmer! Kiss under a blanket fort! Break your rule about holiday romance! Do everything different. The opportunities are endless.”

* “Could I bring him breakfast?” she asks. “And maybe, like, a welcome-slash-apology-slash-please-don’t-hate-me package?”

* “You can tell me that your favorite color is pink and your favorite food is Italian and your favorite hobbit is Samwise, and I promise you that I will be fucking fascinated because it’s you.”


Overall, I highly recommend this book, even in the middle of the summer. It definitely made me excited for the holidays and I look forward to Lillie’s future projects!

This was a super cute holiday romance. Everything from the name of the town, to the team names at trivia night, to the Grinch cocktails put you in the Christmas mood.

Loved the characters, loved the spice they had. Love the grumpy guy turns into a softy.

I read this for Christmas in July and I really enjoyed it! I think it would've been better during the holidays but I still couldn't get enough of it. the story line was perfect and it was super light and fluffy.

A nice way to introduce Christmas romance books, though sometimes the characters and the plot fell flat. I would recommend reading it as a filler to other books you might have.

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

I picked this book up in July for a little Christmas in July moment as I prep for my 2023 Holiday Reading Guide and while I thought it was cute, I overall didn’t connect with this story. I loved the characters but didn’t feel the chemistry between them. I loved the setting but didn’t feel like I really got to know the people who made up the small town.

Overall, a nice easy festive read but not one I will return to.

Synopsis:

“As a successful film liaison, Elisha Rowe has her heart set on one thing and one thing only: putting her hometown back on the map. So, when she gets the chance to secure the long-hoped-for sequel to Sleighbells under Starlight, a beloved holiday movie, she's willing to do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, that includes claiming to have already gotten permission to film at the historic Christmas house—permission she was very much denied by the gorgeous new owner.City boy Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks long enough to sell the house he inherited from his great-aunt. The holidays have always been tough for Ves, and it's not any easier when he's distracted by memories of a Christmas long, long ago, and the irresistible charm of neighbor Elisha. He has no plans to put down roots or fall in love...even if Elisha unravels his hesitations like a bad Christmas sweater. There's no question the two are opposites in every way. Ves is undeniably frosty. Elisha is brimming with warmth. He doesn't do commitment. She never runs from a challenge. But as the two grow closer, they quickly realize that the growing spark between them may be just what the season calls for. “ —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Setting—Piney Peaks was so cute! It was a little Hallmarky town and I thought it was brought to life in a successful way.

The Idea of the Film—As someone who loves classic holiday movies, I really liked the concept of this book!

What Didn’t Work for Me:

The Pacing—Things just felt off in this department and I think it’s because the lack of tropes left it kind of guideless?

The Chemistry—Again, just felt off. I am not a fan of friends with benefits or “we’ll be together while you’re here” cause it feels like removes the tension the reader wants and replaces it with what the author thinks the writer wants (spice).

Wanted More—The whole book was just a little surface level in my opinion. I wanted it to go a bit deeper!

Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 2.75/5

Content Warnings:

grief

I'm torn when it comes to this book. Same as with Lillie's previous book, I was enchanted by the story and the writing. This one having a small town setting during Christmas was even better. I want to live in Piney Peaks! Also, it was so refreshing to read a Holiday book set in a small town where no business is struggling and nothing/no one needs saving! Very rare ha!

When I say I'm torn, it's because of the romance. I really tried to connect with it, but I didn't. I liked Ves and Elisha and while I can see they are good together, I just didn't see sparks in the romance.

Much too crass, not for me. I quit reading after 1 chapter due to the vulgar language. And what kind of name is Ves? It had a good beginning, just too crass.

This is the most wholesome yet spicy book I think I’ve ever encountered! Piney Peaks is a Christmas wonderland town, holding onto past fame from its feature in a beloved movie, but now it needs new energy. Elisha knows just what the town needs, to again be the backdrop for a 50th anniversary sequel of the movie that made it famous. Yet, a small wrench is thrown in her plans when the famous Christmas House is inherited by Ves Hollins, who has no plans to stay in town.

I like Elisha’s tenacity and drive, along with her decidedly unabashed love of Christmas. The descriptions of her many Christmas-themed nails are enough to make me want my own, and her love for the town and her job are clear. She and Ves quickly fall into a fun rhythm and notch their relationship up a few levels as she helps him clean out the old home that’s now his. Yet, the seemingly central plot lines surrounding the movie and Elisha’s job (and awful boss) take a backseat to the romantic connection. Could be that so close to the holiday, she is off work for a little, but it’s confusing for the reader.

This book was a perfect small town Christmas romance!

The town of Piney Peaks felt like it was something right out of a Hallmark movie (which is funny since they have their own famous movie in the book). The initial tension and banter between Elisha and Ves was amazing, and seeing how their relationship blossomed was absolutely magical.

The secondary characters also stole my heart, and if I were ever to be invited to a Rowe family meal I would say yes in a heartbeat beat. Note: Do not read the family meal chapter hungry 🤤

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read/review this book. My review is my own and left voluntarily

Tropes: Small Town Romance, Dual POV/Third Person, Christmas

This was a fun, cute, and easy-to-digest holiday romance! Ves and Elisha's chemistry radiated off the page, the holiday activities were entertaining, and the found family trope (one of my favorites) was actually really well done for Ves - which I loved! (I think I almost preferred the chapters from his POV than Elisha.) Personally, being an enemies-to-lovers fanatic, I wish the animosity had lasted a little bit longer between the MCs, but they jump to "Banter is our thing, isn't it?" real fast...and I guess I'lll let it slide, because the banter was one of my favorite parts of this book!

And did I mention that it's DUAL POV and has diverse MCs? No. Well I guess now I did.

rating: 3.5 STARS (rounded up for GR)
genre: romance
steam: open door, multiple scenes
tropes: grumpy/sunshine, found family, holiday romance

Read If You Like:
Small Town Romance
Hallmark Christmas Movies
Meddling Townspeople
Gilmore Girls-esque town events & contests
Really Stellar Banter
Neurodivergent Rep: Anxiety
Adult Children Of Divorce (ACOD) Rep

A cozy, warm Christmas book that will warm your heart. I really enjoyed this story. Likeable characters that I could relate with. Five stars!

3.5⭐ Elisha Rowe is a successful film liaison, and she wants to put her hometown of Piney Peaks on the map. She has her heart set on filming a Christmas movie at the historic Christmas house in town. But when she asks, she's denied permission by Mr. Hot Stuff. But, you know what they say. It's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission!

Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks to sell the house he inherited from a distant relative, and he's not a super fan of Christmas. As the story unravels and the two get to know each other better, opposites attract, and they are drawn to each other.

I really loved the small town atmosphere, the Christmas vibes, and the Hallmark feel of this cute holiday romance. The connection between Elisha and Ves didn't wow me, but they were cute. I love a grumpy-sunshine romance, and wrapping it up with snow and Christmas made me happy. 🙂

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A cute, cozy Christmas romcom that wouldn't be out of place on the Hallmark network. Good setting, charming characters. A pleasure to read, gets you warmed up for the holiday season!

A small town Christmas romance! It was a very quick and fun read. I definitely feel like this book and story could be a Hallmark movie.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book.

This book is exactly what I want in a Christmas romance. It was sugary sweet and had the whimsical magic of Christmas woven throughout it. The town of Piney Peaks feels like it's the perfect little Hallmark small town, with all the festivities and cheer leading up to the holiday. Elisha and Ves are perfect opposites of one another, and I loved the progression of Ves's little grinch heart growing bigger each chapter. The slow burn burned, and the spice we were gifted by the time we got there was definitely a bonus! There were quirky side characters, plenty of laughs, some well written adult issues, a twat of an ex-fiance and many swoony romantic moments!

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy!

Tags: Christmas romance, small town romance, grumpy sunshine, opposites attract, slow burn
Spice: 2.5🌶
Third person/Dual POV

This was a 5 star read for me!!! I love all things christmas and this book had all the ingredients of a Hallmark movie sprinkled with a little bit of spice!!! This read was a cute + cozy christmas story. The chemistry between the two main characters kept me hooked to see what would happen next.

I enjoyed the authors subtle representation of inclusion throughout the book and the facts thrown in about Goa!

Received a ARC via netgalley!

Cute Christmas rom com. Grumpy vs. Sunshine. Definitely hallmark Christmas movie worthy. I liked the friendship and family themes in this book. Some smut. Highly recommended for Christmas romance lovers.

Read this over my flight the other day, it was a really good flight read! It was super gripping and flow-y, and the main ship was so adorable. It's a grumpy/sunshine, small-town, forced proximity, Christmas themed book, and the book pretty much nailed all these tropes.

TWs - death of a close friend/family member, estranged parents, divorce of parents

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

“Seek magic and you shall find it.”

This book gave me all the hallmark, Christmas, warm, cozy vibes!❄️🎄✨ I laughed so much and the writing was amazing! I just became a fan of this author.

⚠️CW: Please check the warnings as the book may not be suitable for all readers. As always, protect your mental health.💛

Tropes:
✨Grumpy/sunshine
✨Small town
✨Fake Dating
✨Spicy🌶️

Instead of sleeping in and enjoying the nice weather, Elisha is woken up by attention-seeking cats. Wanting to go back to sleep she assumes someone is breaking into a neighbor's house. So what does Elisha do?

Nothing says “let’s catch a thief” like grabbing a plastic candy cane that weighs nothing to hopefully scare them away. At least that’s what Elisha assumes. This whole scene I could not stop laughing at! It was so hilarious!😂

Elisha wants to put her town back on the map by creating the sequel to a very old but popular Christmas movie the very own Christmas House. It won’t be as easy as she thought.

“That’s what we do around here. We welcome. Well, and also go through your trash, apparently.”

Meet Ves, the city man that is everything business and grumpy. He doesn’t date especially during holidays. Yet the magic of the small town will have him reconsidering a few things.

Elisha was such a funny character. I loved her and all the sunshine vibes she brought to the story. Her family was so welcoming and supportive. Anyone would love and want to be a part of it.

I enjoyed the diversity in this book, the vibes, how amazing all the food was described. It even made me hungry lol If you’re looking for a good Christmas book, this is one to grab! I’ll for sure be reading it again when we get closer to the holiday season.

Thank you, Lillie Vale and Penguin Group, for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram (Alexandriavwilliams_) and blog https://www.sidekickstyles.com/blogs/lit-sidekick-chronicles-adventures-in-bookish-bliss shortly.