Told in a dual time line, Tis the Damn season tells the story of a scandalized young starlet who returns to her hometown at Christmastime and finds a second-chance romance. I think the short chapters, named for songs from the books playlist, worked well. Swifties will appreciate the Taylor Swift references throughout and also, I wished all books came with a playlist! Impressively, this is the author's debut novel at just 16 years old.

Thank you Netgalley and Parson Press for the eARC!

'Tis the Damn Season feels like a book that would be enjoyed by fans of Jennifer Peel. It's a cute story that takes place on a current timeline over the span of a few months, while every other chapter, you travel 5-7 years into the past. It's nice to have the accompanying glimpses into the past so you can see the character progression for both Aspen and Rome, from age 17-approx 24.

I did feel that this was a tad bit too centered around Aspen being famous (it's mentioned a lot!!), and of all the "scandals" that seem to keep involving her/dragging her into them through no fault of her own. It just seemed like Aspen was on the defensive the entire time, but never really fought back against anything that was happening until the very last minute.

*Synopsis- Aspen is a bit of an outcast in high school. She's shy and is tormented by her peers, until she meets and falls for high school football player, Roman. Fast forward six years into the future every other chapter, and you'll see that Aspen has left her small Pennsylvania town for the chance at stardom in Los Angeles. She had been pursuing her acting and singing dreams, until being falsely accused of trying to sleep with her best friend/roommate's boyfriend. Feeling it's best for her career to take a bit of a hiatus from the spotlight, Aspen takes an extended visit to see her family back in PA, where she immediately reunites with her former boyfriend Roman (Rome). These two never got over one another. Aspen's father asks the two of them if they'd be willing to co-direct the annual Christmas play at church, to which they agree. Will this finally bring them together again for good, or will scandal after scandal in the press tear them right back apart?

Ok let’s get started first I’m not a total swifty so I didn’t get some of the references but I asked my friend and she helped with that part

I didn’t hate the book at all I loved the romance I think I just missed the smut lol

I’ve been reading dark romance for far too long but yes this book was really good and I really liked the playlist the author came up with it was a fun quick read

For a debut novel, it was extremely good. It was very well written and I have enjoyed the dual timeline, from past to present.

We got to know Aspen, actress and singer, coming back to her hometown after a scandal broke loose; and we meet Roman, her high school sweetheart, whom she still loves.

I have loved how much I enjoyed this book. It made happy, sad and so incredibily involved with the story and what was going on in Aspen's life. She was incredibily likeable and became self-assured in the end. It was an incredible growth journey for her. Roman is such a gem!

There were no miscoommunication nonsense - something I fiercely hate in romcoms - the chapters were short, which want to keep on reading. I would have enjoyed a few Roman's POV chapters, to see what was going on in his head in specific point of the story.

Thanks to Parson Press and Kimi Freeman for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.

Undeniably easy and captivating to read.


When I started the novel, in the early chapters, I didn’t think I would be much invested in reading it. But as I kept reading, I was already 40% done with the novel and now I’ve finished it. For a debut novel, this is definitely 4 stars for me. Don’t get me started on the Taylor Swift references, there were so many and I can sense she inspired this story too. As a swiftie, this was definitely a plus point for me. ONE BIG STAR FOR THAT.

The storytelling is divided into two parts: Present and Past. The present narrates her current turbulent life; sadly a price that comes with fame. To get away from all the upheaval caused by rumours and media, our main character Aspen returns to her home and there starts a journey of reconciliation, rekindling of old love and finally, taking back her narrative. The past shows us how our lovebirds, Aspen and Roman started their high school love [they have beautiful chemistry, everyone can feel that] and the difficulty their relationship went through, which eventually leads to breakup.

I have read people (even the characters) talk about how selfish Aspen is but in my opinion, anyone would have reacted the same way Aspen did. How would you react when you’re kept under dark about your own family’s matters and everyone knows, even your ex but not you? So yes, I am Aspen defender here. Proud of my girl for standing up for herself at the very end. She is a strong character, going through all of that and still standing up. Roman’s continuous love and support definitely played a major role.
There were times Roman made me feel off but I get where he is coming from. He realised his mistakes immediately so it’s okay.

Now, if I continue, I’ll start writing major spoilers. All I can say is, this is a good romance novel, not deeply focused on Hollywood biz only so everyone can enjoy reading it.

Thank you to Netgalley for e-ARC.

Last note; Is there going to be another book sharing this universe? Because Leila and Aaron have tension brewing between them and their chemistry is just SO GOOD.

"Tis the Damn Season" by Kimi Freeman is an enchanting debut rom-com novel that takes readers on a delightful journey into the glamorous world of Hollywood. Through the eyes of Aspen Moore, a captivating Hollywood star, we get a peek behind the scenes of fame, fortune, and the complexities of love. Freeman's writing is engaging and filled with humor, making it a joy to read. The story beautifully balances the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with relatable and heartfelt moments. Whether you're a fan of romance or a lover of Hollywood tales, "Tis the Damn Season" is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

i will be so honest, the taylor title compelled me to pick this one up but it really didn’t deliver on that front. whst truly is a sweet, well written romance just didn’t grab me the way i’d normally want with my novels and i’d check out her work again, but sadly this one just didn’t work out for me

Thanks Net Galley for giving me an opportunity to read this book!

I did not finish this book. It was written too “wordy” and “young”. None of it seems to flow. I got really caught up in the dialogue and struggled to continue to move forward.

I just don’t think people talk like this-

“ “Aspen!” she whisper-shouts over the hum of the restaurant’s patrons in the background. “You need to stop calling me! We’re not friends anymore. You betrayed me. We’re done. Over!” “

I mean do people really drop friends if you don’t have their side of the story or hard proof? It’s so unbelievable

“ Hailey: Hey, Aspen. It’s been decided amongst the four of us that we can no longer maintain a friendship with someone like you. I mean, how dare you break girl code like you have?! Despite what you told us after your NYC show, Cane has told us otherwise. Sierra is so heartbroken over what you’ve done, and we can’t betray her by continuing this friendship. Besides, you’re all over the media right now, and not in a good way. How could our careers ever survive if we associated with you? We wish you the best of luck sorting out your new living arrangements, though! “

I felt like some sentences were awkward-

“ I’ve never not loved having Rome around. “

And I can pretty much predict that Rome and Pen end up together. It feel very predictable and I didn’t want to continue to read it.

I loved the dual timelines. It’s also great to get past and present to understand characters and see their growth. I also loved the way it was formatted- the fonts and the music! I think this book has great potential, but it needs grow up in a sense to attract a bigger audience.

Thanks for the opportunity. I think young kids might enjoy it, but as a 30 year old, it’s not my cup of tea.

3.5 Quick read. Super cute for a debut. Good character development. Not a huge Taylor swift fan but I can appreciate the references to her music. In short, this book reminds me of a hallmark movie (not a bad thing).

I loved who the author used Taylor Swift's songs for the tittles of the chapters and all the references inside the story.

The dual timeline was perfectly handled, and it really helped shape my understanding of Aspen as a present-day mega star to see her humble beginnings and the death by a thousand cuts she suffered to get to where she is today. The connection between Aspen and Rome is palpable from their first interaction.

My only complaint for this book is the pacing and length of the chapters. Though the short chapters made the book fly by, I found myself wishing that there were more details in certain chapters and less details in others. The pacing also wasn't great, but I was able to look past that because of the characters and story line.

I would’ve liked to see more of Aspen and Rome’s relationship developing in the early stages, it felt a bit like Insta-love to me without any real reason. I found their relationship a bit more believable towards the end however.

Other than that it was cute little romance and like I said, anything Taylor swift related and I’m sold!

Thanks to NetGallery for providing an ARC!

A cute romance with Taylor Swift vibes?! 1000% yes. This book was made for me! I really fell in love with both main characters and was rooting for them the whole book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. First, it should be noted that this book contains mentions of sexual assault without Trigger Warnings so please be aware.

‘Tis the Damn Season follows Aspen Moore as she navigates her first career controversy: being accused of coming onto (and hooking up with) her best friend’s boyfriend. Aspen takes this as a sign that she needs a break from the Hollywood scene (where she is not only a famous pop star but also a lead actress of a very successful tv show) and heads home for an extended holiday break with her family.

While I have to give this author props for publishing a book at such a young age, there is a certain romantic naivety that carries throughout the story about relationships and Hollywood. For example, the fmc lands a leading role in a popular tv show within 10 months of arriving to Hollywood and her very first album is wildly successful with several number 1 hits and a world tour. Additionally, the fmc and mmc break up and do not talk for months when she is working in Hollywood but immediately get back together as soon as she is home with no issues. Yet, when she comes home this time and he tries to pursue their relationship, it’s suddenly an issue?

Unfortunately, there are also several inconsistencies with the main character personalities throughout the story too: the fmc is supposedly the love of the mmc’s life yet he slut shames her and calls her an attention whore several times and it’s okay? The fmc states many times that she doesn’t drink and doesn’t going to bars because of all of the people yet loves dancing in a crowded club. These are just some examples I can provide without out having to tag this post as containing spoilers.

I think overall, this is a good starting place for the author. All of the characters could use some fleshing out, the dialog needs some work to feel natural, and general typos and word misses can fixed.

I love a Christmas book whatever the time of year, and some how I enjoy reading them in summer and Autumn even more as they make me looking forwards to the coming seasons.

This book follows the story of Aspen Moore who is a famous singer in the middle of a Hollywood scandal. Trying to escape all her troubles Aspen heads home and ends up getting roped into helping out with a children's play along side her ex boyfriend and first love Roman. Throughout the book the storyline runs from past to present giving us an insight into their early relationship. This book is cute and I am sure lots of people will love the Taylor Swift references. It all felt a little too YA or NA for me to be honest. But that is more of a personal reading preference rather than anything to do with the book.

The writing style is nice and very easy to follow. Both characters are likeable and as I said previously their love story and the rekindling of it is very cute. Roman has obviously never gotten over Aspen and will do anything in his power to be supportive and help her through her current crisis.

Thank you to Netgalley and Parson Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My rating scale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Absolutely loved it! Gave me a warm fuzzy feeling or made me cry. And took me on an emotional rollercoaster.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Really liked it. Will read more by the author and other books in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - It was just okay, didn’t move me, but don’t feel like I wasted me time reading it either.
⭐️⭐️ - Didn’t like this book and probably won’t read other in the series.
⭐️ - I did not care for this book at all and feel like I wasted my time reading it

Taylor Swift meets Hallmark holiday movie in this absolutely delightful and surprisingly emotional story from Kimi Freeman. ‘Tis the Damn Season warmed my cold heart and even elicited some tears as I read the story of Aspen and Roman and their complicated love story. I am so glad I got the opportunity to read and enjoy this book and can’t wait for more from Kimi!

Aspen Moore is heading home to avoid a Hollywood scandal. Along the way she reconnects with her high-school sweetheart Roman torres. Join her as she discovers that money and fame aren’t everything. FYI: everybody needs a swoony, Roman Torres in their life.

Great first book Kimi Freeman! Tis the damn season is the perfect book to start my 2023 holiday book reads! Thanks for the ARC!

3.5 stars 🌟

For the author’s first book we have a very good novel! I loved the fact that she picked up a famous song to be inspired to write this book. I also really liked the fact that each chapter has a different song, as if it were a kind of playlist. The evolution of Aspen as a person is wonderful to see. Roman conquered my heart from the beginning with his personality and always trying to protect Aspen from bad people and friends and everything that made her sad and cry 🥹

Even so, I feel like something was missing to make me really love the book 😰

thanks netgalley for the arc!
this was quick, cute read. in case it's not clear from the title, it is essentially an expanded version of the story told in taylor swift's tis the damn season. each chapter has a song as a theme which is sweet, and any swiftie would love the amount of subtle taylor references.
the characters were believable and the dual timeline made their history and importance to each other super clear.
i didn't realise until finishing reading that it was written by a young debut author, and for a debut it is a super cute, light read that'll be so fun for people during the holiday season!

This one is for the Swifties for sure! A lighthearted second-chance romance with a dual timeline and lots of TSwift references peppered throughout the story. I enjoyed it for sure, but I did find the romance aspect to be lacking; it wasn't a sweep you off your feet romance so much as a continuation of a past relationship that never fully ended. Good, but not great. Thank you to Netgalley and Parson Press for a copy of this book in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.

A fantastic debut! I enjoyed the short chapters, the Taylor Swift references, how perfect Aspen and Roman are for each other. All in all a fabulous book. Cannot wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I enjoyed reading this and felt it was a great debut novel. The plot was well thought out and the story was easy to get into. I felt invested in the characters early on in the story and was rooting for their happy ending. This book was full of Taylor Swift references and I ate it up!

There were a few inconsistencies in the story but nothing major to the overall plot. This book was the perfect embodiment of the song ‘Tis the Damn Season, which I love! The dual timelines was enjoyable and I liked the execution of it. We got to see a lot of character growth with Aspen throughout the story. I do wish we had gotten Rome’s perspective too and feel it would have added more depth to the story. Overall, this was a fun closed door holiday rom com that I would recommend if you’re looking for something light 😊