Two-for-two for me reading [a:Catherine Walsh|21519231]. I don’t know why she doesn’t have more readers - I really liked [b:The Matchmaker|70239752] and, after similarly enjoying [b:Snowed In|195487194], I’m going to make a point to get through her older stuff.

Five years after leaving her fiancé at the altar (and after five years in exile, thanks to her new status as most-hated for breaking golden boy Isaac’s heart) Megan finally runs out of excuses not to visit her hometown for Christmas. She’s skeptical, nervous and maybe a little intrigued when she runs into Christian, who she grew up with and who can’t stand the pitying looks he gets from family as the only singleton at the table, and agrees to his proposal they go as a (fake) couple. Cue awkward run-ins with Megan’s ex, skepticism from Megan’s brother and Christian’s sister, and a growing attraction (or maybe more) they can’t keep ignoring.

Snowed In is a cozy, sexy holiday escape. Nobody has a terrible family, a reputation is rehabilitated, the ex gets what’s coming to him and there’s lots and lots of gorgeous snow for a white Christmas. We have fake dating, FWB, a cinnamon roll MMC, a snarky (but not mean) FMC.

CW: Controlling relationship (mostly in the past)

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Yikes this was far too steamy for my preference!! I can handle some steamy content, but the spice over shadowed the plot in certain aspects

Old friends. Fake dating. New flames?

rating: 4.5/5⭐️
genre: holiday romance
pages: 384
pub date: Nov 1, 2023

It may have been 70 degrees yesterday, but there’s potential snow in the forecast for next week so it seems to be the perfect time to review this holiday ARC!

This wintery rom-com follows Christian and Megan, both dreading returning home single for the holidays. This book is a fake-dating trope done right! The story is filled with adorable banter, undeniable chemistry, and a heartwarming storyline. I love it when I find myself invested in supporting characters, and this romance did just that. I have no doubt it will be the holiday read of 2023!

Thank you to netgalley, Catherine Walsh, and Bookouture for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is fake-dating done right! I LOVED THIS BOOK! Put it on your Christmas reading list now. You won't regret it.

Quick summary: Megan is going home for the first time since she left her fiancé at the altar 4 years ago. Christian is tired of being the only one solo for his family Christmas. Megan and Christian grew up in the same town and bump into each other in Dublin. There is instant chemistry. Then they decide to go back home as a couple for Christmas to help each other.

Now the good stuff. This is the best fake-dating book I've read. There was never a point where I was yelling "just tell her/him how you feel", and that usually happens in every fake-dating book. Christian and Megan are attracted to each other from the start, and the more time they spend together and learn about each other, they both realize that they are dealing with real feelings. And they both happily admit it, at the same time! And it's so beautiful.

"I've been searching for something my whole life, and nothing's ever clicked. And I think it's because I was looking for you."

SWOON

As mentioned, the characters have amazing chemistry. Their banter is fun. And their support for each other is so heartwarming. Christian promises to be there for Megan if she needs him in any situation while facing some not-so-friendly faces at home, and he does just that.

Catherine Walsh, thank you for writing this book for us to enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me an ARC of this book.

Disclaimer: there is an open door scene. If you prefer zero spice, you may want to pass on this one.

This is the holiday book I’ve been waiting for ALL YEAR and I was SO happy when Catherine announced she’d be writing Christians story.

Okay I knew I’d love it, because I love everything Catherine writes, and I would read her grocery list, but I can’t believe how polished and effortless the story felt. I sat down to start reading, giving myself about 30 mins of read tjme before bed and the next time I checked the time it was almost 1am and I’d devoured most of the book in one sitting. These days it RARELY happens that I literately can’t put a book down (being an overworked and tired mama) but I mean it when I say I couldn’t put it down, and I got lost in Megan and Christians sweet and romantic story.

It’s set in the same world as Holiday Romance which Catherine released in 2022, so I HIGHLY recommend picking that up first (it’s also on KU), but then run and pick up Snowed In because it’s just as magical if not more so. I loved how much more of Ireland we got to see and all the depth of the story including meeting his family again.

I laughed and I cried, and honestly I might try and squeeze in another read through closer to Christmas because I loved it. ❄️ all the stars.

Thanks so much for the arc - all thoughts and opinions are mine!

This holiday romance is a heartwarming story that perfectly captures the essence of the season. Megan and Christian are wonderfully flawed characters who, despite being strong individuals on their own, find solace and companionship in each other's company.

The fake dating trope is executed beautifully, and it adds a delightful layer of charm to the story. The pact they make to be there only for the season , sets the stage for a festive and heartwarming adventure.

The way Walsh weaves together family gatherings, old friends, old flames, and old feelings is both melancholic and relatable. The story beautifully highlights the societal and family pressures that many of us can relate to during the holiday season.

The setting of a snowed-in cabin adds an extra layer of enchantment to the narrative, making it a truly captivating read. "Snowed In" is like a Hallmark movie in book form, filled with warmth and holiday cheer.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone with a romantic heart, looking for a feel-good story that's perfect for the holiday season. Catherine Walsh has created a gem that will surely warm your heart and leave you with a smile.

The cutest Christmas rom com! Fake dating is always one of my favorites. You definitely want to pick this up November 1st, it will start your holiday season off right!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Another winner from Catherine Walsh! Christian and Megan were absolutely adorable together- a gem of a pair. The backstory of Megan's was interesting and compelling. Family dynamics always fun. If you love the fake dating romance trope, you will LOVE this book! The transition from fake dating to real dating was believable and the chemistry...so good. It is open door, so keep that in mind when reading! I really want to check out the backstory as well, but this can definitely be read as a standalone! Just a fun wintertime read.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #Bookouture for the ARC.

I've loved every Catherine Walsh book I've read, but I think they just keep getting better and better.
A runaway bride to fake dating the hometown hottie from highschool, what is there not to love!
There were a few surprises, fun banter, anger knitting and a bit of steam amongst the snow.
Five stars on this Christmas tree!

𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙄𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙝
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This was my first dab in holiday books for the season and it sure did not disappoint! I absolutely loved this rom-com and all it’s holiday feels 🥰

To start I was so excited that this took place in Ireland! The story initially starts in Dublin then moves back to a small village where the two main characters, Megan and Christian, grew up. It has the small town vibes, fake dating, dual POV, forced proximity, family conflict, spice and all the banter!

I loved every single one of the family members and their roles in challenging Megan and Christian’s relationship. I enjoyed the personal challenges each character had to overcome with themselves and others and the stronger bonds that were formed in the end due to them.

My absolute favorite part of the entire book is the time Megan and Christian had alone in the cabin and I could have read so many more chapters of more days spent there!

This truly was the perfect cozy holiday read and should be on anyone’s holiday TBR who loves a good Christmas romance 🎄❤️

Thank you Bookouture, Net Galley and Catherine Walsh for the ARC copy of this wonderful book!

*Will be posted on Instagram on release day (Nov. 1st)

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @bookouture for an early copy of Snowed In by @catwalshwriter. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: November 1st, 2023

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195487194-snowed-in?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=g2Eif7nwhZ&rank=1

🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑

Catherine Walsh never fails to deliver a sweet holiday romance! I loved Holiday Romance when it was released last year, and I loved this one as well! Megan and Christian’s chemistry felt so natural and I enjoyed how easily they have built up their friendship in such a short amount of time pretending to be dating, and just how easy their relationship became overall – no major disagreements or falling out and all that drama. Christian was an absolute sweetheart to Megan and pulled out all the stops caring for her, especially during Christmas Eve. They just made me so “kilig” (romantic excitement)!

I also loved that the main characters got to resolve their issues within their own families with no extra drama. This was just such a chill, feel-good, sweet romance read, perfect for the holidays bundled up in a blanket with hot cocoa with Christmas tunes in the background.

This was very cute! Mild spice, but I really thought it was well done and not too descriptive. I loved the dynamic between Megan and Christian and the fake dating 😍😍 just loved it.

God, this was delicious.

Dare I say I might like Christian even more than Andrew…? No but really. Christian took the cake for me in this book. I loved the misunderstood black sheep vibe he had going on and how he was so protective of Megan even when he barely knew her. He was so entranced he didn’t ever want to not know her.

The Christmas setting was also just perfect for me. I loved revisiting the Fitzpatrick family and all the cameos of Andrew and Molly. It’s such a comfort and it feels like burrowing into the coziest blanket you have on the coldest day of the year.

I’ve missed you, Catherine Walsh. And you did not disappoint with this one.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. Please read this when it comes out November 1. You won’t regret it 🫶

Do you want a Hallmark movie in book form? If you answered "yes" to this then run to your nearest book store and pick up anything by Catherine Walsh.
Snowed In is fake dating/forced proximity romance and it has it all. Snowstorms in Ireland over Christmas? Check. Family drama? You bet!
I absolutely loved every moment of this story. Walsh has an incredible talent at writing a predictable plot, but making it original. Do we all know that her characters are going to fall madly in love? Of course we do - but, the journey there is so enjoyable (and believable) it makes the adventure worthwhile. Megan and Christian are both likeable characters and I really enjoy how we get the perspective from both of them with this story - alternating chapters between these protagonists. The story flowed smoothly, and it was a welcome delight that chapters didn't end of cliffhangers - the pacing of this book was *chef's kiss*...perfection.
Walsh has become a must read author for me and I was so delighted when I was approved to read this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I promise you, this book won't disappoint and should be out just in time for the holidays!

This was absolutely adorable! Easily my favorite read of the month and one of my favorite romcoms of the year. There's just something about these two that simply warmed my heart. The chemistry and the banter were top notch! This will probably be a re-read type of a book for me and I have a very short list of those!

Loved this snowy romance book. Loved Christian - he reminded me of Dermot Mulroney in the wedding date.. swarthy and handsome. Megan was a great character with many layers. The snowy Steve’s were a festive fiesta and it was just a great book. I read this and didn’t realise it was part of a series. I will be back to read the other one too. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this fake-dating holiday rom-com! Catherine writes some of the best banter and characters who COMMUNICATE. Her books are so fun and give me all the warm fuzzy feelings.

Christian and Megan were so cute and I loved that they had a bit of history, being from the same village. Neither one is looking for a relationship but both are dreading going home for Christmas, so they hatch a plan to be each other’s back-up (i.e. fake boyfriend/girlfriend). They actually pull it off quite well, but they have to deal with a little bit of family drama and Megan’s ex-fiancé. I absolutely LOVE an “I’m not pretending anymore” moment and this was no exception. This book is hilarious and sweet, with a little steam thrown in for an all around good time. I hope we will see more from this cute Irish village soon (looking at you, Aidan).

I loved this book! It drew me in, made me smile, made me want to shake the characters, and then made me smile again and left me happy and satisfied.

Megan hasn't been home since she ran away and left her fiancé at the altar. But her brother is coming home from Australia for Christmas and she's agreed to go home. Christian was the only one to see Megan's escape from the wedding and he hasn't seen her since. His family is expecting him for Christmas and he's dreading is because he's the only one that is unattached. When Megan and Christian run into they enter a pact, that includes rules and a contract, to fake date for Christmas. Everything is going well until they spend time together and start changing the rules and questioning what is fake and what is real. Will they break the rules and make it real?

Thank you to the author, Catherine Walsh, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the wonderful opportunity to read this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Grab a cup of something warm and your softest blanket to get you in the mood for this cozy winter rom-com. Snowed In was an easy 5 stars for me. I love a good wintry, Christmassy romance and this one has truly set the bar high for the season, and it isn’t even November yet! Megan, one of the main characters is preparing to go home to her small Irish village for Christmas after being a runaway bride to the town Golden Boy five years prior. After running into former classmate, Christian, a few weeks before Christmas, who is also dreading going home for the holiday, they agree to be each other’s fake girlfriend/boyfriend and the fun shenanigans ensue! I enjoyed the build up of their relationship, the mature way they handled their feelings, subtle yet witty humor, the healing and growth that occurred and of course their sweet (and spicy) falling for each other. This is the absolute best book to ease you into the Holiday season, and the best part is you can get it November 1st! I loved it so much I already pre-ordered my physical copy, and one for a friend I know will love it!

Tropes: Fake bf/gf, forced proximity, runaway bride, told in dual pov, and a dash of spice!

4.5 stars

This was cute! I wouldn’t really say they were friends to start with, they both just grew up in the same small town and knew each other. I liked their fake relationship turned real, and the snowed in trope. I also liked there was a little more original reason behind why she ran from her first wedding day. I wanted to see the scene where she gave out her knitting gifts! How could that be skipped when we had been making them the whole book! I appreciated the imperfect family relationships and liked how it wrapped up.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.