I think this book has officially launched me into holiday mode, and I love that. This was a rather short and quick read, but didn’t feel rushed.

While there were absolutely some very hot moments, I absolutely loved the sweet moments both between the main characters with each other, as well as with family. I love reading about families, and Peter's family was amazing, I loved how welcoming they were to Kara. I also appreciated that it was also shown that things aren’t always perfect with family and Kara was honest with her family about how she feels. It was refreshing and real, and I liked how that was handled.

I've read quite a few of Liz Alden’s books, but have not read Nutcracker With Benefits. I was a bit worried at first that not having done so, not knowing who Clara and Nash really were, would be inconvenient but this still definitely works as a stand-alone story. I do think readers who have read that book will love their inclusion of this, but it’s not necessary. Just like readers of Riesling With My Roommate (like me!) will love the little nod to Alwin.

I’m so pleasantly surprised with how much was packed into this ~150ish page book. I loved the representation, and how tough topics were handled. And I always love when safe sex and contraception is included in a steamy scene. I know I said it earlier, but I want to repeat that I really like how real this story felt. I adored it.

Thank you to the author & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Edited to add: my original review mentioned the way having kids was talked about / overheard, and how I was seeking more of a conversation about this between the characters. Since posting my review, I have heard from the author & was sent an update to the story where the characters had exactly the conversation that I was hoping for, and I love the way that it was included. I have updated my rating and removed that part of my review as it is no longer applicable. I already adored the story and would not hesitate to recommend it, now it’s even more so :)