I think I found my favorite romance trope! I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main couple, Gwen and Caleb a lot and I just loved their story together and separately. Sometimes the dialogue and the conflict between them felt a little immature for them being closer to 30. But outside of that, I loved their banter and just how their relationship developed throughout the book. My one other complaint is that it didn't feel super holiday-ish since Christmas ended halfway through the book. Actually, the second half of the book almost felt a lot different than the first half. And nothing is wrong with that! I didn't mind that the second half didn't have as much holiday content but because of this, I don't know if it should really be considered a holiday read (especially with the title being Holiday Star). I am very excited about the sequel!! I will definitely be reading it. I also really love that the author had two versions-clean, closed door and spicy, open door. I think that really opens the doors for her as she will attract different kinds of readers. I also love that she donates 10% of the proceeds to colon cancer research (especially since this was a theme in the book).

4.25/5 stars!

My first Christmas book of the year! 🎄

Thank you to @netgalley & @melissadymondauthor for sending me this book ❤️

You can’t beat a festive romance & this book delivers. It comes in two different versions too. There’s a spicy version 🌶️ & a version that has all the romance without the spice if that isn’t your thing! Bet you can’t guess which one I read 🙊😅

Holiday Star centres around our two main characters, Gwen & Caleb. Gwen is house sitting for her Mum & Step-Father over Christmas when an unexpected guest, her Step-Father’s movie star nephew decides to show up & use the house as a hideout.

The book follows their journey with Gwen working as a nurse at a hospital & Caleb trying to hide from the paparazzi & the spotlight. It’s a cosy & cute but fun & page-turning read which I thoroughly enjoyed. Caleb is just an absolute sweetheart & Gwen, although she doesn’t think it, in my opinion is a bad ass. I loved the banter & connection they had together & you’ll find yourself rooting for them from start to finish.

It has elements of enemies to lovers (my fave!) forced proximity, celebrity romance & it’s a HEA which is what we all love & need at this time of year 😌

Definitely the sort of book you can snuggle up under the blankets with whilst drinking a hot chocolate! I really enjoyed this book & highly recommended it as a light, easy read perfect for the festive season 🥰

I gave this book a 4 ⭐️ on my Goodreads.

10/10 loved that the author offered 2 versions spicy and not spicy! It helped me recommend this book to my younger cousin without having to worry if it was too much for her.

Easy fun read not too much effort is needed which is exactly what I love in Christmas romances 🤍 and of course he falls first !!! Yes pleaseeee

3.5⭐️

This is a cute one! The first half was the perfect holiday rom com! It got kind of slow after one big event and didn’t really pick up again until the very end!

Enemies to lovers, celebrity romance, and close proximity are just a few tropes in this one! Add to your list if you want a fun holiday romance this season!

This book comes in two versions, a clean behind-closed-doors version, and a spicy one. The one I was sent by NetGalley was spicy and I really enjoyed it. I’d say it’s about 🌶️🌶️🌶️. There’s 2/3 main scenes in detail but then the “after” is just a vague mention, so it wasn’t completely in your face.

I’ll admit at first I found this a bit difficult to get my teeth into, fearing it would be typically cliche with the tropes, but I do also think part of it was outside factors impacting my reading experience. However, after around 8-10 chapters I really got into a rhythm and flew through the rest of the book in a day.

I really enjoyed the writing style and the depth of Gwen’s character that played out throughout the plot. Caleb was also much more complex than I thought he’d be, which really helped to move away from the book feeling cheesy and cliche. I loved that they worked together through their traumas, but I particularly enjoyed that Gwen doesn’t give him an easy time. She really holds him accountable and it was a refreshing change.

The only thing that missed the mark for me was the last chapter. Whilst Gwen works on building trust with one person, she seems to go from 0 to 100 for another, with all seemingly forgotten in the end. There was no real build up to it, it just went from no trust to everything being fine and dandy which didn’t sit right with me, I felt there was a chunk missing in that respect.

But this is definitely a book I’d buy and read again! It’s really helped get me into the Christmas spirit early.

Although I was sent this book for review via NetGalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read the steamy version of the book. I think it’s a great approach for the author to provide a nonsteamy option as well!

This is a celebrity-non-celebrity doctor romance with strong themes of grief and mental health.

I wasn’t a fan of the main character’s dialogue. It was very insta-love and intense, which doesn’t feel realistic to me.

It starts as a Christmas novel, but note that it’s not especially focus on holiday spirit. It’s really only part of the first half of the book.

This could be a favorite book for some, and I would recommend it for people who like an angsty, intense love novel. I like more romcom and realistic dialogue, so it wasn’t for me!

The writing of this book was absolutely fantastic. The way she wrote the characters, their actions, and their emotions—— truly amazing when you can almost feel what the characters are feeling. This book kept me hooked from page 1. The perfect cozy Christmas book with amazing romance. I highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Melissa Dymond for the arc of this book.

Holiday Star was a beautifully written love story at Christmas time. A doctor and a hunk of a movie star under the same roof, alone, what could wrong!? Or what could go right!? A story which brings two characters from dark pasts into a light of a future. With focus on family, love, grief, tragedy, and more, Holiday Star was a page turner for those who love Hallmark Movies in a book. Can’t wait for the wedding!!! Thank you #NetGalley and #HolidayStarmelissadymondauthor for a delightful read.

I really wanted to love this book, because 1. The author donates money to cancer research 2. You have the option to read a romantic version and a spicy one

That being said, I did like some aspects of this book and I think it has great potential. However, I was annoyed with some plot points (I hate Gwen’s mother). The reason for Caleb and Gwen being stuck in the some house is a bit weird and rushed to me.

I think the mother ruined the story a bit for me. Classic emotional blackmail/abuse towards to main character and it made me angry for her. However Gwen just brushed it off like it was so nothing.

This could be a cute hallmark book for someone but it didn’t hit the right spot.

I do hope the author writes more books in this way (spicy or romantic version) ❤️

A refreshing twist on movie star meets average Jane. This story brought me in from the start and was hard to put down. We all deal with insecurities but learning to overcome them is the tricky part. You’ll fall in love with Calab and Gwen and be rooting for not just their love but them as people.

When doctor meets movie star…
This cute and spicy Christmas romance needs to be on your December to be read! After Caleb’s uncle marries Gwen’s mother, their two worlds are destined to collide.
In Caleb’s attempt to hide from the spotlight, he heads to Gwen’s mother’s house believing it to be empty but ends up being forced to spend December with Gwen.

This book also has more layers than the typical romance, covering themes such as illness, grief and mental health.

There are two versions of this book available; open door and closed door, so if you’re not comfortable with spice, don’t worry, you won’t miss out!

A percentage of the proceeds from this book are donated to a colon cancer charity which is amazing!

Overall, I enjoyed the characters’ story and it was an easy read, however, I struggled with imagery due to a lack of descriptions. I also think the book in itself could’ve been shorter.

Absolutely loved this book. I loved the journey throughout this book of watching the female MC learn to love herself and believe in herself. This was such a fun and spicy doctor/celeb holiday romance but it had so many important messages. It reminded readers of how important it is to surround ourselves with people who push us to be our best selves, to take care of our mental health, and that we are more than just our careers. As a woman in medicine, I know how medical school / that journey can take over your life and identity. It is beautiful watching Dr. Wright rediscover all of the parts of herself outside of medicine and learn to love herself. Dr. Dymond does a great job tying in how it can be hard to be a woman in medicine at times, as well as how important it is to have people at work who are looking out for you (even if you don't always know they are there looking out for you). 10/10 recommend this book. These characters will hold a special place in my heart. Can't wait for Dr. Dymond's next book!

I really enjoyed this book by Melissa Dymond! This heart-warming, cosy story had me hooked from the beginning. I laughed, smiled, and gasped throughout. Melissa's writing definitely kept me rooting for the couple, even when things got tough! I read the spicy version - definitely enough to flush your cheeks without being too overwhelming! If you're new to romance stories, this is a good starting point!

My first time reading Melissa Dymond, and certainly not my last!

“One doctor. One movie star. One house.

One month until Christmas.

What could go wrong?”

Personal review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Forced proximity, second chances, family drama tropes - and it’s set around the holidays…and it has a choose your own adventure like twist of choosing the spicy version or sweet & clean version? Yes! Such a neat concept from author Melissa Dymond. I loved Gwen’s character and the relationship with Caleb, the celebrity romance and fast paced writing kept me engaged in the plot. Traveling between LA and NYC, I loved the juxtaposition of both those cities during the holiday season. Also, 10 percent of proceeds goes to colon cancer research, which was a theme in this novel. Thank you @melissadymond and @netgalley for the advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion- pick this one up on Kindle Unlimited or physical copy this holiday season.

Synopsis: Dr. Gwen Wright is having a not-so-merry Christmas. For the month of December, she’s alone, house-sitting for her mother and new stepfather. Her surgically precise world gets a plot twist when Caleb Lawson—world-famous movie star on the run from the paparazzi and his secrets—crash lands in her kitchen.
Besides being a Hollywood heartthrob, Caleb is also her stepdad’s nephew. He thinks he has as much right to stay in the house as she does, but as far as Gwen’s concerned, she’s the landlord and he’s the squatter.
The more they are forced to share the small space, the more Gwen is drawn to the moody celebrity. Sure, sometimes he can be a Grinch, but when Caleb finally touches Gwen, it makes her jingle bells ring. But the future looms like a foggy Christmas Eve. With no red-nosed reindeer to guide them, can Gwen and Caleb overcome their differences? After all, she’s ordinary, and he’s… a star.

Holiday Star is a cute romance novel set around the festive period. It follows Gwen who ends up housesitting her mum over Christmas as her family are all going to be away. She is disappointed but determined to make the best of it. Then one night there is seemingly a break-in... only the man in the house is Gwen's new stepfather's nephew - the Hollywood film star Caleb Lawson, who is trying to hide from his life. The novel then follows them as they try and keep Caleb hidden while dealing with their increasing attraction to each other. The course of true love doesn't run smoothly but it is a fun ride. This novel wasn't as Christmassy as I'd hoped but it was cozy and I really enjoyed reading it.

Ooo this was a good one! It had all my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract. Throw in a celebrity/doctor romance and I was SOLD.

This was my first ever holiday romance, but it felt like more than just a romance novel. It touched on loneliness, friendships, loss, grief, forgiveness, and healing. On facing your fears and having the courage to take what you want out of life and run with it. I very much enjoyed that this book was more than just surface level deep.

And speaking of deep, the main characters had quite a lot of depth to them. Gwen is more than just an intelligent and reserved doctor, while Caleb is more than just a popular actor known for his good looks. As for side characters, absolutely hated both moms. They just seemed so toxic to me.

I think this was an amazing debut, I would def be willing to read more from this author!

Thank you to @netgalley for this arc!

This was such a cute story to kick off the holiday season! While much of the story doesn't happen during Christmas, the MC meet and fall in love during this magical season.

Gwen is a resident doctor, constantly looking for affirmations and ways to help everyone around her. Caleb is a Hollywood star, looking to get away. They happen to need the quiet of a family house (Gwen's mom and Caleb's uncle) and together, start to help fix what is broken in each other.

This story is mainly about Gwen and her growth, while finding love again after being hurt in the past. I loved the characters together! Their chemistry was perfect!

I found that other storylines were left unfinished. Gwen's visits her mom's home to work on an academic journal article. Once she heads back to New York, the work she is completing seems to disappear and she begins a new adventure. While not the main plot, I was left wondering what happened with that. That being said, I would still recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, flirty, holiday read!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

I got approved for this on netgalley on Monday. I've since read it and am now writing my review already because I LOVED it!

Gwen is everything she's expected to be. A respected Doctor. Safe. Reliable. Dependable and predictable. All traits she should be happy to be, right?

That's why when her Mum gets remarried following the devastating loss of her father to colon cancer, Gwen begrudgingly gives a speech at the wedding. It's why she spends Christmas alone house sitting when her mum moves to Japan even though she's devastated.

It's also why she let's Caleb Lawson, her Mums new husbanrs nephew and celebrity movie star cousin-in-law live in the house with her and not tell a soul. Thats after she knocks him unconscious with a wrench of course. But she's a Doctor. It's fine.

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

This was such a cute and funny holiday romance but with the perfect amount of heavy topics being covered without making light of them.

Gwen was so relatable for me. Forever wanting to be *more* but just too afraid to let others down. She's the ultimate people pleaser and that's something I struggle with too.

I loved watching Caleb not only bring her out of her comfort zone but actively encourage her to advocate for herself and be the person she desperately wants to be. Equally, Gwen provides Caleb with someone he can trust implicitly for the first time in his life. He can be himself with her without fear of judgement.

Both Gwen & Caleb have battles with their mental health and it was so refreshing to see it written so honestly. Gwen having to deal with how the grief over losing her Dad has impacted her and Calebs depression and alcoholism.

You wanna know what else is simply brilliant about this book? There are TWO versions -
》fade to black
》spicy
So you can CHOOSE your preferred book.

I advise going with the spicy version because they limo scene is gonna live in my head RENT FREE for a long time 🥵

Thank you so much @MelissaDymond for the copy of this book - I utterly adored it.

I rate this book 5 stars.

I used to see this book pop up on mu K.U, I've wanted to read it but kept thinking maybe later. Then, I opened my Netgalley account and seen it and I'm like, it's a sign I'm going to read it. Also, it involves doctors plus was written by one and I love books with doctors/nurses.

The book talks about loss (just a heads up) and it was emotional so much so that I had tears in my eye. It has sweet moments, wtf man moments, and I'mnotcryingyouare moments.

100% recommend.

I was really intrigued by this story because of the cover and the fact that it offers closed and open door versions. Let me say it did not disappoint!! This book was the perfect amount of Christmas which I appreciated as someone who was scared to get burnt out on Christmas romance. I really loved the trope of a famous guy but also a successful female main character.

Spoilers ahead:

I loved how the story shows Gwen overcoming personal obstacles instead of focusing solely on the romance. I also LOVED how Gwen didn't give up her own dreams and success because she falls for a famous guy. Caleb showed major growth as well by overcoming his own fears and learning how to stand up for himself to his mother. Gwen's BFF Jenny was tons of fun. This book is insta-love which I normally roll my eyes at but it was done so well in this story. The main characters are thrown into a situation where insta love seems more realistic but the book follows their relationship over a whole year so it didn't feel so insta lovey. I enjoyed seeing Gwen go through the grieving process about her Dad and the book does a great job at showing that grief comes and goes while also normalizing therapy which is always AMAZING! Overall, this book is a fast-pace, heartwarming Christmas read!!! Definitely recommend!