Readers who love fake dating, holiday family drama and small town snowy romances, will love Snowed In, Catherine Walsh’s next holiday romance after her first one called, Holiday Romance.

Pub Day: November 1, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Summary: Megan is dreading going home for Christmas even though it’s been five years since she left her small hometown as a runaway bride. Before heading back, she runs into an old classmate named Christian who is also heading home for the holidays and would love to have a woman on his arm so he isn’t the only single one in his family. They draw up a fake-dating contract on a napkin and weeks later they’re back home with more family and small town drama than they were hoping for. The holidays may feel dramatic and messy, but with a little Christmas magic at a snowed-in cabin, anything can happen.

I had both the ebook and the audiobook for Snowed In and I definitely preferred the ebook over the audio. It was a light holiday romance that I think a lot of people will enjoy, but if you’re thinking about purchasing it, I’d recommend the physical or digital copies over the audiobook. Thank you @netgalley for my free early copy!

Snow Much Fun! Catherine Walsh kept me wanting more through the entire story! Will they? Won't they? Should they not? Snow yourself in with this wonderful winter read that will keep you warm the entire time!

Thank you #netgalley for the #arc.

This book was great as an audiobook — the narrators were wonderful and full of emotion — they really brought out the chemistry of the main characters . This is a great Rom-Com — fun, sexy and sizzling with chemistry and romantic tension . Snowed In —is the perfect companion to cozy up with.! The characters we likable and you definitely get invested in the story and the characters outcome.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this ARC . This is my honest review .

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
Narrated by Roisin Rankin, Colm Gleeson

This book is hilarious and I liked so many of the characters. Serious issues are dealt with (or not) and most of the adults are pretty good at adulting but a lot of them still have no problem acting immature and silly at times. Just about all of them are funny at one time or another, lots of joking, some pranking, but also some serious facing up to issues and demanding others face up to issues.

I listened to the the audiobook and it was fantastic with all the Irish accents. I know I'd enjoy the book, too, if I'd read it, but getting to hear the accents of these people living in Ireland was great. Roisin Rankin narrates the story from Megan's POV and Colm Gleeson narrates the story from Christian's POV.

Both Megan and Christian are successful in their careers in Dublin and Megan especially loves her job. Christian enjoys his too, maybe with some nagging feeling of something missing in his life. Like maybe he'll never be enough even though he's so successful, financially well off, and on a rising track with no end in sight. Along with Megan's marketing job that she loves, she has her lifelong knitting hobby and is very happy with where she is in her life although it has taken therapy to get to this point.

Thanks to runaway bride Megan five years ago, she hasn't been back home in all that time but she's going home for Christmas this year. When she literally runs into Christian, who she hasn't seen in five years, and finds out he's going back home too for Christmas, the two of them make a contract to fake date while in their home town. Those kinds of things always work out well, right?!

This is all about family, about speaking up for yourself, about not assuming what the other is thinking, about not letting someone tromp all over you and destroy you, and the story is told with feeling and humor. I want to see these people again so I'm now reading the book that came before this one. For a fun, romantic time, these characters can give it to you, mixed in with real life issues.

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

Catherine Walsh has done it yet again! Snowed In was lovely, gripping, hard to put down, delightful and romantic. I was drawn into this wonderful book from the very first page. I always look forward to reading her books. Walsh never disappoints, she only dazzles!

Megan was a runaway bride and has not been back home since she left Isaac at the altar several years ago. But this year she is going home. Christian is heading home as well this Christmas. He dreads the looks his family gives him when he shows up alone. He saw Megan flee on the day she left Isaac at the altar. When Megan literally bumps into Christian in a pub, they begin talking about their current lives, their families, and the upcoming holiday. The plan to be each other's fake dates during the holiday.

Both main characters were likeable, witty, endearing and I rooted for both. Snowed In was an addictive fake dating/relationship holiday book. With romance, it is all about the journey for me and I loved the journey Walsh took her characters on. I love how nothing felt rushed or drawn out. Plus, this book had not only some funny moments but heart and soul. I loved how both characters had to not only deal with their individual family but with the others family members as well. This made for some funny and dramatic scenes. Plus, the setting! I love books that take place in wintery snowy places. The chill in the air gets me every time.

I had the pleasure of having both the book and audiobook for Snowed In. This made for a completely delightful reading experience! The narrators were fantastic and did a wonderful job of bringing this book to life. I enjoyed the drama, the humor, the witty banter, and the way the plot unfolded.

Gripping, delightful, well written, well thought out and hard to put down! I can’t wait to read what Catherine Walsh writes next!

Snowed In❄️
By Catherine Walsh🌲

Review💕

This is the absolute cutest romantic comedy. It’s set in Ireland and gives off the perfect holiday vibe. This is a must-read for Christmas! The story starts off with a runaway bride and takes off from there. I laughed so many times while reading. I absolutely died for the banter between the two main characters. The storyline was good, the town was brilliant, and the side characters really helped the story come to life. A fake dating scheme that turns into much more. I loved this one!

Fake dating❤️
Rom com😂
Ireland setting🇮🇪
He falls first💞
Holiday romance🎄

5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Megan and Christian aren’t big fans of the holidays, each for their own reason. Christian hates going back home to be surrounded by all of the couples while he remains single. Megan disappointed her family after leaving her fiancé at the altar a few years back without so much as an explanation to her family. When the pair run into one another at a pub, they agree to join forces and pretend to be a couple to their families.

This is your typical Hallmark story. Unlikely pair teams up to fake a relationship, feelings are formed, people are hurt and we watch the story unfold. I absolutely love anything Christmas related and I’m a sucker for a corny love story. Unfortunately, this one fell very short for me. I couldn’t connect with either of the main characters and honestly didn’t care if they ended up together or not. If you’re looking for a holiday read with a basic love story, this is the read for you. #SnowedIn #Netgalley

4⭐
Genre ~ Holiday romance
Setting ~ Ireland
Publication date ~ November 1, 2023
Page Count ~ 384 ( chapters p+e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 37 minutes
Narrators ~ Roisin Rankin, Colm Gleeson
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ fake relationship, friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage, no 3rd act breakup

Content warning from the author ~ controlling relationship

Megan & Christian
Megan has a tough time going home ever since she left her fiance at the alter 5 years ago. The town is not so welcoming of her, so Christian offers to help her get through the holidays by being her fake boyfriend. It's not one sided, though, he's tired of being single around all the couples.

This was fun. They had good banter and I'm happy this was a slow burn as opposed to starting off the fakeness as a friends with benefits. I liked how they slowly eased into their feelings for each other. No 3rd act breakup is always a win in my eyes. It took an awfully long time to get the the title of the book, so I'm not sure what's up with that.

Series notes:
I had no clue this was part of a series and that bothers me a little. Molly & Andrew from Holiday Romance are quite involved in this one. I might have to read it one day even though I now know what's in store for them.

Narration notes:
No complaints of their Irish accents.

GREAT FOR THE SEASON.

I binged this one in a day and had a good time reading it. It took me a little to get into (which may be my own issue with reading one too many fake dating tropes), but once I started to feel the connection between Christian and Megan I was involved.

There were plenty of cute forced proximity moments and once again I adore the setting. I was feeling all of the winter and holiday vibes and was easily swept away. I liked the build between Christian and Megan and that it was dual POV!! I think we definitely needed both sides to the story to really understand all of the feelings. I thought the families were wonderful and I always love seeing those aspects. There’s some good growth and I just genuinely enjoyed this!

I do think the spice felt a little off to me. As if there was more than necessary? I didn’t love the forced vibe, but if you’re looking for a spicier holiday romance, this is Walsh’s spiciest book to date.

Overall audience notes:

Contemporary Holiday Romance
Language: some strong
Romance: 3-4 open door

Megan and Christian pose as each other's fake dates to survive holiday gatherings with family. Faced with a snowbound cabin and constant togetherness, will Christmas magic transform their pretend affair into something real?

I loved this. It's funny and heartwarming with vibrant, relatable characters and an immersive plot. Megan and Christian are cute together, with strong chemistry. Now I have to go back and read Molly and Andrew's story! The book reminded me of Portia Macintosh, but with an Irish twist. The narration is well done.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I loved so much about this book. Fake dating, he falls first and small Irish village charm. I listened on audio and the narrators were perfect for the story as well as authentic. Christian is such a great character and I loved his attention to Megan. His banter with her was one of my favorite parts of this book. It is a Romcom but has more depth than I expected for a Christmasy, fake dating story. I loved their connection in the opening scene. The setting and family dynamics were charming and I was hooked quickly.

The spice surprised me though and was well outside of my normal range. I suppose it is skippable but I really could have done without that part of the book.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Multiple open door scenes

Thank you so much to Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for the e-book and audiobook!

This was a dual perspective, fake dating (at Christmas), heartfelt snowed-in read!

I really liked the beginning and how we got the backstory on Megan and her (left at the alter) ex-fiancé'. I think that beginning scene really set the stage and helped me care more about Megan.

I think for once the romance between Megan and Christian was actually believable, too. It didn't seem like insta-love and their reasons for falling in love seemed real and valid. I appreciated how Christian was actually a nice guy and really looked out for her even while they were "fake dating".

As far as content goes, there were a couple spicy scenes that were more detailed than I typically prefer and rather long as well, but easily skipped if that's not for you.

I think this one will be a a big hit around the holidays for sure!

I went back and forth between the e-book and the audiobook and I really liked the narrators in the audiobook so spent more timing reading it that way!

This will be available for purchase Nov 1st.

3.5 rounded to 4

This was a cute fake dating that turned real rom com but it was just a little boring to me. The characters did everything I wanted them to do and I should have loved it but it just didn't keep my attention. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Holiday Romance 📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
A sweet holiday romantic comedy

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Runaway brides
Fake dating
Small town
Ireland setting
Lovable characters
Forced proximity
Dual POVs
Lighthearted and cozy vibes
Spicy scenes

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
No third act break up

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
The ending felt a little abrupt
There were a lot of side characters

I really enjoyed the audiobook and the voice of the reader.

Megan is due to head home for Christmas for the first time in four years after leaving her ex Isaac at the altar. Christian is heading home too but is dreading it as he is the only single member of the family. The two decide to head back as a fake couple, deciding they'll have each other's back when needed. And I'm sure you know what happens after that!

I adored this book. The Irish setting, the fun and witty characters and the sweet romance were everything! Once again, Catherine Walsh has proved that her books are not to be missed.

Cute couple alert!🚨🚨

Winter holiday or Christmas romance is just hard to beat. Even Valentine's or beach romances don't come close. There's magic in the air ✨❄️ and if you like your romance with some steam look no further! 💙☃️

Megan and Christian are old acquaintances. They last met five years ago at her supposedly wedding to Isaac but Megan's a runaway bride. Fast forward and here they are working in Dublin and by chance bump into one another at a pub. Since Christmas is around the corner both dread going home for different reasons. What better idea than to return as a "couple"?

I love fake dating and close proximity so Snowed In is a check, check. And a winter holiday and small town... CHECK and CHECK! 🎄

I enjoyed the charming MCs. It's an easy and entertaining read/listen. Because they are home, there are many characters to keep track of but the families and friends are wonderful and funny! I only wish the snowed-in part happened a bit sooner. I waited forever until I forgot about it. 😹

Excellent narration by Roisin Rankin and Colm Gleeson. I love listening to the beautiful Irish accent. They add so much to the experience.

Thank you Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for the advance copies for review.

4.5⭐ (audio) Both of these narrators did a fantastic job. I listen to A LOT of audiobooks, and I was impressed with these two. (The accents didn't hurt! 😂) I'm generally happy if a narrator doesn't distract me from the story, but these both enhanced the story for me. Excellent!

5⭐ (story) Megan is dreading going home for the holidays. She's the village pariah, the she-devil that left local golden boy Isaac at the alter years ago. Christian was the bad boy once upon a time, so he loves returning to his hometown for Christmas. The only part he doesn't like is that everyone pities him when he turns up alone. So when Megan and Christian bump into each other in the pub, they make a deal to show up as each others partners. They draw up rules and sign a wine-stained contract on a napkin.

The chemistry between Megan and Christian was so much fun to listen to. Walsh writes the best banter. This had me laughing all the way! Snowed in, fake dating and forced proximity + off-the-charts chemistry and delightful banter = must read for this holiday season!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

This Irish romcom touched my soul in ways I didn't expect. With every turn of the page, I found myself falling deeper into the enchanting world of Ireland and the lives of its characters. The blend of fake dating and friends-to-lovers felt incredibly real, their emotions leaping off the page and intertwining with my own.

The characters became more than ink and paper; they became friends I laughed and cried with. The Irish setting wasn't just a backdrop; it was a living, breathing entity that wrapped me in its arms, making me long for the green hills and coastal beauty described so vividly.

And the ending? It was pure magic. I felt my heart swell with a mix of joy and melancholy, reluctant to leave the characters I had grown so attached to. It wasn't just great; it was a beautifully poignant conclusion that left me in awe of the author's ability to craft such heartfelt moments.

This Irish romcom wasn't just a story; it was an emotional journey that made me believe in the power of love and the beauty of unexpected connections. It's a book that will stay with me, reminding me of the depth of human emotions and the allure of Ireland's charm.

A swoony, friends to lovers, fake dating for the holidays slow burn, dual POV romance. Another hit from Catherine Walsh. I loved her book, Holiday Romance last year and this was a big win for me too. Family drama, small town Irish setting and tons of feels! This was great on audio as well narrated by Roisin Rankin and Colm Gleeson. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: open door, mild details