This one was cute and sweet. It didn’t completely grab me, but it was enjoyable. It’s my first time reading this author. It had a fun, Hallmark feel all the way. I love that the baker is a big, burly guy. Lawrence is a small town baker and Elena works for a big time cookie making company—Sparkle. Sparks definitely fly in this one. I struggled a bit with the connection between the hero and the heroine. It was kinda imstalove/enemies to lovers. There was good conflict and writing. It was a cute holiday book.
3.5 stars

Huge thanks to Alcove Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

The story revolves around Elena, a career-focused woman working for Sparkle Cookie, who’s all set to make a splash with their new branch in Pennsylvania. Then there’s Lawrence, the local baker who’s been serving up homemade cookies and has no interest in seeing his beloved town overrun by a big cookie corporation. The tension between them is palpable right from the start, especially when they clash at a town hall meeting.

What I really liked about the book was how it balanced the holiday cheer with the more serious conflict between Elena and Lawrence. Elena’s ambition and Lawrence’s passion for his bakery create a dynamic where both characters are incredibly driven, yet they also have these really human, relatable flaws. Lawrence’s protective nature towards his small-town bakery contrasts with Elena’s determination to succeed, which adds a depth to their interactions.

The setting is charming, and does a great job of capturing that small-town Christmas vibe. The cookie competition brings Elena and Lawrence together and sparks some chemistry. That said, there are moments where the plot feels a bit predictable, and some of the conflicts could have used a bit more depth. But the holiday spirit and the chemistry between Elena and Lawrence definitely make up for it. The Christmas Crush is a nice holiday read with a balance of romance and small-town charm. I’d give it a solid 3 out of 5.

"The Christmas Crush" is a charming holiday rom-com that feels like a Hallmark movie brought to life, filled with sweet moments, cozy settings, and a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline. Set in the quaint town of New Hope, Pennsylvania, the story follows Elena Voss, a marketing executive from Sparkle Cookie, a large cookie conglomerate, and Lawrence Higgins, a beloved small-town baker. When Sparkle Cookie plans to open a new branch in Lawrence’s hometown, sparks fly, not just from their rivalry but from an unexpected attraction that neither can ignore.

Plot Summary: Elena is hoping her new assignment in New Hope will be a break from her stressful city job and demanding boss, but she quickly finds herself at odds with Lawrence, whose bakery is a staple in the community. As the town rallies against the impending corporate takeover, Elena and Lawrence clash at a town hall meeting, setting the stage for a rivalry that soon heats up into a sizzling romance. A local cookie competition forces the two to team up, blending their contrasting worlds and baking talents, and they begin to see each other in a new light.

Review: The book captures the quintessential holiday romance vibes with its picturesque small-town setting, festive atmosphere, and heartwarming moments. Elena and Lawrence's journey from opponents to lovers is entertaining, although their transition from rivals to romantic partners happens quite rapidly, almost giving an "insta-love" vibe that some readers might find a bit rushed. While the initial conflict between big corporate versus small business is engaging, the plot takes a predictable turn that aligns closely with the feel-good tropes typical of holiday romances.

Lawrence’s character, complete with his loyal dog Sugar and a deep bond with his grandmother, adds a layer of warmth and relatability. Elena, on the other hand, is portrayed as a competent yet conflicted professional, caught between her career ambitions and the pull of a simpler, more fulfilling life. Watching her evolve and stand up to her overbearing boss provides some satisfying character growth, even if her backstory with her family could have been fleshed out more.

Pros:

The festive setting and charming small-town atmosphere.
A light-hearted and sweet romance with likable main characters.
Quick pacing and short chapters make it an easy, breezy read perfect for the holiday season.
Cons:

The romance feels rushed, lacking the depth and tension that could have made the connection between Elena and Lawrence more believable.
Dialogue can sometimes feel awkward and overly simplistic, echoing the style of a made-for-TV movie.
Some plot points, like the dramatic reactions to minor setbacks, can feel exaggerated and detract from the overall realism.
Final Thoughts: "The Christmas Crush" is a delightful holiday read for those who enjoy sweet romances with minimal angst and a dash of holiday cheer. It’s perfect for cozying up with a blanket and some cookies, offering a comforting escape into a world where love triumphs over corporate greed, and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it delivers exactly what it promises: a warm, fuzzy, feel-good story that’s perfect for fans of light-hearted holiday romances.

Do I read christmas out of order hell yea . Like always Im reading books out of season but they are so worth it. Super fun and adorable characters. Loved the cookies recipes and how they got to know each other thru their mutual love and interest. This was so good and fun , would totally recommend for that time of the year!!! Enemies to lovers!!! Super sweet holiday fun.

This book will be for anyone looking to read the equivalent of a Hallmark movie with just a dash* more spice to it. (*Fade to black/closed door)

In this over the top sweet story, Elena and Lawrence clash over cookies with Elena working for a big name corporation looking to move into Lawrence’s hometown where he owns his own cookie shop.

The book has the recipe anyone tuning into Countdown to Christmas and the impending holiday season full of made-for-tv movies will be sure to enjoy.

Elena is an intelligent, competent young woman working for a hellacious boss and watching her find her backbone with him was one of the things that brings the most joy in the story. Lawrence has a lovely relationship with his grandmother that is endearing to read as well.

The romance between Elena and Lawrence is pretty instant and sweet. I like a little more tension and build up in a story with characters who have competing interests, but in the feel-good holiday romance world I know things trend lighter and quicker. Both characters are far from perfect and there is eventually a big conflict, but the resolution is handled well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Christmas Crush follows Lawrence, a small town baker kind of struggling with the non-baking aspects of his business, and Elena, a marketing exec at a cookie company (think Crumbl) who hates her job, boss and stifled creativity. With a new bakery opening in Lawrence’s town under Elena’s control, the two develop a rivalry, while fighting their attraction to each other.

I did not like this, it started okay for me, but the more it went on the worse it became. I wish I DNF it, but I was already too deep in. I don’t have a good track record with liking Christmas stories, but I wouldn’t say this was really about Christmas anyways? Its mostly about baking, which I do enjoy, but that wasn’t enough to save it. The general storyline is cute, it’s 100% Hallmark movie, but the writing mirrors the writing of a Hallmark movie, aka, bad, really bad.

The two characters are really… odd? Their connection is so insta love it almost gives you whiplash from the “enemies” thing that goes on for like 5% of the story. But they spend barely any time together, barely talk, especially not on page, and it’s all, pet names and I want you, can’t live without you, always there for you. It’s very unrealistic and just way too fast. I didn’t particularly love either character. Elena’s issues with her family aren’t well crafted, it bothers me that she has money but won’t quit, she loves art and her family is mostly supportive, so just pursue art? Lawrence is just weird, he is so anxious and constantly overthinking the smallest things and had an unhealthy obsession with his Nana. The ending was just awful, they’re panicking about her breaking a wrist, it’s not life or death, and they get into this huge fight, just to quickly make up, the stolen recipe, the becoming partners, it’s all very predictable.
This needed to be heavily edited, cut down and just rewritten in some parts. The dialogue comes off as very awkward, including comments on how oat milk is disgusting (relax a bit), how Elena’s midsection is “great”, Elena asking to “hide behind him if she’s too scared” (you’re a grown adult woman), Lawrence saying he’s “never been so afraid” when his Nana broke her wrist! Like I get it, but also please calm down and rational. The last, Nana referring to Lawrence as the “cutest boy in all of Pennsylvania, then the cutest man”. I can’t. This was really over written, way too many details and completely lacking in dialogue between Elena and Lawrence. I sadly would not recommend this. I liked the general holiday vibe and the short chapters, this had potential but really didn’t live up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

this is such a lovley, cozy, warm holiday romance 🥰

Elena & Lawrence are so adorable with each other right from the start! even with a tumultuous beginning, they both show such tenderness & care toward the other. I LOVE me some softie characters & both of them are the sweetest softies for each other 🥰

the plot of Big Corporate versus Small Business cookie companies added to the charm & tension of the story, especially as Elena & Lawrence need to show & rely on the others trust, integrity, & deep connection with each other. I love how they both show such love, patience, & care with each other as they navigate this.

overall this really is just the coziest, loveliest story!

thank you so much for the arc :)

Publication Date: October 8th


Cute Christmas romance🎄❄️🎄

This story takes place in a small town, New Hope, Pennsylvania, and the love story begins with Lawrence and Elena. They are rivals, with Lawrence being a local baker, his dog Sugar, and sometimes Nana helping out on the side. He's been love in the town for the last two years. His bakery specializes in cookies, but when a new bakery comes into town, Sparkle Cookie, Elena is the market team for Sparkle Cookie.


Thank You Netgalley and Alcove Press

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Noelle Douglas for the early access copy of The Christmas Crush.

The Christmas Crush is an enemies-to-lovers story that follows Elena and Lawrence. Elena is a Marketing Executive for a cookie conglomerate called Sparkle who is looking to find a way into the small town of New Hope. Lawrence is the owner of a local Cookie shop, that has been a staple in the community. With fears of Sparkle causing issues with his business and Elena needing to make this work new business work, the two begin to butt heads. When the two need to work together for a cookie competition, they start to see their real chemistry.

The Christmas Crush is an enemies-to-lovers, male golden retriever, dual point-of-view romance.

This was a great Christmas read to start out the season. When Elena, the marketing director of Sparkle Cookies is assigned the task of smoothing over the acceptance of one of their stores being built in the small town of New Hope things don’t go the way she plans. Coming up against hometown bakery owner Lawrence doesn’t go over so well. With the pressure of her boss and wanting the acceptance of her successful family the pressure is on. Falling in love with this small Christmas village and heartthrob baker her priorities change. Lawrence is irresistible with his little dog Sugar, kindness to his grandmother and big biceps from years of rolling dough! This story endeared me with the mention of Christmas in Connecticut. One of my favorite Christmas movies that not a lot of people have heard of. With getting the true Christmas experience that she never had with her own family she realizes corporate America may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was such a cute Christmas read. Just what I was looking for.

I love this story with it being christmas themed. It had a golden retriever male main character and strong female main character.

First book I've read from this author and I'll definitely be reading more from her

This was a cute Christmas story. It has dual POV and a strong female MC, which I really enjoyed. There were the regular bumps in the road for Elena and Lawrence, but their story got the ending it deserved!

*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.Thank you Netgalley, Alcove Press and Noelle Douglas. (Publish date: Oct 8)

I got into this book because I adore love stories and enjoy stories revolving around Christmas. The scenery of the town New Hope and their Christmas festivities were a treat to read, I wish there were illustrations to please the eyes. I also enjoyed the camaraderie that the New Hope folks had, it’s very common for small town people to have an extremely close bond, they’re almost like family.

However, I wouldn’t say I enjoyed reading about the lead pair, Lawrence and Elena. It just felt like everything happened quickly. I mean they literally didn’t start off on the best terms but he asked her out on their meeting and they got intimate on their fifth meeting?! Maybe it’s just not for me because I don’t really enjoy this type of insta love and prefer the slow burn between the couple.

For readers who do enjoy Christmas themed novels, or strong female leads and golden retriever male leads, I think you’ll enjoy this book.

“Every good day is better with you in it, and every bad day is endurable because you are by my side. Will you marry me and be my Elena forever?”

This book might be the sweetest, coziest Christmas rom-com ever. It felt like a wam cup of coffee on a cold day. I'll definitely re-read it again when Christmas is near. I totally loved it.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc.

Elena, an ambitious executive from Sparkle Cookie, arrives in New Hope with plans to establish a new branch of the company. Her determination to impress her bosses clashes with the townspeople's resistance, who fear the large corporation will spoil their small-town charm.

At the center of this opposition stands Lawrence, the beloved local baker, alongside his loyal canine companion, Sugar. For two years, their bakery has been the sweet heart of New Hope, specializing in delectable artisanal cookies. Lawrence sees Sparkle Cookie as a direct threat to his business and is resolved to prevent the company from setting up shop in town.

The clash between Elena and Lawrence is inevitable, and their rivalry ignites during a tense town hall meeting. However, fate has other plans when a cookie competition forces them to join forces. As they work together, their initial tension transforms into undeniable attraction.

This book is perfect for lovers of holiday stories with a dash of romance and humor. The author skillfully weaves themes of professional ambition, local tradition, and the true meaning of community into this cozy tale.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Noelle Douglas for providing me with this ARC.

This book is the kind you read wrapped up in a blanket with hot chocolate and a bunch of cookies. It's simple, sweet and intensely cozy and comforting.

I loved the strong, kind, whole, determined and gentle man Lawrence is. He's slightly shy to protect himself from the world outside and the possibility of being disappointed. He moved me so much, and I loved his relationship with the townspeople and his loving, supportive family. It's impossible not to fall for him.

Same goes for Elena: a city girl with a strong personality who's sensitive, sunny, endearing and loyal, with dreams kept under wraps to please her people. I loved her growth alongside Lawrence and his family, watching her realize what she really wanted for her life. Their relationship put stars in my eyes.

Noelle Douglas's writing was surprising. Her style was fluid and catchy, making me stay up late to keep reading. I especially loved the way she describes Lawrence's passion for baking, the way she takes us along with him every time he creates or tries out a new recipe. It was like I could smell the cookies coming out of the oven.

Reading this novel is like watching a Hallmark Christmas TV movie: simple, comforting, warm and no-fuss. A sweet and gentle romance that will make you feel so much love, joy and tenderness that you won't want to leave the book and stay in New Hope.

This delightful book is just what you need during Christmas time, cuddled up in a warm blanket by the fireplace, a hot chocolate in hand, and snow gently falling outside.

It tells the story of Elena, a woman with the soul of an artist, who works as the VP of marketing for a large cookie company. The company is opening a new branch in a charming small town, where the local baker, Lawrence, is determined to fight to keep his beloved bakery open. Those endearing characters really grew on me.

This fast paced story has all the comforting familiarity and coziness of a Christmas movie, complete with the small-town charm, the magic of the season, delicious cookies, and, of course, a happy ending.

Thanks to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Noelle Douglas for a chance to read this book for free. I’m leaving this review of my own accord.

What a sweet holiday romance. That small town enemies to lovers. Lawrence, and his dog Sugar, own a bakery in New Hope. They have been the local bakery in town. Elena is trying to move up in her career with Sparkle Cookie. She jumps at the chance to head up the new branch they are opening in New Hope. Now Lawrence and Elena need to figure out if the small town is large enough for the both of them.

I was really excited for the premises of this book, I mean who wouldn’t be? We’re talking cookies, and a dog named Sugar!! However it took me awhile to really get into the story. I felt that the first half of it had a very slow pace. The love story between the two feels a bit to instant love for me.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I really loved the way the author described details like Lawrence baking, the different cookies or the Christmas decorations around the town. The characters were enjoyable for the most part, especially on their own. It was still a nice read, I feel I just needed a little something more.

Thank you so much to Net Galley and Alcove Press, for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review purposes.

The Christmas Crush by Noelle Douglas is a cute Christmas romance that follows the love story between Lawrence and Elena, while they navigate the rivalry between their businesses. Lawrence is the owner of Sweet L’s, he started baking with his grandma and then went on to fulfill his dream by opening a cute little bakery in his hometown, New Hope. Elena, on the other hand, works for Sparkle Cookie and is suddenly tasked with making sure their new grand opening (in New Hope!) goes smoothly.
If you turned a Hallmark movie into a book, this is probably the result you’d get.

I was really excited for the premises of this book, I mean who wouldn’t be? We’re talking about cookies, about two business rivals and it’s also christmas. But it took me quite a bit to get into the story, I found the first half of it to have a really slow pace. The love story between the two feels a bit insta-lovey, which is not my favorite vibe. Overall I enjoyed this book. I really loved the way the author described details like Lawrence baking, the different cookies or the Christmas decorations around the town. The characters were enjoyable for the most part, especially on their own. Some of their characteristics clashed too much, and I didn’t really understand how they connected with each other and made those sides of them work together. It was still a nice read, I just needed something more.

Rating: 3 stars
Release date: Oct 8, 2024
Insta Love
Business Rivals
Fade to black/Closed door

Get ready to completely melt!! This love story is just absolutely darling. It made me so excited for the holiday season and all the sweetness.