This was a super quick read. It takes place during the Christmas season but it doesn't quite check off all the boxes of a "holiday romance". I feel like there was potential here to explore the challenges of re-entry, but it wasn't done in depth. Outside of that, it was a fast paced romance with a quirky opposites attract couple you want to root for.

This is the PERFECT christmas romance. This is sexy, hilarious, grumpy/sunshine written by Tessa Bailey. Need I say more?

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tessa Bailey has done it again with this wonderfully written Christmas romance! This book is sure to make you feel holiday cheer and maybe even attracted to men who wear funny bow ties.

Stella has a lot of baggage to unpack at the beginning of this book. She spends the book trying to prove to everyone (and herself) that her past does not define her. She’s ashamed of her past and how she still deals with her friend that got into this mess with her. Readers get to watch her grow out of her shell, embrace who she is, and stand up for herself. Aiden plays a huge role in this journey for her. His constant optimism and caveman style love for her was refreshing to see. I love a normal grumpy x sunshine trope, but putting it in reverse was a game changer. Let our heroine’s be grumpy!

The spice in this one is unmatched. I haven’t read every single book that Tessa has written, but this one was hot. If you’re looking for a quick and fun holiday read with more spice than plot, this is the book for you.

Favorite moments and quotes:

A: I’m not even sure I can make myself care about being caught when I’m this hungry for her.

–
I received this as an arc through Netgalley.

Christmas-themed Tessa Bailey spicy romance! This was so much fun. A quick read that can be finished in one sitting and was super cute!

Stella and Aiden are the definition of opposites attract. Bringing a little holiday cheer to the grumpy sunshine workplace, this whirlwind romance is spicy and festive.

I was so excited for this story, coming off the reading high of her book based on Schitt's Creek, I had such high hopes for this one as a Ted Lasso fan.

This was not my cup of tea at all. I was more frustrated and angry with the characters than enjoying the story. I think that the banter fell so short of what it could be and just turned into the characters being flat.