"Make the Season Bright" by Ashley Herring Blake is a delightful holiday romance that captures the essence of the season with its charming characters, heartwarming story, and festive atmosphere.

The book follows Charlotte Donovan, a successful violinist who is forced to spend Christmas with her ex-fiancé, Brighton Fairbrook, at his family's cozy Colorado cabin. Despite their past breakup, Charlotte and Brighton find themselves drawn back to each other, rekindling their old spark amidst the holiday cheer.

Blake's writing is as captivating as ever, effortlessly weaving together witty banter, emotional depth, and relatable characters. The supporting cast, including Brighton's sister Adele and their quirky family, adds to the warmth and charm of the story.

The holiday setting provides the perfect backdrop for romance and introspection, with cozy fireplaces, twinkling lights, and festive traditions creating a sense of nostalgia and joy. The story explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the power of love to bring people together.

Overall, "Make the Season Bright" is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that will leave you feeling all the fuzzy feelings of the holiday season. It's perfect for curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and immersing yourself in the magic of Christmas.

Tis the season for an angsty second chance romance delivered in one beautiful, sapphic Christmas romcom. Ashley Herring Blake continues to write the best romances, full of heart and incredible depth. This was a departure from Ashley's Bright Falls trilogy while still maintaining everything we loved about it. I genuinely enjoyed watching Brighton and Charlotte fall in love with each other all over again and I can't wait to see what's next!

Usually I don’t like second chance romance books because they are toxic to each other until they realize that its usually over something that doesn’t matter. And sure enough, this one is just like that. They are definitely toxic toward one another, but they come to their senses eventually.

Ok so the toxic part was just them trying to make sure no one found out they were exes. The way they were so mad at each other but also so into each other still should be studied. Because like bruh she left you at the altar? Idk how you still think she’s hot? And there was just not enough groveling to me. I don’t want to say too much for spoilers, but I just feel like the crime of not knowing where to move didn’t fit the punishment she gave her. Because who even does something like that? That part was crazy. But the little jabs they sent back and forth were so awkward lol Like the chili one? Whether true or not, that’s a weird ass thing to care about lol And if she was eating it, why do YOU care. Idk I just feel like the characters in this book besides the MCs were just there to be there. Because the fact that there was just an “Uhhh” is weird to me. I would have asked right then lol

The romance was just ok. I’m probably biased tho because I hated the girl that left her at the altar for about the whole book. I get it, she was sorry, but I could never trust her again after that. And I didn’t trust that she would hurt her again after that. But once they started getting back together, I did start to see what drew them together. And Idk is this one more spicy than the last ones? Idk it seemed like it was. So, just be prepared for that.

This is probably specific to me, but I do wish there was more Christmas stuff. Like I know there was hot chocolate and then the trivia and the margarita, but Idk, I wanted to see a tree or singing some carols or them going out in the snow and doing something? Idk, but like her name is Bright. I wanted some specific holiday things. That horse thing? Couldn’t it have been a reindeer? Lol Ugh

This one was full of toxicity, but I still enjoyed it. Do I wish some things were different? Yes. But in true Blake fashion, I couldn’t stop reading it. She sucked me into this story like immediately and I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to know how this ended. And I have to say I didn’t care for it. It just didn’t believe that there was a wedding so near in their future? Or maybe this is just me and my Scorpio self with the grudge holding, but for the most part, I would NOT be so keen to do it again so soon. She would have to be the one to ask and there will be no wedding. idc idc idc.

This wasn’t my favorite, but I still enjoyed it. Why? I know this isn’t my favorite trope and I didn’t hold it over its head. I just I enjoyed it for what it was: Toxic and weird. And even with that, I can’t wait to see what she does next!

I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

This was a quick read I snapped up in a couple hours between sleep cycles, and is a solid entry in the sapphic romance drama/comedy genre. I appreciate the relationships between multiple characters, whether they be romantic, platonic, or familial, and the cast is an enjoyable ensemble of self proclaimed "Cheery Queeries". I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of sapphic romances!

For sensitive readers this book contains parental neglect, toxic relationships, trauma, grief, betrayal, deception, and graphic sexuality.

This was such a fun holiday romance! I loved the tension and the history between the two main characters, and their friend group really rounded out the story and made it complete. This will become one of my holiday must re-reads!

Make the Season Bright was a book that I was highly anticpating however; it fell flat for me somewhere. I adored the turtledoves festival and the meddling Mom. There was just something about the miscommunication that felt off for me.. But I do recommend others read because, besides that, I enjoyed this LGBTQ positive holiday tale.

Make the Season Bright follows ex-fiancées Charlotte and Brighton when they find themselves stuck in the same small town for the holidays.

It’s a sapphic holiday second chance romance, one of my favorite tropes by one of my favorite authors, so my expectations were high. For the most part, those expectations were met. My biggest gripe is that the tension and angst started out so strong I was tearing up multiple times in the first 70 pages, but as the story progressed a lot of the tension fizzled out and I felt like the MCs forgave each other too easily.

Other than that, the rest of the book was strong. The characters were charming, the small town setting was adorable. Ashley Herring Blake wove in all of the Christmas magic I was looking for, and I liked how satisfying the ending was with all of the plot lines resolving. Would recommend.

I am obsessed with Ashley Herring Blake's adult titles and Make the Season Bright is no exception. Warm, complicated, and unabashedly queer, this one broke my heart a little before putting it back together. A perfect holiday read.

As this was an adult romance, it's not an option for my library, but there are definitely older readers who I would recommend it to. The plot is fun and swoony and I thought the main character was charming and I was rooting for her the whole time.

Thank you Berkley for my e-copy and Libro.fm for my audio copy! All thoughts are my own.

I am an Ashley Herring Blake fangirl. If you are a fan of emotional romances with great banter, like Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry, you NEED to read Blake’s books. I was obsessed with the title and cover so I couldn’t wait to dive in. Like Ashley’s other books, I loved the balance of this book being fun and full of tropey banter and diving into emotional depth of relationships.

Synopsis:

“It's been five years since Charlotte Donovan was ditched at the altar by her ex-fiancée, and she’s doing more than okay. Sure, her single mother never checks in, but she has her strings ensemble, the Rosalind Quartet, and her life in New York is a dream come true. As the holidays draw near, her ensemble mate Sloane persuades Charlotte and the rest of the quartet to spend Christmas with her family in Colorado—it is much cozier and quieter than Manhattan, and it would guarantee more practice time for the quartet’s upcoming tour. But when Charlotte arrives, she discovers that Sloane’s sister Adele also brought a friend home—and that friend is none other than her ex, Brighton.All Brighton Fairbrook wanted was to have the holliest, jolliest Christmas—and try to forget that her band kicked her out. But instead, she’s stuck pretending like she and her ex are strangers—which proves to be difficult when Sloane and Adele’s mom signs them all up for a series of Christmas dating events. Charlotte and Brighton are soon entrenched in horseback riding and cookie decorating, but Charlotte still won’t talk to her. Brighton can hardly blame her after what she did.After a few days, however, things start to slip through. Memories. Music. The way they used to play together—Brighton on guitar, Charlotte on her violin—and it all feels painfully familiar. But it’s all in the past and nothing can melt the ice in their hearts...right?” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Tropes—I am a sucker for a second chance romance, especially in a holiday story.

The Depth—Ashley Herring Blake is the best at blending the heart of a romance with the reality of being in a relationship.

The Festive Elements—So cute and such a fun setting!

What Didn’t Work for Me:

The Timeline—I kept getting a little lost in the timing of things and the pacing of some of the elements of the second chance.

Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 3/5 Overall Rating: 4/5

Content Warnings:

abandonment / bad break up

Two exes find themselves stuck at the same house for Christmas?? I AM SAT. I love a second-chance romance and forced proximity. Mix in a small-town holiday romance?? God I adored everything about this book.

I am not lying when I say this book made me feel emotions I did not know that I was capable of feeling. This book both made me fall in love with being gay, while also making me question why we are the way we are. 10/10 representation for messy sapphics.

This book is filled to the brim with the magic that is only possible at Christmas, reading it felt like a cup of hot chocolate next to the fireplace.

I don't know who I have more of a crush on tbh, both of the main characters (Brighton & Charlotte) were so well-developed, troubled yet incredibly lovable. The banter, the tension, the VIBES god I need it to be Christmas rn.

I will read anything Ashley Herring Blake writes and I stand by that.

it took me just a min to make sure I had all of the characters figured out but once I did I loved this story!
AHB has a way of creating characters that you just root for. This book was such a cutie. I loved Charlotte and Brighton. At times, they were both a little frustrating, but it's what makes them flawed and relatable.

-sapphic romance
-childhood friends to lovers
-second chance romance
-forced proximity
-musicians
-holiday vibes

AHB does it again with another great book!!

I will read anything Ashley Herring Blake puts out and even though I read this in at the end of summer I was READY for this Holiday inspired novel about a sex pact. It was hot & angsty but also adorable and cute!

This was good! Not as good as the Bright Falls series, but I loved the characters! Brighton was a real standout to me, but I loved Charlotte as well!

This was a delightful second chance romance set at Christmas. This book gave me cozy feelings as well as broke my heart. I loved the angst and also the romance.

I was a little nervous about these two heroines being able to overcome their history without this book being a bit heavy for a holiday read but I should have trusted Ashley Herring Blake! The holiday setting and multiple holiday related mishaps balance out the sometimes difficult backstory in this beautifully written holiday romance!

I loved Lola and Brighton’s story of childhood best friends to high school sweethearts to being engaged in their early twenties. They made mistakes but I felt like they were understandable based on their age and life experience. It can be so hard to learn to be a good partner and advocate for yourself.

If you want a queer holiday romance this is a must read! I also recommend it for any lovers of second chance or romances focused on music.

Always love a holiday, forced proximity and being surprised with your ex that none of your friends know about. This had so many emotional layers to work through. Charlotte had a lonely childhood and met Brighton in her teens when she moved into the neighborhood. They became besties, then girlfriends, moved in at college then got engaged. Everything seemed perfect but as the past stories were slowly revealed with the current timeline, iit wasn’t what it seemed to both of them. And without communicating your fears and insecurities or communicating and it falling on deaf ears, leaving tends to be the choice that is made.
The friends Christmas they both were invited to because they both happened to be friends with the sisters who lived there. I loved how they both were talented musicians and very different musical tastes as well. They both had so much heartache and setbacks and they are only in their mid to late 20’s that is such a hard age when you think you should have it all figured out. It is hard to get your heartbroken then put it out there again but that is life. Taking chances and hoping you made the right choice.
Enjoyed this holiday read, very hard won hea, they did not jump back into eachothers arms right away. They had some issues that they had to work through first then they could find there way back to eachother.

Thank you to @BerkleyRomance #Berkley #BerkleyPartner for the free book. These opinions are my own.

Make the Season Bright is the new sapphic romance from Ashley Herring Blake, and it's a stand alone. Charlotte and Bright were best friends who became lovers. And then Bright left Charlotte at the altar. They haven't seen each other in five years, and yet they find themselves celebrating Christmas together when both tag along with friends in Colorado.

We alternate perspectives with different chapters. I found that essential to be able to appreciate and understand both characters. I definitely started out leaning way more towards Charlotte. The romance was paced so well that I really believed in them.

The book hinted at a magical realism in which Charlotte felt cursed during the month of December. I would have enjoyed seeing that explored further.

I so appreciated the great focus on music (classical, pop, and more folksy). I felt like I could hear a soundtrack in my head as I read. There were lots of winter and December vibes, complete with Colorado snow storms. But I didn't feel quite as much of the Christmas vibes. I think this can be read and enjoyed anytime in winter (or anytime at all).

4.5 stars rounded up

I wanted to like this. I really did. I like Christmas and Ashley Herring Blake’s other books, but this one was a miss for me.
It started out ok, and I liked the story leading up to Christmas, but after that it went pretty quickly downhill for me. I just could not understand why Brighton and Charlotte would be together. I feel like too much focus was spent on the fact that they loved each other in the past, and there wasn’t enough of them actually growing back together. I’m not convinced they have ever had more than one serious conversation. It felt like 100% of the focus of their accidental reunion was physical attraction, and I struggled to figure out why they wanted to be together outside of that.
I think part of the issue is that, once they bump into each other around Christmas, we don’t actually see much of them together after that. The book jumps ahead in time, so we end up in February and they’re still thinking about each other, but we miss any build up or connection building between them. And then it jumps ahead again and they’re living happily ever after. Soooo much of the story also happens in their own heads, so we hear their thoughts and feelings, but they never seem to communicate those to each other. I just didn’t find myself hoping for them to end up together. I also didn’t really find Charlotte likeable at all.
The biggest highlight of this story, for me, was basically everyone other than Charlotte and Brighton. The group chat when they were all snowed in was great.
Not a book I’d recommend to people, but not necessarily one I’d try to discourage anyone from reading, because I’m sure other people might find it more enjoyable than I did.

Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake is the most wonderful sapphic second chance holiday romance that is sure to have you singing holiday carols & wanting a shot with the one that got away.

Make the Season Bright is great for those looking for…
🎄 Sapphic Romance
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎄 Musicians
🎄 Second Chance Romance
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 Found Family

This has an interesting premise with the unexpected reunion from two exes that are both brought as friends to the same family’s welcoming holiday stay. I adored the idyllic & wonderfully inclusive & welcoming town as well as the intriguing festive activities throughout their stay. I also really enjoyed the found family aspect as they were all brought into the fold together.

Something that really stood out to me about this story was how realistic this second chance romance was. I’ll be honest this isn’t always my favorite trope but the forced proximity mixed with the mature communicative healing that slowly takes place made this such an authentic & believable heartwarming story with just enough spice.

I would love to read more from this author!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.