⭐️ 2.75 /5
🌶️ 1.5 /3

Aw, I’m a little sad to say this one fell just below my expectations after how much I loved and enjoyed The Naughty or Nice Clause. There’s a few too many storyline/ subplot for one book for my liking and it felt a bit overwhelming at times—then some seemed unfinished and forgotten; for instance, her promotion after it was given so much attention initially and it seemed like it was going to play an important role. While the insta-love and insta-lust elements brought plenty of heat, I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between the main characters. The mystery subplot dragged out a little too long, making it hard to stay fully engaged.

One part I truly loved was getting to see Mason and Lyla again! I found myself enjoying their scenes even more than the main storyline.

I do wish Juliet had been given a bit more justice for how her father, stepmother, and grandpa treated her. That said, this was still a cozy, festive read with lots of heartwarming moments—I just hoped for a little more depth to the characters’ journey.

ɱყ 5 🌟 ωเรɦ ℓเรƭ:
* Stronger chemistry between the main characters. Their dynamic felt flat and repetitive
* Fewer subplots to keep the focus on the main storyline, making it easier to follow and understand what the core plot is.
* A more balanced pacing for the mystery, so it unfolds in a way that keeps the suspense engaging
* Consequences for Juliet’s father and stepmother. They shouldn’t have been able to walk away without any repercussions for their mistreatment of Juliet.

My first Christmas-themed book for 2024 and it was such a good start to the season.
This book is a nice mixture of light spice romance and a magical mystery story.
I hadn't realised this was book 2 in the series, and I would recommend reading the first book beforehand. I was a little bit lost some of the time, but that's on me, not the author.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and learning about the magical town of Yule (it made me think of the movie The Christmas Chronicals), but I did find the spicy scenes within the story slightly random at times. The spicey scenes didn't always flow with the story but the overall romance was so pretty
By the end you a really rooting for the main characters, and that they get everything they are wishing for.
This book has the following tropes: He Falls First, One Night Stand, Magic, Holiday romance, Family Secrets, and an evil stepmother.
This book has low levels of spice - open door, but with limited details 1.5/5 chilies.

Book 2 of the Village of Yule
Will Duncan is a Guardian for the Village of Yule. His job is to ensure that former residents of Yule can make it in the outside world, not matter what it takes. His current client, Juliet Frost is a little different than most. She doesn’t even know the Village of Yule exists, much less that she has a guardian watching over her. The fact that Will is attracted to Juliet is not helping matters, it might even be causing him problems because he can’t be as objective as he needs.
Juliet Frost is an aspiring editor and working herself to the bone trying to earn a promotion to get away from her horrible boss. When talked into going to a party with her best friend, Juliet never dreams that it will result in getting the one thing that will guarantee her promotion, much less lead to the hottest night of her life! Having lived as an outsider from her own family, it felt great to be wanted.
Gaining the promotion and much needed time off, Juliet is surprised when a package arrives from her late grandmother containing an old family chest, full of secrets and a magical bell. This chest turns her quiet tranquil holiday to a zany circus of revelations.
Little does she know but her hot guy will show up again and again and when her father tries to push them together for the holidays, she knows she must discover the secrets of the chest and the background that has always been hidden from her. Will is the person to give her the answers she needs even if it means getting involved and sharing things that could cost him everything.
Well written and a perfect addition to the Village of Yule series.

Firstly, thanks to Net Gallery for this ARC with an exchange of my honestly review.


Rating: ⭐️

I honestly don't like this book at all. It's all very cringey and I don't think I can't pull through the entire book. I was very looking forward because I loved Kate Callaghan's first book. But I think I'm going to have to DNF it at 11%. I hate DNF-ing books but that's how you know how cringey it is for me

The scene in the elevators is too cringey for me. The fact that she just dropped her clutch and manuscript to wrap her arms around Will's neck? What is this? Lmaoo

The review will be published on Goodreads on November 23, 2024
-------

My rating: (4.5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Spice level: (2) 🌶️🌶️

I really enjoyed the book; it’s the kind of Christmas story I was hoping for when I opened it. The story is infused with holiday spirit, mysteries, and a touch of magic. I haven’t read the previous book, but I assure you, I will fix that. This is a unique story that I haven’t encountered in other books before.

This story is about Juliet Frost, who one day discovers that her family history is shrouded in secrets, and the key to those secrets is the charming Will Duncan. The book is a blend of the story of "Romeo and Juliet" and Christmas story from Netflix at their finest. This is exactly the kind of story you want to read on Christmas Eve.

Tropes:
- one night stand
- winter wonderland
- family secrets
- found family
- forced proximity
- forbidden love
- holiday romance
- bodyguard & editor
- dual POV

I recommend this for everyone who loves movies in the spirit of "The Princess Switch," "The Knight Before Christmas," and "The Grinch."

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the perfect cozy, cheesy and romantic Christmas book. Unfortunately it wasn’t for me, I’m not a fan of lots of spice as I find it unnecessary and I also didn’t like the magical aspect of the book. I do think most people will enjoy this book if you love spicy books set during Christmas with a bit of magic !
Thank you netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

3.25 🌟

Just enough to put me in a festive spirit!

I loved the world of Yule in the first book so I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second... and I'm bummed to say it was just ok. I don't believe in love at first sight so the main attraction was hard for me to buy into. However, you'll want to run out to get the first book in this series.

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

Aspiring editor Juliet Frost’s peaceful holiday takes a turn when she uncovers hidden family secrets in an old chest. She learns she's the result of a forbidden love affair and has ties to a magical Christmas village called Yule. Things get even more complicated when Will Duncan, a man from her past, reappears with answers about her lineage—along with secrets of his own.

This is the PERFECT read for holiday/christmas season! It's heartwarming, magical and has a little bit of a cozy vibe going on. This was unlike anything I've read before and in a good way! I just wish it wasn't insta-lovey. This has found family, witty banter and of course secrets! If you're looking for something with romance and light fantasy, this is the book for you!

Anything by Kate Callaghan is a winner in my book. This was cozy and magical and sweet and exactly what you want to read during the holidays! The banter was witty, the town of Yule was charming, everything was perfect! Love love love!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

REVIEW: Tis The Season for Secrets by Kate Callaghan.

Someone please take me to Yule!!

This book was so charming!! What a great little Christmas read. I read this book on @amazonkindle as a stand alone but you better believe I will be grabbing the first book in this series to learn more about some of the characters.

This book was full of Christmas magic, romance and of course secrets. Juliet’s life is turned inside out when she learns the truth about her family after receiving a family chest from her late grandmother. Soon she meets her guardian from Yule, Will, and she is thrown into a whirlwind of sudden romance, a complicated family history, new friendships, and truly finding where she can call home.

I highly recommend this lovely book and would love to know what you thought of it as well.

Thank you @netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tis The Season For Secrets is the 2nd book from the interconnected Village of Yule series by author Kate Callaghan.
It may be read as a standalone, but there are spoilers from the first book, The Naughty or Nice Clause.

I am normally a dark romance and fantasy reader, but I wanted to read something a little different, and I am glad I did.

While there is still a little bit of fantasy and a touch of spice throughout, this insta-love, family secrets, and found family novel was cute and felt like watching a Hallmark Christmas special with it's magical winter wonderland vibes.

I loved the whitty banter between Juliet, Will, and their friends.
I like that the story was giving enough to keep me invested. I didn't want to stop reading.

The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because while cute, the instant love connection between Juliet and Will was just too forced and rushed for my liking.

I will be going back and reading book one and I am hopeful that this series continues. I would like to see how these characters grow and I want to read more of the relationship between Harvey and Margot because I did not get enough of them!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Callaghan for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Tis The Season For Secrets.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBjrrN1SQTP/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

In this New Adult holiday fantasy, ’Tis the Season for Secrets,
Kate Callaghan weaves a tale that’s more than just festive—it’s an enchanting journey from New York to the magical, snow-clad world of Yule, a hidden North Pole town full of secrets, romance, and holiday cheer.

🎄The Setup: Juliet Frost has worked tirelessly as an assistant at Harley and Rowe Publishing for five years, holding out hope for a long-deserved promotion to editor. She’s isolated within her family, gossiped about and shunned for being the illegitimate Frost. Everything changes when she receives a mysterious chest from her Nana, containing a golden bell charm—a key to her family’s hidden past.

🎅🏼The Romance: Enter Will Duncan, a British guardian from Yule and CEO of Duncan Recruiting, whose job is to help former Yule citizens blend into the outside world. Will knows Juliet’s past better than she does, but it’s his sense of duty—and instant attraction—that brings him to her aid. Their relationship kicks off with a not-so-sweet meet-cute, tangled by secrets and a web of family expectations. As Juliet delves into her parents’ past with Will’s help, she’s torn between family loyalty and her undeniable attraction to the man sent to protect her. Their chemistry burns through the forced proximity trope and blends beautifully with forbidden romance, making every interaction feel thrilling and charged with tension.

🎁The World-Building: Callaghan’s depiction of Yule as a hidden, small magical town brimming with intrigue is richly layered. The story takes us through the charming yet dangerous streets of Yule, where secrets run deep, family drama abounds, and Juliet discovers a found family that could finally give her the acceptance she’s been missing.

❗️Content Warnings: The book does address themes of sexual harassment, toxic family dynamics, and parental abandonment, all handled sensitively through Callaghan’s third-person, dual POV narration, offering a balanced view into Juliet’s and Will’s worlds and their battles.

If you’re looking for a holiday romance that’s packed with heartfelt moments, fantasy, and a dash of suspense, ’Tis the Season for Secrets will keep you enchanted until the very last page. Curl up with a cozy blanket and let Juliet and Will’s magical journey to Yule sweep you away. 🎄✨

Was different to what I thought it was going to be. Juliet is given an old chest that came from her grandmother. In it she starts to find letters and a bell. She keeps on bumping into the mysterious Will. The bell keeps transporting her to this mysterious place called Yule.

This was a great read. Fast paced romance with a touch of whimsy. Completely enjoyable.

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for this ARC. I look forward to the next

Thank you to author Kate Callaghan, CallaghanWriter and NetGalley for this eARC

I loved the first book in the series, The Naughty or Nice Clause, so I had very high expectations for Tis the Season for Secrets and let me tell you I met every single one of them! I couldn't tell you wich one I loved more because they are both great.

I loved the romance in this one so, so much! And the themes in this one are so, so good!
A heartwarming, sweet and charming story full of christmas cheer perfect for a nice and cozy evening with a cup of hot chocolate

'Tis the season for Secrets by Kate Callahan will get readers into the holiday mood this was Whimsical this was funny this was a good time and this was a perfect cute cozy read for the holiday season. I enjoyed myself in this book.

Juliet Frost is trying to get promotion in the publishing firm she works for. To this end, she has been tasked with getting the manuscript from a new author, to be on her bosses desk at 8am Sunday morning. Her flat mate persuades her to attend a party, which is being hosted by the author. Here she bumps into Will and her whole life changes. She and Will spend the night together and she runs out on him first thing in the morning. This seems to be a recurring habit of Juliet's, even when she finds herself in Yule.

It helps to read The Naughty or Nice Clause as this sets the scene and introduces certain characters.

An aspiring editor, Juliet Frost, receives an old family chest full of secrets. She finds out she is the product of a forbidden love affair and is connected to the magical Christmas village of Yule. Will, a man with whom she shared one night of passion, reappears and has things about her past to share. As Juliet uncovers the truth about where she is from she may have to fight for where she belongs.

An exceptional quality that the author has is you immediately feel comfortable in her stories. And the instantly likeable protagonist. I enjoyed how the mystery of the chest was ignited, and then left to simmer so we could get to know our leading lady. And our first encounter with Will is... *fanning myself*.

Both POVs are a delight to read, seeing their innermost thoughts displayed in such a relatable manner. Juliet's wit, cleverness and obvious kind heart, then her awe and wonder of discovery. Sexy and protective Will is dutiful or rather trying to be, giving us hints and piquing our curiosity about some bigger plan. Reveals are given to us casually, through seemingly simple, grounded, sharing of info that makes them even more shocking and puts our attention on high alert. The mythology of Yule is expanded and one of my favorite parts of the book was spending time in the magical village and learning its rules and how it 'works'. Love the connections to the first book and the festive appeal.

Often heart-squeezing, you feel for Juliet and what she has had to put up with and the hurt she has endured. With the humorous situations and some of the great lines uttered by the characters, it is impossible not to smile and laugh while reading this. Must mention Margot, awesome roommate in a book of the year. There are many great supporting characters — some to properly love and some to properly hate.

I have to admit there were some displays of insta-feelings, actions and reactions I was not fond of. Like I wasn't too crazy about how the first kiss happened or something Will does after their first 'encounter' in Yule that presents douchey to me and not endearing. But generally, the romance and its spice are nice *wink*. There are scenes or parts of scenes that just seem repetitive of things we already know and have been mentioned often. Then the big thing we are expecting to happen, that we are waiting for is rushed. Lovely finale but still rushed and abrupt.

This is a book about belonging. About legacy and family, the family you choose which can be so much better than anything you are born to. A holiday romance seasoned with magic, a healthy dose of intrigue and a slice of adventure. You have the warm fuzzies and often swoonies, plus the "I can't believe this is happening" vibes throughout this charming tale.

‘Tis the Season for Secrets is the second book in the Village of Yule series and follows Juliet Frost, eldest daughter of the Frost family but definitely not the favorite.

Juliet was raised as the black sheep of the esteemed Frost family, her mom left her as a baby and she was forced out of the main house in her early teens by her grand-father and had to live alone in a cabin on the property.

After the death of her grandmother-father, she receives a chest filled with family secrets. With the help of a mysterious man she meets at a bar, will she uncover her family secret and find the family she deserves?

I loved the chance to re-visit Yule and the Klauss family. A perfect holiday read to get into the spirit of the season!

Looking for your next Holiday read?
If you love:
One night stand
Christmas magic
Forced proximity
Family secrets
Yule Guardian X Editor

Then this is your sign to read this book. Sequels are always a hit or miss but Kate nailed this one!!! This book was absolutely perfect, I had the best time devouring it in a few hours I couldn’t stop reading. Full of Christmas magic, romance and secrets. The spark between Will & Juliet was instant and watching them fall in love was fun with just the right amount of spice 🔥🔥🔥!! A must read this holiday season.