Member Reviews
Bee: SHE GOT ME AGAIN. Everything Juliana writes, wrecks me completely. There were so many beautifully raw and real moments in this that I loved. One thing about Juliana is that she really knows how to write a realistic relationship; the wonderful and all the ugly. Madeline and Cooper were soooo good for each other and I was so happy that their story progressed the way it did. I don’t think I would have wanted it to go any other way. I loved the relationships that Cooper developed with Piper and Charlie as well. Just beautiful. Fantastic. READ THIS.
Nik: As usual, Juliana wrote the most emotional beautiful story and I’m not ok. She has such a way with story telling and plot without it being dramatic and unbelievable. You can’t help but fall in love with Madeline and Cooper. Their story unfolds and you think you know where its going but its heart wrenching (in the absolute best complimentary way) anyway. The character growth was insane and I loved it so much. Loved the kids and how much they were truly involved in the story. They weren’t just there for the trope, you could feel their personality and emotions perfectly. 10/10
3.75 stars!! This was such a good book!! I LOVED the plot and the setting of this story!! The characters were well fleshed out and it was really good overall!!
I enjoyed this book. Some elements of dialogue felt a little off— almost as though the author were writing for a dialect they don’t speak (some things came across more suited for a British character, for example). On the whole it was enjoyable, although I would like to have dug deeper into the emotional impact of the grief both characters have experienced, rather than dancing over it. It would’ve been an ideal bonding moment for the characters. As it is, both characters do show growth throughout the book, although it feels largely superficial. It’s still an enjoyable, easy read.
"She's my Madeline." He squeezed her hands and looked into her eyes. "I owe her everything."
If you're looking for a heartwarming romance that'll have you laughing, swooning and crying, then I've got the perfect recommendation for you.
Snowed Under is a story about love, loss and family that'll have you loving every second. We start of the story with Madeline, a single aunt for two adorable kids; Charlie, a ski-loving 9 year old, and Piper, a 2 year old who likes to glare at everyone. Madeline is so authentically herself, and is such a realistic example of someone struggling through life with no end goal but to be happy with her niece and nephew. We're then introduced to Cooper, a reformed party playboy, who will have you swooning at every chance he can, because he only has eyes for one girl.
Juliana truly knows how to pull at the heartstrings because every two seconds I was either laughing, awe-ing because of cutest scenes or absolutely sobbing to the point where I had to put my kindle down MULTIPLE times. It was such a refreshing read, having our main characters be in their 30s but are still on the path of finding themselves and discovering their likes and dislikes.
If you love fake dating, no third act breakups, winter sports, found family, tragic backstories with wintery holiday vibes, then you'll adore Snowed Under.
4.5 stars
“she’s my Madeline.” he squeezed her hands and looked into her eyes. “I owe her everything.”
❦ fake dating
❦ hilarious kids
❦ holiday romcom
❦ opposites attract
❦ single gradian aunt
❦ workplace romance
❦ no third act break up
❦ golden retriever mmc
one thing remains certain: whenever I crave a wholesome read that perfectly balances endearing characters, realistic family dramas, and a beautifully written love story, I seek refuge between the pages of a Juliana Smith novel.
Snowed Under perpetuated my JS ritual of loving every corner and every word of the author’s plume. Madeline and Cooper, the protagonists, were absolutely attaching—as a couple and individuals,—with a hilarious meet-cute that drew me in. both characters had to deal with past demons, and I appreciated how their struggles were portrayed in an authentic manner. Madeline had the guardianship of her niece and nephew, and their presence in the storyline was absolutely perfect. I always love when children are featured in the day-to-day lives of the protagonists and how the bonds they share enhance the storytelling. the author did a brilliant job with that aspect, making the story even more enjoyable.
many thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely adored this book!! Cooper is one of the funniest MMC’s I’ve read in a book. And Madeline is such a hardworking fmc, just trying to make ends meet as a guardian to her niece and nephew. I loved the way they slowly became friends, learning all the little things about each other and Madeline finally allowing Cooper to help out and step in as someone she can rely on. There were so many emotional aspects in this story, but I found it was the perfect blend of emotional and humorous! I devoured this and didn’t want it to end!
I’m crying over a book with a cutesy cover and I’m not even ashamed. This book was written so well rounded. Each character had their own stories and everything fit together perfectly. Cooper’s character arc was my favorite. If I could have described the ideal man in a book, it would have been him. The thoughtfulness behind every single thing just shows what type of person he is. His mama and Pops raised him right. I will be reading more from this author.
I really enjoyed Madeline and Coopers story. The kids make a wonderful addition as both are learning parenting skills. Other family not so much. It was a joy to watch them become who they need to be.
Thank you for the advanced copy! I absolutely loved this book and Juliana Smith does not miss! I loved getting to see Madeline and Cooper grow with the story and the children were so cute!
Read if you like: opposites attract, single aunt, fake dating, holiday romcom, strangers to friends to lovers, banter, no third act breakup, snowed in, closed door romance,
I felt that this book was too long, it just dragged on at times. There were lots of description that I didn’t really need, I put this book down so many times because it was super slow to get into it.
Cooper is a ski instructor who messes up and needs a fake wife and kids ASAP. This is where Madeline, who works at the resort, comes into the picture. She’s a single aunt who has custody of her niece and nephew.
Cooper seemed quite self absorbed and selfish. He never made an effort to learn other peoples names and use it, he was frustrated that Madeline was going on a “date” with someone else and how she said no to him. Madeline has zero obligation to help him out, he didn’t even know her at all and he couldn’t take a simple “no”. I hated that he didn’t give her a choice and put her in the situation to help him out.
While Charlie sounded cute, he did not act like a 9 year old. But maybe that’s the point? I understand he would’ve had to grow up quite fast and that he is an advanced kid, but he was too unbelievable at times.
This book wasn’t for me, but if you like the tropes maybe give this book a go.
This book was a super cute rom com and I really enjoyed it. The one thing I did not like about this book was how cooper basically forced Madeline’s hand into a relationship of convenience. She wasn’t given much of a choice in the matter. So it felt really forced. Over all it was cute and cozy.
The perfect winter romcom that will get you in the holiday spirit!!! I was super excited when I saw there was a sequel to Baggage Claim because that is one of my favorite holiday reads. This follows Madeline, a single guardian who would do anything for her kids. And then we have Cooper who is a child ski instructor and is trying to change his life around. This had one of my favorite meet cutes of all time. I was laughing out loud. I was also sobbing by the end of the book so keep your tissues handy.
Read if you like:
- single guardian
- fake dating
- romcom
I adore Juliana Smith and will never miss one of her books. I loved getting to go back to this winter wonderland. I really adored Cooper and the growth he had to go through in this book. He made the choice to grow for her and the kids. He wanted to grow and be there for them. This is a book couple I am convivence will stay together forever.
4.25 ⭐️ I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - Juliana Smith’s books are like a warm hug.
Every time I pick up one of her romances I just know I’m about kick my feet, cry a little, laugh out loud and never want to put it down. Snowed Under was no different. Cooper and Madeline start out with the absolute best meet-cute followed by a unique fake dating situation wrapped up in a single-mom trope. This book has everything and more! The only reason she’s not a 5-star for me is the middle-ish part was a little slow and disconnected for me. But I couldn’t put the book down through the last 40% and are you kidding me with the “Dada”?? Straight waterworks. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
This was such a warm hug! I loved Cooper and Madeleine’s story. Fake dating is my favorite trope and this really did not disappoint. There was so many tender moments and the chemistry was perfect.
This was exactly what I hoped for! It was so charming, and Cooper definitely deserved his own story. Honestly, what more could you ask for than to read about Cooper’s happy conclusion? Snowed Under, authored by Julianna Smith, is a companion piece to Baggage Claim.
I absolutely loved Cooper! He was incredibly kindhearted and deeply cared for those close to him. It was a joy to dive deeper into his character and watch him fall for Madeline. His feelings for her were intense from the start, and he was just this big, lovable guy who genuinely wanted to support her and her family. His challenge was figuring out how to show Madeline he cared and how to be there for her.
Madeline, on the other hand, was such a resilient character, and I enjoyed reading about her journey as well. She was doing everything she could to raise her niece and nephew like they were her own, and my heart went out to her as she struggled to manage it all. I admired how she could be her true self around Cooper. She had to learn to let him into her life and realize it was okay to accept help.
The dynamic between Madeline and Cooper was heartwarming. They balanced each other perfectly, like two halves of a whole. Their relationship unfolded at just the right pace—neither too fast nor too slow—as they both tried to figure out what being together really meant.
The kids were such a delight! They brought so much to the story. Charlie was so thoughtful, while Piper had a great sense of humor. I loved how they interacted with both Cooper and Madeline. It added a whole new layer of cuteness to the story. Cooper’s mom, Finn, and Olive were also wonderful characters to revisit. But, wow, Madeline’s parents really got under my skin!
If you’re looking for a fun romantic comedy, I’d definitely recommend Snowed Under. It’s a sweet, clean romance with a few cheeky moments, perfect for a PG-13 audience.
Content Warnings: Mentions of sibling loss, parental trauma
I received a free copy of this book from the author and decided to write this review. These are my honest thoughts, and I wasn’t required to provide a positive review.
4.5 ⭐️
this was genuinely just such a wholesome read. I loved every second of cooper & madeline’s story!! they were incredibly sweet & the banter between the two & easy going friendship was so precious.
cooper was just a sweet & fun loving guy with a heart of gold & madeline just loved so fiercely & wanted to prove she could be more! they were easily so meant to be & I thoroughly enjoyed watching them realize it on their own. in hopes, to help the ski lodge because it both meant a lot to them, fake dating seemed like the perfect answer & it was so sweet & genuine to each other. Cooper didn’t even realize his life was missing something until Madeline walked into it & he immediately knew he was in for the ride, no matter what.
Mini Coop & Half Pint were also big parts of the story & I freaking loved those kids by the end. also really made me wanna have a disney marathon & eat Sham Jams.
the ONLY thing & reason I gave it 4.5 stars was bc I REALLY, REALLY wanted a scene of Madeline sticking it to her parents & some major groveling on their parts, because THEY DID HER WRONG & Madeline deserved BETTER.
“You are valuable. He left them for you.”
⛷️ romcom
🎿 opposites attract
⛷️ single aunt + nephews ski instructor
🎿 fake dating
⛷️ no spice, but tender moments & lots of chemistry
🎿 no third act break up
⛷️ all the sweet hallmark vibes
a magical hallmark holiday read, but better.
i read this is one sitting because it was so easy to read and immersive myself into the story.
madeleine and coopers chemistry is so fun and pure, and it flows so well. i loved the writing style too.
this book made me laugh and it made me tear up. it’s a great in between read!
loved it!
instagram post to follow 🖤
Netgalley ARC. Publishing 23/11/24
Cooper needs to save his family ski lodge and asks Madeline to be his fake girlfriend for a magazine article.
Snowed Under is a companion novel to Baggage Claim and Wow, I really loved it. I didn't think I'd like anyone as much as Finn, but then I met Cooper.
The chemistry between Cooper and Madeline was off the chart. These two were destined to be together. Cooper using Mini Coop to chat up Madeline was a great first meeting, and it had me chuckling. The "not dates" were really cute, and the feedback emails were a fun addition. Mini Coop and Half Pint really added to the story it was great to see the small ways in which Cooper bonded with them.
I also liked that both MC's are in their 30's and actually acted as such.
This was a super cute wintery read, but it also had me tearing up at points. The epilogue finished this little series off perfectly. Definitely add this one to your tbr.
Thank you NetGalley, ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Juliana Smith for the early access copy of Snowed Under.
To say I’m sad to have finished this book is an understatement. I devoured this story in a day and wish I could read more about Cooper and Madeline’s story. Both Madeline and Cooper’s character development were amazing to follow. Madeline was given custody of both her niece and nephew after her only brother and his wife passed, leaving her to figure out parenthood, school, and grief all at once. Cooper is determined to keep his family’s business at a ski lodge prosperous after the passing of his grandfather’. When a family magazine approaches Cooper to write about the lodge, he is thrust into a situation that only Madeline can solve.
With witty banter, realistic family situations, golden retriever energy, and amazing chemistry between the main characters, it is hard to leave this literary world behind. This is a cozy, winter romance worth the read.