Tag: indie author

Book Review: Since We’ve No Place to Go by Kate Watson

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Length: 330 pages
Author: Kate Watson
Publisher: Little Biks Creative
Release Date: November 19th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Caught in a blizzard with the baseball player she despises, a sports analyst is about to see if holiday cheer can thaw even the coldest hearts.

SCATTERED.

It’s like I liked this but also some stuff took me out of it?

I thought the banter was fantastic. It’s cheeky and full of great quips. I loved Cooper pushed Liesel’s buttons without being over bearing and it made for some solid moments. I loved the baseball dynamics and it has a soft sports vibe (no games are played, but baseball is definitely part of the story).

I loved Liesel’s over bearing family. They drove me a bit crazy but I also appreciated the sentiment of their care and love so it worked well. This book is also a little bit heavier than I was expected and I found myself really invested in a part of the plot and loved how that worked out for the conclusion.

There’s definitely a good amount of showing, and yet there was just enough telling too that I noticed and it bugged me? I would have loved to just have had enough more show. I do love a good argument scene though and this one was great. Some momentum issues, but this was my first book by Kate Watson and I would try another!

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Sports Holiday Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Content Warnings: a parent with agoraphobia, loss of a mother (recounted, grief depicted)

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Book Review: The Holidate Switch by Torie Jean

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Holiday Romance Novella
Length: 201 pages
Author: Torie Jean
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: October 25th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Coming home for the holiday takes a drastic turn for the awkward, when Natalie’s fake boyfriend—Caden, her best friend and long-term crush—breaks his leg and his twin brother, bane of Natalie’s existence, hockey-player Cole, tags in for the show.

HOT DANG.

Okay so I absolutely loved this. For 200 pages I felt like so much was packed into it and it was steamy in all the best ways. I loved the bait and switch and was GLUED to my kindle and read the whole thing practically in one sitting.

This is my favorite kind of man down bad that makes the book incredible. I loved how genuine Cole was with Natalie and her family and going along for the ride while making his intentions known. Natalie wasn’t over the top in communicating and working through the new information thrown at her and it just made everything enjoyable.

I loved all of the holiday moments and think this is an absolute delight that you must add to your holiday TBR.

Overall audience notes:

  • Holiday Romance Novella
  • Language: mild+
  • Romance: 1-2ish almost scenes
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: FMC with chronic illness

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Book Review: Highland Holiday by Kasey Stockton

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Length: 324 pages
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 12th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

One rejected kiss. Two clashing personalities. And a snowstorm that traps them in an isolated cottage.

Callie Winter is the kind of person who holds everything together—for her family, her friends, her coworkers. But this Christmas, she’s hoping to catch her breath in the Scottish Highlands and maybe rediscover a little joy along the way. A kiss with a charming stranger in a pub? The perfect holiday distraction.

Until he rejects her.

Gavin Mackenzie doesn’t do flings, especially not with tourists who’ll be gone before the snow melts. He’s got enough on his plate—keeping the old family cottage running, managing the quiet that sometimes feels like loneliness, and pretending he’s just fine, thank you very much. The last thing he needs is a whirlwind American trying to kiss him in a pub… or move into his personal space.

But when a snowstorm leaves them stranded together, Callie’s forced to stay with the last man she wants to face. She’s prickly and wounded. He’s charming but distant. And neither of them are prepared for the slow burn that starts to crack their walls.

In between the cocoa and the Christmas tree, they’ll both have to face what they’re really afraid of: asking for what they need… and trusting someone else to give it.

A grumpy-sunshine, snowed-in holiday romance about messy feelings, unexpected healing, and the kind of love that doesn’t need fixing—just the courage to claim it.

SOFT.

If that’s what you need right now, pick this one up. It’s a soft romance filled with a beautiful setting in the Scottish highlands.

I loved the depression rep for Gavin. It was discussed well and was incredibly relatable and I loved the topic and way he expressed those emotions. Even more so, I loved how Callie allowed him those feelings without pity but with genuine support.

And I liked the journey with Gavin’s parents too. There was another intensely relatable situation here and without spoiling, it was something I can appreciate.

The romance takes a little bit to find the swoon but I think the second half did a great job. I loved all of the Christmas and holiday vibes and the close knit friendships that were present.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Holiday Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: strained parent relationships

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Book Review: About Last Christmas by Rachel Scott McDaniel

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Holiday Romance
Length: 300 pages
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Publisher: RSM Publishing LLC
Release Date: October 23rd, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

She’s trying to avoid a holiday disaster. He’s trying to earn his way off her naughty list. Both need a Christmas Miracle.

Greta Carlton is beautifully content running her antique shop in the snow-globe town of Silver Creek, sipping vanilla gingerbread lattes, and staying clear of drama. But a whirlwind encounter with a handsome stranger leads to a whimsical evening, stirring her heart to believe in movie-style romance. That is, until Leo disappears into thin (and snowy) air. Ten months later, he walks into her shop like the Ghost of Christmas Last, needing a favor.

She’s still mad.
He’s still charming.

Greta doesn’t have time for men with dimpled grins and the proclivity for vanishing. She’s got her own holiday project with an approaching deadline. Though the more she learns about Leo, the more she realizes he’s the only thing standing between her and a Christmas catastrophe. They agree to help each other reach their holiday goals. As they untangle feelings as stubborn as knotted Christmas lights, Greta wonders if second chances are like antiques—unexpected, imperfect, and everything you didn’t know you were looking for.

About Last Christmas is a sweet holiday romance wrapped in witty banter, heartfelt twists, and the dreamy thrill of finding love in the glow of twinkling lights.

SUPER SWEET.

Another book I can easily add to my holiday recs list. This was charming and full of all things small town. The quirky personalities, main street and the way the community rallies around each other.

I enjoyed the banter between Greta and Leo. They had a flirty and light vibe. If you love second chance and plenty of forced proximity this is worth the pickup.

And it was FULL of holiday magic. Which is a must for any wonderful holiday romance. After loving RSM’s historical romances I was so excited to see that this holds a magical story too.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Holiday Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: loss of a loved one (recounted), strained parental relationships

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