3.18k reviews for:

My December Darling

Lauren Asher

3.71 AVERAGE

mdlynprsrpn_'s review against another edition

4.25

funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

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“Spending time with Catalina feels like the most natural thing in the world. There is something about her that always keeps me coming back for more.” —Luke Darling

“Choosing to love him for the rest of my life is the easiest decision I’ve ever made.” —Catalina Martinez 

greening giggling laughing swooning gasping wheezing throwing up

My December Darling was such a heartwarming gem—short, yes, but bursting with charm, chemistry, and holiday softness. I dove in expecting a quick read and instead fell headfirst into full emotional devotion. Luke Darling? That man hijacked my brain cells. Somehow, in just 200 pages, he became my favorite Lauren Asher hero of all time. (that is, below Santiago Alatorre ofc). Blunt, magnetic, quietly protective, and downright hopeless for Catalina—he had me swooning, spiraling, and highlighting entire chapters which, for me, rarely happens in novellas. 😩

Catalina and Luke’s dynamic was sugary sweet with just the right edge of spice, and despite the brevity, their relationship felt emotionally layered and satisfying. No forced drama, no third-act chaos—just two people genuinely finding comfort, connection, and love. The holiday backdrop added that perfect festive glow, with cozy scenes that never felt cliché or overly Christmasy. I especially adored the way Catalina’s insecurity was handled with care and how Luke’s gentle confidence helped her reclaim her voice.

Lauren Asher’s writing here felt like a level-up moment. The pacing was tight, the banter was addictive, and the vibes was as always that THAT immaculate. Honestly, this novella felt like a full-length book in disguise—proof that less can absolutely be more when done right. I’m now praying for future Wisteria cameos because Luke and Catalina deserve every inch of spotlight possible 👀💘

Likewise, I’d love to shout out Noah B. Perez and Vanessa Vasquez for their stunning duet narration. Their voices felt effortlessly in sync—emotionally rich, layered, and full of spark. They didn’t just narrate the story, but they embodied it, turning each scene into an immersive experience 🎧💕

AND honestly, knowing this book is set in the same universe as the Lakefront Billionaires series just makes me even more feral. I haven’t read that series yet since I’m waiting to binge it all once book three drops later this year—but trust me, I will be clearing my calendar when it does. And you better believe I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for Luke and Catalina cameos. I need them popping up in side-scenes, being chaotic or wholesome or both, offering soft support to the main couples and absolutely living their best lives across every book. Let them be the universe’s emotional glue, PLEASE 😫🙏🏻

Next stop: Love Redesigned! 💥🏃🏻‍♀️💜 

thebadbookworm's review against another edition

1.0

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This dude is the male equivalent of a Mary Sue.

werthartha's review against another edition

5.0

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doctor darling, you'll be my fav doctor ever, always.

vixenbookaddict's review against another edition

5.0

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I am in love with this story. It was a little long for a novella but I was interested the entire time. the characters, the storyline all of it was so exciting

danimarie516's review against another edition

5.0

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THEY BUILT LEGOS TOGETHER <3

abigailshives's review against another edition

4.0

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I’ll read anything by Lauren Asher. This was a cute little novella and I loved it! Even though it was short the timing of this couple felt perfect and not rushed! Very sweet, and I’ll probably read it again next year during holiday season

blu90s's review against another edition

4.0

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

daynap's review against another edition

3.0

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Cute quick standalone holiday novella that took just a little longer than a hallmark Christmas movie. Check trigger warnings (nicu nurse, as someone who lost an infant nephew during during the Holiday, this was definitely tough in parts)

kiyee's review against another edition

5.0

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This book was a super fast read, devouring it in less than a day. It was long for a novella, but I enjoyed the length. I love Lauren Asher and this was no exception. While I was irrationally angry at first that her sister was marrying her ex, and that I was reading ANOTHER best friend’s wedding story, I quickly fell in love with Luke. And I really enjoyed the character and development of Catalina. Her sister tried my patience

lovingbyval's review against another edition

5.0

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5/5 ★ THIS MIGHT BE THE BEST NOVELLA?? no bc lauren did not miss i LOVEEEE this book so so much!! it was just so cute and well paced for being a novella, i love all the characters so so much <33

I RELATE TO CATALINA SO MUCH her angst hit so hard her being shy and quiet and people misinterpreting it compared to her family :( and the LONELINESS GOD SHES ME! and luke omg the way he is the sweetest and smoothest ever gahh his bantering and teasing was so good!! THE LEGOS STOP catalina always wanting someone to build with (shes just like me) and him getting it for her ahhh he’s such a nerd i need him the competitiveness omgomg (i wish we expanded more on his parents but his angst made sad i love that he found a family within aiden and the martinez) their chemistry was so good and i love how they both trued their best to understand each other and how they dealt with things and the patience ugh i love them so bad!!! (also aiden and gabriela were so cute) the found family for a novella was top tier and i just love luke and cataline sm!!