Scan barcode
meganpbell's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I managed to fit in another holiday romance on audio before Christmas! Fake dating, best friends to lovers, all on a mysteriously sabotaged Christmas tree farm, this was a quick, easy, and festive read—though a little forgettable and I wish it were a little funnier and little more Christmassy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Terminal illness and Death of parent
catsandmetaphors's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I don’t usually seek out small town romances (I’m a city girl, give me all the romance books set in NYC) nor friends-to-lovers romances (they hit a little too close to home, only without the happy ending), but I’m so glad I picked up this book. It is so cosy and the chemistry between Stella and Luka was *chef’s kiss*. The supporting cast and the townsfolk were incredible, unusually well-rounded and well-utilised.
My only gripe is that I’m 99% certain that the author has never met a cat in her life. Fellow cat parents, read the book and you’ll see what I mean.
My only gripe is that I’m 99% certain that the author has never met a cat in her life. Fellow cat parents, read the book and you’ll see what I mean.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity
annabananadel's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“Leaning on other people doesn't make your achievements any less yours, La La. You can trust me to help you carry the load. You don't have to do all of this alone. I know you can take of yourself. You've been doing that as long as I've known you. But let me hold your hand while you do it, okay?”
It was a sweet and cute story right from beginning to the third act and I was happily just vibing along with the story. I really went in this book without even reading the synopsis and when I found out it's a fake dating trope, I was immediately hooked. Moreso when Luka got into the scene and made everyone swoon with Stella. Everytime he calls her La La, instant swoon.
Rating this a little low because I did enjoy listening to the audiobook of this one, story-wise, it's not something really that different. Comparing to other fake dating tropes, I would put this a little low because although it did make me swoon, the third act killed it for me. Stella was just dumb as fuck. Yes, she fears abandonment but damn girl, you and Luka were already there. I just think that it was unnecessary and should just get together instead of being dumb like that.
Maybe in the future, I'll re-read this but as of now, it is what it is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer and Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment
nika_nix's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This was fine. I was hoping for more than fine, though. The premise of this novel sounds fantastic, best friends who fake date to save the Christmas tree farm sounded like the perfect holiday read, but it felt kind of meh. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two main characters, the plot was all over the place and the romance didn't feel convincing in any stage of their relationship. I especially hate the third-act conflict because it made no sense and I feel like the author put it there just so she can check the box on the list of elements that the romance novel should have. Yes, it was cozy and certain scenes did make me smile, the potential is definitely there, but damn, was I disappointed by this one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
fisherkl24's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
effevve's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Grief
nesscress's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
sambo_0103's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Panic attacks/disorders
wilybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.0
On paper, this book should’ve been everything that I love, but sadly didn’t really work for me.
Firstly, it didn’t really feel all that Christmassy to me. The book ended in early December! The premise was ridiculous (what sane adult buys a Christmas tree farm when they don’t do any research or have a clue how to run a Christmas tree farm??), the writing was clunky and meandering, the characters frequently behaved goofily — and not in a fun way. Some of their behaviour felt forced and out of character in order to serve the plot. I felt like I needed more from the hero, especially since this is single POV until the very last chapter. And why was everybody huffing and shuffling? These words were used so repetitively that it was annoyingly conspicuous.
Also, writing a cop (who is meant to be a positive, father-like character) threatening the hero with a gun as though it's cute and endearingly protective is... a Choice.
Firstly, it didn’t really feel all that Christmassy to me. The book ended in early December! The premise was ridiculous (what sane adult buys a Christmas tree farm when they don’t do any research or have a clue how to run a Christmas tree farm??), the writing was clunky and meandering, the characters frequently behaved goofily — and not in a fun way. Some of their behaviour felt forced and out of character in order to serve the plot. I felt like I needed more from the hero, especially since this is single POV until the very last chapter. And why was everybody huffing and shuffling? These words were used so repetitively that it was annoyingly conspicuous.
Also, writing a cop (who is meant to be a positive, father-like character) threatening the hero with a gun as though it's cute and endearingly protective is... a Choice.
On the plus side, the vibes were quite cosy (but also quite sad at times?) and the UST was excellently portrayed in the first half. That was my favourite part.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment and Death
Minor: Infidelity, Terminal illness, Violence, Cancer, Alcoholism, Classism, Gun violence, and Police brutality
sparkinspace's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Cute book set in wintertime.
Got a bit mad at Stella for not realising Luca's feelings earlier and literally not believing him when he told her. But we got there in the end.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent