A review by roksyreads
Christmas at Fox Ridge by Bailey Hannah

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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? No

5.0

For Eira Davies, sketching a handsome man on a bar napkin seems like harmless fun—right up until he catches her in the act and she learns that he’s none other than Lucas McKinney, her best friend’s brother. After sharing one steamy night, Eira and Lucas go their separate ways with nothing but memories. Six months later, as Lucas works desperately to save his struggling ranch, he agrees to his sister’s suggestion to rent out the cute spare cabin on the property, having no idea that the guest his sister lined up is none other than Eira—the woman branded in his thoughts. Trusting in fate’s mysterious ways, it seems the universe has delivered Eira to his doorstep just days before Christmas like a gift. Together, they’ll have to work out if their holiday surprise reunion is just an opportunity for a festive fling or the real deal. 

Despite Australia creeping ever closer to summer at this time of the year, I found myself immersed in the snowy wonderland of Christmas at Fox Ridge. Cosier than a mug of hot chocolate by a roaring fire, this adorable Christmas novella is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with Bailey Hannah breathing life and atmosphere into the story with every word. FMC Eira’s and MMC Lucas’ chemistry crackled from their first meeting, and I loved the playfulness they brought out in each other. One minute, I’d be chuckling at their banter, only to have to cool my Kindle down a few pages later before it could burst into flames with the utter heat between them. As I’ve settled into my romance era, a common pet-peeve is MMCs that lose their individual voices during dirty talk, but I never got that feeling when Lucas as he uttered the sweetest, most delectable filth to Eira. He was always present, and it made the chemistry and romance that much more powerful. I’ll absolutely be revisiting this story later in the year to get me in the mood for the festive season, and suspect it’ll become a favourite comfort read over time.



I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide an honest review as an ARC reader.