A review by _onemorechapter_
My December Darling by Lauren Asher

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

𝑻.𝑾:Loss and grief related to the medical field, including the emotional toll of losing patients.
 
“There is always room for love in our lives, so long as we are open to accepting the kind we think we deserve.”

💭Okay, friends, gather 'round because I just devoured My December Darling, and let me tell you, it was the perfect cozy winter read and was super freaking cute. ❄️💕

Catalina is playing the role of her sister’s maid of honor, which sounds simple enough—until you realize she’s doing it for a wedding that’s all kinds of complicated since it’s her ex getting hitched. 🤦‍♀️ But then there’s Luke, the best man, who’s not just a total heartthrob but also the best friend of her ex. I mean, the drama! 😱
Now, I won’t give too much away, but Catalina’s fierce “not interested” vibe is a chef’s kiss as Luke tries to break through her walls. He’s persistent (and kind of swoon-worthy), and honestly, watching him charm her while she pretends to be immune to his charms was hilarious and adorable. 😍
The tension is electric, and the way Asher crafts their banter made me giggle and swoon in equal measure! Plus, the Christmas setting is just the cherry on top, giving you all the warm and fuzzy feels.

Catalina, our main gal, is known around Lake Wisteria as the “ice queen.” She’s a NICU nurse who’s chosen the transient life of a traveling nurse, which perfectly mirrors her emotional distance. Can you imagine the heartache that comes with losing patients? Lauren Asher touches on this heartbreaking reality, and it’s so raw and real. It makes you appreciate the incredible emotional toll that doctors and nurses carry. 💔 Catalina longs for connection and love but struggles to let anyone in, which makes her journey toward vulnerability so impactful.
Watching her slowly open up to Luke was such a beautiful transformation! Their chemistry is off the charts, and you can’t help but root for them. Speaking of Luke—what a sweetheart! He’s basically the definition of a true gentleman. I mean, the way he notices the little things about Catalina? Melts my heart! From buying her that Lego set she’s been eyeing to baking her favorite Christmas dessert, he goes above and beyond to make her feel special, and the 10 hours waiting in line to buy something for her - uff🔥 expectation is set on the moon, Asher!
Luke’s unwavering support and thoughtfulness made their connection feel so genuine and heartfelt. He really fought for Catalina, even when she tried to push him away, and that kind of dedication is what we all dream about! 🥰 He’s open about his feelings and secure in his emotions, which is such a refreshing quality in a love interest. I seriously need a Luke Darling in my life!

Sure, it’s a novella at 50k words, but it packs a punch! The pacing was spot on, and I loved how quickly I fell into Catalina and Luke’s world. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the story has that perfect blend of grumpy/sunshine vibes that I live for!
In a nutshell, My December Darling is not just a cute holiday romance; it’s a story about love, vulnerability, and the journey to finding a place you belong.

Tropes:

ꨄ︎ Doctor x Nurse
ꨄ︎ Cinnamon roll MMC x Closed off FMC                                                                                                                             
ꨄ︎ Small Town
ꨄ︎ Best Man x Maid of Honor
ꨄ︎ He falls first

𝐏.𝐒 I love the cover page!

🔸𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔸𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: Contemporary Romance 
🔸𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: Yes!
If you’re looking for a quick, flirty read that will leave you dreaming of snowflakes and holiday romance, look no further! This one gets a solid 4 stars from me! 

🔸 𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔:

“I hate that he’s funny. It would be a hell of a lot easier to ignore him if he wasn’t actively trying to not only talk to me but make me laugh too.”

“Tonight, I didn’t only make Catalina Martinez laugh, but smile twice, and I’ll be damned because I’m already looking forward to when I can do it again.”

“Are you diagnosing me?” He turns to face me with a smile. “I would never dare, Doctor Darling.” He beams. “Say that again.” I roll my eyes. “And feed your power trip? No thanks.” The sparkle in his eyes rivals the stars above us. “Please. At this rate, I will be begging for scraps of your attention.” “You call this begging?” My gaze flickers over his tall form. It takes me far more effort than it should to fake my disinterest, especially with the way he fills out his scrubs. “Consider me unimpressed.” “If you wanted me on my knees for the full effect, all you needed to do was ask.”

“A love that might not be perfect, but one that will stand the test of time and all the trials that life brings our way.”