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Fitzpatrick Christmas #2
Snowed In
Megan is dreading going home for the holidays. She’s the village pariah, the she-devil who left local golden boy Isaac at the altar four years ago and ran away to the big city. She could really do without the drama. Particularly as he’s engaged again, and she’s just been dumped for the fourth time this year.
Christian’s fed up of being on his own every Christmas. He doesn’t mind being alone , but he hates his family’s sad eyes and soft tones as they sit around coupled up. Because he’s actually, totally, fine.
So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season. They’re going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever .
Rules are drawn up, a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. They will sit through each other’s family gatherings and be outrageously in love until freed from their annual obligations. After all, it’s only for a few weeks.
But with everyone home for the holidays, two big families to deal with alongside old friends, old flames and old feelings, things are bound to get messy. And when a snowed-in cabin and a little Christmas magic are added to the mix, anything could happen…
A swoonworthy and utterly gorgeous romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud and fall completely in love. Fans of Emily Henry, Sophie Kinsella and Abby Jimenez won’t be able to put this down!
Christian’s fed up of being on his own every Christmas. He doesn’t mind being alone , but he hates his family’s sad eyes and soft tones as they sit around coupled up. Because he’s actually, totally, fine.
So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season. They’re going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever .
Rules are drawn up, a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. They will sit through each other’s family gatherings and be outrageously in love until freed from their annual obligations. After all, it’s only for a few weeks.
But with everyone home for the holidays, two big families to deal with alongside old friends, old flames and old feelings, things are bound to get messy. And when a snowed-in cabin and a little Christmas magic are added to the mix, anything could happen…
A swoonworthy and utterly gorgeous romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud and fall completely in love. Fans of Emily Henry, Sophie Kinsella and Abby Jimenez won’t be able to put this down!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2023
About the author
Catherine Walsh
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You can find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catwalshwri...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,047 reviews
November 9, 2023
4.5 or maybe even 5 stars??? gonna take a few days to decide. I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was but DAMN!!!!! Runaway bride, fake dating, the characters grew up together, NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP & all the holiday vibes!!
Also I think this is a new release, going to go read the book that came out before this one now!
Also I think this is a new release, going to go read the book that came out before this one now!
December 4, 2023
Pretty decent and enjoyable read.
✔️ Dual pov
✔️ Runaway bride
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ Small town setting in Ireland
✔️ No third act breakup
Keeping it precise, this is a fun and binge worthy read. But I found it to be a tad flawed. I much loved the first half of the book. The second half fell apart for me, it kind of lost the magnetism and I started to zone out.
I absolutely adored Christian and Megan. They have such cute moments and the chemistry is genuinely good. As individuals, Christian shines a bit more than Megan even tho it was her who had more depth. I didn't like any of the side characters, including Andrew and Molly (from Holiday Romance). Those two annoyed me a lot especially towards the end. But I will say this one was better than Holiday Romance.
The ending, especially the epilogue was very sweet. If you're looking for a lighthearted Christmas read with a fair bit of drama, then this is your book.
~•~•~
This better be good🤞
✔️ Dual pov
✔️ Runaway bride
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ Small town setting in Ireland
✔️ No third act breakup
Keeping it precise, this is a fun and binge worthy read. But I found it to be a tad flawed. I much loved the first half of the book. The second half fell apart for me, it kind of lost the magnetism and I started to zone out.
I absolutely adored Christian and Megan. They have such cute moments and the chemistry is genuinely good. As individuals, Christian shines a bit more than Megan even tho it was her who had more depth. I didn't like any of the side characters, including Andrew and Molly (from Holiday Romance). Those two annoyed me a lot especially towards the end. But I will say this one was better than Holiday Romance.
The ending, especially the epilogue was very sweet. If you're looking for a lighthearted Christmas read with a fair bit of drama, then this is your book.
~•~•~
This better be good🤞
December 21, 2023
Writing: solid | Plot: cute | Ending: yay! | 4.5 rounded down
SYNOPSIS
Megan is dreading returning to her small village where she's known as the runaway bride who ruined her ex's life. Christian is also not jazzed about going home, albeit for less dramatic reasons. To solve each other's problems, they agree to fake date BECAUSE OF COURSE WHAT OTHER SOLUTION IS THERE??????
MY OPINION
Holiday Romance remains my all-time fave Christmas romcom but Snowed In comes pretty close to it. Btw Snowed In features cameos of Molly and Andrew from Holiday Romance, so I advise reading that one first so you can fully enjoy their storyline in this one.
Like Holiday Romance, this book is legitimately funny and the characters have great chemistry. This was definitely in-line with most contemporary romances today: Christian was THAT dude with money who was protective and there was wide-open door spice. I can't remember if Holiday Romance also featured the word 'clit', but I feel like it didn't? Anyways, this book definitely does.
I loved Christian; I'm always a sucker for a good looking dude with a questionable past who gets his shit together. He's thoughtful, supportive, and best of all—attentive. The epitome of "if he wanted to, he would!" Megan, I'm happy to be your sister wife should the situation arise.
The reason this wasn't 5 stars was because I couldn't really get a handle on Megan. If you asked me to describe her personality, my brain would short circuit. Trying to picture her in my head was like the first time I heard cats having sex outside my college dorm and I thought they were fighting. But then I was like oh... no they're IN LOVE???? Megan was demure yet sassy yet shy yet horny yet IDK. It didn't quite fit but so be it.
Other than Megan's identity crisis, I LOVED the vibes of this book. It's a quick, bingeable read that made me feel all the things. Thankfully, NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. I enjoyed the other storylines as well: Christian and his daddy issues, Megan fixing her bad rep, Molly and Andrew's next steps... Just good times all around. ENJOY BOOKSTAHOES!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: legitimately funny, fast-paced, good tension and chemistry, a lil spice for ya'll feral horndogs, Molly and Andrew!!!!!!!, I just know Christian smells GOOD, great subplots
Cons: Megan's personality was all over the place – couldn't really figure her out
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
SYNOPSIS
Megan is dreading returning to her small village where she's known as the runaway bride who ruined her ex's life. Christian is also not jazzed about going home, albeit for less dramatic reasons. To solve each other's problems, they agree to fake date BECAUSE OF COURSE WHAT OTHER SOLUTION IS THERE??????
MY OPINION
Holiday Romance remains my all-time fave Christmas romcom but Snowed In comes pretty close to it. Btw Snowed In features cameos of Molly and Andrew from Holiday Romance, so I advise reading that one first so you can fully enjoy their storyline in this one.
Like Holiday Romance, this book is legitimately funny and the characters have great chemistry. This was definitely in-line with most contemporary romances today: Christian was THAT dude with money who was protective and there was wide-open door spice. I can't remember if Holiday Romance also featured the word 'clit', but I feel like it didn't? Anyways, this book definitely does.
I loved Christian; I'm always a sucker for a good looking dude with a questionable past who gets his shit together. He's thoughtful, supportive, and best of all—attentive. The epitome of "if he wanted to, he would!" Megan, I'm happy to be your sister wife should the situation arise.
The reason this wasn't 5 stars was because I couldn't really get a handle on Megan. If you asked me to describe her personality, my brain would short circuit. Trying to picture her in my head was like the first time I heard cats having sex outside my college dorm and I thought they were fighting. But then I was like oh... no they're IN LOVE???? Megan was demure yet sassy yet shy yet horny yet IDK. It didn't quite fit but so be it.
Other than Megan's identity crisis, I LOVED the vibes of this book. It's a quick, bingeable read that made me feel all the things. Thankfully, NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. I enjoyed the other storylines as well: Christian and his daddy issues, Megan fixing her bad rep, Molly and Andrew's next steps... Just good times all around. ENJOY BOOKSTAHOES!!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: legitimately funny, fast-paced, good tension and chemistry, a lil spice for ya'll feral horndogs, Molly and Andrew!!!!!!!, I just know Christian smells GOOD, great subplots
Cons: Megan's personality was all over the place – couldn't really figure her out
___
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
November 1, 2023
I loved this one! ❤️
It was an easy five ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Megan hasn’t been home for the holidays, in five years. The reason? She’s the village pariah, the she-devil 😈 who slipped out the back door of the Regency hotel on her wedding day, leaving local golden boy Isaac at the altar.
🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️
Christian was once the “bad boy” from Megan’s hometown. He LOVES returning home for the holidays but he HATES the way his “coupled up” family members look at him with pity every holiday when he turns up solo.
So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, 🍷 (oops!) they come up with a pact to get them through the holiday season-They will return home together and be the very best “fake dates” for each other-EVER!!
Rules are drawn up, and a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. (Why not? Southwest Airlines was born the same way!)
But, we all know, rules were made to be broken!
The dialogue (witty banter) is smart, the chemistry is SPICY (one or two very open door scenes) and the grand gestures are sweet!
Getting “Snowed In” has never been this much fun!!
I have no hesitation recommending this one! Catherine Walsh has now written two of my FAVORITE ROM-COMs-this one and “Holiday Romance”! See Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to the wonderful Bookouture for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
It was an easy five ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
Megan hasn’t been home for the holidays, in five years. The reason? She’s the village pariah, the she-devil 😈 who slipped out the back door of the Regency hotel on her wedding day, leaving local golden boy Isaac at the altar.
🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️
Christian was once the “bad boy” from Megan’s hometown. He LOVES returning home for the holidays but he HATES the way his “coupled up” family members look at him with pity every holiday when he turns up solo.
So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, 🍷 (oops!) they come up with a pact to get them through the holiday season-They will return home together and be the very best “fake dates” for each other-EVER!!
Rules are drawn up, and a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. (Why not? Southwest Airlines was born the same way!)
But, we all know, rules were made to be broken!
The dialogue (witty banter) is smart, the chemistry is SPICY (one or two very open door scenes) and the grand gestures are sweet!
Getting “Snowed In” has never been this much fun!!
I have no hesitation recommending this one! Catherine Walsh has now written two of my FAVORITE ROM-COMs-this one and “Holiday Romance”! See Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to the wonderful Bookouture for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
November 6, 2023
Santa should hire Catherine Walsh, because this woman knows how to deliver holiday cheer!
Five years ago Megan pulled a runner from her own wedding and left her village for Dublin. Christian, an old schoolmate and the only witness to her nuptial no-show, watched her go.
Fast forward five years to a Dublin pub where a jostling crowd and one wrong turn result in a messy reunion for Christian and Megan. Shocked to see one another, they commiserate about their anticipated miserable trips back home for holiday visits after years away. Megan is now a pariah in their small village and misunderstood by family and friends as the one who broke “poor” Isaac’s heart. Christian’s string of broken relationships have his family doubtful that he’s capable of true love.
The solution? Christian proposes that he and Megan fake date and be each other’s backup for all events during the two-week visit. It takes some convincing and one ratty cocktail napkin of agreed upon “dating” rules, but Megan agrees. What follows is a two-week visit home that will take the reader through ALL the emotions and fully entertain in the process!
After loving Holiday Romance last year, I was delighted to find myself back in that world with characters I’d already grown to love. I didn’t know they’d be in this book, so that was a great surprise! For those who loved Molly and Andrew’s story in that book and enjoyed meeting Molly’s sarcastic sister, Zoe, and Andrew’s family, the Fitzpatricks, you’ll be happy to catch up with them while Andrew’s brother Christian takes center stage.
The flirty and playful banter between Christian and Megan was hilarious, and their chemistry was off the charts! I LOVED that Christian was portrayed as thoughtful, supportive and attentive to Megan. Why aren’t more male MCs written like this?! Please authors … many of us want this! The spice factor isn’t overly frequent, but it does get very descriptive in a couple spots, so skim those if you don’t like details! These two are easily one of my favorite book couples ever.
This was so much fun, with many laugh out loud moments, but also some truly touching and sweet moments between Christian and Megan with their respective families, but also with each other as they become more trusting and vulnerable with each other. This felt like a story that could have happened this way and the icing on the cake is that there was no third act break-up for a welcome change!
I hope we’ll see more books in this world … perhaps Christian and Andrew’s sister, Hannah, Megan’s brother, Aidan, or Molly’s sister, Zoe? I’d take any or all of them! I highly recommend you make this book and Holiday Romance part of your holiday line-up!
★★★★★ ❤
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and author Catherine Walsh for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now!
Five years ago Megan pulled a runner from her own wedding and left her village for Dublin. Christian, an old schoolmate and the only witness to her nuptial no-show, watched her go.
Fast forward five years to a Dublin pub where a jostling crowd and one wrong turn result in a messy reunion for Christian and Megan. Shocked to see one another, they commiserate about their anticipated miserable trips back home for holiday visits after years away. Megan is now a pariah in their small village and misunderstood by family and friends as the one who broke “poor” Isaac’s heart. Christian’s string of broken relationships have his family doubtful that he’s capable of true love.
The solution? Christian proposes that he and Megan fake date and be each other’s backup for all events during the two-week visit. It takes some convincing and one ratty cocktail napkin of agreed upon “dating” rules, but Megan agrees. What follows is a two-week visit home that will take the reader through ALL the emotions and fully entertain in the process!
After loving Holiday Romance last year, I was delighted to find myself back in that world with characters I’d already grown to love. I didn’t know they’d be in this book, so that was a great surprise! For those who loved Molly and Andrew’s story in that book and enjoyed meeting Molly’s sarcastic sister, Zoe, and Andrew’s family, the Fitzpatricks, you’ll be happy to catch up with them while Andrew’s brother Christian takes center stage.
The flirty and playful banter between Christian and Megan was hilarious, and their chemistry was off the charts! I LOVED that Christian was portrayed as thoughtful, supportive and attentive to Megan. Why aren’t more male MCs written like this?! Please authors … many of us want this! The spice factor isn’t overly frequent, but it does get very descriptive in a couple spots, so skim those if you don’t like details! These two are easily one of my favorite book couples ever.
This was so much fun, with many laugh out loud moments, but also some truly touching and sweet moments between Christian and Megan with their respective families, but also with each other as they become more trusting and vulnerable with each other. This felt like a story that could have happened this way and the icing on the cake is that there was no third act break-up for a welcome change!
I hope we’ll see more books in this world … perhaps Christian and Andrew’s sister, Hannah, Megan’s brother, Aidan, or Molly’s sister, Zoe? I’d take any or all of them! I highly recommend you make this book and Holiday Romance part of your holiday line-up!
★★★★★ ❤
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and author Catherine Walsh for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now!
November 5, 2023
Cute couple alert!🚨🚨
Winter holiday or Christmas romance is just hard to beat. Even Valentine's or beach romances don't come close. There's magic in the air ✨❄️ and if you like your romance with some steam look no further! 💙☃️
Megan and Christian are old acquaintances. They last met five years ago at her supposedly wedding to Isaac but Megan's a runaway bride. Fast forward and here they are working in Dublin and by chance bump into one another at a pub. Since Christmas is around the corner both dread going home for different reasons. What better idea than to return as a "couple"?
I love fake dating and close proximity so Snowed In is a check, check. And a winter holiday and small town... CHECK and CHECK! 🎄
I enjoyed the charming MCs. It's an easy and entertaining read/listen. Because they are home, there are many characters to keep track of but the families and friends are wonderful and funny! I only wish the snowed-in part happened a bit sooner. I waited forever until I forgot about it. 😹
Excellent narration by Roisin Rankin and Colm Gleeson. I love listening to the beautiful Irish accent. They add so much to the experience.
Thank you Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for the advance copies for review.
Published Nov 1, 2023!
10H 37M
Winter holiday or Christmas romance is just hard to beat. Even Valentine's or beach romances don't come close. There's magic in the air ✨❄️ and if you like your romance with some steam look no further! 💙☃️
Megan and Christian are old acquaintances. They last met five years ago at her supposedly wedding to Isaac but Megan's a runaway bride. Fast forward and here they are working in Dublin and by chance bump into one another at a pub. Since Christmas is around the corner both dread going home for different reasons. What better idea than to return as a "couple"?
I love fake dating and close proximity so Snowed In is a check, check. And a winter holiday and small town... CHECK and CHECK! 🎄
I enjoyed the charming MCs. It's an easy and entertaining read/listen. Because they are home, there are many characters to keep track of but the families and friends are wonderful and funny! I only wish the snowed-in part happened a bit sooner. I waited forever until I forgot about it. 😹
Excellent narration by Roisin Rankin and Colm Gleeson. I love listening to the beautiful Irish accent. They add so much to the experience.
Thank you Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for the advance copies for review.
Published Nov 1, 2023!
10H 37M
December 30, 2023
4⭐
Genre ~ Holiday romance
Setting ~ Ireland
Publication date ~ November 1, 2023
Page Count ~ 384 (32 chapters p+e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 37 minutes
Narrators ~ Roisin Rankin, Colm Gleeson
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ fake relationship, friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Content warning from the author ~ controlling relationship
Megan & Christian
Megan has a tough time going home ever since she left her fiance at the alter 5 years ago. The town is not so welcoming of her, so Christian offers to help her get through the holidays by being her fake boyfriend. It's not one sided, though, he's tired of being single around all the couples.
This was fun. They had good banter and I'm happy this was a slow burn as opposed to starting off the fakeness as a friends with benefits. I liked how they slowly eased into their feelings for each other. No 3rd act breakup is always a win in my eyes. It took an awfully long time to get the the title of the book, so I'm not sure what's up with that.
Series notes:
I had no clue this was part of a series and that bothers me a little. Molly & Andrew from Holiday Romance are quite involved in this one. I might have to read it one day even though I now know what's in store for them.
Narration notes:
No complaints of their Irish accents.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ Holiday romance
Setting ~ Ireland
Publication date ~ November 1, 2023
Page Count ~ 384 (32 chapters p+e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 37 minutes
Narrators ~ Roisin Rankin, Colm Gleeson
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ fake relationship, friends to lovers, slow burn, minimal steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Content warning from the author ~ controlling relationship
Megan & Christian
Megan has a tough time going home ever since she left her fiance at the alter 5 years ago. The town is not so welcoming of her, so Christian offers to help her get through the holidays by being her fake boyfriend. It's not one sided, though, he's tired of being single around all the couples.
This was fun. They had good banter and I'm happy this was a slow burn as opposed to starting off the fakeness as a friends with benefits. I liked how they slowly eased into their feelings for each other. No 3rd act breakup is always a win in my eyes. It took an awfully long time to get the the title of the book, so I'm not sure what's up with that.
Series notes:
I had no clue this was part of a series and that bothers me a little. Molly & Andrew from Holiday Romance are quite involved in this one. I might have to read it one day even though I now know what's in store for them.
Narration notes:
No complaints of their Irish accents.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
January 7, 2024
4.5 stars
I didn't expect to love this as much as I did, because fake dating isn't among my favourite tropes. But I really liked how it was done here.
I enjoyed everything about this book – from the idyllic wintery setting to the relationships between the characters. I loved the family dynamics. There were a few bumps in the road, but overall I liked all the family members, and some friends.
I liked Megan and I adored Christian. Could he have been any more perfect? I loved how the relationship between them developed. It felt very natural and sweet.
The thing I enjoy the most about this author's writing is the way she writes characters and dialogues, and the humor. You know how so many books have the word "hilarious" on their covers, but they never are? Well, I found this one pretty funny at times.
Regarding that, I have to say that I absolutely loved the friendship between Christian and Zoe. I know I said in my review for the previous book that I didn't like Zoe, but I'm taking it back. The banter between them is perfect.
I didn't expect to love this as much as I did, because fake dating isn't among my favourite tropes. But I really liked how it was done here.
I enjoyed everything about this book – from the idyllic wintery setting to the relationships between the characters. I loved the family dynamics. There were a few bumps in the road, but overall I liked all the family members, and some friends.
I liked Megan and I adored Christian. Could he have been any more perfect? I loved how the relationship between them developed. It felt very natural and sweet.
The thing I enjoy the most about this author's writing is the way she writes characters and dialogues, and the humor. You know how so many books have the word "hilarious" on their covers, but they never are? Well, I found this one pretty funny at times.
Regarding that, I have to say that I absolutely loved the friendship between Christian and Zoe. I know I said in my review for the previous book that I didn't like Zoe, but I'm taking it back. The banter between them is perfect.
December 15, 2023
4.5⭐️ (rounded up)
I am heartbroken knowing this story is over and I'll never be back with these characters in their universe anymore 😭
THE PLOT
Megan leaves golden boy Issac at the alter and has not been to her hometown since in fear of judgement from others on the way she left. One day Christian is at a bar and runs into Megan. They come up with a plan to fake date for the holidays, as both of them are tired of hearing their families complain about them being single. They make a contract on a wine-stained napkin with the rules of their "relationship". Soon they both realize they're in too deep and real feelings makes things more complicated than they planned.
MY THOUGHTS
I absolutely devoured this book I ate up every single bit! This has the perfect vibe of sitting next to your Christmas tree with a cup of hot cocoa snuggled up with a warm blanket. I loved this book to the point where I am lost for words. I say this every time I read a new book...but Christian is yet another book boyfriend. Not golden retriever vibes but more like doberman vibes. I usually don't rate romance books very high cause most of it is cliche and predictable, but this was so unique in it's own way. I've truly enjoyed this book and had the best time reading it.
Extra points because there was NO third-act breakup!! This story was literally a present wrapped in a perfect bow ready to be opened and enjoyed.
I loved Megan's character so much. She was sassy and witty and I was eating her up. What I really loved about this book was the character development not just in the main characters, but also the side characters. So much thought and care was put into the characters you truly fall in love with everyone. I also really loved how they dive deeper into family dynamics and parent issues. Both Megan and Christian have mommy/daddy issues and it was really nice to see these issues worked out and dealt with in such a mature way. Again, tied up with a nice, pretty bow.
All in all, this book and Holiday Romance are the best romance books I've read in a hot minute. If you're looking for a festive, fake-dating, slow-burn, comedic romance, then this is definitely for you!! I could not recommend these more. 🩷
FAVORITES SCENES AND QUOTES
You can be with someone and be lonely. And you can be alone and not feel lonely at all. It took me ten years of dating and thinking something was wrong with me before I realized I was happier by myself.
Everyone else seemed to know their place in the world but me. Like they'd all been let in on some big secret. And no matter how many things I did right, everything always felt wrong.
"I'm hiding in the closet. Literally. Not metaphorically. Molly has freakishly good hearing."
"But terrible taste in men, so it all balances out."
"You are the passenger princess, which means you can do whatever you like."
"He should be happy about that. I'm considered a real catch around here."
"Who considers that?"
"My mother."
"If I start crying, just remember that's manly now. Toxic masculinity is dead."
"But you need to actually tell her. She doesn't know what to do with you half the time. Let alone how to talk to you."
"That's such an exaggeration."
"Is it? You make all these choices that she would never make, and she tries to understand you, but she doesn't. And I know this because I'm the one who has to act as the go-between the two of you."
As I follow her across the room to her mother, I realize I'm getting so good at pretending that I'm starting to fool myself.
Something changes in that moment, and all of a sudden I wish I'd never thought of this plan. I wish I could go back to her apartment that first night and sit in her couch and kiss her like she should always be kissed. Like how she should be right now. And there'd be no pretending about it.
"Of course I can sit up," he says. But he doesn't.
"You're like a kitten. Like a little newborn kitten."
My head tips back as she sits. up, and I watch through heavy-lidded eyes as she smiles a sexy little smile that tells me she knows exactly the power she has over me.
"Just because they weren't meant to last forever doesn't mean they weren't real.
"I've been searching for something my whole life, and nothing's ever clicked. And I think it's because I was looking for you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been thinking about this every day since I finished Holiday Romance I'm so glad I'm finally getting to read it!! 😌🎄
I am heartbroken knowing this story is over and I'll never be back with these characters in their universe anymore 😭
THE PLOT
Megan leaves golden boy Issac at the alter and has not been to her hometown since in fear of judgement from others on the way she left. One day Christian is at a bar and runs into Megan. They come up with a plan to fake date for the holidays, as both of them are tired of hearing their families complain about them being single. They make a contract on a wine-stained napkin with the rules of their "relationship". Soon they both realize they're in too deep and real feelings makes things more complicated than they planned.
MY THOUGHTS
I absolutely devoured this book I ate up every single bit! This has the perfect vibe of sitting next to your Christmas tree with a cup of hot cocoa snuggled up with a warm blanket. I loved this book to the point where I am lost for words. I say this every time I read a new book...but Christian is yet another book boyfriend. Not golden retriever vibes but more like doberman vibes. I usually don't rate romance books very high cause most of it is cliche and predictable, but this was so unique in it's own way. I've truly enjoyed this book and had the best time reading it.
Extra points because there was NO third-act breakup!! This story was literally a present wrapped in a perfect bow ready to be opened and enjoyed.
I loved Megan's character so much. She was sassy and witty and I was eating her up. What I really loved about this book was the character development not just in the main characters, but also the side characters. So much thought and care was put into the characters you truly fall in love with everyone. I also really loved how they dive deeper into family dynamics and parent issues. Both Megan and Christian have mommy/daddy issues and it was really nice to see these issues worked out and dealt with in such a mature way. Again, tied up with a nice, pretty bow.
All in all, this book and Holiday Romance are the best romance books I've read in a hot minute. If you're looking for a festive, fake-dating, slow-burn, comedic romance, then this is definitely for you!! I could not recommend these more. 🩷
FAVORITES SCENES AND QUOTES
You can be with someone and be lonely. And you can be alone and not feel lonely at all. It took me ten years of dating and thinking something was wrong with me before I realized I was happier by myself.
Everyone else seemed to know their place in the world but me. Like they'd all been let in on some big secret. And no matter how many things I did right, everything always felt wrong.
"I'm hiding in the closet. Literally. Not metaphorically. Molly has freakishly good hearing."
"But terrible taste in men, so it all balances out."
"You are the passenger princess, which means you can do whatever you like."
"He should be happy about that. I'm considered a real catch around here."
"Who considers that?"
"My mother."
"If I start crying, just remember that's manly now. Toxic masculinity is dead."
"But you need to actually tell her. She doesn't know what to do with you half the time. Let alone how to talk to you."
"That's such an exaggeration."
"Is it? You make all these choices that she would never make, and she tries to understand you, but she doesn't. And I know this because I'm the one who has to act as the go-between the two of you."
As I follow her across the room to her mother, I realize I'm getting so good at pretending that I'm starting to fool myself.
Something changes in that moment, and all of a sudden I wish I'd never thought of this plan. I wish I could go back to her apartment that first night and sit in her couch and kiss her like she should always be kissed. Like how she should be right now. And there'd be no pretending about it.
"Of course I can sit up," he says. But he doesn't.
"You're like a kitten. Like a little newborn kitten."
My head tips back as she sits. up, and I watch through heavy-lidded eyes as she smiles a sexy little smile that tells me she knows exactly the power she has over me.
"Just because they weren't meant to last forever doesn't mean they weren't real.
"I've been searching for something my whole life, and nothing's ever clicked. And I think it's because I was looking for you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been thinking about this every day since I finished Holiday Romance I'm so glad I'm finally getting to read it!! 😌🎄
February 2, 2024
This holiday season some kind of weird reading slump caught me and I only read 3 festive romances of whom I didn’t particularly like any. So basically, maybe the fact that the books I grabbed were more boring than romantic or funny, my mind decided to go for horrors and thrillers (and I have to stress out I read only a few of them too, as I was in some weird reading slump).
However, the last book I decided to read, the book I decided to close this weak festive season with made up for all those dull stories I read before, and I had a blast reading Megan and Christian’s story.
First of all, I immediately clicked with Catherine Walsh’s writing. It was simple, attention grabbing ,easy to fly through and what I appreciate the most, it was fun.
Reading Walsh’s words felt like having a coffee time with my friend, catching up with all the news in her life. It was a loooooong time since I enjoyed the book in such a comfortable way, so it is not a surprise that I finished the novel in only 2 days (in case you didn’t know, I am a slow reader and if I finish a book in 5 days I tap myself on the back congratulating for such a fast job done).
This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as standalone, it also is continuation on the first book, Holiday romance, as we do get updates on Molly and Andrew, who are main characters of that story. Because updates are not just tell and glimpse, but actual part of the plot, I suggest you all to read the books in Fitzpatrick Christmas in order. I didn’t do it, but I will definitely read Holiday Romance soon.
I got attached to these characters, so having another book with them in it makes me happy.
I enjoyed Snowed in, and loved, loved the characters, but the only thing that took me time to accept was how Megan was portrait as some kind of victim when in reality she was the one who ran away from her wedding, embarrassing her then fiance in front of everyone. With time I accepted her reasons, but still I wasn’t a fan how her ex was portrait as a bad guy.
There are some steamy scenes, but only few, which was just the right dose if anyone asks me.
Overall, this was the best holiday romance I read this year. It was like a hot chocolate on a snowy day and I will definitely read the other book in this series.
However, the last book I decided to read, the book I decided to close this weak festive season with made up for all those dull stories I read before, and I had a blast reading Megan and Christian’s story.
First of all, I immediately clicked with Catherine Walsh’s writing. It was simple, attention grabbing ,easy to fly through and what I appreciate the most, it was fun.
Reading Walsh’s words felt like having a coffee time with my friend, catching up with all the news in her life. It was a loooooong time since I enjoyed the book in such a comfortable way, so it is not a surprise that I finished the novel in only 2 days (in case you didn’t know, I am a slow reader and if I finish a book in 5 days I tap myself on the back congratulating for such a fast job done).
This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as standalone, it also is continuation on the first book, Holiday romance, as we do get updates on Molly and Andrew, who are main characters of that story. Because updates are not just tell and glimpse, but actual part of the plot, I suggest you all to read the books in Fitzpatrick Christmas in order. I didn’t do it, but I will definitely read Holiday Romance soon.
I got attached to these characters, so having another book with them in it makes me happy.
I enjoyed Snowed in, and loved, loved the characters, but the only thing that took me time to accept was how Megan was portrait as some kind of victim when in reality she was the one who ran away from her wedding, embarrassing her then fiance in front of everyone. With time I accepted her reasons, but still I wasn’t a fan how her ex was portrait as a bad guy.
There are some steamy scenes, but only few, which was just the right dose if anyone asks me.
Overall, this was the best holiday romance I read this year. It was like a hot chocolate on a snowy day and I will definitely read the other book in this series.
December 11, 2023
4 ⭐ Such a fun holiday romance! 💕
"I've been searching for something my whole life, and nothing's ever clicked. And I think it's because I was looking for you."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ holiday rom-com
✨ going home for Christmas
✨ small town in Ireland
✨ childhood classmates
✨ runaway bride
✨ fake dating
✨ forced proximity
✨ opposites attract
✨ hilarious banter
✨ no third act breakup
✨ 2/5 spice (short scenes, not explicit but open door)
✨ HEA
✨ strong family bonds
✨ features beloved characters from Holiday Romance
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: controlling relationship (past)
My Thoughts:
If Catherine Walsh has no fans, it's because I'm dead. I seriously don't think she could write a book I dislike. Every single one is an absolute delight filled with charming characters, hilarious banter, and heartwarming stories. I love them all so much, and Snowed In was no exception.
Christian and Megan were likable MMCs. Christian is a nice guy who seems to have his shit together, but unfortunately, he's not really happy. He's been living the life he thinks he should be living instead of the one he wants, and I think a lot of people will find this relatable. And Megan. I truly respect the hell out of her. She's a self-sufficient, practical gal who had the strength to leave a controlling man and build a life for herself doing something she loves. Throughout this story, she's forced to confront her past and comes out on top. At first, Megan goes about things in a non-confrontational way, but by the end, she boldly stands up for herself. And I loved that through it all, Christian is there, not to defend her, but to support her. They made such a great team.
The banter was so much fun! Megan and Christian are both pretty sarcastic with each other, and together they say the funniest shit. I truly laughed so much.
There was more spice than usual Catherine Walsh books. There's only two-ish sex scenes and they're not super explicit, BUT they were hot. They take place in a cabin and a hot tub while they are, quite literally, snowed in on Christmas. Very fun, sexy, and sweet.
I really loved that Christian and his dad opened up to each other near the end of the story. Christian's dad always loved him but could never quite understand him, even though he wanted to. And that lack of understanding always created friction between the two to the point where Christian felt like a constant disappointment and his dad felt like he pushed him away. While it'll take more than just this one conversation to mend the relationship, it was nice that they had this moment of vulnerability and honesty. I really related to this, and love how Catherine Walsh can write such realistic moments into a fun-loving rom-com.
I love Zoe. She is a fiercely independent woman with a wild and hilarious sense of humor. She's just such a real person. I loved when she said this to Christian:
"You can be with someone and be lonely. And you can be alone and not feel lonely at all. It took me ten years of dating and thinking something was wrong with me before I realized I was happier by myself."
Good for you babe! But now that she's got a baby and is no longer 'alone', I wonder if she'd be open to a relationship. I would just love to see her get her own story. 👀 Same with Aidan and Sophie! Something was definitely between these two!
With everything I loved about Snowed In, there was just one thing I didn't quite connect with.
Megan's relationship with her brother, Aidan, and Christian's relationship with his sister, Hannah. This could be because I'm not close to my siblings/family, but I found it odd how both these siblings were over-protective. With Hannah, it was just annoying because Christian is her big brother who is about 10 years older. So why is she acting like she needs to protect him at all? In a way though, I get it because their family is really close. But Aidan and Megan are not close at all and have never been. They haven't really even seen each other in a few years. So when she returns home with Christian and Aidan goes all protective younger brother on him, it didn't make sense. And in reality, I think Megan would have been annoyed with Aidan's behavior.
Overall, Snowed In is a wonderful holiday rom-com that you definitely should check out! Plus, it's free to read on Kindle Unlimited, so what are you waiting for???
Favorite Quotes:
"That's the one good thing about bad days. They always end."
_______
"Just give me a shot. For old time's sake."
"Old time's sake?
"Yeah. Where's your village loyalty?"
"In the village graveyard."
_______
"You are the passenger princess, which means you can do whatever you like."
_______
"A runaway bride is a lot cheaper than a divorce. And a lot more fun."
_______
"Take me on a date. A real one. Our first one."
"I can do that," he murmurs. "And then?"
And then?
"Everything," I tell him. "And then everything."
_______
-
Books by Catherine Walsh:
One Night Only - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Rebound - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Holiday Romance - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Matchmaker - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Snowed In - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
-
"I've been searching for something my whole life, and nothing's ever clicked. And I think it's because I was looking for you."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ holiday rom-com
✨ going home for Christmas
✨ small town in Ireland
✨ childhood classmates
✨ runaway bride
✨ fake dating
✨ forced proximity
✨ opposites attract
✨ hilarious banter
✨ no third act breakup
✨ 2/5 spice (short scenes, not explicit but open door)
✨ HEA
✨ strong family bonds
✨ features beloved characters from Holiday Romance
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: controlling relationship (past)
My Thoughts:
If Catherine Walsh has no fans, it's because I'm dead. I seriously don't think she could write a book I dislike. Every single one is an absolute delight filled with charming characters, hilarious banter, and heartwarming stories. I love them all so much, and Snowed In was no exception.
Christian and Megan were likable MMCs. Christian is a nice guy who seems to have his shit together, but unfortunately, he's not really happy. He's been living the life he thinks he should be living instead of the one he wants, and I think a lot of people will find this relatable. And Megan. I truly respect the hell out of her. She's a self-sufficient, practical gal who had the strength to leave a controlling man and build a life for herself doing something she loves. Throughout this story, she's forced to confront her past and comes out on top. At first, Megan goes about things in a non-confrontational way, but by the end, she boldly stands up for herself. And I loved that through it all, Christian is there, not to defend her, but to support her. They made such a great team.
The banter was so much fun! Megan and Christian are both pretty sarcastic with each other, and together they say the funniest shit. I truly laughed so much.
There was more spice than usual Catherine Walsh books. There's only two-ish sex scenes and they're not super explicit, BUT they were hot. They take place in a cabin and a hot tub while they are, quite literally, snowed in on Christmas. Very fun, sexy, and sweet.
I really loved that Christian and his dad opened up to each other near the end of the story. Christian's dad always loved him but could never quite understand him, even though he wanted to. And that lack of understanding always created friction between the two to the point where Christian felt like a constant disappointment and his dad felt like he pushed him away. While it'll take more than just this one conversation to mend the relationship, it was nice that they had this moment of vulnerability and honesty. I really related to this, and love how Catherine Walsh can write such realistic moments into a fun-loving rom-com.
I love Zoe. She is a fiercely independent woman with a wild and hilarious sense of humor. She's just such a real person. I loved when she said this to Christian:
"You can be with someone and be lonely. And you can be alone and not feel lonely at all. It took me ten years of dating and thinking something was wrong with me before I realized I was happier by myself."
Good for you babe! But now that she's got a baby and is no longer 'alone', I wonder if she'd be open to a relationship. I would just love to see her get her own story. 👀 Same with Aidan and Sophie! Something was definitely between these two!
With everything I loved about Snowed In, there was just one thing I didn't quite connect with.
Megan's relationship with her brother, Aidan, and Christian's relationship with his sister, Hannah. This could be because I'm not close to my siblings/family, but I found it odd how both these siblings were over-protective. With Hannah, it was just annoying because Christian is her big brother who is about 10 years older. So why is she acting like she needs to protect him at all? In a way though, I get it because their family is really close. But Aidan and Megan are not close at all and have never been. They haven't really even seen each other in a few years. So when she returns home with Christian and Aidan goes all protective younger brother on him, it didn't make sense. And in reality, I think Megan would have been annoyed with Aidan's behavior.
Overall, Snowed In is a wonderful holiday rom-com that you definitely should check out! Plus, it's free to read on Kindle Unlimited, so what are you waiting for???
Favorite Quotes:
"That's the one good thing about bad days. They always end."
_______
"Just give me a shot. For old time's sake."
"Old time's sake?
"Yeah. Where's your village loyalty?"
"In the village graveyard."
_______
"You are the passenger princess, which means you can do whatever you like."
_______
"A runaway bride is a lot cheaper than a divorce. And a lot more fun."
_______
"Take me on a date. A real one. Our first one."
"I can do that," he murmurs. "And then?"
And then?
"Everything," I tell him. "And then everything."
_______
-
Books by Catherine Walsh:
One Night Only - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Rebound - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Holiday Romance - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Matchmaker - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Snowed In - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
-
January 2, 2024
✎𓂃
“I’ve been searching for something my whole life, and nothing’s ever clicked. And I think it’s because I was looking for you.”
❄️ Yes, yes, I know it’s January 2nd people but the Christmas mood still got me ❄️
❆Quick Summary:
After running away from her wedding, Megan essentially becomes the town pariah and is absolutely dreading going back to her hometown for Christmas years later. She is finally in a good place mentally, but everyone hates her in her small Irish hometown, how will she manage?? Cue Christian Fitzpatrick, coming in hot with a fake relationship idea and all the terms to go with it. But what happens when those terms start loosening up, especially after a few days snowed in at a cabin in the woods?? 🤭
❆My Thoughts:
Everyone was right–this was so much better than Holiday Romance! This book had me straight up cackling, swooning, cheering, and wanting to drop everything and jet off to Ireland to find me a Christian!
✎𓂃 “Whatever she wants, I’ll give her. I realize that now. How I’ll never be able to say no to this person. How I’m completely at her mercy.”
Christian. What a man, what a mighty good man 😮💨 Hot, self-made rich, thoughtful, passionate, he is literally everything. I loved his character development, especially with his dad, who has seemingly always had high expectations of him. And the way he sees Megan? My god, Andrew doesn’t compare in the slightest! (Andrew does however do pretty well for himself in this story though).
Megan. There’s truly nothing better to me than a strong, witty FMC. I loved every second she took charge and stood her ground! She wasn’t afraid to tell it how it was, ESPECIALLY in the bedroom 🔥 This girl completely rebuilt herself from the ground up, and did so without the familial support she needed. Her relationship with her brother was so cute (both of these characters had great relationships with their families), and tbh I realllllllly need an Aiden book next!!
The banter between these two was PRIME 🤌 And seriously, they deserve all the stars for clearly communicating with each other like the adults they are!! Best part??? NO 3RD ACT BREAKUP 🙌
It may not be Christmas anymore but this got me outta my reading slump and what an amazing present that is 🥰
☆Quotes:
✎𓂃“The way he looks at you…” “Like he’s madly in love,” I joke, searching for the one I want. “Like he sees you.”
✎𓂃“I love kissing Megan. She does it with an enthusiasm I’m not used to. Like she’s not scared to show how much she wants me. It’s what I’ve always liked about her. She plays no games, no tricks.”
✎𓂃“I I would trust Christian Fitzpatrick with my life, and lying here before him, I realize with complete certainty that I trust him with my heart too. Wherever that may lead me.”
❄️ Yes, yes, I know it’s January 2nd people but the Christmas mood still got me ❄️
❆Quick Summary:
After running away from her wedding, Megan essentially becomes the town pariah and is absolutely dreading going back to her hometown for Christmas years later. She is finally in a good place mentally, but everyone hates her in her small Irish hometown, how will she manage?? Cue Christian Fitzpatrick, coming in hot with a fake relationship idea and all the terms to go with it. But what happens when those terms start loosening up, especially after a few days snowed in at a cabin in the woods?? 🤭
❆My Thoughts:
Everyone was right–this was so much better than Holiday Romance! This book had me straight up cackling, swooning, cheering, and wanting to drop everything and jet off to Ireland to find me a Christian!
✎𓂃 “Whatever she wants, I’ll give her. I realize that now. How I’ll never be able to say no to this person. How I’m completely at her mercy.”
Christian. What a man, what a mighty good man 😮💨 Hot, self-made rich, thoughtful, passionate, he is literally everything. I loved his character development, especially with his dad, who has seemingly always had high expectations of him. And the way he sees Megan? My god, Andrew doesn’t compare in the slightest! (Andrew does however do pretty well for himself in this story though).
Megan. There’s truly nothing better to me than a strong, witty FMC. I loved every second she took charge and stood her ground! She wasn’t afraid to tell it how it was, ESPECIALLY in the bedroom 🔥 This girl completely rebuilt herself from the ground up, and did so without the familial support she needed. Her relationship with her brother was so cute (both of these characters had great relationships with their families), and tbh I realllllllly need an Aiden book next!!
The banter between these two was PRIME 🤌 And seriously, they deserve all the stars for clearly communicating with each other like the adults they are!! Best part??? NO 3RD ACT BREAKUP 🙌
It may not be Christmas anymore but this got me outta my reading slump and what an amazing present that is 🥰
☆Quotes:
✎𓂃“The way he looks at you…” “Like he’s madly in love,” I joke, searching for the one I want. “Like he sees you.”
✎𓂃“I love kissing Megan. She does it with an enthusiasm I’m not used to. Like she’s not scared to show how much she wants me. It’s what I’ve always liked about her. She plays no games, no tricks.”
✎𓂃“I I would trust Christian Fitzpatrick with my life, and lying here before him, I realize with complete certainty that I trust him with my heart too. Wherever that may lead me.”
December 4, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️ My first read of December and it was great! This book was so cute without being overly cheesy. I adored it from the very beginning. It made me feel as if I was really spending the holidays in Dublin!
I also loved the writing and this also has the fake dating trope but the reasons for it actually made sense to me. I had a smile on my face the whole time!! ☺️❤️ and I liked that it was dual POV!!! That is always a plus for me!
I loved Christian and Megan so much. They had such a cute and sometimes funny relationship. I liked that it was also a slow burn (my favorite type of romance.)
I didn’t love the little friends with benefits situation towards the later half of the book, but other than that, this was perfect!!! It was just a fun time and I really enjoyed it!! My favorite holiday read yet! ❤️
I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
I also loved the writing and this also has the fake dating trope but the reasons for it actually made sense to me. I had a smile on my face the whole time!! ☺️❤️ and I liked that it was dual POV!!! That is always a plus for me!
I loved Christian and Megan so much. They had such a cute and sometimes funny relationship. I liked that it was also a slow burn (my favorite type of romance.)
I didn’t love the little friends with benefits situation towards the later half of the book, but other than that, this was perfect!!! It was just a fun time and I really enjoyed it!! My favorite holiday read yet! ❤️
I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
October 21, 2023
I was really surprised to love Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh as much as I did, one of my first Christmas novels and romances (thanks Lit with Leigh, formerly GWTPSM!). I went into Snowed In with extremely high expectations and I was not disappointed in the slightest.
In summary, Megan ran out on her high school sweetheart and the dearly loved Isaac on their wedding day. After years living away from her hometown and not returning since the wedding, she runs into Christian who comes up with the genius plan to return home together for the Christmas break... fake dating.
And this fake dating trope was done well! I loved the situations Megan and Christian found themselves stuck in, their banter, their chemistry and Christian's fierce loyalty.
I didn't appreciate when I started Snowed In that this is an interconnected series and I just loved it so much more when that clicked! I'm even tempted to re-read to see more about Andrew and Molly with it in mind. I also loved getting to hear more of their story together.
I highly recommend this Christmas season romance, or maybe it's a rom-com because I giggled a bit.
Anticipated publication date: 1 November 2023.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
In summary, Megan ran out on her high school sweetheart and the dearly loved Isaac on their wedding day. After years living away from her hometown and not returning since the wedding, she runs into Christian who comes up with the genius plan to return home together for the Christmas break... fake dating.
And this fake dating trope was done well! I loved the situations Megan and Christian found themselves stuck in, their banter, their chemistry and Christian's fierce loyalty.
I didn't appreciate when I started Snowed In that this is an interconnected series and I just loved it so much more when that clicked! I'm even tempted to re-read to see more about Andrew and Molly with it in mind. I also loved getting to hear more of their story together.
I highly recommend this Christmas season romance, or maybe it's a rom-com because I giggled a bit.
Anticipated publication date: 1 November 2023.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2023
This was the fluffiest fluff in all the world of fluff, but I was HERE FOR IT. Chicken soup for the holiday soul. The banter was so cute; I was grinning like a fool.
January 4, 2024
4.5 Stars!!
Technically a sequel to Holiday Romance, this book features Andrew’s enigmatic cynical brother Christian, and let me tell you, he absolutely delivers.
It takes a lot to make me love a MF these days, contemporary no less, as there’s just so many factors that can tip the scales negatively. Admittedly, I was pretty sure things would go well as Holiday Romance was one of my favorite reads last year and so yes, this is basically an acquaintances to lovers (Christian and Megan know each other by growing up in the same small Irish town), fake dating trope (each have legitimate reasons for wanting to bring a plus one home), intermixed with the Christmas holiday and all the frustrating, wonderful, issue driven family dynamics that makes these sort of reads so entertainingly worth it.
I don’t know what magic Walsh used, but she deftly brought forth all the yummy things that portrayed Christian as leading man irresistible. Sexy, charming, take control, confident, just arrogant enough, protective and thoughtful, surprising me over and over again, making me swoon at every turn. Though Christian thinks he’s a disaster for relationships, subconsciously he wants one nonetheless, believing that he can remain poised and platonic through the farce he himself concocted.
Megan in turn, has her own baggage, wanting to divert confrontation on the many reasons she ran away from the altar years ago, denial being easier than explaining herself to friends and family. However, she can’t avoid coming home for forever, so she musters up the courage to take Christian up on his offer. Thankfully, Megan never drove me bonkers as many a female MC is wont to do (though some side characters definitely had their moments), and I’m eternally grateful for that as well as the absence of the infamous third act breakup.
Soooo, Christian in my opinion was pretty much perfect, and Megan never had a chance of not falling for him. Overall, this was a fabulous win where I feel perfectly content in not reading any more holiday stories that could potentially ruin my afterglow. This was funny, snarky, playful and emotional, as well as smexy! Walsh has cemented herself as a go-to author simply because I’m obviously smitten. Christian takes the cake here, and I’m confident you’ll think the same as well!
Thank you to the author and Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Fitzpatrick Christmas Series
1. Holiday Romance - 4 Stars
2. Snowed In - 4.5 Stars
Technically a sequel to Holiday Romance, this book features Andrew’s enigmatic cynical brother Christian, and let me tell you, he absolutely delivers.
It takes a lot to make me love a MF these days, contemporary no less, as there’s just so many factors that can tip the scales negatively. Admittedly, I was pretty sure things would go well as Holiday Romance was one of my favorite reads last year and so yes, this is basically an acquaintances to lovers (Christian and Megan know each other by growing up in the same small Irish town), fake dating trope (each have legitimate reasons for wanting to bring a plus one home), intermixed with the Christmas holiday and all the frustrating, wonderful, issue driven family dynamics that makes these sort of reads so entertainingly worth it.
I don’t know what magic Walsh used, but she deftly brought forth all the yummy things that portrayed Christian as leading man irresistible. Sexy, charming, take control, confident, just arrogant enough, protective and thoughtful, surprising me over and over again, making me swoon at every turn. Though Christian thinks he’s a disaster for relationships, subconsciously he wants one nonetheless, believing that he can remain poised and platonic through the farce he himself concocted.
Megan in turn, has her own baggage, wanting to divert confrontation on the many reasons she ran away from the altar years ago, denial being easier than explaining herself to friends and family. However, she can’t avoid coming home for forever, so she musters up the courage to take Christian up on his offer. Thankfully, Megan never drove me bonkers as many a female MC is wont to do (though some side characters definitely had their moments), and I’m eternally grateful for that as well as the absence of the infamous third act breakup.
Soooo, Christian in my opinion was pretty much perfect, and Megan never had a chance of not falling for him. Overall, this was a fabulous win where I feel perfectly content in not reading any more holiday stories that could potentially ruin my afterglow. This was funny, snarky, playful and emotional, as well as smexy! Walsh has cemented herself as a go-to author simply because I’m obviously smitten. Christian takes the cake here, and I’m confident you’ll think the same as well!
Thank you to the author and Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Fitzpatrick Christmas Series
1. Holiday Romance - 4 Stars
2. Snowed In - 4.5 Stars
December 22, 2023
4.75 ★ (rounded up for gr)
“I’ve been searching for something my whole life, and nothing's ever clicked. And I think it's because I was looking for you.”
i randomly chose this book from ku for another holiday romance (which totally delivered) but i was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed the book itself!!
megan (who hasn’t returned home in five years since she ran away from her wedding) and christian (who’s tired of disappointing his family and being asked about his relationship status) decide to return home together under the guise of a fake relationship. both can avoid unnecessary troubles and irritating confrontations with their plan, but neither expect to get snowed in at a cabin and realize they are falling in love with each other.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Megan
“That’s one good thing about bad days. They always end.”
i loved megan so much. I was rooting for her from the very beginning and was enraged when her reasons for ditching her wedding were revealed. i don’t know how she kept quiet about that bc if it was me, I would’ve told everyone in that town out of spite. my only qualm with her was that her character felt lacking in comparison to our mmc christian. I would’ve liked more depth to her, especially in terms of her feelings for christian.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Christian
“Are you kidding me? I wanted you the moment I saw you in that wedding dress.”
christian was an amazing mmc!! I adored his character. as already mentioned, there was much more depth to him. I loved diving into his relationship with his family, especially the one he shared with his father. I was also just insanely drawn to him and loved his personality. to me, christian wasn’t just an attractive mmc that you loved because he was written that way. he was a character who had such an amazing personality that I couldn’t help but love him. If he were real, I would be hoping to get snowed in with him 🤭.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Megan and Christian
“To being in a fake relationship with real benefits.”
together, megan and christian were exciting, loving, supportive, and overall charming. I loved their relationship and loved the way catherine walsh wrote their transition from friends who were fake dating to people who came to love each other (especially because there was no third act breakup!!). both of their characters were mature and realistic with their concerns and devotion to their agreement/with each other. they were perfect and gave all of the warm and fuzzy holiday feelings I wanted.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Side Characters
aside from my qualms with megan’s character, the only other qualms I had were with the side characters. I felt that some important characters were not as emphasized as others were. maybe it was because christian’s family connects to the first book (which I haven’t read yet 💀), but I thought his family and his and megan’s relationships with them were emphasized more than megan’s (and megan’s and christian’s) relationships with her family. I also found some of the side characters annoying and their actions unnecessary, like aiden’s. but for the most part, the side characters were great, I just wish we had more focus on the other characters that I thought were important to the story.
overall, this book was so so good, and I loved it. it was funny, cute, and romantic; if there is any romance that should be read during the holidays, it’s this one!
｡･:*˚:✧｡ More Quotes I Loved
“Something changes in that moment, and all of a sudden I wish I’d never thought of this plan. I wish I could go back to her apartment that first night and sit on her couch and kiss her like she should always be kissed. Like how she should be right now. And there’d be no pretending about it.”
“Everyone else seemed to know their place in the world but me. Like they’d all been let in on some big secret. And no matter how many things I did right, everything always felt wrong.”
“Whatever she wants, I’ll give her. I realize that now. How I’ll never be able to say no to this person. How I’m completely at her mercy.”
“Charm a girl. Dance with a girl. Leave a girl alone in the middle of a ballroom because you lose all ability to function.”
“If I start crying, just remember that’s manly now. Toxic masculinity is dead.”
~
this was surprisingly so good omg, rtc real soon 🤭
“I’ve been searching for something my whole life, and nothing's ever clicked. And I think it's because I was looking for you.”
i randomly chose this book from ku for another holiday romance (which totally delivered) but i was completely surprised by how much I enjoyed the book itself!!
megan (who hasn’t returned home in five years since she ran away from her wedding) and christian (who’s tired of disappointing his family and being asked about his relationship status) decide to return home together under the guise of a fake relationship. both can avoid unnecessary troubles and irritating confrontations with their plan, but neither expect to get snowed in at a cabin and realize they are falling in love with each other.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Megan
“That’s one good thing about bad days. They always end.”
i loved megan so much. I was rooting for her from the very beginning and was enraged when her reasons for ditching her wedding were revealed. i don’t know how she kept quiet about that bc if it was me, I would’ve told everyone in that town out of spite. my only qualm with her was that her character felt lacking in comparison to our mmc christian. I would’ve liked more depth to her, especially in terms of her feelings for christian.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Christian
“Are you kidding me? I wanted you the moment I saw you in that wedding dress.”
christian was an amazing mmc!! I adored his character. as already mentioned, there was much more depth to him. I loved diving into his relationship with his family, especially the one he shared with his father. I was also just insanely drawn to him and loved his personality. to me, christian wasn’t just an attractive mmc that you loved because he was written that way. he was a character who had such an amazing personality that I couldn’t help but love him. If he were real, I would be hoping to get snowed in with him 🤭.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Megan and Christian
“To being in a fake relationship with real benefits.”
together, megan and christian were exciting, loving, supportive, and overall charming. I loved their relationship and loved the way catherine walsh wrote their transition from friends who were fake dating to people who came to love each other (especially because there was no third act breakup!!). both of their characters were mature and realistic with their concerns and devotion to their agreement/with each other. they were perfect and gave all of the warm and fuzzy holiday feelings I wanted.
｡･:*˚:✧｡ Side Characters
aside from my qualms with megan’s character, the only other qualms I had were with the side characters. I felt that some important characters were not as emphasized as others were. maybe it was because christian’s family connects to the first book (which I haven’t read yet 💀), but I thought his family and his and megan’s relationships with them were emphasized more than megan’s (and megan’s and christian’s) relationships with her family. I also found some of the side characters annoying and their actions unnecessary, like aiden’s. but for the most part, the side characters were great, I just wish we had more focus on the other characters that I thought were important to the story.
overall, this book was so so good, and I loved it. it was funny, cute, and romantic; if there is any romance that should be read during the holidays, it’s this one!
｡･:*˚:✧｡ More Quotes I Loved
“Something changes in that moment, and all of a sudden I wish I’d never thought of this plan. I wish I could go back to her apartment that first night and sit on her couch and kiss her like she should always be kissed. Like how she should be right now. And there’d be no pretending about it.”
“Everyone else seemed to know their place in the world but me. Like they’d all been let in on some big secret. And no matter how many things I did right, everything always felt wrong.”
“Whatever she wants, I’ll give her. I realize that now. How I’ll never be able to say no to this person. How I’m completely at her mercy.”
“Charm a girl. Dance with a girl. Leave a girl alone in the middle of a ballroom because you lose all ability to function.”
“If I start crying, just remember that’s manly now. Toxic masculinity is dead.”
~
this was surprisingly so good omg, rtc real soon 🤭
November 1, 2023
5 lovely holiday romance stars (and now available)
This author delivers again! This time, with a fake boyfriend trope that hooked me right away and characters that I cheered for again and again.
Megan and Christian have known each other since childhood and bump into each other in Dublin near Christmas. Both want to go home for Christmas but don’t want to show up single for another year. They cook up a scheme to be boyfriend/girlfriend to make the holidays easier for them both.
Megan has a history with her hometown. She left as a runaway bride years ago and hasn’t been home since. And Christian is tired of his family questioning him about love interests.
They have everything figured out and even write down some rules. Can their fake relationship hold up under family scrutiny?
I loved this one, with witty, realistic dialogue, family dynamics, and a love story I could completely root for. Throw in a great luxury remote cabin and a giant snowstorm, and you’ve got some spicy scenes to enjoy on a cold winter evening.
If you’ve read her earlier book “Holiday Romance,” you will enjoy the return of Andrew and Molly in this one.
My thanks to Bookoutre for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. This would make a great holiday gift for the romance reader in your life.
This author delivers again! This time, with a fake boyfriend trope that hooked me right away and characters that I cheered for again and again.
Megan and Christian have known each other since childhood and bump into each other in Dublin near Christmas. Both want to go home for Christmas but don’t want to show up single for another year. They cook up a scheme to be boyfriend/girlfriend to make the holidays easier for them both.
Megan has a history with her hometown. She left as a runaway bride years ago and hasn’t been home since. And Christian is tired of his family questioning him about love interests.
They have everything figured out and even write down some rules. Can their fake relationship hold up under family scrutiny?
I loved this one, with witty, realistic dialogue, family dynamics, and a love story I could completely root for. Throw in a great luxury remote cabin and a giant snowstorm, and you’ve got some spicy scenes to enjoy on a cold winter evening.
If you’ve read her earlier book “Holiday Romance,” you will enjoy the return of Andrew and Molly in this one.
My thanks to Bookoutre for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. This would make a great holiday gift for the romance reader in your life.
January 15, 2024
the setup…
Five years ago, Megan O’Sullivan left her fiancé Isaac Quinn waiting at the altar and ran away to Dublin. Now her brother who lives in New Zealand is coming home for Christmas and her mother wants her there, too. Christian Fitzpatrick is dreading going home for the holidays, too, as his three siblings are all in committed relationships and he doesn’t want to be the only one on his own. When he stumbles into Megan at a Dublin pub, they reconnect as friends as they not only grew up together, he was the only witness to her flight from her wedding. As they share their reluctance to go home, Christian comes up with the bright idea for them to be in a fake relationship. He can support her with her family and vice versa for him. It can’t possibly work, right?
the heart of the story…
Megan’s fears about returning home are well founded as her old friends sympathized with Isaac and abandoned her (it didn’t help that she didn’t defend herself). I really liked Christian who has a wicked sense of humor, is smart and successful in his own right. He’s got a great family who loves him, though he seems to believe they don’t expect much from him. The fake dating actually benefitted both of them in ways they never anticipated. Of course, their bond deepened and sometime during the holiday the friendship morphed into a romance.
the narration…
I loved that both narrators are Irish as that enhanced the authenticity of the story. And, they were wonderful storytellers who embraced the essence of their respective characters.
the bottom line…
It took some time to learn why Megan ran away from her fiancé and I always suspected there was a lot more going on than cold feet. Christian’s issues were a bit more complicated, too. All of that made for a more layered story, adding a bit more depth than I’d anticipated, a very good thing. It was great to be reunited with the Fitzgerald clan, including Andrew and Molly from the first book. Megan and Christian were wonderful characters, individually and as a couple. This holiday story is something special.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Five years ago, Megan O’Sullivan left her fiancé Isaac Quinn waiting at the altar and ran away to Dublin. Now her brother who lives in New Zealand is coming home for Christmas and her mother wants her there, too. Christian Fitzpatrick is dreading going home for the holidays, too, as his three siblings are all in committed relationships and he doesn’t want to be the only one on his own. When he stumbles into Megan at a Dublin pub, they reconnect as friends as they not only grew up together, he was the only witness to her flight from her wedding. As they share their reluctance to go home, Christian comes up with the bright idea for them to be in a fake relationship. He can support her with her family and vice versa for him. It can’t possibly work, right?
the heart of the story…
Megan’s fears about returning home are well founded as her old friends sympathized with Isaac and abandoned her (it didn’t help that she didn’t defend herself). I really liked Christian who has a wicked sense of humor, is smart and successful in his own right. He’s got a great family who loves him, though he seems to believe they don’t expect much from him. The fake dating actually benefitted both of them in ways they never anticipated. Of course, their bond deepened and sometime during the holiday the friendship morphed into a romance.
the narration…
I loved that both narrators are Irish as that enhanced the authenticity of the story. And, they were wonderful storytellers who embraced the essence of their respective characters.
the bottom line…
It took some time to learn why Megan ran away from her fiancé and I always suspected there was a lot more going on than cold feet. Christian’s issues were a bit more complicated, too. All of that made for a more layered story, adding a bit more depth than I’d anticipated, a very good thing. It was great to be reunited with the Fitzgerald clan, including Andrew and Molly from the first book. Megan and Christian were wonderful characters, individually and as a couple. This holiday story is something special.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
December 1, 2023
Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
Synopsis /
Megan is dreading going home for the holidays. She’s the village pariah, the she-devil who left local golden boy Isaac at the altar four years ago and ran away to the big city. She could really do without the drama. Particularly as he’s engaged again, and she’s just been dumped for the fourth time this year.
Christian’s fed up being on his own every Christmas. He doesn’t mind being alone, but he hates his family’s sad eyes and soft tones as they sit around coupled up. Because he’s actually, totally, fine.
So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season. They’re going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever.
Rules are drawn up, a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. They will sit through each other’s family gatherings and be outrageously in love until freed from their annual obligations. After all, it’s only for a few weeks.
But with everyone home for the holidays, two big families to deal with alongside old friends, old flames and old feelings, things are bound to get messy. And when a snowed-in cabin and a little Christmas magic are added to the mix, anything could happen…
My Thoughts /
Are you ready for a Christmas romance?
If you answered, 'yes': Your prayers have been answered, look no further than Snowed In by Catherine Walsh. If you answered, 'no': Ima just gonna pretend you didn't say that and tell you to get yourself a copy of Snowed In anyway. I mean, seriously, who's not up for a bit of Runaway Bride meets Bridget Jones' Diary meets The Proposal? And, if you try to tell me you haven't seen any of those movies (which I'd never believe by the way - unless of course you've just been beamed down onto planet Earth from a Galaxy Far Far Away (cue Star Wars theme music)) - I now know what to get you for Secret Santa.
Walsh's writing style makes for effortless reading. She's written a totally bingeable storyline that has some legitimately laugh out loud moments.
The main characters, Megan and Christian, are both from the same small Irish village and when the story opens, we find that Megan is about to do a runner on her wedding day, and the only witness to her 'great escape' is Christian.
Fast forward five years and the two of them bump into each other again at a pub in Dublin. Surprised at seeing each other again the two swap stories and commiserate with each other about their upcoming family Christmas holidays. Megan hasn't been home since the 'incident', and Christian, although he enjoys spending time with his mum, doesn't appreciate the bleeding heart comments from friends and family about his 'still single' status. After a few wines, the two concoct a plan - to become a 'fake' couple and present a united coupled front this Christmas when they visit home. Proper rules of conduct are drafted and drawn up on a wine-stained napkin. And just to make things 'official', they sign the napkin sealing the deal.
Now if you think a wine-stained napkin does not a contractual piece of paper make. Let me say this: who knows how many successful ideas would be forever lost if it wasn’t for the humble whiteboard and the even humbler paper napkin. From the Voyager airplane to the modern fire hose nozzle to Southwest Airlines, many of the world’s most influential inventions, businesses, and deals started in a messy break room or at the bar over a couple of drinks.
As we are dealing with people, and not inanimate objects, things don't always go to plan. This thing called 'chemistry' starts to bubble and the 'rules' previously agreed become a little blurred. When Megan and Christian find themselves snowed-in during a visit to a holiday cabin……well…..Christmas Magic happens. 🎄💕
Synopsis /
Megan is dreading going home for the holidays. She’s the village pariah, the she-devil who left local golden boy Isaac at the altar four years ago and ran away to the big city. She could really do without the drama. Particularly as he’s engaged again, and she’s just been dumped for the fourth time this year.
Christian’s fed up being on his own every Christmas. He doesn’t mind being alone, but he hates his family’s sad eyes and soft tones as they sit around coupled up. Because he’s actually, totally, fine.
So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season. They’re going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever.
Rules are drawn up, a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. They will sit through each other’s family gatherings and be outrageously in love until freed from their annual obligations. After all, it’s only for a few weeks.
But with everyone home for the holidays, two big families to deal with alongside old friends, old flames and old feelings, things are bound to get messy. And when a snowed-in cabin and a little Christmas magic are added to the mix, anything could happen…
My Thoughts /
Are you ready for a Christmas romance?
If you answered, 'yes': Your prayers have been answered, look no further than Snowed In by Catherine Walsh. If you answered, 'no': Ima just gonna pretend you didn't say that and tell you to get yourself a copy of Snowed In anyway. I mean, seriously, who's not up for a bit of Runaway Bride meets Bridget Jones' Diary meets The Proposal? And, if you try to tell me you haven't seen any of those movies (which I'd never believe by the way - unless of course you've just been beamed down onto planet Earth from a Galaxy Far Far Away (cue Star Wars theme music)) - I now know what to get you for Secret Santa.
Walsh's writing style makes for effortless reading. She's written a totally bingeable storyline that has some legitimately laugh out loud moments.
The main characters, Megan and Christian, are both from the same small Irish village and when the story opens, we find that Megan is about to do a runner on her wedding day, and the only witness to her 'great escape' is Christian.
Fast forward five years and the two of them bump into each other again at a pub in Dublin. Surprised at seeing each other again the two swap stories and commiserate with each other about their upcoming family Christmas holidays. Megan hasn't been home since the 'incident', and Christian, although he enjoys spending time with his mum, doesn't appreciate the bleeding heart comments from friends and family about his 'still single' status. After a few wines, the two concoct a plan - to become a 'fake' couple and present a united coupled front this Christmas when they visit home. Proper rules of conduct are drafted and drawn up on a wine-stained napkin. And just to make things 'official', they sign the napkin sealing the deal.
Now if you think a wine-stained napkin does not a contractual piece of paper make. Let me say this: who knows how many successful ideas would be forever lost if it wasn’t for the humble whiteboard and the even humbler paper napkin. From the Voyager airplane to the modern fire hose nozzle to Southwest Airlines, many of the world’s most influential inventions, businesses, and deals started in a messy break room or at the bar over a couple of drinks.
As we are dealing with people, and not inanimate objects, things don't always go to plan. This thing called 'chemistry' starts to bubble and the 'rules' previously agreed become a little blurred. When Megan and Christian find themselves snowed-in during a visit to a holiday cabin……well…..Christmas Magic happens. 🎄💕
January 11, 2024
Snowed In is the next book in the Fitzpatrick Christmas series.
I loved The Holiday Romance and I couldn't wait to see how the next couple got together.
Catherine Walsh uses the fake dating trope masterfully.
Megan has not gone back home for the last five years. The last time she was there, was when she ran away from her wedding. She was going to marry her high school sweetheart, Isaac. Yet, Isaac was not really sweet but she never told anyone.
Christian knows his family expects him to return home for the holidays but he is not looking forward to it. His family is all coupled up except for him. So when he bumps into Megan at a Dublin bar, he realizes they have something in common, neither can return home without a significant other. The best plan would be to make their family believe that they are a couple and that way they can enjoy the holidays without the pressure.
It was so nice going back to the town and these characters. Megan and Christian were easy to like and root for.
I can't wait for the next one in this series.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I loved The Holiday Romance and I couldn't wait to see how the next couple got together.
Catherine Walsh uses the fake dating trope masterfully.
Megan has not gone back home for the last five years. The last time she was there, was when she ran away from her wedding. She was going to marry her high school sweetheart, Isaac. Yet, Isaac was not really sweet but she never told anyone.
Christian knows his family expects him to return home for the holidays but he is not looking forward to it. His family is all coupled up except for him. So when he bumps into Megan at a Dublin bar, he realizes they have something in common, neither can return home without a significant other. The best plan would be to make their family believe that they are a couple and that way they can enjoy the holidays without the pressure.
It was so nice going back to the town and these characters. Megan and Christian were easy to like and root for.
I can't wait for the next one in this series.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
January 4, 2024
I loved this!
I'm not normally a rom-com reader but after seeing numeous stellar reviews, I decided to give it a try.
Witty diaogue abounds where somtimes that can be sticking point for me and lessen my enjoyment. The banter between the characters had me smiling and even laughing on occasion.
Thank you to Jayme especially for her endorsement. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
I'm not normally a rom-com reader but after seeing numeous stellar reviews, I decided to give it a try.
Witty diaogue abounds where somtimes that can be sticking point for me and lessen my enjoyment. The banter between the characters had me smiling and even laughing on occasion.
Thank you to Jayme especially for her endorsement. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
January 13, 2024
4.5 Stars
I wasn’t sure Andrew Fitzpatrick could be beat, but HELLO, Christian Fitzpatrick, you sexy, swoony bastard, you!!
As the sequel to last year’s Holiday Romance—my favourite Christmassy read of 2022—this story had a lot of high expectations to live up to.
Spoiler alert: it exceeded ALL expectations… and set some new high bars for romance reads the world over.
In short, the story follows Megan and Christian, who grew up together in a small town and reconnect as adults in Dublin, striking a deal that sees them heading home for Christmas pretending to be in a relationship in order to get their families off their backs.
Christian struggles with family expectations and is a bit of a black sheep, whereas Megan left her childhood love at the alter years ago, never to return… until now.
As someone who despises the runaway bride trope, I was super worried that Megan’s likability for me would be hard to rebuild after the prologue that showed her running away. And it was, to a point. I ended up adoring Megan and loving her strength and independence, all hard fought for, but when her reasons for leaving her fiancé at the alter finally came to light, I was left annoyed that she had never explained herself/her reasons for dashing on the day, at the very least to her loving family.
But previous relationship drama aside, I loved every minute of Megan and Christian’s evolving and very supportive and healthy relationship, from childhood schoolmates, to fake-dating chums, to friends-with-benefits, and finally, and so inevitably for them, to lovers and partners for all life.
Megan and Christian fit together so effortlessly and I can’t rave enough about how perfectly their romance developed, slow and steady, with the right amount of tension, spark, and passion… and, miracle of all miracles, without any third act drama or breakup!!!! HALLE-FRICKEN-LUJAH! (More of this, pls, romance authors. Always, MORE OF THIS!).
Although some of the side characters vexed me at certain points in the story, generally speaking, this was a really great support cast, made up of genuine and relatable characters, who provided the story and the MCs with more depth and substance.
As an aside, I absolutely adored all the backstory featuring Molly and Andrew (Christian’s older brother) from Holiday Romance. Their scenes were wonderful, especially enjoying the banter between Andrew and Christian throughout the story. And don’t even get me started on that one romantic scene, near the end, that resulted in a leaky face for this highly emotional and happy-hearted reader.
Needless to say, I loved this story and these characters so much, I wish I had the time to drop everything and read it again right now.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
******************************
Fitzpatrick Christmas series
Book 1 - Holiday Romance (4.5 Stars)
Book 2 - Snowed In (4.5 Stars)
I wasn’t sure Andrew Fitzpatrick could be beat, but HELLO, Christian Fitzpatrick, you sexy, swoony bastard, you!!
As the sequel to last year’s Holiday Romance—my favourite Christmassy read of 2022—this story had a lot of high expectations to live up to.
Spoiler alert: it exceeded ALL expectations… and set some new high bars for romance reads the world over.
In short, the story follows Megan and Christian, who grew up together in a small town and reconnect as adults in Dublin, striking a deal that sees them heading home for Christmas pretending to be in a relationship in order to get their families off their backs.
Christian struggles with family expectations and is a bit of a black sheep, whereas Megan left her childhood love at the alter years ago, never to return… until now.
As someone who despises the runaway bride trope, I was super worried that Megan’s likability for me would be hard to rebuild after the prologue that showed her running away. And it was, to a point. I ended up adoring Megan and loving her strength and independence, all hard fought for, but when her reasons for leaving her fiancé at the alter finally came to light, I was left annoyed that she had never explained herself/her reasons for dashing on the day, at the very least to her loving family.
But previous relationship drama aside, I loved every minute of Megan and Christian’s evolving and very supportive and healthy relationship, from childhood schoolmates, to fake-dating chums, to friends-with-benefits, and finally, and so inevitably for them, to lovers and partners for all life.
Megan and Christian fit together so effortlessly and I can’t rave enough about how perfectly their romance developed, slow and steady, with the right amount of tension, spark, and passion… and, miracle of all miracles, without any third act drama or breakup!!!! HALLE-FRICKEN-LUJAH! (More of this, pls, romance authors. Always, MORE OF THIS!).
Although some of the side characters vexed me at certain points in the story, generally speaking, this was a really great support cast, made up of genuine and relatable characters, who provided the story and the MCs with more depth and substance.
As an aside, I absolutely adored all the backstory featuring Molly and Andrew (Christian’s older brother) from Holiday Romance. Their scenes were wonderful, especially enjoying the banter between Andrew and Christian throughout the story. And don’t even get me started on that one romantic scene, near the end, that resulted in a leaky face for this highly emotional and happy-hearted reader.
Needless to say, I loved this story and these characters so much, I wish I had the time to drop everything and read it again right now.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
******************************
Fitzpatrick Christmas series
Book 1 - Holiday Romance (4.5 Stars)
Book 2 - Snowed In (4.5 Stars)
December 17, 2023
4.25 stars
This was super cute and the FMC was a riot. MMC was a great love interest (though I kinda wish he got to throw some hands 😏)
I think there could have been a little more Christmas vibes but still a great holiday romance.
And. No. Third. Act. Breakup. 💪
This was super cute and the FMC was a riot. MMC was a great love interest (though I kinda wish he got to throw some hands 😏)
I think there could have been a little more Christmas vibes but still a great holiday romance.
And. No. Third. Act. Breakup. 💪
February 28, 2024
-ˋˏ 4.5 stars
CHRISTIAAAAAAAAAAN!!! He had me from the first chapter, not gonna lie. It was a pretty hot entrance and screamed romcom in every way. Got me all giddy and shiiii
No doubt the best holiday romance I've read so far!!
You got everything:
✅ fake dating
✅ mutual pining
✅ slow-burn
✅ kind of forced proximity *ahem, snowed in*
✅ runaway bride
✅ grand gesture
✅ no third act breakup
And everything was executed pretty freaking well!
I also very much loved and enjoyed Megan. She was funny and real and she loved to knit which made me like her even more. I loved her relationship with her mom and brother. It was also refreshing to see a successful rich parent that was still full of love and compassion and not your typical absent wealthy parent.
Christian also fit with Megan incredibly well. He was able to keep up with her energy and mans also got jokes. Very fucking hot of him, to be completely honest. What I loved most about it is that we got to see his feelings for Megan change. I loved seeing the transition between she's just a friend to how do I make this woman as happy as possible especially in a fake dating situation.
I think the book was very well written because every interaction felt genuine and real and made the reading experience really fun. I loved the banter between the characters and the whole setting of the story. Both families were so fun!! This book screamed holiday and I was a big fan. I wish I could've seen more of Christian and Megan as a couple at the end though, maybe as a bonus chapter or something. Or a longer epilogue.
The next book better NOT be about Sophie. I have a feeling it's gonna be about Meg's brother, Aidan, which I'm excited for if that's the case. Just please for the love of god don't let Sophie be the love interest 🙏🏼
“You call me, and no matter where you are or what time it is, I’ll pick up and I’ll come running.”
CHRISTIAAAAAAAAAAN!!! He had me from the first chapter, not gonna lie. It was a pretty hot entrance and screamed romcom in every way. Got me all giddy and shiiii
No doubt the best holiday romance I've read so far!!
You got everything:
✅ fake dating
✅ mutual pining
✅ slow-burn
✅ kind of forced proximity *ahem, snowed in*
✅ runaway bride
✅ grand gesture
✅ no third act breakup
And everything was executed pretty freaking well!
“You have to laugh, or else you’d cry, right? Just kidding, I’m definitely going to cry later.”
I also very much loved and enjoyed Megan. She was funny and real and she loved to knit which made me like her even more. I loved her relationship with her mom and brother. It was also refreshing to see a successful rich parent that was still full of love and compassion and not your typical absent wealthy parent.
“If I start crying, just remember that’s manly now,”
Christian also fit with Megan incredibly well. He was able to keep up with her energy and mans also got jokes. Very fucking hot of him, to be completely honest. What I loved most about it is that we got to see his feelings for Megan change. I loved seeing the transition between she's just a friend to how do I make this woman as happy as possible especially in a fake dating situation.
I think the book was very well written because every interaction felt genuine and real and made the reading experience really fun. I loved the banter between the characters and the whole setting of the story. Both families were so fun!! This book screamed holiday and I was a big fan. I wish I could've seen more of Christian and Megan as a couple at the end though, maybe as a bonus chapter or something. Or a longer epilogue.
The next book better NOT be about Sophie. I have a feeling it's gonna be about Meg's brother, Aidan, which I'm excited for if that's the case. Just please for the love of god don't let Sophie be the love interest 🙏🏼
“I want to spend next Christmas with you, Megan. And every day in between.”
November 1, 2023
4.5 ⭐
🌶🌶
Why is it that most often the right decision also happens to be the most dramatic one?
Thanks to the courageous choice she makes on one of the most stressful days of her life, Megan faces a new, unpredictable future. For someone who’s always ‘fallen’ into situations and never had to face things alone, Megan relies on her Uncle Ted’s envelope and her gut feeling to make the right decision.
She thinks she’s shelved her previous life until she meets someone she used to know and they strike up a deal. A mutually beneficial deal. Megan O’Sullivan and Christian Fitzpatrick have their own agendas, yet agree to help each other out by coupling for a Christmas trip back home to celebrate with their families. You know there’s going to be some uneasy situations ahead, but Walsh’s writing is so compelling. She absolutely nails the emotions and the pull of the fake dating trope - and before long, you’ll be like me and discover that this became a one-sit-read!
Except for one open-door section on Christmas Eve when I skipped a few pages (too spicy), I was swooning and grinning from ear to ear. I’d eagerly reach for another of Walsh’s books as I was impressed with my introduction to her work.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
🌶🌶
Why is it that most often the right decision also happens to be the most dramatic one?
Thanks to the courageous choice she makes on one of the most stressful days of her life, Megan faces a new, unpredictable future. For someone who’s always ‘fallen’ into situations and never had to face things alone, Megan relies on her Uncle Ted’s envelope and her gut feeling to make the right decision.
She thinks she’s shelved her previous life until she meets someone she used to know and they strike up a deal. A mutually beneficial deal. Megan O’Sullivan and Christian Fitzpatrick have their own agendas, yet agree to help each other out by coupling for a Christmas trip back home to celebrate with their families. You know there’s going to be some uneasy situations ahead, but Walsh’s writing is so compelling. She absolutely nails the emotions and the pull of the fake dating trope - and before long, you’ll be like me and discover that this became a one-sit-read!
Except for one open-door section on Christmas Eve when I skipped a few pages (too spicy), I was swooning and grinning from ear to ear. I’d eagerly reach for another of Walsh’s books as I was impressed with my introduction to her work.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 27, 2023
4 ⭐️
Super cute! I definitely loved Holiday Romance more but it was so fun to read about the continuation of Molly and Andrew’s story, and Megan and Christian were so cute too!
This one was definitely spicier so if you’re a closed door girlie just be aware ♥️🚪
Super cute! I definitely loved Holiday Romance more but it was so fun to read about the continuation of Molly and Andrew’s story, and Megan and Christian were so cute too!
This one was definitely spicier so if you’re a closed door girlie just be aware ♥️🚪
December 26, 2023
This was good in the beginning and started out as a romantic comedy… but then it turned into kind of a mess.
They were fake dating to make it easier to see their families during the holidays- but a few of her family members hated him and a few of his hated her. Which didn’t make sense if you are trying to make the holidays easier.
And then her old friends hated her, her ex, etc. It just turned into a mess of drama between everybody and it lost the Christmas spirit and comedy part.
To be honest, it was more like 2 or 2.5 stars but I am feeling generous, since it is Christmas. I didn’t feel extreme chemistry between the main characters & I didn’t like the side characters either. The story itself kept me reading for the most part, because I did want to know what happened, but I can’t say I really enjoyed much of the 2nd half.
They were fake dating to make it easier to see their families during the holidays- but a few of her family members hated him and a few of his hated her. Which didn’t make sense if you are trying to make the holidays easier.
And then her old friends hated her, her ex, etc. It just turned into a mess of drama between everybody and it lost the Christmas spirit and comedy part.
To be honest, it was more like 2 or 2.5 stars but I am feeling generous, since it is Christmas. I didn’t feel extreme chemistry between the main characters & I didn’t like the side characters either. The story itself kept me reading for the most part, because I did want to know what happened, but I can’t say I really enjoyed much of the 2nd half.
November 30, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
Shoutout to Carol whose review prompted me to add this to my TBR! I now have to go back and read this H's brother's romance that was released last year (that another friend told me at the time to read and...yeah). Note: the brother and his girlfriend do have cameos in this book with some very adorable scenes for those who HAVE read that book. It just made me want to read theirs more.
I loved Megan (h) and Christian (H)! I felt like Megan's character was a little harder to pin down with her motivations, while Christian was a lot clearer, but both are very likable and sweet. The book starts with Megan as a runaway bride on the day of her wedding, with a brief moment shared with Christian, who she went to school with. The book then jumps ahead several years with Christian feeling discontent with his life, in spite of all its comfort, and that he's the only one heading to his family home for Christmas not in a relationship. Megan is more happy with her job and life but is also returning to the village of their youth, for the first time since she left her fiancé at the altar, and she's rightfully worried because many people judged her for what happened. These two have a run-in at a pub, share a moment that gets interrupted, and then Christian sells Megan on the possibility of a fake relationship to aid them both for their holiday plans, to be each other's support.
The premise is pretty basic and has the setup for lots of fun. Where this book elevated it all for me was in the relationship development, the intimacy that grew between these two people who'd known of each other for years, and the overall growth, including between Megan and Christian and their families. From the writing style to the pacing to the emotional notes, this romance hit notes just right for me. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, om drama from h's ex, and neither are virgins (some info on their past dating lives but not too much, though H was with model-esque type women).
Megan and Christian had some fun banter, lots of cute scenes, some more emotionally tense ones, and complicated family times. Communication is key and even though moments happen where there's less of it, overall they did do well with speaking to each other. Best of all, they had the other's back when needed. I adored that Christian was ready to step in at times, but also gave Megan the space to lead and indicate what she wanted or didn't. This is a slow burn and that fit the overall tone of the story well. It takes time for them to move from the idea of a fake relationship to something more real, despite being attracted to each other from the get-go. I really enjoyed the moments of their chemistry breaking free and how they dealt with that temptation, until they decided to erase the boundaries and go for it. This isn't as steamy as some romances, but there's still on page spice.
Lots of festive feels and family times throughout the book. Both have loving families, while still having parents who don't necessarily understand them. The moments with Megan and her mom and Christian and his dad were impactful in different ways. Also, each has a protective sibling and those scenes were excellent. There's one later in the book that was both funny and endearing with the protectiveness. Tension also played out on page between Megan and some of the others in the village who felt what she did was wrong, running from her wedding. Plus, the scenes with her ex on top of that. At first, I was worried she would be too understanding and kind to her ex and I cheered out loud for her by the end with how she set the record straight and put him in his place.
Best part of the book is when the feelings are laid out and, again, I cheered out loud. It was beautiful and moving, perfect for them. This book made me laugh and made me feel, but didn't ever drag me down (ie. no tears). And no third act breakup! The epilogue is a year later at another wedding (that does happen) and Megan and Christian have been living together for months. They're in love and happy, clearly see a future for themselves where they're at a wedding meant for them. I'm such a lover of far-out epilogues, yet I was satisfied with this ending and happy knowing that their love was strong. I would absolutely recommend this and I now have to check out this author's backlist!
Shoutout to Carol whose review prompted me to add this to my TBR! I now have to go back and read this H's brother's romance that was released last year (that another friend told me at the time to read and...yeah). Note: the brother and his girlfriend do have cameos in this book with some very adorable scenes for those who HAVE read that book. It just made me want to read theirs more.
I loved Megan (h) and Christian (H)! I felt like Megan's character was a little harder to pin down with her motivations, while Christian was a lot clearer, but both are very likable and sweet. The book starts with Megan as a runaway bride on the day of her wedding, with a brief moment shared with Christian, who she went to school with. The book then jumps ahead several years with Christian feeling discontent with his life, in spite of all its comfort, and that he's the only one heading to his family home for Christmas not in a relationship. Megan is more happy with her job and life but is also returning to the village of their youth, for the first time since she left her fiancé at the altar, and she's rightfully worried because many people judged her for what happened. These two have a run-in at a pub, share a moment that gets interrupted, and then Christian sells Megan on the possibility of a fake relationship to aid them both for their holiday plans, to be each other's support.
The premise is pretty basic and has the setup for lots of fun. Where this book elevated it all for me was in the relationship development, the intimacy that grew between these two people who'd known of each other for years, and the overall growth, including between Megan and Christian and their families. From the writing style to the pacing to the emotional notes, this romance hit notes just right for me. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, om drama from h's ex, and neither are virgins (some info on their past dating lives but not too much, though H was with model-esque type women).
Megan and Christian had some fun banter, lots of cute scenes, some more emotionally tense ones, and complicated family times. Communication is key and even though moments happen where there's less of it, overall they did do well with speaking to each other. Best of all, they had the other's back when needed. I adored that Christian was ready to step in at times, but also gave Megan the space to lead and indicate what she wanted or didn't. This is a slow burn and that fit the overall tone of the story well. It takes time for them to move from the idea of a fake relationship to something more real, despite being attracted to each other from the get-go. I really enjoyed the moments of their chemistry breaking free and how they dealt with that temptation, until they decided to erase the boundaries and go for it. This isn't as steamy as some romances, but there's still on page spice.
Lots of festive feels and family times throughout the book. Both have loving families, while still having parents who don't necessarily understand them. The moments with Megan and her mom and Christian and his dad were impactful in different ways. Also, each has a protective sibling and those scenes were excellent. There's one later in the book that was both funny and endearing with the protectiveness. Tension also played out on page between Megan and some of the others in the village who felt what she did was wrong, running from her wedding. Plus, the scenes with her ex on top of that. At first, I was worried she would be too understanding and kind to her ex and I cheered out loud for her by the end with how she set the record straight and put him in his place.
Best part of the book is when the feelings are laid out and, again, I cheered out loud. It was beautiful and moving, perfect for them. This book made me laugh and made me feel, but didn't ever drag me down (ie. no tears). And no third act breakup! The epilogue is a year later at another wedding (that does happen) and Megan and Christian have been living together for months. They're in love and happy, clearly see a future for themselves where they're at a wedding meant for them. I'm such a lover of far-out epilogues, yet I was satisfied with this ending and happy knowing that their love was strong. I would absolutely recommend this and I now have to check out this author's backlist!
January 8, 2024
Catherine Walsh's, Holiday Romance, was a 5-star read for me last holiday season, so of course, this year I could not wait to read book #2 in the series and pick back up with the Fitzpatrick family. Snowed In did not disappoint!! It was the perfect rom-com that I needed. I really loved Megan and Christian’s chemistry! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a Christmas season rom-com!!
Thank you, Bookouture, and Net Galley, for a gifted copy in return for my honest review!
Thank you, Bookouture, and Net Galley, for a gifted copy in return for my honest review!
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