3.5⭐

I received an arc copy of this from HARLEQUIN via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary
Zoe is living the her life unapologetically. After a traumatic failed marriage, she is back in the town she loves running the bookstore of her dreams with her cousin. But she wants nothing to do with the new uptight neighbor who complains about her sexy window display.
Preston knows he takes life too seriously. But he can't help but be drawn to the woman who owns the bookstore next door. As he opens up to Zoe, she realizes he may not be who she thought.

Overview
➸ POV - 3rd person omniscient

➸ Zoe Randall - Owns dream bookstore with her cousin and best friend Carly, Divorced

➸ Preston Wheeler - Estate attorney, Recently moved his business next door to Zoe's bookstore, Uptight and serious

➸ Content Warnings: Divorce, Sexual Repression

My Thoughts
This is super light enemies to lovers holiday romance that I couldn't help but devour. I read this entire (albeit short) story in a single sitting. It was so sweet and wholesome and perfect for the holiday season. If you're looking for something fun and romantic to get you into the holiday spirit I highly recommend this one!

Zoe had such a strong relationship with her cousin and I really appreciated the way they supported each other. I loved that Zoe was chasing her dreams and fully embracing who she was. I loved that she never backed down or diminished her personality to fit into her small town's box. She was so strong and witty despite the mental trauma she went through in her prior relationship.

While this book did touch on some tough things with Zoe's previous relationship, I liked that this story didn't get too heavy. Which such a short book, I liked that it stayed lighthearted and fun rather than trying to tackle too much in such a short time frame. It was the perfect balance.

Zoe and Preston's relationship was so sweet and I liked that enemies portion of their enemies to lovers romance, was pretty short lived. Again, since this book was so short, I was glad there was so much content of their relationship and romance rather than bickering. They complimented each other so well and I loved the opposites attract vibe of their relationship.

Overall I loved this sweet, holiday romance and will for sure be watching out for this author's next books!

Review also shared on my blog!

I’ve gotta say, I love this series so far. The stories are short and sweet while being romantic and steamy. The author does an amazing job of pulling you in immediately and forging a connection between the characters almost as fast. Yes, these are short stories so it’s definitely insta-love. But it’s dealt with in a fun and quirky way.

My goodness, Preston is a dream. It really tugged my heart to know that any woman had ever made him feel bad about himself. He may be a bit straight-laced when it comes to work and he likes things to be a certain way, but he’s interesting and amazing and fun to be around.

As for Zoe, any man trying to tamp her flame doesn’t deserve her. She’s sexy and smart and deserves all she craves. Unfortunately, her ex-husband made her feel bad about voicing her wants and needs and she has a shield up around her heart when it comes to any many she thinks might be passing any sort of judgement on her.

While Zoe has to learn to trust and not jump to conclusions, Preston needs to learn to have confidence that he is enough for the right person. They go on this journey together, with some inevitable bumps along the way. I loved it all.

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

You can read more of my reviews at All In Good Time.

I loved this book. I don't usually love shorter novels/novellas because I always want more, but this little book is jam packed with goodness.

1. Sassy bookstore owner
2. Buttoned up professional type with an office upstairs
3. An escalating standoff via Instagram
4. Holidays (Halloween, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!)
5. Supportive friends and family
6. Real apologies
7. Communication via book passages
8. Sizzling kisses
9. Mistletoe ties
10. A happy ending.

I just... it's so good. Could there have been things that were more developed? Sure, but I don't think it hurt the story. This book is a 90 minute snack that you should treat yourself to.