I'm not usually a fan of insta-love attraction (blame Bella Swan) but how can you not fall for Aiden Cook? I haven't read ANY male-sunshine/female-grumpy romance so Aiden and his bow ties and Aunt Edna stories made me do a double take.

*potential spoilers*

I loved loved the double POV and discovering their insecurities and how they supported the other without even trying. Stella's run with the law was the perfect hard edge and tension for this holiday romance - my heart was in my throat when she was wrongly accused. And seeing Aiden finally crack and be selfish for himself for once was the icing in the cake.

The first few chapters felt rushed and you can tell where the story is going but I couldn't have made up that Christmas gift hunt after-hours or the popcorn-Garland decorating of the tree. My heart was doing cartwheels every time. We're not going to talk about the (maybe) over the top level of steam in this book. It was balanced enough with non-steamy reflections that I will allow it...

Aiden and Stella are officially my new favourite couple. I'm convinced they're made for each other and it was just mesmerising seeing their love story unfold. If you don't believe in companionship or love, this book will make you eat your words.

Working through Tessa Bailey's works has just become my new 2022 goal. Lucky me.