Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC of Snowed In in exchange for this honest review!

5/5 stars, 1.5/5 spice

Snowed In is a fantastic Christmas romance perfect for people who enjoy runaway bride, fake dating, small town romance, and (best of all) NO 3rd Act Breakup!!

The chemistry between Megan and Christian is palpable right from the start. I absolutely adored their messy family dynamics and Megan learning how to take control of her image again.

Snowed In is a Must Have book for the holiday season, or really any time of year for those that want a sweet and cozy romance.

Another Catherine Walsh holiday masterpiece! I remember reading “Holiday Romance,” and I loved it so much that it baffled me that I don’t see enough people talking about it. I’m so happy to find out that Molly and Andrew are back in this book! And engaged! I loved this book just as much. I love how Christian is secretly a big romantic and I love how Megan tries so hard to not be immune to his whims. Fake-dating is always fun especially on holidays. What could go wrong? You catch feelings that’s always been there even before you come up with the fake-dating plan? That’s great! Megan and Christian’s chemistry is so fun and heartwarming. Catherine Walsh’s books have a specific kind of humour I can’t explain but I always love. I love that it was in here too. I hope we get Zoe’s story too.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is how you do holiday romance! Fun, flirty and just adorable, I couldn’t get enough of Megan and Christian! It’s a cute fake dating, friends to lovers story that will leave you smiling from ear to ear especially when you add in all the holiday festivities as well. It’s going to be one I re read to every year for sure.
When Megan called off her wedding to her high school sweetheart by literally running away from the altar, she upended her life completely. She moved away from her hometown and started over and didn’t look back. She hasn’t been back home since. Now it’s four years later and her parents want her to finally come back for the holidays as her brother is coming in from New Zealand.
Christian was in Megan’s class in school and he too is dreading going back home for the holidays because all his family are loved up and he is single and they are always onto him about when he’s going to get married and he has no prospects at the moment because he’s married to his job. So when he bumps into Megan in a pub in Ireland they come up with a plan to be each others dates for the holidays so they set up some rules to “fake date” each other in front of their families. However, as they spend more time together, it gets harder and harder to see the line between what’s fake and what their real feelings are. Can they pull this off? After all it’s just for two weeks, how hard can it be?
This is the perfect holiday read to cozy up with a cup of cocoa and get lost for a few hours and if it doesn’t leave you feeling festive then you need to check your Grinch heart because this checks all the boxes.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

If you love:
🩵Cosy holiday romance (realistic one)
🩵Dual POV
🩵Just the right amount of spice
🩵Fake dating
🩵Forced proximity
Then this is definitely for you!

This is the second book I read from Catherine Walsh. My first one was "Holiday Romance", and "Snowed In" was equally fun and well written.
I was hooked by Megan and Christian from the very beginning. And if you know me, you know I looooove a well executed dual POV! The chemistry between Megan and Christian is electric and the spicy scenes were *chef's kiss*

I also really enjoyed all the side characters. The story is about the two MC's going back to their family for Christmas. And the family vibes is relatable, and so funny!
Catherine, maybe a little novella about Adrian could be interesting?? 😍

The story has excellent cosy vibes, and perfect for curling up with a blanket.
However, I wished that the pace was a bit quicker in the beginning because the actual "snowed in" part came quite late into the story. Which is a pity given the title of the book.
I also wished we would have had a bit more of our main couple at the end too. Not that if felt rushed, but I just wanted more!

One side note, which is absolutely not contributing to my rating of this book, but I feel the need to say it.... knitting a sweater in real life takes MUCH longer than what was described/happening in the book 😂 You can't just knit 3 sweaters with a snap of your fingers 😅

✔️childhood classmates
✔️runaway bride
✔️forced proximity
✔️fake dating
✔️Ireland
✔️heartwarming family
✔️opposites attract
✔️dual pov


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5

I loved this one so much! Meg and Christian's story is fun, cute, and romantic, with all the Christmas vibes I hoped for.

This is the third book I have read by Catherine Walsh, and I can say she's definitely one of my favourite romance authors. I love her humour. She always writes fun inner dialogues and scenes. Also, I love the men she writes. They are still fictional (obvs), but they also have a touch of realism. They're definitely someone you can find. They're not so unrealistic, and I love that.

I read Holiday Romance when it came out, and I had no idea this was a sequel. But what a wonderful surprise it was! I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was so wholesome to return to his little Irish village in Christmas again. And to read about this heartwarming family again and see what happened to the other characters.

Megan, our FMC, was such a marvellous character. I loved her growth during this book, how strong she became from the girl she was five years ago and how brave she was to stand up to her ex and return to the village where everyone seems to hate her.

Christian, our MMC, is driven, ambitious, hard-working, successful, thoughtful and kindhearted. Still, something is missing in his life. I loved Christian. He was such a great guy. He's not blinded by material stuff, even though he sees its importance in everyday life. I especially loved how he acknowledged his feelings and talked about them as an emotionally mature adult.

Meg and Christian's love story was so fun to read. It was the perfect mix of romantic, fun, cute, and real. They worked through their feelings like mature adults and didn't make a big ridiculous fuss over them, as sometimes we find in rom-coms. I loved that.

If you're looking for that warm and cosy Christmas romance for this Season, look no further. This book right here it's the perfect fit.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

My thoughts





Narrative and Plot



When I picked this companion novel to Holiday Romance, I expected a cozy romance with a whole lot of Irish Christmas vibes (lots of food and family). That is exactly what it turned out to be.

The story is told from both Megan and Christian's perspectives. The plot is pretty much a straightforward fake dating trope. It was evenly paced and entertaining throughout. 





Characters and Conflicts


There are a lot of returning characters in this book. While I enjoyed reading about the Fitzpatrick clan and the romance between Andrew and Molly, it was Christian who stood out in this one, too. I knew he was a fun character from the last book itself and it's just nice to see that I am proven right. Especially when I read that he liked to carry a pen around like a civilized person. I carry one too, if you haven't guessed that already. The chemistry between Megan and Christian was electric from the start.

I loved how this whole relationship didn't boil down to that one single conflict. Sometimes it is just our own demons that hold us back. It was entertaining to see both Megan and Christian grow into better versions of themself around each other. Also, the sibling dynamics in the book are on point. Always love those tropes.







Conclusion


Overall, I enjoyed reading Snowed In. It was warm, fuzzy, and cozy, like freshly baked cinnamon-dusted bread. Is that a thing? I hope so because that is how I felt about this one. Great way to start your holiday reading.

I have been in such a mood for Christmas romance books and BOY did this one hit the spot! It really is the perfect holiday cozy read. There wasn’t a character that I didn’t like, and all of the characters seemed very realistic. No one was perfect, as happens in a lot of books, including the families. This book takes fake dating trope and does it very well! I loved reading the growing relationship between Megan and Christian. It didn’t happen too fast, and it wasn’t forced. I also loved the little mystery of what happened with Issac and when we learned the truth, I was so happy that Megan stood up for herself, even if it was on her wedding day.

I didn’t know that this was part of a series until I got to the end of the book and the author put something there about two of the other characters with a snippet of the other book. I’ll have to get the first book so that I can read about those two! I really enjoyed this author’s writing style.

Oh! And for those that are looking for a little spice in their rom-coms, this one has it!

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

Catherine Walsh has done it again! Snowed In is the perfect blend of Rom and Com that we all associate with Catherine's books. I stand by the title I gave her in my last review - the Irish Queen of Rom-Coms 💚

Megan hasn't been home since she jilted the town's poster boy, Isaac. Christian dreads going home and dodging the endless questions about why he hasn't settled down yet. The two bump into each other, literally, in Dublin and agree to a fake dating arrangement that will get them through the holidays. But what happens when sparks fly despite the snowy weather?

When I finished Holiday Romance last year one of the first questions I had for Catherine was, "Will Christian get a book?" Once the blurb for Snowed In was announced I was on countdown! Let me tell you, Christian delivers! I think I may actually prefer Snowed In to Holiday Romance 🤭

The dual POV highlights how well rounded Catherine makes her characters. I loved that the fake dating was his idea and who doesn't wish they were a knitting goddess like Megan? The book sums up small town rural Irish life in a nutshell, especially the rumour mill surrounding Megan's departure. And it was fab seeing Andrew and Molly all loved up.

I think the world and its cat should read this book. The tension between these two will keep you warm on the chilly winter nights 😏

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC 😘

I am definitely a seasonal reader so it was a little hard to get into the thought process of reading a book about winter, snow, and the holidays at the beginning of the fall season. But Snowed In captured my attention right away and I instantly felt as if I was right there in the winter wonderland with the Megan and Christian.

It is a holiday romance so we can all guess the ending, but I loved how the book actually gave us some suspense as to what really happened between Megan and Isaac. The author was able to create a realistic relationship development between Megan and Christian that really had me routing for them. They had just the right amount of chemistry too.

What I really enjoyed about the book is towards the ending where it is actually not written like every other book with a big revealing truth scene (trying to not spoil too much). This gave the book a more natural and refreshing take to not be like the million other books we have all read given that it is a holiday romance.

I absolutely adore Walsh’s writing style, which is delightful, funny, and heartwarming. She always impresses with her ability to create likeable and relatable characters, and her latest release is no exception.

Megan and Christian are the perfect main characters and the supporting characters add depth and bring the story to life effortlessly. Although the storyline may not break any boundaries for this genre and may seem a bit predictable at times, it does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this novel, just like any other book by Walsh.

This book would make an excellent festive read or a thoughtful gift for any book lovers.

Companion novel to my absolute favorite novel, "Holiday Romance," it literally pains me to say this I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. But that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with this. It's basically a "it's not you, it's me" situation because I loved the writing here.

Filled with holiday cheer & forced proximity, I found Megan & Christian to be absolutely adorable. The shenanigans they went through to keep fake dating were amusing. I loved how Molly & Andrew were a big part of this book, too!

With everything going on, I found that romance to be a bit lack luster for me. I felt like it was insta-love on one side & not much of anything from the other. But a no dramatic 3rd act breakup was a plus!

Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was dying to read Catherine Walsh's latest book. All of her books are absolute five stars for me.
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Their characters have great chemistry with each other from the first page and the plots always have me hanging on the next situation they are going to go through. And Ireland…there’s more dream place?
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Megan has lived in Dublin since she ran away from her wedding a few years ago, leaving the town's golden boy at the altar and an entire town blaming her for breaking his heart.
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After so long she is forced to return home when her brother decides to attend for Christmas. Without excuses, she have no choice but to attend.
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But one night in a busy pub he meets Christian Fitzpatrick, the school's bad boy, but in a more elegant and professional version. And he has the craziest idea, to come home for Christmas together as couples to avoid being the only one in his family who is not couple up
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In exchange, he will help her tolerate social events and the looks of the townspeople.
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But the more time they spend together and begin to get to know each other, the chemistry they felt when they met becomes more difficult to resist and can lead them to more
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Thanks to Catherine Walsh and Bookouture for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.

Catherine Walsh's books are fantastic, I have read one other by her and adored it so I knew I would like this.
If you hadn’t guessed by the cover it is set around Christmas time. The book is set in Ireland and focuses on two main characters Megan and Christian.

Megan hasn’t been back home for four years since she jilted her husband-to-be on their wedding day.
Christian has known Megan since they were at school, he is fed up with being single when visiting his family at Christmas. So, when they bump into each other in Dublin and get chatting, they agree to fake date for their Christmas visit and while there they get Snowed In!

I loved the banter, romance and everything in this book, it flowed so easily. I was totally immersed; it was fast-paced and such an enjoyable read. Especially with Christmas not being too far away now.

Both characters were so likeable, especially Christian who has now earned the title of my new book boyfriend!

As you can tell, I loved it from start to finish and would definitely recommend it!

How the heck is SNOWED IN the very first book I’ve read by Catherine Walsh? I truly loved this book and Catherine Walsh kept me giggling out loud over and over again! SNOWED IN is what happens when you take a Hallmark movie and turn it into a delightful book. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy, grab a hot chocolate and get on your couch with your favorite blanket and read it now!

Christian and Megan come up with a crazy plan to be each other’s fake significant other for the holidays. Christian is tired of being the only one of his siblings being alone. He wants to have someone special to share the holidays with, but he will not commit. He is tired of his family feeling sorry for him because he is by himself for another Christmas. Megan has just been dumped for the fourth time and doesn’t want to go home alone which will surely set all the town’s tongues wagging about her once again. You see, four years ago, she dumped the town’s perfect man, Isaac, at the altar. It seems no one is in any rush to forgive her either. SNOWED IN is such a fun and heart warming story that as soon as I was finished I looked to see what other books my library had by Catherine Walsh! That’s how much I loved this book.

I truly believe SNOWED IN is my favorite holiday book of 2023 so far. Megan and Christian were classmates in A small village in Ireland. The last time Megan saw Christian was the day she was running away from the church four years ago. If their story of fake dating and trying to keep everyone from questioning them doesn’t get you in the holiday mood, I don’t know what will. There is so much heart in Catherine’s writing that she left me crying out for more. The characters in SNOWED IN wiggled their way into my heart and I was praying for a happy ending. I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Walsh’s books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christian and Megan met for the first time in front of the hotel in which she was preparing for her wedding that very day. She was the runaway bride and Christian was a random attendee whom aside from being amused at her predicament, let her make her getaway.

Five years later they met again, this time close to Christmas season. Both were single and dreaded the coming holidays and spending them as singles with family. Christian struck up a deal with her, for them to be each other's fake dates for the season and meet their families to take some of the pressure off.

I enjoyed the story but I will say that it was a bit too long for me. I get that bringing someone you've just started seeing to a family gathering would be much too soon, but they both had chemistry from the onset that the dating ruse seemed unnecessary.

Aside from that, Christian was the sweetest fake boyfriend, always making sure that Megan never doubted herself and her capabilities. I especially loved it when they were up at the cabin.

I switched between the audio and ebook and the narrators were awesome. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t know what to say other than it was just what I needed. If a book was a cup of hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon it would’ve been this book. Megan and Christian served slow burn and fake dating trope. I just loved the gradual build up yet it still had the perfect amount of tension and chemistry

I absolutely love the fake dating trope and throw in Christmas on top of that and I'm all in. This is my first read by this author and I'm so happy to have requested this ARC.

Megan knows she can no longer put off going home for the holidays even if it's the last place she wants to be. Christian hates the looks he gets from his family because he's still alone. A chance encounter, a little hi, how are you? Long time, no see has Chritian realizing that if him and Megan suddenly became a "couple" just before going home for the holidays then they could help keep the heat off each other. What could ever go wrong with a fake relationship for Christmas?

I absolutely adored these two and the slow burn as realization dawned that maybe the fake is not so fake and maybe the rules could be bent a little if not completely broken all together.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

This is a great story about how things can be misconstrued and what happens when you return to your hometown after 5 years of staying away. Megan ran away from her fiancee on their wedding day. Christian witnessed it. He couldn't stop thinking about her through the years. They both end up in Dublin for work and run into each other. They are both going home for Christmas with their families and have some trepidation. Christian suggests they pretend to be in a relationship to take some of the pressure off. He even comes up with rules and a "contract" that he writes on a napkin. Megan decides to go along with it. This leads to a great story of how they interact with each other's families and how they act with each other.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

Snowed In is the sequel to Holiday Romance which is another of my all-time favourite books. However, Snowed In can be read as a stand alone and you do not need to have read Holiday Romance first (but OMG do read it!).
After leaving her fiancé at the alter in the town she grew up in, Megan has not been back, but has agreed to go home for Christmas and is absolutely dreading the idea of bumping into her ex or the friends that she used to have.
Christian is always the single one in his household of happy, loved-up couples and he could do without the questions and digs about what he is doing with his life when he goes home this year.
When Megan and Christian literally bump into each other, they devise a plan to be a couple over the holiday period when they go home to protect themselves from the gossip or questions that they feel would inevitably come their way.
This fake dating, close proximity romance is perfection! And with Christmas thrown in too for good measure – 5 stars!!
The dialogue between the characters was hilarious and I found myself having to explain to my family why I was sitting quietly reading one minute and then cackling with laughter the next. The chemistry and banter that they have is exquisite and I adored their story.
Also-sign up to Catherine Walsh’s newsletter-it’s like hearing from a friend, its absolutely wonderful.

“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.”

This was such an adorable rom-com book focused around the holidays, I just loved it! I really liked the chemistry between Christian and Megan and how easily their bond developed. It wasn't easy for Megan to return to her hometown especially after the way she left but Christian stuck to her side throughout it all and I loved how he made her feel included and did not let anyone be rude to her. The atmosphere was tense at first but towards the end, I just began to feel the Christmas spirit. The side characters really added a lot to the plot and I loved seeing Molly & Andrew (from Holiday Romance) again too! Overall, the book was lighthearted, emotional and fun and the pacing was great. I really enjoyed reading it! Catherine is always a hit author for me because so far, all the books that I've read written by her are never a miss, atleast for me. Can't recommend this book enough!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review