Member Reviews

I’m a sucker for these kind of stories. Fake couple develops feelings for each other and the rest is history. Enjoyed the characters and the growth.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this so much. Holiday Romance was one of my favourites last year and the first thing I asked Catherine when I finished was if Christian would get his own book - and it did not disappoint. This was sweet and swoony, the dynamics between characters – couples, friends and family, were all absolutely perfect and there are so many hilarious moments. I loved getting to see more of Christian’s broody character while also seeing him having fun and banter with others. I loved Megan and getting to see her move on fully from her past rather than continuing to ignore it all, and the way she works for what she wants. We get to see more of all the Fitzpatrick family and catch up with Molly and Andrew who have a wonderful little side plot. Also Molly’s sister Zoe makes a number of appearances in this too and she is a scene stealer - her humour is perfect and I loved those extra glimpses.

Was this review helpful?

Well, what a lovely little rom-com (with a bit of spice 🌶) that was! I absolutely loved the characters. It made me laugh and cry and I read it in a few sittings. Would wholeheartedly recommend for a cute festive read!

Was this review helpful?

After reading Holiday Romance last year, I was so excited to pickup Snowed In this year to explore Christian's story and get a glimpse of Molly and Andrew again.

This book was charming, the banter was witty, and the characters were compelling. I especially liked the character development for Megan and how Christian helped her build up her self-confidence, but that ultimately she was able to stand up for herself in the end.

While I have a soft spot and enjoyed Holiday Romance slightly more than this installment, this was a very enjoyable holiday read and one that I would definitely recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Catherine Walsh is fast becoming one of my favourite romance authors. Her characters are always well rounded. Sweet without being trite. Closed door but still intriguing. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Was this review helpful?

Snowed In
By: Catherine Walsh
Review Score: 4 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
-I love the dual point of view between Megan and Christian.

-It was fun to see the dynamics between Christian and his family.

-No spoilers, but once they revealed the reason Megan left her ex, I knew she did the right thing.

-I love the backdrop of Christmas as Megan and Christian navigate fake dating.

——

Snowed In was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Bookouture. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: 11/1/23

Snowed In really starts with intrigue, as we meet Megan running from her wedding, and talking to Christian before she does. We then get a flash forward to a few years later, where Megan and Christian meet again in Dublin, and plan to fake date when they both go back home for Christmas.

I loved watching Megan and Christian’s relationship evolve, they really have great chemistry and it was fun to cheer for them. I also love that Megan stook up to her ex, who really was not a great guy.

I think we all have felt the stress of wanting to impress family members of the holidays, so I really enjoyed that dynamic as well. The story felt relatable, bu still fun and silly at times.

If you are looking for a good winter book to curl up and read while drinking a cup of hot chocolate, this one is for you!

#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #fiction #arcreview #netgalley #sponsored #boogiesbulletpoints #snowedin #catherinewalsh

Was this review helpful?

Did I just give a holiday romance 5 stars in the middle of October? Yes, yes I did.

This is ✨the✨ holiday romance for 2023. The bar has been set, y’all.

It was so good! I loved the characters, their banter, and the side characters as well.

Snowed In was a fake dating romcom. Megan and Christian actually grew up together and the last time he saw her, she was running away from her wedding, white dress and all. They bumped into each other in the city and both had reasons to not want to go back to their hometown single and miserable, so they worked out a plan.

This was a tiny bit spicy, but I honestly loved the fact that, while Megan and Christian were attracted to each other, that’s not what really cemented anything. Their chemistry was off the charts and I loved the way their personalities meshed and THAT is what I couldn’t get enough of. Both of them desperately needed to be cared for and to have someone just be thoughtful about their feelings for once. I melted just about every time one of them would do or say something and the other would be shocked and melty. Aaah this book was just so good!

I hate all things Christmas before Halloween, but with a release date of Nov 1, I had to squeeze it in, so I decided to just get it over with… and honestly it might be my favorite read so far this month. (Which is really hard for me, a Scrooge who prefers horror, to admit!)

You don’t want to miss this book. Preorder it now, you won’t be sorry!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and Catherine Walsh for providing me an advanced reader copy of this book.
I had so much fun reading it! This is absolutely perfect Christmas romance with fake dating trope that I love so much. The story is captivating, funny and has a good amount of spicy scenes. I really like that Megan and Christian are completely different but they're trying to meet halfway, because they care for each other deeply. I think this is exactly how every healthy couple should working their things out.
This book would be a perfect Christmas gift for your best friend or your girlfriend.

Was this review helpful?

This book was so good. My first Catherine Walsh book and now I have to read more! I was engaged the whole time and how could you not when you start out with the runaway bride scenario! I am so happy for Megan and Christian!

Was this review helpful?

I don’t know why Cat Walsh books aren’t more widely popular. She is HILARIOUS, and her stories are sweet, fun, and heartwarming. I read Holiday Romance last year, and I was so excited that Christian was getting a story! And a fake dating story with a hot tub scene?! SIGN. ME. UP. Add to that they they were childhood friends AND there’s a runaway bride?! I am actually obsessed with Christian and Megan. I loved their chemistry despite being kind of bumbling idiots around each other at first. Watching the two of them fall for each other was so sweet, and I loved their love story. Plus, there’s no third act breakup! You need to read this if you want all the sweet holiday rom-com vibes!

Was this review helpful?

Snowed In is a lovely romcom novel about two people who want love but can't find it.


I'll admit, I'm biased. Yes, I'm really biased. I've lived in Ireland all my life, and have enjoyed the culture. So seeing all the authentic Irish tendencies (but not cliched way) represented in the plot and the characters gave me such a thrill.


We also do like to see the housing crisis reference, that did hit a little close to home.


Now, with the plot! Megan, who ran away from the alter years ago, needs to return home for the holidays (but is dreading it, as one would). Christian is feeling lonely and is sick of his family thinking he is. Both decide to solve this problem in a good old romcom way: fake date for the holidays.


We got a slew of successive romcom tropes, which added humour and wit to the plot. Both Christian and Megan had fun chemistry and bantered in a subtly snarky way (very much Irish, loved that). I haven't really read books about social pariahs (as Megan was considered in their hometown), but I feel like this aspect was quite well done. Everyone's reactions were realistic but I didn't feel overwhelmed by any tension or angst (as it should be, this is a Christmas novel! If I was, I'd be disappointed).


Both characters' struggle to find love in the modern world of online dating apps and a series of relationship failures was quite relatable. I also enjoyed the relationship both characters had with their families, the dynamic between them added another layer of realism and entertainment for me.


I didn't realise that there is a holiday romance about Christian's brother before this, and I'm definitely interested in reading about it!


Thank you so much to Catherine Walsh, Bookouture and NetGallery for the ARC, these are my honest thoughts.

Was this review helpful?

This was my first Catherine Walsh book and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I was instantly hooked!

Its told from a dual POV. Christian & Megan are both from the same village in Ireland. Megan left her fiance at the alter and ran away. 5 years later, Christian and Megan reunite in Dublin. Megan hasn't been home since she ran away from her wedding and Christian is tired of his family feeling sorry for him and being the only single person in his family. They both dread going back home for the holidays and so Christian devises a plan for them to fake date which will help both of them out.

This is definitely a slow burn but I could feel the chemistry between the two of them. This book was full of funny banter, sarcastic humor and all around good fun. Also, there was no 3rd act breakup which I totally appreciate! It was a perfect, cozy holiday read!

I received an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Bookouture & netgalley!

Was this review helpful?

Snowed In

4.25 ⭐️

Catherine Walsh writes such good cozy Christmas romance books! If you didn’t read last year’s Holiday Romance, you need to check that and Snowed In out!

These follow some of the same great characters in the family, while focusing in on Megan and Christian. Both decide to try their luck faking a relationship as the head home to their small Irish village for Christmas.

Their dual perspectives really build up some characters that I loved. And now I just want to snuggle up with some warm cozy wool clothing!

This book comes out the beginning of next month. Thanks @netgalley for this eARC!

Was this review helpful?

*4.25 Stars*

Forced proximity romcom winter romance? Yes, sign me up!
I absolutely loved Snowed In by Catherine Walsh.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for letting me read this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Megan and Christian live in Dublin and they need to return home for Christmas to their families in a small village in Ireland. Megan is a runaway bride who has never returned home since and Christian is tired of being the only single person in his family who feels like he is constantly disappointing his father. They strike up deal to return home as a fake couple and to support each other through the holidays.

I absolutely loved the banter between Christian and Megan and the relationships each had with their respective families. It had me laughing out loud, multiple times. Quick wit and forced proximity romance always make for a fun read and that is exactly what this book is.

Parts of the story had me rolling my eyes because I felt like adults were acting like high schoolers, but that didn't deter me from enjoying this read.

This was my first read by Catherine Walsh and it will not be my last.

Parental rating: 17+ due to mild profanity and open door sexual content.
Parts of the story had me rolling my eyes because I felt like adults were acting like high schoolers, but that didn't deter me from enjoying this read.

This was my first read by Catherine Walsh and it will not be my last.

Parental rating: 17+ due to mild profanity and open door sexual content.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to netgalley, Bookouture &Catherine Walsh for the ARC of Snowed in. I immediately borrowed Holiday Romance on Kindle Unlimited as soon I finished this! I laughed out loud so many times. Wanted to cry for what Megan had to go through, this is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2023 and I love Catherine’s writing style

Was this review helpful?

ADORED this one. The relationship between Megan and Christian began so early on without either of them realizing it. The missed connection, so to speak. But then Walsh dove right on in and the reader gets to experience this relationship blossom slowly but surely. Christian is swoony, with his small gestures and his big gestures. He really pays attention to Megan, our FMC, and really makes sure he’s in tune with her wants and needs. Both have some complex pasts, but Christian ensures that Megan knows she’s safe and supported. These two things make their relationship be one that is admirable and wanted by many, and Walsh does a great job at portraying it. The pacing of the story is just right, the events that unfold lead to the bigger and better, and there are some events that are surprising to any and all readers which makes it all the more fun. So grateful to have had the opportunity to read this one. Definitely a fun, quirky read about discovering yourself and relationship building all in the same. Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC, Bookouture and Catherine Walsh!

Was this review helpful?

Wow! When I read the blurb I was immediately intrigued. I always love a well written fake dating romance, and there are plenty of badly written ones out there. This one however surpassed my expectations. We have a sweet and funny caring FMC who ran from the altar. Normally I have a problem with that but there’s a good reason. I love how you get to see each of the characters personalities and how they complement each other. The rebel/bad boy who’s really sweet and actually observant. He steps up even though it’s a fake relationship. The way they each make sure to take an interest in the other persons hobbies and what they like. They stand up for each other and stand by each other. Also the build up to the relationship is believable it’s not instant and you get to enjoy the journey with them. I also really loved the side characters. Everyone from the respective best friends and the protective siblings, to the parents who love them. I thought the whole thing was well written and perfectly pulls on the emotions to give you laughter and tears and all the feels. Highly recommend if you love romance/fake dating, or just a good cosy book. Happy reading!

Was this review helpful?

Snowed In is a holiday romance with a runaway bride and fake dating trope. Megan and Christian are both from the same small Irish village and the story gets off to a dramatic start as Megan runs away from her wedding and bumps into Christian who kindly asks if she needs help. She lets him know, she's okay before she disappears. Five years later Megan runs into Christian again at a pub in Dublin and as they reconnect, they end up sharing how much they are dreading going back home for the holidays. Christian suggests they go back together and be each other’s fake date. He thinks she is beautiful and fun and will make the holidays more bearable.

I thought the first half of the story was really sweet as Megan and Christian get to know each other. They are both funny and loveable characters. Christian was the boy all the girls had a crush on growing up. His father wanted him to stay and work on their farm but he went off to college and now is a wealthy manager of luxury real estate rentals. He still has some issues to work out with his father because he feels no matter what he does, he’s never good enough.

Megan works in marketing and loves to knit. She hasn’t been back home to her village since she ran away from her wedding because she believes that everyone in the village hates her. They believe she was cruel to leave Isaac, the golden boy of the village, at the altar. She has never told anyone why she ran from her wedding and we don’t find out what happened until quite a ways into the story and I got impatient waiting for the big reveal.

Megan was right to worry about people in the village despising her for the way she broke up with Isaac, because when she returns, they are awful to her, especially Isaac’s friends. Luckily Christian is wonderful and comes to her rescue and we see them begin to fall for each other.

The second half of the book slows down when we meet their friends and family and I wondered if they will all get their own books. This is a slow burn – Megan and Christian didn’t have a real kiss until 70 percent in. I enjoyed hearing about both of their families’ holiday decorations and celebrations. Megan must have knitting superpowers because she whips up sweaters and other knitted gifts very quickly. I did wonder where Megan’s father was. I didn't see him mentioned in the book.

I was looking forward to the snowstorm to see them get snowed in and I’m glad to share that when it finally happened, it was very cozy and spicy. I recommend this to readers looking for a sweet, light read that takes place in an Irish village during the holidays. Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

If you're looking for a cheesy, holiday rom-com, look no further! As predictable as "Snowed In" is, I loved the characters' chemistry, their growth, the complicated family members, and the cute 'happily ever after' ending. It was just what I needed.

Was this review helpful?

SNOWED IN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Ahhh I loved this. It hit perfectly for me. It had everything I need in a Holiday Romcom: home for the holidays, family dynamics, fake dating, the most natural chemistry, and witty banter!

This deserves to be at the top of your list of Holiday Romcoms. I loved the main characters, but honestly the entire extended family added so much that the book! I felt like I was smiling the entire time I read this one. It felt magical and festive and was the sweetest love story!

Megan and Christian grew up in the same hometown and are both dreading going home for the holidays. After reconnecting, they come up with the idea to go home as a couple. Fooling everyone, they go to all of the events and spend time with all of the family. What could go wrong?

Pub date: November 1

Perfect if you like:
•Fake dating.
•Home for the holidays.
•Natural chemistry.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🍩🌮

🚪: skip chapters 27 & 28 for explicit intimacy details.
⚠️: explicit language.

Was this review helpful?