If you know me, you know that romance isn’t necessarily my favorite genre, but dang do I love when it’s from Catherine Walsh. I truly enjoyed Holiday Romance, and I think I like Snowed In even more. Here, Christian gets his own story where he convinces a classmate he’s known since childhood, Megan, into fake dating over the holidays.

This book has the best characters that you love to root for, all of the good feels and laugh out loud moments, and handles heavy topics with care. I wouldn’t say that it’s required to read Holiday Romance in order to love this story (it’s just a requirement to read because it’s also great), but I preferred knowing some of the families and characters already.

Enough with my rambling, get your hands on this book for your winter reading and let me know that you loved it, too.

4.5⭐️

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC; I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Snowed In is my first festive read of the year, and I couldn’t have started with a better book! I hadn’t read any book by Catherine Walsh yet, although Holiday Romance is really high on my tbr. I also didn’t know that Holiday Romance and Snowed In are interconnected standalones, so now I’m even more excited to pick HR up!

Snowed In is about Megan and Christian. They’ve known each other since they were children, and grew up in the same small town in Ireland. Megan ran away to Dublin from her wedding and relation five years ago, and hasn’t returned since. She bumps into Christian again after so many years, and they come up with a plan for the holidays. Enter the fake dating trope! One of my favourite tropes ever. This was a lovely take on this trope, mostly because there is no miscommunication. I love how Megan and Christian communicate and talk about their feelings when they want to change the ‘rules’ to their contract. You could feel the connection between them and I was rooting for them the entire time!

I also liked that there were important subplots. Snowed In is not just a holiday rom-com about Megan and Christian’s romantic relationship, but also both their relationship with their families, communication and about how to deal with a difficult relationship and breakup, about figuring out who you are on your own, and finding happiness. I really loved this and would absolutely recommend. 4,5 stars!

If you're looking for the Christmas romace of the year, this is it! Snowed In by Catherine Walsh is an absolute literary smash for holiday themed love, passion, drama, & witty humor. Christian & Megan's story is fun & their character really develop through the book. I believe Snowed In is a stand alone book, but it does spotlight a side character from Catherine Walsh's other book Holiday Romance that I also loved & recommend you read first just cause the back story is always nice to know. A Big Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC. Please do yourself a favor by reading anything from Catherine Walsh. She is an amazingly talented writer who I look forward to reading more from her soon.

5⭐️

I love Catherine Walsh's holiday romance books so much. She is absolutely incredible at writing loveable characters and fun dialogue. I just can't get enough of these two.

This is a Christmas themed fake dating book. Christian and Megan grew up in the same town and the last time they saw eachother was when Megan was running away from her own wedding. 5 years later they run into eachother at a bar weeks before going back going back home for Christmas. Their both dreading it so they decide to go back together as a fake couple.

I loved Christian and Megan so much, Christian was incredibly sweet and supportive to Megan. I love his matter of the fact attitude. Megan is also incredibly bubbly and a ray of sunshine in this book. She's just really lovely. Their interaction together is just a lot of fun and super easy to read.

I will continue to pick up any books by Catherine Walsh. I didn't love the one before this but Holiday Romance continues to be one of my favorite Christmas romance settings. She knocked it out of the park again with this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for this advanced readers copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

I will be posting my review to my Instagram page the.floofs.booknook and retail sites close or on publication.

3.75 stars rounded to 4.

This was a cute holiday romance book with likable characters and was easy to read. I did think it was dragging on in spots but if you like fake dating troupes with a Christmas vibe, this book is for you. Both main characters had good depth, but I also found there to be a lot of side characters that made it hard to keep everyone straight. I did really like the setting in Ireland during the holiday season.

In Snowed In, Megan is not looking forward to going home for Christmas because she left her fiancé at the alter years ago and hasn't been back since. It is a small town where people talk and people really liked her ex fiancé. Christian is annoyed that his family always hassles him and he is the only single one there. He also is from the same town and knows Megan. They bump into each other in a bar in Dublin and concoct a plan to fake date to help each other out while they are home for Christmas.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"Snowed In" was an enjoyable contemporary, steamy romance.

The story takes place in Ireland (which is a nice change from the usual US/UK settings of many rom coms), between Dublin and the protagonists' home town. Megan hasn't come back to her home town after running away from her ex-fiancé on her wedding day four years ago, while Christian doesn't want to go home alone and show his family that he isn't able to maintain relationships. So when a chance meeting between them happens in Dublin, they decide to team up and pretend to be together for the holidays. They had pretty weak excuses to invent such a fake dating plot, but it did make a starting point for the book.

I wasn't the biggest fan of Megan, I don't why her character didn't click with me. Christian on the other hand, seemed like a great book boyfriend, if a little flat. His relationship with his father is what made him more human, otherwise he didn't have much of a personality—despite his kindness and consideration.
Past books from this author had more well-developed characters, but the fact that "Snowed In" is part of a series (whose first book, about Christian's brother, I haven't read) might be why the secondary characters were not so well-defined. However, I must say kudos also for the effortless diversity of the cast (LGBTQ+ characters) and the mentions about mental health/relationship issues (therapy, abusive relationships, strained family relationship), that are present without the author trying to make a point about it—it just felt very natural to have these secondary topics in the story.

The plot was ok, nothing really unexpected happened. The romance was fine, but I find that in steamy romances, too much is based on physical attraction and not enough on emotional connection, and that was the case for me here with Megan and Christian. I get that they're physically attracted to each other, but what about the mental connection? I don't feel that they knew each other well, that they shared inside jokes, that they had similar interests... So I do wonder if I can imagine them being together on the long term.

The cover and title are cute, and I look forward to reading the other book(s) in the series if they come out on Netgalley in the future.

Overall, a good, fun, light winter read. 4 stars.

*I received a free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion*

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh was my first book by her but it will definitely not be my last. I loved it so much. Some of the family dynamics with Christian’s family kind of gave me The Family Stone vibes which is my favorite Christmas movie.
Years after leaving her golden boy fiancé and the alter Megan has to go back to her home town for the first time. Christian the only single member of his big family is dreading going home and once again being the only single one.
After literally running into each other they go back home as a fake couple.

Such a cute book. It set a high bar for other Christmas books, which I love!

For me, this was all of my favorite tropes together! I really like romance books with dual points of view, but I often find the man's POV not well written, and with this one, that's not the case thankfully. Both sides are very enjoyable to read and each character has their own personality. It's also a wholesome, cozy, funny book, perfect to read around Christmas time especially (or any time of the year if you're a big Xmas fan like me!). Oh, also I totally loved the conversations in this book. No miscommunication, very healthy solutions, and the characters are actually listening to what the other one says - believe it or not, it's hard to find books like this, especially in the romance genre. If you want to fill your heart with love, fun, and coziness, this one is for you!

Catherine Walsh is an amazing romance author. This needed to be said, not because it’s true and obvious, but because A) I read every one of her books and probably didn’t mention this fact, and B) her stories are so swoon-worthy that I’m sure I solely focused on that point. Render unto Caesar and all that. Anyway. So yeah; Walsh is amazing and so are her stories. You can only root for her characters, and Christian and Megan are no exception. You love them from the get-go. I mean, a runaway bride and the guy who hides away at a wedding because he can’t kick the habit in the butt? Yes, please. Their first encounter is so awkward and funny, both of them feeling like a deer caught in headlights, you’re already smiling. And it only gets better as you go along. Plus, while we’ve all read dozen of fake-turned-real relationship stories; I thought this one what slightly different. I couldn’t pinpoint how; exactly, but for some reason, it felt more plausible, tangible, something.

My only regret? It came AFTER “The end”, when I read “If Christian and Megan’s fake dating had you swooning…” and realized this was the second book of a Fitzpatrick brothers or siblings series. I wish I’d re-read Holiday Romance—which I loved as well—beforehand.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.

“Snowed In” by Catherine Walsh is a delightful romantic comedy that easily earns a solid 4/5 stars. The story revolves around Megan, the village pariah, and Christian, who’s tired of spending Christmas alone. When they bump into each other in a Dublin pub, they hatch a plan to be fake dates for the holiday season.

What makes this book shine is its witty humor and relatable characters. Megan and Christian’s banter is both hilarious and endearing, and their fake relationship feels refreshingly genuine. The author skillfully weaves in the complications of family gatherings, old flames, and unexpected feelings, creating a messy yet heartwarming holiday tale.

Catherine Walsh’s writing style is engaging, and she skillfully combines humor and romance. The snowy cabin setting adds a touch of Christmas magic that enhances the story’s charm. It’s a book that will make you laugh out loud and root for the characters as they navigate the holiday chaos.

If you’re a fan of authors like Emily Henry, Sophie Kinsella, and Abby Jimenez, you’ll definitely enjoy “Snowed In.” It’s a swoonworthy and utterly gorgeous read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Don’t miss out on this feel-good holiday romance!

Rating 4/5 stars

A fluffy holiday romance with the perfect amount of spice!
Megan and Christian engage in a fake dating scenario to appease their judgemental families during Christmastime. After a slow-burn romance, the two realize their feelings for each other and fall in love just in time for Christmas,

Snowed In, by Catherine Walsh, is a cute holiday rom-com that will leave with all the happy feels. Great characters and an interesting storyline make for a fun read. All kinds of love is in the air! Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC ebook to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookoture for the ARC. I discovered Cat Walsh last year when I read Holiday Romance and I was delighted to see another Christmas book from her.
Christian and Megan are from the same small town in Ireland. One night in December they bump into each other in the big city. They both seem to be dreading going home for Christmas. Megan hasn’t been back since she left her hometown sweetheart at the alter. Christian’s family has been not so subtlety been wanting him to settle down. The pair decide to return home together as a couple, for appearances and moral support. But their fake relationship might not be so fake after all.

Things I loved:
-forced proximity
-small town
-funny families
-Molly and Andrew are back!
-no third act breakup 🙌
-great dialogue

I didn’t realize this was about Andrew’s (from Holiday Romance) brother. I’m so glad it was, the Fitzpatricks are so entertaining. I hope next year we get another Christmas book maybe about Zoe or Hannah 🤞🤞
4.5⭐️ fun, sweet and quick holiday read

This was a wonderful rom-com book that revolves around a fake dating scenario. It has become one of my favourite holiday reads this year. The plot follows Megan, who (literally) bumps into her childhood friend Christian. Upon discovering that they're both returning home for Christmas, they decide to pretend to date to avoid their families' meddling, and to help Megan cope with returning to the village for the first time since calling off her wedding five years ago. It's a heartwarming story that will make you laugh and restore your faith in love. I highly recommend adding this book to your holiday reading list. You won't regret it!

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for a honest review! i’m familiar with Catherine Walsh’s writing and i love how she always manages to create characters that are messy and lovable at the same time, never failing to be entertaining. i love her ability to make funny and flirty dialogues and how her characters always found themselves in each other but also find their own purpose alone.
it truly felt like watching a cozy hallmark movie and i’m stupidly in love with Christian Fitzpatrick and how caring he is with Megan. both of their relationships with their families added such great meaning to the story, how Christian never seemed to actually love life itself and how Megan never seemed to be truly understood—proving that they make each other better along the way.
i also loved the little glances of Molly and Andrew throughout the book !!!! this was an easy, cozy, beautiful love story with great banter like a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy afternoon—with no third act breakup which i appreciate!

I loveeeee dual narrative rom come and thus one made me so happy! I really liked getting to know the inner thoughts of both characters, and the slow burn element of the book. The chemistry and emotions portrayed throughout the book felt exactly right and somehow, even felt authentic. I also love a bit of a holiday romance, so this was great for those cosy, seasonal reads where you just want to feel like it's a cold winter's night. I found myself almost hating Isaac, even though I had no idea what he had done for the majority of the time! I think that's testament to the well written characters and plot line.

This is a cozy holiday romance. I loved that it felt like an actual realistic set up to fake dating trope (the hesitation, and conversations around it), while I didn't feel like the actual reasoning were all that compelling, and wanted more from the build up. But, I enjoyed the main characters, and the plot. I enjoyed the first 50% more than the 2nd half of the book. I also think the author did a good job explaining past controlling relationships. Overall a fun holiday read.

Biggest gripe: SWEATERS DON'T TAKE A DAY OR TWO TO KNIT!!

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨!!!?

Christian deserves all the hype for being a grumpy cinnamon roll perfection.

"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦,"
"𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳."

I don't wish to spoil the book but believe me when I say there's more where this is coming from.

𝘚𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘐𝘯 open up with a bride on the run and a man who helps her escape.
Fast forward five years, they meet by chance in the city where both are reluctant to go back home for Christmas so cue a fake dating scheme to get the pressure of expectations off of them.

- ~ -

Megan is the infamous runaway bride that broke her town sweetheart's heart and Christian is somewhat of a reformed local troublemaker. A perfect match some might say.

I loved the way the author brings all her characters to life like they're people you've always known. It's magic.

Also, the writing is so funny. The humour is a bit dry and sarcastic but goes perfectly with the personality of the characters.

- ~ -

4.38 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Now that the hot summer weather is over, I am READY for the holiday season! This one feels like the perfectly cheesy holiday Hallmark movie that you curl up on the couch to watch with a warm blanket and hot drink! With Megan and Christian going home for the holidays, they both need a fake relationship to stop their nosey family's questions. Witty, funny, and fast-paced, this one is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit!

This is the perfect book to curl up and read as the snow falls, or the winter sun shines, either way you wont want to budge til you turn the last page.

Fake dating and holiday dinners will make you laugh out loud at the exploits of this well written cast. But hold on to the tissues for the tears you may shed at the well written back stories as obstacles our characters face.

Grab this book, clear your evening and grab a glass of wine, Snowed In is perfect for diving into and getting into the Christmas spirit