This book was so good!! The fake dating was done so so well 🤌🏻. Cooper was so funny but also so sweet to Madeline. Madeline was so strong and had been through so much - I loved her journey into figuring herself out 🥹. The kids were also so sweet and really added to the story.

I had assumed this was meant to be a Christmas/Holiday romance since the first one in the series was - but it wasn’t really, it was more of a winter romance. Definitely not a bad thing, it was a really good book - just a warning in case anyone else thought the same as me 😅. 💖

Snowed Under is a cozy rom com that makes you want to snuggle under the covers and binge read until the last page. It’s a mug of steaming hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and fresh fallen snow. It’s Christmas when you were a child, with soft multi colored lights and the excitement of winter break.

I loved the joy that can be felt off the page through Madeline and Cooper, as well as the little kiddos. Adding children into a story can be hard, and often they end up more annoying than anything, but this book wouldn't be what it is without them!

I thought the grief part was also very real and relatable. As someone who literally lost her brother a month ago, I could heavily relate to the sadness and grief Madeline felt toward losing her brother and best friend. I thought Juliana Smith did a great job at portraying that grief and sadness, while also showing Madeline as functioning and trying to move on with her chaotic life.

This is THE Winter Break book, the book to binge on when you are on Christmas vacation, the book to cozy up to by the fire on a cold winter night.

Now time to book me a trip to Aspen Peaks.

This book was so cute! I loved Baggage Claim and this did not disappoint! I loved their meet cute in the beginning where Cooper tried using Madeline’s own nephew as a wingman to help flirt with her. There were so many cute moments including Cooper meeting and becoming terrified of half pint! I also enjoyed seeing their relationship develop from strangers to friends to lovers. Overall this book was so cute and I recommend this book for the holiday season!

What to expect:
Fake dating
Single parent
No third act break up
Dual POV

4.5 stars

<b><i>"She's my Madeline." He squeezed her hands and looked into her eyes. "I owe her everything."</b></i>

If there's one thing that makes me get the warm and fuzzies it is reading a Juliana Smith book. Her books feel like comfort, like coming home from work after a long day and putting on your coziest pajamas, curling up on the couch with your favorite blanket and enjoying your favorite TV show even though you've saw it a gazillion times before.

Snowed Under checked the boxes in all the right places for me. It is the second book in the Aspen Peaks series, the first being Baggage Claim - I do think it could be read as a standalone. It is the perfect book for the 'ber months, it's set in Winter, and I just loved it so much. Also, as a big fan of Baggage Claim, can I just say it was EVERYTHING getting peaks at Olive and Finn. Like truly everything.

Cooper is literal perfection. I absolutely loved getting to know him throughout the book. He is the true definition of a golden retriever. So gentle, kind, funny sweet and honestly just everything green flag and what you'd want in a book boyfriend.

Madeline is me; I am Madeline - I have never related to a character so much. Her speech about burn out was honestly so perfectly executed. I love her character so much and I truly just wanted to be her friend. She is so relatable.

Cooper and Madeline quite literally have the best meet-cute to date. I was cracking up as I was reading it. These two together from start to finish were so perfect. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I love how they just grew so naturally; it didn't feel forced.

And I would be silly to not write this review without the mentioning of Mini Coop and Half Pint, I loved the overall big part they played in the whole story. And in their honor am going to have a Disney movie marathon and eat Sham Jams this weekend with my kids, haha.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Juliana Smith for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review. I adored this book and Juliana, I will forever be a fan of you, your books but even more this world you've created within Aspen Peaks.

3.5 rounded up.

I really loved the cozy descriptions of the ski lodge and I could almost picture myself there. It was like being curled up with a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate on a cold and snowy winter day.

The way that Madeline cared for her niece and nephew also just warmed my heart. I could feel the love that she had for them through the author's words. I also thought it was really sweet how Cooper warmed up to the kids and started to care for them too. The dynamics between them was just so sweet and the ending had me tearing up!

I will say that in my opinon, this is not a true fake dating trope book. It felt like they were actually dating the entire time - there was nothing fake about it. The fake dating aspect also felt very rushed and I think the author could have spent a little more time on this part of the story.

I also could not stand how Madeline called Piper, Pipes. The nickname drove me nuts the entire time and every time I read it I cringed.

Overall, I do think that this is a very sweet story. I enjoyed the coziness of it and the dynamics between the characters. There are just a few aspects of the story that impacted my rating. Overall, a quick and cozy winter read!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this arc! This review has also been posted to Goodreads.

I’m crying, yes I’m crying again. This book was so good! I love Juliana her writing style and the setting was so cozy! I’ve read a lot of wintery books but this one is one of my favorites! May and Cooper were perfect and I loved Piper and Charlie 🥹 I need some time to recover from this book but I hope that we will see more of them soon!

4.5 stars! I LOVED this second installment! It was such a perfect entry to winter read! I loved seeing the character development throughout. This book was tugging at my heartstrings the entire time!

“𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏, 𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆.”

Somebody pinch me because I think heaven just blessed me by letting me read the ARC of Snowed Under. This book is everything I didn’t know I needed. It made me laugh, cry, break my heart, and fall helplessly in love — all at once. Truly, it’s a magical, unforgettable story.

I’ve always been a sucker for fake dating, and baby, this one delivered like a dream. The moment I realized the couple would be doing just that? Let’s just say my screams were not subtle. Madeline and Cooper have stolen my heart and officially claimed the title of my new favorite couple.

Their journey from strangers to friends to lovers is pure perfection. Watching them trust each other, lean on each other, and overcome their fears together was as heartwarming as it gets.

And Cooper Graves? Don’t even get me started. That man is a golden retriever in human form — funny, sweet, and everything I’ve ever wanted in a book boyfriend. He owns my heart completely.

The single-aunt plot? Oh, it’s perfection. The way Madeline connects with the kids melted me, but Cooper? When he waltzed into those little hearts? Game over for me.

The Aspen ski vibes and the lodge setting are the cozy winter dreams I didn’t know I needed. I’m officially in love with ski culture, and I need someone to teleport me there ASAP.

What truly amazed me was that despite zero spicy scenes, the chemistry between Madeline and Cooper burned. Their connection sizzled with so much heat and sweetness it left me absolutely breathless.

If you’re a fan of these tropes, trust me — you need Snowed Under in your life:
❄️ Fake dating
❄️ Friends to lovers
❄️ Ski instructor hero
❄️ Single aunt heroine
❄️ Golden retriever MMC

Snowed Under is releasing on November 23rd and it’ll be available on K.U and paperback. 🩵🎿❄️

This story is pure magic, filled with so much heart and warmth that it’s still got me lovesick. Read it, cherish it, and then come fangirl with me because you’ll fall in love just like I did.

I really enjoyed this winter romance! Fake dating meets single mom aka single hot aunt lol. Cooper and Madeline are so similar and adorable together. Not to mention Mini Coop and Half Pint 😍 I binged this story in less than 24 hours. An easy read and I just couldn’t put it down. It made me smile and even brought tears to my eyes.

4⭐️ I was not expecting for this book to make me emotional, but heavens to Betsy, it did just that. It was also delightful and funny and I loved it.

The characters were all so lovable. Cooper and Madeline. The kids! They were so dang cute. And added so much to this story. Cooper’s relationship with them was so heartwarming. I shed tears. Like what the heck. (you know what scene I’m talking about) Cooper was a goofy delight that brought the happy side to the story. And my goodness Madeline is one tough cookie! She went through so much. So much, and Cooper was there to help her through it. I loved their relationship. And honestly Cooper had some serious character growth. We love to see it.

Obviously this story wasn’t perfect. There were some things I wished were different. Like I wanted to be with them when they had there get to know you conversations. The author just explains them and I feel like I am missing the growth in their relationship.

But honestly, it was well done and I enjoyed it. The author writes books that are fun, but also have depth and serious aspects. Just what I like in a romance. So I thoroughly enjoyed it.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Juliana Smith, and Victory Editing, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a cozy, heartwarming winter romance, perfect for the holiday season. The story follows Madeline, a hardworking and selfless guardian to her niece and nephew, and Cooper, a charming ski instructor with a big heart. Their fake-dating arrangement evolves into a sweet and supportive connection, with their relationship building gradually over time.

The setting—a snowy, small-town ski lodge—adds to the cozy vibes, and the humor and charm of the kids in the story were definite highlights for me. Madeline’s journey felt relatable, particularly her struggles with identity and burnout, while Cooper’s supportive and caring nature made him a standout as a romantic lead. Their meet-cute was adorable, and I enjoyed how they helped each other grow.

The book is closed-door, which keeps the focus on their emotional connection, and while the pacing dragged slightly in the middle, the overall charm of the story kept me engaged. My only wish was for more closure with some side plotlines, like Madeline’s parents.

If you’re looking for a sweet, slow-burn romance filled with holiday cheer, this is a delightful pick!

A wintery, Aspen-esque small town setting and scenery. A single, beautiful and hardworking guardian of her terror of a niece and too smart nephew. A children’s ski instructor for his family lodge who has the biggest heart imaginable. An absolutely adorable meet cute and a swoon worthy fake dating relationship. Cooper falls first and hard for Madeline and it is literally so sweet. The cutest epilogue. Yep, this closed-door, opposites attract romance told in first person, dual PoV has all the wintery love vibes.. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC.

this book was good! i thought maybe some of the writing was a bit cliche, but other than that, the exploration of deafness in children i thought was really well done, and the attraction between the two leads was apparent.

I thought it was going to be impossible for Snowed Under to top Baggage Claim, but I was quickly proven wrong!!! this book is so heartwarming and it's just the perfect winter romance. i loved Cooper and Madison so much. i cannot recommend this book enough!!!

thank you so much to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the arc copy!!!

“Maybe gift giving was my love language but I have never loved anyone the way I loved Madeline.”

5⭐️
- Opposites attract
- No third-act break up
- Fake dating
- Holiday rom-com
- Golden retriever mmc
- Single aunt
- Strangers to friends to lovers
- Perfect meet-cute

Snowed Under was more than worth the wait🙌 I fell in love with Juliana Smith’s books back in 2022 when she first published Baggage Claim, so you know this book was a HIGHLY HIGHLY anticipated read for me. And the wait was so worth it.

First and foremost, Madeline’s speech about burn-out made me feel so seen. I have never felt more understood in my life, and I just think that’s an important thing to say because it shows how powerful books are. Juliana’s books always make me feel warm and fuzzy, but also they’re emotionally validating and encouraging and I don’t think that fact should go unheard.

Cooper is 🙌. No words, literally. Mini-coop and half-pint GOT ME. But also, the non-dates, the caramel macchiatos and bacon cheddar scones, the snow storm, the girlfriend shirts, everything. Coop treated Madeline with so much care and understanding and it was just everything. I also loved getting to hear about his backstory and why he is who he is. Such a fun character to spend time with. I’m going to miss him😓

Madeline is one TOUGH cookie. She might be my favorite female (yes female because Finn will always my my #1 period) character of Juliana’s to date. Reading this book felt like spending time with my best friend and that just…was so nice. Everything you want out of a good book. Also, go Madeline for telling her parents off.

Madeline and Coop make such a cutie couple. I loved the frequent Finn & Olive appearances, as well as Charlie and Piper’s appearances. Overall, Snowed Under is a heartwarming holiday rom-com that will make you giggle and smile so hard that people start looking at you so you need to think of homeless puppies to make yourself stop.

Juliana you make me so ramble-y I just love your books too much.

Alright. Final thoughts: Snowed Under is tender, flirty, and above all, sweet. Like a sham jam.

Sidenote: didn’t know a three year old could consume so many slim Jim’s but hey we all have our phases🙌

ARC Review💌

This book was so cute! I really enjoyed it! This book is perfect for Christmas too. It just gives you that whole winter feel of things, holiday vibes and warm cozy fires ☃️🎄

Cooper freaking Graves. This man is an enormous walking NEON green flag. He is such a bloody flirt. He is so smooth with it too!!! This man had me giggling and kicking my feet like I was a fifteen year old girl with a huge crush. He is everything you would want in a guy. Funny, caring, supportive, handsome. He is just perfect. I also loved Madeline! She is such a strong character, she would do anything for the people she loves. I could seriously relate to her in some ways too, about not knowing who she is, and sort of what she wants to do with her life. She truly was such a great FMC with so much love for everyone around her. Mini Coop and Half-pint were also 2 of my favorites!

The entire setting, the vibes and relationship between the characters, all of it was so beautifully done. Juliana also gave us a very satisfying ending. If you are reading this, please add this book to your TBR for the holiday! It really is a great, cozy, fun, and heartwarming read.

Thank you Juliana Smith and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC🫶🏼

☃️🎄📖⛷️

Here are a few snippets:

"She's my Madeline, I owe her everything"

"I like the way Madeline tastes in my mouth"

"Oh, you wish I was her brother"

Format: Kindle (ARC)
Rating: 4.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1 🌶️

3.5 ⭐️
Short and sweet, a quick really cozy and romantic read!

Topics of this book:
* fake dating
* grief
* different types of family
* growing & changing
* finding yourself
* parenthood
* sports (ski)
Madeline is an Aunt who needs to care for her niece and nephew, working part-time in a ski lodge and studying to be a nurse, she has no time to date, however she finds herself in a deal where she has to help her nephew’s ski instructor with an interview 🤭 (I already said too much)

I absolutely loved the writing and the plot of this book! The kids and the main characters were incredibly funny and adorable, making the story a joy to read. The humor and charm they brought to the narrative were definitely highlights for me.
However, I couldn’t give it a full 4⭐️ because the time sequence felt a bit confusing at times. Additionally, I was left wanting more closure regarding her parents', which felt unresolved by the end.
Overall, it’s a delightful read with plenty of heart, cries and laughs—just a few small things that kept it from being perfect for me!

Thank you for the ARC 💖

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 4.5 stars

"'I don't think I realized how badly I was running on E until I met you.' He squinted down at me. 'Madeline, I was the one on E. You've given me a new purpose. Made me a better man in every way.'"

Tropes, Themes, and Things to Expect
• holiday rom-com
• workplace romance
• strangers to friends to lovers
• single aunt (guardian of niece and nephew)
• golden retriever mmc
• fake dating
• opposites attract
• no third act break-up!

content warnings for this book include: death of family (off page), grief, parental trauma

This is my first Juliana Smith novel and oh boy it's the perfect introduction to her writing. Snowed Under follows Cooper Graves, children's ski instructor, and a man desperate enough to save his family's ski lodge to agree to an interview with a family magazine... with his wife and kids... neither of which he has. Enter Madeline Sage single aunt of her adopted (and frankly, completely adorable) niece and nephew, nursing student, and part-time cleaner at a ski lodge, and ... just a tad overwhelmed and lost – she has no idea who she is anymore or what she wants. When the two meet during one of my new favorite meet-cutes, a connection stirs. Madeline could be solution to Cooper's interview problem, and Cooper might just be able to help her figure out who she is.

Honestly, this book felt like a constant warm hug. It has the perfect amount of holiday cheer and coziness injected into it, alongside these two main character's who are both struggling in their own ways. I absolutely adored seeing these two come together and only bring out the best in one another. Cooper's energy truly is that of a golden retriever; I love how much he loves his friends, and how quickly he counts Madeline as part of his inner circle. The way he helps her out and cheers her on just had my heart bursting at the seems. We love a supportive book boyfriend, and Cooper is that to a T.

Madeline felt like the center of this book to me. She had so much going on and her emotional inner world was a privilege to be invited into. I wish I could have reached through the book at various points just to give her a squeeze and tell her how good a job she was really doing. The way she cared for Piper and Charlie, her relentless pursuit of her goals, her love for her job... I'm so glad she got to the point where she could recognize her own value, because girl you are a ROCKSTAR.

The pacing felt solid, I loved that Madeline and Cooper never rushed into things, but took their time and really got to know one another (I mean, come on, that game was making my heart absolutely melt). It's possible some might find that it lagged a bit towards the middle, but I enjoyed the slower pace and really flew through the book. The only thing I would have loved to see, is a bit more resolution with Madeline's parents (i.e. for them to get properly told off, cause seriously...)

I highly recommend this one, this is the perfect romance to get you in the Christmas spirit. I'm so excited to go back and read Baggage Claim and discover Finn and Olive's story, and I can't wait to see what else Juliana does in the future – she's got a new fan in me!

Thank to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a copy of the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is the ultimate warm hug (or snuggle by the ski lodge fireplace)! Madeline is just an amazing sweet female character. She has tons of personality and heart and it’s so lovely to see her get to know herself between throughout the book. Cooper has a little less personality and I felt like his backstory was mentioned, but never really went into depth. I would’ve liked a little more depth from his character, and not just in the final third act surprise (not a breakup!). I loved how Madeline and Cooper came together, even if the timeline made no sense. Mini-coop and half-pint were adorable additions and I loved how they both had their own personalities too. I didn’t like putting this book down and really enjoyed my time reading it. Amazing characters and a really cute storyline too. 4.25⭐️, 1.5 🌶 (closed door alluding)

Thank you NetGalley and Juliana Smith for the ARC!

I cannot even begin to describe how absolutely in love I am with this book. Juliana Smith has been an auto-buy author of mine since Baggage Claim, and this book proves to keep that alive.

If you want swooning, giggles, and a cozy winter read, this is the book for you. From the very first page I was hooked, and that continued throughout the story. These characters are complex and I found myself falling for them as they started falling for each other. I cannot even begin to describe the absolute perfection that is Juliana's writing. Her ability to create characters that at first seem unredeemable and be able to turn that around is impressive. Talk about grief and loss are touched so delicately and I found myself shedding tears because of it.

I wish I could give this book a million starts because it is well-deserved!