Snowed Under is a cute winter read - it's book two of the Aspen Peaks series but can easily be read on its own. Made me want to cozy up and enjoy freshly fallen snow. The cover is adorable - the book title is catchy.

I liked both main characters overall. And the general plot *fake dating* was fun. I struggled a little bit with the kids - they didn't always seem their age.

Very little spice but decent chemistry. I think of the two books in this series I liked this one more.

3.75 out of 5 (rounded up)

It was a really cute romance, perfect for the Holiday season. I want go to Aspen and take ski lesson now !!
I loved Cooper character, he was funny and loving, perfect for Madeline and her kids 🫶🏾.

All the feels of a wintry flirty funny read. Author Juliana Smith writes a wholesome comical snowy novel, the cover will grab you in itself. It’s a feel good hopeful novel filled with 2 main characters, Madeline and Cooper destined to be with each other.

Madeline recently lost her brother and best friend and now has sole custody of their two small kids, turning her life upside down. In addition to being an Aunt now mother, she’s also a nursing student and a cleaner at Cooper’s family ski lodge.
Cooper, a kids ski instructor at his family’s resort in Aspen is on a search for a “wife, girlfriend, hopeful” to pose as his lifelong partner for an upcoming interview with a well knows family magazine to boost the lodges business.

Cooper is relentless and savvy as he sways Madeline right into his arms. Not without some family drama and the inevitable kid emergency, “Snowed Under” is just that in more ways than one.

I loved the character opposites and truly enjoyed the humor. A wistful plot that comes full circle. Now intrigued to go back and read #1 in the series, “Baggage Claim”

I highly recommend this adorable snowy contemporary romance.
Thanks to Author Juliana Smith, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

“Someone once told me that who we are isn’t defined by our abilities but by who and what we love around us”

If you like:
- Fake dating
- Opposites attract
- Single aunt
- He falls first

Cooper is a confident ski instructor, who, in desperation to save his family’s ski lodge, may have claimed to have a wife and children. Madeline, is a reserved, single aunt who would love nothing more than to get her mom off of her back about dating. So of course, it just makes sense for these two opposites to team up and get what they both want. But, as they get to know one another over weekly “non-dates”, they both may have realized that they may be getting more than they bargained for.

Are you looking for a sweet romance book that not only makes you laugh, but warms your heart and soul like Madeline’s favorite caramel macchiato? If your answer is yes, then Snowed Under is the book for you!

I truly love the way Juliana Smith writes. Each and everyone of her books is like coming home and Snowed Under was no different. She did such a wonderful job creating these realistically beautiful characters and making you fall in love with them. Madeline is such a relatable character, even though she feels that she has lost who she is, she loves so hard and so big. Cooper was the perfect balance for Madeline, he was quick witted and had the ability to see the little pieces that made her, Madeline, is such a wonderful character trait in itself, because all most people want is to be seen.

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read and review Snowed Under.

Happy release day to Snowed Under!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Juliana Smith for the opportunity to read the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I read from this author and it was so easy to read. It's the second book in the Aspen Peaks series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, if you don't want to spoil what happens in the first book, you should read them in order.

This story is about loss, grief, love and finding yourself. Both main characters were so likeable. At the begininng I must admit that Cooper did not make a very first good impression, but then you get to see his growth and it's easy to love him.

Madeline and the kids... My heart ached for them. Having nephews myself I understood Madeline's fears completely. I know what it's like to always try to do what is best for them and thinking that maybe you're not doing everything well.

Overall, this book made me laugh and cry, it broke my heart but put the pieces back together in the end. A thing that I very much appreciated was that it didn't have a third act breakup, such a relief!

It's the perfect story to set you in the mood of the holiday season without being completely focused on Christmas. The epilogue was everything I didn't know I needed. I think it's one of the cutest epilogues I've ever read.

I will be reading more books from this author for sure. I think I might start with Finn and Olive's story, as I loved them in this book!

Book Review: Snowed Under by Juliana Smith

Juliana Smith’s Snowed Under is a delightful romantic comedy that blends charm, humor, and heartfelt moments into a cozy, winter-themed story. The novel’s premise is simple yet engaging: two characters with opposing personalities find themselves snowed in together, forced to confront their differences, and discover a deeper connection.

The protagonist, a career-focused city-dweller who initially resents the unexpected detour to a remote cabin, is relatable and well-developed. Their counterpart—a down-to-earth, small-town local with a gruff exterior but a heart of gold—provides the perfect foil. Smith skillfully crafts their banter, filled with wit and simmering tension, creating a slow-burn romance that feels both authentic and satisfying.

The snowy, picturesque setting plays a significant role in the book, almost becoming a character in itself. Smith’s vivid descriptions of crackling fires, snow-laden forests, and cozy evenings indoors lend the novel a warm, atmospheric feel that’s perfect for curling up on a winter’s night.

What stands out most is Smith’s ability to balance light-hearted moments with deeper themes of vulnerability, growth, and understanding. While the storyline is somewhat predictable—falling in line with many romantic tropes—Smith’s fresh voice and engaging writing style make it feel new.

Overall, Snowed Under is an endearing read for fans of feel-good romances. It’s a story about connection, compromise, and the magic that can happen when two people let their guards down. A must-read for anyone craving a lighthearted winter escape.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
age rating: 14+
spice: kisses only/closed door
language: 2/5

this book was so stinkin' cute!!
i don't know how else to describe it, other than
comparing it to a warm hug on a snowy day.

the plot was extremely family oriented, as our fm is a single aunt raising the two sweet kiddos of her deceased brother, as well as trying to juggle nursing school. you'll definitely be attached to 'mini coop' and 'half pint' by the end. 'sham jam,’ anyone?

if you're a sucker for the fake dating trope, you'll adore cooper and madeline just like i did. cooper graves is entirely too flirty for his own good, and his and madeline's chemistry is so fun and addicting to read. their banter is everything.

the timeline confused me at times, but overall this was such a sweet book.
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc copy!

This is the SWEETEST story I have read in a LONG time I am so obsessed with Madeline and Cooper.

Charming, beloved ski instructor Cooper Graves who happens to also be from the family who owns one of Aspen’s longest running ski lodges needs a fake girlfriend so he can try and save the family lodge after being approached to be interviewed by a “family” magazine. Sweet & shy Madeline, who has custody of her 9 year old nephew & 2 almost 3 year old niece is taken back when Cooper FINALLY notices her as she’s picking her nephew up from ski lessons. Cooper and Madeline end up forming the SWEETEST friendship, and notice there may be some spark there as hard as they both try to ignore it…

I was attracted to this book first because it takes place in Aspen, CO and I LOVE ASPEN, but I really fell in love with Cooper, Madeline, Mini Coop & half pint 🥹 there were so many aspects of this book I connected with, especially as a toddler mom whose little one is in speech therapy just like half pint. It really warmed my heart to see this representation I literally almost cried.

Cooper is now on the top of my book boyfriends. He has such golden retriever energy, and is just so fun. He was so sweet to Madeline, and ugh a man who’s naturally great with kids…SWOOON 🫶🏻

Madeline was the SWEETEST FMC. She has custody of her nephew and niece & is in nursing school to give them the best life possible. She has not been treated very well in the past by friends, ex fiance and even her parents and Cooper shows her she deserves the world. 💕😭🫶🏻

I seriously cannot stop thinking about this book it was so precious.

If you love…
⛷️winter rom coms
💖found family
⛷️fake dating
💖plenty of swoon worthy moments by the MMC
⛷️slim Jim’s, white cheddar cheese-it’s, x box games & Disney on ice
💖skiing/snowboarding
⛷️the CUTEST mutual best friends
💖an MMC who won’t give up to get the girl

Then def give this book a shot! It is available NOW on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon. 💖 I will def be reading Baggage Claim now. ✨

I knew from the beginning that I was going to love this book. It has everything I adore in a good, cozy read—Christmas, fake dating, witty banter, and opposites attract. I just couldn’t put it down!
Get yourself some hot chocolate, turn on the christmas and enjoy this wonderful delight.

4/5 ⭐️
super cute winter read! loved madeline and coop from the very start. i truly adored cooper!!! fake dating. tw:loss

thank you so much Juliana for an ARC copy. happy release day!!!!!

This was such a good book and I didn'twant to put it down!! I loved how the main characters developed through the story. Great story and made me feel like I met great friends. Looking forward to more of her books. Recommend.

first of all, thank you again to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my review!! i love juliana as an author, so this was a must for me!!

such a cute winter romance that i couldn’t take my eyes off!! from their meet cute to their connection to the sweetness between them too, the perfect closed door romance for me!!

this book included so many tropes which im obsessed with…such as fake dating, single parent, small town and strangers to lovers 🫶🏼

If Juliana Smith ever needs someone to proofread her grocery lists, I volunteer as tribute, anything to keep reading her work. When I opened the email saying I'd been approved for this ARC, I genuinely could have squealed. My love affair with Smith's books started with an early read of Signed, Sealed, Delivered last year, and ever since, I’ve been hooked. But Snowed Under? It might just be her best work yet. This story was everything I hoped for and more, I’m totally over the moon!

The romance between Madeline and Cooper is utter magic. From the first spark to the last page, their chemistry was off the charts, and their dynamic had me rooting for them with my whole heart. Smith nailed every single trope, making them feel fresh and real, and turned this story into pure, heart-melting perfection. I’m usually wary when kids are involved in romances (they can feel a bit forced), but Piper and Charlie were written so beautifully. They felt like real, complex little humans, and I absolutely adored them. The way Madeline stepped up for these kids, and how Cooper did everything he could to support her and ease her burden, made me want to cry my eyes out in the best way. Watching their partnership grow into love was an absolute joy.

And let’s talk about the communication. The way these two openly shared their struggles and worked together was everything I wanted in a romance. Although this book is set in the snowy hills, Juliana Smith once again managed to melt my heart with her beautifully crafted love story. If you're a fan of wholesome, heartwarming romance, Snowed Under will be your next favourite read, just in time for Christmas too!

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Check out ‘Snowed Under’ if these tropes are for you:
ʚ♡ɞ Fake Dating
ʚ♡ɞ Forced Proximity
ʚ♡ɞ Single Aunt x Nephew’s Ski Coach
ʚ♡ɞ Opposites Attract
ʚ♡ɞ No third-act breakup
ʚ♡ɞ Based in Aspen, Co.

Madeline Sage has lost herself. After the tragic loss of her brother and best friend, she’s thrown into a new life as a caregiver to her niece and nephew, juggling nursing school and a cleaning job at a ski lodge. Her mother insists that the one thing missing from Madeline's hectic world is a man, so Madeline turns to the one person who might just make the chaos more manageable: her nephew’s coach, Cooper Graves.

Cooper, struggling to turn around his family’s ski lodge, needs a picture-perfect family for an upcoming magazine feature. Madeline needs a fake boyfriend. Cooper needs a fake family. As their "arrangement" brings them together in chemistry-filled moments and "professional" not-dates, their pretend partnership begins to feel very real. But with past heartbreak and heavy responsibilities pulling them down, Madeline and Cooper must decide if love is enough to overcome the obstacles in their paths.

My review shall be posted to Amazon and GoodReads within 2 days of release.

Title: Snowed Under
Author: Juliana Smith
MCs: Madeline & Cooper
Format: eARC
Review: This was a very cute and sweet winter romance! I loved the connection between our two MCs and they had one of my favorite meet-cutes that I’ve read in awhile. This book is all closed door spice so if you are looking for something romantic with no explicit details, this is a perfect find! Cooper is funny, sweet and caring. I loved seeing his interactions with the kids in this story!
Madeline is a very real character that many could relate to. She has real life struggles of being a single parent and you can really feel, while reading, how much she loves her niece and nephew.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet and fluffy romance book that you can read cuddled up on the couch.
Thank you to Net Galley and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Golden Retriever BF
Friends to Lovers
Single Parent
Small Town
Workplace Romance
Trigger Warnings: N/A
Spice:
N/A – FTB
Overall Rating: 4/5

this was an amazing, beautiful, tender sequel to an already favorite book of mine!!!

Madeline and Cooper are so freaking adorable together, so quickly developing a rapport and mutual attraction to each other, that gets slowly developed into a friendship then relationship. I love how they both show their truest selves, always trying to get to truly know the other in a way that will bring them closer together (even when they don’t realize that’s what they’re doing). their love for each other burns so hot and bright, overshadowing any lingering fears, insecurities, and challenges— not ignoring them, but properly loving the softest, tenderest parts of each other in a way that’s safe.

and the lils, the hilarious mini coop and half pint, the adorable charlie and piper. I absolutely the love and tenderness shown them throughout the story. I always love kids in books and these two add so much cuteness, sweetness, and unconditional love and hilarity.

overall, I’m absolutely in love with Madeline and Cooper and their own adorable little family. thank you so much for the arc!!!!!

I adored this book!! I was so happy to be with this group again and to read Cooper getting his HEA!! Madeline was such a wonderful character and so strong, I really loved how she cared so much for her niece and nephew even while struggling along with everything. I loved how Cooper has matured and the way he tried to be there for Madeline, even if initially, he was the one who needed her help.

This was such a cozy, heartfelt read that it was perfect for this time of year. Juliana's books always hit me in the feels and this one was no different. Cooper and Madeline were so fun together and exactly what each other needed. I also adored his relationship with the kids!! Also, the Finn and Olive cameos were the cutest!

Thank you to Juliana, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for this ARC!

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.