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🙌

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!

I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of Snowed Under by Juliana Smith, and I couldn't be more thrilled with this cozy, heartwarming read. Set in the snowy Aspen, Colorado, this book is the perfect escape for anyone craving a romantic story filled with warmth and emotional depth. The pacing is perfect, keeping me hooked from start to finish.

The characters are incredibly relatable and their connection develops in such a genuine and heartfelt way. I found myself completely immersed in the setting and rooting for the couple as they navigated their personal struggles and found love. Cooper had me several times giggling and the way he acts with children SWOONING

Altough I missed the christmas vibes a lil, its overall, a sweet, emotional winter romance to curl up with!

PS: Also thank you so much to Netgalley

Thank you so much to netgalley and the author for the chance to read this early. I loved being back in Aspen Peaks after reading Baggage Claim last year! This is set in the same place and follows Cooper who was Finns best friend in book 1. They are interconnected standalones so not essential you read book 1.

This was the perfect read for November. It had cosy, wintery vibes without being too Christmassy. So it was great to start easing those festive vibes in.

There was a lot of gorgeous unconventional family rep in this book. Madeline is a single guardian to her brother's children after a tragic accident. I thought this was so different to other books l've read and it just added another dimension to the story. Whilst Cooper was raised by a single mum. All their bonds and relationships were so so cute, and I loved reading about the siblings so much. Also the way Cooper interacted with the kids was so sweet!

The MMC was so cute. A reformed player turned golden retriever. He's 6ft 5, incredibly attentive and thoughtful and gives the kids adorable nicknames! He's so funny which is one of my favourite MMC traits. The FMC was amazing. I loved her and how strong she was. She was under a lot of pressure but still thought of everyone else. Just a lovely pair of people who deserved to find the love they did!

This wasn't a smutty or spicy romance, so good for those of you who don't like your doors wide open 09.
There's a beautiful kissing scene though!

I really enjoyed this book and I flew through it! Such a cute and perfect winter romance. I really liked the writing it was so intriguing and kept me interested. But also the characters, both the fcm and mmc were so good written

Juliana Smith does it again!
Snowed Under is an opposites-attract, fake-dating romantic comedy with a side of unexpected emotional depth.

First things first: I HATED Cooper Graves at the start. Truly, I was convinced there was no redemption arc strong enough to make me like him. A cocky, self-assured ski instructor who seemed more chaos than charm? Hard pass. But then, as if by magic (or, more likely, Juliana’s impeccable writing), I started to *understand* him—right alongside Madeline. By the time she was softening toward him, so was I, which speaks volumes about Juliana’s talent for creating realistic, layered characters.

Madeline Sage, meanwhile, stole my heart immediately. A grieving, overworked single aunt juggling kids, nursing school, and a cleaning job at the ski lodge? Her struggles felt achingly real. She’s the kind of heroine you root for with your whole heart.

And the setting? The ski lodge, the snowy mountain backdrop, the coziness of winter—it was all *chef’s kiss.* Reading this during the colder months felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie, but with so much more depth and humor. I loved it.

One of the biggest reasons Juliana Smith has cemented her spot as one of my all-time favorite romance authors is her ability to make characters feel so real. These aren’t cookie-cutter romances; her characters are flawed, messy, and genuinely human. Madeline and Cooper’s story felt like it could be pulled straight from real life—a raw, tender mix of love, loss, and finding your way back to yourself.

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story about two people finding love amidst tragedy, snowstorms, and plenty of chaos, Snowed Under is the perfect read. Just be warned—you might start off hating Cooper, but trust me, by the end, you’ll be rooting for him just as much as Madeline. That’s the Juliana Smith effect!

A heartfelt thank-you to Juliana Smith, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and NetGalley for access to this wonderful advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions provided in this review are of my own.

What a roller coaster ride this book was. I laughed, I shed some happy tears, and I shed some sad once too. This kept me hooked from the very beginning to the last page. The writer has crafted the characters beautifully and given them emotional depth.
 
Madeline's journey is deeply emotional, as she is grieving and trying to balance her life with work, study, and taking care of her kids. She keeps moving on, no matter what. Her struggle felt real.
 
Cooper is the greenest green flag. His character adds charm to the story. His vulnerability, his grief, and his insecurities were represented well in the book. Though sometimes he doubts his ability to fit into a family life with kids, he begins to embrace the responsibility of being a guardian.
 
I love them together. The slow burn between them keeps the readers rooted for them. They start to find their lost shelves in each other's presence. It was beautiful to see them become friends from strangers, and then the friendship turned into something more.
 
The book also touched the themes of loss, grief, healing, and the importance of family support. This made this book emotional. One more thing I appreciate about this book is how this book represents parenthood. It shows not only the fun side of parenthood but the tensed side too.
 
And the kids. Charlie and Piper. They are adorable. Charlie seems more mature than his age. Piper doesn't allow everyone in her circle. The biggest challenge Cooper faced was to win Piper's heart.
 
This book is set in cold weather, but it can fill the reader's heart with warmth. If you like to read an emotional romance, then definitely give this book a try.