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.

Thank you to Juliana Smith for the ARC of this book! I have read and loved quite a few books by this author in the past and this one is my favorite yet! As we head into the winter season, this is the perfect to curl up with by the fire! I could not put it down and I thought it was a new and interesting twist on the single parent trope. Both main charges were likeable and I liked how they grew together a couple and individually. The kids in the story were also a huge highlight for me. I will be recommending this one to all of my friends who enjoy authors similar to Abby Jimenez. This one is a sweet romance with great depth and banter. Five stars from me!

I have gone back and forth on how to rate this book because I went back and forth on how I felt about this book while reading it. (I think I’m going with 3.5 rounded up to 4.) This is book 2, and I did not read book 1. Although this fact did not affect my ability to enjoy the book at all.

Cooper is a children’s ski instructor who relentlessly chases after his students guardian in an attempt at getting her to agree to fake date him for a publicity interview for the ski lodge. Now I love fake dating, but Cooper was giving me the ick when he refused to back down and let Madeline say no to his offer/question.

Madeline is a single aunt in guardianship of her niece and nephew. She is doing her best when the world is throwing every difficult thing at her. And I loved her for it. I thought Madeline was a very strong female lead and I loved her little family dynamic.

The kids, Charlie and Piper, were adorable and added a levity to the book that kept me interested. The interactions with the kids were my favorite honestly.

The last portion of the book was slowing down a lot for me until the final big event in the last 10% of the book. And then it ended really strong. But the pacing made it hard to stay consistently in the story.

Overall, it had some really cute moments, an interesting plot with complicated family relationships to explore.

The format of some of the writing was frustrating at times, the non-usage of quotation marks or other punctuation to denote popular sayings or other phrases was irritating and had me slowing down to reread and comprehend certain lines. As this was an eARC copy, I’m not sure if this gets fixed in final edits or not.

Thank you to the author for this ARC copy. This review is completely voluntary, completely my own; and always completely honest.

2.5 stars

This was good, but it didn't vibe with me, especially because the hero, Cooper, felt a bit smarmy and pushy and very into himself.
I also didn't like that he basically forced Madeline into help him and didn't take her no as an answer. I didn't like that.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

There was a lot to love in Snowed Under and I had such a fun time reading it. It was sweet to have a little follow up to baggage claim and be able to check in with Finn and Olive. I’m a fake dating trope lover and so Snowed Under made my heart sing 🤭

Synopsis: Cooper, a children’s ski instructor at his family’s struggling Aspen lodge, jumps at the chance to be featured in a magazine with 2.8 million social media followers. The catch? The magazine wants to profile him with his “wife and kids”—but Cooper is very single. To save the opportunity, he convinces Madeline, a single mom needing a break from her meddling mother, to fake date him for the interview.

Cooper and Madeline both were so special and I loved the way they were both able to lean on each other through their struggles. I really loved that they considered each other best friends towards the end too!!

The way cooper worked his way into Charlie and pipers little hearts made me so happy. 🥹

All in all, I really love Juliana’s books. You don’t have to read baggage claim first, but it’s helpful if you want to know the backstory of coop and Madeline’s best friends. 🤍

Madeline has lost her sense of self. She is now the guardian of her niece and nephew after her brother and best friend's passing, but can't quite find the Madeline she was before the accident. Her nephew's ski coach, Cooper, is chaotic and also the only person Madeline can think of to help her.

Snowed Under is another masterpiece romcom by Juliana Smith. It is such a wholesome romance and a beautifully written love story, between two main characters who have their own struggles but help to advocate for each other and make each other better.

For fans of:

❤️ fake dating
✨ opposites attract
❤️ workplace romance
✨ no third act break up

Thank you to Juliana for an e-arc of Snowed Under, all opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley & the author for an advance copy! This was a fun winter enemies to lovers fake dating romance.

I enjoyed the main characters and the kiddos! This was a pretty quick read but something felt like it was missing.

This was my first book by Juliana Smith and this hit me right in the feelings (in a great way). Snowed Under is about Madeline who has taken over parenting for her niece and nephew after her brother passed away. Throughout the book, the reader can see how much Madeline is struggling with all her life choices when it comes to the kids because she just wants to do the best she can for them. She never takes time for herself and is struggling with who she is. Enter Cooper. Cooper is a ski instructor at his family’s ski resort. He has sworn off women and is focused solely on himself. He enjoys teaching kids how to ski and loves to have a good time. When a magazine wants to interview Cooper about the family ski resort, Cooper happily agrees hoping that it will help the resort get some much needed publicity. Cooper realizes that there might be a bit of a misunderstanding about the interview when they start asking for his wife and kids to be part of the questions. Here’s the problem, Cooper doesn’t have a wife and kids. So imagine his own surprise when he finds himself saying that they will be part of the interview to talk about the ski resort. Tasked with the interview, Cooper sees Madeline and hopes that she’ll help him out of this jam. As Madeline and Cooper start to prep for the interview, Madeline slowly finds herself and Cooper is starting to fall for her. This book was really good and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I just kept loving the banter between the two characters and wanted Madeline to catch a break and know that she was doing a great job with the kids. If you’re looking for a holiday/snowy read that hits you in the feelings this season, this is definitely worth a pick up!

Okay this book! Snowflakes falling, hot chocolate vibes, fake dating trope that literally had me swooning! Snowed under is everything you want in a cozy rom com book.

Firstly, Madeline Sage. She’s juggling nursing school, raising her niece and nephew and trying to keep her late brother’s memory alive by saving a ski lodge. She’s such a strong and relatable heroine that you root for from day one!

And then we have our lovely Cooper Graves, a cute as bun cinnamon roll ski instructor with a heart of pure gold.

Their chemistry? Electric! Their banter? Perfection

A few moments felt a little bit flat but it didn’t stop me devouring this book in one sitting.

Spice Rating 🌶️/5
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a cute read! I didn't realize it was book #2 in a series but I will definitely be going back to read #1q

5 stars- arc review. This books was everything to me, from their first interaction on the page (which was hilarious btw) I loved everything about Cooper and Madeline. Half pipe and mini coop were written so well and they really added to the story. There was no third act break up as well which honestly solidified how amazing this book was. The writing, the characters and the plot so good. I loved every moment. If you’re looking for a cozy winter read, this is the perfect book for you :)

This book stole my heart, perfect for these cold winter months approaching Christmas, the snowy Aspen setting is so beautifully idyllic.
What is more warming than a hot chocolate sitting in front of a roaring fire, well that would be Cooper and Madeline ❤️
Madeline is a single aunt to Charlie, a budding skier and Piper, a feisty 2 year old. Heartbreakingly Madeline is now full time parent to them after loosing her brother and sister in law in a tragic car accident. She’s juggling nursing school, work at the Lodge as well as raising these 2 munchkins, it’s a lot and she has no time for a man in her life.
In steps Cooper, he’s Charlie’s ski instructor, his family also happen to own the Lodge. He’s approached by a well known magazine who want to do a piece on the lodge and lord knows do they need that, only trouble is he failed to put them wrong when the piece is to include him and his wife.
Rather than put them right Cooper sets his mind in persuading Madeline to be his fake one. I’ll give him this his persuasion techniques would work on anyone. In-between Madeline’s hectic life he arranges some not-dates and along the way of learning about each other …… well in won’t spoil it but it’s a must read.
I adored the kids, Charlie aka mini-Coop and Piper aka Half-Pint. The epilogue 10 years in too 😊❤️
Thank you NetGalley, Juliana Smith and Victory Editing for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

This book was so heartwarming, it was a perfect winter rom com

⭐️ fake dating
⭐️opposites attract
⭐️ golden retriever MMC
⭐️ sole guardian aunt
⭐️ funny kids
⭐️ ski lodge setting in Aspen
⭐️ dual POV
⭐️ no third act breakup

When a reporter asks to do a piece on Cooper at his family’s lodge he ends up lying that he has a fiancé and kids, now he must find a girl who will play along with his lie. He is a children’s ski instructor and when Madeleine walks in to collect her nephew Charlie he immediately falls for her.

Madeleine who has sole custody of her brothers two children and is also working and studying, does not have time to date but with persistency and charm from Cooper, she agrees to help.

They start having ‘not-dates’ and the more they begin to find out the more they both start liking.

I need to go and read Baggage Claim now.

✨ARC Review✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Snowed Under by Julianna Smith

This book took me by surprise, to say the least; I expected a fluffy, sweet romcom, and while it is every bit that, it also made me get emotional and teary-eyed during that last 10% of the story.

Cooper and Madeline have the best chemistry, going from strangers-to-friends-to-lovers in a very sweet and cute romance I absolutely adored. The way Cooper not only falls in love with Madeline, but with her kids too, tugged at my heart strings.

I don't want to give away too much of the story so I won't go into specifics, but those last few chapters...my heart! I finished the book with tears blurring the words.

Read if you enjoy single parent, closed door romances with a hint of sports, sassy kids and being snowed in together.

Thank you to Victory Editing Co Op and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

Wow. Loved loved loved this one! Might be my new favorite Juliana Smith book, and I’ve read almost all of them! I just fell in love with the found family and the way that Cooper put in the work to Mel her happy and show her that he could handle being a dad :,) it was just perfection. As someone who grew up skiing, I loved the fact that he was a kids ski instructor, and the meet cute was hilarious! The little emails Cooper sent, the friendship they built, and the way he loved her from the very start… It was everything!

My first time reading anything from this author, and it definitely won’t be my last.

The book made me laugh out loud, and yes, I even teared up a little. Normally, I’m not a fan of kids in books, but these kids were hilarious, I couldn't help but love them! I’m also not usually drawn to Hallmark-style holiday romcoms, but this one completely won me over.

Cooper and Madeline were so wholesome. Their chemistry and banter were off the charts—seriously swoon-worthy. Cooper might just be my new favorite book boyfriend, and I loved how strong and well-rounded Madeline’s character was.

This book also touches on deeper themes like grief, insecurities, and realistic family dynamics, which made it all the more impactful.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC. Snowed Under releases on November 23rd and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a holiday romcom with heart. I can’t wait to read more from Juliana Smith! 💟❄️⛷️🚡

4.5 🌟

🚡Single aunt
🚡Dual pov
🚡Closed door romance
🚡Fake dating
🚡Holiday romcom
🚡NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP!! (TY JULIANA)

Ok, Madeleine and Cooper are absolutely adorable. I loved this book and raced through it. Their relationship has some realistic up and downs, especially with coming to terms with being a guardian to your brother’s children.

There were some pacing issues and the order of the plot got a little confused toward the end, probably because of the dual point of views. Overall, a great book and I think it would be enjoyable for almost anyone.

I was so thankful to have the ARC of Snowed Under because I could not wait to read Cooper’s story after meeting him in Baggage Claim.

Cooper is the epitome of the Golden Retriever MMC trope and I just loved his silly but loving personality. He was so well written.

Madeline was also a great character. Her struggles with parenthood with Mini Coop and Half Pint were so spot on - even though she’s the kids’ aunt.

I loved how sweet and cozy this book was. Again, no spice here, it’s all closed door, but it didn’t detract at all. It still was a very binge-worthy holiday romance and I do hope we see more from this series!

Loved this book so so much!! It was a perfect read to get in to all of the wintery feels and the romance was so sweet