5 Cockroach Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 0/5 Closed Door but there is STEAM

I don’t think Katie Bailey can write a bad book. This is only the second book I’ve read from her, but she has an amazing ability to craft incredible characters and piece together the cutest plots that keep you hooked and invested from the very beginning.

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Olivia Griswold is a flight attendant who has just made the big decision to leave London and move to Atlanta, where her brother plays professional hockey for the Atlanta Storm. However because he is just starting a new relationship and she doesn't want to impose on his space, she moves in with the roommates of HELL. Olivia also hates Christmas, so when her roommates make it impossible to stay at her apartment she agrees to move into Aaron Marino's house and to be his date to a Christmas Gala. The issue is Aaron loves Christmas, is her brother's teammate and best friend, and is also Olivia's arch-nemesis because he broke her heart as a teenager.

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I loved Olivia, even though she’s my total opposite because I’m a sugar plum fairy when it comes to Christmas, I adore the holiday, but she shows that not everyone feels the same way. She’s the absolute embodiment of a Grinch. She has her reasons for not liking Christmas, but what I admire about her is that she doesn’t let her feelings impact anyone else. That’s a big part of her personality, she doesn’t want to inconvenience anyone. She’s had to grow up quickly, dealing with everything her parents went through. She’s fiercely independent and moving in with someone is a huge step for her because she is always the person who will willingly sacrifice her own comfort and happiness just to avoid putting anyone out. Her efforts might seem admirable to some but ultimately she is punishing herself and it's so heartbreaking.

Aaron is the Elf to her Grinch. He’s all about the holidays. He’s a golden retriever in human form; sweet, enthusiastic, and full of good vibes. Sure, he’s a bit cocky, but honestly, can you even be a first-line professional hockey player without a little cockiness? Underneath it all, he’s the sweetest guy. Someone who is flirty, thoughtful, and incredibly respectful of her boundaries. He’s exactly the kind of MMC you want to see in a romance.

One thing I absolutely love about Katie Bailey’s writing is how she creates rich, full-bodied characters that carry the story to the next level. Even though this is only the second book of hers I’ve read, both stories have left a lasting impression because her characters feel so real and alive.

I love a good grumpy-sunshine trope and love it even more when she is grumpy... AND BOY does this book nail it. It’s one of my favourite dynamics because it opens up so many possibilities for tension, frustration, and, most importantly... delicious banter. And Katie Bailey delivers on the banter. These two are hilarious together, with magnetic, complementary energy that makes their relationship profound and their chemistry untenable.

While this book doesn't have spice, it won't feel like you're missing out. It has one of the BEST steamy water scenes I have ever read and GOD I LOVE THAT TROPE SO MUCH!

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Hockey Romance
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Brother's Best Friend and Teammate
▶ Christmas Romance
▶ Slow Burn
▶ He Falls First
▶ One Bed
▶ Reverse Grumpy Sunshine

and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Grey Sweatpants
▷ Backwards Cap
▷ Steamy Shower Scene
▷ Soup
▷ View is Amazing (Looking at her)
▷ Nicknames

Overall I adored everything about this! The journey Olivia goes on with her golden retriever hockey player is everything I wanted. This book is a must-read for fans of a grumpy-sunshine romance, with witty banter, and all the festive feels.

This brother's best friend/team mate's sister hockey romance was simply the sweetest. Olivia and Aaron were such a cute couple and when they had to pretend to be together, the sparks just flew! I love the fake dating trope but in this case, both our main characters already had feelings for the other before they had to fake it - no wonder the chemistry right!? This Christmas themed book is perfect for those who love their Hallmark movies and love a happy ending that leaves you feeling all gooey inside. Katie Bailey is such a talented author and I can't wait to read more by her.

If Katie writes it i will always be reading it! I think this may be my new favorite by her! Aaron and Olivia were perfect for each other it just took them so time to realize it! Aaron was seriously the sweetest man and i just loved watching patiently take the time to break down Olivia's walls. this was such a feel good holiday romance and i just couldnt get enough of these two!

This book captures the spirit of our Grinch Olivia, and her Christmas loving enemy Aaron to a T. While she associates the festivities with bad memory´s, and wants nothing to do with it, he sees it as the day to give back love and happiness. Then more time they spent together, then more Aaron begins to understand why she hates is so much. And he has his own ways of showing her another perspective.

The story is written in a dual point of view, and I found it really amusing to see them bickering like siblings but knowing that they feel very different on the inside. It also comes without spicy scenes. Did I miss them? Maybe. Did they make the story less enjoyable? Absolutely not. It’s a preference of mine, which can vary from reader to reader. What I also liked very much was the cover, which is a beautiful illustration of Olivia and Aaron.

To summarize, if you are looking for a well written, short Christmas Novella without spice, then Holiday Hostilities is the right fit for you.

Holiday Hostilities- Katie Bailey
I loved this book and I love this author. I haven't found a single book by her that I haven't absolutely devoured and this was no exception. I'm in my hockey romance era so this book was perfect timing!
Closed door/fade to black with lots of schmexy tension!
I had butterflies on butterflies! And it was really good to see previous characters show up from time to time!

I've been watching my friends read books by this author and seeing how much they loved them, I jumped at the chance to read this one. Before I started reading this one, I ended up listening to The Quit List through my library's digital services. Loved it! And it was super fun seeing Aaron, the main male character in this book as a secondary character in that book. It had me even more excited to read this one!

Olivia and Aaron's story is fantastic! I loved their banter and watching their walls slowly start to come down...or maybe I should say that their walls toppled down when it hit a certain point. Lol! I can't wait to read more books by this author, especially going back and reading the first book in this Christmas series!

Get ready to laugh, swoon and sigh with this one! And fall in love!

Content: Some kisses but nothing further or fade to black. There are mild swear words scattered throughout the book.

I received a copy from the publisher, Eleventh Avenue, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

“Santa got her for me for Christmas.” He drops his voice to a stage whisper. “Isn’t she pretty?”

* Just as the title indicates, there is plenty of hostility going around 😅
* I’m always here for a good wink 😉
* STOP. Crochet? I love
* She’s so fiesty and it’s hilarious
* Their team is too funny
* Jing is hilarious and I love her
* Ooh it’s all coming out now
* Not the family turning up 😂
* You go, Olivia!

Content: moderate swearing

This one was fun, but the humor was a little too.. crass for me.

Other than that though, I did enjoy it.

Olivia is fun and spunky and I loved that she had red hair and loves to travel. Because same! And I appreciated how quickly it felt like she came to realize who Aaron really is.

And Aaron was a big softie which I loved. I absolutely ADORED his mom and Nonna. They were HILARIOUS and the best part of the book hehe. And I loved how he was able to gain confidence in himself as captain.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early ebook. All opinions are my own.

What’s not to love about this holiday themed hockey romance. Olivia is cute and likable, Aaron is a former playboy softie. This closed door romance still has some steamy kisses, and fun banter while we follow along Olivia and Aaron’s story. They knew each other in highschool and reconnecting now as adults. Olivia has to let go of so preconceived notions of Aaron and he just tries to be there for her as holiday festivities are something she usually avoids. The team of characters are fun. I also liked Olivia’s personal journey of why she hates the holidays and how to overcome those feelings.

In this book:
Hockey romance
Closed Door romance
Brother’s best friend
Rivals to lovers
Forced proximity

Thank you to NetGalley, Eleventh Avenue, and Katie Bailey for a digital advanced copy of this book.

This book was amazing! I love sports romance books and I was so happy to find a fade to black one. I enjoy them so much more then the spice ones.

Cute, predictable hockey romance. Very fade to black content. It was a great palette cleanser for those who are reading too much explicit scenes

I absolutely loved this book! Out of the three that I have read thus far about these characters this one has probably been my favorite! It's been witty, not so true enemies to lovers but more or less about a childhood misunderstanding causing a lot of tension through the years and finally the truth comes to light.

Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey is a sports romance, featuring enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes. This was a delightful read. I enjoyed the banters, sarcasm and humour. The characters were likeable and the Christmas spirit was felt throughout the book. An enjoyable read. Thank you, Netgalley and Eleventh Avenue, for giving me the ARC. All opinions expressed are mine.

Once I read this, I immediately went and read every single one of Katie's books! The banter, the sass, the emotion! Aaron and Liv have instantly become one of my favourite couples and the will they won't they was so beautifully written. Their characters really developed over the course of the book and I was left desperately wanting more of them. This is an incredibly realistic story of two intelligent, emotional characters, written with such joy and heart.

Aaron and Olivia were 🤌. Katie did another great job once again with these characters. There was so much between these two characters, lovers to enemies to lovers, brothers best friend, he fell first and stayed fallen. All the ways that Aaron tried to soften Olivia’s heart was great. Especially letting her come and live in his home. Granted she had to be his date but still. And don’t get me started on her room mates. They were hilarious. I can’t wait for more Cyclones Shenanigans. Thank you Katie and Netgalley for my advanced review copy. These words are my own.

I was hooked from the get go with this holiday romance. I loved the tension, banter, and dynamic between Olivia and Aaron. I’m a sucker for a “he falls first” trope and this one delivered in spades. I loved the artful unraveling of each layer of their developing friendship and how it became apparent Aaron has never hated her for a moment.

My only complaint is I felt like, after the first half, the remainder felt rushed. I wish there could have been more time spent developing and showing their relationship, the conflict with others, and how everything resolved. Otherwise, I loved it!

Holiday Hostilities is the second book in the Cyclones Christmas series, and it’s an utter joy! It is / has:
🏒 F/M hockey romance
🚨 New book boyfriend 🚨
🎄 Brothers best friend / Best friend (and team mates) sister
🏒Light ‘enemies’ to lovers element = brilliant banter
🎄 Tropes / micro-tropes: forced proximity, temporary roommates, one bed
🏒 Closed door
🎄 Second book in the Cyclones Christmas series

I liked Season’s Schemings but loved Holiday Hostilities! Below are my reasons why:
•Aaron is my new book boyfriend (welcome to the club) - he crochets (enough said), loves Christmas, is kind, funny and protective.
•The banter! Olivia and Aaron’s banter when they are ‘enemies’ was brilliant, funny but not mean. It created tension that added to the relationship.
•The Cyclones team brings me all the joy. They are great, the team dynamics and friendships shine. This as well as the romantic moments made me smile.
•A festive dose of Christmas, which was exactly what I was after.
This was a great festive romance that if you enjoy hockey romance I urge you to add to your TBR and read this festive season!

Quick Summary: A forbidden love, sports romance

My Review: Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey is book #2 in the Cyclones Christmas series.

About the Book: "There’s only one thing Olivia Griswold hates more than Christmas: her brother’s best friend, Aaron Marino."

Olivia G has had a love-hate-barely tolerate relationship with her brother's best friend for a very long time. Who would have ever thought that the two of them could get along enough to help each other out of the unfortunate circumstances they each find themselves in?

My Final Say: With that much angsty heat between the two of them, it's no wonder that Aaron and Olivia would break. I loved their love story. The tension, the conflict, the moment of realization - all of it worked. Aaron's Nonna and Mom stole the show. They get a shiny gold star just because! This was totally my kind of romance. Score!

Other: This would be superb as an audiobook. I definitely want to be first in line to listen.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐💖⭐

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Eleventh Avenue), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review this work.

Katie Bailey delivers an enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity rom-com that’s as sweet as it is spirited. While reminiscent of Helena Hunting’s "Pucked" series—complete with a hockey team captain romantically entangled with a teammate’s sister and even having a surprising interest in crochet—Bailey takes a different approach by crafting a closed-door romance without all the salty language. The result is a holiday hockey romance you could lend to your auntie.

The story follows Olivia Griswold, a self-proclaimed Grinch with a longstanding grudge against her brother’s best friend, Aaron Marino. Aaron, an NHL captain with a playful side, a stereotypically wonderful Italian-American family (also a familiar trope in romance novels), and a knack for yarn crafts, offers Olivia a holiday escape at his house in exchange for helping him fend off a stalker at a Christmas gala. The NHL team and Olivia’s eccentric roommates add comedic depth and a "found family" vibe.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Katie Bailey is such a good indie author and I’m so lucky to have gotten an advanced copy of this fun one.

I’m ready for all the holiday feels! I enjoyed Seasons Schemings last year. And then we got a small teaser of Aaron and Olivia in The Quit List so I wanted this in my veins!

If you’ve read Christmas Sweater Weather by Jacqueline Snowe—I think this one is very similar. We have brother’s best friend along with a miscommunication that causes them to become “enemies.”

This is also yet another black cat x golden retriever. Apparently that’s my new favorite trope lol. Livvy was such a grinch and Aaron adored xmas. We love a bit of opposites attract.

Sometimes when there is a big miscommunication from the past I think the transition from enemies to lovers can be hard. But this one was such a smooth one to me.

This gave me all the five star vibes!

4.5 stars. I loved Seasons Schemings last year (and reread it again this year before diving into the is one)… so I was very excited for more Cyclones holiday fun.

Holiday Hostilities was just so much fun!!

The banter between Olivia & Aaron was top notch. I love that these enemies to lovers kept up their verbal sparring the whole book, even after they are no longer enemies. Beyond banter, when they lower their defenses, their honesty and communication was very refreshing.

I love how much we see of the whole Cyclones team! It has me so excited for future books! The found family element is so strong, and I am here for it.

Once again, Katie Bailey has delivered on a deliciously steamy closed door. Complete with yet another hot, water related make out scene. I’d like to formally request this be included in all future books in the series 🤣🔥

Anyways, I don’t want to say more, just go read it and enjoy it in all its holiday glory.