Poppy is determined to finish the cabin and get her well earned promotion. Aaron is determined to keep Poppy out of his cabin and life. What starts as a negative experience transforms into something different. This book creates a love/hate warm Christmas vibe with all the feels.

Thank you netgalley for an arc of When in December by Kendra Mase

Well this was a cozy cute one! One could technically argue it was a second chance romance AND an enemies to lovers trope. And just who doesn’t love a two for one special? I’ll tell ya- Nobody! This book got me super excited for the holidays. The cabin described in the story is picturesque. The only travesty reading this book was that I couldn’t do it snuggled up next to a fireplace because it’s still too dang hot! But I digress…

Poppy is an interior designer and has been tasked to do a home makeover on a cabin in the woods. A big promotion is on the line, so she needs this project to go as smooth and fast as possible. Insert Aaron. He is home early from deployment and has no clue his sister made all these arrangements for his home. So naturally he is incredibly annoyed by Poppy’s constant presence (until he isn’t) and the fact that his house is a literal construction site. Oh and clearly the hippocampus function of his brain is failing him because he has forgotten that he went to high school with Poppy and kissed her! Only she hasn’t forgotten…So this forced proximity is just too good to be true folks!

A cute and cosy read that got me very excited for winter. A great read if you’re a fan of grumpy x sunshine and a bit of forced proximity. I’d definitely recommend and can’t wait to reread closer to winter!

O loved this book. It was funny, strong, sad, emotional, loving and sweet. It really makes you feel all the emotions.
I was captivated by the story and the pace was just perfect for me.
This book has a lot of my favorite tropes and scenes:
- High school secret crush
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy / sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- F**** it moment
The story is about Poppy, and interior designer that is trying to prove herself on her job and here comes Aaron that was sabotaging her. He is the damaged hero that doesn´t believe that he deserves anything good and pushes away everything good.
It’s a book that approaches serious themes but in a verry graceful way.
Quotes:
“I was the big bad wolf. She was little red knit socks, walking straight into my den.”
“Worthwhile”
“You’re home”
Overall: perfect book for someone who likes a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroin, with a lot of personal development and growth.

The writing sparkles with wit, and the exploration of vulnerability and healing through creativity is incredibly moving. Poppy’s journey of self-discovery amidst the turmoil of her professional and personal life is a refreshing take on romance. As layers are peeled back, you can’t help but root for these two to find their way through the wreckage and into each other’s arms. All in all. this is a delightful blend of charm and emotional depth, perfect for anyone who loves a story where love transforms not just the heart but the very spaces we inhabit. I couldn’t put it down!

This sparkling Christmas romance has it all! There’s a holiday design contest, a mountain cabin, a troubled war vet, a spunky designer and a dog. Kendra Mase weaves these elements into a heartwarming story that will keep you turning the pages. Decorator Poppy Owens is determined to win a promotion and turn a supposedly unoccupied cabin into a gorgeous Christmas retreat. Aaron Hayes is the vet, staying at the family cabin while healing from injuries and grieving the death of a friend. The last thing he wants to deal with is Poppy’s cheerful optimism. The last thing she wants are the memories of her passionate, unrequited high school crush on Aaron. There are no surprises here. You know the cabin will be decorated, Aaron and Poppy will overcome their difficulties and love will triumph. It’s Christmas, after all. Enjoy! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Kendra Mase for this ARC.