This is what I love about Wrapped With a Beau (aside from the adorable title) ~

The magical small-town Pennsylvania setting

It incorporates Christmas movies! A classic holiday film was shot right there in Piney Peaks, and now they’re filming the sequel 50 years later.

The romance starts off in a rival fashion- Elisha is trying to protect a house she loves (the Christmas house, as well as the cats that live there) but the intruder is the late owner’s nephew, writer Ves.

And he’s standing in her way to film the movie at the house.

After she already bragged on her success getting the filming set up in their town to her mean ex-fiance (who doesn’t acknowledge they were engaged!)— that means she’s in real trouble now.

So we have a grumpy/sunshine rivals to lovers romance, a most excellent combination of tropes!

I love the characters and friendships in the town, but the romance was my favorite— the spice, the way the characters just got each other and ultimately supported each other. I’m here for it!

In short, maybe I was hooked from the start by the setting, but I stayed for Ves and Elisha.

Do I plan on reading this again in November? Yes, yes I do! This is the perfect Christmas romance.

This book packs every ounce of Hallmark romance vibes you could ask for and then it makes it super sexy. The banter between the main characters makes this the perfect slow burn enemies to lovers story. It was especially exciting to see Ves warm up and become such a warm and lovable character. I will definitely be picking this back up at Christmas.

Ves Hollins is my dream holiday heart throb. I love a good grumpy x sunshine feel good romance, and this fast paced Hallmark-esque christmas cheer in book form did not dissapoint. Holiday Trivia, small town love, quirky and awkward heated moments, and a touch of spice was the perfect afternoon read. Honestly, it is still September, but this book has me all motivated to do season themed fun and decorating to make my real life feel a touch like Piney Peaks.

My Book Stats:

Length of Read: Quick (1-2 afternoons over the weekend)

Romance Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Small-Town Romance

Spice Level: 1/5 - there was a spicy scene or two, but mostly just a quick few lines, or it alluded to it. Not necessarily a clean closed door romance, but definitely not too in your face.

Positives: Unapologetically genuine and true to her self, strong female lead; Emotionally in tune leading male lead; Fast paced novel that had the perfect amount of action every step of the way; amazing witty banter.

Negatives: no notes. i loved this book so much.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an ARC of this Christmas Novella in return for an honest review.

#WrappedwithaBeau #NetGalley

Sometimes, I dream of having a Christmas romance and through Wrapped with a Beau, I got to (kind of) live that dream. I have been a massive fan of Lillie Vale since I read The Shaadi Set-Up all the way back in 2021. When I learnt that she was coming out with a Christmas rom-com, I was immediately excited. I’m a sucker for Christmas stories and holiday romances and I knew this one would be amazing. Well, after reading Wrapped with a Beau, it turns out I was right. In very simple words, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Vale writes about love and connection in a way that I so desperately desire.

The story has all the features of a classic, Christmas Hallmark movie. There’s Elisha, our bright sunshine, raised in a small town, working as a film liaison to promote the delightful place that is Piney Peaks. There’s Ves, a grumpy writer from New York City, who comes back to the town, determined to sell his aunt’s home and go back to the city. There’s a charming cast of side characters, including some adorable pets with some iconic names. And of course, the book is set just before Christmas, so the cozy wintery vibes are just impeccable. Honestly, if Piney Peaks was a real town, I would be planning multiple vacations there.

In terms of the romance, I have to say it was just delightful. It was the perfect representation of the grumpy x sunshine trope and Elisha and Ves had crazy chemistry. I also liked the fact that we got dual POVs, which meant we could see both of them slowly falling for each other. I am strongly of the opinion that we need more romance books with a dual POV and I’m gonna thank Lillie Vale for always including that. Elisha and Ves are my newest OTP, one that I started loving pretty damn early, while reading the book.

If you’re looking for a cute, cozy small town holiday romance book to curl up with during the holiday season, then Wrapped with a Beau is the perfect book for you!

Lillian Vale’s Wrapped With A Beau was a fun novel that will put you in a rom-com/holiday movie mood so fast!

When Elisha gets the bee in her bonnet to see her town’s former fame and glory reestablished by filming a sequel to the movie that defined her town as a go-to Holiday location, she will let nothing stop her… except for the hot new neighbor who just inherited the house that is central to the movie’s plot, Ven, who doesn’t want Anything to do with Hollywood or the movie.

So many awesome tropes are used when we see the fiery Elisha try to melt Ven’s icy resolve in this cute holiday book. Will she or won’t she be able to in time???

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for this fun ARC!!

Elisha Rowe has a passion for all things holidays and films, and wants to see a recreation of a classic movie that was shot in her hometown.Piney Peaks’ beloved Christmas House was the most famous filming location of Sleighbells Under Starlight, Elisha’s favorite holiday classic. At twenty-eight, she is single, working full time and hoping to accomplish a dream.

Elisha has one obstacle to overcome. she had already confirmed that the famous house was available for filming for the new year, without asking the new owner - Maeve’s great nephew who just recently moved in. Opposites attract in this adorable romantic comedy filled with hilarious banter,tension and slow-burn romance. Elisha finds unexpected romance while trying to also convince Ves Hollins that the holidays are most definitely, the most wonderful time of the year.

This book was filled with amazing slow-burn and their chemistry was so well written.
Although Ves was cold and distant at first, I loved reading him and Elisha become close and develop such a cute relationship. Lillie wrote such cute dialogue and although this book was lighthearted, it also dealt with serious topics like the relationship between parents and children. These were all handled with such care from the author and I really appreciated it.

Overall, I highly recommend this book, even in the middle of the summer. It definitely made me excited for the holidays.

A sweet and charming holiday romance, in many ways Wrapped with a Beau feels like the best kind of feel-good romcom. There's a wonderfully multicultural small-town with restaurants and shops that I 100% wish I could visit, a close-knit community of neighbors, a holiday movie being filmed – and, of course, a new, big-city man in town who is prickly and private, and just might ruin the movie.

Though I enjoyed a many things about this story, there was *a lot* going on here with the plot, which made the book quite long, and for a holiday romcom, some of it felt unnecessary. There was a lot of time given to Elisha's ex-boyfriend even though the storyline there, while important to Elisha's stance on relationships, is quite tertiary in the grand scheme of things, as well as a quite late introduction of a character involved with the movie that seems like it's going to change the course of the story, but ultimately that fizzles out.

That said, the slow-burn romance here is great, and does not feel cliché or rushed in the way these types of holiday books often deliver. I really liked both Elisha and Ves (especially Ves), and greatly enjoyed the exploration of what the idea of the holidays and family mean to someone whose family wasn't really interested in being a family.

Overall, I do wish the story had been a bit tighter, but this is still a great, cozy read that will have you making hot chocolate and blasting a playlist of holiday classics.

(And if you've read The Decoy Girlfriend, you'll definitely enjoy the little mentions of those characters that are sprinkled in!)

Thank you to Lillie, Netgalley, Putnam Books and Penguin Random House for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a cute and cozy read to get me ready for Christmas season! I love holiday reads and this was no exception. It has the vibes of a Hallmark movie in the best way, like when you feel warm from the sweetest mug of hot chocolate.

Elisha is Christmas and sunshine wrapped up into one person, and I loved her so much. She’s strong in her opinions but always tries to see the best in everyone. Ves has some emotions and trauma that hold him back from her warmth, but even he isn’t immune to her spirit. They are so cute together and complement each other nicely. Their romance is sweeter than the Christmas cookies in their decorating contest!

While it was in third person, which I normally don’t like as much, I don’t feel like it took away from getting into the characters’ minds. I did love the dual POV chapters so we could see things from Elisha and Ves’ perspective!

If you’re looking to be swept away to a small town full of Christmas cheer, sweet yet meddling supporting characters and a delightful love story, be sure to check this one out on September 26!

(3.5 Stars) A hallmark type Christmas romance with some added spice. Ves Hollins writes books for middle-schoolers. He inherits a house from his great aunt which he visited once when he was seven. The house is historic and was the backdrop to a very popular holiday movie that was filmed in the town decades before. He just wants to clear it out, sell it and return to NYC. Elisha Rowe lives across from the big house. She loves her small town and uses her job to promote the location for movies and other film endeavors. It starts off with his grumpy vs. her being happy holidays personified. But they get to know each other fairly quickly. It is still slow burn taking it to the next level, but there is a nice honest that develops between the two. He has family baggage to get over especially where it relates to Christmas.

I enjoyed this story. It didn’t know my socks off but I cared about the characters. I especially like Elisha and her willingness to speak up for what she wants. This is my third book by the author and there is good variety in her writing. I’ll be looking forward to her next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts.

Lets start with the cover, STUNNING! It screams Christmas and romance. This book is full of Hallmark vibes and I loved it! I really enjoyed this book and it makes me so excited for Christmas!

Wrapped with a Beau is a fun spin on the small-town Christmas romance. I loved the town and how it held up the legacy of the “Christmas House” from the movie, Sleighbells under Starlight. Now it is coming up on the 50th anniversary of the movie’s debut and the film company wants to make a sequel.

That was a great plan until the owner of the legendary house passes away and her very grumpy great-nephew comes into town to sort her estate.

Elisha is grieving the loss of her neighbor who was also her grandmother’s best friend. She is shocked to see some random guy rifling through her things. Elisha is also the film liaison for her small town and she needs the random guy, aka the great-nephew, to agree to the film company using it.

Ves just wants to sell his great aunt’s house and get out of town, but the longer he is in town, the more he remembers being happy there many years ago. He also is having trouble resisting Elisha but is certain he does not want a relationship.

This Christmas romance was sweet and steamy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

DNF at 35%. The 3rd person style and pacing made this one really hard to get into & follow. I will not share reviews on any retailers or book review sites.

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary e-ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

One of my fave *fave* romance things is when a lead finds a home by the end of the book & that journey for Ves in Wrapped With a Beau is so heartwarming.

I’ve never actually watched a Hallmark holiday movie but the vibes of this book felt similar to what I imagine with the very welcome addition of steam.

From Elisha & Ves’s inauspicious meet-cute when she assumes he’s a burglar & threatens him with a candy cane yard decoration to their fake dating / just for the holidays romance to his big gesture at the end, it’s charming & sweet. Not to mention Elisha’s adorable town which celebrates the holidays in a very big way.

This book is just cute & also emotional in some ways, like when Ves contemplates his past & the found family he has now.

Other things of note? A book-loving hero who is at times self conscious (very refreshing IMO), a heroine who gets things done , and a welcoming community.

There’s at least one spot where it verges on being a bit too cutesy for my taste but overall, this is a lovely book that made me feel those warm & happy sensations.

4.25⭐️. Out 09/26.

CWs: loss and grief; references to parental manipulation, parental fighting, parental emotional neglect, parental cheating.

[ID: Jess’ white hand holds the ebook in front of open green doors & a wall of plants behind them. The pic is from Biltmore Gardens.]

I loved this and it was the perfect holiday story in September! I don’t really watch Hallmark movies, but it reminded me of a spicy version of one of those. Of course, it’s predicable but all the Christmas references and characters make it fun.

Elisha was the epitome of Christmas spirit and she had such a sparkly, unapologetic personality. Her ex boyfriend and new wife show up and hilarity ensues. 😂 She also has an amazing family and friends unit and I enjoyed that cast of characters, as well.

Ves was a little bit more complicated. First, I had to get over the fact he was bleach blonde. I am usually not attracted to blondes and like a dark and broody MMC. However, Ves kind of grew on me. He had some serious family issues and trauma, but he had some solid character growth and found his family in Elisha.

Add in the whole house being left to Ves by his great aunt that the town cherished and the movie being filmed and it added a nice touch!

I think you would enjoy this story if you like holiday romcoms with a touch of spice and fun well-rounded characters.

This was cute!! Not a super cringy/cheesy Christmas book.

Things I enjoyed: the two main characters and their personalities, small town vibes, poconos setting!!, the fact that it wasn’t super “insta love-y”, found family vibes, there wasn’t an intense 3rd act breakup

Things that could have been better: the writing for the *intimate* scenes, the pacing, the pining, and the lack of emotional feeling

Read if you like:
❤️ Holiday Romances
🎄Holiday Season Vibes
📺 Hallmark Movies
🏘️ Small Town Settings
🔥 Slow Burn Romance

Oh my gosh, this one was sooo good!!! I absolutely loved the slow burn romance this one had with all the tension! The banter between Ves and Elisha was top tier and truly made the story!!

If you are looking for your next holiday read, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you so much to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (Romance/ Holiday)

Synopsis: Piney Peaks, a small town in Pennsylvania, was the location for Sleighbells, everyone’s favorite Christmas movie. 50 years later, Elisha Rowe, has lived in his town almost her entire life. And she is now the liaison between the town and the film crew. Unfortunately, the owner of The Christmas House, has passed away, and her great nephew, Ves Hollins, is not the biggest fan of the holidays. Or Piney Peaks. Elisha manages to convince Ves to let the film crew use the house before selling the house. But will Piney Peaks become more important to him? And will Elisha?

My Thoughts: I really liked the story. I thought it was cute. There were some moments where it kind of dragged along, but generally, it was good. It was definitely 🌶️🌶️ about half way through. I really liked the atmosphere of the small town and the different characters that live in Piney Peaks. The ex boyfriend’s new wife, the best friends, the nosey neighbors. I loved all of that. I want to travel to a place like Piney Peaks and spend a week there in the lead up to Christmas.

If you love holiday stories and enemies to lover romances or small town romances , you’ll love this.

Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Usually when I love a Christmas rom-com, I have to tack on a disclaimer when I recommend it.

“I loved this even though…”
“Yes, it’s totally cringy but hear me out…”
“Okay, I know how this sounds…”

Not Wrapped with a Beau. I loved this book. Period. It’s romantic, it’s cheerful, and the banter is great. Also, there’s no random drama that doesn’t make sense or obstacles that are unbelievable and our FMC and MCM know how to communicate!

Read if you love: holiday cheer, small town romance, grumpy x sunshine, bookish MCs (he’s a middle grade fantasy author!), and found family.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I very much enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine Christmas story. It has lots of holiday spirit, explicit sex, and fun side characters as well. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, spicy, and festive read!

The premise was cute, but the writing style was not my favorite - I kept realizing I wasn't paying attention as I read. I wanted to like it so much more than I did.