**3-Star Review of *Wrapped with a Beau* by Lillie Vale**

*Wrapped with a Beau* by Lillie Vale is a sweet, festive romance that blends holiday cheer with a touch of humor and heart. The story follows a woman named Remi, who, after a difficult breakup, finds herself working at a holiday gift shop where she unexpectedly crosses paths with a charming stranger. As the holiday season unfolds, sparks fly between them, but both characters must confront their pasts to find a path forward together.

Vale’s writing is engaging and easy to follow, and the holiday setting is warm and cozy, perfect for fans of seasonal romances. The chemistry between Remi and her love interest is sweet, though the romance does feel a bit predictable at times. While the characters are likable, their emotional journeys could have been explored more deeply to make their growth feel more impactful.

The pacing is a little uneven, and at times the plot can feel repetitive, with some typical rom-com tropes making an appearance. Despite these minor drawbacks, *Wrapped with a Beau* offers a charming escape for readers looking for a lighthearted holiday romance, but it doesn’t quite stand out in terms of originality or emotional depth.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable, feel-good read that hits the right notes for a holiday romance, but it lacks the complexity or surprises that could make it truly memorable. Perfect for those looking for a quick, cozy escape during the holiday season.

Love the premise and I feel like it was a cute story overall, but I found the main character unlikeable. The story was cheesy and hallmarky which was a fun light read.

Lillie Vale's "Wrapped with a Beau" is like your favorite holiday rom-com collided with a candy cane factory—sweet, chaotic, and impossible not to enjoy. Elisha Rowe, Piney Peaks' enthusiastic film liaison, is determined to put her small town back on the Hollywood map by snagging a sequel to a beloved Christmas classic. Her tiny oversight? Forgetting to ask permission from Ves Hollins, the gorgeous-yet-grumpy city transplant who now owns the iconic Christmas House and is allergic to festive cheer.

Elisha and Ves meet in peak holiday rom-com fashion: she mistakes him for a burglar, armed only with bunny slippers, elf pajamas, and a ridiculously large lawn ornament as a weapon. From there, the two tumble into a fake-dating scheme filled with witty banter, festive misunderstandings, and chemistry brighter than the star atop the town tree. Ves’s big-city attitude clashes hilariously with Elisha’s relentless optimism, creating the kind of warm-hearted chaos you can’t help but cheer for.

Giving this festive tale a cozy 3.5 out of 5 stars, "Wrapped with a Beau" has all the comfort of your favorite ugly sweater paired with the sparkle of holiday lights. Sure, the plot might feel familiar at times, but Vale’s humor, charm, and endearing characters keep the pages turning. It’s the perfect read for anyone craving a little sugar, spice, and fake-romance-induced drama this holiday season.

This story was a cute, small town romance with witty banter and wintery vibes! I was trying to squeeze in one more winter romance read and wanted to clear off my netgalley shelf, so I quickly picked up this one because of its cute cover and clever title!

The romance in this one is a slower burn and while I enjoyed the story while reading, unfortunately I don't think this book will be one I think about long after finishing it.

I enjoyed the witty banter and grumpy x sunshine vibes between Elisha and Ves. Their initial meeting had me smiling from the start, but I felt the pacing and vibes surrounding their romance was...awkward, in my opinion.

While I first thought this would be more of a Christmas themed romance, I was pleasantly surprised that while Christmas vibes weren't front and center, the wintery whimsical feels of Piney Peaks made this story perfect for this time of year!

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a fun, cozy holiday read. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a great festive escape! I would recommend this books.

I really loved the first book I read from Vale, The Shaadi Set-Up but her books since then have not quite lived up to the high of that book for me. That said, Wrapped with a Beau came close. I loved the cozy vibes present in this book. And, though definitely a Christmas book, it just feels like small town festival vibes so if you're fine ignoring that they're small town festival vibes set around Christmas, I think you can read this book whenever you'd like! The two characters in this book are reluctant friends to lovers and I enjoyed the way that their relationship progressed. I felt that it was paced pretty well. All in all, though not a book I'm going to re-read year after year, I did enjoy it and would recommend for you to pick it up when you're in the mood for such a book!

Holidays

Popsugar 2025 / POC experiencing joy, not trauma

I'm a total Scrooge, but I loved this so much. I liked THE DECOY GIRLFRIEND. I loved THE SHAADI SET-UP.

Small town girl Elisha Rowe is trying to get her northeastern hometown on the map. It's famous for SLEIGHBELLS, a holiday movie filmed decades ago, at the house across the street. The proprietor of that house just passed, and her big city great-nephew inherits. Sparks fly.

This is steamy. There is pain. There is pleasure. I love Ves. I love Elisha. I love Elisha's family. I love the cats. I love this small town. I don't even like small towns. Except that one I went to in Sweden. I digress. I love everything.

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons

A cute holiday romance with lovable characters.

I love a Christmas in a small town and hearing all the hubbub surrounding a holiday movie being filmed in their small town added such a sweet nostalgic feel. The comedic relief and annoying ex added entertaining layers after Elisha and Ves had quite the meet-cute. The way Ves steps up for Elisha makes him that much more swoon-worthy. I highly recommend this for the holiday season.

“You can tell me that your favorite color is pink and your favorite food is Italian and your favorite hobbit is Samwise, and I promise you that I will be fucking fascinated because it’s you.”

Wrapped with a Beau is a festive holiday romance set in a charming Christmas town. The story begins with Elisha, a sunny and determined character, convincing Ves, a quiet and reserved introvert, to help her with a project. As their relationship grows, the book delves into the bonds they each shared with Maeve, a pivotal character we only learn about through memories and reflections.
This book was just okay for me. While it had the potential for a grumpy-meets-sunshine storyline, I didn’t find Ves grumpy at all—he’s more of an introvert dealing with his own family issues. The initial conflict was resolved so quickly that the rest of the story felt a bit flat and uneventful. I did enjoy the dual POV and the overarching themes of fake dating, found family, and cozy holiday vibes, but overall, it didn’t stand out as much as I’d hoped.

Elisha Rowe is passionate about movies and holidays, and she would like to see a re-enactment of a great film that was filmed in her hometown fifty years ago. The most famous setting for the filming of Sleigh Bells Under Starlight, Elisha's favorite holiday classic, was Piney Peaks' cherished Christmas House. Elisha just returned home to be with her folks and help out with their business. At twenty-eight, she is unmarried, works full-time, and aspires to fulfill a long-held ambition of hers and her late friend Maeve's: to have Maeve's stunning home, known as the Christmas House in Sleighbells Under Starlight, appear in a future sequel to the well-loved classic.

There's one thing Elisha needs to do. Regretfully, she had previously verified that the well-known home was open for filming in the upcoming year without consulting the new owner, Maeve's great-nephew, who had just moved there. In this charming romantic comedy, which is full of irresistible tension, amusing banter, and a captivating slow-burning romance, opposites do attract. While attempting to persuade Ves Hollins that the holidays are unquestionably the most wonderful time of year, Elisha discovers an unexpected romance.

Despite Ves's initial coldness and distance, I really enjoyed reading about how he and Elisha grew close and formed a sweet bond. He was beaming as he opened up to her, and I particularly liked how he developed into this kind, understanding, and considerate person because she exuded warmth and positive vibes everywhere she went. Despite being humorous, this book addressed serious subjects including death, feelings of inadequacy in child/parent relationships, and more. Lillie penned such adorable dialogue. The author handled each of these with great care, and I truly valued the effort she invested in making sure everything was done well.

This was a fun holiday read. I enjoyed it until the forced third act break up. There was so much character growth up until that point and then they just reverted back instantly.

A cute swoon worthy holiday romance, this will be a great Christmas read for anyone who loves to tuck up with a feel good book when it's cold outside!

This holiday romance novel is a cozy, heartwarming tale that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Set against a backdrop of festive decorations and winter wonder, the story follows two characters who find themselves thrown together in unexpected circumstances. Their initial differences spark tension, but as they navigate holiday traditions and shared experiences, a charming romance begins to bloom.

Cute cover, cute title, cute premise; but unfortunately it just wasn't for me in the end. Sadly I didn't find either main character to be likable and overall the dialogue and plot felt a little too Hallmark Christmas movie to me. So if you're an extreme fan of cheesy holiday movies, check it out because you may enjoy it much more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for providing me a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This was a really cute, run of the mill Christmas romance. Think Stars Hollow meets New Girl ish characters in which a production assistant is trying to stage a Hallmark-esque movie in a beloved home in her town. However, the owner of this home has recently passed away and her nephew just wants to sell the house and be done. Hello perfect romance novel set up.

This was just cute and fun and what I needed at the time and I would recommend if you want a wintery romance for all the vibes.

This was an ok Christmas read. Wasn't one of my all time favorites but if your looking for a cutesy holiday filler book, I would recommend it.

I loved the dual POV. The story was cute and nice and just what someone would want for the holidays. Definitely did not hit me in the feels though!

I found "Wrapped with a Bow" by Lillie Vale to be a charming and heartwarming holiday read. The setting was festive and the romance was sweet. The characters were likable and relatable, and I enjoyed following their journey. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I felt that the plot was a bit predictable at times. Overall, a lovely book to curl up with during the holiday season. 4 stars!

This was such a sweet book.
A light hearted read with some serious content. I actually laughed out loud at some parts!
Could see this becoming a rom-come movie, which I hope it does. Lillie Vale is an auto-buy author

Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale is a delightful holiday romance that expertly balances charm and tension. Elisha Rowe, a driven film liaison, is determined to secure a sequel to the beloved holiday film Sleighbells under Starlight. Her mission to film at a historic Christmas house is complicated by her need to deceive the new owner, Ves Hollins, who has no intention of allowing the production.

Ves, a city dweller who returns to his hometown of Piney Peaks only to sell his great-aunt’s house, is initially resistant to Elisha’s overtures. Despite his aversion to the holidays and commitment, he finds himself increasingly drawn to her warmth and determination. The contrast between Ves’s frosty demeanor and Elisha’s spirited enthusiasm creates an engaging dynamic that drives the plot.

As the story unfolds, the sparks between Ves and Elisha grow, and their differing goals create both conflict and chemistry. Vale’s narrative captures the tension and humor of their interactions, making for a heartwarming and entertaining read. "Wrapped with a Beau" delivers a satisfying holiday romance with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps the festive spirit alive.