Anything with taylor swift lyrics as the title is instantly great. But I did really love the characters and story. Well done!!!

3,75/4⭐

TW: SA

Tropes:
-Second chance romance
-Small town
-Celebrity romance (she's a famous singer)
-Holiday romance

First of all, thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I was very excited to read this book since it was inspired by the song " ‘tis the damn season" by Taylor Swift.
For a debut novel, it was pretty good. It was a quick read and I liked the double timeline past/present.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book; Aspen and Roman were cute even though I would've liked to know more about the beginning of their story. The dialogues were kinda cheesy sometimes, but they didn't ruin the writing or the story for me.

I think I need to really avoid all books that include Taylor Swift references because as much as I LOVE her, I just find that she and her lyrics become cheesy when referenced in books and then I end up not being able to take the book seriously. I absolutely LOVE a celeb trope, too and this one definitely had a lot of potential but it isn't written well and there's not enough depth.

Thank you Netgalley and Parson Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this read. The story was cute, I loved the concept. Something’s were a little predictable, to me, BUT if you’re a fan of swoon worthy holiday stories and hallmark movies give this one a try.

**thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read and receive**

‘Tis the Damn Season by Kimi Freeman was a super cute second chance romance.
I really enjoyed this book! As soon as I picked it up and started it, I knew that I was going to want to finish it as soon as I could.
The characters were really likeable and felt realistic and you were definitely rooting for them by the end.
A sweet little holiday romance.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Parson Press for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

Right off the bat, I'm not the biggest Swiftie in the world, but I am Taylor Swift fan which lead me to this book. I think that maybe I'm just getting too old for these kinds of stories but I just couldn't get down with the writing. I need more depth to the writing and conversations that happen with the main characters. I feel that a trigger warning is needed, but overall it was a read.

In this book, we follow Aspen, a disgraced celebrity, as she returns to her hometown to recollect herself before she can face the backlash waiting for her in LA. In her hometown, Roman, her high school sweetheart who she's been on and off with, waits for her return so they can fall back into old habits. Through all of the allegations thrown, Aspen maintains her innocence while trying to put together a play for the children at her father’s church.

The concept of this book was amazing. It hit the nail on the head when it came to parallels of the song “tis the damn season” by the one and only taylor swift. It had the angst, the slow burn, and the drama. The fact that this concept was created by a fourteen year-old is crazy, and Kimi deserves all of the praise in the world for it.

That being said, I did rate this book two stars. It was okay. The reason is because it didn't feel like it was made for its target audience. This book is meant for the new adult audience and contains content that make it such, with mentions to rape and heavy trauma. However, the writing style and execution of the idea didn’t feel mature enough to be read by a new adult audience. If some of the mature content was rolled back, this would have made a great book for older YA.

Another thing, the way that the characters interacted within the first couple of chapters felt rushed. For example, Roman approaches Aspen after the disaster that was the talent show and asks if he has a chance with her. According to Aspen, they have never spoken a day in her life, and now he’s asking her out? The progression doesn’t make sense. After, they get close very quickly which is fine but agreeing to hang out with somebody after exchanging four sentences? And then date after hanging out twice? That’s a little too fast.

The other thing that could have made this book seem more mature was the way the trauma of the rape was described. Instead of throwing in the details about what happened in the end, putting it a little earlier would have given us the ability to see how Aspen dealt with the trauma more in depth. It also wouldn’t have felt so rushed. There were hints to it earlier in the book. If leaving it in the end was the best move, then making it more obvious that something happened would have allowed me to see and empathize with Aspen on a deeper level than I was able to.

Of course, no hate to the author. This was a great book for a debut, especially for a sixteen year old. I totally understand how hard it is to write a book for an audience that is older than you.

PS. Thanks to NetGalley and Parson Press for the ARC

This was a quick, easy paced book. Keep in mind that there’s no trigger warning for SA which I found quite disappointing.

Aspen goes back to her hometown after a scandal broke out about her, her best-friend and her friends boyfriend on the internet. Once she gets home she reconnects and directs a play with her ex-boyfriend. This is basically Miss Hollywood runs away from the drama instead addressing it.

SPOILERS!!!

Aspen character was nice to read at the start but as the book went on she got more annoying and selfish. Her going off at her parents and Rome for keeping a secret for her (which I do admit that they shouldn’t have kept that as a secret) while she keeps big secrets from them. Her telling Rome that he betrayed her for not telling her and I’m just here like, he explained why he didn’t say anything. Then she goes on to say that there’s no excuses. At this point she should just keep her mouth shut.

Rome on the other hand, I enjoyed his character but there were times were he should off considered before speaking aloud. Him calling Aspen a slur just because he was pissed off at her, it’s not right at all. There whole relationship also seemed a bit weird, like they got into agreements or disagreements and they would walk away and not talk to each for a while and then come back with him saying ‘i’m sorry’ and it’s all good suddenly? Like where’s the communication?

I loved the whole concept of play directing. Reading about the kids were the highlights of this whole book. I literally could not get enough of it. The relationship Rome and Aspen built with the kids was literally so lovely.

The whole concept of bringing in SA was out of nowhere, like I honestly don’t see the point of it. Then also finding out that her parents didn’t know about that, and she goes my bad.

I feel like half of the story wasn’t necessary like there wasn’t technically any plot. Having the read about their past got a bit repetitive.

The whole reason why I got interested in this book was due to the Taylor Swift songs at the beginning of each chapter.

OMG
LITERALLY THE PERFECT BOOK FOR THE FAN OF TAYLOR SWIFT.
i think the book is very good written, fun and fast paced.
and the alternation of the chapter from past to present? i loved that!!

Very Taylor Swift and that's always a very good thing. Tis the damn season is one of her best songs and the manner in which the author has sort of adapted that in the novel and created a whole experience out of it is admirable.

I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC!

Aspen Moore, the twenty-three-year-old Hollywood starlet, seems to have it all—fame, fortune, and a thriving career. But when a scandal disrupts her glamorous life, she's forced to return to her small Pennsylvania hometown, where she comes face to face with her first love, Roman Torres.

The story unfolds as a delicate dance between the past and the present, as well as the push and pull of unresolved emotions. Aspen and Roman must keep their connection strictly platonic, even though their chemistry is undeniable. The story brilliantly explores the tension between their deep-rooted feelings and the practicalities of their separate lives.

The author masterfully captures the essence of a small-town Christmas and the magic of reconnecting with old flames. The emotional depth of the characters, along with the well-paced plot, keeps you engrossed in the story. Aspen's journey, from the glitz of Hollywood to the simplicity of her hometown, is beautifully depicted, highlighting the contrast between her career aspirations and the meaningful connections she left behind.

The narrative gently delves into themes of love, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. Aspen's willingness to reconsider her priorities adds a layer of authenticity to her character, making her relatable and endearing.

Tis the Damn Season is a delightful and heartwarming read that encapsulates the holiday spirit and the magic of rediscovering love. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most precious things in life are the ones we've had all along.

For fans of holiday romance and contemporary fiction, this book is a perfect choice. Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting tale of Aspen and Roman and the magic of a Christmas season they'll never forget.

Rating: 4 / 5⭐️’s

i also liked that aspen was able to, in the end, find some healing and open up about the trauma she’s faced. however, i didn’t really like the writing style nor the flow of the book - it felt like it needed A LOT more work to be honest, and as if the story needs to be edited a couple more times. it just didn’t hit the right spot, especially for it to have all these taylor swift references and be based on tis the damn season.

I got about 30 pages in before I decided I really could not finish this novel - I’m sorry but I really could not handle the number of times ‘Fertsville’ was mentioned in the first 30 pages. If you were playing a drinking game you would be super drunk. I wanted to like this so badly for the Taylor Swift vibes. Two starts literally for the Taylor Swift references and the song titles relating to the chapters

This book was mid to me I enjoyed it but I also didn’t think it was anything extraordinary but it was decent! I’d recommend this to several of my reading buddies!

This was so warm and cozy and had no business being as cute as it was!!! The writing is pleasantly fast-paced and easy to binge. I just wish it had a little more angst, especially since it did have a dual timeline (which is my favorite style/technique in a second chance romance). I’m a sucker for a second chance romance because I love the angst, so I just wish this had a little bit more tension and moments that wrenched on the heartstrings. Mostly this induced fuzzy good feelings, which I’m not complaining about at all! I loved the little Taylor Swift Easter eggs, and overall I would recommend this book! 3.5 stars

This is a good palette cleanser type of book. It holds a great storyline that follows both Aspen and Roman through their past and their present. It gave me celebrity/non celebrity feelings. This is a cute second chanced romance book that will be enjoyable. If anything I’d give it about 3.75 stars out if 5. It is adorable and has a few triggers, but I feel that the author is able to both convey and portray them in a great light. It’s a book I would definitely recommend. I personally adored Aspen.

Tis' the Damn Season is a romp through the ups and downs of love, fame, and the chaos of the holiday season!

Aspen, the rockstar with a heart of gold, finds herself in the midst of a tabloid nightmare. Fleeing the paparazzi, she heads back home, only to collide headfirst into her past—enter Roman, the hunky sweetheart with a smile that could melt even the iciest of hearts. Their love story, portrayed through flashbacks and present-day escapades, is a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you eagerly turning the pages.

The holiday spirit in this book isn’t just about twinkling lights and mistletoe—it's about the joy of rediscovering lost friendships, embracing family quirks, and realizing that love, in all its messy glory, is the ultimate gift.

While the plot zips along at a lively pace, there are moments when you’ll want to pause to savor the witty banter and hilarious escapades. If you're looking for a fun-filled romantic comedy sprinkled with holiday magic, then this book is your golden ticket. 🎁📚✨

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I mean, I love the title and was hoping to love the book but didn't. I felt like it was very YA which I wasn't expecting.

Aspen is a renowned celebrity who unexpectedly returns home to her small town. There she reconnects with Roman, her former first love and ex boyfriend. As their chemistry reheats, Aspen realizes she doesn’t want to stay but Roman also doesn’t want to leave.

For a debut book this story was really cute and well done. The banter between the two was perfect and the chemistry was undeniable, but I guess I wanted more. The writing at times wasn’t perfect, but it definitely captures my heart.

If you’re looking at a small town, second-chance romance, definitely check this one out. The cuteness of the story is a good pallet cleanser for a lighter happy romance.

This was a fresh take on a holiday rom-com - a fun read! I liked that it had the drama, secrets and miscommunication troupes typically in these books but not the way they are normally presented. I loved the character development of Aspen throughout the book. With the help of Rome she really came out a stronger person. Her character was likable and relatable, minus the fact that she was famous actor turned singer!

I really liked the back and forth between present day and when they were in high school. The transitions between the 2 time periods was done well and I thought it really helped me understand Aspen better.