I’ll never regret reading a holiday romance in September if it’s written by Ashley herring Blake. AND it’s second chance romance?!? Literally my kryptonite. 5 stars to this book which brought me so much joy and endorphins. I really needed the chemistry and romance that this book delivered on. Honestly I’ll probably reread this in December just to feel something.

Oh my gosh this was so cute!! One of the things I love about second chance romances is when authors dive into the complexity of characters conflicting needs and dang Ashley Herring Blake did not disappoint with this book. All the angst and yearning was there but also all the complex emotions that come from really wanting to be with someone but not knowing how to be the best version of yourself with them. It was truly amazing to see Brighton and Charlotte navigate those complexities. I also loved how queer their friend group and their hometown was. It was a super cozy book and I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a small town holiday romance for this season.

*Received as a free ARC*
Unsurprisingly, Ashley Herring Blake knocked it out of the park again. I mean. I could have used no third act break up but. I have no expectations on people stopping that trope any time soon. It was Christmas-y and MUSIC-Y and great. Would have been even better if I was actually reading it at Christmas. Absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a queer holiday read.

Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake is a charming, second-chance holiday romance that delivers all the cozy, heartwarming vibes of a Hallmark movie but with the added depth that makes Blake's writing so special. This novel ticks all the boxes: holiday cheer, exes trapped in the same house, and a delightful "grumpy sunshine" dynamic that will have you rooting for Charlotte and Brighton from the first chapter.

Ashley Herring Blake is an auto one-click author for me, and this book was no exception. The cover is absolutely stunning, and I know I'll own it in every format—e-book, audiobook, and paperback- because I cannot get enough AHB. It’s been a while since I’ve read a second-chance romance, so this was a refreshing change of pace, and I loved how it played out.

The story kicks off with Charlotte Donovan, a talented violinist who’s still low-key not recovered from being ditched at the altar by her ex-fiancée, Brighton, five years ago. Charlotte’s life in New York is going well, but when her ensemble mate Sloane persuades her to spend Christmas with Sloane’s family in Colorado, she arrives only to find that Brighton will also be there. What ensues is a series of holiday dating events (thanks to Sloane’s mom), all while Charlotte and Brighton navigate their lingering feelings.

Blake does a great job capturing the tension and unresolved emotions between the two characters, and the slow thaw of their relationship is wonderfully done. I really enjoyed the contrast between Charlotte and Brighton—Charlotte’s closed-off nature and anxiety paired with Brighton’s more open-book personality made for an interesting and fun dynamic. Charlotte’s portrayal of anxiety is realistic and avoids the typical stereotypes, showing how deeply it affects her ability to connect with others. Watching her character grow and learn to open up throughout the story was both entertaining and rewarding.

Brighton, on the other hand, is a character who’s trying her best to make things right, even though it’s far from easy. Her determination to fix the past, combined with the humor and tension of the "snowed in" scenario, made for some memorable moments. The found family aspect of the story, with the secondary characters adding warmth and humor, brought a richness to the plot and reminded me why I love holiday romances so much.

The holiday setting, complete with horseback riding, cookie decorating, and lots of snowy, festive activities, really brought out the Christmas magic. Plus, the musicianship angle—Charlotte’s violin and Brighton’s guitar—added a sweet, nostalgic layer to their relationship.

While the Hallmark vibes are definitely present, Make the Season Bright also has a that emotional depth AHB fans expect and love, especially when it comes to the characters’ personal growth and healing. It’s a great mix of holiday fluff and real emotional stakes.

If you’re a fan of second-chance romances, sapphic love stories, or holiday tales with a touch of humor and heart, this book is a must-read. Make the Season Bright is a stellar example of why Ashley Herring Blake is a go-to author for heartfelt, emotional stories, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and Ashley Herring Blake for an e-arc of this book!

While I don't normally read holiday romances, I knew I had to read this book since Ashley Herring Blake has been an auto-buy author for the last two years.

MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT was cute! The Hallmark vibes were there but I enjoyed them. It was also funny in general but also to read a book where the two main characters went to the same college as me?!?!

I really liked how Charlotte's anxiety was represented and portrayed. It avoids stereotypes and is realistic when it comes to the fight or flight response. I also enjoyed her character development regarding opening up to other people. As someone who is more closed off around others, it was relatable to see Charlotte in that predicament.

As for Brighton, I liked reading how much she tries to make things better even though it is extremely difficult. It also made for a fun dynamic between an open-book character and a closed-book one.

Overall, LOVED this and I'm so blessed that I was given an e-ARC through Berkley!!

Loving it! A sapphic Christmas story is all I ever needed in my life. These two are to fiery and sweet I love them so much! And Blake always writes the most incredible supporting characters! Thank you Berkley Publishing for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

A hallmark-esque Christmas story with a second chance romance between two musicians. Charlotte is a bit on the grumpy side, while Brighton was like her name and more sunshine. If you like that trope at least.

The Christmas vibes and shenanigans make it a fun read with surprising spice thrown in.

Now....having said that....the MISCOMMUNICATION!!! I loathe it so. People, just be honest. Don't hide things and hold back and please don't wait to resolve issues till the very end. That is just a personal issue, I know others enjoy that trope.

Read this if you like:

Second chance romance
Sapphic Romance
Childhood friends to lovers
Holiday/Christmas Romance
Snowed In/One cabin
Grumpy Sunshine
Musicians

AHB knows how to write a second chance romance like no one else! Make The Season Bright was an excellent holiday romance with dynamic, complex love interests. I also enjoyed the side characters and thought that they helped bring lightheartedness to the story. I will definitely be going back and reading other titles from this author as I really enjoyed this title.

Ashley Herring Blake writes great sapphic romances, though this one didn't strike me quite as much as her Bright Falls series did. It was, however, charming, cute, and perfect for Christmas.

When ex-fiancés Brighton and Charlotte end up spending Christmas together in a cabin in the woods anything is possible. Another fun and sexy queer romance by Ashley Herring Blake.

I really enjoyed this second chance holiday romance!

Charlotte & Brighton were childhood friends to lovers to fiancées before Brighton ran away on their wedding day, leaving Charlotte at the altar. It’s five years later, the two have gone their separate ways, until they’re reunited at Christmas while staying at their respective friend’s (who happen to be sisters) house for the holiday (Surprise!)

It was like a queer hallmark movie, jam packed with snowy holiday activities, from cooking classes to skiing to looking at holiday lights. It also had a good bit of steam, awesome supporting characters, and I really enjoyed the setting.

I did like both characters, they’re both wonderfully flawed and I especially liked Charlotte’s closed off nature. We got bits and pieces of their history that led to where they are today and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

I struggled a bit with the second chance portion, it’s hard for me to wrap my mind around forgiving someone who left me at the altar in front of all my friends and family. There’s a lot I can forgive but public humiliation isn’t something I think I could ever get over. Thankfully, Charlotte is more forgiving than me! I would have loved more groveling, and less blame on Charlotte (I understand a breakup is rarely one sided but there are better ways to handle your issues than LEAVING SOMEONE AT THE ALTAR). But good thing it’s a book and it isn’t about me.

Overall though I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday romance that I definitely recommend, especially if you are looking for something (per the book) ‘cheery & queery’!

I want to love Ashley Herring Blake’s books so badly, but I just don’t think her storytelling is for me. Second chance is not a favorite trope of mine because I usually find myself unsatisfied with why they broke up or how they get back together. I guess I feel like if you broke up, it’s usually for a reason and being left at the altar was going to be a BIG breakup to try and convince me was necessary.

And this didn’t convince me of Brighton and Charlotte’s compatibility, chemistry, or why they’re ready to be together now. AHB has a tendency to skirt important details and focus more on what’s happening in the present. Which would be fine. If this wasn’t a second chance that relied on events that happened *in the past*. I’m still not entirely sure of Brighton’s motivations and as a whole, I didn’t feel like either character was fully fleshed out.

Ashley Herring Blake is my favorite romance author, so I was very excited to read a holiday romance from her. This book didn’t quite capture my attention the way her others did; I liked Charlotte, but it took me a long time to warm up to Brighton as a character, and honestly their relationship seemed codependent in a way that made it hard for me to root for them. However, I did enjoy it in the end, and there was some nice character development on both sides that made them feel more believable as a couple.

Overall, this was good. I look forward to reading Blake’s new series when it comes out.

This book ultimately ended up being super cute with some really great tropes, but I did struggle to get invested in the main relationship at first. Charlotte and Brighton grew on me by the end of the book, but it was kind of hard to root for them at the start when they were pretty rude to each other and often their friends. The lack of communication throughout was pretty frustrating, but there were enough cute moments peppered throughout that the story did win me over.

I loved this one. I’ve rarely seen a second chance romance done so well! I loved the two main characters. They were unique and real. And they worked so well together. They were complex characters with pasts to work through. Great spice. Lots of angst and pining. And all the side characters were delightful. I loved the way the book resolved as well. It wasn’t a simple ending. But it felt real. This is an excellent Christmas romance that definitely needs to go on your holiday TBR.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

i really wanted to like this sapphic holiday romcom, especially since i enjoyed delilah green, but i didn’t realize that this was second chance. perhaps more importantly, charlotte and brighton try to embarrass each other in front of their mutual friends as an act of revenge for their disastrous left at the alter wedding five years ago — how could you ever do that to someone you “loved” and then try to get back together with them? personally, attempting to embarrass anyone i love (platonically or otherwise) is disgraceful, childish, and downright wrong.

i’m sure this will find its audience, and of course the cover is gorgeous, but sadly this was not for me. i’ll not write off any future books that blake writes though, considering i enjoyed her previous series.

4 out of 5 stars

Rep: Bi MCs, agender pansexual secondary character, gay South Asian SC, Black biracial aromantic lesbian SC, Black biracial bi SC, Black pan SC

Content warnings: Claustrophobic scene in an elevator (per author's note), on-page sex, seasonal depression, neglectful parent, alcohol, vomiting, brief mentions of an MC's unsupportive roommate and an SC's unsupportive family. Also, (to be as vague as possible without spoilers) an SC emotionally abuses an MC and isn't called out for it.

Admittedly I'm usually skeptical of second-chance romances; in my opinion and experience, rebuilding trust is a MUCH more difficult task than most authors make it seem. But Ashley Herring Blake is an auto-read author for me and I will happily read anything they write!

Reviewing this is complicated. On one hand, this was excellently written. It had all the humor and charm typical of Blake, was so engaging that I could hardly put it down, and had the hottest sex scenes I've read outside of fanfiction. On the other hand, the way several characters treat Charlotte is so nauseating that it was hard to read at times. It's such a weird feeling to love a book while loathing one of the main characters.

I hate Brighton. She's the one who proposed, she's the one who refused to communicate, she's the one who left her fiancee at the altar, but she has the nerve to be petty and disrespect Charlotte and act like she's owed something? To say that Charlotte shares some blame in their breakup? Brighton is self-absorbed, intentionally cruel, and has a massive martyr complex. She says at one point that "Lola wasn’t seeing what Brighton needed her to see. Either that or Lola didn’t want to see it." No one can read minds, oh my god. On one page she'll whine about feeling like she's always the one pursuing Charlotte, and on the next have a flashback to all the times Charlotte anticipated her needs and/or did something extremely meaningful and generous. You can't have it both ways. Around 70% of the way in, I was finally starting to like her -- and then she went back to feeling sorry for herself because, once again, she expected everyone to automatically know what she was thinking. If these were real people, I highly doubt Charlotte would be able to stomach the wishy-washiness and so easily forgive the trauma that Brighton gave her, especially when it worsened the trauma caused by her mother (and of which Brighton was extremely aware). It's very easy to notice mistakes made in retrospect, but there's no way Charlotte could've magically known Brighton's thoughts and feelings without being told. Charlotte deserves a better partner.

Similarly, I desperately wish Sloane had been called out for being a manipulative, selfish brat. She's a terrible friend and an even worse person. It's incredibly hypocritical to get mad at Charlotte for not opening up while refusing to tell her her own feelings (and refusing to communicate with her own crush). Charlotte's trauma and shyness isn't a flaw. Sloane feels entitled to Charlotte, wants to control the way she interacts, thinks she's owed a friendship. It's giving "nice-guy stereotype who thinks he's entitled to sex just because he was kind to a woman once or twice." I genuinely believe that she gaslit Charlotte into thinking she's a bad friend and person. The biggest thing I would love to see added to the novel would be an apology from Sloane -- it makes me feel weird that making assumptions about and cursing out your best friend is glossed over.

But aside from Brighton and Sloane? A perfect book. It actually made me look forward to Christmas for the first time since college. Plus, I think it takes a great deal of talent to create characters that evoke such strong reactions. Blake is a modern master and good LORD am I excited for her upcoming new series.

**HUGE thank you to Berkley for granting me an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!**

Exes that still haven't gotten over each other, with a second chance, forced proximity, and Christmas.... Brighton left Charlotte at the altar 5 years ago for reasons she couldn't articulate. Charlotte, having had the message reinforced that she is unlovable, has shut herself off emotionally from the world and instead poured herself into becoming a successful classical musician. But fate intervenes (in the form of sisters who are Charlotte's and Brighton's friends) to drag them into each other's presence again. How much have they changed and grown? And more importantly, do they still love each other enough to figure out how to be a partner?

Brighton and Charlotte are two exes who find themselves stuck at the same house for Christmas. They're both brought home for the holidays by their friends, but none of them know that Brighton ditched Charlotte at the altar five years ago. Can these two make it work again?

I loved the cozy holiday atmosphere in this book. Seeing the characters attend lots of Christmas-y events and activities was really fun. Brighton and Charlotte had great friends who became like family, and they were my favorite part of this book. Sloane was a gem of a friend and I enjoyed seeing Charlotte's growth in being able to open up to her friends.

Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this book was aiming really high. Having one of the characters leave the other at the altar is very hard to come back from. Brighton wasn't apologetic enough for me, and I didn't really get the sense that she understood how much she shattered Charlotte. Charlotte and Brighton were very complex characters and I think they needed to work on themselves more before getting back together. There was also the band subplot that I wasn't interested in, and Charlotte's mom's issues that I felt were left hanging.

Overall I would recommended this sapphic holiday romance for those who like complex characters, found family, and a cozy Christmas setting.

One thing this author does, that I love, is write queer-centered stories that are full of love, joy and acceptance.

This story will be perfect to read over the holidays! The setting was so cozy, and festive and the romance was angsty, emotional and pretty darn sexy.

Imagine your childhood best friend, turned love of your life leaves you at the alter, with no explanation.. then fast forward 5 years and you are both, unknowingly, invited by your respective friends to go home with them for Christmas, and it turns our those friends are siblings and you now have to figure out how to be in each others presence?!? The angst, the tension and all the built up anger and regret was fantastic.

I loved watching these two figure out how to be around each other, while also pretending they don't have this HUGE and heart breaking history. How they slowly remember why they had loved each other so much!!

My heart was aching, my tears were flowing...

I love the authors writing, and how she always creates characters that feel like real people. Characters with real, relatable struggles.

then, add in some very delicious spice and this was a book I could not put down!