This is a fun, enjoyable romance with interesting characters and an unusual premise. The cover is a little misleading, there’s much more to it than just skiing!
Alix is a ghostwriter working on an autobiography of a famous member, Sebastian, of a hugely popular boy band. They broke up when one of the members disappeared. Seb has let Alix use his apartment at a ski resort to work on the book in private.
When Alix meets her gorgeous neighbor, a ski instructor, the attraction between them is immediate. Their relationship starts to get serious, but they’re both hiding something from each other. Can their new relationship survive the truth?
I enjoyed this romance, 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the perfect cozy winter read. An entertainment writer who has been tasked to help ghost write the memoir of an infamous boy band member (of the band where one of the leading members mysteriously disappeared years ago & has never been heard of since) + a bougee ski lodge & a handsome ski instructor - what more could you want?! This one was so fun, the winter vibes had me, the nostalgic boy band details + each chapter is interspersed with fun articles, voice memos and the like & the sweetest romance. I really enjoyed this one & highly recommend it to friends who like fun, closed door romances with plenty of butterflies still.

Huge thanks to Netgalley & Atria Books for the arc

At first glance, this seemed like a simple story about an entertainment journalist falling for a ski instructor during a work trip. But halfway through, I was completely blindsided. I never saw that twist coming, and if you do, then congratulations—you’re way ahead of me!

The book follows Alix, who is tasked with writing about a famous singer, Sebastian, from the boy band True North. The band’s history is filled with drama, and the author doesn’t hold back in painting both Sebastian and one of his bandmates as downright insufferable. Their manipulative and unprofessional behavior made them hard to stomach, and I found myself disliking them almost instantly.

Honestly, most of the characters in this book weren’t likable. Sebastian, in particular, was a tough pill to swallow with his arrogant and selfish behavior. Tyler, on the other hand, was the bright spot—sweet and talented, even if his role felt somewhat underdeveloped. Jett and another character, whose actions led to Sebastian joining the band, added layers of confusion and left me questioning my stance on certain events.

Despite my frustration with some of the characters, the story itself was entertaining. The winter setting was cozy and atmospheric, making me want to hit the slopes myself. Tyler’s dates with Alix were adorable and brimming with charm. However, the writing occasionally faltered, especially in text message exchanges where it was hard to differentiate between thoughts and messages.

Overall, it was a fun and engaging read with a surprising twist, even if some of the characters grated on my nerves. And now I’m left daydreaming about skiing and snowy mountain getaways.

This is the perfect rom-com thatThank you NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC of this one & happy belated publishing day! Iam a fan of Kayla Olsen, I read her debut novel, The Reunion in 2023.

This book was a perfect way to kick off 2025 - it has all the aspects of a romance that I love featuring boybands, a writer, familial misunderstandings and a beautiful setting in Vermont. I found it quite predictable but it was a great read nonetheless. If you need a happy, snowy, closed door romance, I highly recommend The Lodge.

Cute rom com and I love the setting at a lodge. Perfect read for early January!

Alix is such a fun FMC because she's self assured and good at her job. I like that she doesn't have to have a personal crisis to meet a nice guy who has future potential.

I genuinely enjoyed this book so much! It was cozy, funny and realistic - I loved that there wasn't any miscommunication and the chemistry and connection between Alix and Tyler felt really relatable. I thought that the setting was perfectly done. Not too much description where I felt like it took away from the story, but the perfect amount of knowing exactly what the lodge looked like, the honey latte tasted like and the soreness from skiing felt like.
I also really enjoyed the drama that Kayla Olson built between all of the characters. I could feel the palpable tension between Alix and Tyler, but also Tyler and Sebastian and River. I loved the use of the magazine articles, chat rooms and interviews. I thought it added so much to the storyline and made everything so easy to follow and understand. It was also just fun!
Overall, this book had everything to make it a 5 star read for me. I loved that it gave vibes back to One Direction (boy bands forever!), as well as gave the perfect backdrop for January and this time of year. A really well-written and cute read!

This was a super cute, sweet, cozy, quick closed-door romance. I love all celebrity romances and I loved the mystery-ish element to this one where you are unraveling all of the pieces of a story and you kind of know where it's going but the reveal is still very satisfying.

Oh my! This book was like a warm cup of cocoa (with a side of soft pretzels) after a day on the slopes! Sweet & comforting, it was the perfect mix of romance, intrigue, and cozy winter vibes.

Alix’s ghostwriting gig and the mystery surrounding True North’s missing frontman gave the story a unique twist. While the romance took center stage, the unfolding backstory of the boy band added depth and kept me hooked.

I adored the witty banter, heartwarming moments, and the dreamy, slow-burn romance. If you’re looking for a cozy rom-com with a dash of mystery, this one’s a perfect choice!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review

Reviews posted at the links below on Dec 7.
A publication day post (with a reposted review) was posted on Instagram on January 7 as well as an Amazon Canada review.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

A book that truly encompasses most girlhood fantasies with a romance novel ending.

I love when a romance novel is so good that spice isn't missed. In fact I would probably skip it to keep going to the drama. Wonder book, I'll definitely will be reading Kayla Olson books in the future

Kayla Olson’s The Lodge, out today, is the perfect wintery rom-com escape—a cozy, heartfelt story that feels as comforting as a steaming cup of hot cocoa after a day on the slopes. This book transported me back to my teenage years, listening to boy bands and daydreaming about what it would be like to meet one of the stars.

The story follows Alix Morgan, an entertainment journalist turned ghostwriter, who lands her dream job working on a memoir for Sebastian Green, a former member of the iconic boy band True North. When Sebastian offers her a luxurious penthouse at a Vermont mountain lodge to complete the project, Alix jumps at the chance to leave her noisy city apartment behind. But while the scenic backdrop of Stowe inspires her creativity, she finds herself distracted by the charming ski instructor next door, Tyler.

The setting of this novel is a love letter to Vermont winters. And it’s not just my imagination—the resort described in the story is literally on the other side of the mountain I skied on just last week. Olson captures the essence of the area perfectly, from the cozy lodge ambiance to the crisp mountain air, making the setting feel as familiar and inviting as home. From Alix and Tyler’s fireside dates to their playful moments on the slopes, the atmosphere is pure magic, brimming with seasonal warmth and charm.

What sets The Lodge apart is its multi-faceted storytelling. Through Sebastian’s candid voice memos, Alix’s professional challenges, and Tyler’s own perspective, Olson gives readers an immersive experience. The plot skillfully weaves Alix and Tyler’s budding romance with the deeper mystery surrounding True North’s breakup—particularly the enigmatic disappearance of its lead singer, Jett Beckett. As Alix dives into her work, the shadow of the boy band’s troubled history looms large, touching on themes of power dynamics and exploitative management within the music industry.

As someone who grew up loving bands like Menudo (and later learning about the troubling scandals behind the scenes), I appreciated how Olson didn’t shy away from exploring these dynamics. The discussions around binding contracts and the inherent power imbalances made the legal part of my brain light up—it added depth and complexity to an otherwise lighthearted story.

But this book isn’t all serious. It’s a rom-com at its core, filled with meet-cutes, flirty banter, and side characters you’ll adore—Julie, her brother, and even the hilariously self-absorbed Sebastian Green, who adds just the right amount of drama. Every page feels infused with joy, from the steamy coffees and seasonal treats to the swoon-worthy ski dates.

I flew through The Lodge and loved every moment. If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic escape with just the right balance of humor, mystery, and winter vibes, this is the book for you.

The Lodge is a romance set in ski resort in Vermont about Alix being a ghostwriter for Sebastian who was famous for being in a boy band. The book has an element of mystery as well with the disappearance of Jett, who was in the same band.

I really enjoyed how Alix and her experience at the ski resort. Her meeting with the ski instructor Tyler and their growing relationship. To her making friends with the staff at the resort.

I really enjoyed Tyler and Alix together. Tyler was such a cinnamon roll with his attention to her.

I enjoyed the voice memos and social media articles that were in between the chapters to give us an insight to the past for True North. The narration of Andi Arndt, Graham Halstead and Gilli Messer was perfect in bringing the story to life.

Thank you @atriabooks @simon.audio for a copy of the book.

This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a heartwarming, feel-good romance with a touch of mystery, a dash of humor, and a cozy small-town setting, making it an ideal choice for fans of lighthearted, emotional, and closed-door romance stories.

BOOK REVIEW: The Lodge by Kayla Olsen ⛸️🎤🚠❄️💻🎿💬

as someone who can’t resist a romance set in a snowy town or cozy resort, I jumped at the chance to read The Lodge when I saw it on NetGalley—and bestie, let me tell you it did not disappoint! this cozy winter romance was the perfect way to kick off my January reads. from the snowy Vermont setting to the hot ski instructor, this book had me hooked from the very first chapters!

Alix Morgan finally gets her big break ghostwriting the memoir of Sebastian Green, a former member of the iconic boy band True North. trading her cramped apartment for a luxury penthouse at a Vermont resort, she dives headfirst into the project. but piecing together Sebastian’s story isn’t without it’s complications, especially with the mystery of Jett Beckett, True North’s missing frontman, looming in the background. when Alix isn’t working, she’s falling head over skis (literally😅) for Tyler, a charming ski instructor who just might be the spark she didn't know she needed. between the slopes and the resort’s cozy atmosphere, their romance unfolds with all the heartwarming, wintry vibes you could possibly want.

quick thoughts:
🎤the throwback to ’90s boy band mania was such a fun and unique addition to the story! I loved how the mixed media (emails, interviews, and articles) added depth and context to the True North mystery

⛷️Tyler stole my heart with his sweet and thoughtful dates (seriously, where can I find someone like him?!)

💗Alix and Tyler’s love story was so wholesome and heartfelt, I was ALL IN for every sweet moment

✍️the epilogue was perfection–a sweet and satisfying ending to a charming story

if you’re craving a little winter magic, romance on the slopes, and some nostalgic ’90s vibes, The Lodge is the perfect read for a chilly January day.

Kate’s rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Atria eARC
If you’re a boy band lover and like a behind the scenes look at a celebrity memoir’s ghostwriter, then I recommend giving this romance a go! Alix goes to a ski resort in Vermont to work on the memoir she’s ghostwriting for a member of the boy band, True North. And she just happens to have the sweetest, and sexiest, neighbor/ski instructor. I really liked how this book balanced Alix’s job and the burgeoning relationship. There were some really tender moments between these two, and I loved the thoughtfulness of Tyler. A particular side characters drove me a bit batty - and I wanted more resolution/growth from them. Still, it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. This would be a perfect read for when you’re snowed in, want something light and easy for an afternoon.

Alix Morgan, just scored a big break as a ghostwriter for a former band member. As a previous entertainment journalist, who just happened to heavily cover that very boy and, It’s like she has been preparing for this her whole adult life. Not only does she have a dream job but she’s also been offered a month long stay at a ski resort-both a perk and incentive to get the book finished quickly. Excited for some uninterrupted writing time, Alix soon finds herself pleasantly distracted by her handsome neighbor who is also the ski instructor. But their attraction could turn out to be more than just a distraction from her writing as she quickly finds herself falling for him.

I really enjoyed Olson’s previous book, The Reunion, so I was so excited to get the advanced copy of her newest release. I went in mostly blind and just knowing I liked the author. I loved the premise of a ghost writer with former boy band star and was waiting for those two to fall in love, the big star with a normal person. I was pleasantly surprised by the ski instructor and the dates he plans are swoon worthy 🤩 I found myself a little annoyed at some of the characters at times but I loved the boy band nostalgia and the ski lodge setting. This has all the winter vibes and pairs perfectly with a cozy blanket and hot cocoa.
Rating: Liked

I know the year just started, but this is going to be one of my top books of 2025.

It is hard for me to read and enjoy Single POV of romance books because I have gotten spoiled with getting Dual POVs. That said, The Lodge is Single POV and I was captivated the entire story (and the single POV was necessary for the storyline).

I cannot wait to see what Kayla Olson writes next for us!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.

Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with this book or the characters in the story. From the other reviews it looks like I am not the only one, so that's good, but I am still dissappointed because I was looking forward to reading this book. With that being said, I may try this book again at a later date.

The Lodge by Kayla Olsen has the perfect blend of romance and celebrity drama. Written in the same style as The Reunion, with a blend of prose, celebrity gossip articles, and comment threads, it was a fun read from start to finish!

Synopsis:
Alix Morgan has finally gotten her big break, ghostwriting a memoir for Sebastian Green, one of the lead singers of boy band True North. Due to a tight deadline and a cramped living situation with her younger sister, Alix is offered an all expenses paid trip to a secluded ski resort in Vermont so she can focus on writing.

Once there, she meets her neighbor Tyler, a handsome ski instructor at the lodge. At the encouragement of her best friend Chloe, Alix decides to risk it and have some fun with him. As they hit the slopes and hit it off, she wonders if it might even be worth it to let herself fall for him. Secluded in this snowy setting, everything feels perfect.

However, when her writing research and real life begin colliding and crashing into their relationship, Alix and Tyler have some hard choices to make.

Will they trust one another or run?

If you enjoyed The Reunion, like books with text messages and online articles, or enjoy a romance book set in a cozy setting, you’ll enjoy this book!

Thank you to Atria Books for an advanced reading copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this book! Quick and easy read to start out the year. Although this is technically a romance novel, I’d also say it has aspects of cozy mystery. Loved the two main characters and I’ll be dreaming of staying in a cozy lux lodge for the foreseeable future.

What a perfect romcom!! I absolutely adore everything about this book. I was captivated from start to finish. There's romance, along with a bit of a mystery. The book weaves these storylines together beautifully until it all comes together at the end.

Not only is this swoonworthy, but it will also keep you on your toes. It brings to light many things; how our society treats celebrities, how we consume social media, where our moral compass lies, and where you decide to draw the line, and what's most important to you in life.

The winter setting is cozy, the plot will keep you entertained and you'll be rooting for the characters in more ways than one! 5 stars perfection for me, a definite must for your tbr!

Thank you Atria and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy! Release day is 1.7.25 💜

Tags:
-celebrity
-close proximity
-secret identity
-mystery

Closed door spice
(kissing only)

First person