Alix Morgan has been an entertainment journalist for years, and just got the opportunity of a lifetime to ghostwrite the memoir of one of the members of the hottest boy band of all time, True North. Alix can’t write in peace in her NYC apartment, so the publisher sends her to seculded Vermont ski resort Black Maple Lodge. Alix meets charming ski instructor Tyler and decides to mix in some fun with her work. Little does she know, she’s about to be at the center of the mystery of what happened to Jett Beckett, True North’s singer who disappeared eight years before.

This was so fun, I loved it! I’m a huge pop culture/celebrity gossip aficionado and I love the way Kayla mixes pop culture into her adult romances! The mixed media elements add a colorful touch to the story.

The romance between Alix and Tyler was so stinking cute! The dates that he planned were pure winter romance perfection and I swooned right along with Alix.

I also really enjoyed the mystery element even if I was able to figure it out pretty quickly. It added to the story without being too overpowering to the romance.

Thank you, @atriabooks for an advanced digital copy of this book!

The Lodge, set in snowy Vermont, is a delightful winter read that perfectly captures the cozy and serene atmosphere of the season. The story follows a ghostwriter seeking a quiet getaway to focus on her work, only to find herself drawn to Tyler, the ski instructor living next door. With its inviting hearths and picturesque snowy landscape, the resort setting brings the winter vibe to life and creates a perfect backdrop for the romance to unfold.

The romance between the lead characters, Alix and Tyler, is beautifully done, with just enough tension to keep readers hooked. Their chemistry is undeniable, making their slow-burn connection feel natural and heartwarming. The pacing is steady, and the tension surrounding the mystery of how the story will come together adds to the intrigue, making it hard to put the book down.

However, the main character’s sister felt like an unnecessary distraction. Her presence was sometimes annoying, and I wanted to skip over those sections. Fortunately, the rest of the story more than made up for it. With witty banter, endearing moments, and a lovable romance, this is the perfect post-holiday read for anyone in the mood for a cozy, feel-good rom-com with a hint of mystery.

This was a sweet read. The scenery/setting was my favorite part and is perfect for the winter season. A light hearted, closed door romance for boy band lovers- the similarities/knock offs between One Direction cracked me up.

this was actually so cute! i loved the lore behind seeing both ends of tyler’s story and how alix plays into it- while the ending was predictable, i didn’t mind because i enjoyed reading the whole story to get to the end point. i didn’t like that alix didn’t stand up to her sister - i felt like that would have been a great part of her own growth, but still loved the entire delivery overall!

Alix has the opportunity of a lifetime if she can just get her sister to leave her alone and focus on ghost writing a pop sensation's memoir. She is sent to a lodge a bit off the grid and promised dedicated one-one one time to interview him. Only he rarely responds, if ever, and she is encouraged by her best friend to make the most of her getaway. The boy-next-door/ski instructor gives her the perfect excuses to take breaks and enjoy Vermont.
I enjoyed The Reunion last year so it just made sense to read another from Kayla. I can't pinpoint exactly why this didn't work for me as well. It is insta-love at it's finest (there's a moment of tension between the MC and love interest that could have given this book some needed depth but it was glossed over) and the epilogue does assist with it but... I think it was a little too surface level for me. I also recently read another book with a very similar premise so the comparison game was very strong with this read. I would try another from Kayla in the future. I like her voice quite a bit and I'm curious how another would sit with me.
Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

The cozy, wintery vibes were definitely on point! I loved the Vermont ski resort setting with mountain views, blazing fireplaces and a quaint coffee shop serving delish lattes. The storyline was very enjoyable- Alix is ghostwriting a memoir for an ex-boy band member who loves attention and drama. While trying to take breaks and enjoy all the ski resort has to offer, she decides to try ski lessons. Tyler, the sexy ski instructor was an added bonus! There were some adorable, dreamy moments in this closed-door romance that made me smile and I loved the elements of mystery within the book. While I couldn’t stand Alix’s sister, it showed how patient, caring and supportive Alex was. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR this winter!

This was a fun rom-com book. I loved the winter Vermont vibes. Alix is an entertainment journalist who is looking to escape her younger sister for some peace and quiet while she ghostwrites a memoir for a former boy band member. Sebastian. Sebastian sends her to a lodge in Vermont to help her write but what Alix doesn't expect is the hunky neighbor who is also a ski instructor. Sparks fly but there is more to her ski instructor than first meets the eye.

I loved the way the novel was written. In between the story there are texts and past news articles. This was a fun way to get caught up on all of the back story and kept my interest while reading. There was also a twist which I did figure out pretty quickly but it definitely helped to make this a great read. The romance was great and really made me want to cozy up with my loved one at a lodge in Vermont. Overall, a wonderful winter romance read with a great twist.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

The Lodge by Kayla Olson

Entertainment writer Alix Morgan has been given the biggest opportunity of her career, ghostwrite the memoir for Sebastian Green one of the frontmen of the very popular boy band True North. The band effectively broke up shortly after the other lead Jett Beckett disappears. Nearly a decade later people don’t know the whole story and it is Alix’s job to give them one.

I have read quite a few romance novels in the past year, more than I have previously. To say that this one stands out is an understatement. I was suspicious of the twist in this for a while and it is so good. The first part of the book is a slow burn but keeps you interested, after about a third of the book I literally could not put it down. It is one of those where you want to find out what happens next and you are so engrossed in the story you don’t realize hours have passed.

The characters are great and even those I thought were more on the annoying side added to the story in a way I didn’t expect. There is a lot to this story to love. I went in not knowing anything about what to expect from this one and it easily was a five star read for me.

LOVED this book! I couldn’t hardly put it down once I started, it was so good! I actually got this arc in September and was saving it for colder months. It sure did deliver!! From the cozy Vermont lodge setting, boy bands, a winter-y wonderland with some little twists and turns along the way, but all in all an easy, fun winter read. It was a hit with me and highly recommend for any of my fellow rom-com loving friends! This book comes out in just a few days - mark your calendar for January 7th, because you’re going to want this on your tbr list this winter!!! Also if you haven’t read Kayla Olson’s “the reunion,” I highly recommend that one too :)

A huge thank you to Atria Books via NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I liked this author's last book a lot and this one was equally feel good! You have to suspend disbelief a little but the setting was dreamy, the romance was authentic and it also felt unique to me. The characters were well written and I enjoyed this winter wonderland romance!

The Lodge comes out next week on January 7, 2025 and you can purchase HERE.

"Have you ever gone ice skating before?" Tyler asks once we're done with dinner.

"Only long enough for my brother to trip and fall and get his left pinkie skated over. I was eight."

Tyler grimaces. "Gruesome. Well. I promise nothing like that will happen, because I'm not going to let you fall." The idea of him breaking my fall-those lean, muscular forearms and his (for lack of a better word) capable-looking hands-makes me feel all sparkly inside.
It's almost enough to make a girl want to fall on purpose.

I am an absolute sucker for a story set at a ski lodge, so I was so excited when I read the description for The Lodge. It sounded cozy, light and fun, which was exactly what I was looking for, and it definitely delivered (the fact that I finished the last chunk of the book while we were also experiencing a snowstorm was a delightful treat)!

Olson’s pacing is excellent and is made even better by the text messages, social media posts, emails and texts interspersed between the chapters. Though there isn’t much spice, the chemistry between Alix and Tyler is fantastic. I loved them from the get go. And even though I figured out the big twist pretty early on, Olson still does a nice job sprinkling clues throughout for Alix and the reader to find. The family storyline and discussions on the price of fame help to keep this book from being too one note and all came together quite nicely.

If you are looking for a fun and snowy winter read, I definitely recommend checking out The Lodge when it releases on January 7th!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for this arc.

3.5 ⭐

This was really nice, cozy and fun read. I finished it within two sittings. I really enjoyed the story overall but the big *mystery* in the book for me was really easy to figure out. I think the pieces get connected pretty early on in the book, so maybe that's why i didn't give this a higher rating.

Overall though, I genuinely liked this. I loved the interactions between her and Tyler. I wish we could've gotten a little bit more of Tyler's side of things but that was just a personal preference.

I do love a boy band though, so this was very much an enjoyable read for me.

This was cute. Nothing mind blowing, but an easy, fun read. The premise was quite unbelievable - but who cares. Vermont sounds lovely.

Ooooo I want to start by saying this book needs to be made into a movie asap. It would be a perfect cozy winter movie plus throw in the boy band aspect and you have my attention 😍 Oh my I read this one super fast and ate it right up!! The boy band fandom aspect was right down my alley - I grew up as a fan of The Jonas Brothers, One Direction, and 5sos. Not only did I love that aspect but the romance between Alix and her love interest was a slow burn!! I did not see the twist at the end coming either - I wish I could go back to the moment when I read the twist!! I was stunned, shocked, and enthralled!! This is a must read if you enjoy a cozy romance - a cup of hot coco with this read is a great addition too (extra marshmallows) 😉❄️🎿

A cozy winter read with a touch of romance and an unexpected mystery, this book delivers charming seasonal vibes. Set in a picturesque ski lodge, the story follows Alix, an entertainment journalist ghostwriting a memoir for a boy band member, Sebastian, while uncovering secrets about the group's missing star. The wintry setting, complete with skiing lessons, ice skating dates, and steaming cups of hot chocolate, adds to the charm.

The romance between Alix and Tyler, her sweet and thoughtful ski-instructor neighbor, is endearing, though it lacks the depth some readers might crave. The mystery element provides an intriguing twist but may feel predictable to those attuned to the clues. While some characters—like Alix and her best friend Chloe—are delightful, others, such as Sebastian, fall flat or come across as intentionally dislikable.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, light-hearted read perfect for curling up with during the winter season. Its blend of cozy romance, snowy escapades, and a dash of drama makes it a delightful holiday escape.

This charming rom-com offers the perfect blend of cozy vibes, a dash of mystery, and plenty of romance. Alix Morgan’s big break as a ghostwriter takes her from the bustle of city life to a luxurious Vermont resort, where snowy slopes and a handsome ski instructor, Tyler, await. Their sweet romance unfolds against a backdrop of ski lessons and lodge fires, providing plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

Alix’s professional life adds depth, as the memoir she’s ghostwriting dives into the intrigue of True North’s missing frontman, Jett Beckett. The mystery surrounding his disappearance keeps the pages turning and adds a layer of suspense to the story. While some elements of the resolution felt slightly rushed, the balance of romance, humor, and heart more than compensates.

With its charming setting and engaging characters, this book is a delightful read for fans of cozy, feel-good romances with a sprinkle of intrigue. Perfect for curling up by the fire!

Eight Years Ago. True North Lead Singer Jett Beckett Vanishes without a Trace.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Atria Books and Kayla Olson for giving me an eARC for this book. I really enjoyed "The Reunion," so this book was on my radar and it did not disappoint!

Alix Morgan is ghost writing a memoir by Sebastian Green, former member of the boy band True North. She jumps at the chance to go to Vermont to get some much needed quiet to focus on writing. What she doesn't count on is Tyler, the cute ski instructor living next door. And as they fall in love, secrets come to light that might make their budding romance, and her book writing, complicated.

This was such a cute, cozy rom-com. Definitely a perfect winter read, set in the snowy mountains of Vermont with skiing, ice skating, hot chocolate, and all the cozy feels. I LOVED Tyler and Alix. They were so cute together. I also love how we got multiple POVs of what happened with the boy band, through Sebastian's voice memos, posts/articles written during and after about the band, and other information. I did guess the twist, but I loved it just the same.

I definitely recommend this book if you love romance, celebrity boy bands, and warm, cozy reads!

The Lodge by Kayla Olsen
Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 1/7

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Atria Books for my advanced copy!

If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good romance to curl up with this winter, this is it! This story has everything you’d want in a snowy rom-com: a charming romance, a bit of intrigue, and all the cozy vibes you could ask for.

The book follows Alix Morgan, a writer who’s landed her dream gig ghostwriting a memoir for Sebastian Green, a former member of the boy band True North. She heads to a gorgeous Vermont ski resort to work, but her plans to focus are quickly thrown off when she meets her swoon-worthy neighbor, Tyler, a ski instructor.

This is a super cute read. I loved the snowy resort, cozy cabins, and roaring fireplaces that created a warm, wintery atmosphere. The romance is sweet and believable, with just enough tension to keep things interesting. And even though this book is closed door, the chemistry between Alix and Tyler totally works.

The Lodge isn’t the deepest romance out there, but it’s exactly the kind of light, fluffy escape you want during the colder months.

As someone that grew up reading One Direction fanfiction on wattpad, I ate this book up! Was it a life changing story? No. Was it enjoyable as hell? Absolutely! Such a fun and quick rom-com read that gave me all the nostalgia of my boy band obsessed days. Also the banter, who doesn’t love good banter in a book? Definitely recommend this for a fun winter romance!

3.5 stars rounded up

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

Loved this cutie winter romance! Loved the cozy winter setting, the characters and the plot. Gave me major One Direction vibes. The romance and banter were super cute. Overall just a fun story to read.