this book was SO CUTE!!! Alix is ghost writing a novel for pop star Sebastian Green, and he sends her to a ski lodge to do it. while she’s there, she meets ski instructor Tyler, who she instantly hits it off with. there are some crazy twists in this book, and I was so surprised (in the best way)! a perfect read for the winter season, and it felt cozy and fun. the romance was sweet, the plot was fun, and this was an overall quick and easy read. would definitely recommend this to anyone in search of a wintery romance❄️🫶🏼

Kayla Olson's books are just fun! I loved The Reunion and was so excited to receive an early copy of The Lodge. What I loved about it most was the flow. There are elements of suspense throughout, and while they were pretty easy to predict, the answers come pretty early on. I liked this because it kept the story moving, instead of building up to a culmination that readers may have already predicted. I also like when stories like this take us through and up and a down instead of an annoying 3rd act breakup that resolves almost immediately before ending.

While closed-door romances are not my usual go-to, I did enjoy this book a lot. The characters were fun to read and had varied personalities. I thought Lauren was nerve-gratingly annoying, but that's exactly what I think Olson wanted me to think. I loved the juxtaposition between Tyler and Sebastian and the way they were torn apart and came back together. The story had only one narrator, Alix, so while I missed the male dynamic a dual POV provides I definitely think the book needed Tyler to remain a bit of an enigma to pack a punch.

Overall, this was adorable. I loved the close proximity and how they were forced together during the snowstorm. I thought that was so much fun to read, especially the lead up to it. I also loved that this wasn't a one night stand/FWB situation, but instead more traditional dating- and the dates themselves were freaking adorable. I loved reading them! I enjoy Olson's writing style, her flow is fantastic and at 350 pages this book is the perfect length. Super cute with a winter vibe without a holiday storyline!

The Lodge by Kayla Olson was everything I wanted it to be. Alix holes away in Stowe, Vermont at a cozy ski lodge in order to ghostwrite her first novel about a former pop star. But, what she doesn't reckon for is falling for the ski instructor next door. Alix and Tyler have great chemistry together, you just want it to work for them. I enjoyed the former boy band/pop star, entertainment writer storyline, it was very nostalgic of my teenage years. Loved this one, sign me up for a stay at the Lodge!

Alix, a ghostwriter, has finally landed her big break as she dives into a memoir of a former boyband star. Said popstar has put her up in a dreamy ski resort penthouse while she hunkers down to write this book. In comes, Tyler, the cute, swoon-worthy ski instructor, who happens to also be her neighbor. Between the snow-filled romance, there is a hint of mystery as secrets are uncovered in her writing process. This book hits all the right notes for me! It was a perfect addition to my winter TBR. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the free eARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

Instagram review will go live on 01-Jan-2025.

Thank you net galley for this review copy!

Wow, this book really had me hooked the whole time. I could not put it down and finished it in a day. I had some suspicions of what might happen in this book, but what did happen had me SHOCKED!!!! It is a great winter book as the weather gets colder.

The Lodge by Kayla Olson follows Alix Morgan, an entertainment journalist who has gotten her big break ghostwriting a memoir for Sebastian Green, a former boybander whose group broke up years ago when frontman Jett Beckett disappeared eight years earlier. Needing a place to write, Sebastian offers her a penthouse to stay in at a ski lodge in Vermont. As Alix writes Sebastian’s story from interviews and transcripts of audio recordings he’s provided, she finds herself charmed by ski instructor Tyler, who lives in the penthouse next door. As love starts to blossom between Alix and Tyler, things take an unexpected turn, throwing their lives for a loop in unexpected ways.

I liked Kayla Olson’s previous novel The Reunion. This one didn’t land as well for me. While it was cozy and the romance was cute, it just felt predictable. I found myself figuring out the mid novel twist quickly and after the FMC figures it out, it just felt like the story ran out of gas. The second half just wasn’t very compelling to me.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

"It feels like we're giants on top of the whole world, yet infinitesimally small under the multitude of stars."

This book was very good. It follows Alix Morgan who got her big break ghost-writing a memoir for a famous boyband member. He offers her a free stay at a luxurious ski resort in order for her to have a quiet place to work, she hops on the chance. She has to balance her client's voice memos and the story of one of the boyband's members who completely disappeared from the public eye. But Alix is also able to have fun while at the resort, and begins ski lessons with the gorgeous Tyler. As the snow falls, so do Alix and Tyler, but Alix's work takes an unexpected, complicated turn.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the ski resort, blizzard, and boyband aspects. I also enjoyed that the main character was a writer and involved in the entertainment business. The boyband reminded me a lot of One Direction, which I think made me enjoy this story a lot more than I would have if it didn't. The only thing was that the "mystery/twist" was pretty predictable, but this story isn't relying on that aspect alone. The romance was really good too.

actual rating: 1.25. The Lodge is just professional one direction fanfiction mixed with Daisy Jones & The Six if it was written by a 13 year old girl on wattpad. and that is offensive to all of the 13 year old girls on wattpad. this book would have been so much better if there was more focus on unravelling the mystery of the band instead of Alix and her ski instructor flirting over salad with no dressing. do NOT even get me started on Alix’s fuckass annoying sister Lauren. i wish this book ended with her getting crushed by a giant snowball.

Ok this was cute!! I’m from a big skiing family so when I saw this cover I immediately applied for the ARC. So happy I did, this was a pleasant read. If you’re looking for a cozy read with a teeeeny bit of mystery and no smut this book is for you! Winter vibes no holiday stuff. I was actually surprised by the plot twist which is nice.

All I have to say is if Lauren was my sister I would hit her after the stunt she pulled. I won’t spoil anything else. 🤪

What an absolute treat! Kayla Olson’s The Lodge combines charm, mystery and romance in a perfectly cozy package.

The setting? PERFECT. The ski lodge, complete with a snowstorm, is the ultimate winter escapism. I read this book during a snowstorm myself, bundled up while my power was out (thank you, fully charged Kindle!), and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Olson nails every detail—from the slopes and the café to the dreamy penthouse. It all feels like a cozy Hallmark movie, but with richer characters and a much juicier plot.
From the very first page, I was hooked—not just by the story but also by the creative integration of tweets and blog articles. These snippets added a unique layer of fun and modernity to the book, making it feel like I was right in the middle of the story as it unfolded.

And oh, that big surprise? LOVED IT. Absolutely brilliant. It added layers of depth and excitement, tying everything together in a way that left me thoroughly satisfied.

The Lodge is the perfect winter binge-read—equal parts cozy and captivating. I’ll be singing its praises on release day (January 7th!) and recommending it to everyone I know. A massive thank you to Kayla Olson, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this delightful ARC.

Brb booking my trip to go skiing in Vermont right now. This book is everything i needed in a romance book and more! I loved the cute, cozy, winter vibes, and how the drama in this book was not overwhelming. Alix and Tyler's banter was top tier and i just loved their interactions with one another. Such a cute and fun romance book <3

Thank you so much NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc!

This was a novel that I was highly surprised by how much I loved it! I knew I would enjoy it but didn’t expect to devour the book in two sittings. I absolutely loved the characters, and the story line. I really enjoyed the 90s boy band feel, meets ski lodge and ghostwriter. The subtle love story in this novel was so cute and I adored the over all novel! Highly recommend this to be added to a romance lovers winter TBR!

I was given the opportunity to read an ARC by the publisher, author and NetGalley.

What a cozy mysterious and cute romance. The cover sold me on this one!! However, romance, cozy winter, ski resorts, and boy bands! Say less!

I live in a ski resort town so I love books that take place in that setting! Though my town is nothing like this one!! I wanna go here!!

Alix is ghostwriting a memoir for a member of a boyband and he puts her up in a penthouse at a fancy ski resort in Vermont to focus. All expenses paid. Like ALL! She can’t not take advantage of the mountain and skiing. Introduce, sexy ski instructor!!

I loooved how sweet Alix and Tyler started. I loved the surprise little plot twist!!

I felt the coziness of this book and still do. Great winter read!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy for an honest review!

i enjoyed this cute, cozy book and i think it was a perfect transition into the winter season! i mean, it takes place at a fancy ski resort and our mmc is a ski instructor; you can't really go wrong with that! plus, the storyline involves drama surrounding a boy band, and as a one direction girly at heart, enjoyed that aspect!

alix morgan, an entertainment journalist, has been hired to ghostwrite a memoir for a world-famous sebastian green, a member of a boy band called true north. to add on to the attention, another one of this band's members, jett beckett, has been mysteriously missing for eight years, and fans have been speculating to this day, hungry for answers. as alix spends more time at the ski lodge, she encounters new people along with clues that may be attached to jett beckett's disappearance...

the romance in this book was pretty cute! i loved alix and tyler's interactions and banter. and it was just so adorable—like, ice skating dates, soft pretzels and hot chocolate, watching a meteor shower on a ski lift?

this book actually had me kind of shook when the main revelation was revealed. but the sole reason i think it took me by surprise was because i went into this book thinking it was merely a cute little rom-com (which it still was) but there was also a tiny aspect of mystery i wasn't really expecting. when i started this, i disregarded the connection between the boy band and the story's main focus at the lodge. but if you tried to figure out the twist, it honestly wouldn't have been hard to put two and two together... but i won't say anymore than that as to spoil it. because i didn't suspect it, it really hit.

i thought alix was a fun and lovable character. i enjoyed seeing her work as a journalist/ghostwriter because i find writing jobs fascinating.
tyler was super sweet and i liked his character! it was also fun that he was alix's next door neighbour and taught her how to ski. and in the end, he chose alix despite everything that happened 🫶🏻

i loved alix's bestfriend, chloe, and julie was sweet too, i loved watching her whip up coffees like a pro. wish we got more of her and river tho, i think that could have added to the story. there were some characters i kind of hated tho, like sebastian, jason (their manager), and honestly alix's sister at times—she was kind of annoying. though by the end i guess she wasn't all that bad, but still.
and of course, i loved puffin the cat. he deserves a mention :)
overall i thought this was a cute book! i loved the wintry, snowy vibes and it made me wanna go skiing hehe. i would recommend this if you want a short and sweet little winter read.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Atria Books for this arc!

**Spoilers**

I have never given a Kayla Olson book below five stars, and she continues to deliver with The Lodge. This book was both a cozy winter romance you could easily sit by a fireplace at a ski lodge, a book about the world and pressure of celebrities, and had the best romance I’ve read in a long time.

To start with our FMC, Alix is definitely a strong character that seemed very reasonable, while still containing her own flaws, trauma, and temptations. The one thing that felt unfinished with her was although the issues with her family were resolved, there wasn’t much explanation for what caused the rift, particularly with her brother. Like, it mentioned the brother was in some kind of accident, but nothing else was explained? It was odd, but did not ultimately detract from my rating or the book as a whole. Overall, I loved Alix and she is now my new favorite FMC.

I also absolutely loved Tyler as the love interest. His character and background were perfect, and I loved how he developed as a character, especially with being able to open up to Alix, and I thought the ending was fitting.

And now…on to the romance…

I really loved how soft, genuine, and trusting the two of them were with each other from the very beginning. The “conflict(s)” were also perfectly reasonable things, and their resolution was perfect (especially because it didn’t drag on). Overall, what makes these two so great was their trust in each other as they went through the hardships of the story. Also, the fact that Tyler’s interview with Alix is what made him leave the band was just such a good full circle moment.

In conclusion, I really want a Tyler hug and I will also continue to read anything Kayla Olson publishes.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Atria Books for an advanced copy of The Lodge by Kayla Olson.

The Lodge was such a fun book. I loved the boy band vibe where Alix has gotten her big break ghostwriting the memoir of the stars of her favorite boy band - True North. She takes his offer to write at a penthouse at a luxury resort in Vermont and focus on her work. She decides When she takes a few ski lessons and sparks fly with Tyler the ski instructor, but things take a turn around a mystery surrounding a missing member of True North.

This was so fun and enjoyable. I liked the ski lodge setting, all of Tyler's friends and the overall story. This is the perfect sit by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate book!

“I didn’t realize how many parts of me I’d left for dead until you came along and made me feel alive.”

This setting is absolutely perfect for a late November/early December read.

What I liked:

Tyler & Alix - I loved how the relationship bloomed with these two. They had great chemistry.

The story itself was very sweet. I enjoyed going along for the ride with this one.

What didn’t work for me:

There were a couple of things I didn’t love, but it didn’t take too much away from the story for me.

This book was just so cute!

Alix Morgan finally lands her dream gig—ghostwriting the memoir of Sebastian Green, a former member of the iconic ‘90s boy band True North. Trading her cramped apartment for a posh Vermont resort penthouse, she dives into the project. While piecing together Sebastian’s story, Alix can’t help but notice the lingering shadow of Jett Beckett, True North’s missing frontman.

Alix takes a break from work with ski lessons taught by Tyler, a charming instructor

I couldn’t put this book down and loved watching how much the characters grew throughout the story.

The ’90s boy band vibes were such a fun throwback!

The Vermont resort setting was perfect—cozy, snowy, and totally made me wish I was there. Alix and Tyler’s love story on the slopes was sweet and full of charm, making this an ideal winter read.

If you’re into second chances, a bit of nostalgia, and some ski-themed romance, this one’s for you!

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for this free ARC!

3.5-4 stars 🌟
Sweet,cozy winter rom com. Think Nsync/ Backstreet Boys in their prime had a winter baby with Hallmark and named it The Lodge! Cute, charming quick read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for the ARC

❄️ Cozy vibes, hot neighbors, and boy band references? Sign me up! 🎶

This book was chef’s kiss perfection to kick off the winter months. Picture this: a snug ski lodge, a dash of forced proximity, and steamy hot neighbors. Toss in some boy band nostalgia, and you’ve got my full attention! 💁‍♀️

Now, if you’re searching for a soul-shattering, tear-inducing romance... maybe keep scrolling. But if you’re craving a quick, feel-good rom-com that’ll have you grinning like an idiot and saying “Awww!” out loud? This one’s the pick! 😍

The characters? Super likable. The love interests? Totally swoon-worthy. And trust me, every time I had to put this book down (ugh, real life), I was counting the seconds until I could dive back in. 📚✨

Grab a blanket, light the fireplace, and settle in for the perfect snowy day read. You’ll thank me later. ❄️🔥