Loved:
- The setting - there really is something about a wintery, New England ski lodge that is so charming
- The whole plot and backstory of the boy band True North. A very obvious reference to One Direction in name, but the characters do not feel like caricatures or rip-offs of the 1D boyz
- The side characters (for the most part). They were full fleshed out characters with unique personalities and relationships to the Leads
- Both main characters were charming. The FMC (Alix) felt very grounded and sure of herself while the MMC (Tyler) was intriguing and adorable
- The inserts of previous articles, text exchanges, etc. They added backstory without exposition weighing down the prose of the chapters and helped flesh out the world/bit of a bubble that these characters existed in
- The pacing. Usually pacing is really tricky, but I think this book was really successful in pacing its beats. I never felt like it was unbelievable how long secrets were kept, because they weren’t hidden for that long. These characters communicated

Loathed:
- The sister, Lauren. She was supposed to be, I believe, in her early 20s, but acted like she was 13 and it was *infuriating*. I know this is the point, and I knew she was going to be a huge pain, but, I’m sorry, some of her actions were just too much for me and they legitimately made me angry, ha
- How many times she broke her DNA after saying in the beginning that she couldn’t. I feel like that would absolutely blow up in her face if she did that, but such is the fantasy of fiction
- The formatting of the texting font. It was really hard to differentiate between the texting and regular prose, since the “texts” were integrated directly into the prose and the “texts” were simply a smaller font size. But I found it bizarre that Alix’s text’s font size was slightly bigger? Than whoever she was texting? It was an odd choice

Longed For:
- This is a bit nitpicky, but I would have loved just a *bit* more delving into the two leads getting to know each other and build that relationship. It was by no means an insta-love/lust situation (thankfully), but I thought that he fell for her just a *smidge* fast
- A stronger start. The first 3-5 chapters were just kind of throwing you in, which can be fine, but these dragged a bit from nothing really (sorry) interesting happening until Alix met Tyler and we learned more about True North, Sebastian, etc.
- Kind of an extension of the last point, but this book needed just a *tiny* boost of energy & urgency in some of the moments. The last Act had this the most, for sure, but the first two acts just kind of felt like everyone was just existing and meandering at points.
- More details and exploring of the lodge! I wanted the lodge to be more of a character than it was. We still got to learn a bit about it, but I wanted to really feel like I knew it and understood it, if that makes sense. It all felt quite cursory

Will I read the next one? : Probably. I’m adding The Reunion to my TBR, most likely going to listen to it on audio when I get around to it

The Lodge is a perfect read for anyone who spent their teen years obsessed with boy bands and magazines like J-14 or Tiger Beat. It made me reminisce about my poster-filled walls as a teenager! 🤣

Kayla nails the nostalgia with a fun, romantic story that’s both light and sweet! I loved the author’s note at the start, and the media elements, like blog posts, added a modern touch. 💻

The FMC, a journalist turned memoir ghostwriter, is grounded, while the male lead, a former boy band member in hiding, is thoughtful and romantic. The picturesque Vermont ski-lodge setting made for a charming escape!!! ⛷️🚠🏔️ (my Google search history may or may not reflect just how badly I want to visit now!!!)

This book is a quick, enjoyable read with a satisfying conclusion—perfect for anyone in the mood for something light and romantic!!

Read if you 🤍:
🏔️ Cozy settings
🎤 Boy bands
🎶 Nostalgia
🍬 Sweet reads
❄️ Winter Vibes

The Lodge is a super cozy and dreamy novel with a little mystery mixed in a budding romance. I loved every minute of this cute book. It flowed perfectly. I love the mixed media in the book as well!

Alix Morgan is an entertainment journalist who lands the chance to ghost write a memoir for Sebastian Green, a previous member of the boy band, True North.

Ironically, she was the last one to interview the boy band’s lead singer, Jett Beckman, before he disappeared 8 years prior.

Alix stays at Sebastian’s penthouse in snowy Vermont to write. She doesn’t expect to fall for a handsome ski instructor named Tyler who lives next door. Alix discovers more details about True North’s past as her chapters and romance unfold.

This is the perfect book to read while snuggled up with a blanket & a mug of hot chocolate {and maybe soft pretzels 🥨} during this week of winter storm warnings.

I really enjoyed this novel!

The pacing kept me going, so I read most of it in one day. Once I got into the novel, I did not want to put it down.

This follows a writer who has traveled to a ski lodge in Vermont in order to make progress in her book. She is ghostwriting the novel of a former boy band member. Not long after she arrives, she meets her neighbor across the hall, a ski instructor at the lodge. He encourages her to take lessons with him, and a romance begins to blossom.

I thought that the relationship was sweet but honest, and it was nice to see it unfold. I guessed the reveal ahead of time, but that did not change how much I enjoyed this novel. The book did not affect my emotions enough for 5 stars, but it was a lot of fun.

Set at a ski lodge in Vermont, Kayla Olson’s new romance is the perfect read for this time of year. I read it while curled up next to a roaring fire, watching the snow fall, and loved how perfectly this book’s vibes fit with my own cozy setting.

Alix Morgan is an entertainment journalist who used to cover the famous boy band True North and has now been hired to ghostwrite the memoir of one of its former members, Sebastian Green. When Sebastian offers up his penthouse at a luxurious ski resort in Vermont as a quiet place to write, Alix jumps at the chance. Not only is it a wonderful alternative to her noisy, crowded apartment, it’s also an opportunity for Alix to have some much needed fun in her downtime, especially since there’s a super cute and charming ski instructor named Tyler who lives in the penthouse across the hall!

There’s a bit of a mystery that unfolds surrounding Alix’s ghostwriting gig, the boy band, and a missing lead singer that made for an interesting read, much of which is given to us via Alix’s research, through the use of mixed media elements.

I of course was all about the budding romance between Alix and Tyler. From their very first meeting, you could just feel that Alix and Tyler had a special connection. They were adorable together and I loved all of their cute, flirty banter over ski lessons and lattes, but I also felt like things quickly became more than just a good time for both of them, like they recognized something in each other they had been missing. Yes, maybe it moved quickly, but somehow it still just felt right and I just really liked that for these two characters, especially after learning more about each of them and what they’ve been through.

4 1/2 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

Cute story with wintery vibes.

There was a major “plot twist”, which I immediately got lol

The romance was cute and the MMC, Tyler, was so swoony!!

My one issue with the book is how the text messages were formatted. This book had A LOT of texting in it and I think they messaged should be formatted differently to make it easier to understand when they’re texting.


All in all the book was a cute, quick and easy read! A perfect “pallet cleanser”.

What a perfect winter read! This was a unique take on a celebrity/rock star romance and after a little bit of a slow start I was hooked! The way they came together naturally and fell for each other before even know that they were somewhat connected was so romantic. Tyler is such a great character and book boyfriend material for sure. I loved Alice as well and how she had sort of forged her own path and I appreciated the maturity in their relationship. Her sister was the worst and I wanted to smack her....but I know that was the point! Amazing read!

FULL REVIEW
The cover is what drew me to this book and the story was just as beautiful! The Lodge swept me away with its perfect mix of romance, mystery, and a touch of nostalgia for the golden age of boy bands. I loved Alix as a the FMC, she was so relatable, balancing the thrill of her big break as Sebastian Green’s ghostwriter with the lingering mystery of Jett Beckett’s disappearance. The Vermont resort setting was pure magic, from cozy cabins to snowy ski slopes, and Tyler, the charming ski instructor, was the perfect opposite to Alix’s focused determination. What I loved most was how seamlessly the story wove Alix’s work on the memoir with the unraveling of True North’s secrets, and the slow-burn connection between Alix and Tyler had me swooning from their very first meeting!

TROPES
🧲Opposites Attract
📝Ghost Writer
⛷️Ski Instructor
🚡Ski Resort
🎤Boy Band
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
🔎A Bit of Mystery
❄️Snowed In

When Alix Morgan heads to Vermont to ghost write for a former boy band member, the last thing she expects is to be completely taken with the local ski instructor.

Set in one of my favorite places on earth during my absolute favorite season, this super cute romance with emotional depth was just what I was craving in my post holiday blahs. While the story took the ultimate journey of your typical romance, there are some crazy fun twists that make this story unique, as well as a few wholly relatable characters who could exist off the page as easily as on it. And while this book is closed door/low spice, it is not short on swoon-worthy romance or character chemistry.

🎧 Andi Arndt, Graham Halstead, and Gilli Messer absolutely bring this story to life with their narration. I highly recommend checking this one out on audio, especially because of the mixed media nature.

Read if you like:
▪️forced proximity
▪️boy band drama
▪️insta love
▪️books about books
▪️mixed media (texts, gossip, news)
▪️Vermont setting

Thank you Atria and Simon Audio for the gifted copies.

Alix Morgan lands her dream job ghostwriting a memoir for Sebastian Green, a former member of the iconic boy band True North. Invited to a luxurious resort in Stowe, Vermont to focus on her work, Alix trades her cramped apartment for mountain views and ski lessons with the charming instructor, Tyler. As romance blossoms on the slopes, Alix dives into Sebastian’s voice memos, uncovering lingering questions about True North’s mysterious downfall and the disappearance of lead singer Jett Beckett. Balancing love, career ambitions, and an unraveling mystery, Alix realizes the truth behind the band’s story might change everything.

5 stars!

Romance Readers: This is the ideal winter read! Kayla Olson has created this incredibly cozy setting that will have you loving every minute of the bitter winter cold. Set at a luxury resort in Vermont, ghostwriter Alix finds special little writing nooks to dive into her work and we would all want to read in these spots - from her penthouse windows overlooking the glorious snow-covered mountain; or from the local cafe, where she is served honey nut lattes and treats at all hours of the day. Every dip from outside cold to inside warmth, from ice skating to cuddling up in a blanket by the fire, from pretzels dunked in hot chocolate to... to nothing really, I just wanted to mention that because it sounds delicious. The descriptions of the rooms, the food, the weather, all puts you as the reader directly into the story, and such a clever story it is. This book is light, fun, heartwarming and creative. Perfect for this time of year!

Overall I thought this was such a cute book!
I loved the snowy wintery cozy vibes!
It was such a cute,sweet and fluffy Rom-Com plus add a bit of mystery!
And I think this book is going to surprise readers.

We start off with our FMC Alix Morgan whose and entertainment journalist,
She gets a job as a ghostwriter for a “ superstar musician” Sebastian who was apart of True North a band. (His ex bandmate Jett went missing several years ago)
Sebastian puts her up in a Ski Lodge in Vermont to help her focus on writing his memoir.

And Alix jumps at the chance to getaway from city life, her irritating sister and the focus she needs for this book. Everything is going as planned till Alix accidentally locks herself out of her room and needs her cute neighbor Tyler Fox’s help.

As Romance blooms between Tyler and Alix, and a mystery to be solved of Jett’s disappearance we are in for an intriguing read, this book had me on the edge of my seat literally.

I'd definitely recommend this one, it gives cozy vibes,romance & mystery. Has little to no spice. But is such a good and easy read!


Thank you to NetGalley & Atria Books for this ARC!

3.5⭐️
This was a cute and fun romantic read about Alix, an entertainment journalist who was tasked to ghostwrite a memoir about a boyband member. She was sent off to a Vermont lodge to get some peace and isolation so she could write. In this lodge/resort, he meets Tyler who she instantly had a connection and eventually falls in love.
There is a twist in this book but I saw coming early on. Having that inkling made me want to read faster to get confirmation of my hunch. And I was right! The book's pacing is a bit slow but once the twist is out, I think it started to pick up.

I enjoyed the main characters and truly root for their happily ever after. I like the side characters although there isn't a lot of them that stand out.

I think the conflict was resolved so quickly. I would have loved for that to be a bit more drawn out.

Other than that, this is such an entertaining read. I recommend it to anyone looking for a celebrity romance set in beautiful landscapes. Thank you, NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy!

wow this shocked me ! even halfway through i don’t think i would like this one as much as i did - & i guessed the plot twist before that but STILL it picked up so much towards the ending. so good!

i feel like i’ve never read anything like this before. the story was so fun and unique. also the characters were so constantly evolving?? (my hate for lauren was so strong until the small developments in her character then i was like. awww nvm!

i think this is such a fun book that shockingly wasn’t as predictable as most romances. i loved the friendships built & formed. i loved the relationship between tyler and alix. i loved the ski lodge setting of it all.

yay so good! i’m glad i started the year off with a bang.

thank you so much for atria & netgallery for this arc!!!!

In Kayla Olson’s The Lodge, aspiring ghostwriter Alix Morgan gets the opportunity of a lifetime: penning the memoir of Sebastian Green, a former member of the wildly popular boy band True North. This dream gig comes with an even sweeter perk—a luxurious penthouse at a Vermont resort, a welcome escape from her cramped city life. For Alix, a former entertainment journalist who once covered True North and even interviewed its enigmatic frontman Jett Beckett before his mysterious disappearance, this project feels like fate. As she delves into Sebastian’s story, the lingering mystery of Jett’s vanishing act resurfaces, captivating fans and threatening to overshadow the entire project. But amidst the voice memos and unanswered questions, Alix finds herself drawn to the charm of the resort and a handsome ski instructor named Tyler. As their romance blossoms against the snowy backdrop, Alix’s work takes an unexpected turn, hinting that she may hold the key to unlocking the truth behind True North’s dramatic downfall.

Kayla Olson seems to have a knack for creating stories that just pull you in from the very first page. Her writing is fast-paced, which makes it so easy to get lost in the story, and she wove in elements of romance, mystery, and suspense that keep things exciting. What I loved most is how relatable her characters are. They felt like real people dealing with real-life problems, which makes it so easy to connect with them. While The Lodge has moments that are light and fun, she also wasn’t afraid to explore deeper emotions, which added a layer of depth.

Alix and Tyler share undeniable on-page chemistry. Alix is a smart, funny, and relatable character as she balances her career and family. Tyler is a nearly perfect book boyfriend: handsome, thoughtful, creative with dates, and intriguingly mysterious. Their instant connection deepens throughout the story, and while the book focuses on a sweet romance rather than explicit scenes, their relationship is still compelling.

Overall, The Lodge was a delightful and engaging read. From the very first page, it effortlessly captured my attention, making it a relatively quick and enjoyable experience. The story's setting—a picturesque ski resort nestled in the mountains—further enhanced the reading experience, creating the perfect cozy atmosphere for a winter read. The snowy backdrop not only added to the romantic ambiance but also played a key role in several plot points, heightening the sense of mystery and isolation that Alix experiences as she delves deeper into Sebastian's story and the secrets surrounding Jett's disappearance. The combination of romance, mystery, and the evocative winter setting made for a compelling and immersive escape.

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️

The Lodge is a perfect read for fans of sweet, contemporary romances, and it's a must-read for anyone who, like me, was a boy band fanatic in their youth. Kayla Olson has crafted a charming and engaging story that will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland. Pick up your copy today—you won't regret it!

Alix Morgan, an aspiring writer, has just landed her dream job—ghostwriting a memoir for Sebastian Green, a former member of the boy band True North. With the chance to work away from the distractions of her cramped city apartment, Alix heads to a luxurious resort in Vermont, where she can focus on her task while also exploring some downtime. The resort, a stunning setting for both relaxation and adventure, offers a perfect backdrop for Alix to immerse herself in her work.

While juggling the demands of her ghostwriting job, Alix also finds herself drawn to Tyler, a handsome ski instructor at the resort. As their relationship blossoms on the slopes, . Soon, the mystery of True North's downfall and the connection between Alix's new love and her investigation become entangled in a way that might change her life forever.

The ​Lodge is a captivating read that blends romance, mystery, and the glamorous world of boy bands with a setting that’s perfect for readers who love winter landscapes and a bit of intrigue. ​The chemistry between ​Alix and Tyler adds warmth and heart to the story. The mystery surrounding True North’s downfall is both gripping and emotionally charged, making this book an enjoyable read for fans of contemporary romance and suspense.

Rating 4.5/5

Thanks to Atria for the gifted ARC!

You want to read this for... a super cute romance featuring a Vermont ski lodge, a boy band, and a winter storm.

About the book: Alix has her big break as the ghostwriter of Sebastian Green's memoir. He was part of a popular boy band called True North, which fell apart after one of the members went missing. She's put up at a luxurious ski resort in Vermont to get her writing done, but might be a little distracted by the handsome ski instructor next door.

My review: I loved THE REUNION, Kayla's debut, and also really enjoyed this book! Alix and Tyler are soooo cute together, and the romance in this book was top-notch. I also adored the ski lodge setting because it made for so many good moments, a snow-in, and just an overall adorable setting for a romance read. The boy band storyline was also fun and really elevated with articles and media mixed in with the story chapters. Alix's sister, Lauren. deserved to be thrown off the mountain for being so obnoxious. But otherwise, a very cute read.

This book was sooo perfect. Kayla Olson's writing is enchanting and delightful. A total must read, I cannot recommend it enough!

I liked this book initially, but ended up bailing on it about half way through….

What I liked: initial premise-1) boy band with a mystery 2) the setting (gorgeous ski lodge in Vermont) 3) gorgeous cover

What I didn’t like: 1) saw the twist coming almost from the start- the author spoon feeds you clues 2) not much chemistry between the two MCs- just not feeling it.

Overall decent, but not great. Just couldn’t keep me reading.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book to read and review.

3.5⭐️ This was a cute and fun romantic read about Alix, an entertainment journalist who was task to ghostwrite a memoir about a boyband member. She was sent off to a Vermont lodge to get some peace and isolation so she can write said memoire. In this lodge/resort, he meets Tyler who she instantly had a connection and eventually fell in love with. There is a twist in this book but I saw coming early on. Having that inkling made me want to read faster to get confirmation of my hunch. And I was right! The pacing of the book is a bit slow but once the twist is out, I think it started to pick up.

I enjoyed the main characters and truly root for their happily ever after. I like the incorporation of news articles, social media, memo transcripts and more. It helps sell the story and the premise of this book. I like the side characters although there isnt a lot of them that stood out.

I think the conflict got resolved so quickly. I would have loved for that to be a bit more drawn out. How the main character came to the decision to do what he need to do? What was his thought process? I think I would have enjoyed it better if it focuses more on the thought process of this one important character.

Other than that, this is such an entertaining read. I recommend it to anyone looking for a celebrity romance set in beautiful landscapes. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy!

The Lodge: ⁣
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Thank you @atriabooks #AtriaPartner @simon.audio #simonaudio for my gifted copies! ⁣
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“And that’s when I realize: once you start falling, it’s nearly impossible to stop—you pick up speed, and you might flail a little to course-correct, but at the end of the day you find yourself in over your head.”⁣
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This was just perfect. Our gal Alix is ghostwriting boyband Sebastian’s memoir, and she needs a place to escape and focus. What better place than Stowe, VT? There, she meets swoony ski instructor Tyler and has fun while she’s working. But can it last since she’s just there until the memoir is done? ⁣
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So swoony. Tyler was so patient and kind. My goodness. Alix was the best, I adored her. Laura, girl, get a backbone. Eye rolled so hard. I liked Tyler and Alix’s chemistry and how their relationship played out. The twist is very obvious, but it was laid out perfectly and had the best reveal. ⁣
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Also, I love a good grand gesture. My goodness, was there a sweet one. I just had all the heart eyes, kicking and giggling legs. I also need to run to a ski town for 2.5 seconds please. This had mixed media from message boards and interview transcripts, so you know I was down. ⁣
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The audio was perfect. Andi Arndt, Graham Halstead, and Gilli Messer did the darn thing. It was short and sweet but the narration is highly recommended. ⁣
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Lastly, this is my open petition to have Hanson’s 3 Car Garage on streaming platforms. I am tired of streaming 2 Tears on YouTube Hanson.⁣
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Out now!⁣
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QOTD: If we went to a ski resort, what would we do? Drinks and books by the fire? Meet you on the slopes? Hot tub?

This book gave me ALL the cozy winter vibes I was craving! ❄️ Set in a charming ski village, it has:
✨ A secret identity twist
✨ Snowed-in close proximity
✨ Slow-burn chemistry with just the right amount of tension
✨ A heartwarming, happy ending

The setting felt like wrapping up in a warm blanket while snow falls outside, and the characters’ connection had me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommend this one if you love winter romances with low spice but plenty of feels!