I received a free copy of, You Make It Feel like Christmas, by Sophie Sullivan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Maisie Smart, isnt always that smart. Being ghosted after a one stand with a hockey player, has really messed her up, she decides to spend the holidays at a Christmas farm. I did not care for this book like I thought I would. I did not care for the language at all, not a very cozy Christmas read at all.

This was such a cute and cozy holiday read — exactly what I needed. I loved the snowy small-town setting, the big family energy, and of course the second-chance vibe between Maisie and Nick. There’s something about the “surprise! you’re snowed in with your one-night stand who’s now in your family’s guest room” trope that just hits right during December.

Maisie was super relatable — trying to figure out what she actually wants, dealing with family pressures, and balancing everything. And Nick? Honestly kind of a dream. Sweet, solid, emotionally open. I really liked that he had his own struggles too, and it wasn’t just about winning her over.

Some parts made me laugh out loud, and others were really tender in a way that felt honest, not overly cheesy. It had all the feel-good Christmas charm without being too sugary.

Definitely one to curl up with on a cold night — hot chocolate recommended.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.*

I got 55% of the way through this book, but ended up having to DNF

The story is exactly the type I gravitate to, but the writing itself grew repetitive. Especially considering the conflict for each character, and within their relationship is relatively simple. I couldn’t fathom where else the novel could go and whether I wanted to stay along for the ride when to me, much of the plot-driving matters were already being resolved.

I think this book will be perfect for lovers of cozy novels and family dramas.

This book gives Christmas Hallmark vibes but with a little bit of spice. I like how passionate Maisie is about photography and that her siblings are very supportive of her, even though they are more academic than artistic. Nick is so good with Asher and I like that he is fully committed to Maisie. However, their relationship went too fast for me and it left me wanting more. I think with their history, the story would’ve made a fun slow burn. I loved everything up until mid-way through the book and then you lost me.

2.5 ⭐

What’s NOT to love, right?

✔️Small town
✔️Second chances
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Hockey player
✔️Christmas
✔️cute cover

I’ve been curious for a long time why hockey-themed romance books are so popular. When I read that this was written by a West Coast Canadian author/teacher, featured a female photographer and a male hockey player, and set at Christmas, I eagerly accepted the offer to read this one.

I should have done more research.

I stopped at “the queen of sweet romance” and decided this would be a safe read.

NOT.

I was disappointed because of the excessive swearing and sex, and had trouble reading due to the disjointed flow of the writing. It felt as if two books had been merged into one, each half focusing on one thing; one on Christmas and one on hockey. Nick, as hunky as he was, had a bad habit of telling, not showing and Maisie, well, too much OTT drama with her family.

Maisie Smart and Nicholas King were good characters, Merry, Washington (outskirts of Seattle), and the 26-acre Tickle Tree Farms (Christmas trees) was a good setting. It was good to see a focus on anxiety from MMC POV and a FMC who stood up for herself. This had so much potential.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a holiday read I’d recommend, as the content made me feel very uncomfortable.

This is the second of a planned three-book series of seasonal romances. They are standalones.

Any sweet hockey romances out there? Send me your recommendations.

This charming, feel-good romance blends cozy holiday vibes with heartfelt emotional depth, making it a perfect pick for readers craving both Christmas cheer and a second-chance love story. Set in a small town and centered around Maisie, a stubborn but vulnerable photographer, and Nick, a grumpy-but-sweet injured hockey player, the story builds from a one-night stand into a slow-burning reconnection filled with banter, emotional growth, and healing. While the plot is somewhat predictable and the 3rd-person alternating POV might not suit every reader, the well-paced narrative, strong chemistry, and meaningful themes—like mental health, family, and finding new definitions of success—make this a warm, hopeful read worth curling up with during the holidays.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sophie Sullivan for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I just finished reading this book. The plot was absolutely fantastic! It was quite the page turner, and I could not put the book down once I began reading it. I can't wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

There’s something about the way this story blends holiday warmth with unresolved chemistry that made it impossible to look away. There’s banter, longing, vulnerability; all the stuff that makes a second-chance romance feel earned. The setting was so full of atmosphere I could practically smell the pine needles and hot cocoa. And the emotional arcs hit exactly where they needed to. It’s the kind of holiday romance I’ll keep thinking about long after the lights come down. Heartfelt, a little messy, and completely worth falling for.

This was such a great seasonal read. It was cute and hilariously sweet! I recommend putting this on your holiday TBR!!! Swoons and giggles galore!

Holiday romance and sports romance crossover! My two favorite types of romance books have combined. Add in forced proximity on a Christmas Tree farm and I am in heaven.

Maisie has a one night stand (completely out of character for her) and then goes to spend time at a Christmas tree farm with her family for the holidays. Nick gets injured and has to sit out for a month's worth of games. He has a one night stand after getting the news that he is benched, and then decides to visit his sister at her Christmas Tree farm. Sure enough his one night stand is there as well and what happens next is Christmas magic :)

3.5 stars rounded up. a quick read romance. The story takes place at Christmas time but doesn't feel christmasy. The story was ok, but I didn't love the characters.

The love story itself was great, and I enjoyed Maisie and Nick and their family and friends. I liked the unexpected way they reunited. However, what I most liked about the story was the focus on dealing with mental health (in this case anxiety); the importance of being open and honest with those you care about and care about you, giving them the opportunity to support you and be there for you in your time of need; and the importance of building a life (career, relationships, etc.) that fulfills you even if that means taking an unconventional path or a path that differs from what others expect of you.

This was a very cute holiday read! If you’re looking for a perfectly sweet Hallmark-movie-style romance, this will totally satisfy you. It’s filled with all the tropes, found family, second chance, brother(in- law)’s friend, etc, and is set primarily on a Christmas tree farm. Personally, I like something a little closer to reality, but if super sweet romance is what you’re after then Sophie Sullivan delivers!

Maisie (FMC) is a photographer & Nick (MMC) is a retired hockey player due to an injury. They meet at a wedding between their two families and have a one night stand. They don’t see or speak to each other for six months after until a big family vacation the week before Christmas.

The beginning showed potential, I just think the flow was off the second half of the book. There was plenty of Christmas spirit at the start, but then it became more hockey focused. I did appreciate the honest truth of how anxiety can affect a person & how the main characters learn how to overcome their insecurities.

I thought the spice scene would be intense with the tension and build up through out the book. Instead it was a closed door & it felt off with the tone the book set betwent them. Also the excessive use of the F-word caused me to lose interest.

💞 Thank you Net Galley & Publisher for ARC! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review 💞

This book was cute and I was able to read it quickly. I loved it and it gave me all the Christmas vibes.

Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for a copy to honestly review.

You can never get enough Christmas! If you enjoy magical holiday stories then this is definitely for you!
There is romance, hockey, and family all circling around a couple falling in love.
It is a quick read that held my interest all the way through.

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @St.Martin'sPress for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

This is a fun Christmas story. I loved the characters and the storyline! Highly recommend and thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I just loved this book. Strong but flawed male hockey player (Nick), uncle to an adorable and funny
4 year old boy who idolizes him, and a great brother and friend too. Then there is Maisie a free spirited photographer with her own flaws. We all have flaws! So Nick and Maisie met at a wedding about a year ago and had a one night stand because when Nick woke up he just left and didn't see Maisie again...until they both show up at a house full of people celebrating Christmas!

I just loved the yin and yang of these two people, of this potential couple. It was mostly light but they are both flawed individuals as we all are, and they work their way through their differences.

The subjects of self esteem, anxiety attacks, family dynamics are all part of this novel.

You do not need to wait or only read this at Christmas. It is a delightful story.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of an honest review!

Masie a photographer and Nick a hockey player had a one night stand several months ago. thru circumstances they are forced to spend a week together at his sisters Christmas tree farm. will they have a second chance?

The titled of this book is "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" written by Sophie Sullivan. This book is scheduled to be released on September 23, 2025. This book has cozy Christmas vibes. The male main character, Nick, is a retired grumpy hockey player and the female main character, Masie, is a photographer. The two main characters end up having a one night stand and then see each other again 6 months later at a family vacation.