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Falling for Xmas by Carly Phillips
Release Date: November 12, 2026
Series: Dare to Fall #4
Pages: 160
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella
I came to Charleston for a fresh start. Falling for my Christmas-obsessed neighbor wasn't part of the plan. Holly Monroe is sunshine wrapped in a big red bow. She lights up her house like Santa lives next door and believes Christmas magic can fix just about anything.
I'm grumpy, guarded, and about as festive as a lump of coal.
But when a community toy drive puts us on the same team, Holly drags me into Christmas chaos—and straight through every wall I've spent years building.
Between holiday markets, decorating disasters, and her impossible smile, I start falling for the one woman who sees past my grumpy exterior. She reminds me of the grandmother who made Christmas magical before life took that magic away.
For the first time in years, I'm starting to believe in Christmas. And maybe love.
Then my career forces me to make a choice, and I make the biggest mistake of my life.
Holly deserves someone who chooses her. Now I have one chance to prove I'm that man before I lose the woman who made me believe in happy endings again.
Because sometimes the greatest Christmas miracle isn't under the tree. It's finding the person who feels like home.
A swoony Christmas romance featuring grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, small-town holiday magic, a grovel-worthy hero, and a happily-ever-after.
Available in Kindle+
My Review:
With the mid-season NFL trades, Clay Lawson has made the move from North Dakota to Charleston, South Carolina. As the new football player in town, Clay must make his move right in the middle of his least favorite holiday…Christmas. Though it wasn’t always like that, he has managed to resent the festivities that come with the holidays. But if Clay wants to start roots in his new town, he has to win over his community, including the infuriating yet attractive neighbor. Especially when Holly Monroe is the epitome of all things Christmas. But when they’re put in charge of running the toy drive, they’ll have put their differences aside in order to make this years special for kids/community. Neither expected to open up to one another and time start to develop feelings for each other. Clay has found his perfect match, if only he could convince to give him a second chance before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed reading Falling for Xmas, it’s a quick story that packs a punch. Phillips did a great job giving us the essential details and we find out that the characters might just be right for each other. Clay is able to lean on Holly when he needs her the most without judgment. While the characters explore all things Christmas, we get a glimpse at their community and of her family. They truly embrace Clay giving us the true meaning of Christmas. All in all, if you’re looking for sweet festive read I would highly recommend checking out Falling for Xmas. :)
***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***
My Rating: 5/5
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