Ten years ago, Erin had her heart broken by fellow vet student Oli. Now, she’s his landlord.
All Erin wants is independence and security. All Oli does is travel the world after locuming at practices for a few months. So when he comes back into Erin’s life, she knows it’s temporary, no matter the lingering looks he gives her.
With Christmas approaching, the vet practice is busier than ever, and Erin is surprised at how well she and Oli work together to help the animals of Hartfell. From sharing meals in her cramped cottage to meandering the village fayre, the wall Erin has built around her heart begins to crumble.
But Oli’s contract is coming to an end and he’s shown no sign of wanting to stay. Has she set herself up for another heartbreak from the only man she’s ever loved? Or will she realise that being independent sometimes means relying on others, and security comes with taking risks?
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My Review
This book is a warm and uplifting festive romance, full of charm, heart, and a touch of nostalgia. Erin Hardy isn’t expecting her university crush—Oli Sterling, the boy behind her first kiss—to suddenly reappear in her life. But when he turns up in Yorkshire as her new tenant, sparks of the past mix with the complications of the present. From the cosy confines of Erin’s cottage to the bustle of village life, their story unfolds against a beautiful Yorkshire Dales backdrop, with plenty of “will-they, won’t-they” tension, family drama, and community spirit.
The friendships, the village atmosphere, and the Christmassy details all make this the perfect seasonal escape The romance is tender and believable, built on history and mutual respect but tested by real-life pressures—exes, family expectations, work commitments, and the vulnerability of opening up old wounds. It’s a genuine “will they, won’t they” story, one that keeps you invested while also making you want to shake the characters when their stubbornness threatens to get in the way.
Overall, it is a balance of romance, community, and seasonal magic makes it the perfect read to curl up with on a winter’s evening.
My Rating
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