This is a slow burn romance with a side serving of ‘oh, is it Christmas?’ – which is perfect if you don’t want to indulge in a long drawn out pre Christmas fest yourself.
It is such a slow burn that there were times when I thought that maybe Drew was a red herring and someone else was going to pop up for the love interest. But that just made it better – and her avoidance tactics amused me. It seemed more of a reluctant romance at times.
Allison relocates to the beach as she needs a reset to her life, and an inherited property gives her the means to start a new business. Drew is a contractor who bids for the job – the property needs a major overhaul. They are also thrown together when they both have ties to the Dunes, a seniors community living place and are volunteered to sort out the activities for their Winter Wonderfest. Allison also has The List which she consults regularly at the beginning. Drew also has rules – like no relationships etc.
It’s a fun red, there are regular appearances from sassy residents of the Dunes who have lived and still know how to have fun.
It does of course have an epilogue.
This is set 6 moths after the main story. They are both happy as the other is their ‘home’. Allison has ditched the List.

Read this if you want just a smattering of festive cheer in good story.