Holiday Hideaway by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis and Julie Kenner

If you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer with a side of romance, Holiday Hideout is a charming trio of novellas that delivers Thanksgiving sparks, Christmas mischief, and New Year’s passion—all wrapped up in one cozy anthology. Set in a secluded cabin rumored to inspire romance, this collection features stories by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, and Julie Kenner. Each author brings a unique twist to the shared setting, offering up heartwarming, sexy, and sometimes laugh-out-loud moments as their characters discover (or rediscover) love just in time for the holidays.

My Review

Book Review: Holiday Hideout

By Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, and Julie Kenner
Published by: Harlequin | Release Date: November 1, 2011
ISBN: 9780373837625

There’s something magical about seasonal romances — especially when they take place in a cozy cabin surrounded by snow, roaring fires, and unexpected chemistry. Holiday Hideout brings together three heartwarming novellas from Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, and Julie Kenner. Each story is set during a different winter holiday and follows a charming romantic encounter that blooms (or rekindles) in the same mountain cabin — a place rumored to have a scientific track record of making people fall in love.

As someone who enjoys anthologies, I find short story collections like this perfect for those times when I want a quick, satisfying read after a longer novel. They also allow me to experience different writing styles in one sitting, and Holiday Hideout delivered just that.

---

The Thanksgiving Fix by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Beth Davis, a professor escaping to Lake Tahoe for a solo Thanksgiving retreat, isn’t expecting a tall, rugged handyman to come knocking on the door. Coinneach McFarland is just there to fix a leak — or so he thinks. What follows is a sweet, slightly slow-burning romance that plays with the “unexpected guest” trope in all the best ways. The chemistry between the two is quiet but steady, and the setting makes it feel all the more intimate. If you like your romances with a touch of fate and slow-burn charm, this one’s for you.

---

The Christmas Set-Up by Jill Shalvis

This was the story I was most excited for — and it didn’t disappoint. Zoe and Jason are rival architects, forced into close quarters thanks to a snowstorm and a well-timed assignment. As sparks fly and the snow piles up, so do the feelings Zoe has tried to keep hidden. Shalvis does what she does best: she blends humor, heart, and heat with a festive twist. It’s playful and flirty, with a few mistletoe-worthy moments that had me smiling.

---

The New Year’s Deal by Julie Kenner

This was my first time reading Julie Kenner, and I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth packed into such a short story. Cleo and Josh reunite after five years apart, thanks to a promise they made long ago. There’s history, unresolved tension, and an undeniable pull between them that makes their reunion both steamy and sincere. The story moves quickly — as novellas often do — but it still managed to tug at my heart a bit. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Kenner’s work.

My Final Thoughts

As a whole, Holiday Hideout is a charming, feel-good collection — a great choice for cozying up during the holiday season or for when you need a bit of seasonal cheer any time of year. The shared setting of the love-struck cabin was a fun thread that tied the stories together, and while each had its strengths, the fast pace sometimes left me wanting just a bit more resolution. I’m someone who loves a strong happily-ever-after (HEA), and while these stories lean more toward happy-for-now (HFN) endings, they still left me smiling.

If you enjoy seasonal novellas with a mix of sweet, sexy, and second chances, Holiday Hideout is a delightful collection to add to your holiday TBR pile. Plus, it’s a great sampler if you’re looking to discover new-to-you authors.

About the Author(s)

Find out more about the authors and their work, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis and Julie Kenner.