This book is absolutely adorable! It's friends to lovers done right and I could not put down.
I just loved so many things about this book. First, I have to say that friends to lovers is my favorite trope. When it's done right, the depth to the relationship cannot be matched and I LOVE it! Unfortunately, sometimes the trope involves endless pining and refusal to communicate for approximately 90% of the book (which I do get but let's get more creative). And this book DID IT FOR ME! Kasey has done it again, just proving my assertion that she is one of the best authors around.

I loved how close Max and Rachael were, while still living their separate lives. I loved that Rachael had a legitimate reason for holding back and not talking about her feelings. And I LOVED that Max had no reservations once he started figuring himself out. Way to go, Max!
The traditions between the two families in this one were so cute, and I just loved them. The Grinch theme throughout is kind of my favorite and now I want to decorate with Grinch decor. Would it be ridiculous to make January Grinch month? Because January needs something anyway. Maybe that will do.

I loved how Kasey brought in the little traditions, the family backstories, the feelings and dynamics so succinctly. She did a great job of making sure you knew everything you needed, while still keeping the book a little more on the short side, which is perfect for this time of year.
Being confidantes for one another is something I loved about the relationship dynamic for Max and Rachael. And the way that they each started figuring out how to help one another, pushing each other to do the hard things, and grow in the process, is another check for depth to their relationship that makes friends the best kind of lovers. Rachael pushing Max to have the hard conversations he'd been avoiding for so long was fantastic. But I especially loved how Max was determined to help Rachael see all the good things about herself, and help her solve her struggles. But he wasn't pushy, just supportive. Very well done.

What else did I love?
- Peppermint (or Pepper...cutest name ever)
- Grinch kiss (IYKYK)
- Grinch cookies
- Bets and wagers with each other
- Broken collar bones (rude I know, but it was kind of funny)
- Brother's girlfriend keeping brother in line
- Hot dog fire
- Forced proximity
- Both sets of parents
- Passion for acting
It's just so good! I loved the quick jolt of Christmas cheese in book form, and would absolutely read again. Another winner from Kasey!

Audiobook review: Narrated by Rylee Kuberra and John Rogers -- This narration is done so well! It's a duet narration, meaning when the chapter is from the female point of view, the male narrator still reads all the male voiced lines (and vice versa during the MMC POV chapters). I loved their inflections and emotion, their voices, and the overall way they read. I would absolutely read another book narrated by this duo. ( )