REVIEW: You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan

You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Sophie Sullivan: Maisie has a strict don’t-look-back, no regrets rule, which definitely applies to the very out of character one-night stand she had six months ago. Sleeping with someone she barely knew was one thing… but a professional hockey player who vanished the next morning? That’s a whole new level of mortifying. What she really needs is a good break and spending the week at Tickle Tree Farm with her family is the perfect way to soak up Christmas cheer and forget well that is until the universe drops a Grinch right in her path… the very man she was hoping to avoid…Nick King.

Nick is in desperate need of a holiday reset. After winding up stuck on the bench for the month after an injury, his anxiety has plenty of room to roam and enough time to think of the one night he left without a word. A visit to his sister’s Christmas tree farm seems like the perfect plan… until he finds Maisie under the same roof! Six months later and the spark hasn’t died down… and neither has her anger at his disappearing act. But Christmas is all about second chances and with the two of them forced into close quarters Nick and Maisie just might unwrap feelings they can’t ignore… twice…

I just loved reading You Make It Feel Like Christmas, right from the very first chapter Sullivan pulls you straight into a world of quiet longing, family chaos and that unmistakable spark of a second-chance romance all while sprinkling in a bit of Christmas magic. Following Maisie and Nick had all the hallmarks that make a Christmas romcom a favorite of mine, with a cosy small town setting, nosey family members and just the right amount of mischief this was a total must read for me!

Maisie was a total darling and I loved getting to follow her as she sassed her way though dealing with Nick and facing her insecurities. While she is a strong and determined lady, she also feels deeply and is constantly aware of how her family views her choice in work, I really enjoyed getting to see her stand up and show everyone how important her work is to her and generally learning not to feel so self conscious. Nick on the other hand is all guarded edges and soft centres. His confidence on the ice masks a mind constantly wrestling with anxiety and the pressure to perform. This only made getting to see him facing his actions with Maisie all the more grounding. I loved that he took accountability but also made an effort to reassure her.

I loved these two together, at the core of it Maisie and Nick were a mirror of each other, both facing this inner conflict of not feeling like they are enough. Their connection isn’t built on grand gestures or perfect timing, but it was built on honesty, vulnerability and the quiet moments where they were able to let their guards slip. Maisie challenges Nick to confront the things he usually runs from, not by pushing him but by simply seeing him in a way he’s not used to. And Nick in turn gives Maisie the kind of affirmation and emotional safety she had been craving in a family that often overlooks her. Simply put these two fix each other simply by seeing each other for their true selves unfiltered and I loved that.

Overall I loved reading You Make It Feel Like Christmas, at the heart of this cute holiday romcom is a story of loving unconditionally and without expectations. With the perfect balance of small town charm, emotional honesty and a sprinkling of festive spirit this is a total must read!

Book Info:

Publication: September 23, 2025 | St. Martin’s Griffin |

Maisie Smart has a don’t-look-back policy–not on the choice she made to be a photographer (despite her family’s wishes) and not on the one-night stand she had six months ago. Sleeping with someone she barely knew was out of character; sleeping with a professional hockey player who bolted the morning after is a whole new level of embarrassing. Getting invited to spend the week at Tickle Tree Farm with her family this Christmas is a sure way to fill her with holiday spirit. Until the universe throws a Grinch in her festive plans in the form of the one man she hoped to avoid.

Nick King is a mess. After a significant injury lands him on the bench for every game for the rest of the month, he has more time to dwell on the one night stand he can’t get out of his head. With time on his hands, his anxiety hovering, and the holidays around the corner, he figures visiting his sister and nephew at their Christmas tree farm will be a good way to lie low and sort himself out. He’s in for a surprise when it turns out Maisie is staying at his sister’s and his attraction for her hasn’t lessened one bit in the last six months. Apparently, neither has her anger at him for bailing. But Christmas is the time for second chances, and the forced proximity may help Nick and Maisie unwrap feelings neither of them can walk away from twice.