Tailgates & Tinsel by: J.C. Hannigan

Tailgates & Tinsel
Author: J.C. Hannigan
Published: December 2025
Publisher: J.C. Hannigan
Format: ARC eBook
Pages: 223
Rating: 4/5
Summary:

He came to close a chapter. She’s about to rewrite his whole story.

Luke Everhart has one goal this settle his late great-aunt’s estate in the picturesque town of Cobourg and get back to his fast-paced life in Toronto. No distractions. No detours. And definitely no falling for small-town charm or cocoa-sipping Christmas magic.

But Cobourg has other plans.

Enter Elysabeth Bennett, holiday enthusiast, and unofficial queen of Christmas cheer. She takes one look at Luke and decides he’s exactly the kind of corporate grump her beloved town doesn’t need. The feeling is almost mutual, until sparks begin to fly beneath their frosty banter.

When Luke is roped into wearing a period costume for the town’s Storybook Stroll, his aunt’s favourite holiday tradition, he’s convinced things can’t get worse. That is, until a snowstorm strands him at Elysabeth’s family-run Christmas tree farm with nothing but a dead EV battery and board games to pass the time.

But as the fire crackles and the snow falls, Luke finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the town, to its people, and most of all, to Elysabeth. Suddenly, “home for the holidays” starts to feel a lot more permanent.

A sparkling, enemies-to-lovers Christmas story perfect for fans of festive romance, witty banter, and new beginnings in small towns.

Review:

First, I'd like to thank J.C. Hannigan for sending me an ARC to read! I'm all for the Christmas books these days since we're really in the thick of the Christmas/Holiday season!

I have to say one thing that's always fun to read is Canadian towns that I'm familiar with. Something about it just makes the story a little more real and cozy to read, even if it is in a fictional world. But from the beginning I was drawn to Elysabeth and Luke's story and couldn't help but root for their HEA all the way to the end!

One thing I'll say is I kind of wished there was just a bit more spice and drama. Obviously that's a me thing, but with enemies to lovers, I was really hoping the lovers part would take it up a notch, as well as some more drama to really make their coming together that much sweeter! However even so, this was still a really entertaining and emotional journey!

If you love cozy small town vibes set in Christmas time, this is the one you'll want to pick up! A place where everyone knows everything, and it's almost impossible to keep things a secret. The friends & family that make their way into this story was hilarious and sweet. I couldn't stop reading! I really hope there's more to this town coming, because I could read more!

As Elysabeth and Luke begin to spend more time together, they really find out more from each other as well as Luke's great-aunt that he really didn't know all that well. It was sweet to see this city boy really take time in the small town to not only get to know others, his great-aunt's role in the community as well as the impact she left on the town. Seeing him slowly come to realize that the big city really isn't for him was sweet, and while I can enjoy the miscommunication trope, I really did love that they would tell each other what they wanted. Maybe a little teeth pulling to get it out, but it was there!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this swoony enemies to lovers romance! Give me all the small town Christmas vibes, because I am eating it up!! A quick read, but one that I didn't want to end!

That's all for my review, I hope you enjoyed it and be sure to one-click your copy today!!

So until the next time, keep reading!

Your Graduated Bookworm!! :)