DNF at 8%
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review this book. I hit a reading slump back when it released and it’s just been sitting on my tbr shelf.
Unfortunately I simply could not get into the book, the writing came across as very immature and the FMC’s actions and thoughts about other female characters gave me the ick. Very hateful. Finding out that the author was 16 writing an adult romance definitely explained the very ‘woe is me’ vibes that I got from the first couple of chapters.

Anything even remotely Christmas/winter related and I am there. I always love a cute Hallmark sequel storyline where the main character goes back to a small town and of course rediscovers her self and people she may have “left behind”. Although I was wary of the “second chance romance” trope, I’m glad I still took a chance. I was pleasantly surprised by how this trope was played out and I ended up really enjoying the romance in this book.

This book was not for me. I might be interested in trying something else from this author in the future.

I have to admit that I requested this book solely for the title. As a certified Swiftie, I simply couldn’t resist! It delivered exactly what I hoped for, with enough subtle and fun nods to Taylor Swift’s music that it felt like a sweet little Easter egg hunt. I think any Swiftie would appreciate all the references woven throughout the story. While the book does explore some darker and heavier topics, it still manages to feel like a cute and heartfelt read overall. I’m especially impressed that the author was only sixteen when she wrote this debut. That’s an incredible accomplishment at such a young age! I genuinely can’t wait to see how she grows and matures as a writer with future books. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever she writes next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

not my cup of tea,
had to DNF half way through the plot was just not it and was too slow

i prefer more faster paced books

I’m not a switfie and this was giving too much of those vibes so unfortunately I did DNF halfway through as it just got too much and I felt like it was taking the focus away from what could’ve been an amazing book

A really sweet, feel-good read. The writing’s fun and easy, and I liked how it mixed romance, nostalgia, and that 'back home' eeling. Obviously has Taylor Swift vibes — if you’ve ever had an old flame you still think about, you’ll get it. A fun, easy quick read

This was a cute holiday read.
The characters were likable but I did not feel like I connected with them. There is much room for improvement for future books.
I did love the Taylor Swift references and the title of course!

A sweet, captivating tale full of Christmas spirit. Kimi Freeman's writing is light and sensitive, and I loved how the story mixes nostalgia, romance and that dilemma of “going home” with a bittersweet touch.

The vibe is totally Taylor Swift — and if you've ever had a past love that stirs your memories, you'll feel it all reading this.

I didn't give it five stars just because I wanted a little more depth at some points, but overall it was a delightful read, one that warms the heart. The kind of story that goes well with a blanket, a hot drink and twinkling lights.

´Tis the Damn Season is a cozy romcom in a small town insipred by a Taylor Swift's song.
As a swiftie I can say it´s very interesting the way the autor put a lot of refrences in the story, but in the on the other way I was expecting something more dramatic and deep that this story is like the song is, I wanted to feel the angst but it gives me a happy story of second chances in high school sweethearts, i mean its like a Hallmark movie, actually while I was reading it, I pictured like that, excellent for the hollidays and winter time.

'Tis the Damn Season was a book that sounded like it would be a lot of fun. However, the book felt incredibly juvenile. Half way through reading I discovered the author was quite young and it makes a lot of sense. This book could probably find it's audience but unfortunately I am not in it.

I didn't end up finishing it, but I think it would be fun for a younger audience (16-18 year olds).

‘Tis the Damn Season

* Tropes:
* Small Town
* Christmas Time
* Second chance Romance
* Friends to Lovers
* Dual Timelines

* This was such a cute second chance romance feel good book. I felt it was more of a YA in the romance department, I would rate it at 0.5 spice. But its got a warm, cozy, Christmasy vibe.

* Also for a debut this was surprising well written, I enjoyed the dual timelines, it really gave you more insight to our MC’s while also keeping you engaged by switching back and forth between the timelines. I would have enjoyed maybe one chapter from the MMC’s POV but that’s just a wish for me, otherwise I really liked the warm & fuzzy romance this story gave. Also the Taylor Swift playlist/reference ugh so CUTE!! LOVED THAT! Overall if you’re someone who loves TS and wants a good cozy romance book then this is the book for you!

* Thank you to NetGallery for providing me an ARC!!

Aspen Moore is a fascinating lead—glamorous and guarded, yet deeply vulnerable beneath the surface. When scandal sends her retreating from the spotlight to the small town she once left behind, she’s forced to confront the boy she never truly let go of: Roman Torres. Their chemistry crackles with every encounter, and their shared history adds layers of tension, heartache, and hope.

Told in a dual timeline that weaves the past into the present, the story unfolds with a lyrical tenderness that makes you root for these two, even when the odds—and geography—are against them. The setting is cozy and cinematic, the romance is swoony and slow-burning, and the emotions? All over the place—in the best possible way.

Perfect for fans of second chances, small-town holiday stories, and Taylor Swift’s most heart-wrenching lyrics, this is a love story that’ll break your heart and stitch it back together with every chapter.

A fun little holiday read featuring my favorite singer/songwriter. The crossover of Taylor Swift and holiday rom-com is what sold me on the story. The characters were fun and quirky, the dialogue was good and the storyline was entertaining.

I made a real effort this year trying to read more holiday romances and I was quite excited about this one.Shame it was not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

**3-Star Review of *Tis the Damn Season* by Kimi Freeman**

*Kimi Freeman's *Tis the Damn Season* delivers a cozy, holiday-themed romance with plenty of heart and a dash of sass. The story follows Elle, who returns to her small hometown for the holidays and unexpectedly reconnects with her high school ex, setting the stage for a rekindled romance. With a setting filled with holiday cheer and some lighthearted humor, Freeman creates an easy, feel-good atmosphere perfect for the season.

The chemistry between Elle and her ex is engaging, and the playful banter keeps the romance entertaining. Freeman’s writing is witty and quick, which helps make the book a fast read. The holiday backdrop adds a nice festive touch, with family dynamics and small-town charm bringing warmth to the story.

However, while *Tis the Damn Season* is enjoyable, it feels fairly predictable and doesn't offer much beyond typical rom-com tropes. The characters, though likable, aren’t as fully developed as they could be, and the emotional depth of the romance is somewhat shallow. Some parts of the plot feel repetitive, and the pacing can drag at times.

Overall, *Tis the Damn Season* is a fun, light holiday read perfect for fans of cozy romances, but it doesn't offer anything particularly fresh or groundbreaking. It's an enjoyable escape, but not one that lingers long after the last page.

Unfortunately this wasn't for me. The characters felt very immature and the story just wasn't convincing. Wouldn't recommend this one :-(

"Tis the Damn Season" von Kimi Freeman ist eine romantische Geschichte über zweite Chancen und Selbstfindung.
Nach einem Karriereskandal kehrt Sängerin Aspen Moore in ihre Heimatstadt zurück und trifft auf ihre Jugendliebe Roman. Zwischen alten Gefühlen und neuen Herausforderungen muss sie sich entscheiden, was ihr wirklich wichtig ist. Mit starker Chemie zwischen den Hauptfiguren und charmanten Anspielungen auf Taylor Swift ist der Roman eine unterhaltsame Liebesgeschichte – auch wenn der jugendliche Ton nicht jedem gefallen dürfte.

Love the Taylor Swift inspiration, set in a dual timeline this story of two lovers is super heartwarming, great read.

I should've just known this was a no for me. I hate holiday romance books with a passion but I always convince myself that this will change.