Work Trip was a delightful rom-com that ticked every box of a 5-star read for me. I was excited to get House Party on my Kindle, as my anticipation was high for the same magical components that made Work Trip such a great read.

Sadly, House Party doesn't have anything in common with Work Trip. It's a cosy, sweet read for sure, but it's a little bland and lacking in chemistry between the love interests. I felt 15 years surely had more yearning and pining energy to be built up. Lovely energy between the friendship group and explores some of the pains of growing in life that 20-somethings hit, but the romance needed more energy, and the only sizzle was the fireworks at the new year. I didn't feel the spark between Hattie and Freddie at all, and their story just felt a bit awkward in the end.

Thank you, Aria & Aries, for granting me a Netgalley eARC of House Party by Chloe Ford in exchange for a fair and honest review. Sadly, House Party didn't strike the right chord for me like Work Trip did. I think it will take a few more books from Chloe Ford to see if she's an author I'll continue to read. One hit and one miss from me at the moment

What an absolutely brilliant rom-com!! I loved Work Trip, but House Party is even better. I was invested from the first chapter. Hattie is such a likeable FMC, and she's absolutely hilarious. Not to mention the dual timeline aspect that was so unexpected but a huge draw here. Chloe managed to create a real depth of character and establish the relationships by revisiting them over a number of previous New Year's—it was so well done! I also appreciated that this was a single POV, despite the dual timeline, it made it all the more romantic because you never really knew where Freddie's head was at. And Freddie, ah! The ultimate MMC. This book was giving me serious The Summer I Turned Pretty vibes but with that snarky, witty humour you're searching for. Honestly, I was so impressed and I absolutely adored all the characters in this book. What a guy Sam is! I cannot wait for Chloe's next book, she's definitely a new favourite.

"Fifteen years of longing. One night to change everything. This New Year's Eve, they're playing with fire."

This was a sweet and cosy read that can be easily read in a couple of sittings. I found Chloe Ford's writing was clear and easy to read and I enjoyed the dynamics between the friendship group. I found that some of the flashbacks felt unnecessary and didn't build up as much history between Freddie and Hattie as I would have liked, and Freddie himself felt quite one-dimensional. Overall, a cosy holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this rom-com! 5 slow-burning stars!

The interwoven timeline in this book was done perfectly. I loved the present-day slow-burn tension between Hattie and Freddie and was also looking forward to reading what chaotic and hilarious birthday celebrations that were in store for Hattie and Sam.

Freddie was a lovable and misunderstood MMC with the perfect blend of intensity and hidden vulnerability.

Highly recommend if you love romance featuring best-friends brother trope, secondary characters that feel like a family and secret crushes.

Chloe’s books are so easy to escape into that the pages fly by. I can’t wait for the next one!

I just love Chloe Ford's books so much. Work Trip was a masterpiece and this book was no different. I love her writing style, it's just reads really easily. The characters are so real: they are complicated, have realistic issues and react to them in a realistic manner. Obsessed with the friend group (every one of them, Dylan included, I loved) and the tight knit friendship between Hattie and Sam, they are the definition of a goals friendship. I am immensly intrigued if Sara's getting her own book (I am here for it, so yes please).
Obviously, I am obsessed with Hattie and Freddie. Brother's best friend is my fave trope, so yeah I ate that up. We had the 15 years long yearning (if he isn't pining away, I don't want him) and the complications that come with falling for once's best friend's brother. I loved the angst and the dual timeline that added to the slow burn :)) Freddie made me absolutely melt away (where can I find me a man like that?)
Absolutely loved the Fliss and James cameo btw, I miss them so much...😭😭😭

Thank you Chloe Ford and Aria for the ARC!

PS. Adam deserved to at least get punched in the face, just saying (I'm volunteering)😂

A sweet, fun and cosy read. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
I fully recommend "House Party". I read it all in an evening.
Hattie and her best friend, Sam met as children on New Year's Eve, which is coincidentally the latter's birthday and the former's birthday eve. Upon meeting, he swears her off his brother, Freddie. The narrative splits between the December 31sts of the past and the present as Hattie navigates seeing Freddie again.
It's not groundbreaking stuff, but it's warm and fun. Some of the writing didn't work for me but I think Chloe Ford has a lot of potential.