REVIEW: Holiday Huddle by Felice Stevens (Appleton Falls #1)

- December 15, 2025

HOLIDAY HUDDLE

Appleton Falls - Book One

by Felice Stevens

Release Date: December 15, 2025

Review

Such a great start to a new series. Small town goodness, ex-football star, and holiday romance. And a gorgeous double bi coming out.

This has all the good feelings - finding oneself, coming out, building found family, and finding a love so deep.

Harte is a reluctant retiree, moving to Appleton Falls as part of his second act, he crashes into Jet’s life. The deputy Sheriff lives a happy life, but when he meets Harte, he understands how much better it can be with the right person to come home to.

They are both swoony and lovely, and I want to be a part of their friend group, because they really have surrounded themselves with some terrific people.

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Synopsis

Wow. I did not expect to run into Brooklyn Kings retired football star Harte McKinney in my hometown of Appleton Falls. It takes me back to my college days when I crushed on him in silence. All these years later, nothing’s changed. Even better, something in his eyes has me thinking he’s not as straight as I’d always believed.

When I find him hurt in a car crash in the snow, it’s my duty as a deputy sheriff to follow him to the hospital and make sure he’s going to be okay. Then we share an unexpected kiss, and I make him a proposal: come home with me to recuperate so we can explore these feelings behind closed doors.

Each day we spend together brings us closer, and we know we want to be together. But small towns have big eyes—we might not be able to keep what we have to ourselves much longer. My partner already suspects Harte and I are more than “just friends.” And when my mom gets an eyeful of Harte in his birthday suit…it’s time.

Let the snow fall where it may—we’re ready to come out.

There’s a fire crackling in the grate, the tree is decorated, and presents are wrapped. We’re all set to huddle together for the holidays and hope that love and magic of Christmas conquers all.

About Felice Stevens

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, My characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love, but getting there is oh so fun and oh so sexy.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass (or two of red wine). I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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