Dearest romance readers & merry mixologists,
Welcome to Day 5 of Boobsmas, our tastiest day yet. Today, we’re pouring ourselves something warm and strong, cracking open more holiday romance goodness, and even doing another *bookish giveaway*
But first, a moment for my new haircut and color—courtesy of my girl, Alix at Twyst Salon in Beaverton, Oregon—and the “incredibly perfect, don’t you wish you had it?” mug I spotted at this weekend’s Crafty Wonderland market.
Annndd… moment over.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be Boobsmas without a few holiday romance recommendations. And good news, Heated Rivalry fans, both of today’s book recs are hockey romances.
Be sure to add them to your December TBR list…
Once Upon a Power Play by Jennifer Bonds
Chloe Jacobs is done with fairytales. And men. She’s kissed her share of frogs and what’s it gotten her? The last thing she needs is a pushy, arrogant hockey player testing her resolve.
🏒 One Night Stand
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Curvy FMC/Hockey Player
🏒 Date by Blackmail
🏒 Owner’s Suite Hookup
Favorite quote: “I’m taking a spin on the North Pole. I need it. And I deserve it. I don’t care if I end up on the naughty list.”
Hot and Cold by Tara September
He’s the disciplined pre-med student and hockey team captain with zero time for distractions. She’s talkative, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore—especially after being assigned to promote his team for a class project.
🍪 cinnamon roll MMC
🏒 college setting + hockey
💏 fake dating
🏝️ forced proximity (school project)
👦 he falls first and hard
🔀 opposites attract
Whether you’re a cocoa sipping Cancer or a wine mulling Sag, the stars have a lot to say about your winter beverage habits. So let’s listen to them, shall we?
In the spirit of cosmic coziness, here’s your official holiday drink guide, chosen by your zodiac sign and blessed by the mischievous, slightly eggnog-fueled energy of the season.
♈ Aries — Spiced Cider with a Cinnamon Stick
Bold, fiery, and incapable of subtlety. This drink smells like determination and tastes like someone dared you to relax.
♉ Taurus — Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Luxurious, comforting, and best enjoyed with a blanket you refuse to share.
♊ Gemini — London Fog Latte
Balanced, chatty, and caffeinated enough to carry multiple conversations at once (even if some are with yourself).
♋ Cancer — Classic Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
Soft, nostalgic, and emotionally supportive. Likely to be served in a mug that says something like “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
♌ Leo — Gingerbread Latte with Extra Foam Art
Showy, festive, and impossible to ignore. Comes with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dramatic flourish.
♍ Virgo — Chai Latte (Perfectly Steeped)
Warm, orderly, and beautifully spiced. No deviations, no shortcuts, no chaos allowed.
♎ Libra — Cranberry Sparkler
Pretty, balanced, and photogenic. Pairs well with good company and flattering lighting.
♏ Scorpio — Dark Hot Chocolate… with a Dash of Chili
Intense. Mysterious. Sensual. A beverage that glances at you from across the room.
♐ Sagittarius — Mulled Wine
Adventurous, aromatic, and best consumed while telling stories that may or may not be true.
♑ Capricorn — Black Coffee with a Festive Cookie on the Side
Efficient but not joyless. Holiday cheer… in a manageable dosage.
♒ Aquarius — Peppermint Matcha Latte
Unusual, refreshing, delightfully odd. The drink no one else thought of but suddenly wants to try.
♓ Pisces — Lavender Hot Chocolate
Dreamy, calming, a little whimsical. It tastes like the feeling of staring out a window at gently falling snow.
While we’re at it, how about a tasty drink recipe for your next festive gathering?
A cozy little mug of joy. ☕
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Optional: 1 ounce bourbon for grown-up cheer
Instructions:
1. Warm the milk over low heat. Don’t boil!
2. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla until cozy and aromatic.
3. Pour into your favorite oversized mug.
4. Add bourbon if you’re feeling festive or fragile.
5. Top with whipped cream or a cinnamon stick if you’re in your fancy era.
It’s soothing, simple, and tastes like being wrapped in a blanket while someone plays soft holiday music in another room.
To celebrate the second day of Boobsmas, I’m giving away a copy of Hers for the Holidates by Irene Bahrd, plus a few extra bookish goodies.
I picked up a copy of this sapphic holiday novella at a recent signing event, and you better believe I got the author to sign it, too!
All you have to do to enter is comment below on this post with your astrological holiday beverage—see above. Be sure to enter by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 17th.
That’s all for now, book baddies! Until next time…
Be feral. Stay dangerous.
And happy holidays.
xo
Want to join my Facebook reader group, Kelly’s Book Baddies? It’s a welcoming and inclusive space for ALL romance lovers to talk about their favorite books. 🌈 We have weekly discussion topics, monthly giveaways, and the occasional recipe swap.
Need a few more holiday romance recs? Great news! I have a series of spicy novellas, all of which take place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, and feature a cast of queer, plus-size baddies. Plus, they’re set by the beach, and you know what that means? Crop tops at Christmas.
When you subscribe to my Substack, you’ll automatically receive exclusive access to my sapphic shortie, “Love is in the Air.” 🏳️🌈👩❤️💋👩 This spicy short was originally published in the (now out of print) Queer and Cute anthology.
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