Review: A Night with Ms. Grinch by Lauren Lacey

About the Book

A Night with Ms. Grinch is a steamy, small-town Black romance Christmas novella full of flirtatious banter, cozy holiday vibes, and irresistible chemistry. When interior designer Kandi Cane, Beverly Mills’ self-proclaimed Grinch, gets snowed in with sexy coffee shop owner Cole Winters, sparks fly faster than falling snow. With caffeine, temptation, and one unforgettable night, this opposites-attract romance blends heat, humor, and a heartfelt into the perfect holiday love story. Readers who enjoy cute, sweet, and with dashes of spice Hallmark-with-a-twist vibes will fall hard for A Night with Ms. Grinch.

Review

A Night with Ms. Grinch is a perfect holiday romance. Lacey does a wonderful job of showcasing the sizzling chemistry between Kandi and Cole and leaning into the holiday season. It’s not overly cheesy—even the name Kandi Cane has a sentimental value without feeling over the top.

The two leads offer a timeless dynamic featured in most romantic comedies surrounding Christmas. However, it doesn’t feel overdone. Kandi hates Christmas because of her father's death, while Cole absolutely adores the holiday and makes it his mission to go all out for it. During a snowstorm, Kandi and Cole are trapped in his coffee shop and forced to confront the realities of their relationship. Being snowed in forces them to confront not only their feelings for each other, but also how love, loss, and healing can coexist.

Final Thoughts

A Night with Ms. Grinch is a heartwarming, sweet, and very cozy holiday romance that captures the magic of the season without leaning too far into cliché. Kandi and Cole’s chemistry shines. Their opposing views on Christmas, shaped by the grief they process in very different ways, add emotional depth to their relationship. It’s a comforting, feel-good read that balances romance, reflection, and festive charm beautifully.

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