‘Tis the Damn Season by Kimi Freeman

*** Review ***

Kimi Freeman’s debut novel, ‘Tis the Damn Season, offers readers a heartwarming, second chance romance set against the backdrop of a small Pennsylvania town during the Christmas season. Aspen Moore, a Hollywood starlet, finds herself in the midst of a scandal that forces her to return to her hometown and confront her past, including her first love, Roman Torres. The novel weaves a tale of love, self-discovery, and the enduring magic of the holiday season.

At the heart of this novel is Aspen Moore, a 23-year-old singer-actress who seems to have it all – fame, fortune, and a headlining tour. But her life takes an unexpected turn when a scandal shakes her carefully constructed Hollywood existence. Forced to leave Los Angeles, she returns to her hometown in Pennsylvania, where she must grapple with her past and face the boy who once held her heart, Roman Torres.

Aspen is aware that her relationship with Roman must remain platonic due to the vast differences in their lives. She’s a Hollywood star, and he’s firmly rooted in their small hometown. However, the magnetic chemistry between them cannot be denied. The push and pull, catch and release dynamic between Aspen and Roman creates an irresistible tension throughout the story. It’s a classic tale of second chances, and readers will find themselves rooting for these star-crossed lovers to defy the odds.

One of the standout aspects of ‘Tis the Damn Season is its captivating portrayal of small-town life in Pennsylvania. As someone who has recently moved to the area, I felt a special connection to the setting. Freeman’s vivid descriptions of the town and its inhabitants create an immersive reading experience, making it easy to visualize the charming world she has created.

Another delightful element that enhances the reading experience is the subtle homage to Taylor Swift’s work. The book is generously sprinkled with Swift-inspired moments and references, which is a treat for Swifties and adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of the singer.

The structure of the book, with a playlist at the beginning that sets the tone, is a brilliant touch. Each chapter is themed and comes with a corresponding song that adds depth and emotion to the story. This thoughtful incorporation of music helps to amplify the emotional resonance of the novel and allows readers to create a soundtrack for their reading experience.

The book explores various tropes, including second chance romance, holiday romance, the one-bed scenario, the charm of a small town, and the subtlety of closed-door romance. These tropes come together to create a rich and satisfying narrative that will leave readers with a heartwarming and comforting feeling.

‘Tis the Damn Season is not without its flaws, as no book is entirely perfect. Some readers may find that certain chapters end abruptly or lack a little something in terms of closure. However, these minor shortcomings do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

The alternating past and present timelines offer an engaging perspective on Aspen and Roman’s relationship, adding depth to their characters and highlighting the growth they’ve experienced. The tension between the two timelines keeps readers invested in the story, as they eagerly await the resolution of the characters’ past and present conflicts.

The romance in ‘Tis the Damn Season is undeniably cute, and the chemistry between Aspen and Roman is palpable. However, some readers might find that the story lacks a concrete central conflict, which could potentially make it feel less gripping. The narrative unfolds in a somewhat nonsensical manner, with certain chapters appearing to serve no significant purpose.

One of the main critiques of the novel is its somewhat juvenile tone, especially in the present timeline. While it may be fitting for the high school setting of the past timeline, it feels out of place in the adult characters’ interactions seven years later. The cattiness between characters in the present timeline might not be everyone’s cup of tea, as it introduces a different kind of drama that some readers may not enjoy.

In conclusion, ‘Tis the Damn Season is a delightful and heartwarming second chance romance that captures the magic of the holiday season. Kimi Freeman’s debut is a cozy and enjoyable read that expertly combines romance, small-town charm, and the allure of revisiting the past. While it has its minor imperfections, the book’s warmth and Taylor Swift-inspired moments make it a lovely addition to any romance reader’s collection. ‘Tis the Damn Season is a reminder that love, even when faced with obstacles, has the power to prevail, and it’s a story that will leave you with a smile and a desire to snuggle up with hot chocolate during the holiday season.