Checking It Twice is the kind of book that wraps around you like a soft blanket on a snowy December night. It has everything I love in a holiday romance—sparkly lights, family chaos, fake dating, one bed, and a hockey player who is basically a walking teddy bear. From the very first chapter, Kendall Ryan delivers that warm, fuzzy magic that makes you want to curl up with hot chocolate and read straight through.
Clare, our hardworking PR manager for the Dallas Stampede, is the type of heroine who immediately pulls you in. She’s sharp, kind, no-nonsense, and very determined to keep her personal life far away from the players she works with. And honestly? I loved her for it. But then Mitchell Drake, recovering from a public breakup and desperate to avoid his family’s pitying stares, asks her to be his fake girlfriend for one week in his snowy hometown. One week. Christmas lights. A charming small town. And a flannel-covered hockey player with a soft heart. You already know where this is going—and yes, it’s delicious.
Their slow slide from pretend to real was so natural and heart-squeezing. I adored watching Clare slip into Mitchell’s world: laughing with his family, bonding with his grandmother, playing pond hockey, and slowly realizing that she belongs there more than she expected. Mitchell’s family is honestly one of my favorite parts of the book—warm, messy in the best way, and instantly obsessed with Clare. They’re the type of fictional family you can’t help wishing you could spend Christmas with.
And the chemistry… oh, the chemistry. The tension builds so beautifully that every glance, every brush of the hand, every quiet moment feels amplified by the holiday atmosphere. Kendall Ryan really nails that cozy slow-burn feeling where you’re practically begging the characters to finally give in. Mitchell especially is such a sweetheart—broody on the outside, soft on the inside, and clearly falling long before he admits it.
What I also appreciated is that the story didn’t just wrap up the moment they left his hometown. We get to see what happens after the holiday magic fades and they return to real life, which made the romance feel even stronger and more genuine.
Overall, Checking It Twice is the perfect holiday read—sweet, swoony, festive, and overflowing with all the vibes that make December reading so special. If you love fake dating, one bed, small-town charm, and a hockey hero who melts your heart, this book will absolutely deliver. It left me smiling, cozy, and wishing for a Minnesota Christmas of my own. And as a little end note… I’m really enjoying this series so far, and I truly cannot wait for the next book.
Happy reading!
- Would I recommend this book: Yes.
- Would I re-read this book: Probably.
- Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Meet the Author
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold millions of books and they have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.
Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 100 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.
Where to Find Kendall:
Mia Book Addict 
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