Lacey Dupont is usually out Christmas shopping in London at this time of year and would normally be careering down Oxford Street laden with perfectly gift-wrapped packages. But this December, her heart is in shreds over her cheating ex and she’s driving her little red car to the Scottish village of Honey Haven to get as far away from him as possible.

Scott McRae, owner of The Hot Chocolate Hotel, is there as she tumbles through the door of the first hotel she can find when her car breaks down. Only, his gruff exterior isn’t exactly welcoming, even if the steaming mug of cocoa he offers her is. Her inability to pay for her room doesn’t exactly cheer him up. But he’s low on staff and high on festive chores. And she’s more than willing to work for a place to stay until her car is in action again. If they can keep it under wraps, that is. Because the last thing Lacey wants is to be found…

As festive preparations bring the two closer together, their chemistry starts to hot up faster than the mulled wine they’re dishing out to guests. The two lock eyes over the fairy lights they’re delicately draping on the tree, any unpaid hotel stays long forgotten – and everything else, for that matter.

But when the hotel’s heavy oak door swings open and Lacey sees who’s burst in with the flurry of snow from outside, she knows that life in this little chocolate-box Scottish village is about to come to a screeching halt.

Will Lacey end up lonely this Christmas? Or can the magic of the season melt even the hardest of hearts?

Tropes:

• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Small Town
• Forced Proximity
• Spicy

What readers are saying about Donna Ashcroft:

‘I loved every minute… I laughed out loud so many times!!… All of the Christmas feels and then some. Just adored this!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Delightful… A joy to read… So hilarious… I couldn’t help but laugh out loud… perfectly sets the stage for the Christmas season… Truly captivating… I loved every aspect of this.’ Page Turners, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Exceptional, witty and heart-warming… tons of sparkle, cheer, charm and romance… I adored this… Off the charts!… Lots of friction and sparks!… Good for the heart and medicine for the soul… Bursting with enchanting chemistry… A red hot captivating Christmas story!’ 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘The ultimate cozy holiday escape! Imagine crackling fires, snow-dusted highlands, and a story filled with charm, romance, and festive magic. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, sip hot cocoa, and believe in happily-ever-afters all over again. If you’re looking for a heartwarming read to get you in the Christmas spirit, this one is a must!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I read in one sitting… Laugh out loud moments, lots of twists, a beautiful love story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A beautiful festive read that filled my heart with pure joy! I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much! A real page turner! Finished it in a few hours.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️