Hook-Up to Holidate is an adorable, spicy holiday romance wrapped up in a magical bow. Rose Santoriello is a new-to-me author, and I took a chance on this book based on the blurb, cover, and art (check out this and this (semi-NSFW) on her insta) and I’m so glad I did. This one made me smile and I can’t stop talking about it.
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Hook-up to Holidate by Rose Santoriello
🥭🥭🥭🥭.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
(you can find my rating and spice system here)
POV & Tense: Dual POV, first person, present tense
Genre: FF Fantasy Romance / RomCom
Tropes/Themes: Magic University, Professors, Boss/Employee, Futuristic, Small Town, Orc, Elf, Oh no I slept with my boss, Secret Relationship, Holiday Traditions, Familiars, Bar Meet Cute, Family Dynamics, Anxiety Rep, light Domme/sub
Synopsis:
University Professor Indigo makes lists and sticks to plans. But when she meets an attractive orc in a bar, she throws caution to the wind and goes home with her. It’s instalust and maybe more. The trouble is, Vega turns out to be Indigo’s new boss, and the university has a zero-tolerance policy for dating coworkers. Indigo does not break rules. But she may bend them… With the holidays approaching, including a visit home to her judgemental family, Indigo comes up with a foolproof plan—invite Vega to be her holidate. She won’t have to face her family alone and she can get Vega out of her system once and for all. It’s a perfect plan…
If I close my eyes and pretend my new boss hasn’t seem me naked, it’ll be true, right?
My Review:
This is easily one of my favorite sapphic romances. I’m really picky with FF romance and this ticked all my boxes. The chemistry between Vega and Indigo is sizzling, filled with caring vibes and top-notch spice.
“Have you ever been with an orc?”
I scrunch my nose. “Nope, never.”
She takes the tip of her tongue, gently caressing it up my neck. “Would you like to change that, little rabbit?”
Amazing MCs
I loved both the mcs so much. Vega is strong and assertive with a commanding presence, but she strives to support rather than dominate (except in the bedroom). She yearns for someone to care for, someone who isn’t afraid of her size. I especially love how she wants Indigo to figure out things for herself and lends her support rather than trying to decide for Indigo.
I felt Indigo’s anxiety in my bones. Every self-doubt, every second-guess, I could hardcore relate to. And, given the family she grew up with, she comes by it honestly. But I also loved her sense of humor. There were many quips, comments, and text messages that had me laughing.
These two were made for each other.
I know she loves to-do lists. I spotted one in her office, and if it wasn’t at work, I would have added my name straight to the top.
World-building
I’m so excited about the world Santoriello has built. Set in 6004 after The Convergence, a black hole event that caused many planets to collide, the earth has changed, has magic and is home to a multitude of magical species. I loved all the bits and pieces we learned about in this book and can’t wait to read more in future books.
All the Feels
Hook-Up to Holidate is filled with fluffy, cozy, feel-good moments, including ice skating in a snow globe (like on the cover), secret dates, and only one bed in the rental suite. Indigo and Vega are relationship goals—even their familiars get warm and cozy. They made me want to personally rewrite the university rulebook.
I hate to say this, but I love it when she’s bossy. When men tell me what to do, it makes me want to scream, but when Vega does it, something melts inside me.
Hook-up to Holidate by Rose Santoriello (Augury University Book 1)
Final Thoughts:
Hook-Up to Holidate has all the things I want to read about in a holiday romance, packaged up with humor, tenderness, and feel-good vibes. This one is a must-read. I look forward to checking out future books by Rose Santoriello.
~~If you like spicy books with orcs, check out my Orc Rec List ~~
Author Stalking (but not in a creepy way):
Rose Santoriello is the author of ‘monstrously cute’ romance. Hook-up to Holidate is her debut.
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Banner Image Credit: Snowflakes
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