Christmas, canines and courtship…

Dale Wilson’s life hasn’t been “good” since his beloved wife died—at least until Millie Monroe moves to Ocean Breeze. Dale and his dog Juice can’t help but be drawn to the pediatric nurse.

A widow herself, Millie understands not wanting romance. Finding unexpected common ground has given them both a friendship they’ve craved. Plus, their respective pups have become friends, too!

But Dale has a secret—he’s bestselling author WG Gunder. Not something he readily wants to admit to the woman in his heart…and his bed. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can teach him that sometimes happily-ever-after is disguised as a new beginning…

Titles in The Cottages on Ocean Breeze series include:  Her Christmas Wish* ~ Beach Cottage Kisses ~ Christmas Cottage Getaway^ ~ Their Second Chance Dance (Jan. 2026) ~ Her Luckiest Christmas (Sept. 2026) ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  Christmas Cottage Getaway
Series:  The Cottages on Ocean Breeze #3
Author:  Tara Taylor Quinn
Published:  November 25, 2025
Publisher:  Harlequin Special Edition
My Rating:  3.5 stars

I’m frankly torn about Christmas Cottage Getaway, the third title in The Cottages on Ocean Breeze series.  I’d wanted something, actually expected something that I didn’t find, and having read this author’s works for years, I raised my eyebrows at not seeing that “expected romance or resolution” in Millie and Dale’s story.  It’s not up to me to nitpick at the story that an author gives us.  For some, this will be a fantastic read; for others, well, we’ll feel a little let down.  And the truth is that both opinions are correct, for no two people ever read the “same” book.

I liked Millie and Dale’s story, even though I didn’t understand their reasoning for their actions or decisions.  I’m going to leave this review at that.  What you’d want to know about this story can be found in the cover description; as for the rest, you’ll need to make up your own mind.  I’ll continue with the series, even though this one fell a bit flat for me.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon