When it shines is a second chance romance and an extension of the Bad Dog storyline by Lili Valente. Rose (Dipsy) and Bear have always felt a powerful connection to each other. With a fear of losing focus on her journalism career, however, Rose chose to run from the pull she has always felt to Bear’s heart. But when she unexpectedly bumps into Bear while she is stuck at the airport awaiting a flight home for the holidays, those feelings Rose has tried so hard to ignore return with a strength she is finding more and more difficult to fight. But Bear is determined to prove to Rose that their connection is something they should explore. While letting her find her way to opening her heart to him, Bear and Rose experience an unforgettable night complete with comedic fun, and baby alligator and hot and steamy passion. Ms. Valente has once again outdone herself with this entertaining addition to the Bad Dog series. She has introduced some fun side characters as well, giving us more fun and crazy antics to make this holiday story memorable.

If you love holiday movies, but wish they were funnier and spicier, this is the novella for you. The story between Bear and Rose starts in the Bad Dog novel, “Kind of a Sexy Jerk.” In this story, the reluctant lovers run into each other while stranded at an airport. Dirty antics ensue and kept me turning pages until the very end.

I loved Rose/Dipsy and Bear’s second chance, one bed, forced proximity, friends to lovers holiday novella. This story is heartwarming, fun, flirty, and steamy perfection with enough emotional depth to also evoke all the feels. Rose is a cub reporter still looking for her break. After her dream job suddenly ended, she is back living in her parents’ basement doing fluff pieces. Bear is a house flipper who owns an internet famous burping cat. Rose and Bear have overwhelming chemistry and attraction and were online best friends. After they met in person, Rose ghosted Bear because she was afraid of falling in love and having to give up her dreams for love. When a freak snowstorm strands them unexpectedly together at an airport, they may get that second chance if Bear is lucky or Rose’s fear and baggage may win out. This novella was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline as shown through sweet moments, steamy scenes, laughs, weird pets, messy families, painful pasts, and all the heart squeezing love. I am loving the series. 4.5 stars