Book Review - House Party by Chloe Ford

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Title: House Party

Author: Chloe Ford

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 23rd October 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

A slow-burn romance fifteen years in the making...

Hattie has spent half her life secretly crushing on Freddie – her best friend Sam's irresistibly gorgeous older brother. But Freddie? He's barely spared a glance for Hattie, the girl Sam befriended one fateful New Years' Eve when they discovered they were birthday twins.

Fast-forward to now: Hattie finds herself single for the first time in years – just before the holidays. Enter Sam, who, in classic best-friend fashion, whisks her away to a remote cabin in the Forest of Dean to cheer her up. Snowy woodland views? Check. A crackling fire and a steamy hot tub? Check. Zero cell service, ravenous wild boars, and an incoming snowstorm of apocalyptic proportions? Also check.

And to make matters even more intense, Freddie joins them, unexpectedly. Still infuriatingly gorgeous, and still ridiculously off-limits. Except this time, he's actually noticing Hattie. But then again, maybe he's been noticing her all along.

Fifteen years of longing. One night to change everything. This New Year's Eve, they're playing with fire.

I thoroughly enjoyed every single word of this story. I was gripped from the first few pages, and by a part way through I was oblivious to the outside world as I was reading, as I was just enjoying it so much. 

This is an big love story, between Hattie and Freddie. They have known each other for many years, as Hattie is best friends with Sam, and Sam is Freddie's brother. And Sam made Hattie swore when they were teenagers that they both hated Freddie and that she was never to go there. 

So in between the present day action of their annual party for their practically joint birthdays, we get flashbacks to New Years Eve for most of the years since they met, where we get to see fleeting glances and snapshots into the lives of these friends, in addition to Hattie's previous interactions with Freddie. 

It's clear there is a connection between them, but whether they can overcome the possibility of upsetting Sam who they both care about is another question. 

I really enjoyed all of the various parties Hattie and Sam have had over the years, as well as Hattie's determination that her 29th year will be her own, after she broke up with her boyfriend that stole most of her 20s. 

Set predominately in a gorgeous remote location, full of snow and a hot tub, this was a wonderfully cosy story that was a pleasure to read. 

This may be my first book from this author, but I would be shocked if it turns out to be my last.

Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.