maria's Reviews > My December Darling

જ⁀➴ 4.25 ✰

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹“There is always room for love in our lives, so long as we are open to accepting the kind we think we deserve.”⋆𐙚₊˚⊹

☃꙳·❅°*˖ my thoughts

This was such a cute, quick and easy read.
I’m surprised that the despite the novella's brevity, the main characters were well developed something that’s not easy to achieve in shorter works. One of my biggest frustrations with novellas is how often the characters feel underexplored, making it hard to truly connect with them. But in this case, Lauren did an excellent job of creating layered, compelling characters that felt authentic and genuine.

I know that a lot of people don’t like the books with 500 pages but after reading this I need more of Luke and Catalina, the 200 pages wasn’t enough because they are the cutest couple😭 One of the best things about this story is how it avoids unnecessary drama—no forced conflict or third-act breakup. It’s refreshingly simple and heartfelt, making it the perfect cozy, feel-good read🫶🏻

Another aspect I want to highlight is how the book delves into the heartbreaking reality of losing patients in the medical field. It’s such a cruel and raw truth, and I can’t begin to imagine the emotional toll it takes on doctors and nurses, the way Lauren touches that aspect added a depth layer to the story.

My only complaint is that the whole thing about Catalina sister marring her ex-boyfriend got too repetitive, to the point that it was just awkward.

overall: this might be one of my favorite novellas ever. EVERYONE GO READ IT🥰

☃꙳·❅°*˖ characters

.ೃ࿐ catalina

⋆⁺₊❅.ᐟ “It’s obvious that Catalina isn’t stuck-up or rude like some people might assume based off one interaction, but rather, she is a shy, cautious person who dislikes the unknown.”

Catalina is known in Lake Wisteria as the "ice queen," someone guarded and seemingly unreachable. She’s a NICU nurse but decided to work traveling to different states, a lifestyle she’s embraced because she’s never truly felt like she belongs anywhere. Her transient life mirrors the emotional distance she keeps from others, leaving her constantly searching for a sense of home and connection.

I see so much of myself in Catalina. As someone who is quiet, shy, and not naturally inclined to interact with people, I often find that others misinterpret me as being rude or distant. In truth, what is needed is someone willing to take the first step, an initiative. That’s exactly how I think Catalina felt—misunderstood and waiting for someone who could see beyond the surface.

Catalina just wants to be loved, but she struggles with how to open her heart to others. It was so moving to watch her slowly let Luke in, allowing him to truly see her and giving love a chance. Her journey of growth was beautifully written, and her character development was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the story.

: ̗̀➛“No way he willingly wants to talk to me of all people. No one else bothers with me, so why would he try so hard?.”

:(

ೃ࿐ luke

⋆⁺₊❅.ᐟ “Luke has a way of making anyone feel comfortable in his presence.”

Luke is incredibly sweet, kind, and understanding—I absolutely adore him. He’s the epitome of a true gentleman. I loved how he went above and beyond for Catalina, doing everything he could to make her laugh, feel safe, and find comfort even in overwhelming situations. His thoughtfulness and care made their connection feel so genuine and heartfelt.

to be loved is to be seen

possible spoilers mentioned

⤷ Nothing absolutely nothing about Catalina escaped Luke’s notice. He saw her in a way no one else ever had. He bought her a Lego set after noticing how much she wanted to build that specific one, made one of her favorite Christmas desserts just to make her smile, and even bought a coffee machine for the hospital break room with her favorite flavor, just so they could share more time together😭

Luke truly fought for Catalina and never gave up on her, even when she tried to push him away. He was unwavering in his certainty that he wanted a relationship with her, and he did everything in his power to show her that. He wasn’t afraid to be open and honest about his feelings. We love a man who is secure in his emotions and willing to take the lead when it comes to love🤭 I seriously need him.

: ̗̀➛“it’s only taken a few genuine encounters to realize he really is the kind of guy who likes going out of his way to help others.”

˚₊ · »-♡→ luke + catalina
⤷ my fav couple obsessed with building lego setsᡣ𐭩

They match each other’s energy so perfectly, and their chemistry is off the charts.Their relationship is incredibly comforting to read, and while some might consider it insta-love given how quickly they fall for each other in such a short span, I found it endearing and thoroughly enjoyed it. The little gestures between them were everything. As I read, it was impossible not to feel the depth of their care and affection for one another—each action, each word, was a reflection of how much they truly meant to each other.

Every time Catalina sees a couple in public, a deep longing stirs within her—a yearning for the kind of love that seems to come so effortlessly to others. She knows she has to take a chance, to open herself up if she truly wants to find a connection. Yet, no one had ever truly made the effort to see her, to understand the person she was—until Luke. I really love them together, they are a cute couple and supportive of each other.

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹“What kind of love do you think you deserve then?”
“I’m not sure,” I answer honestly.
“Then it’s up to us to figure it out. Together.”⋆𐙚₊˚⊹

💌 tropes:

ꨄ︎ doctor x nurse
ꨄ︎ cinnamon roll mmc x closed off fmc
ꨄ︎ small town
ꨄ︎ best man x maid of honor
ꨄ︎ he falls first

🎧ྀི cataluke mini playlistᰔ

⤷ people watching ⟡ conan gray { catalina song for real }
⤷ shakes ⟡ luke hemming
⤷ emotions ⟡ 5sos
⤷ pancakes for dinner ⟡ lizzy mcalpine
⤷ dandelions ⟡ ruth
⤷ you are the reason ⟡ calum scott
⤷ we fell in love in october ⟡ girl in red

-‘๑’- my favorite quotes and scenes -‘๑’-

・❥・Catalina draws invisible circles around my heart with the pad of her finger. “Your heart is beating fast.”
“Because you make me nervous.”
“Nervous?” She cracks a smile. “Me?”
“Yeah. You.”
“Why?” she asks with a smile in her voice.
“Because you’re you.”
“And who am I exactly?”
The girl I can see myself falling for, even if she has no intention of falling with me.
“Someone special,” I answer instead.

・❥・“How will you ever find love when you find every reason to keep your walls up?”

・❥・“Spending time with Catalina feels like the most natural thing in the world, and I don’t want to say goodbye at the end of the night. There is something about her that always keeps me coming back for more.
More time. More laughter. More of her.”

・❥・“I’ve never been so affected by the sound of someone else’s happiness before, nor have I craved finding other ways to elicit the same response again.”

・❥・“I look down and find her smiling. It’s small, but my heart trips over itself for a moment.”

・❥・“I yearn for a love like hers. A love that might not be perfect, but one that will stand the test of time and all the trials that life brings our way.”

・❥・“She finally cracks, and a soft laugh pours from her lips, feeding me in a way food never can. Catalina isn’t the type for loud belly laughs that leave someone’s stomach aching, but I’ve never heard a better sound than the one she makes because of me.”


ᝰ🎄 pre-read: ᯓᡣ𐭩୭˚.

I’m so excited to read this🤭 pausing all my current reads for this one, also the cover it’s soo cute!!