Romance author Mary Lee Painter is ushering in the holiday season with her third novel, “Holiday on the Rocks”, a delightful romantic comedy published by Satin Romance. Following the acclaim of her earlier works, Wild in Minnesota and The Other Fork in the Road, Painter delivers another enchanting tale that blends humor, heart, and holiday magic. Released on October 20, 2025, and available at major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, this novel is already generating buzz with pre-orders, promising readers a cozy escape into a snowy love story.
Holiday on the Rocks centers on Allie and Levi, a couple whose whirlwind marriage lasted just one day seven years ago. Reunited unexpectedly at a friend’s holiday wedding in Colorado, they’re trapped by a snowstorm, forcing them to confront their unresolved past. The premise thrives on forced proximity, as the exes strike a pact to settle old wounds within 24 hours. Painter’s signature witty banter, paired with heartfelt moments and festive cheer, creates a narrative that sparkles with second-chance romance. As snow blankets the Colorado setting, Allie and Levi’s journey offers readers a perfect blend of laughter, tension, and emotional resonance.
A Rising Star in Contemporary Romance
Mary Lee Painter has solidified her place in the romance genre with remarkable speed, publishing three novels in just 15 months. Her debut, The Other Fork in the Road (September 2024), explores a New York socialite’s transformative journey to Montana, weaving themes of forgiveness and opposites-attract chemistry. Her second novel, Wild in Minnesota (June 2025), is a chaotic hockey romcom featuring a feisty nurse, a pro player, and quirky llamas, earning praise for its humor and emotional depth. These works showcase Painter’s versatility, moving seamlessly between emotional narratives and playful, laugh-out-loud romps.
Holiday on the Rocks continues this trend, offering a story that balances lighthearted holiday vibes with deeper themes of reconciliation and growth. Painter’s ability to craft relatable characters and engaging dialogue has made her a standout voice in contemporary romance. Her commitment to storytelling shines through in each book, delivering narratives that resonate with readers seeking both joy and reflection. With her latest release, she proves once again her knack for creating feel-good fiction that captures the complexities of love and new beginnings.
Resilience and Inspiration Behind the Pen
A University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate, Painter’s journey to publication spans over a decade of perseverance through rejections and challenges. Now based in Omaha with her family, she channels her love for Minnesota Wild hockey and real-world experiences into her stories, infusing them with humor and sharp dialogue. Her process involves meticulous mental plotting before writing, ensuring every scene hits the right emotional and narrative beats.
Mary Lee Painter’s advice to aspiring authors is both practical and inspiring: “Read everything you can get your hands on, it helps shape how you think about character development and storylines. And most importantly, set aside time every day to write.” Her own path reflects this discipline, having secured both an agent and a publisher through determination.
Building a Romantic Universe
Painter’s creative momentum shows no signs of slowing. Beyond her adult romcoms, she’s venturing into new territory with her first young adult romcom, Worst Idea Ever, set for release in spring 2026 through Fire and Ice/Melange Books. Upcoming adult titles, including Ding Dong, I’m Home (July 2026) and Quarterback Blitz (February 2027), promise to expand her repertoire further. Each project underscores her belief in the power of reinvention: “It’s empowering to realize that the course of life can be shifted. No matter where you are in your journey, you can seek new education, new training, and go a different direction if you choose.”
With Holiday on the Rocks, Painter invites readers to curl up with a story that radiates warmth, wit, and the promise of second chances. As her catalog grows, she continues to craft emotionally rich, laugh-out-loud tales that resonate with romcom fans. Whether through snowy Colorado weddings or quirky Minnesota adventures, Mary Lee Painter is fast becoming a go-to name for romance readers craving love, laughter, and a touch of holiday magic.
