Fighting Feelings (and a Christmas Truce)
by Sally Brooks
Released: Nov 20, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
I’ve always wanted to write a Christmas book and this was my chance. I loved featuring the different festive traditions of the characters, while also exploring some of the challenges of being single or widowed at that time. Writing a rivals to lovers story was fun, and I loved the idea of two characters who had a night of passion, never expecting to meet again, and then finding themselves in opposition at work. I wrote what I would enjoy reading and so it was great fun to create!
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
Ruth, the lead character in this book, is the CEO of a hospital. I’ve worked in hospitals myself in the past, running press offices and patient information services. The story of the local community angry about a planned hospital closure is something I’ve been right in the heart of in real life and I wanted to capture the complexity of that kind of situation both for patients and staff.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
This book is the fourth and final book in the Second Chance Chronicles. Each is a standalone story set in the same universe. Each book features a lead starting over in her 40s. I’ve loved writing this series!
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
Kings Heath, in which it is set, is a real neighbourhood in Birmingham in the UK. I love there, and while may of the bars and shops mentioned have fictional names, a local would know where I had based many of them on!
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
The scene where Sienna and Ruth get snowed in together surprised me. It was meant to be a short chapter but ended up being a fairly big part of the story. I ended up examining the way they related to each other, their foibles and their attraction, in spite of their obvious disagreement. It was a treat to write, especially the spicy bits!
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Oh this is a good question. I think Ruth would be played by Michelle Williams (with a British accent of course) and Sienna would be played by Letitia Wright. Both have loads of confidence and passion.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Without doubt, Ruth would have a large glass of expensive Rioja.
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
Red wine and candle wax.
Your characters are throwing a party—what’s the theme?
Gay icons
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
Somewhere between the two. I always have an idea of where the story is going, but I tend to let it play out in real time rather than plan it chapter by chapter. I find it more enjoyable that way and I hope some of that spontaneity comes through to the readers.
Were there any books, movies, or personal experiences that influenced this story?
I love Greys Anatomy and so having a bit of a medical element to this story was definitely influenced by that.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Dream On Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake. She’s so good at setting the scene. I feel like I’m in small town America every time I read the pages!
