For the premise to work, you have to buy into the basis of the premise. I never bought into the idea that Ally had any interest in Tanner. There is supposed to be an explanation in that her ulterior motive is publicity for her hotel chain. How does a woman with no interest in the guy make it as a finalist? She doesn't. Ally makes a half hearted statement early on that Tanner is quite the catch, but it's just that - half-hearted. So there goes the premise which is at least half the movie. And that means there is really no rival. But that's ok because they still manage to have the rival create a misunderstanding.
So Ally and Brett should have a nice romantic story, right? But they were too busy annoying each other, or at least Brett was annoying Ally. I think I missed the part that explains why either of them would want to be together. For that we have to rely on history, which is somewhat understandable, but makes a lousy story. Any chemistry between the two was based mostly on history and not what we see in the movie. Brett says "We know each other, good and bad."
Hallmark almost always has some great scenic views and this movie has a few.
I want to be clear that Ricci's recent baby birth has nothing to do with any of my opinions. When I first saw this movie, I didn't notice. The movie is set in winter, which is convenient for layering. So I wasn't distracted. And I'm glad that Hallmark supports their actors both professionally and personally.
