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The Elmwood Stories #3
Holiday Crush
The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic…
Court
Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?
This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.
Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more.
But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—
Whoa. What’s happening here?
Ivan
I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting.
See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I?
Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh.
My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays…
Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic.
Court
Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?
This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.
Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more.
But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—
Whoa. What’s happening here?
Ivan
I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting.
See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I?
Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh.
My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays…
Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2023
171 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hayes
105 books1,718 followersLane Hayes loves a good romance! She’s the bestselling author of the Out in College, Starting From, Better Than, A Kind Of, Right and Wrong, and Leaning Into Series! Lane loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). All things she can find in sunny SoCal where she lives with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
dnf
December 14, 2023dnf @50%
I'm not feeling this and I'm a bit bored, to be honest. I like Ivan, but the way his relationship with Court develops doesn't work for me. Among other things, I feel that Court's attraction to him came out of nowhere.
I'm not feeling this and I'm a bit bored, to be honest. I like Ivan, but the way his relationship with Court develops doesn't work for me. Among other things, I feel that Court's attraction to him came out of nowhere.
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December 2, 2024
Holiday Crush is book three in The Elmwood Stories series by Lane Hayes. I am so in love with Elmwood, Vermont and all it’s residents. I have been so excited about this new addition to the series and it was wonderful.
Ivan Carmelo is thirty four years old. He owns the Rise and Grind coffee shop in Elmwood. Living in Elmwood and owning his own business is all Ivan has ever wanted. But he has to admit that he is lonely. To have a partner to share his life with would make it all perfect. But in a small town like Elmwood, finding a man to love seems impossible. Then Ivan’s life is turned upside down when the man he had a crush on from Kindergarten through high school comes back to town.
Court Henderson is also thirty four years old. All Court ever wanted was to be a pro hockey player. But, he never made it out of the minors. And now he finds himself let go from his team and he fired his manager. Not knowing what to do, Court decides to go home while he tries to figure out his life.
Court and Ivan’s first interaction after Court got home might have gone better. But it was so adorable. Well, maybe not for them! But, it was a good way to break the ice most definitely. These two find an ease with each other that neither expected. When they are together, Court doesn’t worry about his future, or any of the other things weighing him down. They are just Court and Ivan. Maybe in high school, Ivan had the crush on Court. But now, maybe they have a crush on each other?
These two! They couldn’t have been more adorable together. I loved them both so much. I loved watching the changes in Court as he found his footing in Elmwood. I think he finally got to know who he was all over again. As the man he had grown in to, not the boy chasing a dream. And Ivan. Oh how I loved that man. This was a fun, sexy, wonderful book that left me feeling all the holiday goodness.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Ivan Carmelo is thirty four years old. He owns the Rise and Grind coffee shop in Elmwood. Living in Elmwood and owning his own business is all Ivan has ever wanted. But he has to admit that he is lonely. To have a partner to share his life with would make it all perfect. But in a small town like Elmwood, finding a man to love seems impossible. Then Ivan’s life is turned upside down when the man he had a crush on from Kindergarten through high school comes back to town.
Court Henderson is also thirty four years old. All Court ever wanted was to be a pro hockey player. But, he never made it out of the minors. And now he finds himself let go from his team and he fired his manager. Not knowing what to do, Court decides to go home while he tries to figure out his life.
Court and Ivan’s first interaction after Court got home might have gone better. But it was so adorable. Well, maybe not for them! But, it was a good way to break the ice most definitely. These two find an ease with each other that neither expected. When they are together, Court doesn’t worry about his future, or any of the other things weighing him down. They are just Court and Ivan. Maybe in high school, Ivan had the crush on Court. But now, maybe they have a crush on each other?
These two! They couldn’t have been more adorable together. I loved them both so much. I loved watching the changes in Court as he found his footing in Elmwood. I think he finally got to know who he was all over again. As the man he had grown in to, not the boy chasing a dream. And Ivan. Oh how I loved that man. This was a fun, sexy, wonderful book that left me feeling all the holiday goodness.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 12, 2023
~3.5~
Court returns home to Elmwood after being cut from his minor league hockey team and reconnects with Ivan, former emo kid who still wears black and owns the coffee shop next to Court's family bakery.
What follows is a whirlwind romance and Christmas cheer galore.
We're talking multiple Christmas trees, snow angles, maple cookies, and seasonal latte art (that may or may not look like a cock).
Can you blame Ivan? He has Court, his childhood crush, on his mind and in his bed.
I was a little bit disappointed by the ending. It's a HEA for the MCs for sure, but I felt like Court squandered a chance to go out with a bang.
This book is angst-free and jolly, if a tad predictable.
Better read as part the series imo, since the MCs from previous books are present in the story.
Court returns home to Elmwood after being cut from his minor league hockey team and reconnects with Ivan, former emo kid who still wears black and owns the coffee shop next to Court's family bakery.
What follows is a whirlwind romance and Christmas cheer galore.
We're talking multiple Christmas trees, snow angles, maple cookies, and seasonal latte art (that may or may not look like a cock).
Can you blame Ivan? He has Court, his childhood crush, on his mind and in his bed.
I was a little bit disappointed by the ending. It's a HEA for the MCs for sure, but I felt like Court squandered a chance to go out with a bang.
This book is angst-free and jolly, if a tad predictable.
Better read as part the series imo, since the MCs from previous books are present in the story.
May 15, 2024
A bit bland, but nice and easy to listen to as an audiobook.
Do I think it’s a masterpiece you can’t miss? No, I don’t. But if you’re looking for easy entertainment with no drama, with small town vibes, a sprinkle of hockey, and a dash of Christmas, all neatly wrapped up in an audiobook narrated by Nick J Russo who could even make reading a cookie recipe worth your while - then you can’t go wrong here.
It’s the story of Ivan, who owns THE coffee shop in Elmwood, and Colt, who returns home at 35 after having been fired by his hockey team. Colt had been Ivan’s first crush at school, back then when Ivan was a goth kid and Colt the popular jock.
There’s no drama. At all. It’s all very easy, friendly, and I admit I couldn’t quite feel the butterflies, but I liked it nevertheless. Not memorable, but… nice.
3 stars because I loved the vibe.
Do I think it’s a masterpiece you can’t miss? No, I don’t. But if you’re looking for easy entertainment with no drama, with small town vibes, a sprinkle of hockey, and a dash of Christmas, all neatly wrapped up in an audiobook narrated by Nick J Russo who could even make reading a cookie recipe worth your while - then you can’t go wrong here.
It’s the story of Ivan, who owns THE coffee shop in Elmwood, and Colt, who returns home at 35 after having been fired by his hockey team. Colt had been Ivan’s first crush at school, back then when Ivan was a goth kid and Colt the popular jock.
There’s no drama. At all. It’s all very easy, friendly, and I admit I couldn’t quite feel the butterflies, but I liked it nevertheless. Not memorable, but… nice.
3 stars because I loved the vibe.
May 8, 2024
My favourite one so far!
Lane writes my favourite kind of small town romances with all the feels and a gentle appreciation for the things that make people happy
Here it's a novella with an element of the festive season about it, although it covers a longer period overall, filled with warmth humour and smoking hot encounters between two guys who went to school together years ago.
Ivan is the wonderfully Goth guy we've met in the town's coffee shop but we're also treated to the equally fabulous Court, a minor ice hockey pro who's just got dumped by his team.
I loved watching these two stumbling into a relationship without realising it was more than just the volcanic heat drawing them together.
More please from this setting Lane!
Lane writes my favourite kind of small town romances with all the feels and a gentle appreciation for the things that make people happy
Here it's a novella with an element of the festive season about it, although it covers a longer period overall, filled with warmth humour and smoking hot encounters between two guys who went to school together years ago.
Ivan is the wonderfully Goth guy we've met in the town's coffee shop but we're also treated to the equally fabulous Court, a minor ice hockey pro who's just got dumped by his team.
I loved watching these two stumbling into a relationship without realising it was more than just the volcanic heat drawing them together.
More please from this setting Lane!
Read
January 9, 2024No rating -dnf/skimmed from 50%
Just not interested in these characters or their story.
Just not interested in these characters or their story.
December 12, 2023
4.5 stars - I want an Elmwood Christmas! I don't know what to do with snow, but I'd figure it out if it meant spending time in a idyllic Hallmark town during the holidays. This was my favorite book of the series so far and it was 99% because of how much I adored Ivan. I mean, a barista who exudes sunshine and holiday cheer but also has a creepy black tree in his living room that he keeps up year round and a collection of Doc Martens? Come on, how can anyone not love a person like that? Court was fantastic too, though. He was so sweet to Ivan and I loved how angst-free his inner monologue was.
My only complaint is that the cover model doesn't even come close to representing Ivan's curly hair and blue eyes. It will take more than a Burberry scarf to convince me. I try really hard to ignore cover models, especially when they don't align with the character descriptions at all, but I struggled with this one trying to slither into my thoughts as I read and I think it's because of that damn scarf! Also, put a shirt on, sir! It's December in Vermont!
My only complaint is that the cover model doesn't even come close to representing Ivan's curly hair and blue eyes. It will take more than a Burberry scarf to convince me. I try really hard to ignore cover models, especially when they don't align with the character descriptions at all, but I struggled with this one trying to slither into my thoughts as I read and I think it's because of that damn scarf! Also, put a shirt on, sir! It's December in Vermont!
March 27, 2025
Okay I thought I was going to DNF this but I did skim the rest because I do want to read more in this series.
I initially found Court very unlikeable. I felt like Ivan deserved better. He seemed to improve as time went on but still meh. Ivan was super sweet. Overall this was pretty dull.
Ivan’s best friend is 7 months pregnant and never wanted kids and I’m once again begging authors to NORMALIZE ABORTION
I initially found Court very unlikeable. I felt like Ivan deserved better. He seemed to improve as time went on but still meh. Ivan was super sweet. Overall this was pretty dull.
Ivan’s best friend is 7 months pregnant and never wanted kids and I’m once again begging authors to NORMALIZE ABORTION
December 21, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Holiday Crush is the third book in Lane Hayes’ Elmwood Stories series, and while all the books work well enough as standalone stories, there is something extra having read the series in order. Ivan has played a part as a secondary character in the previous books, and there have also been mentions of Court’s family, so it’s nice to have that background. Elmwood has become a hockey mecca of sorts, especially for young players, and that adds a believable backdrop to all the former hockey players making their home there.
I adored these characters. Ivan is a lovely mix of emo and sunshine, and Court has a bit of grumpy side that stems from his last few years of less than stellar performing. Court needs to get his head on straight and back in the game, and Ivan needs a fairytale romance.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Holiday Crush is the third book in Lane Hayes’ Elmwood Stories series, and while all the books work well enough as standalone stories, there is something extra having read the series in order. Ivan has played a part as a secondary character in the previous books, and there have also been mentions of Court’s family, so it’s nice to have that background. Elmwood has become a hockey mecca of sorts, especially for young players, and that adds a believable backdrop to all the former hockey players making their home there.
I adored these characters. Ivan is a lovely mix of emo and sunshine, and Court has a bit of grumpy side that stems from his last few years of less than stellar performing. Court needs to get his head on straight and back in the game, and Ivan needs a fairytale romance.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
December 3, 2024
This was a cute holiday read. Things were on the fast track for Ivan and Court, but I supposed it helped that they already knew each other from school. It was very low angst, which was also very nice. These two really are great together.
March 11, 2024
(3,5 rated down) Sadly, much closer to the second book than the first book in the series in terms of plot and romance development. But I will be waiting for the fourth book in the series.
Themes: dual POV, barista/hockey player, opposites attract, bisexual character, small towns
Themes: dual POV, barista/hockey player, opposites attract, bisexual character, small towns
May 19, 2024
Nudy 🥱
December 11, 2023
2/5⭐️
I tried, I really did but I just couldn’t stomach the story. It’s really me and this author, we just don’t gel. I’ve managed to read about 50% and skimmed through the rest.
It’s not the author’s fault it’s me.
I tried, I really did but I just couldn’t stomach the story. It’s really me and this author, we just don’t gel. I’ve managed to read about 50% and skimmed through the rest.
It’s not the author’s fault it’s me.
December 13, 2023
4.5 Stars
Devoured this gem in a day. Ivan, our favorite barista gets his happily ever after in the form of hunky Court.
This was such a feel good, sexy, sweet, heartwarming Christmas story, I was swooning the whole time.
Plus we also got sneak peaks of the other couples’ lives which was a major plus.
Cannot wait for a certain realtor to get his story!
Devoured this gem in a day. Ivan, our favorite barista gets his happily ever after in the form of hunky Court.
This was such a feel good, sexy, sweet, heartwarming Christmas story, I was swooning the whole time.
Plus we also got sneak peaks of the other couples’ lives which was a major plus.
Cannot wait for a certain realtor to get his story!
May 1, 2024
⭐️: 8,5/10 🌶️: 3/5 😭: 1/5 🤣: 3/5
Tropes:
🎄 Grumpy / Sunshine
❄️ Small Town
🎄 Hockey
❄️ Christmas
“I’d left Elmwood to chase a dream into the ground, but maybe the dream had guided me home.”
(ESP) En una serie que me encanta este es mi libro favorito hasta el momento. Court e Iván son adorables, el vínculo que se establece entre ellos es precioso y les permite darse cuenta que a veces por muchos planes que uno tenga (o no) para el futuro, el camino para obtener el felices para siempre puede sorprenderte cuando menos lo esperas.
Estoy absolutamente enamorada de los habitantes de este pueblo. Todos aportan algo en estas historias que definitivamente lograrán sacarte más de una sonrisa.
(ENG) In a series I love, this is my favorite book so far. Court and Ivan are adorable, the bond between them is lovely and allows them to realize that sometimes, no matter how many plans you have (or don't have) for the future, the path to happily ever after can surprise you when you least expect it.
I am so in love with the people in this town. Everyone brings something to these stories that will definitely bring a smile to your face.
Tropes:
🎄 Grumpy / Sunshine
❄️ Small Town
🎄 Hockey
❄️ Christmas
“I’d left Elmwood to chase a dream into the ground, but maybe the dream had guided me home.”
(ESP) En una serie que me encanta este es mi libro favorito hasta el momento. Court e Iván son adorables, el vínculo que se establece entre ellos es precioso y les permite darse cuenta que a veces por muchos planes que uno tenga (o no) para el futuro, el camino para obtener el felices para siempre puede sorprenderte cuando menos lo esperas.
Estoy absolutamente enamorada de los habitantes de este pueblo. Todos aportan algo en estas historias que definitivamente lograrán sacarte más de una sonrisa.
(ENG) In a series I love, this is my favorite book so far. Court and Ivan are adorable, the bond between them is lovely and allows them to realize that sometimes, no matter how many plans you have (or don't have) for the future, the path to happily ever after can surprise you when you least expect it.
I am so in love with the people in this town. Everyone brings something to these stories that will definitely bring a smile to your face.
December 12, 2023
4.5 Stars!
I liked what I saw of Ivan in the previous books in this series, and I loved getting to know him better. I adored both Ivan and Court and they fit together perfectly. They had amazing chemistry and were super hot together.
This was a well-written and enjoyable read. I loved getting glimpses of what was happening in the lives of the other Elmwood couples and getting to know even more of the townspeople. This was a great addition to the series and I’m happy to see that Ms. Hayes will be revisiting the town again in the future. Definitely a recommendable read!!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
I liked what I saw of Ivan in the previous books in this series, and I loved getting to know him better. I adored both Ivan and Court and they fit together perfectly. They had amazing chemistry and were super hot together.
This was a well-written and enjoyable read. I loved getting glimpses of what was happening in the lives of the other Elmwood couples and getting to know even more of the townspeople. This was a great addition to the series and I’m happy to see that Ms. Hayes will be revisiting the town again in the future. Definitely a recommendable read!!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
December 14, 2023
2.5 ⭐️. Really loved the first 2 books but this one didn’t do it for me quite the same.
December 21, 2023
Cute
This was the perfect addition to this series. Having a sweet Christmas theme was an added bonus. I’ve always loved the barista with his clumsy coffee art attempts.
This was the perfect addition to this series. Having a sweet Christmas theme was an added bonus. I’ve always loved the barista with his clumsy coffee art attempts.
January 5, 2024
First 50% or so was better than the rest, and the ending was way too rushed.
December 14, 2025
Narration 5.0
Story 4.5
Story 4.5
December 14, 2023
Didn’t like this much. A bit boring!!
December 19, 2023
Ivan and Court were so adorable! And I loved all steam between them mixed in with some sweetness. Plus I enjoyed the small town during the holidays setting.
March 22, 2024
This one was adorable. Ivan was too cute.
December 18, 2023
So fun to be back in Elmwood, even better because it's Christmas!
Broken record over here and I know it. This is exactly what I expect from Lane Hayes and it is exactly why she's one my most favorite authors out there.
I love how these hockey greats are building an even better small town. I love that when they wonder what they'll do without hockey they get to come home.
Sweet!
Broken record over here and I know it. This is exactly what I expect from Lane Hayes and it is exactly why she's one my most favorite authors out there.
I love how these hockey greats are building an even better small town. I love that when they wonder what they'll do without hockey they get to come home.
Sweet!
December 30, 2023
I have seriously loved all the books in this series so far and was really looking forward to reading this one and during the holidays made it even better. Unfortunately this one just missed the mark for me at the end.
We start off the book seeing Court and he has just started his hockey season for the year. Unfortunately it wasn’t going well and he wasn’t performing up to his standards. He gets called up to management and finds out that they are letting him go. This paired with his asshole of an agent was the cherry on top. Eventually he decides to head to his hometown of Elmwood and go home for a little bit to regroup and maybe get a new agent through Vinnie.
Of course since this is a small town and a hockey loving one at that. Court return is the new buzz of the town and everyone is happy to see him and have him home. This is where we see Ivan the loving and sunny barista that we saw glimpses of in the previous books. We learn that he once had a long standing crush on him from kindergarten to high school and Court was his first real crush. Things didn’t go his way in high school so he swore to himself that he would never crush on him again and just move on. He hasn’t see Court in years so seeing him again did spark a new found interest in him and it does goes both ways.
In the very beginning of the book I wasn’t a big fan of Court. They was something about him that I just didn’t connect to or like. He definitely let his pride get in his head. And when he helps out at bingo night with Ivan and he talked about them doing it together when they were younger and Court just not knowing or remembering it but later on talk about it like he didn’t confess to not remembering it or doing it with Ivan just didn’t sit well with me when it came to his character.
I think my biggest issue with that was that these two grew up together and went to school together from kindergarten to high school and sat next to each other in class and did bingo together and would hang sometimes but when Court comes back to town and sees Ivan again he doesn’t remember much of their time together and I understand it’s been years but It made the times he did mention their childhood together feel fake. For these two being childhood friends I wanted more of a connection and that’s not what we got and I know that’s not the point of this story cause it’s not a childhood friends to lovers situation but I expected more.
I did really enjoyed the build up between being friends with benefits to actually being friends and being there for each other. It was so sweet to see these two fall for each other. I wish we got more time and scenes with just them together and falling in love but instead we get told a lot more than shown.
They isn’t much to say about this book it was super cute for the holidays and I enjoyed all the holiday joy and scenes in it but some stuff just didn’t work for me. I’m not sure if it’s just me or not but Ivan friend Stacy just rubbed me the wrong way when it came to the coffee shop and how she went about it with Ivan. I just didn’t like it as much. Same goes for Court I ended up liking him more towards the end but when it came to him falling for Ivan it did feel fast or not believable enough. And in my opinion I felt like he missed a huge opportunity when it comes to his career. The ending felt rush and ended abruptly. A lot of stuff wasn’t fleshed out. Overall this was my less favorite book in this series by far. Since I did enjoy the first two books and I know that the author is planning more in this series I will give the next book a chance whenever it comes out.
We start off the book seeing Court and he has just started his hockey season for the year. Unfortunately it wasn’t going well and he wasn’t performing up to his standards. He gets called up to management and finds out that they are letting him go. This paired with his asshole of an agent was the cherry on top. Eventually he decides to head to his hometown of Elmwood and go home for a little bit to regroup and maybe get a new agent through Vinnie.
Of course since this is a small town and a hockey loving one at that. Court return is the new buzz of the town and everyone is happy to see him and have him home. This is where we see Ivan the loving and sunny barista that we saw glimpses of in the previous books. We learn that he once had a long standing crush on him from kindergarten to high school and Court was his first real crush. Things didn’t go his way in high school so he swore to himself that he would never crush on him again and just move on. He hasn’t see Court in years so seeing him again did spark a new found interest in him and it does goes both ways.
In the very beginning of the book I wasn’t a big fan of Court. They was something about him that I just didn’t connect to or like. He definitely let his pride get in his head. And when he helps out at bingo night with Ivan and he talked about them doing it together when they were younger and Court just not knowing or remembering it but later on talk about it like he didn’t confess to not remembering it or doing it with Ivan just didn’t sit well with me when it came to his character.
I think my biggest issue with that was that these two grew up together and went to school together from kindergarten to high school and sat next to each other in class and did bingo together and would hang sometimes but when Court comes back to town and sees Ivan again he doesn’t remember much of their time together and I understand it’s been years but It made the times he did mention their childhood together feel fake. For these two being childhood friends I wanted more of a connection and that’s not what we got and I know that’s not the point of this story cause it’s not a childhood friends to lovers situation but I expected more.
I did really enjoyed the build up between being friends with benefits to actually being friends and being there for each other. It was so sweet to see these two fall for each other. I wish we got more time and scenes with just them together and falling in love but instead we get told a lot more than shown.
They isn’t much to say about this book it was super cute for the holidays and I enjoyed all the holiday joy and scenes in it but some stuff just didn’t work for me. I’m not sure if it’s just me or not but Ivan friend Stacy just rubbed me the wrong way when it came to the coffee shop and how she went about it with Ivan. I just didn’t like it as much. Same goes for Court I ended up liking him more towards the end but when it came to him falling for Ivan it did feel fast or not believable enough. And in my opinion I felt like he missed a huge opportunity when it comes to his career. The ending felt rush and ended abruptly. A lot of stuff wasn’t fleshed out. Overall this was my less favorite book in this series by far. Since I did enjoy the first two books and I know that the author is planning more in this series I will give the next book a chance whenever it comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
Check out our full post for HOLIDAY CRUSH on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
HOLIDAY CRUSH is the third book in the Elmwood Stories series. It can be read as a standalone without issue – I have not yet read the first two and had no issue with this read.
Court Henderson just lost his job and fired his agent; with no one beating down his door to add him to another team, his only thing to do is go home and figure out his next steps. Working with a few former hockey players at the local rink seems like his best idea. It'll keep him on the ice and working on his skills, what he doesn't expect is working with small kids being fun for him. Running into Ivan, who owns the coffee shop next to his family's bakery. He finds himself enjoying the time he spends with Ivan and wants more from him.
Ivan has had a crush on Court for as long as he could remember. Having him back in town and finding out he's bisexual is more than Ivan ever expected. Spending time with Court is everything he's ever wanted but he knows his time is short lived because Court will get signed to another team.
I was so invested in this holiday read. Court and Ivan were so cute together and had so much chemistry. I can't wait to go back and read the first two books in this series.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the latest in this fun series – mixing hockey stars with small-town life in a very engaging way once again!
Court Henderson has lost his playing mojo, and when his team pays him off and he sacks his agent, he knows it is time to go home to Elmwood and regroup. He finds a welcome from the retired stars who now coach juniors and are reviving the hockey fortunes of his town. He also discovers that the young emo friend he remembered from junior high is now running his own coffee shop, and making very, very good coffee.
Ivan has never forgotten his first crush on Court, but as Court dated a girl, Ivan's heart broke and he got on with his life. Little did he expect to see him again rather down on his luck, but even more unexpectedly, Court's admission to being bi. This blows his mind and annoys him greatly, given that he suffered being interested in guys all on his own when at school. But Court wears him down and they are soon meeting up and enjoying each other's company!
As Court rehabilitates himself, through coaching, training, and volunteering, Ivan is wonderfully supportive and selfless. They make a great pair, and it is such fun watching them develop a close friendship and romance, even if there is a deadline looming... or is there?
Delicious new installment with lots of Christmas magic thrown in!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
December 9, 2023
'I realized now that the things I’d wanted at eighteen were lessons along the road leading me back home. Leading me to Ivan.'
If you want a super sweet and festive read, then you need to read Lane Hayes' new release, Holiday Crush.
Oh my goodness, I just loved this book!
Holiday Crush is book three in The Elmwood Stories series, and I adore these cute, funny, and sexy, low-angst books 🥰
In Holiday Crush, Court and Ivan are so perfect for each other ♥️
When Court Henderson's professional hockey career suddenly ends when he's cut from his team, he heads home to Elmwood for the holidays and to plan his next career move.
Court wants to be anywhere but in Elmwood teaching the Mighty Mites to skate... FYI, they are so frickin cute and funny 🤣🥰 However, he soon finds that home is where the heart is; and terrible coffee artist barista Ivan Carmelo quickly steals Court's heart.
Ivan has spent a dozen years away from Elmwood, but now he's back home and has his own successful business. For years, he was the small Vermont town's lone openly gay citizen, hiding his shining light and cheer behind an emo image and crushing on Court Henderson from a distance.
But his crush is a thing of the past, right?
Wrong!
When the pair become friends after all those years, Ivan's crush reignites. But this time, he's not alone.
“Just so you know…I totally have a crush on you again.”
“Good, ’cause I have a crush on you too.”
Ahh, I love them!
Both men have inner insecurities, Ivan still feels like that loner kid, trying to protect his heart and avoid the cool jocks, even though these people are actually his friends. And Court is feeling like a failure, facing questions from his well-meaning family.
But together, they bring each other peace and happiness, finding in each other just what they've been missing.
'I felt more connected and in-tune with Ivan than I did with teammates I’d sweated and bled with on the ice or friends I’d known for years. It was daunting to be seen for who I was with all of my flaws and pointless pride, but it was nice, too. And comforting.'
'Court wasn’t my secret crush anymore—he was so much more.'
These two are also hot enough to melt all that Vermont snow! ❤️🔥
'He grazed his thumb over my slit and leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Come for me.” I immediately shattered into a thousand pieces. My body convulsed and trembled as cum spurted across my stomach. I was flying somewhere over the universe high as a kite and yet I was here, clinging to this powerful big man.'
It was great to catch up with the other couples from the series, particularly JC (I love him 😍) with his acerbic wit and sweet observations about Ivan and Court 🥰
For a heartwarming read that's perfect for Christmas, don't miss Holiday Crush. Trust me, you won't regret it! This book is filled with so much light and joy, just like Ivan.
'The quiet kid dressed in black had become the sun and I was greedy for his warmth. I needed his light, his homespun wisdom, his beautiful face, and his…joy.'
If you want a super sweet and festive read, then you need to read Lane Hayes' new release, Holiday Crush.
Oh my goodness, I just loved this book!
Holiday Crush is book three in The Elmwood Stories series, and I adore these cute, funny, and sexy, low-angst books 🥰
In Holiday Crush, Court and Ivan are so perfect for each other ♥️
When Court Henderson's professional hockey career suddenly ends when he's cut from his team, he heads home to Elmwood for the holidays and to plan his next career move.
Court wants to be anywhere but in Elmwood teaching the Mighty Mites to skate... FYI, they are so frickin cute and funny 🤣🥰 However, he soon finds that home is where the heart is; and terrible coffee artist barista Ivan Carmelo quickly steals Court's heart.
Ivan has spent a dozen years away from Elmwood, but now he's back home and has his own successful business. For years, he was the small Vermont town's lone openly gay citizen, hiding his shining light and cheer behind an emo image and crushing on Court Henderson from a distance.
But his crush is a thing of the past, right?
Wrong!
When the pair become friends after all those years, Ivan's crush reignites. But this time, he's not alone.
“Just so you know…I totally have a crush on you again.”
“Good, ’cause I have a crush on you too.”
Ahh, I love them!
Both men have inner insecurities, Ivan still feels like that loner kid, trying to protect his heart and avoid the cool jocks, even though these people are actually his friends. And Court is feeling like a failure, facing questions from his well-meaning family.
But together, they bring each other peace and happiness, finding in each other just what they've been missing.
'I felt more connected and in-tune with Ivan than I did with teammates I’d sweated and bled with on the ice or friends I’d known for years. It was daunting to be seen for who I was with all of my flaws and pointless pride, but it was nice, too. And comforting.'
'Court wasn’t my secret crush anymore—he was so much more.'
These two are also hot enough to melt all that Vermont snow! ❤️🔥
'He grazed his thumb over my slit and leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Come for me.” I immediately shattered into a thousand pieces. My body convulsed and trembled as cum spurted across my stomach. I was flying somewhere over the universe high as a kite and yet I was here, clinging to this powerful big man.'
It was great to catch up with the other couples from the series, particularly JC (I love him 😍) with his acerbic wit and sweet observations about Ivan and Court 🥰
For a heartwarming read that's perfect for Christmas, don't miss Holiday Crush. Trust me, you won't regret it! This book is filled with so much light and joy, just like Ivan.
'The quiet kid dressed in black had become the sun and I was greedy for his warmth. I needed his light, his homespun wisdom, his beautiful face, and his…joy.'
December 9, 2023
4.5 stars
I’ve really come to enjoy being in this Elmwood world with its hockey hunks and quirky townspeople.
Minor league hockey player, Court Henderson hasn’t been playing well and his team wasn’t doing well either. But now it’s even worse because the team has dropped him and he no longer has an agent, so he has come back to Elmwood for the holidays and a break until he can figure out what to do with his future. His family runs a popular bakery in town He’s a bit, gruff, upset, and lost. But he’s also generally a nice and charming guy, even if he is not a big into the holidays so is a bit bah humbug.
Ivan owns the coffee shop next door to the bakery. He had a crush on Court for all of his formative years but swore off of him in high school. He’s funny, energetic, community-minded, caring, dependable, and a complete holiday-a-holic and hopeless romantic. But he has not been lucky in love.
Their re-meeting is more of a meet-disaster. But as they begin running into each other more, they start to build a tenuous friendship and an attraction starts to build. A kiss. A little more. A crush is reborn and a new one is developing. A holiday fling is all it is supposed to be.
Both have their own insecurities and issues from their pasts and in the present. Court is just trying to figure out where he belongs and what he is going to do with his life. Ivan has his hands full with his own business and loves being part of the community but also feels lonely at times. This Elmwood community just seems to be so welcoming and healing for these guys after facing struggles in their lives and careers.
This is a heartfelt, hot, low angst, opposites-attract, resurrected crush, small-town, holiday romance. I just loved Court and Ivan. It was like they just found the one that they never expected at just the right time and found understanding, a true connection, trust, happiness, and purpose. It was just an enjoyable and smile-inducing holiday read. I am looking forward to more in this series.
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I’ve really come to enjoy being in this Elmwood world with its hockey hunks and quirky townspeople.
Minor league hockey player, Court Henderson hasn’t been playing well and his team wasn’t doing well either. But now it’s even worse because the team has dropped him and he no longer has an agent, so he has come back to Elmwood for the holidays and a break until he can figure out what to do with his future. His family runs a popular bakery in town He’s a bit, gruff, upset, and lost. But he’s also generally a nice and charming guy, even if he is not a big into the holidays so is a bit bah humbug.
Ivan owns the coffee shop next door to the bakery. He had a crush on Court for all of his formative years but swore off of him in high school. He’s funny, energetic, community-minded, caring, dependable, and a complete holiday-a-holic and hopeless romantic. But he has not been lucky in love.
Their re-meeting is more of a meet-disaster. But as they begin running into each other more, they start to build a tenuous friendship and an attraction starts to build. A kiss. A little more. A crush is reborn and a new one is developing. A holiday fling is all it is supposed to be.
Both have their own insecurities and issues from their pasts and in the present. Court is just trying to figure out where he belongs and what he is going to do with his life. Ivan has his hands full with his own business and loves being part of the community but also feels lonely at times. This Elmwood community just seems to be so welcoming and healing for these guys after facing struggles in their lives and careers.
This is a heartfelt, hot, low angst, opposites-attract, resurrected crush, small-town, holiday romance. I just loved Court and Ivan. It was like they just found the one that they never expected at just the right time and found understanding, a true connection, trust, happiness, and purpose. It was just an enjoyable and smile-inducing holiday read. I am looking forward to more in this series.
December 10, 2023
*ARC COPY BOOK REVIEW**
"The quiet kid dressed in black had become the sun and I was greedy for his warmth. I needed his light, his homespun wisdom, his beautiful face, and his…joy."
The one question I have to ask...what would you do if your childhood crush came back into town..not only looking hotter..but you run into him and spilling lattes on him..and burning his dick.
“Help! Urgent! Stat! Where’s the first-aid kit? We have a penis situation, gentlemen!”
And then you get tipsy together after volunteering at the town bingo night..and you confess your childhood crush..find out that he was not so straight as you thought..and you kiss him before he walks out the door..and then you both start developing crushes on each other..knowing he is determined to leave town as soon as he can get signed to a new team..and you decide to enjoy what time you do have with him? I know long question but seriously what would you do?
In this opposites attract, small town romance Ivan and Court are just so freaking adorable together..the chemistry is hot..they are constantly going at each other..Court is doing things he never thought he would do..think about a future especially in his hometown..because when he was 18 he wanted out of Elmwood as fast as he could..and never seen past just playing hockey..where Ivan was different he wanted the husband and the kids and happiness..it is funny you know because of the type personalities they both possessed..Ivan the Goth guy who loved everything Christmas with his black Christmas tree..one all out with decorations..and Court the all American type happy go lucky guy..who just wanted to play hockey..
When Court finally gets what he wants a way out of the small town where he grew up..he realizes he wants what Ivan dreams of..he wants Ivan..and he realizes that happiness is wrapped up in Elmwood and the man who grabbed his heart..
Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes was everything I was hoping for and so much more..she brings humor..sweetness..and low angst in this Christmas season book..with maple cookies..80 year old crabby baker with wonderful words of wisdom..and creative latte designs..
"The quiet kid dressed in black had become the sun and I was greedy for his warmth. I needed his light, his homespun wisdom, his beautiful face, and his…joy."
The one question I have to ask...what would you do if your childhood crush came back into town..not only looking hotter..but you run into him and spilling lattes on him..and burning his dick.
“Help! Urgent! Stat! Where’s the first-aid kit? We have a penis situation, gentlemen!”
And then you get tipsy together after volunteering at the town bingo night..and you confess your childhood crush..find out that he was not so straight as you thought..and you kiss him before he walks out the door..and then you both start developing crushes on each other..knowing he is determined to leave town as soon as he can get signed to a new team..and you decide to enjoy what time you do have with him? I know long question but seriously what would you do?
In this opposites attract, small town romance Ivan and Court are just so freaking adorable together..the chemistry is hot..they are constantly going at each other..Court is doing things he never thought he would do..think about a future especially in his hometown..because when he was 18 he wanted out of Elmwood as fast as he could..and never seen past just playing hockey..where Ivan was different he wanted the husband and the kids and happiness..it is funny you know because of the type personalities they both possessed..Ivan the Goth guy who loved everything Christmas with his black Christmas tree..one all out with decorations..and Court the all American type happy go lucky guy..who just wanted to play hockey..
When Court finally gets what he wants a way out of the small town where he grew up..he realizes he wants what Ivan dreams of..he wants Ivan..and he realizes that happiness is wrapped up in Elmwood and the man who grabbed his heart..
Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes was everything I was hoping for and so much more..she brings humor..sweetness..and low angst in this Christmas season book..with maple cookies..80 year old crabby baker with wonderful words of wisdom..and creative latte designs..
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