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Sweet as Sugar Maple

Single All the Way

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When a secret billionaire and his obnoxious(ly pretty) upstairs neighbor get stuck together on an elevator, their sparks could light a Christmas tree.

Juliet

I go through crushes faster than a little kid goes through presents on Christmas morning.

But when I crash into my annoying(ly hot) nemesis and we get stuck on the elevator during a blackout, the last thing I expect is to develop feelings for him. Nate Cruz is opinionated, a stickler for justice, talks with his hands, and is the space heater keeping me safe while we’re stuck on this freezing metal box.

He’s also the first person to ever push past my defense mechanisms and see me as more than “the girl who messes up everything” that my family sees. And when the blackout ends and we’re back in the real world, he’s the first person to ever stand up to my family…for me.

Now that I’ve fallen for Nate, I’m determined not to mess up things with him, and I know exactly how: we’ll fake date to get through the holidays.

Because a fake relationship can’t leave me brokenhearted on Christmas.

Right?

Nate

Juliet Shippe is the loudest, most obnoxious(ly pretty) upstairs neighbor in the world.

But after six hours on an elevator with her, I’m fighting feelings deeper than I’m willing to admit. And after the power is restored and she manages to drag me to my apartment and give me my insulin shot, I’m all in.

When Jules suggests I come to her identical twin’s wedding as her “fake date,” I agree, but only if she comes to my ultra ambitious parents' holiday party as my real one.

Because I know the truth she’s too scared to admit: she isn’t faking. And I’ll do everything I can to help her realize it.

All I want for Christmas is Jules.

Single All the Way is a sweet closed door romantic comedy in the vein of your favorite festive Hallmark movie, but with more swooning and a lot more banter. Happily ever after guaranteed!

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2023

1283 people are currently reading
5170 people want to read

About the author

Kate Watson

17 books638 followers
Kate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.

She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.

*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*

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5 stars
2,411 (32%)
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3 stars
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127 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 898 reviews
Profile Image for Giulia ❀.
92 reviews9 followers
December 6, 2025
If you like insta love, this is the book for you. Unfortunately, I don’t like it. They literally got engaged 10 days after the day when they talked for the first time. How is this possible?
This book had good potential, the idea of them being stuck in an elevator was fun and original (well, fun for them, me on the other hand I’m claustrophobic and I would die), but there were probably not enough pages for the book to turn out really good. Also, in the beginning, both the main characters hated their own family, but then, in the end, every family problem disappeared. Again, how is this possible? I do love happy endings, but I also think that sometimes in life it’s not possible for some bonds/relationships to be mended, and we need to accept that. Overall, I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t like it
Profile Image for elena ✧˖°.
270 reviews85 followers
December 26, 2023
“I break up with every boy I’ve ever dated. I like you too much to let that happen.”
“It’s not going to happen,”
“How can you say that?”
“Because I’m not a boy. I’m a man.”


the thing with this book is that it's just too short to be an amazing book, but it has so much potential! every chapter felt like it's own separate story concept, but i quite enjoyed it and read it fast.

the banter was cute and the characters we decent. there wasn't enough time to flesh them out though, so it felt really unfinished. i would've enjoyed this more had it been maybe 300 pages. then the resolution wouldn't have been quite so rushed.

i love the concept, but it needed to be so much longer to make it a full-on, completed story arc. i don't like insta-love, and they were engaged like 9 days after they met. 😭😭

overall, i recommend it if you're looking for a cute, quick, christmas vibes read, but i won't be rereading or buying this one.

forced proximity x age gap x secret billionaire x neighbors x enemies-to-more x fake-ish dating
Profile Image for Katarina.
63 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2023
This book started out so fun, forced proximity with your sworn parking spot nemesis. However, the progression of this book was wildly exhausting. In 9 days they go from hating each other to getting engaged. After 6 hours they know everything about one another and somehow everyone in each other’s family loves either one and thinks they are meant to be. So if you are looking for a quick book that is intense love and affection and totally unbelievable, this is your book.

Things that were good
-banter was fun
-premise was fun
-the cover is very aesthetically pleasing
-177 pages so made it easy to finish
-he falls first trope

Things I would remove
-him buying her thousands of dollars worth of gifts two days into their relationship. Feels gross
-Christmas engagement 9 days later
-resolution of years of alleged family toxicity resolved in one very quick conversation for both parties
-her continuous insistence that it is fake dating even though he never eludes to it being fake to begin with.

I just kind of felt like I got whiplash from this short book… I think it had loads of potential. I would have liked more about their quirky neighbour Mrs. K
Profile Image for Madisyn Lowe.
296 reviews674 followers
November 10, 2025
this was simple, cute & fun & definitely gave me hallmark vibes!
it was pretty cheesy, but i planned for that. the elevator “meet-cute” scene was soo cutie & i really liked both the main characters. i was also impressed that there was some depth and family drama that was happening on the side, especially for how short it was!
in the end, everything wrapped up way too quickly & it was pretty far-fetched. but i read it in one afternoon so🤷🏽‍♀️
if you’re looking for a quick & easy pallete cleanser, then this is perfect! just don’t over analyze it.
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
Profile Image for Susan Z (webreakforbooks) .
1,110 reviews114 followers
November 18, 2023
It's the sweetest, cutest, laugh out loud, make your heart smile romcom. I loved every minute of it. The characters were fantastic. All of them. The MCs, Juliet and Nate, were so loveable but the supporting characters were also fantastic. A special shout-out to Gran, she was a pistol.

Although this books takes place the week leading up to Christmas, it's not too Christmasy and can be read anytime.
Profile Image for scar! . *. ⋆ (Johnny kavanaghs version).
203 reviews78 followers
December 7, 2023
“𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗲.”

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!-
5🌟

This was easily a 5 star for me. This book was SO GOOD.

Juliet was such a relatable character. Her feeling like she was the outsider of the family, and her feeling like her family was making fun of her all the time, it just made me feel so sad for her.

Then everyone got humbled and let me tell you I love it when people get humbled.

Nate is perfect. Like fully perfect.

This man fell in love straight away when they got stuck the elevator, and all though it sounds very cliche, It was so cute and it had me smiling so hard.

Sometimes a cliche love story is all you need.

Nate and Juliet are amazing together, I love that they became besties after the elevator.

Let’s all agree that mrs K and gran are the best characters in this book, they are just iconic.

This was an amazing short read and I fell in love with all of the characters!

Christmas read 3 of December.

𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀!-

‘Juliet is an open book, complete with dog-eared pages, a cracked spine, and notes excitedly scribbled in the margin. She’s the kind of book whose endless depths a reader could never tire of.’

“You’re pretending that we’re fake dating, but there’s nothing fake about how I feel. And I think you feel the same way.”

‘She isn’t just gorgeous, she’s cute. Never in my life have I considered that cute could trump gorgeous, but it does. Beauty is just something that happened to her. Cute is who she is.’

“Why would I waste a second talking about other women when I’m with you?”

‘What started as a moment has become the beginning of forever.’
Profile Image for Amanda Stevens.
Author 8 books353 followers
December 18, 2023
Yes, the timeline is rushed. Insta-love is happening; if you can't forgive it, this isn't the novella for you. (I normally can't either, but I was more than happy to for Nate and Juliet!) Similarly, years of family dysfunction are resolved after one or two conversations. If only reality worked this way (but isn't that what Christmas romance novellas are all about--a chance to improve reality?).

So if you can accept that a less-than-200-page novella (which takes place over less than two weeks) is going to put a rush on...well, all the things...then you'll love this novella. It is simply a delight. The characters are real and vulnerable, and the banter...the banter is perfection, intelligent and mature and genuinely funny. I would re-read this simply to relish the dialogue all over again.

I look forward to the rest of this author's work. I can't wait for more sharp dialogue. I can't wait to see how deeply she can develop characters and explore their mutual healing when she has the room of a full-length novel.
Profile Image for Morgan Giesbrecht.
Author 2 books185 followers
December 24, 2025
This would make an adorable Hallmark movie! Just sayin’. 😉

While I personally find the idea of being trapped in an elevator more terrifying than romantic, it works so well for Nate & Juliet’s story! They’re unconventional people, who met in an unconventional way—and they’re adorable to boot.

The heart & message behind the story was beautiful. My heart ached for Juliet and the way her family treated her & for the way Nate felt he had to live up to his parents’ expectations. But the resolution in both cases was real & heartfelt.

Also, the way Nate defended & stood up for Juliet…! Agh! 😍🥺 And I adore Gran. She’s the bestest!

It’s the perfect Christmassy rom-com if you’re looking for plenty of heart, forced proximity, a billionaire, Type 1 diabetes representation, not not-dating (iykyk), and the sweetest romance!
Profile Image for Melissa.
513 reviews60 followers
December 19, 2025
2.75/5 ⭐️

Meh. I’m not a huge fan of instalove & engaged after 9 days. Just felt like that took the story too far. Otherwise the meetcute was fun!
Profile Image for Shannon.
8,302 reviews423 followers
November 21, 2023
A kissing only enemies to lovers, dual POV, forced proximity, age gap holiday romance that sees two neighbor rivals trapped in an elevator together who quickly discover there's more to the other than either realized.

I loved how Nate and Juliet were so supportive of each other when it came to their complicated family relationships and really enjoyed how well the Type 1 diabetes rep was handled.

Juliet often feels like she's too much and is constantly put in the shadow of her twin sister. While secret billionaire lawyer, Nate has always felt like a prop his wealthy parents showed off rather than truly loved.

This insta-love story might not be for everyone but it very much worked for me! For a story under 200 pages this sweet romance was full of heart and tons of swoony moments and tackled a lot of heavy emotional family baggage.

Definitely a standout this holiday season and highly recommended for fans of authors like Melanie Jacobson or Sarah Adams. I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

💋Steam level: kissing only
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
782 reviews358 followers
November 21, 2024
Super cute, I got a little nervous in the beginning but it was really good. The being stuck in an elevator together is what drew me to this story. I loved their relationship. I especially liked when they started getting into deeper conversations. And there are lots of humorous moments. Great characters.
Profile Image for claudia.
208 reviews29 followers
December 12, 2023
cómo no le voy a dar 4 estrellas a un libro con referencias a the office? es que click
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,503 reviews328 followers
November 25, 2023
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this story had a one-sided fake relationship that had my heart swooning.

Nate and Juliet are also one-sided enemies, but all that changes when an elevator gets stuck for hours, leaving this pair trapped for better or for worse. It was so much fun to watch them entertain themselves and bustle through their feelings in this age-gap romantic comedy.

Juliet may be young and she may change her majors, careers, and boyfriends more often than the radio changes Christmas songs, but she's got a heart of gold, is able to laugh at herself, and is a selfless elf. Nate, on the other hand, has a secret and although he's got every reason to be entitled, he's so hard-working, kind, and is determined to forge his own path in life. And what is it about grandmas? She stole the show!

In a "he fell first" swoony tale, I was completely enchanted by their interactions and loved watching them help each other out. Their chemistry was amazingly sweet and although there were a couple of heartwarming, tough moments, it was beautiful to watch this story unfold.

Kate Watson does a fantastic job of bringing all the things together and giving the reader a very merry gift of a story.

Content/TW: mild romance; character with diabetes

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Jukaschar.
390 reviews16 followers
January 6, 2024
This Christmas romance novella didn't work for me at all. While the beginning was ok, the last third is freakishly sugary. Definitely too much for me.
Profile Image for Emily (biblioblondes).
237 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2023
4.5 ⭐️

Super Duper Sweet!!!

This was such an easy and quick read! I always love elevator scenes in Rom Coms and this novella took it to the next level with them being stuck in one for 6 hours! 😂

I loved Juliet and Nate. They were both flawed and complex but endearing and hilarious!
And their chemistry together was amazing! They had such great banter. I loved it!

This romance did move faster than most but it did fit them and the story. Being stranded for 6 hours and forced to talk and bond more intimately definitely speeds up the progress in a relationship. It was super cute though! I loved the dates they had and the grand ending!

This novella kept me laughing and swooning throughout and I definitely recommend giving it a read!

I can’t wait to read more from Kate! Strawberry Fields For Never is now high up on my TBR! ♥️
Profile Image for ضحى الحداد.
Author 3 books638 followers
December 25, 2023
2.5 stars
I started reading this novella knowing it will be an instant love kind of plot, which is more than ok with .. but ..
The story is about Juliet and Nate, they live in the same apartment complex for the last six months and they hated each other (though they never spoke to each other before ) but one night they get stuck together in an elevator for nearly 7 hours and that was enough for them to move from " we hate each others guts" to " this is my soulmate that I can't live without "

now as I said, I'm totally fine with the insta love (hey nobody can say no to love in Christmas) but what bothered me is the unnecessary hate at the beginning .. I wish if it was from strangers to lovers, the story would have made much more sense .. also, the talk about the age gap(7 years!!) was awkward as hell !, I mean I personally know a couple with 15 years age gap and they weren't half as awkward as this, it was almost like the author was apologizing for writing this trope .. and finally there wasn't much Christmas in the story which surprised me becauee this was pitched as Christmassy book .. all and all it was a nice enough read but I read better
Profile Image for kelsie..
119 reviews18 followers
November 20, 2024
This was a cute kickoff to my holiday reading.

Single All the Way was an easy read with the predictability and perfectly unrealistic romance you’d expect from a Hallmark holiday movie.

I’m not really a fan of insta-love, but obviously you expect some of that with a novella, so I leaned into it. But Single All the Way also had an almost overly extensive amount of drama and hostility for such a short story. That, along with the MMC’s constant commentary on beauty and appearances (all while attempting to claim beauty and attractiveness is NOT what’s important) kind of detracted from the overall vibe, keeping it at a 2.5-3 star for me.
Profile Image for Lacy Armstrong.
742 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2023
“Juliet is an open book, complete with dog-eared pages, a cracked spine, and notes excitedly scribbled in the margin. She’s the kind of book whose endless depths a reader could never tire of.”- Nate
This is such an endearing way to describe someone *swoon*
Juliet and Nate were fantastically developed characters that showed their quirks, flaws and accomplishments. The story is full of witty banter, jokes and discovery! The plot was 5/5 and this is a very tightly closed door romance so 1/5. The angst will bring you to your knees. Mrs. K and Gran were two of my favorite characters always meddling knowingly. This is the perfect holiday novella complete with enemies to lovers, instalove, forced proximity, family drama, HEA, and a nod to pretty woman.
Profile Image for Amanda Podwinski.
301 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2024
3 stars might be rounding up. A short, quick story with some good banter. Though I found myself annoyed at how she absolutely despises him and then goes on to be engaged in just days. Maybe it’s because the book was too short to become invested in the characters. It wasn’t terrible, just not my favorite.
Profile Image for Molly.
184 reviews41 followers
December 11, 2024
DNF…. Unfortunately this book was not hitting at all. I just wasn’t feeling it and would rather read something else. I really like another book by Kate Watson and will read more of her but this one was not working for me.
Profile Image for Eric Ross.
109 reviews
December 7, 2025
Only a billionaire can see through the flaws of a perfect woman 😂

But for real, this was the first meet-cute type book I’ve read. It was cute. Both Nate and Juliet (Cruz and Shippe?? lol nice play on words) were fun and interesting. Nothing crazy, but it wasn’t bad!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
87 reviews
December 11, 2025
Cute Christmas novella 🥰🎄♥️
Christmas romance
Fake dating turns real
Older man younger girl
Profile Image for Mary Lytle.
27 reviews
November 22, 2024
This was literally the cutest thing I’ve read in a minute! There was good banter and it was closed door! I loved it!!
Profile Image for Lissa Ruck.
942 reviews16 followers
October 19, 2024
I adored Nate & Juliet's hard-won, caring, sweet, loving, swoony story!!
Profile Image for Megan Crofton.
332 reviews45 followers
January 9, 2024
So much great stuffed packed in to this novella! And I loved every minute of it! I laughed, I cried, I swooned! Their time in the elevator and their fantastic banter was a perfect start to this story! And I loved the deep dive in to their personalities. Juliet was so fun and unique and I do love a put together, protective hero! Both characters were relatable but in such unique ways and had so much depth. Nate is so swoony and I love that he didn’t want to fake it with her because he wanted the real thing! I could not get enough of him! Juliet being gifted hit home with me and opened my eyes to so much. The depth of this story was on point and so well- done. The fact that both sets of parents and both of their children had a different view of how they saw their childhoods was so intriguing to me and well-written. I loved the healing both Juliet and her family and Nate and his family go through. Gran! Love her! And her gifs!! I cannot say enough good things about this one!
Profile Image for Hilda.
1,320 reviews290 followers
December 26, 2023
Super cute but kind of annoying. If you want a quick Cinderella type story this one is for you. Weirdly enough I found the lack of real villains to be annoying. And the way years of abuse was just magically solved extra annoying. Her family was so mean to her and the verbal and emotional abuse went on for years. If Juliet had not met a very rich man who stood up for her would her family have changed their ways?

Also, this is a clean romance. They don’t even kiss until the end. If you’re expecting any type of spice. None. Well, some. That kiss when it happened was worth the wait but also eh.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 898 reviews

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