Christmas and the Geek

by V.H. Nicolson

"Previously published as Christmas in Castleview Cove by VH Nicolson"

Holly hated Christmas.There will be no tree, no family time, no gift-giving. And now, no boyfriend, because she was throwing the cheating scum bag out of her house. When the computer system at her restaurant crashes, Holly wonders if this is more festive bad luck.Until Gabe arrives to save the day.Can this hot IT geek really be her Christmas angel, come to fulfil all her Christmas wishes, or is he too good to be true?*******Grab yourself hot chocolate, get cozy around the fire and lose yourself in this magical Christmas contemporary romance novella. Standalone, instalove romance with all the feels and a happy ever after to warm you up this winter. 18+ only. Content warnings are in the front of the book.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2023

About the author

VH Nicolson is an emerging author of contemporary romance. Vicki wrote her first book over lockdown and is now completely smitten with writing love stories with happily ever afters. VH Nicolson was born and raised along the breathtaking coastline in North East Scotland. For more than two decades she’s worked throughout the UK and abroad within the creative marketing and design industry, as a branding strategist and stylist, editor of a magazine and sub-editor of a newspaper. Married to her soul mate, they have one son. She has a weakness for buying too many quirky sparkly jumpers, eating Belgium buns, and walking the endless beaches that surround her beautiful Scottish hometown she’s now moved back to.

Reviews

[Bethie_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE OF GABE AND HOLLY!!!!

🌟 5/5

🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!

‼️ This book takes place in a small town called Castleview Cove. Both series, The Triple Trouble and The Boys of Castleview Cove, also take place in this little quaint Scottish town! It is not necessary to read those series, but I 10/10 recommend you do!!!

POV: first person, single perspective

Summary:
Holly hated Christmas.
There will be no tree, no family time, no gift-giving.
And now, no boyfriend, because she was throwing the cheating scum bag out of her house.
When the computer system at her restaurant crashes, Holly wonders if this is more festive bad luck.
Until Gabe arrives to save the day.
Can this hot IT geek really be her Christmas angel, come to fulfill all her Christmas wishes, or is he too good to be true?

My Thoughts:
I LOVED this little holiday novella! Vicki really surprised all of us when she announced that she was releasing a special novella that we'd be able to read over the holidays... Even though it only came out today, I DEVOURED this short novella!😜😍
I hope we get to see Gabe and Holly in your future books, Vicki, because I was enchanted by them! Please never stop writing about Castleview Cove and its people!🤩🤩🤩

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would read this author's shopping list so I was more than happy to read a festive novella. But after reading I've discovered it's the chase/build up to a couple's love story that I adore and you just can't do that in under 100 pages, unless it's a second chance trope, as it just feels like strangers to headboard bangers within minutes.

I don't want it to feel like his idea of foreplay is turning the light off because it's so rushed and then it becomes lust not love. I like spicy but I'm a girl who needs the romance more. The romance was there just not enough and felt second. Such a shame as I loved both the characters and I think they deserved a fully fleshed out book.

Having said that I still really enjoyed it and Gabe is pretty hot for a geek!

[Tasha_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little shortie is everything I didn't know I needed.
Holly and Gabe give me life. I hope we see more of them in the future!
What a beautiful, heart warming and spicy little story this is! Gabe and his mouth 🫠.
I loved it, I knew I would! I do know I wouldn't be annoyed at all at a story where all the couples end up under the same roof. Hunter & Eden, Fraser & Ella, Knox & Eva, Lincoln & Violet and finally Jacob & Skye. Vicki - you must make this happen 😉

[Cat Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved reading Vicki’s books this year so I was excited to read this Christmas story and I absolutely loved it, Holly and Gabe were amazing and their story was steamy from the beginning. They connected from the start so I loved reading their interactions and how Gabe wasn’t afraid to tell Holly how he felt. Holly used to spend the holidays alone so Gabe came at the perfect time and they really complemented each other.

It was the perfect short story and very captivating, Holly and Gabe’s scenes were really hot and I loved how much chemistry they had and how they knew after a short time that they were meant to be together.

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and for a short novella it hooked me in. I liked the characters, the story, and the way it flowed. It was the perfect feel good book to curl up with during the holidays. Okay, I’m reading it in the Easter Holidays, but it was still a good book to get lost in for a wee while if you don’t want to get stuck into a full novel.

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet holiday novella! Great to be back in Castleview Cove!

[Marianne Syme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved being back in Castleview and this novella didn't disappoint x

Holly has been through such a hard time but Gabe saw her and found a way to sweep her off her feet!

Loved it so much x ❤️

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas romance

I loved it, Holly and Gabe were a delight to read just wished it was longer these two could of had a whole book 4 1/2 🌟

[Leonnie Diplock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super short, sickly sweet Christmas novella!
Indra love, insane chemistry and the sweetest little Christmas treat!

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐|3🌶|27%

This is a cute 🌶️ short novella 🩷
I had this book on my TBR for a while. Now I finally have KU and I could read it. So, did I read a Christmas book in September? Yes, I did 😁 It could have been a little cooling on a hot day, but "unfortunately", there is "too much" 🌶️ in it 🤣

Is it an insta-love when they "know" each other for a few months but she does have a boyfriend? But he didn't have a girlfriend so he would have invited her on a date. That has changed now. Holly just broke up with her boyfriend. Such a HUGE dork! And a wimp too. She really did well with kicking him out 💪
But it's nearly Christmas and that has a bad taste for Holly 😔

I loved this book and I loved Holly and Gabe.
Gabe is 🔥 and has a very filthy 👄

The book is very fast-paced in just a short time and the two have a really whirlwind romance, but it suits them 🩷

Even though it's set in Castleview Cove, it's not necessary to read "The Triple Trouble Series" or "The Boys of Castleview Cove" series first. It has no spoilers. You can read this book before or after, it doesn't matter. But I'm sure, you want to read the two series 😁


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I really loved this short novella set during Christmas time and I love the spicy scenes between Gabe and Holly and I love that Gabe was her Guardian angel for Christmas and I love Gabe's family that made Holly feel welcomed and I really liked that this is a small town romance set during Christmas and I liked holly friend jenna who is there for her since her parents died and her grandmother died as well and I love that Holly is a owner of a restaurant and Gabe owns some systems for restaurants and I love that he looks like a geek but he has a very dirty mouth and he reminds me of Clark Kent and this book is a really good quick read during the festive season and I also love the chapter headings in this book with the tree and I love that Gabe gets Holly a necklace and I loved that Gabe made Holly Christmas special since she is alone but overall love the spice in this book with Gabe and Holly so much and the small town romance vibe

Spicy
Small town novella
Gabe and Holly
Under 80 pages
Quick Christmas read

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicki has delivered an enchanting holiday novella set in the beloved town of Castleview Cove. Released just today, this short yet captivating read was devoured with delight. The story revolves around Gabe and Holly, a couple who beautifully come together at the perfect moment. Their connection is heartfelt and their journey left a lasting impression. It's a gift to experience their story and one can't help but hope to see more of them in future books set in Castleview Cove. Vicki's writing never fails to captivate, and her portrayal of the town and its people is truly magical. This Christmas novella emanates warmth and joy, leaving readers with a wonderful, cozy feeling. Though short, it is a must-read for anyone seeking that delightful holiday spirit. While not necessary, delving into Vicki's other series set in Castleview Cove, such as The Triple Trouble and The Boys of Castleview Cove, is highly recommended for an even more immersive experience.

[Chloe Downie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️& 2🌶️🌶️. This was an incredibly quick spicy read. Took me around an hour to read. I’m a sucker for a geek, so this had all my attention. It had a simple storyline, but at least it wasn’t all smut and although their relationship was probably one of the fastest I’ve ever read, it was still cute and believable. Gave it just… well a babe. The ending was adorable and I would like to read some longer books from the author at some stage. It’s incredibly hard to assess a story from something so short!

[M Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to love about Holly and Gabe?

We all want, that one true person who truly sees us for what we are and comes to us, at exactly the right moment and this is Holly’s Gabe. And what a gift he is to he and she to him. Loved their “coming together” story/stories if you catch my drift. Seriously Vicki just love anything you write!!

[Claire Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive fun

This was such a sexy and sweet Christmas short story and I'm so jealous of Holly. Gabe is 100% pure green flag and sexy as sin. He can definitely give me Holly's Christmas present anytime. If you want a low angst, good vibes Christmas story story then look no further this one has it all.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I was not ready to let the Christmas season go so this felt like the perfect novella to read! As always, I really enjoy Nicolson's writing and characters.

Since it is a novella, the romance felt rushed a bit but I knew this would happen before diving into it. I found the MCs very cute and I love that we got to add some family dynamics within the short read.

[Books_on_my_shelve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect Christams novela, Holly and Gabe are such a lovely couple. While reading this story I had such a wonderful warm feeling by my heart, I am only sorry it was so short. If you miss a Christmas mood hurry to read this story! 🌲♥️☃️

[Mrs Katrina Bickell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas wish 😍

OMG.... ✨💖Gabe... Absolutely LOVED this beautiful Christmas story.... Just perfect 😍 yet another gem from Vicki..... Would love to hear more about Gabe & Holly! Xx

[Nicola (nicolas_books_uk) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may be short, but it packs a punch in a good way. When Holly was talking to her parents and grandma and asked if they sent Gabe, I burst into tears because if I found someone like him, I’d ask the same question.

You really didn’t disappoint with this little shortie.

[Alison J Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magical wee book. From heartache to fulfilment in 9 wonderful chapters, Vicki has yet again created a character you will love, an amazing hunk for her to fall in love with and all wrapped up in Christmas paper. Love this novella, it's like a slice of Christmas cake.. With brandy butter.

[Cassy Slattery · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute story

This is obviously a novella, so you can’t pack much into something so short. However, overall I enjoyed it. Instalove isn’t my favorite trope, but I think it was done well in this story. It was well written and the spicy scenes were good!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

Loved Gabe and Hollys Christmas love story, this is a short story that's fast-paced and well written. Another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from VH Nicolson. I would highly recommend this book especially if you are looking for a Christmas romance with a HEA.

[Linda Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is obviously a novella, so you can’t pack much into something so short. However, overall I enjoyed it. Instalove isn’t my favorite trope, but I think it was done well in this story. It was well written and the spicy scenes were good!

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very generic holiday romance. Holly had a bit of personality, but Gabe basically was just a generic rich guy. Aside from wanting Holly and having a bit family, there wasn't really any sense of his character or aspirations or background. Honestly, Travis has more character development and he's on screen for significantly less time. Still, a romantic fantasy of a lovely Christmas.

[Graeme Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

Great little short read, Holly isn’t looking forward to Christmas but when Gabe comes into her life she gets swept off her feet.

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect holiday novella!
A gorgeous quick Christmas romance. I loved Holly and Gabe and really enjoyed their story.
Highly recommend!

[Leslie Witherspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

another gem from Vicki!

I want a life do over and move to Castleview! Love all the stories Vicki has created and this short is a treat!

[Babbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was cute and spicy, but completely unrealistic. Not for me.

[Lucy1006 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not much of a plot, very fast and unrealistic.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an easy and sweet read. Holly and Gabe’s story was enjoyable and everything you’d want in a novella.