The Nice List

Merry & Bright Farm #1

by Victoria Ellis, Dee Lagasse

There are two types of people in the world. The first believe the Christmas season begins at exactly midnight on November 1st. The other would willingly accept coal in their stocking if it meant they didn’t have to hear “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” ever again.

Bennett Winters hates Christmas.

November and December are the most stressful months of the year at Merry & Bright—the family-owned tree and caribou farm he’ll inherit one day. Which is why, it’s a surprise even to him when he agrees to go to a Sexy Santa-themed party with his best friend Clara—the self appointed queen of all things holly and jolly.

But then again, he never really can say no to Clara.

Clara Ivy loves everything about Christmas.

So, when her college roommate throws an early November holiday party, Clara goes above and beyond when it comes to her attire. Bennett’s jaw all but goes to the floor when he sees his quirky best friend in a tight red bodysuit that leaves very little to the imagination.

After years of trying to get Bennett to see her as more than a friend, Clara finally has his full attention.

What she does with it will determine if she ends up on the naughty or the nice list this holiday season.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2023

About the author

This author is also published under the pen name Eve Parrish.

Victoria Ellis (V.K. Ellis) is a multi-genre author that publishes Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, and Romance novels. She is also the author of two poetry collections.

Victoria is the founder of Cruel Ink Publishing, LLC.

She resides near Chicago, Illinois with her husband, newborn daughter, and an abundance of animals.

Reviews

[Amber Risser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was super cute. The heat between Clara and Bennett was evident from the first page. The perfect amount of spice and sweetness. Would love to see more of Clara and Bennett!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a cozy time reading The Nice List! I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting a novella to feel so complete, but this one really surprised me. It packed in a lot of heart, charm, and just the right amount of holiday magic, all while keeping the pace steady and enjoyable. Even though it’s a shorter read, it didn’t feel rushed at all—every element of the story was fleshed out in a way that made it feel like a full, well-rounded experience. I love when novellas do that!

One of the absolute highlights for me was the friendship between Bennett and Clara. Seriously, it was everything. Their connection was so real and easygoing, and you could just tell how much they genuinely cared for each other. I could’ve easily read a whole book just about them hanging out and growing closer! The chemistry between them wasn’t just romantic (although that part was sweet too)—their friendship was the heart of the story. It was refreshing to see a relationship that didn’t start with instant romance but grew in a natural, delightful way.

While the plot was cute, and of course there’s the classic holiday setting with all the Christmas vibes, it was the characters’ interactions that really made the book shine. Bennett and Clara had this great balance of teasing and support that felt realistic and fun.

All in all, The Nice List is a perfect holiday read if you’re looking for something sweet and feel-good. It’s light, but satisfying, and the friendship between the two main characters really sticks with you. I would definitely recommend this for anyone in the mood for a quick, festive escape.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading, The Nice List. This was my favorite Christmas read so far this season! It was childhood best friends to lovers, she's a Christmas lover who works as a baker in a coffee shop, and he's a grinch who works at his family Christmas tree farm. It had all the witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and Christmas vibes! I totally loved this one! 💚📚

[Lucy Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Firstly, Thank you for the arc!

This book was the perfect holiday romance. This made feel all warm and cosy. This was just the perfect book for a good Christmassy feel and was a good palette cleanser. Bennett and Clara was just perfect and I absolutely loved how possessive Bennett was *swoon*
Everyone should go read! Perfect amount of spice and story.

3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Meegz Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 Stars*

ARC kindly received for an honest review.

This was a fun and quick story about two best friends turning into something more. It was easy to read, the characters were likeable - it was just a lovely read. Would recommend, and look forward to more collaborations from these two.

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[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet and spicy novella! Friends to lovers is my all time favorite book trope, so to mix that in with a small town backdrop and a Christmas party? Perfection.
I saw pieces of myself in both Clara and Bennett as well.
Huge thank you to both Dee Lagasse and Victoria Ellis for the ARC and I can’t wait for The Naughty List in a few weeks!

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little Christmas book is everything a "friends to lovers" book should be.

Bennett and Clara have been friends for a long time, she loves everything about Christmas and he is the Grinch, opposites, right? but they are the best of friends, well as we know this trope, one or both of them have feelings for each other, they don't do anything and here is no exception until they go to a party and everything gets a little out of control, the smut? everything a short story should have.

This book was fun to read, I had a good time and it read super fast!!

I can't wait for the next book of this series that these authors bring us 🫶🏻

Thanks to the author for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!

---

Este pequeño libro de navidad es todo lo que un Friends to lovers tiene que ser.

Bennett y Clara son amigos desde hace mucho, ella amando todo lo relacionado con la navidad y el siendo el grinch ¿opuestos no? pero son los mejores amigos, ahora como bien sabemos de este trope uno o los dos tienen sentimientos pro no hacen nada y aquí no es la excepción hasta que van a una fiesta y todo se descontrola un poco ¿el smut? todo lo que una historia corta debe tener.

Leer este libro fue divertido, pase un buen momento además de que se lee super rápido.

No puedo esperar para la siguiente entrega de esta serie que nos traen estas autoras 🫶🏻

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

For only 72 pages, I feel like we got a really cute holiday story!

Best friends who have basically just waited for the right ✨moment✨. It just so happens to be at the Christmas party where Clara leaves nothing to the imagination with her outfit. Naturally, Bennett, being a total dude, is like "woah, my bestie is hot and uhm yeah...no one else is touching that tonight...except me" AND yeah, I ate that up.

Novella's can be a tricky thing because you have limited time to get to know the characters. I felt like with this, we got to know Clara and Bennett fairly well and see their personalities shine quickly.

I love how flirty they are with each other and I just really loved the tension between the two of them. This was playful and fun and we even get some spice!

The moment Bennett scoops her up was *chefs kiss*

I would definitely define this as Hallmark vibes with HEAT. So, if you're looking for a super quick and cheeky Christmas novella, this is for you!

Thank you Dee Lagasse and Victoria Ellis for the ARC copy!

[Hannah Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

ZOO WEE MAMA

[Catherine Cervone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect holiday spicy novella. Perfect pacing, wonderful characters, great spice, enough background that we all feel invested, and adorable storytelling. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I received an eARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors for this arc! 🤍

At the end of the day, I don’t know if I’ll be able to tolerate the Christmas puns without rolling my eyes or sighing but it’s not like I wasn’t warned from the very beginning! The Nice List is a cute, cozy, quick read that’s perfect for someone looking for something of the sort. Perfect way to start my morning actively watching snow fall in real time.

[ReadingWithNikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC REVIEW***

**POSSIBLE SPOILERS**

Hallmark movie with spice! Clara loves Christmas - come November 1st she is already decorating her coffee shop. Bennett hates Christmas. Clara and Bennett are best friends, but what happens when they go to a friend's Sexy Santa-themed Birthday party? Well for starters is a sexy Santa party, Clara is dressed in barley barely-covered body suit to which Bennett, has to think of non sexy things... Clara and Bennett are forced to share a bedroom together for this overnight party, but what could go wrong? I love the wager that Bennett proposed for the night and then ends up collecting, while they are doing the Dirty Santa gift exchange, well he lifts her on his shoulders and carries her to their room. They think they have gotten away with their evening, however, leave it to the friends at brunch to have them spill the beans and ask what's going on. Looks like Clara might have turned Bennett around and he likes Christmas now. Can't wait to read The Naughty List!



#FriendsToLovers #GrumpSunshine #SmallTownRomance #GoodGirl #ChristmasRomance #HallmarkVibes #HolidayRomance #deelagasse #victoriaellis

[Samantha Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a SUCKER for any friends to lovers romance and this one was no exception! I devoured The Nice List in one sitting just like I would a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. This novella was short and sweet, with just the right amount of spice to leave you wanting more! I loved the relationship and banter between Bennett and Clara. A perfect winter read for when you need a festive pick me up! I loved this novella and was so sad to reach the end! Here’s hoping that “Clarett” makes an appearance in The Naughty List because I definitely need more! Five stars from me! Definitely give this one a try! ❤️

[Santana Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to the authors for this ARC ❤️

I’m normally not a huge fan of friends-to-lovers, but the big exception is Christmas themed stories and this story really nailed it. This novella was the perfect thing to read as we transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas! It was full of the happy, holiday vibes and you just feel warm reading it.

The chemistry between Clara and Bennett was clear from page one. It was evident that these characters had history before the story started. I highly highly recommend this if you’re trying to get in that festive spirit.

Merry, cute, and spicy - The Nice List has a little something for everyone, especially if you like cheesy Christmas puns 😉

[Tammy - · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Hallmark-movie style (with a naughty side) little novella.

Bennett and Clara have been best friends for years. Bennett hates Christmas while Clara's holiday decorations and Christmas tunes come out as soon as the last of the trick-or-treaters have gone in for the night. When Clara invites Bennett to her friend's Sexy Santa themed party, he can't say no. He can never say no to Clara. As the night heats up, so do the feelings between these two besties.

This is a quick, fun holiday read with some laughs and some spice. Best friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this book is a perfect example of why I love it so much.

[reads_by_paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️

I don’t think I’ve read a friend’s to lovers romance book before & this novella has made me love them. I mean if they are gonna be like this one with the MMC like Bennett- count me in!
Such a fun quick read I read in one sitting, absolutely loved Bennett & Clara’s story. I want more of them, ugh this is why I have a love hate relationship with novellas, it’s cause I always want more!! This is book 1 and book 2 is about Bennetts brother Elliot, which is an enemies to lovers!

Happy reading friends 🫶🏻

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[Amanda Lobato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was such a cute and quick read from Dee and Victoria. This story gives you major, holiday, Hallmark, best friends to lovers vibes with a perfect mix of sweet and spicy. I love reading about best friends turned lovers because you can feel the connection and easy banter between the characters from page one and this one did not disappoint. I honestly would have loved if the story continued and we could keep reading more about Clara and Bennett. I am so excited to read about Bennett’s brother in the next story.

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sweet and steamy Christmas novella that features best friends Clara and Bennett. He’s the Grinch to her Ms. Claus.
Their town is fully focused on Christmas from November 1st through Christmas, Clara is all about EVERYTHING Christmas.
The two tease each other and have cute banter. Their chemistry and feelings are obvious, their flirting is hot and entertaining.
They have meddling friends and there is a very s£xy holiday party involved.
It’s a really cute, short read to get you into the holiday spirit. I enjoyed it and love the characters.

[Heather Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara and Bennett are best friends since forever. Clara and her sisters- in- law run Ivy House while Bennett’s parents run Merry & Bright Christmas Tree & Caribou farm. Bennett isn't happy that Clara and her sisters in law decorate the place and Bennett is afraid that their customers will complain that it's not even Thanksgiving yet but that Ivy House is all decorated for Christmas


I loved all the quirky and funny things in this book but I freaking loved Bennett & Clara So excited Elliot is getting a novella

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!!! I devoured this read!!! Clara and Bennett are everything!!! It was just the perfect vibe for this time of year, merry, bright, and spicy!! I simply need more of this story ladies, pretty please, it’s the only thing on my Christmas list this year. Because I am controversially a big fan of puns! 😘

[Daniele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well if this isn’t the perfect holiday read!! It’s like Santa came early!! You need to treat yourself to The Nice List! Dee & Victoria give us all that is merry and bright. I feel like reading this book is the best way to start the holiday season off and you will too the moment Bennett Winters walks on to the page. Clara Ivy is the true definition of holiday cheer, she can even make the Grinches heart grow!

You will want to start to deck the halls and practice all the Christmas carols once you finish!

[Ashley Waldroup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors for this ARC (my very first one!)
This book was so cute!
I typically shy away from shorter books because I want the story building and character development provided in longer books, but this book did an awesome job at providing details on all of the characters.

Clara and Bennett were always endgame- they just had to admit it to each other ❤️

[Stephanie]

DNF 45%

When I tell you I got whiplash from the hero bc there was absolutely no build up from just friends to wanting to fuck her I mean it. Wtf

Also.. gingerbread people?? GINGERBREAD MAN

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute/corny/spicy read

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️: She loves Christmas, he has a strong dislike for the festive season (apparently)... best friends forced to share a bed at the hands of meddling friends - what could go wrong?

[KazLikesToRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🎄 Short and sweet.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing special here. But it was short thank goodness!

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute! Friends to lovers is always an easy sell for a novella. I loved the dual POV, but I wish there had been flashbacks for some of their backstory. Also, their final DTR was held off way too long.

[Aubrey Armes-Johns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute but was way too fast, did not realize how short it was.

[Haley Dauel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, holiday novellas are quickly becoming my jam.
Before, I wasn't super into them, but for some reason, this year I'm obsessed.

Dee and Victoria blew me away with The Nice List.
This short, sweet novella is filled with all of the cute, hallmark movie vibes and all the steam spice you could want.

If you haven't read this yet, I highly recommend it.
It's the perfect quick read for the holidays!