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Christmas House Romances #6
The Hot Chocolate Shop
A book club, swirling snowfalls of love, and a cup of hot chocolate.
Gavin Calhoun is working around the clock in his laboratory in Wilder River to create the perfect hair product. He doesn’t have time for fiction reading, even though it’s always been his favorite pastime. If he doesn’t finish the formula before Christmas, his beloved company—and his grandfather’s legacy—could go down in flames.
Roxanna Reid needs to join a book club to satisfy a professor’s whim before she can get her master’s degree started. Lucky for her, the perfect book club, Twelve Slays of Christmas, just launched at The Hot Chocolate Shop in Wilder River, the small town where she’s temporarily working. Unlucky for her—she can’t join it.
Unless Gavin Calhoun joins.
Meanwhile, Roxanna is harboring a secret, one that makes her Grant’s biggest enemy—and neither of them knows it.
Yet.
All books in the Christmas House Romance series are clean, standalone novels by USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Griffith. They all feature Christmas traditions, family love, and swoonworthy and flutter-filled kisses. They're perfect holiday escapes any time of year.
Christmas House Romances
The Christmas Cookie House
The Sleigh Bells Chalet
The Holiday Hunting Lodge
The Peppermint Drop Inn
The Candy Cane Cottage
The Hot Chocolate Shop
Starlight Haven
Yuletide Manor
Author’s Note: All books in this series of clean Christmas romances celebrate family, tradition, Christmas, belief, and love. They are all standalone romances, but they do connect in the small town world and can be best enjoyed in a “loop.” Book 1 leads to book 2, and so on, and at the end, book 8 loops back to book 1, with recurring characters. In other words, a reader can start with any book, read the subsequent book, and then complete the loop.
Gavin Calhoun is working around the clock in his laboratory in Wilder River to create the perfect hair product. He doesn’t have time for fiction reading, even though it’s always been his favorite pastime. If he doesn’t finish the formula before Christmas, his beloved company—and his grandfather’s legacy—could go down in flames.
Roxanna Reid needs to join a book club to satisfy a professor’s whim before she can get her master’s degree started. Lucky for her, the perfect book club, Twelve Slays of Christmas, just launched at The Hot Chocolate Shop in Wilder River, the small town where she’s temporarily working. Unlucky for her—she can’t join it.
Unless Gavin Calhoun joins.
Meanwhile, Roxanna is harboring a secret, one that makes her Grant’s biggest enemy—and neither of them knows it.
Yet.
All books in the Christmas House Romance series are clean, standalone novels by USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Griffith. They all feature Christmas traditions, family love, and swoonworthy and flutter-filled kisses. They're perfect holiday escapes any time of year.
Christmas House Romances
The Christmas Cookie House
The Sleigh Bells Chalet
The Holiday Hunting Lodge
The Peppermint Drop Inn
The Candy Cane Cottage
The Hot Chocolate Shop
Starlight Haven
Yuletide Manor
Author’s Note: All books in this series of clean Christmas romances celebrate family, tradition, Christmas, belief, and love. They are all standalone romances, but they do connect in the small town world and can be best enjoyed in a “loop.” Book 1 leads to book 2, and so on, and at the end, book 8 loops back to book 1, with recurring characters. In other words, a reader can start with any book, read the subsequent book, and then complete the loop.
216 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2023
223 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Griffith
90 books351 followersDo you love free e-books? Check out my website to see how to get a free book. http://authorjennifergriffith.com
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 14, 2023
A Hidden Identity Holiday Romance
Hot chocolate, book clubs, a model in disguise, and a dedicated employee. What’s not to love?
I loved Roxanna! She was dedicated, loves to be prepared, and despite her fame, has a heart of gold. I loved the chemistry between her and Grant. And book clubs. I loved the book clubs.
This story was full of Christmas traditions, delightful banter, and corporate struggles.
Hot chocolate, book clubs, a model in disguise, and a dedicated employee. What’s not to love?
I loved Roxanna! She was dedicated, loves to be prepared, and despite her fame, has a heart of gold. I loved the chemistry between her and Grant. And book clubs. I loved the book clubs.
This story was full of Christmas traditions, delightful banter, and corporate struggles.
November 18, 2023
I loved this cute Christmas story which is part of an awesome series, Christmas House Romances. This is book six and even though you could probably read this as a stand alone story there is a continuation of characters and some situations from story to story.
This story involves a book club that takes place in The Hot Chocolate Shop in Wilder River, our h Roxanna Reid is working on her masters degree and the professor insists that she must attend a book club in person. Since she is temporarily working near Wilder River, she decides to go to the Twelve Slays of Christmas book club which will be reading crime novels, not her favorite type of book. When she fails to finish reading the first book before the meeting, she is kicked out of the club. Her only chance at being part of it is if Grant Calhoun a local guy in town will agree to attend with her.
Grant Calhoun loves to read and when he first meets Roxanna at the book club, he believes she is a secret cat lady- dressed with a cat shirt and wearing a cat hat. The discussion they have about his favorite author's books is intense and he feels a spark of something being around her. He doesn't have time for the book club or for a new relationship because he's trying to come up with a new formula for a hair product using the Wilder River water. The future of the company hinges on him coming up with something new and he doesn't want to let his family down since it's his grandfather legacy. He decides to join the book club with Roxanna because she seems to be a muse for him as he tries to figure out the formula.
The fun part of this story is that Roxanna's and Grant's lives intersect more than both of them know as she is a model for his companies fiercest competition. He has no idea who Roxanna really is and she keep her signature hair under a cap whenever she is around town.
What will happen when the truth about who Roxanna really is, comes out? Will Grant be able to save the company that provides jobs for a good portion of the town? Will Roxanna and Grant have a future together?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
This story involves a book club that takes place in The Hot Chocolate Shop in Wilder River, our h Roxanna Reid is working on her masters degree and the professor insists that she must attend a book club in person. Since she is temporarily working near Wilder River, she decides to go to the Twelve Slays of Christmas book club which will be reading crime novels, not her favorite type of book. When she fails to finish reading the first book before the meeting, she is kicked out of the club. Her only chance at being part of it is if Grant Calhoun a local guy in town will agree to attend with her.
Grant Calhoun loves to read and when he first meets Roxanna at the book club, he believes she is a secret cat lady- dressed with a cat shirt and wearing a cat hat. The discussion they have about his favorite author's books is intense and he feels a spark of something being around her. He doesn't have time for the book club or for a new relationship because he's trying to come up with a new formula for a hair product using the Wilder River water. The future of the company hinges on him coming up with something new and he doesn't want to let his family down since it's his grandfather legacy. He decides to join the book club with Roxanna because she seems to be a muse for him as he tries to figure out the formula.
The fun part of this story is that Roxanna's and Grant's lives intersect more than both of them know as she is a model for his companies fiercest competition. He has no idea who Roxanna really is and she keep her signature hair under a cap whenever she is around town.
What will happen when the truth about who Roxanna really is, comes out? Will Grant be able to save the company that provides jobs for a good portion of the town? Will Roxanna and Grant have a future together?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
December 16, 2025
I received a copy of The Hot Chocolate Shop, by Jennifer Griffith as part of an ebook promotion. A lot of Christmas stories are a bit saccharine, but the characters in Mrs Griffith’s story have solid motives and as a reader I was captivated. I've read it twice - it's just that good.
Grant is a fiercely loyal member of his community and his greatest desire is to honor his grandfather’s legacy. In fact, he quit his position as part owner in the town’s hair care company in order to work in the lab and discover a haircare formula that will outshine their fiercest competitor—GLOSS.
Roxanna, a.k.a. Sanna, and cover model for GLOSS, wants to earn her doctorate so she can quit with the modeling business, but one of her professors is holding her degree hostage by insisting she join a book club and attend as a full participant for at least 12 meetings. There is only one group that meets on a weekly basis and is close enough to attend while fulfilling her modeling contract.
As Grant and Roxanna meet and fall in love, we watch and read on as the two opposing forces collide. Mrs Griffith does an excellent job of spinning a captivating tale that is fun to read and yet not trite. There’s love and kisses, and palpable tension as we wait for Grant and Roxanna to discover they’re supposed to be enemies, and in the end, there’s a Christmas miracle. Excellent read!
Grant is a fiercely loyal member of his community and his greatest desire is to honor his grandfather’s legacy. In fact, he quit his position as part owner in the town’s hair care company in order to work in the lab and discover a haircare formula that will outshine their fiercest competitor—GLOSS.
Roxanna, a.k.a. Sanna, and cover model for GLOSS, wants to earn her doctorate so she can quit with the modeling business, but one of her professors is holding her degree hostage by insisting she join a book club and attend as a full participant for at least 12 meetings. There is only one group that meets on a weekly basis and is close enough to attend while fulfilling her modeling contract.
As Grant and Roxanna meet and fall in love, we watch and read on as the two opposing forces collide. Mrs Griffith does an excellent job of spinning a captivating tale that is fun to read and yet not trite. There’s love and kisses, and palpable tension as we wait for Grant and Roxanna to discover they’re supposed to be enemies, and in the end, there’s a Christmas miracle. Excellent read!
November 5, 2023
This is a sweet, clean Christmas romance and I loved adding this to my seasonal reading list. Yes, I know it is early November but I love a good Christmas romance anytime but particularly once the weather turns cold.
I liked the main characters and their whirlwind relationship but it was almost painful to watch since the reader is privy to info they are not. I could see the train wreck coming and just wondered when and how it would hit. And how it could possibly resolve! Seemed a bit hopeless but Ms. Griffith found a way to the happily-ever-after that I loved. As it turned out, she was privy to info that the reader didn't learn until the characters did. Cleverly done.
I have enjoyed all the Christmas House Romances...
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I liked the main characters and their whirlwind relationship but it was almost painful to watch since the reader is privy to info they are not. I could see the train wreck coming and just wondered when and how it would hit. And how it could possibly resolve! Seemed a bit hopeless but Ms. Griffith found a way to the happily-ever-after that I loved. As it turned out, she was privy to info that the reader didn't learn until the characters did. Cleverly done.
I have enjoyed all the Christmas House Romances...
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 14, 2023
The Hot Chocolate Shop is perfect escape reading by Jennifer Griffith. There is instant attraction between Gavin and Roxanna over sci-fi books of all things. When I read that I knew I would love this story. Yet it is much more complicated than science fiction books or true crimes books or even book clubs. It most definitely is complicated with secrets that will reveal themselves in time.
The sixth book in the Christmas House Romances, these characters became favorite ones of mine. For a charming, serious look at life and the problems that parents put on their children while also being inspiring look no further than The Hot Chocolate Shop. I might join a book club now just not one that Freya is leading.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The sixth book in the Christmas House Romances, these characters became favorite ones of mine. For a charming, serious look at life and the problems that parents put on their children while also being inspiring look no further than The Hot Chocolate Shop. I might join a book club now just not one that Freya is leading.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 20, 2023
The Hot Chocolate Shop by Jennifer Griffith (5 stars)
Another wonderful novel, just in time for Christmas, from author Jennifer Griffith!
No one quite captures the highs of the first weeks of love quite like Ms. Griffith. The floaty feeling, the dreams of the future, the late nights kissing and not wanting to part, but having work the next day.
Grant and Roxanna fall head over heels, but neither tells the other the complete details of his/her life. Which means that just when things are looking their most promising for our adorable couple, reality comes a knockin’.
The plot twists and turns and history looks like it’s repeating itself until the reader is uncertain how the author will write the characters out of their difficulties! (Hint: she succeeds)
This HEA is super fun because it references Ms. Griffith’s totally-made-up sci fi best seller!
Another wonderful novel, just in time for Christmas, from author Jennifer Griffith!
No one quite captures the highs of the first weeks of love quite like Ms. Griffith. The floaty feeling, the dreams of the future, the late nights kissing and not wanting to part, but having work the next day.
Grant and Roxanna fall head over heels, but neither tells the other the complete details of his/her life. Which means that just when things are looking their most promising for our adorable couple, reality comes a knockin’.
The plot twists and turns and history looks like it’s repeating itself until the reader is uncertain how the author will write the characters out of their difficulties! (Hint: she succeeds)
This HEA is super fun because it references Ms. Griffith’s totally-made-up sci fi best seller!
October 27, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Gavin Calhoun, a dedicated scientist racing to save his family's company, reluctantly joins a book club at The Hot Chocolate Shop to help Roxanna Reid, who needs it to finish her master’s degree. Unbeknownst to Gavin, Roxanna harbors a secret that makes her his biggest rival, setting the stage for an unexpected clash amidst cozy book discussions and holiday cheer.
MY TAKE
This was a sweet romance with two very likable characters. It's one of those stories where the reader can tell, at least in part, what the problem is going to be between them. But Griffith doesn't let you know all, so there's enough of a surprise that makes it even worse than you thought.
Gavin and Roxanna are adorable with how they geek out over their favorite books. Swoony.
Gavin Calhoun, a dedicated scientist racing to save his family's company, reluctantly joins a book club at The Hot Chocolate Shop to help Roxanna Reid, who needs it to finish her master’s degree. Unbeknownst to Gavin, Roxanna harbors a secret that makes her his biggest rival, setting the stage for an unexpected clash amidst cozy book discussions and holiday cheer.
MY TAKE
This was a sweet romance with two very likable characters. It's one of those stories where the reader can tell, at least in part, what the problem is going to be between them. But Griffith doesn't let you know all, so there's enough of a surprise that makes it even worse than you thought.
Gavin and Roxanna are adorable with how they geek out over their favorite books. Swoony.
December 11, 2024
A bit of a mystery And yet a love story
The characters were intriguing And colorful. I enjoyed this book with characters that you could read and visualize in your mind by the way the author wrote. The story the story was a mystery book in a way and yet it was a romance story they blended perfectly together with the way the authors set up the story. Christmas book I didn't expect to find both the mystery and the romance and since Christmas book I didn't expect to find both the mystery and the romance and since wonderful characters But I'm glad I read this book and would recommend it to anybody.
The characters were intriguing And colorful. I enjoyed this book with characters that you could read and visualize in your mind by the way the author wrote. The story the story was a mystery book in a way and yet it was a romance story they blended perfectly together with the way the authors set up the story. Christmas book I didn't expect to find both the mystery and the romance and since Christmas book I didn't expect to find both the mystery and the romance and since wonderful characters But I'm glad I read this book and would recommend it to anybody.
November 1, 2023
This is such a fun, sweet Christmas romance story. When Grant and Roxanna meet at the Hot Chocolate Shop for book club, they find immediate chemistry but at the same time they are both holding big secrets, will they be able to survive the results of the big secrets? I loved how their relationship moved along, so much to make me smile. I loved reading this sweet Christmas story and highly recommend reading it.
January 11, 2025
Mystery Book Club and False Accusations
Secrets can destroy a relationship. Roxanna is under contract not to reveal her identity as Sanna. Grant is working on a secret formula to save his company, his town, and his family's heritage. They never tell each other where they work, although they share other secrets with each other. When everything falls apart, can they forgive and repair their relationship? Find out by reading The Hot Chocolate Shop. I highly recommend it.
Secrets can destroy a relationship. Roxanna is under contract not to reveal her identity as Sanna. Grant is working on a secret formula to save his company, his town, and his family's heritage. They never tell each other where they work, although they share other secrets with each other. When everything falls apart, can they forgive and repair their relationship? Find out by reading The Hot Chocolate Shop. I highly recommend it.
November 13, 2023
I really enjoyed reading The Hot Chocolate Shop. I was fascinated from the very beginning when neither Grant nor Roxanna discussed their employers. The reader knows that there will be trouble but Ms. Griffith managed to find a very satisfying solution for everything - especially for the bane of Roxanna’s master’s degree! I loved it so much I finished it the same day I started reading!
November 14, 2023
Roxanna and Grant meet and find many thing’s in common but they don’t disclose what they do for work. Their interest in each other blooms but then a misunderstanding and betrayal by someone close causes a turn to be taken in their love story. A HEA is just what is needed and happens for the two of them.
November 16, 2023
Wow
Wow! What a delightful story this is ! As with all of Jennifer's stories this one is fantastic! Characters are so real and detailed that you know them and want to know what they have been doing since you last talked with them. Loved the romance with Grant and Roxanna, so sweet!
Wow! What a delightful story this is ! As with all of Jennifer's stories this one is fantastic! Characters are so real and detailed that you know them and want to know what they have been doing since you last talked with them. Loved the romance with Grant and Roxanna, so sweet!
December 19, 2023
Too many secrets
I thought the characters were unique. Both are smart and dedicated to their job. Grant has a secret project and Roxanna s in disguise per her contract with the company she is working for. Neither is looking for love or commitment but that zing on meeting is too difficult to resist. They belong together. I was happy and a little surprised but loved the ending.
I thought the characters were unique. Both are smart and dedicated to their job. Grant has a secret project and Roxanna s in disguise per her contract with the company she is working for. Neither is looking for love or commitment but that zing on meeting is too difficult to resist. They belong together. I was happy and a little surprised but loved the ending.
February 9, 2024
Jennifer Griffith takes this spot. I enjoyed this one a lot. I felt like the cast of main characters were really developed. I know some don’t like when books go back and forth between characters perspectives, but I personally like it. I love the fight that both main characters showed for themselves but also for the other.
March 3, 2024
Secrets
Roxanne meets Grant at the Hot Chocolate Shop. She needs to get him to join the Book Club in order for her to become a member. He finds her in the library and after talking with her he decides to join. Will they become more than book club friends? Well written story with strong and believable characters. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. joy943
Roxanne meets Grant at the Hot Chocolate Shop. She needs to get him to join the Book Club in order for her to become a member. He finds her in the library and after talking with her he decides to join. Will they become more than book club friends? Well written story with strong and believable characters. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. joy943
November 10, 2024
This is another sweet romance by Jennifer Griffith. I had a hard time getting into it at first, but finished it and enjoyed it. It was definitely a different type of romance story between Roxanne Reid and Grant Calhoun. Many secrets and lots going on with the characters.
October 28, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
They are each keeping their work life a secret.
You can kinda see the problem coming, but it made their HEA more satisfying.
They are each keeping their work life a secret.
You can kinda see the problem coming, but it made their HEA more satisfying.
November 15, 2023
I LOVED this! Grant and Roxanna are such a cute couple. I loved the plot! Great characters.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
December 8, 2023
A love defying odds
A love meant to last is out to the test. Roxanna and Grant are the main characters in rival companies. Will there be a way for them to endure?
A love meant to last is out to the test. Roxanna and Grant are the main characters in rival companies. Will there be a way for them to endure?
December 22, 2023
Gavin and Roxanna are such fun characters. I love how they both work hard to resolve their conflicts.
June 28, 2024
I loved this installment. Totally unexpected ending.
December 13, 2024
A sweet clean romance with secrets.
December 21, 2024
Wasn’t my favourite from the series, but still cute.
December 28, 2025
Cute and sweet story between two bookish people! I enjoyed this shorter Christmas story. Read on KU.
October 28, 2024
This is a sweet, clean romance set near Christmas. The characters are well-written and the story line kept my interest throughout. Grant and Roxanna meet quite by accident when she is hoping to join a book club so she can finish her studies, which doesn't bode well for her as she never read the book. The leader of the book club is notorious for not giving second chances, so it doesn't look good for Roxanna until the leader remarkably decides to let Roxanna join if Grant does. He isn't sure he wants to join at first, but then changes his mind. I loved watching them get to know each other as they read each of the books. They talk about a lot of things, but neither one says much about their jobs for good reasons. You just know as they go along that this is going to result in a train wreck, which does happen. I was surprised to find out who was sabotaging Grant's company but happy to see the person get what they deserved. The epilogue was great.
November 13, 2023
Grant and Roxanna met at the Hot Chocolate Shop and sparks are flying between these two. They are not completely transparent about their jobs (not saying everyone should be) so we not them know that things could prevent them from a hea. Loved how we find out information a little before but sometimes at the same time as Grant and Roxanna. They made the sweetest couple. There is a mystery involved which I loved as well as their romance. Great ending!!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews