What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Clause
The Brooks’ Christmas cottage getaway has always been my favourite time of year. Or it was, until I fell into the bed of my best friend’s hot tattooed brother. Now, two years later, I’m determined to keep him tucked safely in the friend zone, but Chase seems to have other ideas. Instead of being nice, he’s playing naughty, and I’m not entirely sure I have the strength to resist him. After all, what’s Christmas without a little sneaking around?
Isn’t that what Santa is all about?
The Secret Clause is a stand-alone contemporary romance. It's short, spicy, and full of festive fun. 18+
Isn’t that what Santa is all about?
The Secret Clause is a stand-alone contemporary romance. It's short, spicy, and full of festive fun. 18+
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2023
96 people are currently reading
1114 people want to read
About the author
Violet Paine
4 books136 followersViolet Paine is a contemporary romance author who lives in Derbyshire, England, with her husband, their daughter, and fur baby. When she isn't busy trying to make sense of the millions of characters who take up residence in her mind, you can find her reading fanfiction on her couch, wrapped in her favourite Oodie, with a cup of tea in one hand and a bag of Maltesers in the other.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 8, 2023
The Secret Clause by Violet Paine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️~Spice
📌 If we do this, I don’t know what happens next, but I also don’t know I can fight whatever is between us anymore.📌
▪️ This one was a real page turner! What a wonderful Christmas read🥹 Chase is one for the BOOKS! He is simply swoon worthy🙌🏻❤️ This is a short novella that will give you steamy moments, several fits of laughter and absolute joy when you read it🥰 No spoilers will be given other than go read it and fall in love with Chase as much as the rest of us have❤️
📌 “You’re every dream I’ve ever had come to life, Ryan Parker.”📌
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️~Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️~Spice
📌 If we do this, I don’t know what happens next, but I also don’t know I can fight whatever is between us anymore.📌
▪️ This one was a real page turner! What a wonderful Christmas read🥹 Chase is one for the BOOKS! He is simply swoon worthy🙌🏻❤️ This is a short novella that will give you steamy moments, several fits of laughter and absolute joy when you read it🥰 No spoilers will be given other than go read it and fall in love with Chase as much as the rest of us have❤️
📌 “You’re every dream I’ve ever had come to life, Ryan Parker.”📌
December 16, 2023
Sometimes I do actually find a gem on TikTok. This was so cute! Dual PoV, the boy falls first and HARD, best friend turned lovers and found family; what was not to like. It’s a novella so the pace was nice and quick, there was a bit of spice sprinkled in. Ryan was a lovely FMC, I can’t believe she held out as long as she did because if I had Chase gunning for me I would have folded so fast. I will definitely be picking up Violets other books.
December 14, 2023
Ugh! This was just so cute and cozy 😭❤️.
I LOVED Chase and Ryan, the family and the bonds they all have. Super heartwarming.
Now I want to go spend every month of December in a cottage in Scotland.
Great Christmas novella. If this doesn't get you in that cozy Christmas spirit I don't know what will!
I LOVED Chase and Ryan, the family and the bonds they all have. Super heartwarming.
Now I want to go spend every month of December in a cottage in Scotland.
Great Christmas novella. If this doesn't get you in that cozy Christmas spirit I don't know what will!
December 9, 2023
I've read a lot of holiday stories this season, and this one has been among my favorites. This best friend's brother, second chance romance gave me all the Christmas-y feels.
Ryan fell into her best friend's brother's bed two years ago during their annual family Christmas getaway. Then, she ran away. Now, she's decided to keep him fully in the friend zone, but Chase has other ideas. Maybe they could have a little holiday fun and just keep it a secret?
One thing that I loved about this story is that it's just a fun, romantic, holiday read without any added drama or angst. It's a feel-good story that left me smiling. There is plenty of spice to heat up those cold winter nights, and this is the perfect holiday book to cuddle up with by the fireplace or the Christmas tree.
Ryan fell into her best friend's brother's bed two years ago during their annual family Christmas getaway. Then, she ran away. Now, she's decided to keep him fully in the friend zone, but Chase has other ideas. Maybe they could have a little holiday fun and just keep it a secret?
One thing that I loved about this story is that it's just a fun, romantic, holiday read without any added drama or angst. It's a feel-good story that left me smiling. There is plenty of spice to heat up those cold winter nights, and this is the perfect holiday book to cuddle up with by the fireplace or the Christmas tree.
November 30, 2023
This is the perfect quick read that will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit.
Chase has been in love with Ryan for years, and he has been biding his time for Ryan to get on the same page as him.
Ryan and Chase are perfect for each other. They have so much history together and have been friends for such a long time that when they finally decide to cross the line, the results are electric 🔥 Chase is such a dirty talker and I am her for all the dirty talk!!
Violet has jam-packed this book with all the best friends brother, friends to lovers, and forced proximity goodness all set in a scottish cottage at Christmas. What more could you ever want?!
Chase has been in love with Ryan for years, and he has been biding his time for Ryan to get on the same page as him.
Ryan and Chase are perfect for each other. They have so much history together and have been friends for such a long time that when they finally decide to cross the line, the results are electric 🔥 Chase is such a dirty talker and I am her for all the dirty talk!!
Violet has jam-packed this book with all the best friends brother, friends to lovers, and forced proximity goodness all set in a scottish cottage at Christmas. What more could you ever want?!
November 24, 2024
This was just alright in my books...
Trying to delve into the holiday romances I already own and clear some off my shelves. This was decent, but eh. I think the idea of this holiday romance was great. I just felt there was something lacking in the execution and I couldn't fully invest in either character. Ryan and Chase were alright as a main couple. I liked Chase more than Ryan. She drove me nuts on occasion.
Glad I tried a new author, but it didn't work the best for me.
Trying to delve into the holiday romances I already own and clear some off my shelves. This was decent, but eh. I think the idea of this holiday romance was great. I just felt there was something lacking in the execution and I couldn't fully invest in either character. Ryan and Chase were alright as a main couple. I liked Chase more than Ryan. She drove me nuts on occasion.
Glad I tried a new author, but it didn't work the best for me.
December 18, 2023
4⭐️
3.5🌶️
This made me laugh, its funny and smutty. The Characters are very loveable. Chase is adorable and Ryan is Clueless 😂short but very sweet book! And most importantly no 3rd act break up
3.5🌶️
This made me laugh, its funny and smutty. The Characters are very loveable. Chase is adorable and Ryan is Clueless 😂short but very sweet book! And most importantly no 3rd act break up
December 21, 2023
cute and short Christmas romance I needed!! 🎄
December 23, 2023
This was cute! Predictable for sure but who doesn’t like a golden retriever boy and a stubborn woman? Friends to lover tropes sometimes make me bored but this was cute and entertaining.
December 8, 2023
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 - 𝑽𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆 🎄 - 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
4/5 stars ⭐️
𝘐’𝘮 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦—𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦—𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.
Happy Chase and Ryan day! 🧡
It's no secret how much I love the sibling's best friend's trope. There's just so many layers to it; the secrecy, the mutual pining, when the mmc is 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱 for the fmc and can’t say no, I even love it when they're in complete denial 😂 and Chase and Ryan were all of that and more!
Every Christmas, Ryan spends her Christmas at the Brooks' family cottage. It was the almost perfect getaway, and her favourite time of the year, until she one day wakes up in her best friend's brother's bed, one Christmas morning.
Two years on, Ryan is determined to stay away from Chase, the 6'5 tattooed man that is determined to not spend another Christmas without her.
The banter between Chase and Ryan and his family was hilarious, and I am not just saying that because it's a British banter is truly unmatched, but I loved how everyone in his family would wind him up about Ryan, because they all knew! I mean, the man has been pining for her since she was 18, almost a decade?!
I loved that Chase was able to give Ryan everything that she wanted, even if that had meant letting her fly to begin with; she eventually found her way back to him, and it was just so good and spicy, and Christmassy!
Thank you Violet for the ARC, I had an absolute blast!
Tropes
- Christmas romance
- forced proximity
- friends to lovers
- mutual pining
- sibling's best friend
4/5 stars ⭐️
𝘐’𝘮 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦—𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦—𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.
Happy Chase and Ryan day! 🧡
It's no secret how much I love the sibling's best friend's trope. There's just so many layers to it; the secrecy, the mutual pining, when the mmc is 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱 for the fmc and can’t say no, I even love it when they're in complete denial 😂 and Chase and Ryan were all of that and more!
Every Christmas, Ryan spends her Christmas at the Brooks' family cottage. It was the almost perfect getaway, and her favourite time of the year, until she one day wakes up in her best friend's brother's bed, one Christmas morning.
Two years on, Ryan is determined to stay away from Chase, the 6'5 tattooed man that is determined to not spend another Christmas without her.
The banter between Chase and Ryan and his family was hilarious, and I am not just saying that because it's a British banter is truly unmatched, but I loved how everyone in his family would wind him up about Ryan, because they all knew! I mean, the man has been pining for her since she was 18, almost a decade?!
I loved that Chase was able to give Ryan everything that she wanted, even if that had meant letting her fly to begin with; she eventually found her way back to him, and it was just so good and spicy, and Christmassy!
Thank you Violet for the ARC, I had an absolute blast!
Tropes
- Christmas romance
- forced proximity
- friends to lovers
- mutual pining
- sibling's best friend
December 6, 2023
Chase and Ryan
4.5 ⭐️ 3 🥵
Best friends brother
Secret relationship
It’s always been you
This was such a sweet and spicy book! You get it all in under 200 pages! You find that chase has been loving Ryan from afar since they met. Ryan is chases sisters best friend and they’ve always had a good relationship until one Christmas Eve they drink hang out and end up sleeping with eachother. The next morning chase washes up and Ryan is gone. They say they can’t talk about it or bring it up again so they pretend it does t happen. Chase is always texting her and bringing a smile to her face even when they are in different countries. But two years after the incident… they are both back at the place where it went down. Ryan is trying not to fall for chase but chase is making it impossible for her since he’s been in love with her for years!!! Ugh swoon he’s the best and i really enjoyed their banter and their relationship. This book had the right amount of spice and it honestly was the perfect length i didnt feel it was rushed to learn about the characters and give a little background! I can’t wait to read more about this series!!!
I received an ARC in return of my honest opinion
4.5 ⭐️ 3 🥵
Best friends brother
Secret relationship
It’s always been you
This was such a sweet and spicy book! You get it all in under 200 pages! You find that chase has been loving Ryan from afar since they met. Ryan is chases sisters best friend and they’ve always had a good relationship until one Christmas Eve they drink hang out and end up sleeping with eachother. The next morning chase washes up and Ryan is gone. They say they can’t talk about it or bring it up again so they pretend it does t happen. Chase is always texting her and bringing a smile to her face even when they are in different countries. But two years after the incident… they are both back at the place where it went down. Ryan is trying not to fall for chase but chase is making it impossible for her since he’s been in love with her for years!!! Ugh swoon he’s the best and i really enjoyed their banter and their relationship. This book had the right amount of spice and it honestly was the perfect length i didnt feel it was rushed to learn about the characters and give a little background! I can’t wait to read more about this series!!!
I received an ARC in return of my honest opinion
December 13, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
The premise of this would be the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie but add lots of pining and spice!
It was a feel good holiday novella where he fell first but he was her best friends older brother. Add in the holiday forced proximity and spicy secret romance and 𝗜 𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗨𝗣!
“ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪꜱ ᴛᴏᴏ ʙɪɢ ᴀɴ ᴀꜱᴋ, ʀʏ. ɴᴏᴛ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪᴛ’ꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀꜱᴋɪɴɢ,”
…
“ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴊᴏᴋᴇᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴋɪʟʟɪɴɢ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ, ʜᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴏᴠᴇʟ, ʙᴀʙʏ. ɪ’ʟʟ ᴅᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪʀᴛʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ.”
Chase.. 🫠. Please sign me up for a Chase of my own right alongside his entire family. His family and the way they spend their holiday was so endearing. I just wanted to be a part of it.
And Ryan, she fought to resist the attraction and chemistry, for good reason, but I don’t think anyone could’ve resisted that tattooed, possessive, simp of a 6 foot man. 😂
𝐅𝐘𝐈 - Violet is a British author so there were a lot of British spellings and phrases, I found this incredibly interesting!
Highly recommend if you like:
❄️Best Friends Older Brother
❄️Forced Proximity
❄️Holiday Reads
❄️Simp for Only Her
❄️He Falls First
Thank you Violet Paine for the ARC, I ate this up and can’t wait for your next release! 🖤
The premise of this would be the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie but add lots of pining and spice!
It was a feel good holiday novella where he fell first but he was her best friends older brother. Add in the holiday forced proximity and spicy secret romance and 𝗜 𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗨𝗣!
“ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪꜱ ᴛᴏᴏ ʙɪɢ ᴀɴ ᴀꜱᴋ, ʀʏ. ɴᴏᴛ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪᴛ’ꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀꜱᴋɪɴɢ,”
…
“ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴊᴏᴋᴇᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴋɪʟʟɪɴɢ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ, ʜᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴏᴠᴇʟ, ʙᴀʙʏ. ɪ’ʟʟ ᴅᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪʀᴛʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ.”
Chase.. 🫠. Please sign me up for a Chase of my own right alongside his entire family. His family and the way they spend their holiday was so endearing. I just wanted to be a part of it.
And Ryan, she fought to resist the attraction and chemistry, for good reason, but I don’t think anyone could’ve resisted that tattooed, possessive, simp of a 6 foot man. 😂
𝐅𝐘𝐈 - Violet is a British author so there were a lot of British spellings and phrases, I found this incredibly interesting!
Highly recommend if you like:
❄️Best Friends Older Brother
❄️Forced Proximity
❄️Holiday Reads
❄️Simp for Only Her
❄️He Falls First
Thank you Violet Paine for the ARC, I ate this up and can’t wait for your next release! 🖤
December 17, 2023
4/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
I received this book as a ARC, Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book and to leave a honest review.
I was in a slight reading slump and this was the kick to get me into reading again.
The Secret Clause follows Ryan and Chase.
Chase is Ryan’s Best Friends brother, she has known the family for 10 years and has grown up with them. She spends Christmas with them in a wee Cabin that they rent in the woods.
After a situation between her and Chase one Christmas she skips christmas the next year and then comes again this christmas in the present. The fight to win Ryan over begins for Chase who has loved her since he met her pretty much.
Can I say Chase is so patient and so cute to Ryan, he loves pushing her buttons and knows what he wants.
Watching them fall into the chemistry they have, seeing Ryan’s walls crumble and admit she’s in love with Chase, and her best friends response are all so wholesome.
If you want a light fluffy quick read this is definitely for you and worth it❤️
I received this book as a ARC, Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book and to leave a honest review.
I was in a slight reading slump and this was the kick to get me into reading again.
The Secret Clause follows Ryan and Chase.
Chase is Ryan’s Best Friends brother, she has known the family for 10 years and has grown up with them. She spends Christmas with them in a wee Cabin that they rent in the woods.
After a situation between her and Chase one Christmas she skips christmas the next year and then comes again this christmas in the present. The fight to win Ryan over begins for Chase who has loved her since he met her pretty much.
Can I say Chase is so patient and so cute to Ryan, he loves pushing her buttons and knows what he wants.
Watching them fall into the chemistry they have, seeing Ryan’s walls crumble and admit she’s in love with Chase, and her best friends response are all so wholesome.
If you want a light fluffy quick read this is definitely for you and worth it❤️
December 8, 2023
Thank you for the ARC, Violet.
“Only you, Ry,” “It was always you.”
He has it bad for her and one night the alcohol gives him everything he’s always wanted. Now she wants to pretend it never happened. But Chase is a patient man. He’s all in. Knows what he wants and that’s it. Ryan wants the same, but she’s scared she’ll lose what means most to her. Family. Her best friend.
A Secret Clause will warm your heart. Quick witted humor at its best. The friendship dynamic is chefs kiss. I had a smile on my face basically the entire time. Just loads of fun. I would definitely be interested in seeing more from this group because I loved everyone.
“I’m not afraid of putting in the work, because the result will be so fucking worth it.”
“Can you keep me around forever? I think I’d like that.”
“Fly with me. Let me follow you as you spread your wings and soar.”
“Only you, Ry,” “It was always you.”
He has it bad for her and one night the alcohol gives him everything he’s always wanted. Now she wants to pretend it never happened. But Chase is a patient man. He’s all in. Knows what he wants and that’s it. Ryan wants the same, but she’s scared she’ll lose what means most to her. Family. Her best friend.
A Secret Clause will warm your heart. Quick witted humor at its best. The friendship dynamic is chefs kiss. I had a smile on my face basically the entire time. Just loads of fun. I would definitely be interested in seeing more from this group because I loved everyone.
“I’m not afraid of putting in the work, because the result will be so fucking worth it.”
“Can you keep me around forever? I think I’d like that.”
“Fly with me. Let me follow you as you spread your wings and soar.”
December 1, 2023
What a perfect book to start my December TBR with!
This is a 144 KU pages and it has everything you need in a Christmas book: Best friends to lovers, found family, best friends brother and more.
Ryan and Chase are perfect for each other. Chase has known forever that he’d do anything for Ryan and she’s it for him. Ryan on the other hand is a bit slow to realize this. After their mistake in 2021, she avoided spending time with Chase and that included their annual family trip to Scotland. And when she finally rejoins the family, sparks fly. But what will happen to her friendship once the secrets out? It could ruin everything.
I love that this is not your typical smutty/drama filled Christmas book. This book had me swooning, giggling, and kicking my feetsies the whole time.
This is a 144 KU pages and it has everything you need in a Christmas book: Best friends to lovers, found family, best friends brother and more.
Ryan and Chase are perfect for each other. Chase has known forever that he’d do anything for Ryan and she’s it for him. Ryan on the other hand is a bit slow to realize this. After their mistake in 2021, she avoided spending time with Chase and that included their annual family trip to Scotland. And when she finally rejoins the family, sparks fly. But what will happen to her friendship once the secrets out? It could ruin everything.
I love that this is not your typical smutty/drama filled Christmas book. This book had me swooning, giggling, and kicking my feetsies the whole time.
December 10, 2023
My my oh my 🥵❤️🔥
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 2/5
.
✨ Best Friends Brother
🍪Forced Proximity
🎄 Secret Relationship
🥂Friends to Lovers
⭐️Christmas setting
.
If your best friends brother is a tattooed hottie who is totally off limits and you find yourself in his Christmas cottage aloone 🎄 you definitely shouldn’t have a drunken fling with him right ?! And you definitely shouldn’t catch feelings for each other 🥵❤️🔥
.
If that sounds interesting ( which I know it does 😏) this book is definitely for you 🤩
.
I am totally in love with Ryan and Chase and of course with Violet that never disappoints ❤️🔥
.
All time fav quote❤️🔥
“Only you , Ry” , “It was always you.”
.
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 2/5
.
✨ Best Friends Brother
🍪Forced Proximity
🎄 Secret Relationship
🥂Friends to Lovers
⭐️Christmas setting
.
If your best friends brother is a tattooed hottie who is totally off limits and you find yourself in his Christmas cottage aloone 🎄 you definitely shouldn’t have a drunken fling with him right ?! And you definitely shouldn’t catch feelings for each other 🥵❤️🔥
.
If that sounds interesting ( which I know it does 😏) this book is definitely for you 🤩
.
I am totally in love with Ryan and Chase and of course with Violet that never disappoints ❤️🔥
.
All time fav quote❤️🔥
“Only you , Ry” , “It was always you.”
.
December 14, 2023
“You’re every dream I’ve ever had come to life, Ryan Parker.”
“Do you dream about me often, Chase Brooks?”
“Only every fucking night, baby.”
One thing I’m a sucker for is cute Christmas novellas, and this one hit every single spot!
It had the romance, it had the spice, it had the hallmark movie feeling & it remained drama free.
Chase had been crushing on Ryan hard for many years, and he was respectful and sweet because he knew she needed to take everything at her own pace. Ryan felt guilty at first because of her friendship with Bailey, but she couldn’t keep her feelings at bay for any longer!
Tropes:
•Holiday/Christmas Novella
•Best Friend’s Brother
•Forced Proximity
“Do you dream about me often, Chase Brooks?”
“Only every fucking night, baby.”
One thing I’m a sucker for is cute Christmas novellas, and this one hit every single spot!
It had the romance, it had the spice, it had the hallmark movie feeling & it remained drama free.
Chase had been crushing on Ryan hard for many years, and he was respectful and sweet because he knew she needed to take everything at her own pace. Ryan felt guilty at first because of her friendship with Bailey, but she couldn’t keep her feelings at bay for any longer!
Tropes:
•Holiday/Christmas Novella
•Best Friend’s Brother
•Forced Proximity
November 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
The Secret Clause is an adorably sweet Christmas Novella about friends to lovers and found family. Its heartwarming. Ryan and Bailey’s friendship provided Ryan with a much needed adoptive family. She was afraid to ruin it by giving into the attraction to a hot tattoo artist brother. But Chase was in love with aryan long before she caught up and he wasn’t taking no for an answer this time.
Ryan is adorable in her obliviousness. Chase is endearing in his pursuit of Ryan. Together, their story is natural, easy, and fun to read. They flirt, they banter, and together they create a home-like atmosphere. It was the perfect read for this Christmas season!
🔥🔥🔥/5
The Secret Clause is an adorably sweet Christmas Novella about friends to lovers and found family. Its heartwarming. Ryan and Bailey’s friendship provided Ryan with a much needed adoptive family. She was afraid to ruin it by giving into the attraction to a hot tattoo artist brother. But Chase was in love with aryan long before she caught up and he wasn’t taking no for an answer this time.
Ryan is adorable in her obliviousness. Chase is endearing in his pursuit of Ryan. Together, their story is natural, easy, and fun to read. They flirt, they banter, and together they create a home-like atmosphere. It was the perfect read for this Christmas season!
December 10, 2023
The prologue to this made me GIDDY!! I was instantly in love with Chase!
When Ryan wakes up next to her Best Friends Brother on Christmas, she pretends like it never happened. Unlucky for her, Chase has been in love with her for 10years so he does not like that plan. Rather than coming out with it, he knows Ryan well enough that he just needs to convince her he is worth the risk. But the risk is the family and home she has with his family. Including her bestie.
I absolutely ADORED the British sayings that were in this, this was a welcomed bonus! The besties, Ryan & Bailey and Chase with Kai. Loved them. They had me in hysterics, I need more from Kai please Violet. Thank you im advance 😝 The parents. I was howling.
Chase had it BAD! I know a lot of tattooists IRL to know theyre not all dark and growly but Chase was a perfect mix of bad/good. And his mouth 🥵 my poor vagina! In my notes I repeatedly wrote ‘flutters 🫠’ Stick him on a motorbike and he would be my dream guy. I really liked Ryan too. How she voiced her inner ramblings, her attitude. Everything. She was a lot of fun.
This was a heartwarming little story and will be one I will def be rereading. The sneaking around, the kitchen scene, the mistletoe, when she drinks AHHH.
Violet absolutely smashed this.
I wanna fly, I want my own Chase.
Available now - If youre wanting a quick super fun feel good read with all the spice too. Then this is perfection.
When Ryan wakes up next to her Best Friends Brother on Christmas, she pretends like it never happened. Unlucky for her, Chase has been in love with her for 10years so he does not like that plan. Rather than coming out with it, he knows Ryan well enough that he just needs to convince her he is worth the risk. But the risk is the family and home she has with his family. Including her bestie.
I absolutely ADORED the British sayings that were in this, this was a welcomed bonus! The besties, Ryan & Bailey and Chase with Kai. Loved them. They had me in hysterics, I need more from Kai please Violet. Thank you im advance 😝 The parents. I was howling.
Chase had it BAD! I know a lot of tattooists IRL to know theyre not all dark and growly but Chase was a perfect mix of bad/good. And his mouth 🥵 my poor vagina! In my notes I repeatedly wrote ‘flutters 🫠’ Stick him on a motorbike and he would be my dream guy. I really liked Ryan too. How she voiced her inner ramblings, her attitude. Everything. She was a lot of fun.
This was a heartwarming little story and will be one I will def be rereading. The sneaking around, the kitchen scene, the mistletoe, when she drinks AHHH.
Violet absolutely smashed this.
I wanna fly, I want my own Chase.
Available now - If youre wanting a quick super fun feel good read with all the spice too. Then this is perfection.
December 2, 2023
This is the cutest little spicy novella to get you into the Christmas spirit. Chase is beyond swoon-worthy and I love his relationship with Ryan. The spice did not disappoint, but the story also was adorable and there were multiple points where I laughed out loud. I also think @author.violetpaine is a little cruel to drop a hint for more of the Brooks family but so far away. Maybe Bailey and Kai? 😍 either way, I am obsessed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
#books #bookstagram #arcreview #holidaynovella #bestfriendsbrother #friendstolovers #booksof2023 #topreads
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
#books #bookstagram #arcreview #holidaynovella #bestfriendsbrother #friendstolovers #booksof2023 #topreads
December 12, 2023
I loved this festive novella. Violet knows how to write great friends and Ryan and Bailey are brilliant. Ryan values this friendship above all else and so when she gets together with Chase, Bailey’s hot, tattooed brother she runs and avoids him at all costs. This Christmas, they are all back together to celebrate the holidays and Bailey is set on pretending nothing happened two years ago but Chase has other plans.
This story will make you laugh and it’ll give you warm fuzzy feelings. Chase is adorable, dare I say perfect and him and Ryan together are fun, hot, sweet and tender.
This is a perfect festive novella so pick it up today and enjoy.
This story will make you laugh and it’ll give you warm fuzzy feelings. Chase is adorable, dare I say perfect and him and Ryan together are fun, hot, sweet and tender.
This is a perfect festive novella so pick it up today and enjoy.
December 5, 2023
Thank you so much for the ARC.
This is the perfect book for Christmas. It's a short spicy little novella and i loved it so much.
I loved Chase relationship with Ryan. They are such a cute couple and it was really fun to read. It was so good to read about a low drama relationship. I really liked how sweet Chase was with Ryan. I loved every character in this book and i'm very excited and hopefull to see more of them.
This is the perfect book for Christmas. It's a short spicy little novella and i loved it so much.
I loved Chase relationship with Ryan. They are such a cute couple and it was really fun to read. It was so good to read about a low drama relationship. I really liked how sweet Chase was with Ryan. I loved every character in this book and i'm very excited and hopefull to see more of them.
December 12, 2023
The secret clause was such a lovely novella. It doesn’t break your heart but it makes you believe in Christmas love. This is a “I am in love with my best friends brother but I was in denial”
Of course it’s a short read but the author allows you to follow their stories and a little of the background that you don’t realize you have reached the last page. This story is straight to the point, gives you all the juicy details and makes you feel warm inside. Merry Christmas lovelies, enjoy!
Of course it’s a short read but the author allows you to follow their stories and a little of the background that you don’t realize you have reached the last page. This story is straight to the point, gives you all the juicy details and makes you feel warm inside. Merry Christmas lovelies, enjoy!
December 1, 2023
Yet again I am left all warm and gooey inside. Chase and Ryan are absolutely perfect.
Their dynamics, banter, friendship but most of all their family made me happy. Its Christmassy but not too Christmassy, above all its about them and their acceptance and love. I'm gushing shite now but it's the perfect story. Violet you made me less grinchy so well done lady!
Their dynamics, banter, friendship but most of all their family made me happy. Its Christmassy but not too Christmassy, above all its about them and their acceptance and love. I'm gushing shite now but it's the perfect story. Violet you made me less grinchy so well done lady!
December 4, 2023
If you’re looking for a sweet, no drama Christmas novella, this is the perfect one. Chase has been pining for his sister best friend for a decade but needs to get her on board. Ryan can’t get past the thought of possibly losing her best friend and the only family she’s ever been a part of. Can an annual holiday getaway get them both on the same page? Guess you’ll have to read it and find out like I did!
December 3, 2023
Received an ARC
Ryan and Chase, omg, the perfect pairing! I love how attentive and sweet and so gentle and so loving Chase is with Ryan and adorns her with so much love and care. Their banter and funny moments are a breath of fresh air. I love the relations between each and every character. It is so wholesome! Highly recommended 🩶 Merry Christmas 🎄
Ryan and Chase, omg, the perfect pairing! I love how attentive and sweet and so gentle and so loving Chase is with Ryan and adorns her with so much love and care. Their banter and funny moments are a breath of fresh air. I love the relations between each and every character. It is so wholesome! Highly recommended 🩶 Merry Christmas 🎄
December 5, 2023
The perfect sweet but spicy Christmas novella! It was low drama, but with plenty of tension due to the forbidden romance element of Chase being Ryan’s best friends brother. I was swooning reading this, and fell so in love with Chase and Ryan right away. Violet Paine honestly blows me away with her storytelling ability. I can’t wait for whatever is next from her!
December 8, 2023
This book was such a great story to get you in the Christmas mood. I fell in love with Chase and Ryan in this holiday novella.
Chase and Ryan’s relationship is perfect in this book. Chase has loved Ryan for 10 years but is making her realize this year they are meant to be. This novella had a good amount of spice but keeps you laughing and wanting more of Chase and Ryan. This is a must-read to get you in the holiday spirit.v
Chase and Ryan’s relationship is perfect in this book. Chase has loved Ryan for 10 years but is making her realize this year they are meant to be. This novella had a good amount of spice but keeps you laughing and wanting more of Chase and Ryan. This is a must-read to get you in the holiday spirit.v
February 12, 2024
3.5/5 - super cute holiday romance. Book starts with 2 years ago Chase and Ryan hook up and she wants to keep it a secret. It’s best friends brother forbidden but tbh only Ryan herself had an issue with it. Chase has been obssessed with Ryan for the longest time and he’s confident that with time she will like him back. Pretty hot of him. Honestly, he was the winner of the book.
December 11, 2023
Quick read
I enjoyed reading this. The characters were sweet. The story was great and everyone loves a little spice with a holiday read. I'll keep a lookout for more from this author and the Brooks family!
I enjoyed reading this. The characters were sweet. The story was great and everyone loves a little spice with a holiday read. I'll keep a lookout for more from this author and the Brooks family!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews