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She’s not feeling the holiday spirit. Maybe all she needs is to rent herself an elf.

It's Christmas, and I should be full of cheer, but I'm having a hard time mustering the holiday spirit. That was always Grams' role. She loved Christmas so much she talked my parents into naming me Noelle. Yeah, Noelle Furst. Picture the boys in elementary school having a heyday with my name. But I didn't care. I knew Gram picked it for me, and I wore it proudly.

When Grams passed two years ago, she left me this house. I'm a lot of things, but a handywoman isn't one of them. And there's a ton of work to be done.

My big plan? Ignore Christmas this year. In only one month I can move into a new year and put my painful memories back in a box along with all the decorations. But my friends have other ideas.

When I open my front door and look up, there's a very muscular, very not-an-elf looking man in a Santa hat smiling a stocking-curling smile at me. He's holding a toolbox.
He says, "Hi, I'm your elf," and with those four short words, I'm rethinking my whole stance on this holiday.

Rent Yourself an Elf is a closed-door, fake-dating romcom novella. It's just the quick, sweet read you need during your holidays.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2023

229 people are currently reading
530 people want to read

About the author

Savannah Scott

28 books903 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Profile Image for emelie &#x1d717;&#x1d71a;⋆₊˚ (exams!!).
202 reviews164 followers
December 23, 2025
જ⁀➴ 𝟑.𝟎𝟎₊˚⊹🎁 𝟙𝟚/𝟚𝟛/𝟚𝟝–𝟙𝟚/𝟚𝟛/𝟚𝟝
this was cute but nothing special!! i did like the plot (of an handy man elf)—but it was good for what it was. a short novella to put for a reading goal.

i did love how down bad he was though! it was cute 👀.

𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝟑.𝟓𝟎
𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕: 𝟑.𝟎𝟎 🎁

╰┈➤ what to expect!!!
🎁 short holiday novella
🎅 fake dating for family
🎁 forced proximity/ snowed in
🎅 small town
🎁 he falls first

₊˚⊹ ᰔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
even though my reading slump is getting a lot better—my reading goal is still crying 😭!! and this little 100 page Christmas novella seems cute so here we go 🎅!!
Profile Image for maya venice.
146 reviews1,175 followers
January 7, 2026
4.3 ⭐️

very funny and cute short read! lol the humor was nice 🤣 I found the sibling dynamics between the MMC and his brothers relatable. not much character development but that's kind of what I expected since it's so short! took me a total of 1.6 hours to read.

in the beginning there must've been an editing mistake or something, because it described a total of 5 friends at a restaurant (including the FMC) but then there was this 6th chick with them too. who the heck is Jessica? she never appeared again 😂
Profile Image for Charity.
611 reviews83 followers
December 12, 2023
I got this e-arc in my email today and was literally giddy with anticipation. I was not disappointed.

This novella was so fun! I mean, what single woman WOULDN'T want a handsome handyman standing on her porch, at her beck and call (for handyman needs)? Her friends-and his-were a blast to read about, and I was giggling at the group chat that Noelle's friends made about her. And the chemistry between Noelle and Liam? Whew!

I mean, when you're giddy at the start of the book, and grinning like a fool at the end, you know you've read another book by Savannah Scott. And that just makes me happy.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
Profile Image for Cristy.
239 reviews8 followers
December 13, 2023
“She smiles back over her shoulder at me and I feel like something I’ve been missing just came home to me.”
💗💗💗

I mean, who wouldn’t want a tall, good looking man in a Santa hat to come and work on everything in your house that needs fixing?

Rent Yourself An Elf was such a cute little closed door, fake dating, romcom novella to put you in the holiday spirit.

I absolutely love Savannah Scott’s writing style and how she makes you feel for her characters.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves Hallmark Christmas movies and is looking for quick, sweet Christmasy read.
Profile Image for Laura Cohen.
110 reviews10 followers
December 13, 2023
Savannah Scott at her holiday best! This novella was everything I wanted for Christmas and more! Sweet, teacher meets handy-man, romcom perfection :)
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,523 reviews332 followers
December 17, 2023
“Move over, elf on the shelf. The elf on the porch is in town.”

Noelle has been feeling a bit grinchy since her grandmother died and her home needs some work done. So her friends get together and hire Liam, a handyman turned Elf, to meet her holiday needs. Everyone needs a group of friends like this and I loved each one of them, and especially their group chat. As for the main characters, Noelle is endearing and Liam is a handy hunk of elf.

The misconceptions about each other were so funny–Homer Simpson? Little old granny? In true Savannah Scott fashion, they were quickly cast aside and the attraction and connection simmered away like mulled cider.

This delightfully sweet little bite-sized story is the perfect holiday distraction and satisfies my Christmas sweet tooth on every level.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Lissa Ruck.
952 reviews16 followers
December 16, 2023
I absolutely loved Liam & Noelles Chrismas-y,sweet,caring, loving, swoony story!!
Profile Image for Laura Miller.
Author 3 books46 followers
December 20, 2023
This Christmas novella was cute, cute, cute and gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings I want when reading a Christmas romance. Savannah Scott has a way of bringing you stories that you just fall in love with!

Noelle is having a hard time finding the holiday spirit since her Gram died and she inherited her house that is badly in need of repairs. Noelle’s big plan this year is to ignore the holidays altogether. Noelle’s friends decide to hire an elf to help her with the house and lessen the stress on their friend. After meeting Liam, a handsome handyman and her elf for the weekend she starts to feel the holiday spirit coming back into her home and when she needs a date for her sister’s engagement party, his name is the first one that comes to her mind.

This one is a quick read that will put you in the holiday spirit. Liam and Noelle were both endearing as main characters and I found myself smiling from beginning to end. I loved how kind and tender Liam was toward Noelle, but he also made me laugh, especially when he wondered how to find out if Noelle was single. Noelle and her friend group were a highlight for me. They were just so much fun. I loved the teasing and jokes between them and how much they wanted to help Noelle. The book is full of so many sweet moments, the best chemistry, and wonderful kisses. I love that it included fake dating and a snowed-in scene which are some of my favorite tropes. It was an absolute delight for me to read and one that I will reach for again as a favorite holiday read.

A few Favorite moments:
•Marley the toilet
“Even his name is sexy”
“I’m going to go. I haven’t eaten dinner and I have to attach pom poms to elf stockings.” “For Liam?”
•The party
•The Mistletoe kiss
•Getting snowed in at Noelle’s

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
481 reviews441 followers
December 13, 2023
Awe! This was such the sweetest, quickest Christmas novella! Literally perfect if you’re pressed for time this season but want to read something adorable!

I loved Noelle & Liam! Their connection just felt like they’d known each other their whole lives instead of a week.

I loved Noelle’s friends and hope to see them make more appearances in the future. *wink wink*
And Liam with his friends and family was so fun too!

Seriously it was adorable! Sometimes you just KNOW.

4.5/5 stars

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

*not cf, but clean closed door*
Profile Image for Kim Golding.
445 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2023
The Perfect Christmas Novella

Awww! This book was so cute! The perfect length for a quick Christmas read with all the fun, flirting, dreamy man, darling girl, fake dating, instant connection, perfect kisses that we love!!
Profile Image for Chelsea | chelseadennreads Dennison.
519 reviews18 followers
December 14, 2023
What a cute little novella! Savannah Scott is one of my favorites and I was so thrilled when she told us she was working on a Christmas novella. Y’all she wrote this in like a week! And it’s so fun.

I thought the concept of this was super cute! Liam was fantastic and goes on the list of book boyfriends. I loved that Noelle was a teacher (as a teacher myself I’m always on the lookout for romances featuring teachers). Both of them had fantastic sets of friend groups and I honestly need stories for all of those side characters 👀👀

This is a super quick holiday read. So if you’re looking for a fun romance novella with some holiday goodness I definitely recommend picking up this new release.

This is a closed door romance with no language and mild innuendo.
Profile Image for Berly.
792 reviews29 followers
December 14, 2023
This is a super sweet, short novella from the dear Savannah Scott. It's a holiday themed story with a unique plot. (Although my cousin had a similar idea. He called it Renting a Grandson)

If you need a quick, feel good novella to help you escape for a afternoon. This one is for you!

Many thanks to the author for the advanced complimentary digital copy of book. I am happy to leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Sydney Smith.
46 reviews15 followers
December 13, 2023
This is such a cute Christmas novalla and it puts you in the Christmas Spirt for sure. Liam is a rent an elf who’s day job is a handy man, when he gets hired by Noelle’s friends to help her out around her house they start to get to know each other. Whats not to love? He’s a great guy who’s loves Christmas and she is a girl who needs to get back into the Christmas spirit after her grandma passed away a couple of years ago.

Such a quick read and one that I think everyone will enjoy!
Profile Image for Tricia Anson.
553 reviews55 followers
December 19, 2023
Noelle and Liam are the sweetest! She’s overwhelmed and not feeling the holiday spirit.
Her friends rent her a handyman elf—enter some forced-proximity, fake-dating, Christmas-themed goodness!

Things I Loved:
-Treat yo’ elf
-Anabella
-Munchkin
-“This, my friends, is no elf. If he’s an elf, I’m Mrs. Claus.”
-“I was expecting Homer Simpson and I got a hybrid of Henry Cavill and Chris Hemsworth.”
-Group chat
-Much better
-Wildebeests 😂
-Noelle’s friends
-“Sometimes I ask permission before steamrolling my friends. I’m a softy that way.”
-Forehead kiss 😍
-MISTLETOE

This little novella is the perfect treat to squeeze in between the holiday busyness! Great friend groups on both sides, laughs, and amazing chemistry are all packed into this quick read.
It’s a standalone Christmas treat that will leave you smiling!
Profile Image for Heather (heathers.clean.reads).
165 reviews65 followers
December 18, 2023
“He's just standing there, in the living room now, taking up a whole lot of space being all manly and rugged and masculine. And wearing a Santa hat.”

Hold on to your Santa hats, y’all!!! Savannah has outdone herself with this short and sweet masterpiece!! Ahhhh, I’m still in a Liam and Noelle hangover! I can’t express enough how cute their story is!!

Noelle inherited her Grams’ old house and it needs so many repairs that she can’t keep up. So her friends decided to hire her an “elf” for the weekend to help her out. But after she meets Liam and sees how he brings the Christmas spirit back into her home, she asks him a huge favor…to be her fake boyfriend at a family event. Could this be the start of something? You will have to read to find out!

If you’re looking for a quick read to get you in the Christmas spirit , with all the romance, banter and cozy feels, then this is the book for you! It’s only 12 chapters, but they’re oh, so good!!!! Just read it now and thank me later!

Things I Loved:
❤️Gal pals
❤️ “This, my friends, is no elf. If he's an elf, I'm Mrs. Claus.”
❤️“Fake” boyfriend
❤️The Meet-Cute
❤️The flirting and chemistry
❤️The group chat
❤️The boundaries talk
❤️Mitch, Carson and Gage
❤️Wildebeests
❤️Mistletoe

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Heather.loves.books.
230 reviews27 followers
December 30, 2023
Rent Yourself an Elf by Savannah Scott
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📖Noelle's friends hire her an Elf for the weekend and sparks fly.

SURPRISE RELEASE 🎉🎉🎉

Even Savannah Scott didn't know she was writing a Christmas novella 😜
It started as a joke thread and the seed of a story grew.

🎁Reasons you need this little cutie🎁

- Short on time? It's 100 pages ✅
You will feel oh so satisfied to have read a whole book so fast.

-Frustrated with all you need to do before Christmas? Guaranteed laughs by page 4

-Want to procrastinate? It's a great way to avoid doing the thing

-Seemless world building. This is a stand alone but you will feel comfortable in this new place fast.

HAPPY READING!

❓What Christmas task would you have an elf do?
For me, it's a trip to the Post Office
Profile Image for Emilee.
567 reviews117 followers
January 16, 2024
Cute, insta-love Christmas romance if not a tad bit cliche. Sweet characters. Snowed in. Fake dating.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,886 reviews207 followers
November 30, 2025
*Updated for audio*

This sweet story is such a fun way to get in the Christmas spirit! It is a quick and easy listen with wonderful dual narration that I enjoyed so much!

Liam and Noelle were not looking for love when they met, but they were definitely drawn to each other right away. They had a sweet connection that built quickly. I liked that they were both already interested in each other when the fake dating began. It added a fun tension to the mix.

This story is one that made me very happy to listen to it. It’s a great choice for a quick dose of holiday cheer.

I received a complimentary copy of this audio book. All opinions are my own.

***

I preordered this novella last year, but then didn’t end up reading it over Christmas as I had a lot of seasonal books that I was reading through. But this year, the author is coming out with another sweet romcom set in the same world titled Catch Yourself a Snowmance and it has friends of the characters who are in this book as main characters. So, it was the perfect time to read this story in preparation for the next one.

I loved the sweet sparks of attraction that happened between Noelle and Liam when he arrived to work around her house. I also appreciated that both of these characters were genuinely nice people who found that they got along really well together.

This story made me so happy! These two were so good together and I loved seeing the way Liam ended up being there for Noelle in a very supportive way during a scenario which would have otherwise been extremely difficult for her. His presence made all the difference.

This was such a fun, sweet, and festive read! I’m really looking forward to the next one now.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
235 reviews
December 12, 2023
This is the cute, short, fun Christmas read you need in your life this year. If you just want to read something lighthearted, quick and Christmasy pick up this one today!

Noelle and Liam are just so adorable. I love everything about them. I am amazed how any author is able to take such a short story and make me fall completely for the people in them so quickly! Also, the dedications at the beginning are just amazing. Do yourself a favor and read about these lovely people.

I received an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Megan Crofton.
341 reviews43 followers
December 18, 2023
What a fun, quick novella with lots of swoon and laughs! I am a big Savannah Scott fan and she never ceases to amaze me at her fun, witty, swoony, romantic books! Liam and Noelle's story was another great one! And it started off with a fun friend group and such a great meet-cute. Liam was just the cutest and a wonderful book boyfriend! He was so sweet and thoughtful! Noelle was fun and quirky and loved the added element of her relationship with her sister. And who doesn't love a bit of fake dating and the MCs getting snowed in! The strong character development in this novella was well-written and added just enough tension to this rom com. I really enjoyed reading this, it was a perfect Christmas novella to get you in the Christmas spirit!!
Profile Image for Jami Pruitt (My.lovely_readingcorner).
298 reviews9 followers
December 14, 2023
If you are looking for a sweet, fun and quick Christmas story you have got to check this one out!

This was such a cute Christmas story! I love Noelle's friends, their antics mad me laugh but they were also really great friends.

I loved Liam with his niece, it was so sweet! I loved Noelle's word vomit when nervous. I loved the discussion about fake dating. And of course you can't have and love a Christmas story without some Mistletoe!

This book was the perfect read during this busy time of year. I am also amazed at how quickly Savanah Scott wrote this wonderful story.

Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Emily.
99 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2023
This was such a sweet Christmas novella! I was so excited when Savannah said she was going to be releasing a christmas novella and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! Savanah had been one of my favorite authors since I discovered her getting shipped series and she never disappoints!

I loved the idea of this book! A handyman who comes n and does all the things you don’t want to while wearing a Christmas hat? YES please!!

I cannot wait to read what she writes next! Thank you Savannah for letting me be an arc reader for you again 🩵
1,739 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2023
This was such a cute holiday read! A perfect read for the Christmas season!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
617 reviews
December 20, 2023
'Move over, elf on the shelf. The elf on the porch is in town.'

Hilarious.

This book is short, sweet, and oh so adorable!

Noelle is struggling with all things Christmas as the new owner of her beloved, Christmas-loving, Grams' house. Liam is hired by Noelle's friends to help her with repairs in her recently inherited house and he doesn't just stop at home repairs. This book may be short in pages, but it's full of cheer and Christmas spirit. The chemistry between these two is the cherry on top!

Do yourself a favor and grab this one ASAP. One of THE BEST novellas I've read in a long time!

Noelle and Liam are the Christmas couple that needs to be in your hands and on your shelf!

Content: Loss of a loved one at Christmastime, one religious term, flirting/banter, kisses only.
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,168 reviews
December 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas novella! It was sweet, heartwarming, and full of holiday magic and a very charming romance. Perfect for a quick and fun holiday read.
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,478 reviews88 followers
December 16, 2023
Short, But Oh So Cute!

A hunky handy man, a sweet school teacher, and a holiday party for her snobby sister. Can he help her in this situation too, not just repairing her house? This story was incredibly short, so it doesn’t take long to read, but it also leaves you wanting more. Let’s call it a delightful holiday snack!
Profile Image for Lynsey McDaniel.
310 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2025
This quick read novella took me, an average, easily-distracted reader, about two hours start to finish. So listen, you deserve that much time to yoursELF (see what I did there?).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Here we have all the things we love about Savannah Scott stories: swoony moments, hysterical meet-cute, and characters you root for. You also have a lot less angst, because it’s so brief. Definitely no third-act break ups here, so don’t worry about any holiday blues. She’s got you!!

Clean, cozy, holiday romcom for your Bermuda Triangle week.

10/10 recommend this audiobook! Performed so well.
Profile Image for Emily Christopher.
799 reviews41 followers
January 1, 2024
Rent Yourself an Elf
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Savannah Scott

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Savannah Scott and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: She’s not feeling the holiday spirit. Maybe all she needs is to rent herself an elf.

It's Christmas, and I should be full of cheer, but I'm having a hard time mustering the holiday spirit. That was always Grams' role. She loved Christmas so much she talked my parents into naming me Noelle. Yeah, Noelle Furst. Picture the boys in elementary school having a heyday with my name. But I didn't care. I knew Gram picked it for me, and I wore it proudly. When Grams passed two years ago, she left me this house. I'm a lot of things, but a handywoman isn't one of them. And there's a ton of work to be done.My big plan? Ignore Christmas this year. In only one month I can move into a new year and put my painful memories back in a box along with all the decorations. But my friends have other ideas. When I open my front door and look up, there's a very muscular, very not-an-elf looking man in a Santa hat smiling a stocking-curling smile at me. He's holding a toolbox. He says, "Hi, I'm your elf," and with those four short words, I'm rethinking my whole stance on this holiday.

My Thoughts: This was a sweet, cute, short novella PERFECT for the holiday season, or really anytime you want a feel-good romantic read. Noelle was a name her sweet Grams picked for her. They were thick as thieves and loved celebrating Christmas together. However, Noelle’s Grams passed two years ago and Noelle has not wanted to celebrate Christmas much since her passing. Grams left her house to Noelle. While it is a great house, it needs some work. Her friends knew Noelle needed a spirit lift and hired a handyman to make two days of repairs. Liam figured he could increase his business by doing a Rent-A-Elm gimmick at a flat rate. What Liam did not equate was meeting Noelle and the instant attraction he had. Will the attraction ring mutual? Or will the holidays be too painful for Noelle? This follows the tropes of fake dating.

The story was in a dual narration by Noelle and Liam. Noelle is a teacher, who is missing her Grams this holiday season, and needs just a little help around her house. Liam is a handyman, is charming, swoony, and hard working. The characters were well developed with witty banter, amazing chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was closed door, sweet, swoon-perfection, and brilliant. Only Scott can you make you feel so heartwarming in so little pages.

This was a true Savannah Scott form that made me feel all the feels. I just adore her books whether they are 100 pages or 400 pages. Each time I pick up a Scott novel, I know that I will end the book with that heartwarming feeling. I highly recommend this book for the season, or if you just want a little lift me up. Scott also has the Getting Shipped! Series, Love Trippin’ Series, and was part of the Sweater Weather Series.
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#booklover #bookstagram #fiction #booksoninstagram #reviewer #bookfriends #bookrecs #bookishgirl #2023bookgoals #romance #romcom #fakedating #elf #christmas #rentyourselfanelf #savannahscottauthor
Profile Image for Kaci Bonar.
379 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2023
If you are looking for that story this season that will fill your stocking and heart full of joy, this is the one that could!  Savannah Scott took a risk in writing this novella so late into the season, but she rose up and executed yet another amazing story!  I mean, who wouldn’t want a good-looking guy with an elf hat to do your “honey do” list and flirt with you while wearing baggy sweats?!
 
Noelle has lost her Christmas spirit/motivation over the past few years since her grandmother passed away and her longest relationship fizzled out around the same time!  Her friends lend a hand or hire a lending hand in Liam and the story catapults from there!  Liam is a hardworking handyman and contractor who has busked himself as a “helpful elf” during the holiday season!  He has been commissioned for 2 days, where he does wonders for her home and reviving her joy in the season!  As fate would have it, Noelle needs a date for her sister’s engagement party and Liam offers his services (but not in the elf capacity)!  They agree to fake date for the night, but the rest is for you to find out! 
 
While this novella is only twelve chapters in length, it flows so seamlessly that you are, or at least I was, totally shocked by it ending!  It wasn’t an abrupt ending either, it was a fully wrapped, tie it up with a bow and thank Santa for giving you this gift kind of ending!  The banter, the “elf” jokes, the everything…it all was fantastic!  So glad random inspiration struck as I have an extra spring in my step this season because of this elfish tale!

Was gifted an ARC copy, all opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Lauren.
81 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2023
If you’re looking for a cute, short, holiday novella - this is it!

Noelle had inherited her grams house, which needs some work - but between working and life she hasn’t had time to get to it. Plus, it’s Christmas and she hasn’t even had time to get out her decorations.

Enter her friends, who tell her they’ve rented her an elf! Ok, it’s not really an elf, but a handyman who’s having a little fun with his job during the holidays and marketing it as renting an elf. Noelle’s not too sure, and when the day comes, she has no idea what to expect.

When she opens her door, what she sees is not all what she had imagined. Liam is young and good looking - not at all elvish 😉 They immediately hit it off, so when Noelle’s sister shows up that night telling her she needs a date to her engagement party…she might make up that she has a boyfriend (whoops!)…and causally drops Liam’s name 😍

This fake dating story was so sweet! Liam was charming, Noelle was sweet, and Noelle’s friends and Liam’s brothers were all so fun! I loved how Liam stepped up to help Noelle and how their feelings were so evident to one another.

I would’ve loved it to have been longer, but it was a perfect holiday read, and I loved how it all played out without feeling too insta love/fast moving and wrapped up nicely!
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