Almost Christmas in Paradise

by Evelyn Sola

The holiday season is the time for forgiveness, love and family.

That’s why Drake has decided it’s time to finally deal with the left over baggage from his past. He thought he was ready. Two years should have been long enough to get over the hurt and wreckage his deceased father left behind.

But Drake quickly realizes that’s not really the case. The letter and the video he’s kept locked away, the same ones that were supposed to set him free, only serves to confuse him even more.

Can he find a way to work through it all with his wife and give his family the holiday they deserve, after all - it’s Almost Christmas in Paradise…

Genres: Holiday, Novella, Holiday Romance

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

Enjoyed all the holiday feels with both of Nia and Drake's families. All the new reveals have me asking Evelyn: where is Langley, Hannah, and Ray's books because I love these families and want more. I can't wait to read more about them because that extra tidbit was jaw dropping.

Read in Week 47: Nov 17 – Nov 23, 2024. Book thoughts can be found on Steph's Romance Book Talk YouTube or Tiktok (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...) or (https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdBKBPvf/)

[Tamarah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series takes place during the holiday season. A lot has happened since we last heard from Drake and Nia Paradise. They have been married for two years and have expanded their family. However, there is still a big elephant in the room to address that was left by Drake’s not-so-dearly departed father Donald Paradise. While dealing with that issue, Drake is determined to make sure his family has the best Christmas ever. I won’t spoil the story, but the author treats readers to a story that delivers steamy romance, humor, drama, and holiday feelings. There were a couple of characters that brought their usual hi-jinks yet again. Also, there are a few characters that I would place on the permanent naughty list and that is putting it mildly. I will say Drake and Nia have come a long way and their family as well. I do have a few questions about a few characters, but I am sure they will be addressed later. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It is a great way to spend your time during the holiday season.

[S. Atako Arroyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the much anticipated sequel to Almost Paradise. Drake and Nia, who had experienced much angst in their 2nd chance at romance finally get the closure that they need to move forward. Both sides of the family love each other. The animosity that slipped in and out of Almost Paradise is no more. There are many tender moments of expressions of love between unlikely characters.
For those who did not read Almost Paradise, you should at least acquaint yourself with the issues that are addressed in Almost Christmas in Paradise by checking out Almost Paradise. I say this because Ms Sola, being the amazing and talented writer that she is, leads us on a journey that we think we have figured out until the very end. Drake and Nia have their HEA. Then comes the bomb. It's a twist that left us, her readers with a hanging open jaw. The twist was /is entirely credible but absolutely left me wanting more(even though she gave us a bonus epilogue). I feel like I need to sit and discuss certain characters because what was done was so left field and nefarious I cannot explain it .

This was just that good. It was hard for me to write this review because I did not want to give too many details. And, I have reread it several times to see if I had missed anything. This book was like your favorite food that you ate quickly and then went back over the plate to see if a smidgen was left.

Ms Sola has been consistent with churning out riveting, captivating works that grab your attention and take you into her created universe. This book does not fail. The Evelyn Sola universe is an amazing place and I will never turn down an opportunity to read one of her works. They are consistently that good. I give Almost Christmas in Paradise 5 stars but I'd give it 12 out of 10 if possible.

[Simamile Ndaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Evelyn Sola starts her books. She makes sure we are locked in from page 1. Almost Christmas is Paradise is a sequel to Almost Paradise where we found out that Drake’s father left him a letter and a video explaining why he invested so much energy in hiding Drake’s son from him. Almost Christmas is Paradise is where Drake after more than 2 years finally opens the letter with his beloved Nia by his side.

But of course it’s more than just the contents of the letter and the video but how we have blindspots to people we love. In the book Mr Paradise senior claims he knows Drake better than Drake knows himself and at the end I had to agree because he understood that even if he had not kept Drake away from Nia and Carter for 4 years, even a week would have been enough for Drake to never forgive him.

In this book we see how Drake and Nia have built a beautiful family and constantly reminded how hard they’ve had to work for it. It’s the presence of Drake’s father, Scarlett and her family trying to get her out of jail early and Drake’s father’s lawyer who is trying to do the right thing in the end…

I absolutely loved this book and how every character was created. I loved seeing Drake finding comfort in Nia’s dad, how Nia has grown close to Drake’s mom and how forgiveness and love has healed them. I highly recommend this book and that you read Almost Paradise and then Almost Christmas in Paradise…

[BookKraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the holidays are supposed to be merry and bright… unless you're at the Paradises! 🎅🏽 Along with sugar plums, we’ve got drama, chaos, and a whole lot of jealousy swirling around like a holiday snowstorm. ❄️

Picking up with Nia and Drake two years into their marriage felt like catching up with old friends who bring all the tea. ☕ You know the ones. It was giddy and it was nostalgic

Let’s start with Drake, listen, this man is still on my permanent naughty list. 🎁❌ His jealousy has absolutely no discretion. NONE. Like, sir, where is the chill? However, whew, the way he spoke to Nia in this book had me swooning all over my couch. 🫠 His love is intense, obsessive (sometimes alarming), but undeniably heartfelt.

Now, as if Drake’s antics weren’t enough, enter Donald Paradise, the man whose middle name might as well be CHAOS. 😤 Just when we thought he couldn’t stir the pot any further, he whipped out a whole new cauldron of unresolved mess.

This book had me on an emotional sleigh ride:
🎭 Heart-melting moments: check.
🤦🏽‍♀️ Face-palm-worthy jealousy: definitely.
🔥 Drama hotter than a Yule log: oh, absolutely.

Drake might still be naughty, but this holiday tale is oh-so-nice. 🌟 If you love catching up with familiar characters, drama served with a side of holiday spirit, and a sprinkle of unresolved chaos, then this is the perfect book to curl up with by the fire. 🔥

[Readaholic Running Realtor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby, I love a good update… BUT Evelyn, sis, come to the front because didn’t you start enough mess in book one?

It’s CHRISTMAS. We’re supposed to be joyful, not dodging plot bombs being carried into the New Year. I was over here patiently waiting for Cousin Andrea and Uncle Wyatt to finally get it together, and somehow Papa is still stirring up trouble from the grave?!

That bonus epilogue… whew🍷. Go on and drop that 2026 release date now and don’t you dare say anything about summer. I need emotional stability, not seasonal suspense.

To make up for all the stress you put me through, I’m gonna need the Kindle and Audible to drop at the same time. Thank you kindly. 🤣🤣🤣

Also, I love these two narrators together their chemistry is the bomb.

SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:

5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.

[Ju Berrymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶 🌶

Drake and Nia got off to a rocky start in Almost Paradise, but the couple is settling nicely into their happily ever after in Almost Christmas in Paradise. Two years after his burying father, Drake struggles to reconcile his feelings for him after finally reading the letter and watching the video exposing the depths of his father’s secrets and lies.

I've never read an Evelyn Sola story I didn't love! This novella was so good and made me realize how much I missed Nia and Drake along with their family and friends. I laughed and smiled during the heartwarming moments, but my heart broke for Drake as he battled loving and hating his father. We see him be very vulnerable in this story while “Knuck if you Buck” Nia acts as his protector and his rock, which just made me swoon for them even more. The way these two love each other makes it hard to believe just how contentious their relationship began. I LOVE Drake's brother, Langley, and his best friend, Wyatt. Both are ridiculous and about as mature as the kids while bringing a lot of laughs that lighten the mood throughout the story. I can't get enough of Drake and Nia and hopefully, Wyatt and Nia’s cousin, Audrey, get their own story in the future.😏

[S Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting and waiting for this. If you read Almost Paradise you know there was a bit of a cliffhanger in the form of a letter from the grave that remains unread. Essentially, daddy Paradise worked hard to keep his son, Drake, from finding out that Mia was pregnant and carrying Drake’s child. As a result he missed out on 3 years of his child’s life. Daddy Paradise’s attorney, Howard, was sworn to secrecy but was supposed to deliver a letter that was not to be ead until 1 year after his death. Understandably, Drake didn’t really have any use to know what kind of excuse his dad had for keeping him from the love of his life and his son but years later he’s finally ready to read it.

When I tell you this follow up was a doozy. Whew, first daddy Paradise was an even bigger piece of work than we all expected. You will have to dive in to see how truly despicable he really was. The best parts of this book is seeing how Drake and Nia have thrived in their new life together as a growing family. We also get a look at how Drake’s relationship with Nia’s family has evolved. It was a fantastic read and a great follow up to a story I love. Watch out for that ending though, it’s a doozy!

[Erica Ozier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evelyn you got me with this one!!! Warning a few spoilers


Evelyn Sola’s *Almost Christmas in Paradise* delivers an intriguing update on Nia and Drake, providing readers with the heartwarming news of their growing family and the improved relationship between Drake and his father-in-law. These developments are deeply satisfying and showcase the themes of growth and reconciliation that Sola does so well.

However, this book took a surprising turn with the introduction of a new character that left me more puzzled than anything else. While I appreciate Evelyn Sola’s ability to weave new elements into her narratives, this revelation felt less like a resolution and more like a cliffhanger, leaving me wondering where the story will head next. It’s clear that there’s more to unfold, and I’m hoping for future books to tie up these loose ends.

Evelyn Sola has a talent for creating stories that leave readers fulfilled, but this time, I’m left with more questions than answers. Despite this, I enjoyed revisiting Nia and Drake’s journey and look forward to seeing how this new layer to their story will develop. Thank you, Evelyn, for another thought-provoking and emotional read.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Christmas in Paradise has charm, suspense and definitely a page turning romance. I absolutely adored getting to know Drake and Nia. The chemistry between Drake and Nia is undeniably irresistible. I love that these two amazing characters have a happily ever after with them being happy together with their children. This book is beautifully written, well balanced and perfectly executed by Evelyn Sola. Evelyn Sola continues to prove what an incredible author, storyteller and writer she is with each book that I have read by her so far. The characters are well developed and beautifully executed throughout the story. I also thought this book to be entertaining and an absolute pleasure to read. I didn’t even want to set this book down until I read the last page. This book has a fantastic plot, wonderful characters and a breathtaking ending. I would most definitely give this book as a recommendation for anyone who enjoys reading holiday romances. I can’t wait to see what will come next from this author in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gift To Ms. Sola's Fans

I received my ARC copy with a big smile on my face. The only ARC I request is anything written by Ms. Evelyn Sola. Why you ask, well I know it is going to be a five star read and I want to promote her books. I was lucky enough less than two years ago to discover her writing and Ms. Sola never disappoints. Her books are full of interesting characters and witty dialogue. Ms. Sola writes the most passionate love stories. While her main chacters are falling hopelessly in love, we the readers are rooting for them. The author gives us unforgetable moments full of humor and heart. Almost Christmas in Paradise is a must read novella, but do yourself the favor of reading Almost Paradise first because Drake and Nia's story is too good to be missed. One final warning an Evelyn Sola book is very spicy, full of sass and it will touch your heart.

[Nikki P · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat for all of us fans who were dying to know what was in that letter and video!

This was my very first ARC request, and I couldn’t have picked a better one. Drake and Nia have taken up so much space in my mind, especially with the unresolved chaos Donald Paradise left behind in the original story. I couldn’t wait for this book to release—and it did not disappoint.

It was amazing to see the life Drake and Nia have built in the wake of such betrayal. Revisiting the beloved characters from Almost Paradise felt like catching up with old friends. This novella delivers all the emotions while emphasizing just how villainous Donald truly was. And that cliffhanger? I did not see it coming—it was a total shock! Now I absolutely need more!

Mrs. Sola never disappoints and I hope we get more about the Paradise family.

[Willie-mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Sola gives readers an unforgettable and entertaining story for this Christmas season! It was extremely well written as is anything written by Miss Sola! It had great moments of humor, steam and it was very heartwarming! Almost Christmas in Paradise is an excellent holiday novella, but please read Almost Paradise (Drake and Nia’s story) because it’s a book that’s too good to pass up! All of Evelyn Sola’s books are very sexy, sassy & spicy, and they’re also very emotional, funny and will always touch your heart and soul! It will make you smile and feel happy when reading it! Her stories whether they’re a full novel or a “short” novella will keep you entertained and captivated from the very first page! Looking forward to reading more from this author!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Christmas in Paradise is a nice holiday treat that is worth reading while snuggling up with some warm hot cocoa and a blanket. I love this family. It was so nice to catch up with Drake and Nia again. I loved how far they have come as a couple. It is such a beautiful thing when family can come together and celebrate each other and have family gatherings. We finally found out why Drake’s dad made the choices he did, although it was very much hinted at before hand. Drake’s dad was full of audacity and it is unfortunate that he was able to die without having to face accountability for all his secrets and actions. Unfortunately Drake and his siblings are left with their father’s biggest secret that will definitely create waves for the Paradises. I know Evelyn won’t leave us hanging with the shocking news and I can’t wait for more Paradise and maybe Wyatt too. ;)

[Margaret Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing 🤯

When you think that all loose ends are going to be tied up in this sequel novella to Almost Paradise, Evelyn Sola throws another bombshell at you, and you’re left dumbfounded! A year after we were introduced to Nia and Drake, we finally get the big reveal of what Drake’s father’s justification was in orchestrating their breakup.Along the way, we were delighted to meet past characters from the book, and fell in love all over again! With her signature style of humour and heat, Evelyn gave us a peek into the continuing (and increasing 👶👩‍🍼🧑‍🍼) lives of the Drake and Nash families. But just as you’re getting feelings of satisfaction and closure, she drops another mind blower!🤯 Wow! Stay tuned for more…….

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Evelyn Sola is giving fans of her book and characters from “Almost Paradise,” Drake and Nia, a Christmas novella. Readers will get to see them just a smidge in the future. I liked a recap of what had happened to refresh my memory. However, I did not forget who caused all the trouble in the previous book. Evelyn does delve more into Drake’s relationship with his father and what he did. But it’s not all about rehashing drama.

“Almost Christmas in Paradise” is focused on family and what Drake and Nia look like presently. And I liked what it looked like. There’s steamy hotness between the two, and Drake will still do anything to make Nia happy—it’s just kids are involved, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Pamelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Christmas in Paradise was well worth the wait. We are reunited with Drake, Nia and their entire family. Drake and Nia have 2 children with another baby on the way! The story begins with Drake and Nia's decision to face all the deceit and lies left behind by Senior. There are letters to Drake and photos of Nia with Carter as an infant. Senior had someone following Nia around, taking pics without her being aware. Drake was heartbroken 💔 from his father's deception. Nia had Drake's back through it all. Nia's dad told Drake that, he was one of his. This shocked Drake but, it lifted his spirits. Drake's dad deceived their entire family Langley, Hannah, and their mom. The epilogue was the Bomb!! Check it out. Read Almost Paradise then Almost Christmas in Paradise, you'll love it 💞💞💞 Outstanding job Evelyn Sola !!👋🏾

[Dayn3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Paradise Christmas

Evelyn Sola does it again and knocks it out the park. This novella picks up 2 years after the end of Almost Paradise. We get a glimpse into Drake and Nia wedding redo which has a surprising guest. Drake will do anything to make Nia happy. We get to see the growth of all the family dynamics between Nia and Drakes families Drake even has a surprising ally.
Almost Paradise Christmas is full of humor, drama and romance. We also get answers to the questions of what Donald Paradise has to say in his video and letter to Drake. We learn that Daddy Paradise had other secrets that will leave you shocked.

[Alex Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read my reviews, you know that I love author Evelyn Sola. I was very excited for another book dedicated to Drake & Nia. Ms. Sola did a great job of continuing their love story and took me through my emotions regarding Drake’s dad. How one, deceased minor character can cause so much havoc is mind blowing. Nia’s dad and Wyatt had me laughing out loud. Until I read the last page, I would say that Ms. Sola brought as much closure to Drake & Nia’s story as it pertained to Drake’s dad. Then, I read the last page. I’m about to be one of those people in her social media comments asking when the next book is dropping. If you aren’t already reading this author, start now!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Another amazing read by Evelyn, with a gripping cliffhanger. Absolutely loved catching up with Drake and Nia and the other paradise clan, but with there being a gap between the first book and this one why did I lokey forget what the book was about. But all in all the book did briefly recap.

I did like to see Drake work through his dad’s deception, with Nia and his family supporting him as it wasn’t easy on him. The entire premise was good but I got a little tired of Drake just bringing up the fact of what his dad did, but failed to get therapy but I digress. Overall it’s a great book by Evelyn as always, but I’m excited for Wyatt to get a book!!!!!

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

They were both lied to!

That was the reason Drake missed three years of his son's life. But he was determined to get and keep Nia in his life by any means necessary. That was what he did. Nia loved him just as much as he loved her and forgave him of his actions. Building their life together they still had to deal with the why and who separated them. But the one person responsible is no longer around to get revenge on. With everything out in the open, both sides of their families are accepting their marriage as long as they were loved then the parents would love whom they loved. But is everything out in the open? Wow... That cliffhanger though.

[Latrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn wrote another fantastic book with a suspenseful cliffhanger. I really enjoyed meeting up with Drake, Nia, and the other members of the Paradise clan, but why did I completely forget the plot of the first book and this one? Overall, though, the book did provide a concise recap. Although it wasn't easy for him, I liked how Drake overcame his father's deceit with the help of Nia and his family. Although the idea was sound overall, I became a little weary of Drake merely bringing up the fact that his father did this without seeking therapy, but I'm getting off topic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K JAY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Sola never disappoints with her books. We all waited for the answers to some pretty heavy questions from Book 1 and this book did that. There was no lag in the story. Our questions were answered and she managed to give us a cliffhanger to focus on. I love how she created characters that make you love fall in love and root for them.

I am a huge fan of her work because her stories pull you into the book and make you feel like these are your people. You will laugh and even cry but most definitely you will love this book.

[Mae Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake and Nia’s extended family and friends was such a pleasure to read. Holiday cheer in full force, yet still having to revisit some parts of the past to finally find closure for the present.
Showing Drake and Nia navigate between moving forward and not letting what his dad did to them was heartbreaking at some points but it needed to be put in the forefront for them to get it behind them!
The undying love that each family had for each other in the end and acceptance of the surprise that Daddy Paradise left for them made this a great Holiday read!

[Nock Leighton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me say I’m a huge Evelyn sola fan but this book didn’t do it for me. It was a whole lot of nothing. The letter and video from Donald paradise which was the whole hype of the book was over in 2 seconds and revealed nothing new. Then the rest of the book was about Christmas and their love for each other which we already know. Scarlet was mentioned several times but again for no valid reason. It felt like the author had a deadline to meet but an insurmountable storyline. However I felt the epilogue was the real story and should have been juxtaposed with the letter/video reveal

[Niki Latrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A WONDERFUL RIDE!

I truly loved how this book flowed. The MMC Drake showed such a vulnerability and softness to him, and I could really feel just how much he actually loved his family and valued his wife more than anything. I loved how him and his father-in-law work together, and the dynamics of that relationship get resolved. Loved how the FMC was totally supportive of her husband and even though she could have really dogged the dead daddy, she reined it in for her husband’s sake! This was just a truly great read! Loved it!!!🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[Nyangu Mweene · Rating 5 out of 5]

She does it again!

I read this book within hours

I don’t know how Evelyn does it but she did!

Every 👏 single 👏 time 👏

It was the perfect close to almost paradise.

His father makes me sick- such an abhorrent human being and hypocrite too- cause what?

I can’t even ask where his dad drew the line because he seems to be very unaware, sanctimonious and oblivious.

All in all- closure is for wigs and as people we just have to keep it moving .


Thank you so much for this awesome read - as always you kicked the ball out of the park with another one


You are appreciated!

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Christmas story for Nia and Drake. Nia and Drake who were the MMC and FMC in the book Almost Paradise.

This book is about Drake’s fathers last letter and video and how it affects Drake. It’s also a testament to true romantic and familial love.

It continues Nia and Drakes story. Their children and how Drake and Nia’s father start to develop a relationship. There’s a twist at the end that’s addressed in the second epilogue. This is just a feel good family Christmas book.

Borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reunited and it feels so good!

What a great follow up to Almost Paradise: A second chance, secret baby romance and a fun and romantic holiday novella. I love the epilogue and the extended epilogue. That dad was just a hypocrite and a horrible person but I love how Drake and Nia’s love survived everything thrown at them and how they love each other their children and how their families love each other and their happiness has continued to grow and evolve now I need Wyatt and Audrey to make it happen and I want to know the backstory on little Tally.

[ethel taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

As I was reading this book, I must admit it took me a while to put the last book together with this one, I think I had forgotten it ( Almost Paradise). I almost want to re-read it. She leaves me with two questions, what happened with Scarlett and the sex of the last baby? (Cliffhanger) Certain authors, like Miss Sola, I don’t read the precepts, I like the surprise of it all. I know I’m going to enjoy the book, and this one is no exception. Good Read! Looking forward to what she writes next.