Falling For You: A Thanksgiving Novella

by Marissa James

Who says Thanksgiving isn’t the perfect time to fall in love?

My Thanksgiving plans were simple: eat a frozen pizza, watch reruns of my favorite show, read, and knit. It didn’t bother me that I would spend the holiday alone. But my roommate wouldn’t hear of it and convinced me to go to her parent's house with her.

I never expected to run into her twin brother - Thatcher Wells - on Thanksgiving morning. It’s been fifteen years since I last saw him, and apparently, I never got over the crush I had on him in college.

As a newly divorced woman, I thought I was destined to be alone. That is until Thatcher walks back into my life. It feels like the universe is giving me a second chance at love with someone who listens to me and puts me first. Something my ex didn’t do.

I just hope it’s not too good to be true.

Falling For You is a standalone Thanksgiving novella with open door romance scenes and is intended for audiences 18+.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Holiday

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

Marissa is a contemporary romance author who loves writing relatable characters and happily ever afters. An avid hockey fan you can usually find her in front of the TV during the season cheering on her favorite NHL team. When not watching hockey you can find her in her garden, reading a novel, watching reruns of Seinfeld or completing a puzzle.

Reviews

[Bobby's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS | What a CUTE and QUICK Thanksgiving romance novella this was!! I very much enjoyed Avery & Thatcher’s love story! It’s a best friend’s brother and second chance trope that is perfect for the holiday season! The story follows Avery invited to her best friend’s family dinner for Thanksgiving, and bumps into her college crush Thatcher, who is her friend’s brother. Thatcher surprised to see Avery after last seeing her fifteen years ago, decides to give her a second chance of love, while he works as a game app developer. But what is more important to him? His job or Avery? A steamy and fast-paced novella you need to read for the fall season!

[Ashley’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read!

[jordan | joburns.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5
🌶️ Open Door, Mild

🍂 Holiday Theme - Thanksgiving
🍂 Best Friend's Brother
🍂 Second Chance
🍂 Friends to Lovers
🍂 Mutual Pining
🍂 Forced Proximity
🍂 Main Characters in their 30s
🍂 Dual POV (First Person)

This novella by Marissa James is perfect to get you in the mood for Fall and Thanksgiving. The two main characters - Avery & Thatcher - reunite by chance after fifteen years. And both are shocked to find out neither of them got over their crush from college days. These two have an instant connection and decide to try and finally have the first date that never was.

The mutual pining and forced proximity were 10/10. The small connections to Marissa's other series were fab. I loved that this couple got to rekindle their relationship and get their HEA. I hope we get to see them again in a future story by Marissa.

Thank you Marissa for the eARC of Falling For You!

[Nicole Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling For You
Marissa James


🖤 Roommates Brother
🦃 Thanksgiving
🖤 Cat Dad
🦃 Novella
🖤 Spicy
🦃 Dual POV
🖤 Cinnamon Roll Hero

Falling for You by Marissa James is a sweet, Thanksgiving-themed romance about second chances. After her divorce, Avery is prepared to spend the holiday alone until her roommate convinces her to join her family for Thanksgiving. There, she unexpectedly reconnects with Thatcher, her old college crush and her roommate’s twin brother.

As sparks reignite between them, the story explores themes of healing, vulnerability, and love that feels too good to be true. Set against a cozy holiday backdrop, this heartwarming romance is perfect for readers looking for a light, feel-good holiday read. I absolutely loved this novella! I wanted something that was light and fun, this really hit the spot for me. I loved Avery and Thatchers (I kept picturing Meredith’s father from Grey’s Anatomy though) story! I know it’s a novella but I so want more (I even read the bonus epilogue). Definitely give this a read it releases on October 18th!

[Maggie | MagReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so stinking cute! Just a feel good little Thanksgiving novella about Thatcher and Avery. They were supposed to go out in college when a hurricane hit and derailed their plans. 15 years later, coming off a lackluster divorce, Avery joins her roommate for Thanksgiving where she meets her twin- Thatcher! The reconnection was so heartwarming and fun to read.

The story moved quickly, as novellas do, with a lot more heart than plot. Avery knows what she wants at this point in her life and isn't afraid to say so. Thatcher is at an impasse with his job and has to figure out how to navigate a new relationship while managing a high stress career without much help. Their problems start and stop there and end with an HEA.

I love a little break from sports romance, and Falling for You hit the spot. It packed on all the lovey dovey heart feels you could ever want from a Hallmark movie and just made me smile from start to finish! Only took about an hour to read and loved it!!

[Michele M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was so sweet! I loved Avery and Thatcher and the chemistry they had together. The pair reunites at Thanksgiving dinner fifteen years after an almost date that never happened when they were in college. It is a quick, fun read for around Thanksgiving, or honestly any time! I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work.

What to expect:
🍁 Second Chance
🍁 Open Door 🌶️
🍁 Dual Point of View
🍁 Cinnamon Roll Hero
🍁 Roommate’s Brother

*Thank you Marissa James for the ARC copy, all opinions my own*

[Hannah: my_traveling_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Thanksgiving novella with just the right amount of spice. Perfect cozy read with a HEA! Love the second chance romance, roommates brother, and life after divorce. I was also so happy to read a story of a couple in their mid-thirties rather than their young twenties at an age when you know more what you want. I am usually not a fan of the third act break up but I believe this was done so perfect for the story. I definitely recommend this novella!

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read a Thanksgiving themed holiday novella before! And this was sweet! There’s nothing I love more than a second chance! And this was like right person wrong time, a missed connection! And then fate just brought them back together! Avery and Thatcher were VERY sweet!

[Maya · Rating 2 out of 5]

for a novella this sure felt long. this story really dragged out and i feel like we were given a lot more information than was necessary.

tbh, this one lost me when he saw her boobs and said “these are nice.” ???

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute holiday novella with medium high spice.

[Heather H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story I wished I had when I was a newly divorced woman. Ugh Thatcher *swoon*. The almost could have been a that never were. Turning into something real 15 years later.
Loved this novella

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avery’s Thanksgiving plans were simple: she was planning to eat a frozen pizza while watching reruns of her favorite show, read, and knit. Her roommate, Caro, wouldn’t hear it and convinced Avery to go home to her parent’s house with her. Avery never expected to run into Caro’s twin brother on Thanksgiving morning though. Thatcher is a man she hasn’t seen for the last 15 years, a man she’s had a crush on since college. It feels like the universe is giving Avery a second chance at love.

FALLING FOR YOU is a Thanksgiving novella ringing in at 131 pages. It’s a super cute and heartfelt read, packing an emotional punch despite its short page length.

I fell in love with Marissa’s writing with her debut novel, Hot Shot, and it’s lovely to see how much her writing continues to develop with each book/novella she publishes.

I loved getting to know Avery and Thatcher through this story. I am a sucker for second chance romances and dual POVs so this one checks all the boxes for me. I also adored that these characters are in their mid30s which is so refreshing to read, with their maturity and knowing what they want/need evident. The characters were well developed and dynamic and I loved seeing their connection and relationship develop. Thatcher gets an A+ for his romantic gestures. There’s also some well-placed, open-door spice.

The epilogue was excellent, and I adored how it tied off this romance neatly. I hope to see a novella featuring Caro and her HEA in the future!

I would like to thank the author, Marissa James, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions shared are my own.

[Leigh-Ann Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

💻👨‍💻🦃📰🏒❤️ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚘𝚏 𝙵𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚢 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚊 𝙹𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚜 ❤️🏒📰🦃👨‍💻💻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5

This novella is the perfect cozy, feel-good read. Avery joins her roommate Caro for Thanksgiving and is surprised to discover that Caro’s twin brother, Thatcher, is the guy she crushed on in college. One of the standout moments in the story is their hockey date, which gives a fun nod to the Orlando Storm from the Hot Shot and Break Out books. Although there’s a brief third-act breakup, it serves an important purpose in helping Thatcher sort out his priorities, while Avery remains clear on what she will and won’t accept. If you're looking for a heartwarming holiday novella, this is the one for you!

"I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own."

Falling For You: A Thanksgiving Novella is out on October 18!!


What to Expect:
🦃 Holiday Romance
😊 Roommates Brother
👨‍💻 Cinnamon Roll Hero
❤️ Second Chance


#FallingForYou #MarissaJamesAuthor #ThanksgivingRomance #SecondChanceRomance #RoommatesBrother #HolidayNovella #RomanticReads #FallInLoveAgain #ThanksgivingLove #HolidayRomance #ARC #ARCReview #ARCReader #NovellaLoveStory #CozyFallReads #HeartwarmingRomance #AutumnLoveStory #AThanksgivingNovella

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 130ish page novella was packed with so much and I definitely craved more!

Avery is recently divorced and finds herself in a new town without many friends aside from her roommate. She ends up going home with Caroline for Thanksgiving to meet her parents… and her siblings.

Surprise! Her twin brother Thatcher, was the one that got away in college many years ago. They both recognize each other but don’t say anything at first.

Thatcher is an overworked *cat daddy* who has never stopped thinking about Avery since college. They start seeing each other, and to really seal the deal - he gets their tickets to a hockey game, even though he’s not a sports fan.

4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️

I’m going to call it a third act breakup but really it was minor and actually very necessary. Thatch needed to see he was stretching himself thin between work and his relationship and needed to do something about it to win the girl.

This was so much fun! My first ever Thanksgiving novella! I’m really hoping for a story for Avery’s roommate. She seems like a lot of fun!

Thanks to Marissa for this early copy! All thoughts and opinion are my own.

[Gianna Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC Team Review✨️

5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶

Avery's perfect Thanksgiving was going to be sitting at home knitting with frozen pizza until her roommate talked her into going home with her. How did Avery not realize her roommate's twin brother was her college crush, Thatcher? 15 years after college and newly divorced, the universe might finally be giving Avery a second chance at love. Can Thatcher show Avery he's not like her ex, or is the second chance over before it begins?

I found Marissa through her Orlando Storm series and have loved both of her books so far, so when she announced a Thanksgiving novella, I was sold. I love fall and haven't read many Thanksgiving themed books. This novella was the perfect mix of short, sweet, spicy, and plot. I loved Thatcher and Avery together and can't wait until Marissa's New Years novella, especially because I have a feeling who the FMC might be! While this novella is not a part of her Orlando Storm series, I like that hockey, and some references from that series were made!

Tropes:
✔️ Thanksgiving Novella
✔️ Roomate's Brother
✔️ Cat Dad
✔️ Cinnamon Roll Hero
✔️ MCs in their Mid 30s

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔️thanksgiving novella
✔️roommate’s brother
✔️second chance

I have read a ton of holiday novellas, but I have never seen/read one that is specifically Thanksgiving focused. When I came across this one I knew exactly what I was going to read today (Thanksgiving Day in the US). It was exactly what I was hoping for — a cute, quick, festive read.

While instalove doesn’t bother me at all, it was a nice change to read a novella where that wasn’t really the case. The MCs met in college fifteen years ago and planned to go on a date until a hurricane came through and ruined their plans. They fell out of contact and moved away from each other after graduation, the FMC got married (and is now divorced) and the MMC became a workaholic married to his job. This story shows how they reconnect and are able to start (then stop, then start again) a relationship. The main plot takes place from Thanksgiving to New Years, and the epilogue shows their engagement one year later.

Cute and low angst, the main tension stems from the MMC’s workaholic tendencies. There is some spice, but it doesn’t overwhelm the plot. You can definitely read this in one sitting.

[JessiKate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a short and sweet Holiday novella & this one, centered around a chance meeting at a Thanksgiving dinner was no different. I absolutely adored the back story and light heartedness between these two characters. Avery is a 35 year old newly divorced woman looking to get back in to dating. Thatcher is a workaholic who still thinks about the girl that got away. Avery just happens to be invited to Thanksgiving dinner by her roommate, Cora, since her parents are out of the country on a cruise. She’s never met Cora’s family but it turns out she has a famous rock star brother - and her other brother? Her twin? Well that’s the boy that she never quite went on a date with in college. You’ll fall head over hills for these two in this fun read. The spice is great - of course it being a novella it’s a solid 2 peppers. There’s plot & what I hope is some world building for these characters to continue on in upcoming books. If you’re looking for a fun quick read to get you in the holiday mood, this is definitely it!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely second chance romance novella. Avery is divorced after her husband of 5 years was so immersed in work that he never prioritized her. Avery is living with her friend Caro. When she goes to Thanksgiving at Caro’s parent’s house she bumps into Thatcher, Caro’s twin. They’d been at the same university and had a date planned until a tropical storm hit. They lost touch until this surprise meeting.

I loved that both Avery and Thatcher never stopped thinking of each other. Their hallway meet cute over Thanksgiving led them into a loving relationship.

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
- Best friend’s twin brother
- He falls hard
- Second chance romance
- Both lovers in their mid-30s
- Thanksgiving Holiday romance
- Cat dad and software developer
- She’s a marketing expert

[Beca Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Falling For You ARC Review✨

If you’re looking for a short fall festive romance to read, this novella is the perfect book!
Avery is invited to Thanksgiving dinner by her roommate Caroline, and turns out her roommates twin brother is someone from her past. Both of them are shocked to see each other, but this is the perfect opportunity to give each other a second chance.
Thatcher is a sweet cat daddy, who wears glasses, and is a hard worker to a fault. Avery is newly divorced, loves hockey, and is a little afraid to give so much of herself again.
The book is a very quick read, but there’s conflict and spice, which I love. Thatcher is a top tier man, and Avery’s communication in what she wants and needs is amazing to see. Definitely a cozy read! Perfect for this time of year!

RATINGS:
4.5/5⭐️
1🌶️

[Monae Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet and short Thanksgiving novella. It had some spice in it but I enjoyed reading this. This was a second chance romance story.

This story is about a woman named Avery. She was planning on spending Thanksgiving by herself eating frozen pizza but her roommate wouldn’t hear of it. Her roommate convinced her to go to her parent’s house with her for Thanksgiving. She never expected to run into her roommate‘a twin brother Thatcher Wells on Thanksgiving morning. It had been fifteen years since she last saw him at college. She had a crush on Thatcher in college. Avery is newly divorced and she thought that she would end up alone. Thatcher walks back into her life and Avery feels that she has been given a second chance. Avery and Thatcher spend time together, go on dates and they fall for each other. This book was perfect to read for the Thanksgiving holiday.

[Cat E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple. Sweet. 2nd Chance

The book begins at a leisurely pace, and initially, I found both Avery and Thatcher to be somewhat awkward in their interactions, which made it hard to fully engage with their characters. However, I'm a big fan of the second chance romance trope, and that aspect really drew me in. I did wish that there was more background development between the main characters; a deeper exploration of their past would have added layers of angst and complexity to the story. At times, the plot felt somewhat bland and lacking in tension. Thankfully, as I continued reading, the narrative picked up momentum toward the end. It was satisfying to finally see their relationship evolve, culminating in a beautiful moment where they ride off into the sunset, metaphorically speaking. It created a lovely sense of closure that made the journey worthwhile.

[KindledWithRomance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Falling For You
Pages: 124
Tropes: One of my favorite microtropes: she runs into a wall of man. One bed.
Smut starts: 68%
Avery's roommate won't let her be alone on Thanksgiving, so Avery accompanies her home. Turns out that she knew roommate's brother in college and they had a series of missed connections.
For obvious reasons, I needed a palate cleanser. It's cute! It's more Thanksgiving-themed than most, but I was still hoping for more Thanksgiving. Both main characters are sweet as honey and they're very kind to each other. They're a little awkward and I was surprised that they were in their 30s, based on how they acted.
There is a third-act breakup because he's a workaholic. Since it's a novella, it's fixed quickly.
But altogether, if you want a cute, short, Hallmark movie-esque novella, you'll like it.

[Avery Dill · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick and easy Thanksgiving read for November, add this book to your TBR. This book is most definitely the cutest book I have ever read!

Avery has no plans for Thanksgiving, so she was just going to hang out in her apartment while Caroline went to visit family, but Caroline brought her along anyway. On Thanksgiving morning, Avery literally runs into her college crush, Thatcher, at Caroline’s parent’s house. They both recognize each other and go into a really cute shock. Just seeing Avery and Thatcher’s story unfold left me smiling, blushing and kicking feet the whole time.

[Courtney | labtestedreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have spooky reads and Christmas/Hanukkah reads, but I can’t say I’ve read a book revolving around Thanksgiving!

This was a cute little novella that didn’t really feel like a novella. Read if you like:
🦃roommates brother
🍂second chance at a first date
🦃thanksgiving
🍂cat dad
🦃spicy novellas
🍂cinnamon roll hero

I loved Avery and Thatcher! I love that Avery set boundaries for what she needed. I love that Thatcher listened to her interests and takes her on a surprise date. Their connection felt real.

I know there is at least one more novella in this world and I *think* I know who it’s about. 🤞🏻🤞🏻 Thank you to the author for my #gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jamie aka TacoGoddess Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I loved this Novella, it was so cute and sweet! The romance,the flirtation, the banter!
Thatcher and Avery are such a cute couple! Their story is so sweet and cute and such heartwarming cozy read for the holidays I recommend it!

Avery is joining her best friends family for the holiday as she is recently divorced due to the fact she was never a priority for her ex!
Avery and Thatcher have met previously at college. He happened to be her college crush and her friends brother;)

Old feelings reignite! This novella explored vulnerability,healing and love! As well as so many heartwarming feels, it was a perfect read and I can’t wait to read more from Marissa James!

I hope we one day get to see more of Thatcher and Avery because I need more lol, I devoured this novella!

[All You Read is Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for You 🍂 by @marissajamesauthor

The perfect fall feels, Thanksgiving, novella! Beware you might want some pumpkin pie while reading! Yum!

This novella was about Thatcher and Avery who had met in college and were supposed to go on a date together but never got to die to the unfortunate timing of a hurricane. Years later they find themselves both at his family Thanksgiving and both single. 🤭

Loved this quick fall read. I would love to someday get more of these characters in a future book! I would also love to get a book with 2 important side characters finally admitting they like one another hehe 🤭

[Alyssa GSell · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥧🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆🥧

4/5⭐️

This is a cute thanksgiving novella.

These two went to college together. They had a date planned but it never happened and Thatcher always felt like he missed out. She is legit his dream girl…

Avery is recently divorced and thinking about dating again.

She goes to Thanksgiving with her best friend/roommate and she had no idea that her friends brother was indeed Thatcher👀

He is shocked to see her but takes this as his second chance..

He is really sweet.. He is also an insane workaholic….

Avery doesn’t want to repeat what she just went through so she expresses her feelings to Thatcher and now he has to make a choice…

[whatinthehea · Rating 5 out of 5]

super cute story!!!

Check me out everywhere: what.in.the.hea

Sub/Genre: Contemporary Romance
Storyline Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes: Best Friends Brother, Second Chance, Divorcee, The one that got away, Over 30
Ending: HEA

Avery’s roommate has invited her to her families Thanksgiving. Stinks wonderful until she realizes her brother is her crush from college! Will they finally get their date? Or is fate still against them??

#romancereader #readmoreromance #tropesaredope #booktok #romancebooks #booklover #readwithme

[Skanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd chance romance.

Avery and Thatcher’s story is definitely 2nd chance romance. They were supposed to have a date their senior year but Mother Nature didn’t let that happen.

Avery is the roommate of Thatcher’s sister Caro and she is invited to Thanksgiving to their house. Little did Avery know her roommate was sibling with Thatcher.

Story is short and to the point. Loved it!

Definitely recommend and will reread. It’s the only Thanksgiving novella I came across this year.

[Hannah Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cutest FALL novella!

Avery is a 35 year old divorcee with no plans for Thanksgiving. Invited by her best friend Cora, Avery joins Cora's family for the holidays. Avery wasn't expecting Cora's brother to be a hot famous rock star but that becomes reality when she runs into Thatcher in the kitchen at breakfast.

Falling For You is a super quick and easy read with all the fall vibes. The cutest love story with a sprinkle of spice. Definitely pick this one up.