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The Best You've Ever Had: A Holiday Novella
Layla Reed hates Christmas - the memories, the festivities, the fake holiday cheer. Being back in her hometown of Havenbrook for the first time in years has her on edge. And now she has to see Ben Brooks, her childhood frenemy.
She can already guarantee that this Christmas will be no different than the years past. But as the holiday season unfolds, she starts to wonder if there's more to Christmas and to Ben than she ever imagined.
Ben remembers Layla just as she was the last time he saw her eleven years ago at their highschool graduation. The years haven't changed her a bit she's still straight to the point, no-nonsense, and hard to impress. But now, when they bicker, he feels a spark.
When she says his name, there's a light in her eyes that wasn't there before.
The only question is, can Layla and Ben stop arguing long enough to turn their newfound spark into something more?
She can already guarantee that this Christmas will be no different than the years past. But as the holiday season unfolds, she starts to wonder if there's more to Christmas and to Ben than she ever imagined.
Ben remembers Layla just as she was the last time he saw her eleven years ago at their highschool graduation. The years haven't changed her a bit she's still straight to the point, no-nonsense, and hard to impress. But now, when they bicker, he feels a spark.
When she says his name, there's a light in her eyes that wasn't there before.
The only question is, can Layla and Ben stop arguing long enough to turn their newfound spark into something more?
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2024
39 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Chasen
4 books95 followersAmelia discovered her love for writing in third grade when her teacher praised her story about hidden treasure as "phenomenal." Pairing this early encouragement with years of obsessively watching "Notting Hill" and "You’ve Got Mail," it's no surprise Amelia now writes contemporary romance novels. When she's not writing or reading, Amelia spends her time raising her two fierce daughters or enjoying late night pizza with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
December 27, 2024
That moment when you don’t expect much, but the book surprises you in the best way!🔥
A little about the plot: the main heroine returns to her hometown for Christmas, where she meets her childhood enemy, whom she hasn't seen for eleven years. Childhood hatred turns into undeniable chemistry that they just can’t resist 😏
Layla is a lawyer who knows exactly what she wants in life. Ben works as a firefighter and has a cat he once saved😍
I couldn’t stop smiling at the banter between the characters—I loved their relationship and how they were always honest with each other.
This novella also touches on loss, and the storyline with the grandfather really moved me 💔
I spent two wonderful evenings with this book, and I’m sure I’ll reread it next year! 🎄
On a side note, I love books about firefighters and truly hope there will be more of them in the future!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
❅ holiday novella
❅ small town
❅ childhood frenemies
❅ fake dating
❅ banter
❅ only one bed
A little about the plot: the main heroine returns to her hometown for Christmas, where she meets her childhood enemy, whom she hasn't seen for eleven years. Childhood hatred turns into undeniable chemistry that they just can’t resist 😏
Layla is a lawyer who knows exactly what she wants in life. Ben works as a firefighter and has a cat he once saved😍
I couldn’t stop smiling at the banter between the characters—I loved their relationship and how they were always honest with each other.
This novella also touches on loss, and the storyline with the grandfather really moved me 💔
I spent two wonderful evenings with this book, and I’m sure I’ll reread it next year! 🎄
On a side note, I love books about firefighters and truly hope there will be more of them in the future!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
❅ holiday novella
❅ small town
❅ childhood frenemies
❅ fake dating
❅ banter
❅ only one bed
December 19, 2024
Чудова історія 😍 обожнюю, коли герої словесно підколюють один одного. Також були і зворушливі моменти, які додали емоційної глибини цій різдвяній новелі
December 24, 2024
Тропи:
- різдвяна новела
- фейкові стосунки
- суперники дитинства
- одне ліжко
- котячий татко
Гірко-солодка новела.
Головні герої підколюють і дражнять один одного - це весело і кумедно.
Зазвичай, мене дратують такі жгг, які тверді як скеля, нікого не підпускають до себе, вперті. Але Лейла мені дуже сподобалася, хоч і були моменти коли її захист спрацьовував, були моменти коли вона піддавалася спокусі здатися і відчути, які можуть бути стосунки з Беном 😍 був баланс
Гірка, бо Бен готується до втрати найважливішої людини у своєму житті - Міка 😭😭😭 пустила сльозу. Це було боляче і дуже зворушливо (Лейла❤️🩹😭)
- різдвяна новела
- фейкові стосунки
- суперники дитинства
- одне ліжко
- котячий татко
Гірко-солодка новела.
Головні герої підколюють і дражнять один одного - це весело і кумедно.
Зазвичай, мене дратують такі жгг, які тверді як скеля, нікого не підпускають до себе, вперті. Але Лейла мені дуже сподобалася, хоч і були моменти коли її захист спрацьовував, були моменти коли вона піддавалася спокусі здатися і відчути, які можуть бути стосунки з Беном 😍 був баланс
Гірка, бо Бен готується до втрати найважливішої людини у своєму житті - Міка 😭😭😭 пустила сльозу. Це було боляче і дуже зворушливо (Лейла❤️🩹😭)
January 3, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
Напевно це найкраща з новел, прочитаних мною в році перед святами.
В ній є й атмосфера свята, і сімейні традиції на Різдво, фейкові стосунки (так, ми це любимо), одне ліжко (це один плюс). Плюс ця новела містить трошки гіркоти, що змучує замислись про цінність сім'ї. Атмосфера цієї історії майстерно балансує між гумором, чуттєвістю та глибокими переживаннями, створюючи ідеальний мікс для захопливого читання.
Головні герої, попри всі свої недоліки, підкорили мене своєю щирістю. Їхній розвиток упродовж книги — це справжня подорож до самопізнання та прийняття. Її гостра, дотепна героїня та харизматичний, але поранений герой — ідеальне поєднання, яке змушує як сміятися, так і співпереживати.
Я провела чудові декілька годин читаючи цю новелу, тому якщо ви хочете святкового настрою, то я раджу цю коротку історію
Напевно це найкраща з новел, прочитаних мною в році перед святами.
В ній є й атмосфера свята, і сімейні традиції на Різдво, фейкові стосунки (так, ми це любимо), одне ліжко (це один плюс). Плюс ця новела містить трошки гіркоти, що змучує замислись про цінність сім'ї. Атмосфера цієї історії майстерно балансує між гумором, чуттєвістю та глибокими переживаннями, створюючи ідеальний мікс для захопливого читання.
Головні герої, попри всі свої недоліки, підкорили мене своєю щирістю. Їхній розвиток упродовж книги — це справжня подорож до самопізнання та прийняття. Її гостра, дотепна героїня та харизматичний, але поранений герой — ідеальне поєднання, яке змушує як сміятися, так і співпереживати.
Я провела чудові декілька годин читаючи цю новелу, тому якщо ви хочете святкового настрою, то я раджу цю коротку історію
November 19, 2024
First 5 star Christmas book of the season
🎄 Christmas Novella
❄️ Grumpy + Grumpy
🎄 Snowed in & one bed
❄️ Fake dating (for a minute)
🎄 Childhood frenemies
❄️ Bickering + Banter galore
🎄 Firefighter MMC
❄️ Lawyer FMC
🎄 Dual + first pov
Layla is a bit of a Christmas Grinch (I secretly am too 🤫) and is returning home for the first time in a while when a close friend of the family has fallen ill. Then she's immediately tasked with going to check in on her childhood frenemy, Ben. Ben is struggling with his grandpa's illness and needs the good kick in the butt Layla gives him.
These two. The Bickering.... The banter. So freaking good. I was laughing constantly.
“ʟᴇᴛ’ꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ɢᴏ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴏʙᴇʀ ᴜᴘ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴡᴇ ᴋɪʟʟ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ.”
Then things really heat up. The spice 🫠🫠. He is GONE for her. I'm a puddle. He's a puddle.
"ɪ’ᴍ ᴀ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴘᴜᴅᴅʟᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʟᴏᴏʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ."
Honestly, same 😂. Layla reminded me a lot of myself in many ways. But so did Ben.
Overall.... Read it y'all!! It's so good.
🎄❄️ Also this is on my Christmas novella challenge 😉 make sure to check it out ❄️🎄
🎄 Christmas Novella
❄️ Grumpy + Grumpy
🎄 Snowed in & one bed
❄️ Fake dating (for a minute)
🎄 Childhood frenemies
❄️ Bickering + Banter galore
🎄 Firefighter MMC
❄️ Lawyer FMC
🎄 Dual + first pov
Layla is a bit of a Christmas Grinch (I secretly am too 🤫) and is returning home for the first time in a while when a close friend of the family has fallen ill. Then she's immediately tasked with going to check in on her childhood frenemy, Ben. Ben is struggling with his grandpa's illness and needs the good kick in the butt Layla gives him.
These two. The Bickering.... The banter. So freaking good. I was laughing constantly.
“ʟᴇᴛ’ꜱ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ɢᴏ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴏʙᴇʀ ᴜᴘ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ᴡᴇ ᴋɪʟʟ ᴇᴀᴄʜ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ.”
Then things really heat up. The spice 🫠🫠. He is GONE for her. I'm a puddle. He's a puddle.
"ɪ’ᴍ ᴀ ꜰᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴘᴜᴅᴅʟᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʟᴏᴏʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ."
Honestly, same 😂. Layla reminded me a lot of myself in many ways. But so did Ben.
Overall.... Read it y'all!! It's so good.
🎄❄️ Also this is on my Christmas novella challenge 😉 make sure to check it out ❄️🎄
December 18, 2024
Мені дуже сподобалось 😻😻
Це точно одна з найкращих різдвяних новел які я читала🥰
Але забираю 1⭐️ за те що мені було мало, хотілось ще більше
Це точно одна з найкращих різдвяних новел які я читала🥰
Але забираю 1⭐️ за те що мені було мало, хотілось ще більше
December 20, 2024
3/5
Мила різдвяна історія про двох ворогів дитинства, які через сімейні обставини зустрічаються в рідному містечку. І вся та неприязнь і ворожість, яка була в дитинстві перетворюється на шалену хімію і пристрасть.
Це було непогано, чудові герої, гарні тропи, стосунки, які розвиваються з шаленою швидкістю, але які складаються з довіри, вразливості, взаємної поваги і цінування особистих кордонів один одного. Тут немає драми у стосунках, все доволі адекватно, драма була в іншому: головний герой готується до втрати близької людини, я знала, що це станеться, герої знали, що це станеться, але все одно було боляче про це читати. Я не очікувала, що при читанні різдвяної історії я буду плакати.
Проте в цілому, для мене історія на один раз, так вона викликала в мене сміх і сльози, але чогось не вистачило, можливо, якби це було повноцінною історією, було б краще.
Мила різдвяна історія про двох ворогів дитинства, які через сімейні обставини зустрічаються в рідному містечку. І вся та неприязнь і ворожість, яка була в дитинстві перетворюється на шалену хімію і пристрасть.
Це було непогано, чудові герої, гарні тропи, стосунки, які розвиваються з шаленою швидкістю, але які складаються з довіри, вразливості, взаємної поваги і цінування особистих кордонів один одного. Тут немає драми у стосунках, все доволі адекватно, драма була в іншому: головний герой готується до втрати близької людини, я знала, що це станеться, герої знали, що це станеться, але все одно було боляче про це читати. Я не очікувала, що при читанні різдвяної історії я буду плакати.
Проте в цілому, для мене історія на один раз, так вона викликала в мене сміх і сльози, але чогось не вистачило, можливо, якби це було повноцінною історією, було б краще.
December 4, 2024
Lo que ame este librito ❤️
🎄Childhood frenemies
🎄Fake Dating
🎄Only one bed
🎄Grumpy | Golden retriever
🎄Abogada ⚖ | Bombero 🚒
Layla y Ben se conocen desde pequeños sus dos madres son mejores amigas pero hay un pequeño detallito ellos se ODIAN.
Han pasado 11 años y Layla vuelve para Navidad ya que el abuelo de Ben ha sido diagnosticado con Cáncer y pues Ben no está pasando por un buen momento debido a eso. Así que Ben para asegurar que los últimos días de su abuelo sean los mejores le pide a Layla que finja ser su novia (Datito: Las familias de ambos siempre han querido que estén juntos) así que Layla acepta fingen ser novios y puesss pasarán cositas, ambos sacan la mejor versión del otro y se dan cuenta que hay mucho más entre ellos.
Léanlo ❤️
Te conozco de toda la vida. Eres como un pedazo de mí, alguien que conozco de pies a cabeza. Y aunque te asuste escucharlo, todo esto se siente tan bien. Estar contigo es lo único que tiene sentido.
🎄Childhood frenemies
🎄Fake Dating
🎄Only one bed
🎄Grumpy | Golden retriever
🎄Abogada ⚖ | Bombero 🚒
Layla y Ben se conocen desde pequeños sus dos madres son mejores amigas pero hay un pequeño detallito ellos se ODIAN.
Han pasado 11 años y Layla vuelve para Navidad ya que el abuelo de Ben ha sido diagnosticado con Cáncer y pues Ben no está pasando por un buen momento debido a eso. Así que Ben para asegurar que los últimos días de su abuelo sean los mejores le pide a Layla que finja ser su novia (Datito: Las familias de ambos siempre han querido que estén juntos) así que Layla acepta fingen ser novios y puesss pasarán cositas, ambos sacan la mejor versión del otro y se dan cuenta que hay mucho más entre ellos.
Léanlo ❤️
Te conozco de toda la vida. Eres como un pedazo de mí, alguien que conozco de pies a cabeza. Y aunque te asuste escucharlo, todo esto se siente tan bien. Estar contigo es lo único que tiene sentido.
January 6, 2025
Неочікувано чудова новела😍😍😍
October 28, 2024
ARC REVIEW
RELEASE DATE 11/19
Tropes-
Fake dating
Childhood frenemies to lovers
One Bed
Firefighter MMC
Holiday novella
Dual POV
✨️This book had me hooked from the very beginning! I could feel the tension between Layla and Ben, and I loved it! These two grew up together, their moms were best friends! So, of course, their moms tried to push them to be friends and then even more. Much to their mothers' dismay, they always hated each other. After graduating high school, Layla left her hometown to become a big shot lawyer. She hasn't been home for years but comes home because of Ben's Grandpa becoming ill. Ben doesn't know how long his Grandpa has but believes he would die a happy man if he thinks that Ben is in a happy relationship. He convinces Layla to be his fake girlfriend. There is a fine line between love and hate, and things don't feel fake for long! I loved Amelia's writing style, and I absolutely ate this book up!
For all my friends who love fake dating and/or one bed tropes, I definitely recommend you give this a read! It's short and sweet, and I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to Amelia for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
* Edit is mine, pictures are not
RELEASE DATE 11/19
Tropes-
Fake dating
Childhood frenemies to lovers
One Bed
Firefighter MMC
Holiday novella
Dual POV
✨️This book had me hooked from the very beginning! I could feel the tension between Layla and Ben, and I loved it! These two grew up together, their moms were best friends! So, of course, their moms tried to push them to be friends and then even more. Much to their mothers' dismay, they always hated each other. After graduating high school, Layla left her hometown to become a big shot lawyer. She hasn't been home for years but comes home because of Ben's Grandpa becoming ill. Ben doesn't know how long his Grandpa has but believes he would die a happy man if he thinks that Ben is in a happy relationship. He convinces Layla to be his fake girlfriend. There is a fine line between love and hate, and things don't feel fake for long! I loved Amelia's writing style, and I absolutely ate this book up!
For all my friends who love fake dating and/or one bed tropes, I definitely recommend you give this a read! It's short and sweet, and I absolutely loved it!
Thank you to Amelia for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
* Edit is mine, pictures are not
October 22, 2024
You know the audio going around on Instagram right now that’s like “Spectacular, give me 14 of them right now!”?? That’s me after finishing this Christmas novella. I’m not even kidding, this should be the blueprint for all novellas. I loved it! I find it’s sometimes hard to really fall in love with the characters in novellas due to the shorter length, but that was NOT the case here. Ben and Layla had so much chemistry, their sarcastic and witty remarks to each other as “frenemies” had me laughing out loud! And then I also found myself legit crying a couple times because there’s a bit of a heartbreaking aspect to the story (not gonna spoil, but maybe grab a few Kleenex!). There is so much character depth within the 160ish pages, and the storyline/plot was so so good. This is the perfect heartwarming Christmas novella to cozy up with and fly through in one sitting!
January 6, 2025
Ооо це було так мило і солодко💕 Ідеальна історія, щоб отримати дозу тепла і щирих почуттів ☺️
Як ніхто знаю, наскільки простіше закритися від світу, коли відч��ваєш себе вразливим. Але як де прекрасно, коли знаходиш людину, якій можеш відкритися, і вона зігріє тебе своєю підтримкою.
Два вічних суперники, які поруч були протягом усього дитячого віку, п��дорослішали і відчули, що вогник ненависті виявляється не таким, як вони думали🩷
Люблю такі інтенсивні емоції, чоловіків золотистих ретриверів з власницькими почуттями і жінок, які тримають долю в своїх руках і не віддають своє серце аби кому попало 🥹
Як ніхто знаю, наскільки простіше закритися від світу, коли відч��ваєш себе вразливим. Але як де прекрасно, коли знаходиш людину, якій можеш відкритися, і вона зігріє тебе своєю підтримкою.
Два вічних суперники, які поруч були протягом усього дитячого віку, п��дорослішали і відчули, що вогник ненависті виявляється не таким, як вони думали🩷
Люблю такі інтенсивні емоції, чоловіків золотистих ретриверів з власницькими почуттями і жінок, які тримають долю в своїх руках і не віддають своє серце аби кому попало 🥹
November 20, 2024
- childhood frenemies
- firefighter x lawyer
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- holiday vibes
Since their moms are bffs H/h have known each other since they were in diapers and have always been competitive throughout and are more of frenemies than friends. h is a grumpy divorce lawyer in the city who comes back home because H's grandad is sick. and H is a firefighter in the town.
i love when H/h have their own lives and don't waste it by one sided pining after the other. their relationship grows naturally as they meet in current timeline and go from navigating adult friendship even though they've known each other their whole life. no overlap of their lives until that point. they start fake dating and eventually fall in love.
(would've rated it more but h, despite having a healthy sex life as a grown 30 ish year old, she tells H that a man has never made her come. i loathe this sub trope of making H the only one that can make her come, it's a personal pet peeve. why make her have a good, even a great sex life but the author can't have her orgasm like a normal human? obv H is all like "Hold my beer" and makes her come that instant. it's unrealistic and unnecessary 🙆♀️)
it's still a solid read after i overlooked the above part, i love a good frenemies to lovers trope when done right and here it is def done right.
- firefighter x lawyer
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- holiday vibes
Since their moms are bffs H/h have known each other since they were in diapers and have always been competitive throughout and are more of frenemies than friends. h is a grumpy divorce lawyer in the city who comes back home because H's grandad is sick. and H is a firefighter in the town.
i love when H/h have their own lives and don't waste it by one sided pining after the other. their relationship grows naturally as they meet in current timeline and go from navigating adult friendship even though they've known each other their whole life. no overlap of their lives until that point. they start fake dating and eventually fall in love.
(would've rated it more but h, despite having a healthy sex life as a grown 30 ish year old, she tells H that a man has never made her come. i loathe this sub trope of making H the only one that can make her come, it's a personal pet peeve. why make her have a good, even a great sex life but the author can't have her orgasm like a normal human? obv H is all like "Hold my beer" and makes her come that instant. it's unrealistic and unnecessary 🙆♀️)
it's still a solid read after i overlooked the above part, i love a good frenemies to lovers trope when done right and here it is def done right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
La primera impresión que tuve de Layla fue que es bastante directa. No teme expresar lo que piensa y puede formular una respuesta antes de que la otra persona termine de hablar. Personalmente, me gustan las protagonistas con carácter fuerte. No soy de las que piensan que todas las mujeres en las historias deben ser amables, perfectas y felices todo el tiempo, ya que hay muchas razones para estar enojadas. Sin embargo, la actitud de Layla no me convenció.
Aunque Layla alejó de su ciudad natal debido a recuerdos dolorosos, estaba destinada a regresar por Ben. El abuelo de Ben estaba en etapa final de su enfermedad, y aunque Ben contaba con el apoyo de su familia y amigos en la estación de bomberos, creo que necesitaba que Layla lo pusiera en su sitio y lo acompañara en esa difícil última Navidad con su abuelo. Durante su estancia, Ben le enseña a Layla cómo debe ser tratada por un verdadero hombre. Ambos logran derribar las barreras que se habían construido. Se brindan apoyo mutuo en sus momentos de debilidad y se ayudan a levantarse cuando lo necesitan.
La novela trata sobre el duelo y la aceptación de la pérdida, y creo que habría sido genial si se hubiera explorado más a fondo. En su forma actual, se sintió un poco apresurada y no tuve suficiente tiempo para conectar completamente con la historia.
Aunque Layla alejó de su ciudad natal debido a recuerdos dolorosos, estaba destinada a regresar por Ben. El abuelo de Ben estaba en etapa final de su enfermedad, y aunque Ben contaba con el apoyo de su familia y amigos en la estación de bomberos, creo que necesitaba que Layla lo pusiera en su sitio y lo acompañara en esa difícil última Navidad con su abuelo. Durante su estancia, Ben le enseña a Layla cómo debe ser tratada por un verdadero hombre. Ambos logran derribar las barreras que se habían construido. Se brindan apoyo mutuo en sus momentos de debilidad y se ayudan a levantarse cuando lo necesitan.
La novela trata sobre el duelo y la aceptación de la pérdida, y creo que habría sido genial si se hubiera explorado más a fondo. En su forma actual, se sintió un poco apresurada y no tuve suficiente tiempo para conectar completamente con la historia.
October 25, 2024
I didn't know it was possible to write such a sweet novella that still emphasized some heavy, real-world problems. But that's exactly what Amelia has done with The Best You've Ever Had. I probably wouldn't have been able to read this about a year ago, but I'm in a place now where reading this was perfect timing. This book talks about the pain and grief that revolves around a parent's adultery and abandonment, as well as all the pain that revolves around the death of a loved one.
With that being said, it wraps all those things up with a holiday atmosphere and a super cute romance that will surely leave you in a festive spirit ready for December! The banter between Layla and Ben is downright adorable, even if they swear they're not friends👀 I can't wait for readers to get their hands on this one just in time for the Christmas season!
A huge thank you to Amelia for giving me the opportunity to read this early! I love being able to share your writing with people. This novella will be released on November 19th in paperback and KU!
You'll love this if you love:
📖 dual POV
📖 fake dating
📖 childhood frenemies to lovers
📖 only one bed
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of cheating, cancer, grief, divorce, parental abandonment, sexual content, death, and panic attacks.
With that being said, it wraps all those things up with a holiday atmosphere and a super cute romance that will surely leave you in a festive spirit ready for December! The banter between Layla and Ben is downright adorable, even if they swear they're not friends👀 I can't wait for readers to get their hands on this one just in time for the Christmas season!
A huge thank you to Amelia for giving me the opportunity to read this early! I love being able to share your writing with people. This novella will be released on November 19th in paperback and KU!
You'll love this if you love:
📖 dual POV
📖 fake dating
📖 childhood frenemies to lovers
📖 only one bed
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of cheating, cancer, grief, divorce, parental abandonment, sexual content, death, and panic attacks.
November 10, 2024
*~*~* Book Review *~*~*
The Best You’ve Ever Had by ameliachasenwrites
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Probably one of my new found favorite romance novellas.
Be prepared to laugh, tear up and sweat 🥵
Comes out in 9 days, November 19,2024.
Will be available for Kindle Unlimited users.
Blurb::
Layla Reed hates Christmas - the memories, the festivities, the fake holiday cheer. Being back in her hometown of Havenbrook for the first time in years has her on edge. And now she has to see Ben Brooks, her childhood frenemy.
She can already guarantee that this Christmas will be no different than the years past. But as the holiday season unfolds, she starts to wonder if there's more to Christmas and to Ben than she ever imagined.
Ben remembers Layla just as she was the last time he saw her eleven years ago at their highschool graduation. The years haven't changed her a bit she's still straight to the point, no-nonsense, and hard to impress. But now, when they bicker, he feels a spark.
When she says his name, there's a light in her eyes that wasn't there before.
The only question is, can Layla and Ben stop arguing long enough to turn their newfound spark into something more?
#kindleunlimitedromance #kindleunlimitedbooks
#ameliachasen #ameliachasenauthor #thebestyouveeverhad #romancenovella
#kindleunlimitedreads #bookreviewerofinstagram #bookreviewersofig #bookshelf #readmorebooks #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #books #booksbooksbooks #amazon #bookstagram #supportindieauthors #kindleunlimited#bookfunnel #arcreader #ARCReaders #arcreaders #bookfunnelromance
The Best You’ve Ever Had by ameliachasenwrites
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Probably one of my new found favorite romance novellas.
Be prepared to laugh, tear up and sweat 🥵
Comes out in 9 days, November 19,2024.
Will be available for Kindle Unlimited users.
Blurb::
Layla Reed hates Christmas - the memories, the festivities, the fake holiday cheer. Being back in her hometown of Havenbrook for the first time in years has her on edge. And now she has to see Ben Brooks, her childhood frenemy.
She can already guarantee that this Christmas will be no different than the years past. But as the holiday season unfolds, she starts to wonder if there's more to Christmas and to Ben than she ever imagined.
Ben remembers Layla just as she was the last time he saw her eleven years ago at their highschool graduation. The years haven't changed her a bit she's still straight to the point, no-nonsense, and hard to impress. But now, when they bicker, he feels a spark.
When she says his name, there's a light in her eyes that wasn't there before.
The only question is, can Layla and Ben stop arguing long enough to turn their newfound spark into something more?
#kindleunlimitedromance #kindleunlimitedbooks
#ameliachasen #ameliachasenauthor #thebestyouveeverhad #romancenovella
#kindleunlimitedreads #bookreviewerofinstagram #bookreviewersofig #bookshelf #readmorebooks #booksofinstagram #bookstagrammer #books #booksbooksbooks #amazon #bookstagram #supportindieauthors #kindleunlimited#bookfunnel #arcreader #ARCReaders #arcreaders #bookfunnelromance
December 13, 2024
3.5⭐️
“I want more, for her and I, and I need it like I’ve been malnourished for years. As if her touch is my sustenance, bringing me back from a numb purgatory.” 🥹❤️🩹
This was such a short and sweet read! Usually I worry about reading novellas because it doesn’t leave a lot of time to develop the characters and their relationship but Ameilia created the perfect balance. By the time we met Ben, I already felt like I knew him and Layla, their dynamic, and their history. Of course for a novella the time frame of things has to be accelerated a little bit but I felt that the overall pacing was excellent! I enjoyed the writing style and there were several laugh out loud moments with the banter and bickering between Ben and Layla. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this cute quick book and definitely recommend it if you are looking for a hallmark worthy holiday read!🎄☃️
“I want more, for her and I, and I need it like I’ve been malnourished for years. As if her touch is my sustenance, bringing me back from a numb purgatory.” 🥹❤️🩹
This was such a short and sweet read! Usually I worry about reading novellas because it doesn’t leave a lot of time to develop the characters and their relationship but Ameilia created the perfect balance. By the time we met Ben, I already felt like I knew him and Layla, their dynamic, and their history. Of course for a novella the time frame of things has to be accelerated a little bit but I felt that the overall pacing was excellent! I enjoyed the writing style and there were several laugh out loud moments with the banter and bickering between Ben and Layla. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this cute quick book and definitely recommend it if you are looking for a hallmark worthy holiday read!🎄☃️
November 22, 2024
The banter. The spice. The heartache. The happy ending. The Christmas traditions and celebrations. Such a great holiday novella to get you in the Christmas mood even in November! Although, now I need more Ben & Layla!
December 24, 2024
After seeing my friend saying how much she loved , I had to go look it up and put it on my holiday reading list. While I want to call it cute, the heavier content (family member diagnosed with cancer) has me taking a step back from that. Otherwise there is a love/hate banter that is great and some fun tension between the 2 main characters that have known each other since they were kids.
Layla has returned home for the holidays for her mother after being gone for many years since the holidays bring back some pretty painful memories. She's not a fan of the holidays or her small town she grew up in. But when her mother immediately asks her to go see her BFF's son (Ben, who she grew up with) because he's in a bad place, Layla lets go of a little animosity toward everything to try to bring Ben out of his slump.
Ben is emotional after dealing with the news that his one hero, his grandfather, has terminal cancer. He's the man he has always looked up to, but now he has to figure out a way to deal with this news while also being present with his family for the holidays. When Layla, his childhood frenemy comes knocking on his door, he has a plan to put a smile on his grandfather's face and maybe even his own as well.
I loved the frenemy aspect of the story that turned into fake dating for the sake of someone else. Also, Ben and his years of pining was unexpected but helped make the storyline more believable. These two had me cracking up, but also their sexual tension was just enough. I liked seeing Layla's exterior melt away for Ben. I did have a few issues that were just "too easy" and perhaps another that wasn't capitalized on, but overall this story was a nice length and had 2 characters that ultimately belonged together. Along with their families, we had a great cast of characters and an enjoyable holiday read that hit on a lot of notes. 3.5 stars
Layla has returned home for the holidays for her mother after being gone for many years since the holidays bring back some pretty painful memories. She's not a fan of the holidays or her small town she grew up in. But when her mother immediately asks her to go see her BFF's son (Ben, who she grew up with) because he's in a bad place, Layla lets go of a little animosity toward everything to try to bring Ben out of his slump.
Ben is emotional after dealing with the news that his one hero, his grandfather, has terminal cancer. He's the man he has always looked up to, but now he has to figure out a way to deal with this news while also being present with his family for the holidays. When Layla, his childhood frenemy comes knocking on his door, he has a plan to put a smile on his grandfather's face and maybe even his own as well.
I loved the frenemy aspect of the story that turned into fake dating for the sake of someone else. Also, Ben and his years of pining was unexpected but helped make the storyline more believable. These two had me cracking up, but also their sexual tension was just enough. I liked seeing Layla's exterior melt away for Ben. I did have a few issues that were just "too easy" and perhaps another that wasn't capitalized on, but overall this story was a nice length and had 2 characters that ultimately belonged together. Along with their families, we had a great cast of characters and an enjoyable holiday read that hit on a lot of notes. 3.5 stars
November 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
2 🔥
Holiday Novella
Small Town Romance
Fake Dating
Childhood Frenemies
Forced Proximity
Snowed In
All The Banter
Black Cat FMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Secret Pining
⚠️This novella does contain the loss of a loved one. Please check content/trigger warnings.⚠️
This was so good!! Amelia packed so much emotion in this holiday novella! It was funny, swoony, spicy, heartbreaking & healing, all wrapped up in a Christmas bow. This novella is about the sassy, fiery, black cat, red-headed Layla && the golden retriever, firefighter Ben. These two have known each other forever, literally. Their moms are best friends, so they were forced to be together all throughout their childhood. But they always fought like cats & dogs, & really leaned into their competitive nature. Layla left their small town after high school & became a big time lawyer. While Ben stayed in town & followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to become a firefighter. Layla is back in town for the holidays, as well to spend time with Ben’s grandfather, who has a terminal cancer with little time left. Ben is really struggling with losing the man he has looked up to his whole life, that is until the ball buster Layla shows up, knocking at his door. Ben comes up with this idea of fake dating, because his grandfather’s last wishes is to see him settle down with a woman & with no one more than Layla. But going through the motions of fake dating, with someone that knows you better than anyone, who is extremely attractive, && you may have been in love with since your teens, doesn’t feel so fake. This was one of the best holiday novellas I’ve read; it had so much emotional depth!
Thank you Amelia Chasen for the ARC!
2 🔥
Holiday Novella
Small Town Romance
Fake Dating
Childhood Frenemies
Forced Proximity
Snowed In
All The Banter
Black Cat FMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Secret Pining
⚠️This novella does contain the loss of a loved one. Please check content/trigger warnings.⚠️
This was so good!! Amelia packed so much emotion in this holiday novella! It was funny, swoony, spicy, heartbreaking & healing, all wrapped up in a Christmas bow. This novella is about the sassy, fiery, black cat, red-headed Layla && the golden retriever, firefighter Ben. These two have known each other forever, literally. Their moms are best friends, so they were forced to be together all throughout their childhood. But they always fought like cats & dogs, & really leaned into their competitive nature. Layla left their small town after high school & became a big time lawyer. While Ben stayed in town & followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to become a firefighter. Layla is back in town for the holidays, as well to spend time with Ben’s grandfather, who has a terminal cancer with little time left. Ben is really struggling with losing the man he has looked up to his whole life, that is until the ball buster Layla shows up, knocking at his door. Ben comes up with this idea of fake dating, because his grandfather’s last wishes is to see him settle down with a woman & with no one more than Layla. But going through the motions of fake dating, with someone that knows you better than anyone, who is extremely attractive, && you may have been in love with since your teens, doesn’t feel so fake. This was one of the best holiday novellas I’ve read; it had so much emotional depth!
Thank you Amelia Chasen for the ARC!
November 17, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I read Amelia’s debut Novel “The Way You Shine” earlier this year, and it was an amazing 5 star read. So of course I ran for this ARC sign up! And it definitely didn’t disappoint!
Lyla is a bit of what we call a holiday season grinch, and when she heads home for the holidays and is sent to check on her childhood enemy sparks definitely start sparking.
Ben may go on a top tier holiday boyfriend list for me. Their banter is top tier, and when they start fake dating the flames really fly! 🤭
The side characters were amazing, and this does pack some emotions as well. This was a FLAWLESS novella for the holiday season, and can’t wait to read more from Amelia!
I read Amelia’s debut Novel “The Way You Shine” earlier this year, and it was an amazing 5 star read. So of course I ran for this ARC sign up! And it definitely didn’t disappoint!
Lyla is a bit of what we call a holiday season grinch, and when she heads home for the holidays and is sent to check on her childhood enemy sparks definitely start sparking.
Ben may go on a top tier holiday boyfriend list for me. Their banter is top tier, and when they start fake dating the flames really fly! 🤭
The side characters were amazing, and this does pack some emotions as well. This was a FLAWLESS novella for the holiday season, and can’t wait to read more from Amelia!
November 24, 2024
I was provided an ARC of The Best You’ve Ever Had by Amelia Chasen and it was incredible!
Layla and Ben are childhood frenemies reunited as fake lovers to get through the holidays and family get togethers, all in hopes of making their families happy.
The romance was inevitable and the chemistry was real!
I love a novella and I was so happy to make this one of my first holiday reads of the season! Thank you @ameliachasenwrites!
Layla and Ben are childhood frenemies reunited as fake lovers to get through the holidays and family get togethers, all in hopes of making their families happy.
The romance was inevitable and the chemistry was real!
I love a novella and I was so happy to make this one of my first holiday reads of the season! Thank you @ameliachasenwrites!
November 30, 2024
3.75⭐
1🌶️
Tropes: Frenemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, holiday novella, fake dating, snowed in, one bed
Dual POV 1st person.
As long as they’ve known each other, Layla and Ben have bickered and fought- even as children. When Layla visits home to celebrate the holidays, she’s roped into checking on Ben who is not dealing well with the news of his grandfather Mick’s terminal illness. But seeing Ben again after so many years they start to feel some sparks amongst their verbal barbs.
This book was ok. I enjoyed reading it but there was nothing that really stood out to me. I think the story could probably use some polishing though, it was weird to me how the blurb talks about how they’ve always hated each other but then in the story Ben says he’s always been interested in her. And the way they fell into bed right away after Mick died was kind of off putting? Surprising? Like, I know there’s no one right way to grieve, and it can make you do weird things but it just seemed a little fast and there was no real build up to it.
1🌶️
Tropes: Frenemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, holiday novella, fake dating, snowed in, one bed
Dual POV 1st person.
As long as they’ve known each other, Layla and Ben have bickered and fought- even as children. When Layla visits home to celebrate the holidays, she’s roped into checking on Ben who is not dealing well with the news of his grandfather Mick’s terminal illness. But seeing Ben again after so many years they start to feel some sparks amongst their verbal barbs.
This book was ok. I enjoyed reading it but there was nothing that really stood out to me. I think the story could probably use some polishing though, it was weird to me how the blurb talks about how they’ve always hated each other but then in the story Ben says he’s always been interested in her. And the way they fell into bed right away after Mick died was kind of off putting? Surprising? Like, I know there’s no one right way to grieve, and it can make you do weird things but it just seemed a little fast and there was no real build up to it.
December 2, 2024
I loved this! It’s a frienemies to lovers, fake dating novella, that also is about families broken and whole, breaking generational trauma, healing old buried wounds, and terminal illness of a loved one. It had the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and emotional. It had me crying numerous times. I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy to add to my favorite Christmas reads ❤️🎄
December 22, 2024
Need something short? Sweet? In the holiday spirit? Romantic? And fills all the gaps of the holiday season? Amelia wrote an adorable novella (spoiler alert is is on KU 😉) about childhood enemies turned adult lovers, bonus? Fake dating. It’s like everyone’s favorite Christmas combo. Holiday season meets faking dating leading to a real romance full of fire and passion. And it’s tiny! So if you’ve got an extra hour, maybe two, this is the Christmas novella for you 😘🎄
Layla and Ben will steal your heart like they stole mine ❤️
Layla and Ben will steal your heart like they stole mine ❤️
October 26, 2024
I was hooked on this book from start to finish! All my favorite things seemed to be contained in these pages, from Christmas, to rom-com, to spice! Definitely kick-starting my Christmas season off on the right note, and I really hope there’s more when it comes to Layla and Ben!
November 7, 2024
My God she’s done it again !! I’m consistently blown away by these books. I love a novella and if you’re looking for something to read for the holidays this is the perfect book for you !!! Highly recommend you preorder your copy today !!
November 3, 2024
THE BEST YOU'VE EVER HAD 🎄 (ARC review)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the perfect Christmas novella!
I haven't read many Christmas books before, but it's something I want to explore more this year.When I think of Christmas stories, I picture something light and heartwarming, and this book delivered just that!🥹 I was hooked from the beginning, and I loved every single page.
The chemistry between the characters was fantastic, and right from the preface, you could sense the tension between them! Layla has that perfect black cat energy, while Ben is very sweet and caring! Also, I love they're back and forth banter and how they are so competetive with each other! Theres defenefly frenimes vibes! But my favorite part was how they were always there for each other when it counted! 🥹✨️
The Best You've Ever Had has a great pace, striking the ideal balance between cute, sweet, cozy, and a touch of sadness. It's the perfect book for a cozy day on the sofa with a hot cup of tea and some cookies.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the perfect Christmas novella!
I haven't read many Christmas books before, but it's something I want to explore more this year.When I think of Christmas stories, I picture something light and heartwarming, and this book delivered just that!🥹 I was hooked from the beginning, and I loved every single page.
The chemistry between the characters was fantastic, and right from the preface, you could sense the tension between them! Layla has that perfect black cat energy, while Ben is very sweet and caring! Also, I love they're back and forth banter and how they are so competetive with each other! Theres defenefly frenimes vibes! But my favorite part was how they were always there for each other when it counted! 🥹✨️
The Best You've Ever Had has a great pace, striking the ideal balance between cute, sweet, cozy, and a touch of sadness. It's the perfect book for a cozy day on the sofa with a hot cup of tea and some cookies.
July 27, 2025
Wow I loved this so much! Definitely a fav holiday novella 😍
Review to come 🥰
⬆️ that was from December 2024 & it's now July 2025 and that review did not come 😅
going through my notes to put together somewhat of a review!
(reading my notes I think this will need a re-read this year)
This was SO GOOD 😍
My first Amelia Chasen book & definitely won’t be my last!!
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: open door |
I’ve been kinda getting tired of holiday reads (my thoughts last December 😅), they’ve all been blending together, but was in a novella mood so decided to try this one
I loved it, I can’t quite figure out why but it felt different.
It’s a challenge to tell a full story in a novella, to care about the characters - Amelia did this perfectly.
✦ tropes & stuff:
💫 childhood frenemies to lovers
🥸 fake dating
💼 sassy lawyer fmc
🔥 firefighter cat dad mmc
💙 he falls first
❄️snowed in/only one bed
🌲 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
Review to come 🥰
⬆️ that was from December 2024 & it's now July 2025 and that review did not come 😅
going through my notes to put together somewhat of a review!
(reading my notes I think this will need a re-read this year)
This was SO GOOD 😍
My first Amelia Chasen book & definitely won’t be my last!!
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: open door |
I’ve been kinda getting tired of holiday reads (my thoughts last December 😅), they’ve all been blending together, but was in a novella mood so decided to try this one
I loved it, I can’t quite figure out why but it felt different.
It’s a challenge to tell a full story in a novella, to care about the characters - Amelia did this perfectly.
✦ tropes & stuff:
💫 childhood frenemies to lovers
🥸 fake dating
💼 sassy lawyer fmc
🔥 firefighter cat dad mmc
💙 he falls first
❄️snowed in/only one bed
🌲 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
October 21, 2024
Thank you so much Author Amelia Chasen, for giving me this awesome opportunity to read a ARC for your new upcoming Holiday Novella.
(The Best You’ve Ever Had)
5⭐️read!! I destroyed this book up I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning till the very end💫
Amelia Chasen, writes a delightful frenemies-to-lovers story between the two main characters-
(Layla Reed and Ben Brooks)
My girlie Layla, who’s a family law attorney but also harbors a deep-seated dislike for Christmas, finds herself back in her hometown of Havenbrook, forced to confront both the seasonal festivities and her childhood frenemy, Ben, as they clash and banter, Layla begins to uncover unexpected layers to both the holiday spirit and Ben himself.
Meanwhile Ben:) who has carried vivid memories of Layla since their high school graduation, notices a new spark when their paths cross again and that’s when the lovely Amelia Chasen, gives you a hooking surprise when Layla and Ben put aside their differences long enough to explore the potential for something more amid with backdrop of twinkling lights and festive cheer🤩 along epic ice skating attempts🥹with a tale of childhood frenemies turned lovers in a snowed-in=one bed👀😍 in a small town:) with a gripping dual POV that keeps you hooked-Chef kisses✨💋) plus Moments of fake dating with hits of added spice moments and while with a journey of emotional depths of grief and background affairs which enhances this beautiful novella along with it fast-paced and beautifully written!! It even gets better with the Author’s writing skills of the MFC she’s such a strong heroine who confronts hate and doesn’t take crap from no one!!✨💅
Plus Amelia Chasen, writes her a beautiful personality!! Layla’s mix of love and humor keeps Ben on his toes 24/7 with playful rivalry of years with endless laughter, which will never end with their childhood frenemies banter which Layla will forever enjoy🥹💖
Plus who couldn’t love teasing a firefighter hero Ben, who's irresistibly devoted! with charming/funny humor and while Ben hides his feelings well….BUT for Layla, his love shines bright. It's impossible to ignore the warmth that spreads whenever she's near. The way he cares reveals a depth that makes everyone around him adore him even more. He may try to keep it buried, but it’s clear as day!! his heart is an open book when it comes to his girl Layla🥹❤️I actually NEED!!!
“Ben Brooks” in real life asap Amelia Chasen
he’s my new book BF!!!💖💫
Pre-order
(The Best You’ve Ever Had)
Now for an unforgettable holiday novella.
And be prepared to fall in love with Ben and Layla's story, which will be releasing on
November 19, 2024🤩and you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @ameliachasenwrites on IG and view her lovely page filled with characters work of the main characters💖
(The Best You’ve Ever Had)
5⭐️read!! I destroyed this book up I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning till the very end💫
Amelia Chasen, writes a delightful frenemies-to-lovers story between the two main characters-
(Layla Reed and Ben Brooks)
My girlie Layla, who’s a family law attorney but also harbors a deep-seated dislike for Christmas, finds herself back in her hometown of Havenbrook, forced to confront both the seasonal festivities and her childhood frenemy, Ben, as they clash and banter, Layla begins to uncover unexpected layers to both the holiday spirit and Ben himself.
Meanwhile Ben:) who has carried vivid memories of Layla since their high school graduation, notices a new spark when their paths cross again and that’s when the lovely Amelia Chasen, gives you a hooking surprise when Layla and Ben put aside their differences long enough to explore the potential for something more amid with backdrop of twinkling lights and festive cheer🤩 along epic ice skating attempts🥹with a tale of childhood frenemies turned lovers in a snowed-in=one bed👀😍 in a small town:) with a gripping dual POV that keeps you hooked-Chef kisses✨💋) plus Moments of fake dating with hits of added spice moments and while with a journey of emotional depths of grief and background affairs which enhances this beautiful novella along with it fast-paced and beautifully written!! It even gets better with the Author’s writing skills of the MFC she’s such a strong heroine who confronts hate and doesn’t take crap from no one!!✨💅
Plus Amelia Chasen, writes her a beautiful personality!! Layla’s mix of love and humor keeps Ben on his toes 24/7 with playful rivalry of years with endless laughter, which will never end with their childhood frenemies banter which Layla will forever enjoy🥹💖
Plus who couldn’t love teasing a firefighter hero Ben, who's irresistibly devoted! with charming/funny humor and while Ben hides his feelings well….BUT for Layla, his love shines bright. It's impossible to ignore the warmth that spreads whenever she's near. The way he cares reveals a depth that makes everyone around him adore him even more. He may try to keep it buried, but it’s clear as day!! his heart is an open book when it comes to his girl Layla🥹❤️I actually NEED!!!
“Ben Brooks” in real life asap Amelia Chasen
he’s my new book BF!!!💖💫
Pre-order
(The Best You’ve Ever Had)
Now for an unforgettable holiday novella.
And be prepared to fall in love with Ben and Layla's story, which will be releasing on
November 19, 2024🤩and you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @ameliachasenwrites on IG and view her lovely page filled with characters work of the main characters💖
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