What do you think?
Rate this book
The Valentine Nook Chronicles #0.5
Once Upon a Christmas Tree
Alexander, Lord Burlington, hates the holidays.
But duty calls. This year he’s willing to set his feelings aside for the sake of his eldest brother who’s just been left at the altar - sending shockwaves through British high society - as they escape London for the snow capped mountains of Aspen.
However, it soon becomes obvious that Colorado in December wasn’t the best place to go for someone who usually out-grinches The Grinch.
Haven Wylder has spent the last four years paying off debts her parents left when they died. Between working on her ranch, or in her Christmas store and taking on every other job she can, there’s been no time for fun. But if there’s one thing guaranteed to put a smile on her face it’s the holidays and the annual gingerbread decorating competition.
What she wasn’t expecting was the tall, handsome stranger with the accent to die for who, *gasp*, hates Christmas.
It doesn’t take long for Haven to start changing Alex’s mind. It has nothing to do with her berry red lips and glossy caramel curls tumbling down her back, or her big doe eyes as green as the Christmas trees she selling. Or the way she fills out her jeans.
None at all.
Alexander will never not despise Christmas, but a fling with Haven Wylder might be just the thing to make it a little more bearable. That is… if he can leave her and their unforgettable connection behind.
But duty calls. This year he’s willing to set his feelings aside for the sake of his eldest brother who’s just been left at the altar - sending shockwaves through British high society - as they escape London for the snow capped mountains of Aspen.
However, it soon becomes obvious that Colorado in December wasn’t the best place to go for someone who usually out-grinches The Grinch.
Haven Wylder has spent the last four years paying off debts her parents left when they died. Between working on her ranch, or in her Christmas store and taking on every other job she can, there’s been no time for fun. But if there’s one thing guaranteed to put a smile on her face it’s the holidays and the annual gingerbread decorating competition.
What she wasn’t expecting was the tall, handsome stranger with the accent to die for who, *gasp*, hates Christmas.
It doesn’t take long for Haven to start changing Alex’s mind. It has nothing to do with her berry red lips and glossy caramel curls tumbling down her back, or her big doe eyes as green as the Christmas trees she selling. Or the way she fills out her jeans.
None at all.
Alexander will never not despise Christmas, but a fling with Haven Wylder might be just the thing to make it a little more bearable. That is… if he can leave her and their unforgettable connection behind.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
423 people are currently reading
3755 people want to read
About the author
Lulu Moore
22 books1,425 followersLulu started writing by accident, and somehow found herself stuck in a fictional world of ice hockey, baseball and billionaires. A world she has no plans to leave. She's the creator of The New York Players Series, The Tuesday Club Series, and The New York Lions - the worst team in the M.L.B.
More recently she's ventured across the Atlantic to where her latest novel is set - the beautiful cities of Oxford and Cambridge, and the annual rowing showdown on the River Thames.
She's a big fan of strong heroines, because those fierce alphas need someone to keep them in check. You'll find her navigating her way through Romance Land one HEA at a time, and trying to figure out the latest social media platform she needs to post to.
More recently she's ventured across the Atlantic to where her latest novel is set - the beautiful cities of Oxford and Cambridge, and the annual rowing showdown on the River Thames.
She's a big fan of strong heroines, because those fierce alphas need someone to keep them in check. You'll find her navigating her way through Romance Land one HEA at a time, and trying to figure out the latest social media platform she needs to post to.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 871 reviews
December 10, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ holiday romance
Series ~ The Valentine Nook Chronicles prequel
Setting ~ England & Colorado
Publication date ~ November 15, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select
Est Page Count ~ 220
Audio length ~ 5 hours 39 minutes
Narrators ~ Shane East, C.J. Bloom
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ Grinch/Christmas lover, billionaire, insta~lust, opposites attract, slowburn~ish, fling, some steamage
Alexander & Haven (25)
Alexander is a Lord in England and has headed across the pond with his brothers to Aspen for the holiday season. He's not too thrilled about it since he hates Christmastime and the reason is super sad. But his brother needs him right now, so off they go.
Haven has a sad backstory, too. She's trying to make ends meet in every way possible, from working at a Christmas shop to selling Christmas trees. Will she ever get out of the debt her parents left after their passing?
I love that the town has a gingerbread making contest every year. And oh my heart with the creation Alex made. It was like the most adorablest ever!
This is marketed as a novella, but at 220 pages/over 5 hours it doesn't read like one. I didn't feel like I was gipped. The character development was great, as were all of the characters. The siblings have brilliant brotherly banter as did our FMC and MMC. Overall, delightful, but cliffhangery.
Narration notes:
Both did fine overall, but her male British accent is much better than his female American accent. He made her sound so breathy 🤣
Series notes:
This is a prequel to the series The Valentine Nook Chronicles, which will follow Alex's family and this introduced the whole family. I'm sad I have to wait until September 2025 for Valentine Nook.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ holiday romance
Series ~ The Valentine Nook Chronicles prequel
Setting ~ England & Colorado
Publication date ~ November 15, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select
Est Page Count ~ 220
Audio length ~ 5 hours 39 minutes
Narrators ~ Shane East, C.J. Bloom
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ Grinch/Christmas lover, billionaire, insta~lust, opposites attract, slowburn~ish, fling, some steamage
Alexander & Haven (25)
Alexander is a Lord in England and has headed across the pond with his brothers to Aspen for the holiday season. He's not too thrilled about it since he hates Christmastime and the reason is super sad. But his brother needs him right now, so off they go.
Haven has a sad backstory, too. She's trying to make ends meet in every way possible, from working at a Christmas shop to selling Christmas trees. Will she ever get out of the debt her parents left after their passing?
I love that the town has a gingerbread making contest every year. And oh my heart with the creation Alex made. It was like the most adorablest ever!
This is marketed as a novella, but at 220 pages/over 5 hours it doesn't read like one. I didn't feel like I was gipped. The character development was great, as were all of the characters. The siblings have brilliant brotherly banter as did our FMC and MMC. Overall, delightful, but cliffhangery.
Narration notes:
Both did fine overall, but her male British accent is much better than his female American accent. He made her sound so breathy 🤣
Series notes:
This is a prequel to the series The Valentine Nook Chronicles, which will follow Alex's family and this introduced the whole family. I'm sad I have to wait until September 2025 for Valentine Nook.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
January 5, 2025
This had a good setup for a Christmas romance. He's grumpy, stupid rich, hates Christmas, and he's British (important because the heroine finds this SUPER HOT). She loves Christmas but is down on her luck with nothing but a ton of debt and the bakery and Christmas tree farm her father left her when he died.
The romance was not my favorite at all, with little to it other than how horny they were for each other.
The Christmas vibes, bakery descriptions, gingerbread house contest, and just the brothers in general were the highlight. This is the prequel set up to what will be a new series from the author.
I received an ARC for review.
The romance was not my favorite at all, with little to it other than how horny they were for each other.
The Christmas vibes, bakery descriptions, gingerbread house contest, and just the brothers in general were the highlight. This is the prequel set up to what will be a new series from the author.
I received an ARC for review.
November 16, 2024
4.5 stars
I love Christmas romances and I love Lulu Moore, so it's no surprise that I loved this one! The hero comes to Aspen after his brother's wedding falls through and he hates Christmas. But one night they go to a bar and he sees Haven. He can't get her out of his head, but little does he know that Haven's life revolves around Christmas. She runs the bakery and the Christmas tree farm her parents left behind when she died. They have immediate chemistry and I loved how his brothers would get up to things and give him a hard time. The spicing was SPICING and I loved how this took place at Christmas at Aspen. The ending definitely left me intrigued and I can't wait for this new series to start!
I love Christmas romances and I love Lulu Moore, so it's no surprise that I loved this one! The hero comes to Aspen after his brother's wedding falls through and he hates Christmas. But one night they go to a bar and he sees Haven. He can't get her out of his head, but little does he know that Haven's life revolves around Christmas. She runs the bakery and the Christmas tree farm her parents left behind when she died. They have immediate chemistry and I loved how his brothers would get up to things and give him a hard time. The spicing was SPICING and I loved how this took place at Christmas at Aspen. The ending definitely left me intrigued and I can't wait for this new series to start!
November 14, 2024
My first christmas book of the season and I couldn't adore this one more!!
I need to read everyone's book - NOW.
Super fast-paced with everything I look forward to in holiday's books: Christmas vibes, perfrct banter, and a main couple with amazing chemistry.
"Once Upon a Christmas Tree" was such a great teaser for the upcoming series that Lulu will gift us next year. I am pretty much on my knees for every single brother (and sister) book!
This one in particular is just the perfect vibe for this time of the year and I can't recommend this novella more. Alex was just so funny to meet and I loved to see a deeper side of his character - I can't wait to know more about him and to fall in love (AGAIN) with his story.
Haven is such a great female leader and I loved her vibe deeply! Everything about her made me fall in love more with Christmas and I am so happy that she brought that vibe to my life.
This novella is fast-paced and SUPER addictive. I couldn't put this book down and I am sure no one will be able to do it as well. Lulu's writing is amazing and I can't wait to see more of this family. Truly!!
If you want just a funny, spicy and cute Christmas novella pick this one up. The vibes are immaculate!!
I need to read everyone's book - NOW.
Super fast-paced with everything I look forward to in holiday's books: Christmas vibes, perfrct banter, and a main couple with amazing chemistry.
"Once Upon a Christmas Tree" was such a great teaser for the upcoming series that Lulu will gift us next year. I am pretty much on my knees for every single brother (and sister) book!
This one in particular is just the perfect vibe for this time of the year and I can't recommend this novella more. Alex was just so funny to meet and I loved to see a deeper side of his character - I can't wait to know more about him and to fall in love (AGAIN) with his story.
Haven is such a great female leader and I loved her vibe deeply! Everything about her made me fall in love more with Christmas and I am so happy that she brought that vibe to my life.
This novella is fast-paced and SUPER addictive. I couldn't put this book down and I am sure no one will be able to do it as well. Lulu's writing is amazing and I can't wait to see more of this family. Truly!!
If you want just a funny, spicy and cute Christmas novella pick this one up. The vibes are immaculate!!
September 5, 2025
When Alex, the Christmas Hating Aristocrat travels to Aspen with his brothers, he meets Christmas Loving Haven. Will a steamy week together in the mountains change Alex mind about Christmas?
“The way you kiss someone for the first time when you know you’re probably never going to see them again. When there’s nothing to lose.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Ahh Yes!! This is the perfect holiday novella! Alex and his Aristocratic brothers descend on Aspen for an escape and the slopes. No way could Alex imagine the week he would have with Haven. Alex hates Christmas, usually he hides out for the month of December until it passes, so when he meets Haven, a certified Christmas lover who owns her own Christmas store, Alex decides he needs to join the local bakeries Gingerbread House making competition, just to get her attention and boy does it work. Their chemistry is immediate, and their banter and steam are so delicious! Someone pass me the eggnog!
This novella was way too short, and I wanted so much more! This is just the beginning of the Burlington Brothers as an intro to Lulu’s upcoming Valentine Nook series!
“That first day I saw you next to the jukebox, I knew I wanted to fuck you. But I never thought I’d enjoy fucking you this much. I never want this to end.”
____________________
🎧Audio ReRead!
AHHHHH I still loved this story so freaking much!
I can’t wait for Holiday and Lando’s Story in Valentine Nook and when we get to see Alex and Haven again!💛🖤
“The way you kiss someone for the first time when you know you’re probably never going to see them again. When there’s nothing to lose.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Ahh Yes!! This is the perfect holiday novella! Alex and his Aristocratic brothers descend on Aspen for an escape and the slopes. No way could Alex imagine the week he would have with Haven. Alex hates Christmas, usually he hides out for the month of December until it passes, so when he meets Haven, a certified Christmas lover who owns her own Christmas store, Alex decides he needs to join the local bakeries Gingerbread House making competition, just to get her attention and boy does it work. Their chemistry is immediate, and their banter and steam are so delicious! Someone pass me the eggnog!
This novella was way too short, and I wanted so much more! This is just the beginning of the Burlington Brothers as an intro to Lulu’s upcoming Valentine Nook series!
“That first day I saw you next to the jukebox, I knew I wanted to fuck you. But I never thought I’d enjoy fucking you this much. I never want this to end.”
____________________
🎧Audio ReRead!
AHHHHH I still loved this story so freaking much!
I can’t wait for Holiday and Lando’s Story in Valentine Nook and when we get to see Alex and Haven again!💛🖤
November 15, 2024
Once Upon a Christmas Tree
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❄️ vacation romance
🏴 british MMC
❄️ spicy
🏴 christmas lover/christmas hater
A short and spicy Christmas novella prequel? Count me in, because this book delivers on every level! And the fact that the four brothers are actual Lords? Chef’s kiss—I’m all in for a little royalty drama.
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is hotter than a red-hot chili pepper. Seriously, I was blushing and out of breath during some of the steamy scenes. The book may be short, but it certainly packs a punch.
Our MMC, Alex, is a British Lord who despises Christmas, while our FMC, Haven, is a Christmas-loving girl from Aspen. When these two meet, the sparks fly and the vacation romance kicks off in full force.
I couldn’t get enough of this story, and the fact that this is just the prequel has me so excited for what’s coming next. It was the perfect book to kick off my holiday reading this year!
Thank you Valentine PR for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❄️ vacation romance
🏴 british MMC
❄️ spicy
🏴 christmas lover/christmas hater
A short and spicy Christmas novella prequel? Count me in, because this book delivers on every level! And the fact that the four brothers are actual Lords? Chef’s kiss—I’m all in for a little royalty drama.
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is hotter than a red-hot chili pepper. Seriously, I was blushing and out of breath during some of the steamy scenes. The book may be short, but it certainly packs a punch.
Our MMC, Alex, is a British Lord who despises Christmas, while our FMC, Haven, is a Christmas-loving girl from Aspen. When these two meet, the sparks fly and the vacation romance kicks off in full force.
I couldn’t get enough of this story, and the fact that this is just the prequel has me so excited for what’s coming next. It was the perfect book to kick off my holiday reading this year!
Thank you Valentine PR for the ARC!
November 23, 2024
OHHHHH this was fun! Did someone say spicy hallmark??? This was an amazing little appetizer for what’s to come in her newest series and I’m gonna be sitting right over here until she releases the next book. If you love hallmark, Theo James, cozy dates, and all the Christmas vibes…this novella is for you + it’ll pull you out of any reading slump!!
November 27, 2025
3,75
This might be a Christmas miracle, but I actually enjoyed a Christmas themed book. The romance is pretty insta lust and based on attraction first and foremost, but there's good chemistry and some spending time together and getting to know each other; I had a good time, smiling throughout. The novella is cute and funny with a likable cast of characters that got me caring about the family, I really enjoyed the brothers and their dynamic, it got me interested in reading their stories.
This might be a Christmas miracle, but I actually enjoyed a Christmas themed book. The romance is pretty insta lust and based on attraction first and foremost, but there's good chemistry and some spending time together and getting to know each other; I had a good time, smiling throughout. The novella is cute and funny with a likable cast of characters that got me caring about the family, I really enjoyed the brothers and their dynamic, it got me interested in reading their stories.
November 21, 2024
This was the perfect book to get me in the holiday mood. Skiing. Christmas vacation. Cinnamon buns and a gingerbread contest and of course the Christmas tree farm! I thought this was a great intro to a whole new world of characters that we are going to see fall soon. I loved the insta connection between Alex and Haven, and I liked how real they were with each other. Neither one of them seems to do casual, but they have found themselves in a can't be anything but casual because of the distance. I loved how Haven got Alex to open up and be comfortable with the holiday despite the grief that rides him because of his dad. The pacing and everything felt very natural. And while I hate that there wasn't an HEA, would there really be one after 5 days??
Alex is in protector mode for his brother Lando who just walked away from his wedding of the century after finding his bride to be in bed with his best friend. Alex decides that all of the brother's need to get away and so books them a place in Aspen. Even though it is Christmastime, which he hates, he will put on a face for Lando. He expects the skiing and the togetherness with his brothers. What he does not expect is Haven the hottie who seems to work everywhere. She's a baker, a Christmas tree farm owner, a bartender and he can't get her off of his mind. He can't remember the last time this happened to him where he felt this strong of a connection to an almost stranger. Then they have the night of his life. Best ever. No comparisons. But he doesn't know how much more he should invest since he is leaving in a few days, but he finds that he can't stay away. She makes him FEEL. He doesn't know what to do now that he has to leave. They can't be more right? He lives in bloody England. But he finds himself making a vague promise to return in the hopes that it will work because one thing he knows for sure is that he doesn't like the idea of anyone else having her, he just doesn't know what to with that.
Haven is working her butt off. She has a goal and is SOOO close to reaching it and then she can be free of this responsibility and how much it has cost her over the past 4 years. Her friend is trying to convince her to let loose a little during the holidays. And after bumping into a hottie in not one but three of her different work places she finds herself gravitating towards him. Alex is unlike any other guy she has seen. His accent though. And when they go on a date she realizes that she is being more herself than she has in years. He doesn't know all of her struggles. He just knows her and this chemistry and attraction that is between them. But it can only be one night right? But man what a night. He has kind of ghosted her but that's to be expected right since he is going home in like 3 days but then he shows back up. And his gingerbread house that he makes is directly for her and probably the sweetest thing anyone has done for her. She finds herself thinking what she is going to do when he leaves. But she is going to stay in the here and now and they have an AMAZING last night together. I mean he stayed back an extra day just with her. And when it's time to say goodbye she finds herself saying yes to seeing him next week around the same time. Who knows what may happen between now and then but she knows she hasn't felt this way before!
I absolutely loved these characters. The cute small-town woman with the literal lord of England. They don't know a lot about their life circumstances but they know enough to know they like each other and that they both feel this connection. Once again, I have to say while I understand it, I HATE that we didn't get their HEA. It makes me wonder what kind of schemes Lulu has up her sleeve. And are we going to have to wait until book 5 of the 5 book series to get their HEA?? Please say no Lulu!! I am really looking forward to watching Lando and whoever the mysterious woman is. I just KNOW that is going to be fun AND I am hoping we get some breadcrumbs of Alex and Haven LOL.
Thank you to Valetine PR and Lulu for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Alex is in protector mode for his brother Lando who just walked away from his wedding of the century after finding his bride to be in bed with his best friend. Alex decides that all of the brother's need to get away and so books them a place in Aspen. Even though it is Christmastime, which he hates, he will put on a face for Lando. He expects the skiing and the togetherness with his brothers. What he does not expect is Haven the hottie who seems to work everywhere. She's a baker, a Christmas tree farm owner, a bartender and he can't get her off of his mind. He can't remember the last time this happened to him where he felt this strong of a connection to an almost stranger. Then they have the night of his life. Best ever. No comparisons. But he doesn't know how much more he should invest since he is leaving in a few days, but he finds that he can't stay away. She makes him FEEL. He doesn't know what to do now that he has to leave. They can't be more right? He lives in bloody England. But he finds himself making a vague promise to return in the hopes that it will work because one thing he knows for sure is that he doesn't like the idea of anyone else having her, he just doesn't know what to with that.
Haven is working her butt off. She has a goal and is SOOO close to reaching it and then she can be free of this responsibility and how much it has cost her over the past 4 years. Her friend is trying to convince her to let loose a little during the holidays. And after bumping into a hottie in not one but three of her different work places she finds herself gravitating towards him. Alex is unlike any other guy she has seen. His accent though. And when they go on a date she realizes that she is being more herself than she has in years. He doesn't know all of her struggles. He just knows her and this chemistry and attraction that is between them. But it can only be one night right? But man what a night. He has kind of ghosted her but that's to be expected right since he is going home in like 3 days but then he shows back up. And his gingerbread house that he makes is directly for her and probably the sweetest thing anyone has done for her. She finds herself thinking what she is going to do when he leaves. But she is going to stay in the here and now and they have an AMAZING last night together. I mean he stayed back an extra day just with her. And when it's time to say goodbye she finds herself saying yes to seeing him next week around the same time. Who knows what may happen between now and then but she knows she hasn't felt this way before!
I absolutely loved these characters. The cute small-town woman with the literal lord of England. They don't know a lot about their life circumstances but they know enough to know they like each other and that they both feel this connection. Once again, I have to say while I understand it, I HATE that we didn't get their HEA. It makes me wonder what kind of schemes Lulu has up her sleeve. And are we going to have to wait until book 5 of the 5 book series to get their HEA?? Please say no Lulu!! I am really looking forward to watching Lando and whoever the mysterious woman is. I just KNOW that is going to be fun AND I am hoping we get some breadcrumbs of Alex and Haven LOL.
Thank you to Valetine PR and Lulu for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 13, 2024
#Review: *Once upon a Christmas tree* - Lulu Moore - ARC [18+]
4.5/5✨
3/5🌶️
I liked all the books I've read from Lulu Moore, so it was a pretty obvious thing to me to sign up for this Christmassy story. Thank you for this approval, Valentine Pr and Lulu.
This was a pretty short read, but full of warmth and Christmas vibes. It follows the Burlington family, which is very important in England. The names of the brothers are: Alexander, Lando, Miles and Hendricks (the single dad). All of them went to Aspen, where Alex will have his heart stolen by Haven Wylder.
Haven had a pretty hard time after loosing her parents and dealing with the debts they left behind. They both suffered from cancer, so their treatments had eaten up all their savings. Now, Haven is overwhelming herself with multiple jobs, just to cover everything she owed. But even in this situation, what she earns is barely enough for what she needed.
While working at one of her jobs, Haven meets Alex and their connection is instant. Their paths will continue to cross in the next days, so Alex decided to make everything to be around Haven. Until she lets her walls down and just live a more normal life for a couple of days.
Their relationship was really sweet and also spicy. Alex is such a heartbreaker, turning heads in any room he was in, and he knew how much Haven was affected by him, taking advantage of that. The banter was fire, ending with some pretty nice fireworks🤭. Their lives were so different in some ways, but so similar in other aspects, a thing which will count very much in their relationship.
This book was a cute little story, which had a couple of lessons behind all the fun parts. Of course, it's perfect to be read near the holidays, but I enjoyed it very much right now too🥰.
✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#CloseProximity
#Billionaire
#HolidayRomance
#InstaLove
#LossAndGrief
#Royalty
4.5/5✨
3/5🌶️
I liked all the books I've read from Lulu Moore, so it was a pretty obvious thing to me to sign up for this Christmassy story. Thank you for this approval, Valentine Pr and Lulu.
This was a pretty short read, but full of warmth and Christmas vibes. It follows the Burlington family, which is very important in England. The names of the brothers are: Alexander, Lando, Miles and Hendricks (the single dad). All of them went to Aspen, where Alex will have his heart stolen by Haven Wylder.
Haven had a pretty hard time after loosing her parents and dealing with the debts they left behind. They both suffered from cancer, so their treatments had eaten up all their savings. Now, Haven is overwhelming herself with multiple jobs, just to cover everything she owed. But even in this situation, what she earns is barely enough for what she needed.
While working at one of her jobs, Haven meets Alex and their connection is instant. Their paths will continue to cross in the next days, so Alex decided to make everything to be around Haven. Until she lets her walls down and just live a more normal life for a couple of days.
Their relationship was really sweet and also spicy. Alex is such a heartbreaker, turning heads in any room he was in, and he knew how much Haven was affected by him, taking advantage of that. The banter was fire, ending with some pretty nice fireworks🤭. Their lives were so different in some ways, but so similar in other aspects, a thing which will count very much in their relationship.
This book was a cute little story, which had a couple of lessons behind all the fun parts. Of course, it's perfect to be read near the holidays, but I enjoyed it very much right now too🥰.
✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#CloseProximity
#Billionaire
#HolidayRomance
#InstaLove
#LossAndGrief
#Royalty
November 26, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
Yep. This prequel novella made me absolutely giddy for this new series and I’m so so ready for more!
Holiday novels are about to become my entire personality for the foreseeable future and ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS TREE was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
PLUS it sets up her new Valentine Nook Chronicles Series! And I absolutely cannot wait! British billionaires are always going to be a yes for me!
So definitely read this novel where we meet Alex and Haven, the British billionaire who hates Christmas and the woman that basically runs the town’s Christmas festivities! It’s absolutely adorable, and way hotter than a holiday book has any right to be.
I fell in love with not only Alex but all the Burlington boys. I need more! I’m feral for it! So definitely read this for the Christmas vibes and stay for the insanely hot family of billionaires!
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎄 Grumpy Sunshine
🎄 British Billionaire x Christmas Tree Farmer
🎄 Opposites Attract
🎄 He Falls First
🎄 Spicy 🌶️
Happy holidays and happy reading!
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
Yep. This prequel novella made me absolutely giddy for this new series and I’m so so ready for more!
Holiday novels are about to become my entire personality for the foreseeable future and ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS TREE was the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
PLUS it sets up her new Valentine Nook Chronicles Series! And I absolutely cannot wait! British billionaires are always going to be a yes for me!
So definitely read this novel where we meet Alex and Haven, the British billionaire who hates Christmas and the woman that basically runs the town’s Christmas festivities! It’s absolutely adorable, and way hotter than a holiday book has any right to be.
I fell in love with not only Alex but all the Burlington boys. I need more! I’m feral for it! So definitely read this for the Christmas vibes and stay for the insanely hot family of billionaires!
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎄 Grumpy Sunshine
🎄 British Billionaire x Christmas Tree Farmer
🎄 Opposites Attract
🎄 He Falls First
🎄 Spicy 🌶️
Happy holidays and happy reading!
November 7, 2024
5/5⭐️
Lulu!!! This book has given me all the Christmas feels 🎄
Alexander definitely gave off grinch vibes and I absolutely LOVED it!!! Haven and him were so fun to read and I was giggling so much at their banter!!
This book has me so excited for the upcoming books we will get in the series! You meet a few men in the book that I know I’m already going to be drooling over 🥰😍
If you love…
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Small Town
-Christmas Book
READ THIS BOOK!!!
Thank you Lulu for the ARC! You never disappoint! ☺️
Lulu!!! This book has given me all the Christmas feels 🎄
Alexander definitely gave off grinch vibes and I absolutely LOVED it!!! Haven and him were so fun to read and I was giggling so much at their banter!!
This book has me so excited for the upcoming books we will get in the series! You meet a few men in the book that I know I’m already going to be drooling over 🥰😍
If you love…
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Small Town
-Christmas Book
READ THIS BOOK!!!
Thank you Lulu for the ARC! You never disappoint! ☺️
November 15, 2024
A spicy, grinchy x sunshine, holiday novella! Sign me right up!!
I had a great time with this one, it put me in such a festive mood! The setting, the vibes, the laughs, the feels everything was spot on!!
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is also a prequel for Lulu Moore’s new series, The Valentine Nook Chronicles, which I CANNOT WAIT to devour!
So if you’re looking for a good holiday read definitely add this one to your tbr!
I had a great time with this one, it put me in such a festive mood! The setting, the vibes, the laughs, the feels everything was spot on!!
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is also a prequel for Lulu Moore’s new series, The Valentine Nook Chronicles, which I CANNOT WAIT to devour!
So if you’re looking for a good holiday read definitely add this one to your tbr!
December 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
I immediately looked to see when this series is coming out because I can’t wait to read all about the Burlington brothers!!!
This book was such a fun little Christmas romance with cute holiday pieces. Gingerbread house competitions and skiing. On top of that the guy who hates Christmas and the girl who loves Christmas come together in this novel. Both have a difficult history and without realizing, the other helps pieces of them that have been hurting for so long.
There is some open door spice in this, but only three scenes, so much more plot than spice!
Overall, a great book I highly recommend you add to your holiday reading list!
I immediately looked to see when this series is coming out because I can’t wait to read all about the Burlington brothers!!!
This book was such a fun little Christmas romance with cute holiday pieces. Gingerbread house competitions and skiing. On top of that the guy who hates Christmas and the girl who loves Christmas come together in this novel. Both have a difficult history and without realizing, the other helps pieces of them that have been hurting for so long.
There is some open door spice in this, but only three scenes, so much more plot than spice!
Overall, a great book I highly recommend you add to your holiday reading list!
December 3, 2024
i've never loved a christmas novella more than this one
November 9, 2024
4/5✨️ 2/5🌶
Such a heartfelt and a little emotional beginning to Lulu's new series. I adored the romanticism of the holiday season. This story totally had me wanting to decorate my Christmas tree and make a gingerbread house. I'm eagerly awaiting each of the Burlington brothers stories, as well as how Haven and Alex helped one other in their worldwind romance. 🎁🎄 I can't wait for more on them! 🤭
Thank you to sweet Lulu and Valentine PR for the ARC. ❤️
Such a heartfelt and a little emotional beginning to Lulu's new series. I adored the romanticism of the holiday season. This story totally had me wanting to decorate my Christmas tree and make a gingerbread house. I'm eagerly awaiting each of the Burlington brothers stories, as well as how Haven and Alex helped one other in their worldwind romance. 🎁🎄 I can't wait for more on them! 🤭
Thank you to sweet Lulu and Valentine PR for the ARC. ❤️
November 15, 2024
4.5 Stars
Once Upon a Christmas Tree by Lulu Moore follows Lord Alexander as he saves his brother from marrying his cheating fiancée by taking him to Aspen, CO where he meets Haven, who is paying all the bills left by her parents' medical expenses. This is an instalove sort of book so they look at each other and are immediately attracted to one another. They just have to figure how to get together as Haven is still working a million jobs knowing that they will only see each other for the holiday season.
I got to listen to it and I thought this novella was so good!! I found it super entertaining, I couldn't put it down. My favorite part was the relationship with all the brothers which I hope we see more of in the future. My least favorite part was that there is no happily ever after, just a "let's meet in a year" sort of arrangement. I did think that the main characters had a lot of chemistry so I enjoyed that a lot. This is my first Lulu Moore book but it will definitely not be my last as I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook. I highly recommend it to all the romance girlies as it is so much fun.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and Lulu Moore for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Once Upon a Christmas Tree by Lulu Moore follows Lord Alexander as he saves his brother from marrying his cheating fiancée by taking him to Aspen, CO where he meets Haven, who is paying all the bills left by her parents' medical expenses. This is an instalove sort of book so they look at each other and are immediately attracted to one another. They just have to figure how to get together as Haven is still working a million jobs knowing that they will only see each other for the holiday season.
I got to listen to it and I thought this novella was so good!! I found it super entertaining, I couldn't put it down. My favorite part was the relationship with all the brothers which I hope we see more of in the future. My least favorite part was that there is no happily ever after, just a "let's meet in a year" sort of arrangement. I did think that the main characters had a lot of chemistry so I enjoyed that a lot. This is my first Lulu Moore book but it will definitely not be my last as I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook. I highly recommend it to all the romance girlies as it is so much fun.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and Lulu Moore for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
Love ❌
Lust ✅
Lust ✅
September 1, 2025
*Reread in audio Aug 2025
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is the holiday story I didn't know I needed. It is the perfect introduction to the Valentine Nook Chronicles and I am completely OBSESSED with the Burlingtons.
Alex is the Burlington at the center of this tale and he is NOT a fan of Christmas. He meets Haven at a bar and then discovers that she runs the local Christmas tree farm. Alex cannot stay away from her and Haven eventually helps him work through some of his issues with the holiday. The family chat, the eggnog and the gingerbread competition are just a few of my favorite things.
This is everything I want in a holiday romance:
🎄Runaway Groom (not the MMC)
🎄Vacation Romance
🎄Grinchy MMC
🎄Holiday Loving FMC
🎄Brotherly Banter
🎄Prequel to a New Series
🎄HEA to be continued...
I am beyond excited for the rest of the Valentine Nook Chronicles!
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is the holiday story I didn't know I needed. It is the perfect introduction to the Valentine Nook Chronicles and I am completely OBSESSED with the Burlingtons.
Alex is the Burlington at the center of this tale and he is NOT a fan of Christmas. He meets Haven at a bar and then discovers that she runs the local Christmas tree farm. Alex cannot stay away from her and Haven eventually helps him work through some of his issues with the holiday. The family chat, the eggnog and the gingerbread competition are just a few of my favorite things.
This is everything I want in a holiday romance:
🎄Runaway Groom (not the MMC)
🎄Vacation Romance
🎄Grinchy MMC
🎄Holiday Loving FMC
🎄Brotherly Banter
🎄Prequel to a New Series
🎄HEA to be continued...
I am beyond excited for the rest of the Valentine Nook Chronicles!
November 19, 2024
5⭐️
3🔥
Quick Breakdown
Prequel Novella
Vacation Fling
Set in Aspen
Christmas Themed
Modern Day Aristocrats
Grumpy x Sunshine
Insta Attraction
One Night Stand
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate Detail
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is a holiday themed prequel novella for a BRAND NEW series by Lulu Moore featuring a modern day aristocratic family. They escape to Aspen for a pre-Christmas getaway after the eldest brother, Lando Burlington & the 11th Duke of Oxfordshire breaks his engagement right before the wedding.
It’s there that second eldest brother, Alexander Burlington can’t seem to help but run into the beautifully charming Haven Wylder, Aspen local & owner of the small town’s Christmas tree farm. The insta attraction runs hot & wild, despite their opposites attract opinions on Christmas - she loves it, while he can’t stand it.
I ADORED this! It took me a minute to fall into a new cast of characters, but once I did I was HOOKED. Alex & Haven share some of the best banter & chemistry, which inevitably leads to some top tier spice. There was also a lot more depth than you’d expect in a holiday novella. Outside of the relationship, Lulu did a fantastic job of writing in the Christmas vibes without being over the top.
Lulu, that little romance writing, peen tease goddess went & got me addicted to these characters. I can’t wait for more Alex & Haven along with Lando & the rest of the Burlington clan. I’m going to be feral until the first book, Valentine Nook, releases in 2025.
Thank you so much @lulumoorebooks & @valentine_pr_ for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
3🔥
Quick Breakdown
Prequel Novella
Vacation Fling
Set in Aspen
Christmas Themed
Modern Day Aristocrats
Grumpy x Sunshine
Insta Attraction
One Night Stand
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate Detail
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is a holiday themed prequel novella for a BRAND NEW series by Lulu Moore featuring a modern day aristocratic family. They escape to Aspen for a pre-Christmas getaway after the eldest brother, Lando Burlington & the 11th Duke of Oxfordshire breaks his engagement right before the wedding.
It’s there that second eldest brother, Alexander Burlington can’t seem to help but run into the beautifully charming Haven Wylder, Aspen local & owner of the small town’s Christmas tree farm. The insta attraction runs hot & wild, despite their opposites attract opinions on Christmas - she loves it, while he can’t stand it.
I ADORED this! It took me a minute to fall into a new cast of characters, but once I did I was HOOKED. Alex & Haven share some of the best banter & chemistry, which inevitably leads to some top tier spice. There was also a lot more depth than you’d expect in a holiday novella. Outside of the relationship, Lulu did a fantastic job of writing in the Christmas vibes without being over the top.
Lulu, that little romance writing, peen tease goddess went & got me addicted to these characters. I can’t wait for more Alex & Haven along with Lando & the rest of the Burlington clan. I’m going to be feral until the first book, Valentine Nook, releases in 2025.
Thank you so much @lulumoorebooks & @valentine_pr_ for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 9, 2024
***Thank you to Lulu Moore & Valentine PR and Literary Management for my free ebook ARC copy in exchange for my unbiased review.*** I’m thrilled to have been selected for this!
I binge read A LOT of holiday romances. They’re my favorite type of romantic sub genre, and I wait all year long to enjoy them while experiencing the season. When I say I read a lot of them, I mean it is only the first week of November and I’m already on my sixth one, so when I tell you that you NEED to grab this book if you’re in the mood for some truly festive spice, you’ve GOT to do it!
This book had me giddy, squealing, and dancing around the room! The connection is hot, the banter is entertaining, and the vibe is cozy. Haven and Alexander are such likable characters that it really makes you want to cheer for their connection. In fact, everyone in this is a likable character in my opinion, and that’s not just because there are four hot English aristocratic brothers to choose from!
If you’re like me and the promise of:
• grumpy x sunshine
• runaway groom
• small town setting
• strong family values
• lots of spice
excites you, then grab this book for a good time! I genuinely had so much lighthearted fun with this that I can hardly wait for the rest of the Valentine Nook series!
I binge read A LOT of holiday romances. They’re my favorite type of romantic sub genre, and I wait all year long to enjoy them while experiencing the season. When I say I read a lot of them, I mean it is only the first week of November and I’m already on my sixth one, so when I tell you that you NEED to grab this book if you’re in the mood for some truly festive spice, you’ve GOT to do it!
This book had me giddy, squealing, and dancing around the room! The connection is hot, the banter is entertaining, and the vibe is cozy. Haven and Alexander are such likable characters that it really makes you want to cheer for their connection. In fact, everyone in this is a likable character in my opinion, and that’s not just because there are four hot English aristocratic brothers to choose from!
If you’re like me and the promise of:
• grumpy x sunshine
• runaway groom
• small town setting
• strong family values
• lots of spice
excites you, then grab this book for a good time! I genuinely had so much lighthearted fun with this that I can hardly wait for the rest of the Valentine Nook series!
November 16, 2024
Once Upon a Christmas Tree is a new holiday romance from Lulu Moore and also the prequel to a fun new series coming next year!
This one was fun enough. We follow Alexander and his 3 brothers who head to Aspen for the holidays to escape England. He meets Haven, who is first working at a bar and then sees her the next day at a local Christmas tree farm she works at too.
Alexander comes off grumpy at first and especially towards Christmas (because of his father’s death in the past). We get loads of holiday antics, an annual gingerbread competition, cozy dates, the four brothers antics (which the upcoming series will be following), he visits her at work and spends lots of money to prove to her he doesn’t hate Christmas, and fun vacation fling vibes. I wasn’t as sold on Alexander and seeing them as a couple, I was mostly here for the Christmasy vibes and tree farm.
This one was fun enough. We follow Alexander and his 3 brothers who head to Aspen for the holidays to escape England. He meets Haven, who is first working at a bar and then sees her the next day at a local Christmas tree farm she works at too.
Alexander comes off grumpy at first and especially towards Christmas (because of his father’s death in the past). We get loads of holiday antics, an annual gingerbread competition, cozy dates, the four brothers antics (which the upcoming series will be following), he visits her at work and spends lots of money to prove to her he doesn’t hate Christmas, and fun vacation fling vibes. I wasn’t as sold on Alexander and seeing them as a couple, I was mostly here for the Christmasy vibes and tree farm.
November 25, 2024
I have been on such a holiday binge and this one was def one of my favorites I have read lately. Now I just want to preface and say that this is a prequel to a new series that Lulu has coming out so the couple in this particular book…their story ends on a cliffhanger. But let me tell you I had such a great time reading this one. It seriously put me in such a festive mood.
In this story we meet Alex and Haven. Alex is a British billionaire who hates Christmas…and Haven is basically the woman the runs all things Christmas in town. Living for the season, her passion for all things Christmas slowly starts to rub off on Alex the more time they spend together and he begins to rekindle his lost love for Christmas.
This was just the perfect beginning to meet all these characters for Lulu’s new series. I am waiting impatiently for more from the Burlington family!
Overall: 5
Spice: 2
Tropes:
- Holiday Read
- Prequel
- One Night Stand
- Opposite Attract
In this story we meet Alex and Haven. Alex is a British billionaire who hates Christmas…and Haven is basically the woman the runs all things Christmas in town. Living for the season, her passion for all things Christmas slowly starts to rub off on Alex the more time they spend together and he begins to rekindle his lost love for Christmas.
This was just the perfect beginning to meet all these characters for Lulu’s new series. I am waiting impatiently for more from the Burlington family!
Overall: 5
Spice: 2
Tropes:
- Holiday Read
- Prequel
- One Night Stand
- Opposite Attract
November 14, 2024
Perfect fast paced holiday romance! Thank you Netgalley and Lulu Moore for this ALC. Shane East and C.J. Bloom were great. This novella had banter, Christmas vibes, and spice. I cannot wait to read The Valentine Nook Chronicles as they come out. The family had me laughing throughout the whole read. The brothers banter and relationship with each other was great, and the chemistry between Alex and Haven was perfection.
Holiday romance
Billionaire
Grumpy / Sunshine
Instalove
Small town
Spice
British MMC
Holiday romance
Billionaire
Grumpy / Sunshine
Instalove
Small town
Spice
British MMC
December 3, 2025
It like one of this movies that you can find on random cable channel at 2am during Christmas
January 4, 2025
Without fail Lulu Moore can write a book that has be hooked to my kindle.
Haven and Alex is story is everything you want in a festive read the Grinch MMC and FMC who loves Christmas when these two meet buckle up and enjoy there story but as always Lulu treats us to 3 other male fabulous characters given us just enough to want to find out more like Now😂
Look out for this book on the 15th November it’s definitely a book to read. 5 🌟
Haven and Alex is story is everything you want in a festive read the Grinch MMC and FMC who loves Christmas when these two meet buckle up and enjoy there story but as always Lulu treats us to 3 other male fabulous characters given us just enough to want to find out more like Now😂
Look out for this book on the 15th November it’s definitely a book to read. 5 🌟
November 13, 2024
A feel good, SPICY, small town holiday romance between two people whose lives are on opposite sides of the world yet can't resist the sparks that fly while they're in the same charming town at Christmas. There was great emotional depth, fun side characters, humor and excellent audio narration by CJ Bloom and Shane East (whose English accent was very well done). I'm excited for the next book in this series! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!! A quick and entertaining listen that is sure to standout this season.
December 4, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. I loved this one!!!
December 4, 2024
'Ding dong, merrily on high! Lulu Moore brings us a very Burlington Christmas in this festive, holiday romance that delivers so much more than the Big Man himself' - The British Bibliophile
Thank you to Dreamscape Select for granting my NetGalley request to listen to an Advanced Listener Copy of this audiobook. A copy of this review will also be left over on NetGalley.
This review will contain no spoilers, as standard for any review I leave in return for reading an advanced copy of a book, or listening to an advanced copy of an audiobook. It will make references only to the book's blurb so if you wish to go into this book blind without knowing a thing about it, please exit my review here :)
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀📖 A L C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
Once Upon A Christmas Tree is a prequel read from the one and only Lulu Moore. A holiday vacation romance that promised a tease and a look into something that was yet to come in future, full-length novels.
As a rule and with my own personal ways to read, I don't dive into prequel reads without already having the series available immediately after to see if after finishing said prequel, if it is worth continuing onto the main series. This includes when my authors write a prequel novella or full-length book AFTER a main series to provide more content for their readers. Though to some that may seem pointless, but it does help answer some questions that may have arisen while reading the main series or weren't answered in any of the books.
Lulu got ahead of the chase here on that one, giving us the prequel read so we will have all of the information and background into where things could potentially go with Alex and Haven should it actually go anywhere.
Speaking of going somewhere, stop what you're doing. Go make your favourite Christmas drink, light a candle and settle in all nice and cozy, it's time to head to Aspen to meet Alex, Haven and his aristocratic brothers.
It has hardly been made a secret by Alex, A.K.A Alexander, A.K.A Lord Burlington, that he hates Christmas and anything that is remotely associated with the 'most wonderful time of the year'. The holidays for him, are days upon days of festive nightmares.
However, duty calls and he must fold away his loathing for it when his time and dedication is needed to help his eldest brother who has not long unfortunately been left at the alter of what would have been his wedding and thus, the happiest day of his life. As it turns out, it was not only the worst day for him but it was one that sent shockwaves through British high society.
So, what does one do when becoming the latest talking topic of the ton? You get the f**k out of dodge and escape to where no one knows your name. In this case, that is Aspen, Colorado. Swiftly, Alex and his brothers make a mad escape from London to the snow-capped mountains, and to their chalet and home from home.
In hindsight, going to Aspen in December when its at its most Christmassy, probably wasn't the best call for a man who could out-Grinch the Grinch. Lesson learned, kind of. Alex would go just about anywhere--even here--if it means it will start to help mend his brother's broken heart.
Haven Wylder has been hard at work over the course of the last four years to do one thing and one thing alone. Pay off any and all debts her parents left behind when they both died. A lot of work, time and effort for one person to achieve, but she was determined to do it regardless of whatever it took. Which means she not only took a job working on her ranch, at her Christmas tore and any other job she could get her hands on and get stuck in with doing. All of this left little time for any fun. Almost.
The holidays always put a smile on Haven's face, no matter what she was doing or however run-ragged she was from all of the jobs she committed herself to. That and of course, the annual gingerbread decorating competition. An event she always took place in joining and knew what she was getting herself into with.
What she didn't see coming or expect, was a tall, handsome stranger with an accent that would cause anyone with a beating heart to melt into a puddle at a single syllable, to not only cross her path but to HATE Christmas.
On top of everything she's juggling at the moment, this gives Haven a new task to perform. A miracle for Christmas, if you will. She's set out to and is determined to start changing Alex's mind and his outlook on the holly jolly Christmas season. Alex, surprisingly, seems to be going with her idea and it totally has nothing to do with the colour of her lips, the mesmerising colour of her hair or the biggest pair of doe eyes that has him entranced. No. Not at all.
Alex might not ever not despise Christmas, but going along with wherever his time with Haven will take him--and them--will make things just that little bit more bearable for him right now in the present moment.
That is, if he can find and gather up all of his strength to leave her and their unforgettable times together behind when the moment calls for him to head back home, and to the life he cannot abandon.
Every now and then, things happen by chance. A happenstance. Sometimes those chance encounters are good and others, not so much. This was one of the good ones this time, thankfully. My NetGalley tab was already open on my laptop and all I did was hit refresh, and there Lulu's audiobook was. Ready and ripe for my requesting to listen to it.
This audiobook automatically ticked three boxes for me before I even listened to it. Firstly, Lulu is a brand new-to-me author. Until seeing this listing, I was completely unaware of her. I don't get to read new authors as much as I would like to, so this was a godsend. Secondly, Shane East. Say. No. More. If that man were to read all of the side-effects on an American medication packet at top speed, I'd probably listen to it. I'm immediately sold as soon as I see his name. No question. Thirdly, Christmas/holiday romance. We were coming out of autumn and as we were coasting through the final days, this was the perfect bridge into getting into those festive books. Tick, tick and tick again.
I was left in genuine awe--of the good kind--after I finished listening to Alex and Haven's story. For a first time author read to blow me away as it did with two astonishingly captivating narrators at the helm was THE perfect start to my own festive reading season. I hear all the time about how certain narrators are chefs kiss perfection when chosen for the roles that they have narrated and most of the time, I can happily nod in agreement after finishing. Not in this case. I was praising those audiobook gods from within the first chapters. It was an instant 'yes!' and a prayer of thanks to the author for choosing Shane and CJ Bloom to double-team this festive fling romance.
Additionally, it also gave me chance to expand by CJ Bloom listening repertoire. I have maybe one or two other narrations of hers under my belt in total--compared to the dozens of Shane's already there--, so I'm happy to expand that number by one more audiobook with hopefully more to come next year.
Special mention has to be made with that ending. Like with prequel reads, I usually avoid books with that ending--which if you have either read or listened to this book, you'll know what I am talking about--, but this time I wasn't mad at coming across it. Why? Well, all of the above plus the fact that we got not only Alex and Haven introduced to us, but Alex's other brothers and several supporting characters, too. The mix of main and supporting characters gave enough flavour of what we now know will be coming our way next year with a brand new series, that it makes up for being left on the edge of our seats and then some.
Already that feeling in my gut that I have when I can tell a book--or series--will be good is bubbling away, and we're several months from the first book in the series. I'm talking September 2025, off the top of my head. For me to get that feeling--which I'm usually spot on for my own reading tastes--already, I can tell a winning series is already on the cards.
For those who are not as satisfied with the ending (for now) as I was, Lulu herself has said:
' One note I wanted to share, while Once Upon a Christmas Tree focuses on Alex and Haven, this prequel is as much an introduction to the Burlington family. As such ends with an HEA to be continued, because it wouldn't be fun if it was over too quickly'
Being told that we will be seeing more of Alex and Haven in the future, regardless of how long that will be, is very reassuring and I can hand on heart say that the time between now and then will be worth it tenfold. We've been promised 'more spice and a pumpkin-spiced latte, all the banter & stockings full of swoon', and I will be here to soak up every word Ms Moore will craft for us to devour.
Be good boys and girls, for there will be be a Burlington under our trees in the near future. That, we can be sure of.
----------------------
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 G E N R E S 📚
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Holiday Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Christmas Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Contemporary Romance
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R O P E S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Runaway Groom (Not MMC)
⠀⠀⠀↳ Spice, Swoon & Banter
⠀⠀⠀↳ Grumpy x Sunshine
⠀⠀⠀↳ He spends $$$ to prove to her that he doesn't hate Christmas
⠀⠀⠀↳ He visits her at work
⠀⠀⠀↳ He helps her when she is busy at work
⠀⠀⠀↳ Gingerbread completion
⠀⠀⠀↳ Cozy dates
⠀⠀⠀↳ Local Christmas tree seller & English aristocrat
⠀⠀⠀↳ Four, hot aristocratic English brothers escaping England
⠀⠀⠀↳ Vacation romance with holiday antics
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀ ⠀ 🌶️ S T E A M Y/S P I C Y? 🌶️
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ No fire needed here! These two have it covered!
⠀⠀⠀↳ Slow-ish burn, fast flames
⠀⠀⠀↳ More steamy than spicy
⠀⠀⠀↳ 3/5 on the steam-o-meter
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R I G G E R S?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ None!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀M U S T ⠀ R E A D?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Ab-so-lute-ly!
⠀⠀⠀↳ A must to then be invested in the series to come
⠀⠀⠀↳ A certified Christmas TBR read for seasonal mood readers!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀R A T I N G S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Narrator Performance - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⠀⠀⠀↳ Story/writing - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⠀⠀⠀↳ Overall Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you to Dreamscape Select for granting my NetGalley request to listen to an Advanced Listener Copy of this audiobook. A copy of this review will also be left over on NetGalley.
This review will contain no spoilers, as standard for any review I leave in return for reading an advanced copy of a book, or listening to an advanced copy of an audiobook. It will make references only to the book's blurb so if you wish to go into this book blind without knowing a thing about it, please exit my review here :)
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀📖 A L C ⠀ R E V I E W 📖
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
Once Upon A Christmas Tree is a prequel read from the one and only Lulu Moore. A holiday vacation romance that promised a tease and a look into something that was yet to come in future, full-length novels.
As a rule and with my own personal ways to read, I don't dive into prequel reads without already having the series available immediately after to see if after finishing said prequel, if it is worth continuing onto the main series. This includes when my authors write a prequel novella or full-length book AFTER a main series to provide more content for their readers. Though to some that may seem pointless, but it does help answer some questions that may have arisen while reading the main series or weren't answered in any of the books.
Lulu got ahead of the chase here on that one, giving us the prequel read so we will have all of the information and background into where things could potentially go with Alex and Haven should it actually go anywhere.
Speaking of going somewhere, stop what you're doing. Go make your favourite Christmas drink, light a candle and settle in all nice and cozy, it's time to head to Aspen to meet Alex, Haven and his aristocratic brothers.
It has hardly been made a secret by Alex, A.K.A Alexander, A.K.A Lord Burlington, that he hates Christmas and anything that is remotely associated with the 'most wonderful time of the year'. The holidays for him, are days upon days of festive nightmares.
However, duty calls and he must fold away his loathing for it when his time and dedication is needed to help his eldest brother who has not long unfortunately been left at the alter of what would have been his wedding and thus, the happiest day of his life. As it turns out, it was not only the worst day for him but it was one that sent shockwaves through British high society.
So, what does one do when becoming the latest talking topic of the ton? You get the f**k out of dodge and escape to where no one knows your name. In this case, that is Aspen, Colorado. Swiftly, Alex and his brothers make a mad escape from London to the snow-capped mountains, and to their chalet and home from home.
In hindsight, going to Aspen in December when its at its most Christmassy, probably wasn't the best call for a man who could out-Grinch the Grinch. Lesson learned, kind of. Alex would go just about anywhere--even here--if it means it will start to help mend his brother's broken heart.
Haven Wylder has been hard at work over the course of the last four years to do one thing and one thing alone. Pay off any and all debts her parents left behind when they both died. A lot of work, time and effort for one person to achieve, but she was determined to do it regardless of whatever it took. Which means she not only took a job working on her ranch, at her Christmas tore and any other job she could get her hands on and get stuck in with doing. All of this left little time for any fun. Almost.
The holidays always put a smile on Haven's face, no matter what she was doing or however run-ragged she was from all of the jobs she committed herself to. That and of course, the annual gingerbread decorating competition. An event she always took place in joining and knew what she was getting herself into with.
What she didn't see coming or expect, was a tall, handsome stranger with an accent that would cause anyone with a beating heart to melt into a puddle at a single syllable, to not only cross her path but to HATE Christmas.
On top of everything she's juggling at the moment, this gives Haven a new task to perform. A miracle for Christmas, if you will. She's set out to and is determined to start changing Alex's mind and his outlook on the holly jolly Christmas season. Alex, surprisingly, seems to be going with her idea and it totally has nothing to do with the colour of her lips, the mesmerising colour of her hair or the biggest pair of doe eyes that has him entranced. No. Not at all.
Alex might not ever not despise Christmas, but going along with wherever his time with Haven will take him--and them--will make things just that little bit more bearable for him right now in the present moment.
That is, if he can find and gather up all of his strength to leave her and their unforgettable times together behind when the moment calls for him to head back home, and to the life he cannot abandon.
Every now and then, things happen by chance. A happenstance. Sometimes those chance encounters are good and others, not so much. This was one of the good ones this time, thankfully. My NetGalley tab was already open on my laptop and all I did was hit refresh, and there Lulu's audiobook was. Ready and ripe for my requesting to listen to it.
This audiobook automatically ticked three boxes for me before I even listened to it. Firstly, Lulu is a brand new-to-me author. Until seeing this listing, I was completely unaware of her. I don't get to read new authors as much as I would like to, so this was a godsend. Secondly, Shane East. Say. No. More. If that man were to read all of the side-effects on an American medication packet at top speed, I'd probably listen to it. I'm immediately sold as soon as I see his name. No question. Thirdly, Christmas/holiday romance. We were coming out of autumn and as we were coasting through the final days, this was the perfect bridge into getting into those festive books. Tick, tick and tick again.
I was left in genuine awe--of the good kind--after I finished listening to Alex and Haven's story. For a first time author read to blow me away as it did with two astonishingly captivating narrators at the helm was THE perfect start to my own festive reading season. I hear all the time about how certain narrators are chefs kiss perfection when chosen for the roles that they have narrated and most of the time, I can happily nod in agreement after finishing. Not in this case. I was praising those audiobook gods from within the first chapters. It was an instant 'yes!' and a prayer of thanks to the author for choosing Shane and CJ Bloom to double-team this festive fling romance.
Additionally, it also gave me chance to expand by CJ Bloom listening repertoire. I have maybe one or two other narrations of hers under my belt in total--compared to the dozens of Shane's already there--, so I'm happy to expand that number by one more audiobook with hopefully more to come next year.
Special mention has to be made with that ending. Like with prequel reads, I usually avoid books with that ending--which if you have either read or listened to this book, you'll know what I am talking about--, but this time I wasn't mad at coming across it. Why? Well, all of the above plus the fact that we got not only Alex and Haven introduced to us, but Alex's other brothers and several supporting characters, too. The mix of main and supporting characters gave enough flavour of what we now know will be coming our way next year with a brand new series, that it makes up for being left on the edge of our seats and then some.
Already that feeling in my gut that I have when I can tell a book--or series--will be good is bubbling away, and we're several months from the first book in the series. I'm talking September 2025, off the top of my head. For me to get that feeling--which I'm usually spot on for my own reading tastes--already, I can tell a winning series is already on the cards.
For those who are not as satisfied with the ending (for now) as I was, Lulu herself has said:
' One note I wanted to share, while Once Upon a Christmas Tree focuses on Alex and Haven, this prequel is as much an introduction to the Burlington family. As such ends with an HEA to be continued, because it wouldn't be fun if it was over too quickly'
Being told that we will be seeing more of Alex and Haven in the future, regardless of how long that will be, is very reassuring and I can hand on heart say that the time between now and then will be worth it tenfold. We've been promised 'more spice and a pumpkin-spiced latte, all the banter & stockings full of swoon', and I will be here to soak up every word Ms Moore will craft for us to devour.
Be good boys and girls, for there will be be a Burlington under our trees in the near future. That, we can be sure of.
----------------------
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 G E N R E S 📚
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Holiday Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Christmas Romance
⠀⠀⠀↳ Contemporary Romance
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R O P E S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Runaway Groom (Not MMC)
⠀⠀⠀↳ Spice, Swoon & Banter
⠀⠀⠀↳ Grumpy x Sunshine
⠀⠀⠀↳ He spends $$$ to prove to her that he doesn't hate Christmas
⠀⠀⠀↳ He visits her at work
⠀⠀⠀↳ He helps her when she is busy at work
⠀⠀⠀↳ Gingerbread completion
⠀⠀⠀↳ Cozy dates
⠀⠀⠀↳ Local Christmas tree seller & English aristocrat
⠀⠀⠀↳ Four, hot aristocratic English brothers escaping England
⠀⠀⠀↳ Vacation romance with holiday antics
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀ ⠀ 🌶️ S T E A M Y/S P I C Y? 🌶️
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ No fire needed here! These two have it covered!
⠀⠀⠀↳ Slow-ish burn, fast flames
⠀⠀⠀↳ More steamy than spicy
⠀⠀⠀↳ 3/5 on the steam-o-meter
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀T R I G G E R S?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ None!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀M U S T ⠀ R E A D?
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Ab-so-lute-ly!
⠀⠀⠀↳ A must to then be invested in the series to come
⠀⠀⠀↳ A certified Christmas TBR read for seasonal mood readers!
┏━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┓
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀R A T I N G S
┗━━━━━━༻❁༺━━━━━━┛
⠀⠀⠀↳ Narrator Performance - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⠀⠀⠀↳ Story/writing - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⠀⠀⠀↳ Overall Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 871 reviews