Friends to Lovers; Second Chance Romance; Christmas Romance
Bianca Cassidy left Willow Creek over eighteen years ago and never looked back. The morning after Mike Callihan kissed her, she hopped on a bus to New York City. His kiss wasn't enough to change her mind. Now she's back in town, and they're all grown up. She's directing the town's annual Christmas pageant and Mike's the town Public Works Director and the new mayor's right hand man. He moved on with his life because his kiss wasn't enough to make her stay the first time. Now he's single again and he wants to start over with the girl he never forgot. Will it take a Christmas miracle for them to get a happily ever after?
I write steamy small town romance (Willow Creek series), paranormal romantasy (Sons & Daughters of Lir) and Victorian era historical romance (Wainwright Sisters) with heat and heart. I'm a 2X HOLT Award Winning Author (2023, No Regrets- Best First Book; 2025, No Excuses - Best Short Contemporary) who's had characters begging me to tell their love story since I was thirteen years old. I'm finally letting them have a voice. I wrote my first story, about a giant who befriended a lady bug when I was in the second grade. I live on a peaceful farm with my spouse and love nothing more than sitting on my porch with a glass of wine and plotting. You can subscribe to my newsletter via my author website, ANDREAJENELLEROMANCE at https://andreajenelleromance.com/ or see what I'm up to on Instagram and TikTok via my handle @authorandreajenelle
“I was a dumb kid and even though I was brave enough to get the tattoo, I wasn’t brave enough to show it to you or tell you what it meant. It’s only ever been you for me, Bumblebee. You’re it.”
Andrea Jenelle is back, treating us to yet another spectacular romance set in Willow Creek. No Angels, a Willow Creek Christmas novella is a romantic holiday story that will put you right into the Christmas mood whilst following the second chance romance between Bianca and Mike. 20 years since leaving the morning after graduation, with nothing but the memory of their first and only kiss, Bianca’s return sparks unresolved feelings for both herself and Mike. But is Bianca in Willow Creek to stay, or is the call of the spotlight too hard to resist? Will their rekindled romance be doused before it begins?
I adored this novella. As a person who is completely obsessed with the magic of Christmas, straight away I was drawn into this beautiful story, which weaves elements of warmth and festive spirit, with themes of forgiveness and second chances. The depth of these characters within the pages of a novella is difficult to achieve, highlighting Andrea’s authorial mastery. The well-crafted tension between the main characters, as well as the deeply emotional journey and internal turmoil of our characters is incredibly well-written. This novella has the same feel as the rest of the Willow Creek series, providing you a glimpse of characters you love and know so well, rich with the allure of the Willow Creek small town charm and this fills you with a longing to move right in to town. If only it was possible!
There is something about a second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance that touches your heart. The closeness of the characters, the familiarity, the development of their stories, and the yearning. This novella truly captures all of this and especially with the cozy Christmas vibes, this novella is the perfect read. Andrea has this ability to blend spicy romance with heartfelt and emotional moments that adds to the passion and tenderness of her narratives. You experience the full spectrum of emotions in such a small number of pages which makes you long for more! As always I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Willow Creek and Andrea!
Broadway hasn’t been the panacea Bianca hoped it would be when she chased the bright lights of NYC right after getting her first kiss from her bestie Mike just after their high school graduation. As her mother battled cancer and struggled with the day to day responsibilities of the farm, Bianca was going from one audition to the next and trying to break out as a headliner. Fate, however, has her back in her hometown as her mother undergoes yet another debilitating round of chemotherapy.
Mike is alternately dismayed and excited by the prospect of reconnecting with Bianca, with whom he’s been in love as far back as he can recall. As they spend time on the local youth Christmas pageant, feelings old and new become involved but Bianca is returning to NYC as soon as she knows her mother is out of the woods.
How in the world will these two resolve the barriers to getting together in a meaningful way? Is there even a reason for them to try?
I received an advance reader copy from the author and booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
I love a delicious holiday second chance romance novella, which is exactly what Andrea Janelle’s latest release from her Willow Creek series, No Angels is!
Bianca and Mike, we’re best of friends in high school and then on the eve of her leaving for York and Broadway lights, Mike finally makes a move and kisses her …
18 years later, she’s back home, taking care of her mother, recouping, and prepping to get back on the stage and putting together Willow Creek annual Christmas pageant when Mike walks back into her life!
Bianca‘s lived a whole other life outside of her hometown and isn’t ready to come back and commit to small town life again but Mike has been waiting for her these past 18 years and will do anything to convince her it’s their time!
This was such a fun and festive reunion! I love how Mike and Bianca already really care about each other and it’s just a matter of determining. Is it the right time for them? These mature characters have lived and experience life, and they’re refreshing their dialogue and actions.
As a willow Creek stan, I couldn’t have been more excited to see all of my favourite pop in and have their say on this they won’t they romance! Of course I have to shout out Andrea for including the best Christmas pageant ever as the play in the annual pageant. Andrea always puts in the best details that really make her stories pop and ring true.
This holiday novella is perfect for all my small town romance lovers even if you haven’t Willow Creek yet! Add Andrea Janelle’s No Angel to your holiday TBR today!
Oh gosh! What is it about childhood friends to lovers that tugs ALL the heartstrings? It took 20 years for these two to get it right, but what a journey it was. Jenelle wrote this right into my heart, teary-eyed from the start. It’s short, sweet and wholeheartedly endearing. You can’t help but love a countryfied gent who takes care of your mom, paints your life history on his bedroom ceiling and loves you with everything he is and more. Mike Callihan is the ultimate trophy! After chasing dreams for years, sometimes it takes coming home to realize all your dreams were always there. Willow Creek is full of heart, great friendships, people who will be there for you no matter what, and the small towns atmosphere that soothes the heart. It is a great world and this is a great story!
Well written, fast paced read. Full of drama, renewed love, family surprises, friends and twists. Bianca returns home after being away for a long period of time. She returns to care and help her mother , whose cancer has returned. While there she agrees to help with the Christmas pageant. Mike is there and runs into her for the first time. Shocked to see her and realizes he still wants her. Bianca has been in shows that has made her a name but surgery , due to smoking, has caused an issue with her voice. As they work together , old feelings come back to them. He shows her his home on a date and the secret he has held to himself for years. Has some steamy scenes between them. Would recommend to others.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I really enjoyed this romantic friends to lovers and second chance small town Christmas novella. It is heartwarming, very steamy and has likable protagonists, especially Mike who is a lovable, helpful and loyal cinnamon roll hero. Bianca comes across as a bit self-centred at the beginning, but becomes more likeable as the story progresses. It was also nice to meet some of the other characters in the series again. It is not absolutely necessary to read the other books in the series, but it is recommended.
All their childhood Broadway star Bianca Cassidy and Willow Creek’s public works director Mike Callihan were best friends and in love with each other, but didn't confess their feelings to each other until it was too late and Bianca left Willow Creek to pursue a career on Broadway. Now, after nearly two decades, Bianca has returned to visit her ailing mother and is asked to direct the children’s pageant and, if she decides to stay in Willow Creek, to run the run-down town theatre. To do this, however, she has to work with Mike, who still loves her after all these years and who is determined to do whatever it takes to keep Bianca in Willow Creek and with him for good…
If you like sweet and spicy small town Christmas novellas, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Bianca Cassidy comes off as driven and so so so determined. She strives to be the best, and when it comes time to come back to WC, she definitely got the shock that her feelings for Mike weren't just one-sided, not even in the slightest. 🥹
I don't think I'll ever eat strawberries or drink Boones farm strawberry wine the same again 😭🥰 I loved everything about this, and I will definitely read it again. I think everyone should ❤️
🎄The sweetest small town Holiday romance novella I've ever read🎄
Oh my goodness this book!!!! I absolutely love when a book has me grinning from ear to ear, when it causes me to get excited and wiggle in my chair, when I don't want to put it down and can't read the pages fast enough! This book DELIVERED!!! Andrea Jenelle is such an amazing writer, her words captivate you from the first sentence and even when you have finished one of her books, they still have a hold of you. This book was so good and has so many things going for it!
Thanksgiving ✅ Christmas ✅ Small town romance ✅ Loveable characters ✅ Friends to lovers ✅ Sentimental ✅ All the best feels ✅
Bianca and Mike were inseparable childhood friends who fell in love with each other before they even knew what love was. As teenagers they never admitted their feelings, afraid they were not reciprocated and unwilling to ruin their friendship. As adults the blinders are off and their emotions are laid bare. The reconnect between them, the fact that Mike never stopped loving her, and she never stopped loving him. This book was beyond sweet and so enjoyable, it's the perfect holiday read!
"He rolls onto his back and pulls me on top of him. 'Does that mean you’re moving in? So we can make love every night underneath our story?'"
Painting ceiling murals for the winner of my heart!
There is nothing like a holiday novella to usher in the season and Andrea Jenelle’s No Angels was everything I needed in a holiday novella and more!
We’ve got: Childhood crushes Second chance Friends to lovers Small town Christmas!!
After graduating, Bianca Cassidy kissed her childhood best friend the night before she hopped on a bus never to look back. Never say never because it’s 18 years later and she is back directing the town’s children’s Christmas pageant. And the boy who was her best friend Mike Callihan, the town’s public works director, has never forgotten and may be looking to corner her backstage.
Hide the mistletoe! Or don’t 😏
I can never get enough of an Andrea Jenelle Willow Creek contemporary romance. She brings us the spice, we get the fun small town antics, the mention of the beloved book club and the kind of friends we wish weren’t fictional.
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Andrea Jenelle strikes again with a quick reading novella detailing the love story between Cassidy and Mike. I appreciated how she wove flashbacks throughout the story to give both background information and support the rapidly progressing attraction between the two main characters. Overall it was entertaining, enjoyable, and spicy. I was a little bit torn when Mike revealed a mural painting on the ceiling in his home which is why I couldn't give this story five stars. It just didn't quite sit well with me despite the back history that I'm sure was supposed to support that gesture and make it appear extremely romantic. Thankfully this was not a main feature of the story so although it was enough to catch me off guard, I still enjoyed the story. I would have loved of the theatre had played a larger role. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a quick read about long lost love reignited in a small town.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love holiday romances and the best friends to lovers trope, and while this book had both, it wasn’t for me. First of all, Bianca and Mike lacked chemistry. Second, this plot has been done so many times by countless authors—best friends share a kiss and years go by before they reconnect and fall in love. I’ve read so many stories like this one before, and there was nothing new or interesting in it to set it apart from the rest. I also thought it was weird that the paperback book was pint-sized. It’s like 4x3 inches with minimal margins. Why format a book like that? I understand printing and shipping books can be expensive, so I appreciate the author sending it to me. I won a copy in a giveaway, so I regret that I can’t give a better review. Overall, it’s an okay story for readers new to the genre and tropes. For long-time romance readers, search elsewhere. 3 Stars
There's not a single thing I would change about Mike and Bianca. Their story was sweet. I love the way Andrea Jenelle writes. The way she adds in so many different emotions into her books without it ever being overwhelming. I laughed, got teary-eyed, and fell in love with the characters. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't go to bed until I finished this book. I didn't want it to end, but I love Willow Creek so much and always look forward to whatever comes next. I'm a sucker for second chance romances. A love that never really had its chance deserves to be explored. Especially between two childhood best friends who were made for each other. And what better way to celebrate Christmas than with a beautiful ending... or new beginnings for a small town.
I loved being back in Willow Creek and seeing some cameos from some of my faves. This was a quick burn, second chance (or first full chance), “it’s always been you”, ex-broadway star with big city dreams and a small town heart, “finally mine”, single dad, secret tattoo, holiday novella.
It was cute how they always referred to each other by their last names and Bee and Mike are sweet together. Everyone knows it’s just a matter of time before they lock in their romance. They had fun banter, insta-chemistry (even after 20 years), and a love that time didn’t tarnish. Although this was short, there was still enough story to enjoy and leave you wanting more!
"You're still incredible, I want to tell her. You still stop the breath in my lungs and make me believe in things like fate and love and happily ever after."
For this only being a novella to Willow Creek series, I must say it was a perfect addition. I loved that's it's a story based on reconnection and committing to a love that was too late the first go around. Reading Mike spill his heart out finally to Bianca, had my heart fluttering. It's that feeling I look for in second chance romance books. Just pure perfection and perfectly wrote, with enough plot you don't feel like your missing much and still get the full story.
I loved this book. She has done it once again. I can't wait to add this to my bookshelves. I loved that they finally got together. I'm also extremely happy that he did everything in his power to make it so that she wanted to stay. I know that she was there recovering from surgery, but I also felt that she was better staying in her hometown. There is nothing wrong with wanting to go home after you have spent years doing what you wanted to do. I'm just sorry that it took something happening to her to make her realize that she wanted to be at home and stay with the person that she has known all of her life.
Not gonna lie. When I first started reading Mike rubbed me the wrong way when he was mad at Bianca for leaving after graduating high school after he told her how he actually felt about her. It bothered me that he was being selfish and how he had all his relationship in high school but waited till last minute to fess up about how he felt for Bianca BUT I should have trusted Andrea to know she was gonna make this right ☺️. Bianca and Mike make another happy couple in the Willow Creek Series.
Gotta be honest, my to go reads are mainly dark romance but I will ALWAYS make room for Andreas writing. I love her small town writing with lots of second chance stories and this one was another hit!
Bianca could not wait to leave Willow Creek, having her sights set on Broadway. Twenty years later she is back in Willow Creek and agrees to direct the children’s Christmas play. Mike, her high school boyfriend, never left and is now the Public Works Director. The old theater is being refurbished and the town would like her to run a community theater. Is her career over on Broadway and could she be happy back in Willow Creek? This book is a lot of fun with the children working hard on their play, and Bianca and Mike wondering if they can rekindle their feelings for each other. Great story and characters you love.
I am a sucker for a Christmas romance and this quick little novella hit the spot!
The relationship between Mike and Bianca is so cute. I loved getting little flashbacks from when they were kids to who they are now. For a short novella, this book had so much in it. The characters were loveable, the plot was great, and of course, the spice was amazing. I would love to see these two more in the future.
This the sweetest holiday romance Novella! Andrea never fails in making your heart feel so happy by the end of a story. I really loved Bianca and Mike’s story so much. I truly love when character’s grow up with each other and form a relationship in such a deep level… Even if they end up not staying in contact for many years. But…. they actually get a chance to reconnect so many years later. That made this story even more special to me. Not many will ever get a chance to have that. So if you are looking for a quick sweet holiday read, look no further. This is definitely a must read!
This was such a sweet second chance romance. Bianca is back in town to help her mom during chemo and figure out her next move trying to get back to Broadway after vocal surgery. When she left Willow Creek behind at 18, she also left her best friend and love of her life Mike. Of course Mike is still in town. If you like Hallmark vibes with some spice set around Thanksgiving and Christmas, I think you’ll enjoy this novella. A big thank you to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this novella early.
This short story takes the reader to Willow Creek where we meet Bianca and Mike. A kiss is at the heart of this story. A first kiss which wasn't enough to keep Bianca in this quaint town. Misunderstandings and miscommunication as well as youth become their downfall at the time. Years later a rekindling of the past, still remaining feelings give way to a second chance. A quick holiday read that will leave you holding your heart and calming your breath. I love a good story with flashbacks of yesteryear, lost love and second chances. A must read for those who hold that dear.
Grab some tissues and get ready to laugh and cry your way through a really good read. Man oh man…it certainly ended up being a lot better than I first imagined. The storyline is so good; the characters could be your friends and neighbors in a zillion small towns; the plot is pretty much level; and that HEA—Ohmigod. It’s amazing! This book touched on all the feels you want in any romance novel. It just makes your heart happy. Grab your copy today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader’s copy of this book and really enjoyed it…) ❤️❤️
when i say i couldn't put this book down i mean it . i had it in my hand while cooking and eating dinner. Andrea has done it again. im such a sucker for second chance and this book ATE!!! Bianca and Callihan were made for each other. the spice was giving too. i loved this so much. another willow creek hit for sure and i highly recommend it. also bumble bee what a cute af nickname and one i haven't read in a book yet.
I love Willow Creek!!! This novella was addicting and adorable!! I LOVE all the Willow creek books. Mike and Bianca are soo adorable. I love his nickname for her*bumblebee*. Bianca is adored as a broadway star and came back home to take care of her mom who has cancer and rest her vocal cords. Mike has helped her mom all this time and is still in love with her. Best friends growing up. Will they rehash and start a love journey? Go read it!!! It’s sooo good and hard to put down!
This was such a sweet childhood friends to lovers mixed with small town and it’s always been you. The author packs a lot into this novella, but it is so well done. From her arrival back into the town to their reunion, to her mom’s health, and deciding whether or not she would be returning to New York. One of my favorite parts of this novella was when he asked her to sing in front of the crowd. If you want a quick holiday romance, this is perfection.
A sweet Christmas Novella in our favorite town of Willow creek. We get to see Mike & Bianca's story unfold.
This book was more about love than spice. There was some explosive kissing and a descriptive open-door scene, but it was mostly sweet with a little bit of bossiness from Mike.
If you like a quick and sweet holiday read, small town romance, best friends to lovers with a second chance, then read this! Plus, you get a cameo from all our favorites ;)
Ok seasonal romance. I did enjoy this ‘second chance’ romantic novella between professional musical star, Bianca and her high school crush, Mike; however I just felt it was just too short to really get into their story or characters. The romance is well told when Bianca returns to her home town after her career has to be put on hold. The novella has some cute as well as steamy moments and the obligatory HEA.
Omg, what amazing sweet short romance for Christmas time! This book was such a good read I read it fast and furious. I didn’t ever wanted to put it down. I am so happy I was able to read this book and be able to review it. This short love story will have you hooked from beginning to end. You will not regret reading this at all.
Cute small town second chance romance! It was a quick easy read. The characters were likeable. Cassidy and Mike appear to have never really gotten over each other. There didn’t appear to be any real hurtles or fights for them to get over which made this a predictable ending. It was a nice short romance story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cute story of two teenagers who grow up, grow apart and then come back together again many years later. Bianca aka Bumblebee and Mike are perfect together, but Bee has to try to reach her dreams before she can let herself truly love. I enjoyed the story although a bit short. While I received an ARC of this novella, my opinions are my own.