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Sleigh Bells Ring: A Sapphic Holiday Romance About Family, Love, and Second Chances
A heartwarming sapphic holiday romance filled with family, second chances, and a touch of Christmas magic.
Every December, Nicole Robinson returns to Hebden Bridge for a month of festive chaos with her siblings—her no-nonsense sister Beth and her kind-hearted brother Liam, who’s lived with a cognitive disability since a childhood accident. The Robinsons are loud, loving, and brimming with tradition… including the family mystery they’ve never the origin of the sleigh bells they hear every Christmas Eve.
One tradition Nicole isn’t so fond of? Getting dumped by December. Her relationships always seem to fizzle out before the holidays, and this year is no exception. Beth even made her an Advent calendar to count down the days to the next inevitable breakup. But this Christmas, something’s different.
Niamh—Liam’s childhood best friend and the only person who stood by him after the accident—has returned to town after ten years away. Grown into a stunning, sharp-witted Irishwoman, she’s nothing like the girl Nicole remembers. And when their paths cross again, so does a long-buried spark.
As sleigh bells echo and hot chocolate flows, Nicole and Niamh find themselves caught between nostalgia and something entirely new. But can Niamh fit into the Robinsons’ slightly mad, incredibly close holiday bubble—or will this Christmas romance melt away like snow?
Sleigh Bells Ring is a cozy sapphic holiday romance about family bonds, rekindled love, and the belief that magic—whether in bells or hearts—might just be real after all.
Every December, Nicole Robinson returns to Hebden Bridge for a month of festive chaos with her siblings—her no-nonsense sister Beth and her kind-hearted brother Liam, who’s lived with a cognitive disability since a childhood accident. The Robinsons are loud, loving, and brimming with tradition… including the family mystery they’ve never the origin of the sleigh bells they hear every Christmas Eve.
One tradition Nicole isn’t so fond of? Getting dumped by December. Her relationships always seem to fizzle out before the holidays, and this year is no exception. Beth even made her an Advent calendar to count down the days to the next inevitable breakup. But this Christmas, something’s different.
Niamh—Liam’s childhood best friend and the only person who stood by him after the accident—has returned to town after ten years away. Grown into a stunning, sharp-witted Irishwoman, she’s nothing like the girl Nicole remembers. And when their paths cross again, so does a long-buried spark.
As sleigh bells echo and hot chocolate flows, Nicole and Niamh find themselves caught between nostalgia and something entirely new. But can Niamh fit into the Robinsons’ slightly mad, incredibly close holiday bubble—or will this Christmas romance melt away like snow?
Sleigh Bells Ring is a cozy sapphic holiday romance about family bonds, rekindled love, and the belief that magic—whether in bells or hearts—might just be real after all.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2024
177 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read
About the author
Alyson Root
24 books232 followersAlyson was born and raised in the heart of England. She moved to Paris in 2015 when she met her wife. Together they moved to the west of France where they now live with their two dogs and pet bird. Alyson spends her time running a small campsite and holiday home. During her off time, she loves to read lesbian romance books, write and Scuba Dive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
November 16, 2024
A perfectly decent sapphic Christmas story! It was written well and I enjoyed elements of it but I have mixed feelings about the romance between Nicole and Niamh.
The story kicks off with Nic and Niamh reconnecting after ten years apart, and of course, there's an instant attraction — as is the case with 99% of sapphic romances, so no surprises there.
But here's where it got a bit shaky for me: Niamh is casually dating a woman named Pat and wants to date and keep things open with Nic too. Fair enough — non-monogamy is less common in lesfic, but it’s certainly not unheard of. Then, we get the twist: And that's where it lost me. It felt like forced drama that didn’t quite fit the characters or the story.
That said, there were still plenty of charming moments, and the book wraps up with a satisfying HEA. It’s cute, festive, and delivers on the holiday vibes — but ultimately, it’s not one that I’ll remember or be reaching for again.
The story kicks off with Nic and Niamh reconnecting after ten years apart, and of course, there's an instant attraction — as is the case with 99% of sapphic romances, so no surprises there.
But here's where it got a bit shaky for me: Niamh is casually dating a woman named Pat and wants to date and keep things open with Nic too. Fair enough — non-monogamy is less common in lesfic, but it’s certainly not unheard of. Then, we get the twist: And that's where it lost me. It felt like forced drama that didn’t quite fit the characters or the story.
That said, there were still plenty of charming moments, and the book wraps up with a satisfying HEA. It’s cute, festive, and delivers on the holiday vibes — but ultimately, it’s not one that I’ll remember or be reaching for again.
July 27, 2025
Sleigh Bells Ring was a goofy story about a family who keeps up with a Christmas tradition every year, even if others find it completely odd.
I wasn’t overly impressed by this book, and a few spots made me a bit annoyed with it. Niamh is messing around with Nic and someone else and the same time and TWICE says she’s done with her. Nic let her get away with that so quickly even though it was majorly messed up that RIGHT after Niamh was with Nic she invited Pam over to also have sex with her. Within days Nic was so whatever by it, it made me feel like Niamh could do her so dirty and Nic would still have heart eyes for her.
My favorite character was Nic’s little brother Liam. He was just super cute and I loved when he was involved in any conversation. All of the other characters were mid.
It felt like so much of the book was the two MCs having sex and there wasn’t a huge plot.
What really locked in the 3 star for me was the ending. After ALL of that work and details about the mysterious bells, they just stop searching completely. I loved that the family was brought closer, but it was the wholeeeee point 😭
I wasn’t overly impressed by this book, and a few spots made me a bit annoyed with it. Niamh is messing around with Nic and someone else and the same time and TWICE says she’s done with her. Nic let her get away with that so quickly even though it was majorly messed up that RIGHT after Niamh was with Nic she invited Pam over to also have sex with her. Within days Nic was so whatever by it, it made me feel like Niamh could do her so dirty and Nic would still have heart eyes for her.
My favorite character was Nic’s little brother Liam. He was just super cute and I loved when he was involved in any conversation. All of the other characters were mid.
It felt like so much of the book was the two MCs having sex and there wasn’t a huge plot.
What really locked in the 3 star for me was the ending. After ALL of that work and details about the mysterious bells, they just stop searching completely. I loved that the family was brought closer, but it was the wholeeeee point 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Exactly how a Christmas book should be, full of family fun and some heartfelt moments. Firefighter Nic goes back home for her annual 1 month Christmas vacation with the rest of the adult Robinsons. It’s their yearly tradition to reunite and enjoy each other’s company. Nic’s parents own the local tea shop and know everybody so people live in each other’s pockets in a good way. I love these stories that showcase a tight family who happily spend their days on snowball shenanigans, eating good food, and showing their affection. Nic is a combination of hot, buff firefighter and goofball charm. She left a broken relationship and has given up on finding a woman who will appreciate her commitment to family. Her brother’s best friend, Niamh, has eyes for Nic and the connection is steamy but the family times are what I loved best about the book. Nic states that Niamh’s Irish accent does “certain things” to her and I agree. Suffice to say, Lillia Green is fantastic as the narrator on the audiobook.
December 2, 2025
This made me laugh out loud a fair few times. I don’t read many British based books, she this was really nice to read things familiar to me 😂 (Greggs sausage rolls, cups of tea galore and northern over friendliness!). Definitely recommend this Christmas read!
Written in first person with a single POV. Narrated by Lilia Green. Friends to Lovers, Femme/Femme, Firefighter/Barista, Holiday Romance, Romcom, Disability Rep. 2x Spicy Scenes.
Written in first person with a single POV. Narrated by Lilia Green. Friends to Lovers, Femme/Femme, Firefighter/Barista, Holiday Romance, Romcom, Disability Rep. 2x Spicy Scenes.
November 8, 2024
A beautiful small-town holiday setting makes a lovely backdrop for our Robinson family Christmas traditions and a little romance on the side. Nicole joins her family back home for December and their annual festivities, coincidentally, an old family friend also returns. There is an immediate attraction, but both women are fresh out of bad relationships. A no-strings arrangement occurs, but we all know how that goes. This romcom plays out like a sapphic hallmark movie and I enjoyed it! Supportive family, sibling bickering, witty banter, flirty dialogue, and warm fuzzy Christmastime fun make this a feel-good story for the holiday TBR. I quite like the Robinson family. I really like Root's writing style. It is easy to follow, relatable, and funny at times.
There were a few plot choices that aren't really my style but that all worked itself out in the end. Over all, I enjoyed this quick read, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
#holiday #Christmas #UK #smalltown #supportivefamily #MCsOver30 #nostrings #romcom #Irishaccent #HEA #spicy #friendstolovers
I received this ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
There were a few plot choices that aren't really my style but that all worked itself out in the end. Over all, I enjoyed this quick read, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
#holiday #Christmas #UK #smalltown #supportivefamily #MCsOver30 #nostrings #romcom #Irishaccent #HEA #spicy #friendstolovers
I received this ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
December 26, 2024
High 4+⭐️
An absolutely delightful and heartwarming story that’s brimming with laugh-out-loud moments at the Robinson family home! It's the perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit, filled with joy and festivities. This story weaves together a sprinkle of drama, a generous dose of humor, and just the right amount of spice.
Firefighter Nicole Robinson makes it a tradition to return home each year for a month-long Christmas celebration with her family. Unfortunately, each time she does, she ends up losing a girlfriend. It seems that none of them quite understand her commitment to family time during the holidays. This year is different, though, as they have Niamh, Liam’s childhood friend, who after being away for 10 years, is back home after ending things with her controlling girlfriend. There’s this undeniable spark between Nicole and Niamh, but they both decide to keep it casual. But, things get a bit complicated when a third person enters the picture, adding some angsty twists that definitely kept me on my toes and makes me go ‘hmmm’! Not my usual preference, but this twist adds an intriguing layer to the story that makes the story even more interesting!
And what’s with the bell…a mystery that none of the siblings can solve!
An absolutely delightful and heartwarming story that’s brimming with laugh-out-loud moments at the Robinson family home! It's the perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit, filled with joy and festivities. This story weaves together a sprinkle of drama, a generous dose of humor, and just the right amount of spice.
Firefighter Nicole Robinson makes it a tradition to return home each year for a month-long Christmas celebration with her family. Unfortunately, each time she does, she ends up losing a girlfriend. It seems that none of them quite understand her commitment to family time during the holidays. This year is different, though, as they have Niamh, Liam’s childhood friend, who after being away for 10 years, is back home after ending things with her controlling girlfriend. There’s this undeniable spark between Nicole and Niamh, but they both decide to keep it casual. But, things get a bit complicated when a third person enters the picture, adding some angsty twists that definitely kept me on my toes and makes me go ‘hmmm’! Not my usual preference, but this twist adds an intriguing layer to the story that makes the story even more interesting!
And what’s with the bell…a mystery that none of the siblings can solve!
November 4, 2024
I love Root’s humour and this started in typical vein. However, there is a casual, not exclusive relationship between the mains and I discovered I don’t like that. (My personal preference…… not an issue with the writing.)The 3rd wheel is also unpleasant so it made even less sense to me. I also didn’t get into most of the physical scenes …… intimate is not the word I would use. Some humour and some phrasing just didn’t work for me in this book. I am trying to quantify what didn’t work for me. This is not a fault of the writing, or a fault with me, it’s just not a match. Okay….. I spoke too soon! The mains decide to be together properly and everything changes. Lovemaking happens and I’m happy. Which makes me think that the writer deliberately phrased things rather than a complete change of writing style. (I still didn’t like it but now I understand it). The last third was lovely! 3 up to 4 for the last third, and also because the writer made style choices that were the equivalent of the rain that enabled the rainbow!
November 26, 2024
Low angst, happy family, holiday goodness. The spice was, ahem, athletic. Like the characters needed one of those harnesses that trapeze artists use when practicing. The supporting characters were well developed and funny. The relationship between the sisters was very funny, snarky, and hilarious.
Female firefighter? That was Santa’s gift to me. This is definite reread for me during every Christmas season.
Female firefighter? That was Santa’s gift to me. This is definite reread for me during every Christmas season.
December 7, 2025
Yeahh, as far as a Christmas romance with a bit of spice sprinkled in, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Throwing that ever present adult-trained mindset out the window while visiting home for Christmas and to hunt for magical sleigh bells honestly seems ridiculous on paper. Not to mention finding and nurturing love while behaving quite ridiculously;a tough sell in reality I’d imagine. That being said, it’s was super fun to read. Loved all the secondary characters and I felt everyone’s purpose in this blended family and tight-knit, gossipy community. Merry crimbo indeed 🎄
November 6, 2024
Reading this was a perfect way to ease into the holidays. The Robinson family's Christmas traditions, which includes longtime friends considered family, were a joy to experience. Oldest daughter Nic has been unlucky in love and her brother's best friend Niamh is newly out of a bad relationship. As each chapter is a new day from Nic's perspective leading up to Christmas, the story revolves around the adult Robinson children's search for the location of the ringing sleigh bells and Nic's and Niamh's budding relationship. Each character was fully developed and played a part in the overall tale. This story was well written with humor, emotion, love, and real life situations and would be a worthy addition to your holiday reading list.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2024
This is as much a family story as it is a romantic comedy. Loved the dynamics of the Robinsons and their chosen family. This was a perfect read on a snowy day, it gave all the cozy warm feelings of Christmas.
October 7, 2025
Lovely story of a family Christmas: returning eldest daughter of many failed relationships, superb cast and genuinely funny. Highly recommended, even in October!
December 6, 2025
well this was absolutely adorable, i LOVE a close knit family and this gave me so much christmasy vibes i was loving it. and the firefighter women, and operation sleigh bells, this was just such a good way to get into the christmasy mood😭 i loved all the characters so much. liam has my heart and must be protected at all costs. and REGGIE how cute. and then tammy and her life ugh i just loved all the little story lines going on aside from the main plot and i loved it!
December 17, 2025
Maybe it would be better for me to just avoid reading Christmas novels, because just like Christmas movies, they usually disappoint.
This was a bit of a weak and sometimes even a bit strange and childish story. After all, what woman almost 40 stays with her brother, sister, and parents at her parents' house for the entire month of December every year? And what sane adult would then spend hours with their also-adult brother and sister trying to figure out where the annual jingle of the sleigh bells comes from? Main character Nic, that is.
I also found the other main character, Naimh, a bit odd. She's Nic's brother's best friend and recently moved back from Ireland. Nic meets her for the first time in 10 years. After two brief encounters, Niamh suddenly appears at the door of Nic's parents' house with the message that she wants to talk to her. They go to Nic's bedroom and watch a few movies, and then Niamh asks out of the blue if she can stay the night. Very strange. Especially since she is already dating a certain Pat at that time.
Because there also were some good parts in it and I actually didn't really think about not finishing it, I'm giving this book a narrow 3 stars.
This was a bit of a weak and sometimes even a bit strange and childish story. After all, what woman almost 40 stays with her brother, sister, and parents at her parents' house for the entire month of December every year? And what sane adult would then spend hours with their also-adult brother and sister trying to figure out where the annual jingle of the sleigh bells comes from? Main character Nic, that is.
I also found the other main character, Naimh, a bit odd. She's Nic's brother's best friend and recently moved back from Ireland. Nic meets her for the first time in 10 years. After two brief encounters, Niamh suddenly appears at the door of Nic's parents' house with the message that she wants to talk to her. They go to Nic's bedroom and watch a few movies, and then Niamh asks out of the blue if she can stay the night. Very strange. Especially since she is already dating a certain Pat at that time.
Because there also were some good parts in it and I actually didn't really think about not finishing it, I'm giving this book a narrow 3 stars.
November 9, 2024
4.5⭐️. I love the writing style of this book! It had great flow and the perfect combination of humor, frustration, tension, emotion, and a cast of characters that kept you invested from start to finish. The characters had depth and connection that grew and opened up sweet and relatable experiences. I loved Nic’s pov and comments throughout and how everything started coming together through the last third to a very satisfying conclusion. This book will get you in the holiday spirit!!
December 11, 2024
3.5 Stars because of the fantastic narration.
I adore Alyson’s stories, they are always homely and sweet. Sadly, this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me.
Newly single Nic heads back home for the annual month-long Christmas tradition with her family. And as fate would have it, a blast from her past in the form of an Irish beauty Niamh is back and interested in some no-strings fun.
And this is where I lost interest.
Niamh . . . She was all over the place with what she wanted and the whole “Pat” plot . . . Just no. What she does to Nic (and Pat too even though she is an ass) really was crap and I was ready to just give up here. Honestly, had I known ahead of jumping in, I probably would have skipped.
I really feel that Niamh and Nic weren’t the best of matches. I kind of wish this wasn’t a romance and just focused more on the mystery of the Robinsons' family tradition of finding the bells.
Overall, it did pick up and thankfully this has a host of incredible side characters that bring the fun banter and warm cozy family vibes that made this well worth the listen.
Oh, I will address a wee bit of an issue with the audio. Lillia Green is an amazing narrator and by no means does this take away from her beyond 5 star performance but there were some spots where she would repeat the same word or part of a sentence, it wasn’t too distracting where I didn’t want to continue listening.
I adore Alyson’s stories, they are always homely and sweet. Sadly, this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me.
Newly single Nic heads back home for the annual month-long Christmas tradition with her family. And as fate would have it, a blast from her past in the form of an Irish beauty Niamh is back and interested in some no-strings fun.
And this is where I lost interest.
Niamh . . . She was all over the place with what she wanted and the whole “Pat” plot . . . Just no. What she does to Nic (and Pat too even though she is an ass) really was crap and I was ready to just give up here. Honestly, had I known ahead of jumping in, I probably would have skipped.
I really feel that Niamh and Nic weren’t the best of matches. I kind of wish this wasn’t a romance and just focused more on the mystery of the Robinsons' family tradition of finding the bells.
Overall, it did pick up and thankfully this has a host of incredible side characters that bring the fun banter and warm cozy family vibes that made this well worth the listen.
Oh, I will address a wee bit of an issue with the audio. Lillia Green is an amazing narrator and by no means does this take away from her beyond 5 star performance but there were some spots where she would repeat the same word or part of a sentence, it wasn’t too distracting where I didn’t want to continue listening.
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December 31, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ This one started off pretty strong for me and giving Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist vibes (Christmas edition) then it just fell off. I really wanted to like it and I did to some extent, but again just fell flat. The extra queer character and side storyline didn’t help either. But I loved the sense of family and togetherness this book showed.
December 18, 2025
This is my first seasonal book, and I’m honestly mixed on it.
The Christmas stuff and the family moments are what made this book for me. That was the part that had me smiling, and a couple of times I genuinely laughed. The family dynamic felt cosy and fun, and the little bits of chaos and antics were easily my favourite parts. Liam was easily my favourite character in the whole book. Any time he was around, I was enjoying myself more.
The problem is that this is a romance book, and the romance is where it fell a bit flat for me. I liked the narrator as a character, but I just did not care about the main couple. Their relationship never really clicked in a way that made me root for them. So when the story focused on them, I kept wanting it to go back to the family scenes, because that was where the book felt most alive. For a romance, that is not ideal.
Overall, I did enjoy parts of it, and I’m glad I read it because it did give me that festive feeling. I just wish I connected more with the couple, because if I had, this would have been a much higher rating from me.
The Christmas stuff and the family moments are what made this book for me. That was the part that had me smiling, and a couple of times I genuinely laughed. The family dynamic felt cosy and fun, and the little bits of chaos and antics were easily my favourite parts. Liam was easily my favourite character in the whole book. Any time he was around, I was enjoying myself more.
The problem is that this is a romance book, and the romance is where it fell a bit flat for me. I liked the narrator as a character, but I just did not care about the main couple. Their relationship never really clicked in a way that made me root for them. So when the story focused on them, I kept wanting it to go back to the family scenes, because that was where the book felt most alive. For a romance, that is not ideal.
Overall, I did enjoy parts of it, and I’m glad I read it because it did give me that festive feeling. I just wish I connected more with the couple, because if I had, this would have been a much higher rating from me.
December 20, 2025
I really loved this book. It's a realistic story with well rounded characters, some fantastic chemistry, some sweet Christmas family craziness and a lot of cozy moments. Also, love that the fmc is a grown adult and acts like it.
December 29, 2024
Overall a nice FF romance but it lost a star from me because the one MC seemed manipulative and still caught up in toxic relationships. She definitely had some yuck factor going on for me. People don't change that quickly, even in romance. Well, they do, but it doesn't work for me. I think author was trying to find some conflict/obstacle and she just didn't carry it off.
December 15, 2025
2.75 stars
uhhhhh okay! didn't really work for me i don't know why. the romance needed more tension i think
uhhhhh okay! didn't really work for me i don't know why. the romance needed more tension i think
January 1, 2025
The perfect holiday read. I did enjoy this author’s humor!
December 13, 2024
i just wanted sapphic santa smut and i got really bad writing instead
January 16, 2026
My general thoughts on this novel are that it was underwhelming. There were some great vibes (easy in a Christmas novel) and assorted nice scenes, but the overall package left a lot to be desired. Everyone else seems to have loved it so I'm not sure what my issue is, hah. It WAS super easy to get into, which was nice, but I struggled to keep going once I got started. I found a lot of parts of this book very repetitive with regard to the protagonists worries and whatnot, which was annoying. The actual writing was alright, but I didn’t love the content. Let’s break it down:
Romance: the romance plotline was incredibly underwhelming and undeveloped, and I disliked many parts of it. It was constantly undercut by a series of subplots and didn’t get a lot of time to do its thing. It seemed to be entirely based on physical attraction at the start and barely expanded on that by the end. The biggest issue was that I disliked the love interest; she sucked. I understand that she was going through some stuff or whatnot, but that doesn’t mean that I must like her. I didn’t like the entire Pat aspect; I'm fine with non-monogamy but Pat was horrible and I'm judging the love-interest for being entangled with her. Especially after they openly recognized Pat’s bad qualities and stated that they were done with her. The protagonist forgave the love interest FAR too easily after they acted poorly, and the whole thing was simply anticlimactic for me.
Christmas Content: Surprisingly little? The novel spent a lot of time talking about how they were not doing as much Christmas stuff as they usually do because they are distracted by the romance plotline; that’s not a good substitute for Christmas content! For how important Christmas content was supposed to be to this family, we saw very little.
The Bells: An entire star lost for this alone. Ill put it simply:
Subplots: I generally like a book with “a lot going on”. This one went a bit too far. The pregnancy, the move, the relationship drama, the family dynamics. There was so much going on that none of these plotlines felt like they got enough attention. They kept saying that they didn’t get to do enough Christmas stuff because they were distracted by other things, and also they didn’t search for the bells enough because they got distracted by other things, and they were not a good enough friend because they were distracted by other things, and also the romance wasn’t developed enough because the book got distracted by other things……….
Romance: the romance plotline was incredibly underwhelming and undeveloped, and I disliked many parts of it. It was constantly undercut by a series of subplots and didn’t get a lot of time to do its thing. It seemed to be entirely based on physical attraction at the start and barely expanded on that by the end. The biggest issue was that I disliked the love interest; she sucked. I understand that she was going through some stuff or whatnot, but that doesn’t mean that I must like her. I didn’t like the entire Pat aspect; I'm fine with non-monogamy but Pat was horrible and I'm judging the love-interest for being entangled with her. Especially after they openly recognized Pat’s bad qualities and stated that they were done with her. The protagonist forgave the love interest FAR too easily after they acted poorly, and the whole thing was simply anticlimactic for me.
Christmas Content: Surprisingly little? The novel spent a lot of time talking about how they were not doing as much Christmas stuff as they usually do because they are distracted by the romance plotline; that’s not a good substitute for Christmas content! For how important Christmas content was supposed to be to this family, we saw very little.
The Bells: An entire star lost for this alone. Ill put it simply:
Subplots: I generally like a book with “a lot going on”. This one went a bit too far. The pregnancy, the move, the relationship drama, the family dynamics. There was so much going on that none of these plotlines felt like they got enough attention. They kept saying that they didn’t get to do enough Christmas stuff because they were distracted by other things, and also they didn’t search for the bells enough because they got distracted by other things, and they were not a good enough friend because they were distracted by other things, and also the romance wasn’t developed enough because the book got distracted by other things……….
November 12, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨4.5/5
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MC/LI, Queer SCs, SC w/brain injury
Alyson Root is one of those authors where I know that no matter what the story is about and what the overall atmosphere of the story is - I’m going to enjoy it! Sleigh Bells Ring was a truly delightful and fun story that has me pumped and ready for Christmas! This story has so many good things all packed into a fast and festive read. It’s got a sexy calendar photoshoot, ice skating, a Christmas market, family togetherness, sibling shenanigans, an adorable dog (and pet beaver too), plus sapphic pining, very athletic s3x, and a beautiful friends to lovers romance all set in a quaint small town in the UK.
I adored the whole Robinson clan, but especially loved the dynamics between Nic and her siblings, Beth and Liam, as well as her friendship with Tammy. I also loved the inclusion of a prominent side character (Liam) with an anoxic brain injury (and yes, I looked up the term for it). After an accident that deprived his brain of oxygen, he has permanent brain damage. “Operation Sleigh Bells” started the year following Liam’s accident. And the Robinsons’ siblings have spent nearly a decade trying to figure out the mystery of the sleigh bells. This tradition is part of Nic’s yearly holiday plans to spend the entire month of December back home with her family.
But it’s also the Robinson family Christmas traditions that have led to countless break ups for Nic. Now at number 17, Nic is not sure she will ever find someone who’s okay with her family traditions. But she also never planned for Niamh (pronounced Neev), or Nim as her best friend Liam calls her. Nic hasn’t seen her in a decade. And between her Irish accent, captivating looks, and flirtatious personality, Nic knows sleigh bells will be the least of her worries.
The attraction Nic feels for Nim is apparently not one-sided either. But Niamh is only looking to have fun after a bad relationship, no strings. And since Nic is done with crappy relationships and only in town for a month…why not have a little fun while she’s there, right? 😏And it turns out the magic in the air might be bigger than just sleigh bells.
Sleigh Bells Ring has all the cheesy Hallmark Christmas vibes I love, plus a cast full of characters that endeared themselves to me from page one. Add into that Alyson Root’s humor and a sweet and spicy sapphic romance and you’ve got a perfect holiday season read to warm you up and ring your bell! 🔔😜
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review.
📝Tropes/Themes: Femme/Femme, Return to Hometown, Sibling Relationships, Christmas Fun, Friends to Lovers, Small Town (UK), Sexy Firefighter, Low Angst, Humor
⚠️TW/CW: sexual content, mention of abusive relationship, mention of traumatic accident and resulting brain damage
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MC/LI, Queer SCs, SC w/brain injury
Alyson Root is one of those authors where I know that no matter what the story is about and what the overall atmosphere of the story is - I’m going to enjoy it! Sleigh Bells Ring was a truly delightful and fun story that has me pumped and ready for Christmas! This story has so many good things all packed into a fast and festive read. It’s got a sexy calendar photoshoot, ice skating, a Christmas market, family togetherness, sibling shenanigans, an adorable dog (and pet beaver too), plus sapphic pining, very athletic s3x, and a beautiful friends to lovers romance all set in a quaint small town in the UK.
I adored the whole Robinson clan, but especially loved the dynamics between Nic and her siblings, Beth and Liam, as well as her friendship with Tammy. I also loved the inclusion of a prominent side character (Liam) with an anoxic brain injury (and yes, I looked up the term for it). After an accident that deprived his brain of oxygen, he has permanent brain damage. “Operation Sleigh Bells” started the year following Liam’s accident. And the Robinsons’ siblings have spent nearly a decade trying to figure out the mystery of the sleigh bells. This tradition is part of Nic’s yearly holiday plans to spend the entire month of December back home with her family.
But it’s also the Robinson family Christmas traditions that have led to countless break ups for Nic. Now at number 17, Nic is not sure she will ever find someone who’s okay with her family traditions. But she also never planned for Niamh (pronounced Neev), or Nim as her best friend Liam calls her. Nic hasn’t seen her in a decade. And between her Irish accent, captivating looks, and flirtatious personality, Nic knows sleigh bells will be the least of her worries.
The attraction Nic feels for Nim is apparently not one-sided either. But Niamh is only looking to have fun after a bad relationship, no strings. And since Nic is done with crappy relationships and only in town for a month…why not have a little fun while she’s there, right? 😏And it turns out the magic in the air might be bigger than just sleigh bells.
Sleigh Bells Ring has all the cheesy Hallmark Christmas vibes I love, plus a cast full of characters that endeared themselves to me from page one. Add into that Alyson Root’s humor and a sweet and spicy sapphic romance and you’ve got a perfect holiday season read to warm you up and ring your bell! 🔔😜
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review.
📝Tropes/Themes: Femme/Femme, Return to Hometown, Sibling Relationships, Christmas Fun, Friends to Lovers, Small Town (UK), Sexy Firefighter, Low Angst, Humor
⚠️TW/CW: sexual content, mention of abusive relationship, mention of traumatic accident and resulting brain damage
December 21, 2024
Sleigh Bells Ring by Alyson Root is a charming holiday romance that perfectly captures the magic of Christmas. Narrated beautifully by Lila Green, this sweet and steamy tale is packed with warmth, humor, and just the right sprinkle of holiday cheer to make it a delightful seasonal read.
Nicole Robinson’s family is the heart and soul of this story. The Robinson household, brimming with festive traditions and unconditional love, feels like stepping into the cozy warmth of a Hallmark movie. Nicole’s bond with her siblings, especially with her brother Liam, whose childhood accident has left him with permanent delays, is so beautifully written. The family’s yearly quest to solve the mystery of the sleigh bells is endearing and adds a touch of holiday magic.
Nicole’s love life, however, is a different story. Her yearly pattern of Christmas breakups has become such a running joke that her sister Beth makes her an Advent calendar to mark the countdown to her inevitable seasonal heartbreak. But this year brings a twist: Niamh, a childhood friend of Liam’s, returns to town. Grown into a stunning Irish woman with an undeniable spark, Niamh quickly turns Nicole’s unlucky-in-love streak on its head.
The chemistry between Nicole and Niamh is fantastic—there’s an easy connection and warmth between them that makes their budding romance feel natural and exciting. The steamier moments are well-balanced with the sweet and tender ones, creating a romance that feels both playful and heartfelt.
Lila Green’s narration is as solid as ever, bringing depth and emotion to the characters. Her performance captures the love and closeness of the Robinson family while also highlighting the simmering chemistry between Nicole and Niamh.
This book isn’t just about romance—it’s about the importance of family, tradition, and finding joy in the little things. You can feel the love and warmth in every interaction between the Robinsons, making it impossible not to root for Nicole to finally find happiness, both in her love life and within herself.
If you’re looking for a holiday romance that’s equal parts sweet and steamy, with a strong focus on family and holiday magic, Sleigh Bells Ring is a fantastic pick. It’s the perfect read (or listen) to cozy up with this holiday season!
Nicole Robinson’s family is the heart and soul of this story. The Robinson household, brimming with festive traditions and unconditional love, feels like stepping into the cozy warmth of a Hallmark movie. Nicole’s bond with her siblings, especially with her brother Liam, whose childhood accident has left him with permanent delays, is so beautifully written. The family’s yearly quest to solve the mystery of the sleigh bells is endearing and adds a touch of holiday magic.
Nicole’s love life, however, is a different story. Her yearly pattern of Christmas breakups has become such a running joke that her sister Beth makes her an Advent calendar to mark the countdown to her inevitable seasonal heartbreak. But this year brings a twist: Niamh, a childhood friend of Liam’s, returns to town. Grown into a stunning Irish woman with an undeniable spark, Niamh quickly turns Nicole’s unlucky-in-love streak on its head.
The chemistry between Nicole and Niamh is fantastic—there’s an easy connection and warmth between them that makes their budding romance feel natural and exciting. The steamier moments are well-balanced with the sweet and tender ones, creating a romance that feels both playful and heartfelt.
Lila Green’s narration is as solid as ever, bringing depth and emotion to the characters. Her performance captures the love and closeness of the Robinson family while also highlighting the simmering chemistry between Nicole and Niamh.
This book isn’t just about romance—it’s about the importance of family, tradition, and finding joy in the little things. You can feel the love and warmth in every interaction between the Robinsons, making it impossible not to root for Nicole to finally find happiness, both in her love life and within herself.
If you’re looking for a holiday romance that’s equal parts sweet and steamy, with a strong focus on family and holiday magic, Sleigh Bells Ring is a fantastic pick. It’s the perfect read (or listen) to cozy up with this holiday season!
December 12, 2025
if someone told me she was a lesbian firefighter who'd lost 17 relationships because she just loves Christmas too much I would assume she was an arsonist
it's cute, Christmassy, sappy, funny, good book yes okay now to the thing I want to talk about
is it a bad romance novel if you feel one of the leads is being shady? because Niamh what the hell. so Niamh is keeping things casual and playing the field after getting after a bad relationship, sure. and her current squeeze is being possessive and shitty to Nic and her family. which seems like a pretty simple set up for Nic to sweep in and be the Good Guy (female) Niamh needs after her checkered romantic past, if we're setting aside maybe the whole reason her squeeze is being a shit is because Niamh is with her while making eyes at Nic
then we get into the whole thing where Niamh and Nic are getting serious so Niamh called shitty squeeze and hooked up with her, and on top of that doesn't seem to be aware that said squeeze mistreated Nic's brother/her friend? Niamh is very lucky everyone seemed to accept 'my feelings were just too strong so I got scared and self-sabotaged' as an excuse
it's not quite as egregious as another Christmas romance I've read lately with a shady, messy romantic lead (Five Years by Nicole Spencer-Skellen), so in this case I'll take it as the book texturing Niamh's character. well-intentioned people make bad decisions, hurting people adopt coping mechanisms which from the outside look like being a crappy person, and she was very apologetic. and once that's all wrapped up Niamh and Nic are rock-solid, even when Nic's dreaded baggage of loving family Christmas too much comes up
I am with shitty squeeze a little tiny bit on this, it is wild that Nic and her sister get enough vacation time to spend the whole Christmas month at home
it's cute, Christmassy, sappy, funny, good book yes okay now to the thing I want to talk about
is it a bad romance novel if you feel one of the leads is being shady? because Niamh what the hell. so Niamh is keeping things casual and playing the field after getting after a bad relationship, sure. and her current squeeze is being possessive and shitty to Nic and her family. which seems like a pretty simple set up for Nic to sweep in and be the Good Guy (female) Niamh needs after her checkered romantic past, if we're setting aside maybe the whole reason her squeeze is being a shit is because Niamh is with her while making eyes at Nic
then we get into the whole thing where Niamh and Nic are getting serious so Niamh called shitty squeeze and hooked up with her, and on top of that doesn't seem to be aware that said squeeze mistreated Nic's brother/her friend? Niamh is very lucky everyone seemed to accept 'my feelings were just too strong so I got scared and self-sabotaged' as an excuse
it's not quite as egregious as another Christmas romance I've read lately with a shady, messy romantic lead (Five Years by Nicole Spencer-Skellen), so in this case I'll take it as the book texturing Niamh's character. well-intentioned people make bad decisions, hurting people adopt coping mechanisms which from the outside look like being a crappy person, and she was very apologetic. and once that's all wrapped up Niamh and Nic are rock-solid, even when Nic's dreaded baggage of loving family Christmas too much comes up
I am with shitty squeeze a little tiny bit on this, it is wild that Nic and her sister get enough vacation time to spend the whole Christmas month at home
October 13, 2024
Reading this book was pure pre-Christmas joy!
We've been sitting here since yesterday and have been listening to Christmas Carols for hours, cause my wife and I really like Christmas!
Immersing myself in the Robinson family tradition, their super funny month and anticipation of their own Christmas and the mysterious "Sleigh Bells" was just wonderful.
The focus is also on Nicole Robinson's disastrous love life.
I have to admit that I wasn't expecting such an extremely hot and strong firefighter character, but that was the icing on the cake for me.
She is strong and reliable, kind and caring.
Especially when it comes to her family.
She would do anything for them! That is also the reason why none of the women she dates stay.
They always want the wrong thing and cannot be part of this important family tradition.
She drives for the whole of December to Hebden Bridge and spends time with her whole family and tries to solve the mystery of the Sleigh Bells with her siblings.
Single again, right on time as usual, she meets someone there from her past who leaves her speechless.
Someone who has always been part of the family for a long time, because Niamh O'Conner is a childhood friend of Liam's and they kept in touch when she returned to Ireland ten years ago.
Niamh is back now and has grown into the most beautiful woman Nicole has ever seen.
It's all so warm and cozy and hot too!
Niamh and Nic are so hot! I would have loved to read everything in detail...but what we get to read is incredibly hot 🔥🔥
It's a sweet, funny (I love Beth and Tammy) story and actually all the characters in this book. With a few exceptions! Definitely a new favorite Christmas story!
Thanks to Alyson Root for the ARC!
We've been sitting here since yesterday and have been listening to Christmas Carols for hours, cause my wife and I really like Christmas!
Immersing myself in the Robinson family tradition, their super funny month and anticipation of their own Christmas and the mysterious "Sleigh Bells" was just wonderful.
The focus is also on Nicole Robinson's disastrous love life.
I have to admit that I wasn't expecting such an extremely hot and strong firefighter character, but that was the icing on the cake for me.
She is strong and reliable, kind and caring.
Especially when it comes to her family.
She would do anything for them! That is also the reason why none of the women she dates stay.
They always want the wrong thing and cannot be part of this important family tradition.
She drives for the whole of December to Hebden Bridge and spends time with her whole family and tries to solve the mystery of the Sleigh Bells with her siblings.
Single again, right on time as usual, she meets someone there from her past who leaves her speechless.
Someone who has always been part of the family for a long time, because Niamh O'Conner is a childhood friend of Liam's and they kept in touch when she returned to Ireland ten years ago.
Niamh is back now and has grown into the most beautiful woman Nicole has ever seen.
It's all so warm and cozy and hot too!
Niamh and Nic are so hot! I would have loved to read everything in detail...but what we get to read is incredibly hot 🔥🔥
It's a sweet, funny (I love Beth and Tammy) story and actually all the characters in this book. With a few exceptions! Definitely a new favorite Christmas story!
Thanks to Alyson Root for the ARC!
December 21, 2025
Sleigh Bells Ring opens with all the cozy promise of a sapphic holiday romance: a charming English village, an eccentric family full of heart, and the spark of a second-chance connection. Unfortunately, much of that warmth was undercut by characters I struggled to connect with. Nicole’s deep-rooted obligation to holiday traditions—and her exasperation at others not understanding those obligations—often felt more performative than endearing. Her running tally of breakups via Advent calendar felt more like a forced quirk than a meaningful detail, and Niamh’s open relationship with a frustratingly unsympathetic partner detracted from the emotional focus of the romance.
While Nicole and Niamh share history through Nicole’s brother Liam and her mother’s business, their rekindled attraction doesn’t have much room to breathe. Their time together is overshadowed by subplots—namely the mysterious sleigh bells and Niamh’s unresolved relationship—that leave the romance feeling underdeveloped. The family dynamics, intended to provide warmth and texture, came across as suffocating rather than charming, with even side characters bringing their own unresolved dramas to the mix.
Readers expecting a slow-burn holiday romance may find themselves disappointed by the limited emotional build between Nicole and Niamh. That said, those who enjoy character-driven stories where family chaos shares the stage with romance (à la Georgia Clark’s novels) may find something to enjoy in this tale.
While Nicole and Niamh share history through Nicole’s brother Liam and her mother’s business, their rekindled attraction doesn’t have much room to breathe. Their time together is overshadowed by subplots—namely the mysterious sleigh bells and Niamh’s unresolved relationship—that leave the romance feeling underdeveloped. The family dynamics, intended to provide warmth and texture, came across as suffocating rather than charming, with even side characters bringing their own unresolved dramas to the mix.
Readers expecting a slow-burn holiday romance may find themselves disappointed by the limited emotional build between Nicole and Niamh. That said, those who enjoy character-driven stories where family chaos shares the stage with romance (à la Georgia Clark’s novels) may find something to enjoy in this tale.
November 12, 2024
This book was really fantastic! I feel like Alyson Root has very quickly emerged as one of my absolute favorite wlw authors! She does such a wonderful job of creating relatable and lovable characters. Root writes realistic love stories and this one is no different. I really enjoyed the humor throughout this wonderful Christmas love story. Christmas is my favorite time of the year and this Holiday sapphic romance was all of the best of Christmas in it! In all honesty, I wish I was a part of the Robinson family to share in the month long Christmas festivities! Nicole joins her family for Christmas and feels a spark for old family friend/brothers bff, Niamh. They begin a “no strings attached” type of dalliance as that is all they are emotionally capable of. As they search for the mysterious sleigh bells (love this) we read about their connection blossoming. I found myself moved to listen to Christmas tunes in the background while reading because this sweet book definitely thrust me into the Christmas spirit. I will say, that what I find lacking in a lot of Christmas love stories is some spice. However, though perhaps more toned down than in her other books, we are definitely provided some very enjoyable steamy scenarios! This book truly provides sugar & spice and everything nice lol! Will be an annual read for me. I definitely recommend it.
Thank you for my ARC!!
Thank you for my ARC!!
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