Second Chances with St. Nick

by Vicki Hilton

You’ve heard of striking a deal with the devil. What about making a pact with St. Nick?

Abbie Cooper is back in Pine Springs for her cousin’s wedding. Christmas is meant for family and festivity, but she’s looking forward to the season about as much as a root canal without anaesthetic.

Abbie is bracing for anything but holiday cheer. Cue her mother’s biting critiques, her recent breakup blues, and the looming chance of bumping into the one person she regrets leaving behind.

Nick—her first love and the best friend she lost.

After a free-fall reunion, the old sparks are still there, but Nick’s not in the mood to relive the past. Seizing a lucky chance to make things right, she offers him a

A snowed in Christmas Eve, pretending to be strangers. One night. No baggage, no expectations. A high stakes gamble with hearts on the line.

But as their walls crumble, and things heat up, will Abbie and Nick claim their opportunity for a second chance, or will their snowy circumstances lead to a mistletoe mishap?

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Second Chance

93 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Join my newsletter and never miss another release! Sign up at vickihilton.com

Writing about love, passion and all things tingly has always been a dream for me.

Originally from rural England, I now live in Sydney’s glorious Northern Beaches, where I’m steadily gathering freckles and dipping my toes into the ocean for inspiration.

With a focus on smart, quirky heroines and sensitive, sexy heroes, I create steamy, slow burn, contemporary romance. Always on the funny side, with a nice touch of spice.

I’m a devoted wife, mother of one beautiful daughter, a wrangler of assorted animals, and a lover of Skittles.

It’s a mix made in heaven.

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Reviews

[BAMF_Book_Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance with St. Nick by Vicki Hilton was a sweet, second-chance novella. This read had me crying and laughing through the entire book. I thoroughly enjoyed the MCs, Nick and Abbie, as well as the plot of this novella.

[Sharni Gibbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was super cute. I understand it’s only a novella but I feel their “reunion” happened wayyyy too quickly. It was still really sweet and romantic but he went from not liking her to loving her in 2 days.

Overall it was a nice quick read and it was enjoyable and very sweet.

[Book Obsessed Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love her writing style so I was beyond excited when I was picked to ARC her novella Second Chance with St. Nick.

I absolutely love the cover. Just look at it 😍
And to later find out she made it herself is even more impressive!

Abbie
She didn't want to go back home especially to see her family. But she couldn't let down her cousin. Her mother is a massive B. She was best friends with Nick her whole life until she wasn't. It's clear she cares so much about him still but made such a terrible mistake she doesn't know if she can fix things.


Nick
He was best friends with Abbie since childhood. They were always attached to the hip and everyone thought they would end up getting married until somethingbad happened. He's now a tall muscular mountain man who is still adorably awkward. He is protective and loving with very few words. Nick has the biggest heart and I love him so much.

I loved this sweet short story. It was amazingly written and with only a few chapters absolutely pulled me emotionally through their story. I loved the chemistry, communication and love that this book had. I related a little too much to the mother bit and that flash back crushed me. I was hoping so badly it was a misunderstanding. This story felt real and I honestly feel like that's what truly pulled me in.

It was Her perspective only which was completely fine and enjoyable. I

My only real complaint is I wish so badly it was longer. And not because it was "too short I couldn't get invested" but because I loved it so much and thought it was so cute I didn't want it to end haha

Thank you again for allowing me to ARC for you again and I cannot wait for my physical copy to ship

[Amanda Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars
SECOND CHANCES WITH ST NICK

I love everything Christmas and this was a gorgeous festive romantic read.
Super cute, romantic, fun, sexy and CHRISTMAS!!
Abbie and Nick are truly brought to life by the author, I felt every awkward moment and every longing glance. Abbie's curves and nicks muscles are seared into my brain.
What's in the novella, small town second chance relationship with a steamy Santa role play that this Christmas loving geek LOVED.
I was totally invested in their love story, found myself cheering them on.
Could not put it down.
A must read for Christmas

[Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a second chance romance that is a quick read, sweet, funny, and leaves you with that hot cocoa feeling with a little kick of cayenne--this book is it. I wasn't sure I would love a teen broken heart/adult second chance, but I honestly love this book. It might not hit the spot for some, but if you want something that gives you the warm fuzzies with a dash of spicy, you have found it in spades. I am normally more dark romance, but this one was a perfect precursor to the holiday season and who doesn't love a hot, tatted Santa?!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Autumn D’Auria | bookedbyautumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a super cute holiday romance novella. I love a good Christmas and festive read. I enjoyed the short chapters allowing it to be read quickly. I was able to read this in one sitting. I was a little disappointed with how short the reunion was. I thought nick and Abbie were great main characters. I recorded this as an advanced reader copy for free by books siren. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily!

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

More 4 1/2 🌟 What a cute second chance novella Second Chances with St. Nick is! This is a quick easy read set at Christmas and being a novella is fast paced. Abbie and Nick were best friends then a chance meeting many years later for Abbie’s cousins wedding brings up their past feelings. This was a joy to read.

[Jennifer Jansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little second chance holiday romance. Quick read with clear cut story line..

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sooooo cute! 🥰 I loved it, but I felt like their reunion was a little rushed. This could definitely of been a full length novel with a lot more forced proximity that eventually leads to forgiveness. Overall low spice (2🌶️) and giving all the Christmas vibes. If you need a quick, but adorable Christmas read, you will love this!

[Sara Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful hopeful story. I love a beautiful Christmas love story with a sprinkle of spice. I loved the characters and the back drop was perfect.

[P.S. Robb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun cute read, very quick and short, Hallmark/romance movie vibes.
Novellas don't typically have much plot, but this could have had a bit more, there were some plot holes and the character development was odd?
Honestly, a really nice quick read if you need a Christmas romance for the holidays. I would recommend this to a friend looking for a cute, low spice romance, with a happy ending.

[Susete Kunkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️.
Who doesn't like a good second change romance?!
This was such a cute, romantic novella.
It was my first Christmas book, and I can't deny it was a pretty amazing read to start the season with.

This novella got me giggling, got me some tears, and it had a soft but very nice spicy to it.

[Amanda s · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a sweet quick read. i kinda wish it was a full length book! but it wrapped up nicely. i picked up a copy via booksirens.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute !!! The start of my holiday reading vibes!! I wish we would have gotten more. Over all decent read. I didn't like how quick they just fell back to each other I need some drama ,🤣

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This was a fun and light hearted, quick There were some big gaps in the story, such as how easily the MMC forgave the FMC for her past behavior, but with a novella, there wasn’t much time to explore that. I found myself wishing it was a more full length novel to get to know the characters better.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens for the eARC.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail Cooper goes home to Pine Springs , she’s a day late her mother sings. Oh Ho here we go on the naughty list already. She came back for the wedding of her cousin , not to hear her mom cursin ! But things take a different slant when she jumps at the chance of a make up romance. Well done a happy dance Abi because your chappie is entering stage right , well he would be if he was on a stage but hey didn’t some old bloke with a beard once say all the world’s a stage ? Some sort of poke at something weird . Anyway I digress , back to the story of Nick and a second chance. Does he run away or ask her to a dance? It’s a bit funny but he’s not amused….huh back up,he doesn’t want to know . He’s still reeling at being discarded when Abi got miss popular. She didn’t know what she had till it was gone . He was always one person she could count on. She needs him to give her some time to recompense. Even though things are tense shes makes him a wild offer. Spend a night huddled up tight on Christmas Eve snowed in like strangers meeting for the first time . Well it makes me feel sublime. So how’s about it St. Nick? Did she have an impact ? Do you make a pact? In a snow packed Inn and chagrin do they fall and tell all. Ya see Abigail is under the impression that Nick hates her so . He has to put her straight on a few things and before too long her heart and something else sings you know. Awesome , sexy funny and cute to boot this short read soon got me up to speed. Well written and great characters and fun.

[katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute Christmas read , that gave me all the feels. I was grinning sheepishly, sighing and my heart was soooooo full !! I loved this !!

The best Christmas feel good book I’ve read .

I loved the way the author penned Abbie and Nick. The past , the present , the connection and everything in between .

My heart was happy , sad , yet eagerly awaiting that connection !

So much was entwined within this short story . I found it hard to put down and eagerly picked it up to devour it .

The author put forth her words so that they are easily envisaged . With the vivid imagery , she pulled you into the characters as well as the storyline and settings within .

“” waggles eyebrows””

Nick certainly was St Nick with a little extra beef.. lol

Every word and description was well written. The plot engaging, giving the reader a reason to turn that last page .

A Christmas slow burn romance that will leave you starry eyed, sheepishly grinning and content with the Christmas feels. Love was certainly in the air .

Loved the scene with Santa and Abbey :) The direction of the interaction , left me sad yet intrigued . The past, the forgiveness , the regret we see all the emotions put forth .

In some places I certainly had my reader pages flipping frantically and giggling to myself . I had to remember I was not alone lol

I’m left wanting more of Abbie n Nick but content with the ending .

Sexy , charming Christmas read that will certainly have you feeling the love within the pages at Christmas .

[Leigh-Ann Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎅👓🏨💒❤️ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚘𝚏 𝚂𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚂𝚝. 𝙽𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚋𝚢 𝚅𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚒 𝙷𝚒𝚕𝚝𝚘𝚗 ❤️💒🏨👓🎅

🎅🎅🎅🎅.5/5
🌶/5

I’m a big fan of second chance romances, and setting this one at Christmas felt like the star on top of the tree 🌟🎄! Abbie and Nick were childhood friends whose falling out in high school drove Nick to leave town, leaving them estranged for years. Their reunion at the hotel was pure holiday magic, like a scene right out of a Hallmark Christmas movie! 🎅

I absolutely loved this novella! I only wish it were a full-length novel so I could dive even deeper into the characters’ stories. ❤️

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

Second Chances with St. Nick is out on November 12!!

What To Expect:
🌟 Second Chance
❤️ Childhood Friends
⚒️ Lumberjack
❄️ Snowed In
🎅 Cinnamon Roll Hero

#SecondChancesWithStNick
#VickiHiltonBooks #ChristmasNovella
#SecondChanceRomance
#SmallTownRomance #HolidayRomance #SantaMagic #ChristmasWedding #HolidayReads #ARCRead
#ChristmasLoveStory
#FestiveRomance
#BookstagramChristmas
#FeelGoodRomance
#NewHolidayFavorites

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

Ohhh, buckle up for this holiday ride because Abbie and Nick are serving up some serious Christmas chaos 🎄🔥!

Imagine this: Abbie’s back in her small hometown, ready to face the holiday madness of awkward family dinners and her fresh-off-a-breakup vibe 😬. But wait, who else shows up? NICK—the one who got away, the first love she definitely shouldn’t be thinking about 😏. Cue sparks flying like mistletoe confetti 🎉💥.

After an accidental reunion that’s hotter than hot chocolate with extra whipped cream ☕🔥, Abbie makes a crazy offer: one snowed-in night, no strings, no expectations. Just two "strangers" and a whole lot of tension. What could go wrong, right? Well, things start heating up quicker than a fireplace on Christmas Eve 🔥💋, and trust me, you’ll be rooting for these two to unwrap more than just gifts 🎁😏.

With steamy chemistry, hilarious holiday mishaps, and a second chance that’s too sweet to miss, this book is the perfect festive fling you need! Will Abbie and Nick leave the past behind, or will they turn their snowstorm into a full-blown love blizzard? ❄️💖

Seriously, 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a jingle bell must-read!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

well done novella

Very enjoyable holiday novella with some depths. Abbie returns home to be in her cousin’s wedding and encounters her high school best friend and first love whom she had wronged the last time she saw him. This was a twist as it’s usually the guy who wrongs the girl and has to grovel. What she did to him was awful and I’m not sure I understand why she treated him that way. If the tables had been turned, I would have written him off as the love interest. Anyway, it’s all revealed along with Abbie’s guilt and regret. This was a novella but a few things bothered me - we never hear about her career or job. Does she work from home? Can she continue her career from a small town? Never addressed. That was odd. We hear a lot about her recent ex-bf and his narcissistic ways but no specifics. I think he could have been edited out of the book and those words spent on her career. There are a few other things that bugged me but they are minor. Nick is a sweetheart and I’m glad they got an HEA.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abbie had returned to her hometown for her cousin's wedding and Christmas, she wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do, but she's here now. Growing up she'd always been the nerd at school along with her bestfriend Nick. But then she found contacts instead of the jam jar bottom glasses, suddenly she became Miss Popular and left her best friend behind. But the old saying is true "You don't know what you have until you loose it" now she realises what Nick meant to her and she just walked away. Nick didn't want to rehash the past that's what it is the past, but having Abbey back in town he'd just stay away. Can these two friends rebuild their friendship or has it been to long. Between wobbly ladders, string lights, snow storms and falling laundry carts. This is a hilarious story that is so easy to read that you wonder how you've read it in one sitting. Vicki has given us a perfect festive steamy story ❤️📖🎅❤️

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Second Chances with St. Nick by Vicki Hilton is an adorable and heartwarming holiday romance that feels like a cozy Christmas hug. Abbie returns to her hometown for her cousin’s wedding but dreads facing her past. Enter Nick, her childhood best friend—now a grumpy, ruggedly handsome guy. He was Abbie’s first love, and she regrets how things ended between them.

As a fan of second-chance romances, this novella truly hits the mark. It’s light, fun, and refreshingly festive. While I would’ve loved more slow-burn pining between Abbie and Nick, I understand the shorter format of a Christmas novella. Vicki’s writing is engaging, and I found myself wishing this was a full-length novel to enjoy the story even more.

Special thank you to Vicki Hilton for giving me an eARC of her book!

[Anita - The.Bookish_Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances with St. Nick follows Abbie Cooper over the days leading up to Christmas, as she returns to her home town; one she’d managed to stay far away from for quite a while. She bumps (quite literally) into her old high school best friend, Nick. They did not end their friendship on the best of terms… but this reunion might be just what they both need.

I’m pretty sure I read the book from start to finish in under an hour. It was short and sweet, and held my attention the entire time. The plot did move along quite fast, but you’d expect that from a novella.

If you’re after a feel-good Christmas-themed second-chance, small town romance novella to read while enjoying a holiday treat or drink, then look no further!

Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. This review is my own, honest opinion.

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicki’s books and novellas always make me laugh, and this novella was no different. Abbie
is a great character that loves her small town, but doesn’t care to visit family. So, when she goes back for a wedding, she’s a bit nervous.
This book was sweet and steamy and I was also a little nervous that Abbie was not going to get a chance to explain herself to her best friend.
I enjoyed Abbie and Nick’s time together, although he was on defensive in the beginning. Once the story gets going, Vicki tells a great story of forgiveness and love that was always meant to be.
If you are looking for a quick holiday read with fun, family, friendship, as well as a happily ever after you need to read this!

[Amy Zayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually only read Christmas romances between American Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, but I made an exception for this cute rom com. You'll get your HEA in this short, sweet and a little spicy novella from Vicki Hilton.

Abbie and Nick were best friends growing up. But one fateful night at the Snowball Dance a long time ago she broke his heart to pieces. Years later, Abbie is in town for her favorite cousins's holiday wedding. As fate would have it, she is caught by Nick at just the right time. Things are awkward at first, especially when Abbie's mom start jabbering. But when Abbie literally runs into Nick after sampling one two many items from the mini-bar, they can't deny their feelings any more. The Christmas spirit takes over from there.

[Kell X · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet short story was like one perfect Hallamark movie just in time for the holidays. 

It revolved around Abby and Nick, two former best friend that got stranded and appart because of a teenager's bad decision (who didn't ended up making major bad life choices as a teen?). 
When Abby returns home for her cousin's wedding she meets Nick again. And meets her mother's judgement once again (jeez... some of that criticism rings a bell and hits home). And even though she really believes he is never going to forgive her, he is just so sweet that he really does just that! After all, christmas is the right time for miracles, and St. Nick was in love with her all along!

It was extremly cozy and heartwarming!

[Betty Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the chance to read this book as an ARC. It tells the story of a second chance romance for Nick and Abbie. They were nearest of friends back in school but a decision made by Abbie leaves Nick hurting and hides away from humiliation. Abbie is back in town for a family wedding and it’s here where it picks up and throws them into a second chance.
The story was sweet and will put you right in the mood for the holidays. Reading this story feels like a cozy comforter wrapped around you. It’s sweet and such an easy read! The male main character is a true cinnamon roll type of character. You will love how sweet he is!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances with St. Nick is a second chance holiday novella.

While I loved the reunion between Abby and Nick, I was really disappointed with Abby and her past actions. I really felt for Nick and cried for him and what he went through. While this is a great, feel good story, she did upset me with these facts.

Nick is literally the biggest and softest teddy bear ever. I felt bad for every awkward moment we see for him. But we get to see the best side of him on Christmas. He really is the kindest and best person in that town.

I did enjoy this story and it really put me in the Christmas spirit.

[Amber Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so freakin cute I absolutely loved it.
It had: friends to lovers (childhood friends)
•second chance• snowed in• swoon• SPICE•

Nick and Abby were the bestest of friends growing up, some things go down between them and they go there separate ways. 10 years later Abby returns to her home town for her cousins Wedding. Nick and Abby run into each other and sparks start to fly again, but nick doesnt want to talk at first, until they get snowed in together one night and things get spicy.
Man this read just gives me the lovey dovey feels when reading it,
And it was so relatable especially the mother daughter relationship. I 10/10 would recommend this read for the holidays!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and festive holiday romance.

Abigail (FMC): Back in Town for a Wedding • Curvy • Sunshiny •
Nick (MMC): Lumberjack • Plays Violin • Grumpy • Smells of Cinnamon and Pine •

Tropes:
❄️ Second Chance Romance
🎅🏼 Childhood Friends to Strangers to Lovers
❄️ Forced Proximity
🎅🏼 Snowed In
❄️ Festive Role Play
🎅🏼 Small Mountain Town
❄️ Single POV (FMC)
🎅🏼 Novella

Rating: 🔔🔔🔔🔔 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️ (1 scene)
T/W: toxic mother/daughter dynamics (on page)

An adorable festive read. This quick read was full of heart, heat and laughs. Baby, it’s cold outside so snuggle in with St. Nick.

I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.