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Very Holiday #4
A Very No Strings Halloween: Special Edition
Halloween: it’s a holiday where people shed their boring everyday personalities and become fantastic beings ready for an epic party. Well, guess what? That’s Billy Boston 24/7, 365, baby! It’s who I was before I became a millionaire and it’s who I’ll always be.
My beautiful next door neighbor, Donna, is a hardworking nurse who takes her job seriously and her fun even more so. All she wants is a no-strings arrangement and that’s fine by me. It’s Halloween for us every time we’re together because she likes to role play. There’s no way to get attached if we’re both pretending to be someone else, right?
It’s all smooth as a good whiskey until my married cousins bet me that I can’t get a serious girlfriend by November.
So, Donna and I make a deal: She’ll help fix me up to be a proper boyfriend and I’ll help fix up the farmhouse she inherited.
The one she thinks is haunted.
And that’s not the scary part.
Because I realize I’m falling wicked hard for Donna. For real. She’s spooked by the ghost, but I’m afraid I’ll spook her if I tell her how I really feel. We made a pact when we started this no-strings thing: If either of us gets serious, we have to end it.
I have to trick Donna into thinking she’s teaching me how to date, when really I’m treating her to dates with me.
But if I screw this up, I’ll lose the woman I’m in love with.
And that’ll haunt me forever.
My beautiful next door neighbor, Donna, is a hardworking nurse who takes her job seriously and her fun even more so. All she wants is a no-strings arrangement and that’s fine by me. It’s Halloween for us every time we’re together because she likes to role play. There’s no way to get attached if we’re both pretending to be someone else, right?
It’s all smooth as a good whiskey until my married cousins bet me that I can’t get a serious girlfriend by November.
So, Donna and I make a deal: She’ll help fix me up to be a proper boyfriend and I’ll help fix up the farmhouse she inherited.
The one she thinks is haunted.
And that’s not the scary part.
Because I realize I’m falling wicked hard for Donna. For real. She’s spooked by the ghost, but I’m afraid I’ll spook her if I tell her how I really feel. We made a pact when we started this no-strings thing: If either of us gets serious, we have to end it.
I have to trick Donna into thinking she’s teaching me how to date, when really I’m treating her to dates with me.
But if I screw this up, I’ll lose the woman I’m in love with.
And that’ll haunt me forever.
286 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2024
240 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Kayley Loring
50 books1,631 followersAmazon Top 25 and USA Today bestselling author Kayley Loring spent many years as a screenwriter (under a different name) in Los Angeles before moving to the Pacific Northwest to live out her childhood dream of being a Disney heroine who talks and sings to woodland creatures. When not trying to keep animals alive, she’s writing steamy romantic comedy novels, obviously. She’s breathing cleaner air, writing dirtier words, and staring at her computer screen until her eyeballs dry out instead of prancing around Southern California in miniskirts and going to the hair salon. Still waiting for the woodland creatures to clean her house, though.
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want to laugh, warm your heart, and enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines who need to be chased, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life, and swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
October 23, 2025
Boston, Banter, and Bedroom Roleplay: A Rom-Com that is Wicked Awesome
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂🤨🤣😘
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration (Highly Recommended!)
🛡️ Audiobook Review: A Very No Strings Halloween by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais
Series: Very Holiday
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Narrators: Connor Crais and Emma Wilder
If you’re looking for a romantic comedy that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and hot, look no further. This audiobook was hands-down the most entertaining rom-com I’ve listened to in ages — and a huge part of that magic is thanks to the incomparable Connor Crais.
🎙 Narration That Sizzles
Connor Crais, who also co-wrote the book, delivers a performance that’s nothing short of magnetic. He’s long been one of my favorite male romance narrators, and this book is a masterclass in why. His voice? Deep, soft, and undeniably sexy — especially when things get a little dirty. Add in a wicked Boston accent that brings authenticity and charm to every line, and you’ve got a narrator who doesn’t just read the story — he becomes it. He’s also genuinely funny, which makes the banter sparkle.
💘 Plot That’s Equal Parts Heat and Heart
Meet Billy “Boston” O’Sullivan, a lovable, larger-than-life guy with a flair for roleplay and a heart of gold. He’s been enjoying a no-strings-attached fling with his next-door neighbor, Donna, a hardworking Philly-born nurse. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their playful bedroom antics (hello, Mark Wahlberg and Reece Witherspoon in Fear) are as steamy as they are hilarious.
But what starts as a casual arrangement takes a wild turn when Donna inherits a haunted house from a patient — and suddenly, things get spooky, sweet, and seriously swoony.
🎬 Pop Culture, Sports, and Shenanigans
This book is a love letter to pop culture. From movie and TV references to music and sports banter, the dialogue is sharp, clever, and packed with Easter eggs. Donna’s Philly pride clashes adorably with Billy’s die-hard Boston loyalty, and their sports-fueled teasing adds another layer of authenticity to their dynamic.
🏠 A Millionaire in Disguise
One of my favorite twists? Billy’s secret wealth. He’s the kind of guy who flies under the radar — doing big, extravagant things while making it seem like he just “knows a guy.” It’s a refreshing take on the millionaire trope, and it fits his character perfectly. Donna’s appreciation for his quirks, even when others dismiss him as immature, makes their connection feel earned and real.
🎧 Why You Need the Audiobook
While the story would absolutely hold up in print, the duet narration elevates it to another level. Each narrator reads their character’s dialogue throughout, regardless of POV, creating a seamless and immersive experience. It’s the gold standard for romance audiobooks, and this one nails it.
I adored every minute of this listen. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes you laugh out loud, blush a little, and maybe even rewind a few favorite lines. I’ve already added the rest of the series to my wishlist — and if I’d been reading instead of listening, my Kindle would be glowing with highlights.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂🤨🤣😘
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Duet Narration (Highly Recommended!)
🛡️ Audiobook Review: A Very No Strings Halloween by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais
Series: Very Holiday
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Narrators: Connor Crais and Emma Wilder
If you’re looking for a romantic comedy that’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and hot, look no further. This audiobook was hands-down the most entertaining rom-com I’ve listened to in ages — and a huge part of that magic is thanks to the incomparable Connor Crais.
🎙 Narration That Sizzles
Connor Crais, who also co-wrote the book, delivers a performance that’s nothing short of magnetic. He’s long been one of my favorite male romance narrators, and this book is a masterclass in why. His voice? Deep, soft, and undeniably sexy — especially when things get a little dirty. Add in a wicked Boston accent that brings authenticity and charm to every line, and you’ve got a narrator who doesn’t just read the story — he becomes it. He’s also genuinely funny, which makes the banter sparkle.
💘 Plot That’s Equal Parts Heat and Heart
Meet Billy “Boston” O’Sullivan, a lovable, larger-than-life guy with a flair for roleplay and a heart of gold. He’s been enjoying a no-strings-attached fling with his next-door neighbor, Donna, a hardworking Philly-born nurse. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their playful bedroom antics (hello, Mark Wahlberg and Reece Witherspoon in Fear) are as steamy as they are hilarious.
But what starts as a casual arrangement takes a wild turn when Donna inherits a haunted house from a patient — and suddenly, things get spooky, sweet, and seriously swoony.
🎬 Pop Culture, Sports, and Shenanigans
This book is a love letter to pop culture. From movie and TV references to music and sports banter, the dialogue is sharp, clever, and packed with Easter eggs. Donna’s Philly pride clashes adorably with Billy’s die-hard Boston loyalty, and their sports-fueled teasing adds another layer of authenticity to their dynamic.
🏠 A Millionaire in Disguise
One of my favorite twists? Billy’s secret wealth. He’s the kind of guy who flies under the radar — doing big, extravagant things while making it seem like he just “knows a guy.” It’s a refreshing take on the millionaire trope, and it fits his character perfectly. Donna’s appreciation for his quirks, even when others dismiss him as immature, makes their connection feel earned and real.
🎧 Why You Need the Audiobook
While the story would absolutely hold up in print, the duet narration elevates it to another level. Each narrator reads their character’s dialogue throughout, regardless of POV, creating a seamless and immersive experience. It’s the gold standard for romance audiobooks, and this one nails it.
I adored every minute of this listen. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes you laugh out loud, blush a little, and maybe even rewind a few favorite lines. I’ve already added the rest of the series to my wishlist — and if I’d been reading instead of listening, my Kindle would be glowing with highlights.
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October 29, 2024
Spicy fun
Not sure what to say about this exactly, lol. It was SUPER quirky with a lot of humor and a spooky feel - probably too quirky, yeah. Loring is still getting back into her groove after struggling with burnout, so there were some moments that I loved (it has such personality and is genuinely funny at times) and also some things that had me scratching my head (like that random chapter “written by” the hero’s niece). The first book in this series remains my favorite holiday romance EVER, so it’s impossible not to notice the decline in quality, but it still makes a quick, fun, festive read.
The story follows Billy and Donna, two neighbors who have been f-buddies for the last year. Neither was in the right headspace for a relationship when they started banging, so they’ve kept things light and focused on sex ever since. But something is starting to feel a little different for them both, and their relationship begins to shift. When Billy comes over to the house Donna recently inherited and the two discover that it’s haunted, well, things get even more complicated.
This is longer than a novella but a lot shorter than most of the books out there these days, so it was easy to binge and it definitely gave me the Halloween vibes I was looking for. The whole haunted house storyline is kinda ridiculous, but it also added plenty of humor to the story. I actually didn’t mind that we jumped right into Billy and Donna’s f-buddy situation after a year, because things were just starting to change between them. It’s a very fast burn with spice throughout, and I thought their role-playing was kinda funny but also insanely over-the-top. That might just be Billy’s personality though - he’s a lot, and this is his story. That did make it difficult to treat this as a love story to root for though, considering they were rarely ever serious or open with each other. It was entertaining at times, and certainly one-of-a-kind.
Not sure what to say about this exactly, lol. It was SUPER quirky with a lot of humor and a spooky feel - probably too quirky, yeah. Loring is still getting back into her groove after struggling with burnout, so there were some moments that I loved (it has such personality and is genuinely funny at times) and also some things that had me scratching my head (like that random chapter “written by” the hero’s niece). The first book in this series remains my favorite holiday romance EVER, so it’s impossible not to notice the decline in quality, but it still makes a quick, fun, festive read.
The story follows Billy and Donna, two neighbors who have been f-buddies for the last year. Neither was in the right headspace for a relationship when they started banging, so they’ve kept things light and focused on sex ever since. But something is starting to feel a little different for them both, and their relationship begins to shift. When Billy comes over to the house Donna recently inherited and the two discover that it’s haunted, well, things get even more complicated.
This is longer than a novella but a lot shorter than most of the books out there these days, so it was easy to binge and it definitely gave me the Halloween vibes I was looking for. The whole haunted house storyline is kinda ridiculous, but it also added plenty of humor to the story. I actually didn’t mind that we jumped right into Billy and Donna’s f-buddy situation after a year, because things were just starting to change between them. It’s a very fast burn with spice throughout, and I thought their role-playing was kinda funny but also insanely over-the-top. That might just be Billy’s personality though - he’s a lot, and this is his story. That did make it difficult to treat this as a love story to root for though, considering they were rarely ever serious or open with each other. It was entertaining at times, and certainly one-of-a-kind.
October 3, 2024
Well, we dropped everything when we saw Billy -big bollox- Boston shoot onto our kindles! Because, you know it’s …BILLY!!! We’ve been addicted to this resourceful, fun loving, kind, and crazy arsed lovable rogue since day one of meeting him. If you’re in as much love with this series as we are, you’ll know what we mean, and you probably agree.
“Here I thought you were a wiseass, but you are, in fact, a wise soul. With a good heart.”
The first book in the Very Holiday series will ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts. You never forget your first love, right?! Declan & Maddie are like family after the number of times we’ve revisited their story in A Very Bossy Christmas. Well, it looks like Billy and Donna just gave them a run for their money, because we loved their story just as much.
A Very No Strings Halloween is stuffed full of all the trick and treats we crave; the hilarious banter we’ve come to love, on point situational comedy and heat…oh the sexual chemistry between Billy and Donna was off the charts, but in an almost self-deprecating way. Because no strings, right?! It wasn’t just hot flirty fun though; it had real depth and emotion too. And before any doubters ask, yes, this is entirely possible because Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have the perfect formula in this story. We all love our spicy romantic comedies, but we love them even better when the characters ‘find’ themselves -amongst the role plays in this case- on the road to love and happiness.
’I need to get back to being Billy. Billy is fun. He’s a party. He’s not a guy you date. And certainly not a guy you marry.’
There’s family cameos galore -we missed you Declan!- and a couple of special treats from the infamous Piper. Oh, and an otherworldly storyline running through it, which brought some epic scenes, one that involved a Ouija board, a body possession and a bemused and laidback Billy who just goes with the flow. Honestly, this man! We were crying laughing.
”Oh my God. You thought I did all that for a scene?”
“Donna, we could put on a Broadway show with all the costumes we’ve collected over the past couple of years. What’s a bag of salt?”
Oh Billy, you wonderful, wonderful man. We love him SO much! And Billy, well he loves with his whole entire heart! We want to party with him and experience one of those nights where anything can happen because Billy ‘knows a guy.’ But we also want to put Billy in our pocket and bring him out for funsies. Billy deserved someone as special and incredible as Donna. Donna kicked arse and it could only ever be Donna for our Billy.
”I think Donna and I might be pretending not to be in love with each other.”
Is it too early to re-read already?
dnf
October 4, 2024I'm all for a halloween fwb but paranormal aspects scare me. So I'm out
It was waiting for you,” the woman says. Her voice echoes in a strange way, the opposite of the thudding in this room. “For us?” I ask. Donna is next to me, but I can’t see her. Only feel her
For a few seconds, I panic because it feels like something’s holding me down. Not Donna’s body, but some force is keeping me on this bed. I try to move my fingers, but I can’t
Nope. Can't do ghosts. Dnf at 28%
It was waiting for you,” the woman says. Her voice echoes in a strange way, the opposite of the thudding in this room. “For us?” I ask. Donna is next to me, but I can’t see her. Only feel her
For a few seconds, I panic because it feels like something’s holding me down. Not Donna’s body, but some force is keeping me on this bed. I try to move my fingers, but I can’t
Nope. Can't do ghosts. Dnf at 28%
October 21, 2024
A million stars aren't enough for Billy Boston.
September 23, 2024
You know when there's that favorite character in a series but you are not really sure how his own story would be? That was Billy Boston for me. Why? Because he's wicked awesome! But so are Kayley and Connor and they came up with a fun, Halloween-y, a teeny bit spooky, fantastic story for the larger than life Billy. They gave him the perfect match in Donna, his neighbor, with whom he finds himself in a "situationship" with zero strings attached. Oh, we all knew that Billy and his big heart would fall hard and he did!
I loved everything about this book but here's what I loved most:
Donna and her full acceptance of Billy.
Billy and his humble "I know a guy" take on life.
Piper and her short (but important) appearance and her touching epilogue.
The ghosts! They gave the Halloween vibe to the book and tied the story perfectly!
The appearance of all the cousins throughout the story because I love these characters so much!
The role playing... ah the role playing....
A true and swoony "he falls first"... and hard.
The chapter names!
The hilarious moments that Kayley and Connor always provide.
If you are looking for a lighthearted, spooky read, give Billy and Donna a chance. You'll love them like I did!
I can't wait for the audio! I actually read this with "voices in my head".
SO FUN!
Thank you, Kayley and Connor for the opportunity to read this early. I had a blast!
I loved everything about this book but here's what I loved most:
Donna and her full acceptance of Billy.
Billy and his humble "I know a guy" take on life.
Piper and her short (but important) appearance and her touching epilogue.
The ghosts! They gave the Halloween vibe to the book and tied the story perfectly!
The appearance of all the cousins throughout the story because I love these characters so much!
The role playing... ah the role playing....
A true and swoony "he falls first"... and hard.
The chapter names!
The hilarious moments that Kayley and Connor always provide.
If you are looking for a lighthearted, spooky read, give Billy and Donna a chance. You'll love them like I did!
I can't wait for the audio! I actually read this with "voices in my head".
SO FUN!
Thank you, Kayley and Connor for the opportunity to read this early. I had a blast!
October 7, 2024
5 Star Review A Very No Strings Halloween (Very Holiday #5) by Kayley Loring & Connor Crais
Having read and loved the previous books in the Very Holiday series I was excited to read A Very No Strings Halloween.
From the first chapter to the last I was hooked on this story. The characters were easy to relate too and I quickly found myself invested in and
Donna’s story.
The humour and witty banter throughout had me laughing out loud at times and simply put this book left me with a smile on my face.
It may not be a long book but it was a wonderful read that I cannot wait to listen to in audio.
Having read and loved the previous books in the Very Holiday series I was excited to read A Very No Strings Halloween.
From the first chapter to the last I was hooked on this story. The characters were easy to relate too and I quickly found myself invested in and
Donna’s story.
The humour and witty banter throughout had me laughing out loud at times and simply put this book left me with a smile on my face.
It may not be a long book but it was a wonderful read that I cannot wait to listen to in audio.
October 7, 2024
This is such a fun, romcom with some paranormal elements included. I've been waiting for Billy Boston's story and Donna is his perfect fit. She is his neighbor, and they have been involved but not really involved for a while with some steamy role playing.
This was so cute in that Billy needs to win a bet with his cousins by getting a real girlfriend by Halloween and that Donna was teaching him how to date. In exchange, he will help her fix up the house she has inherited. The house that may be haunted, which fits perfectly for this time of year.
I loved getting to know Billy. He is such a good guy. Family is important to him and since winning the lottery, he is very good at spoiling them. Now, he needs to realize how important Donna is to him.
Thank you to the authors for an advanced review copy. This would be awesome on audio to hear Billy's accent. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was so cute in that Billy needs to win a bet with his cousins by getting a real girlfriend by Halloween and that Donna was teaching him how to date. In exchange, he will help her fix up the house she has inherited. The house that may be haunted, which fits perfectly for this time of year.
I loved getting to know Billy. He is such a good guy. Family is important to him and since winning the lottery, he is very good at spoiling them. Now, he needs to realize how important Donna is to him.
Thank you to the authors for an advanced review copy. This would be awesome on audio to hear Billy's accent. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 4, 2025
I love creepy supernatural elements in horror or mystery. I love light, fun and spicy romance.
This, trying to be both, was not my vibe.
This, trying to be both, was not my vibe.
October 29, 2025
*audiobook
Spice Level: 🥵🔥🌶️
Song: Tubthumping by Chumbawamba
“Tight and wet, such difficult working conditions.” 🚽🪠
“I need you to snake my drain. Hurry!”
“Wait! I have to finish cleaning the house before the sun goes down. Take my virginity now.”
“If she doesn’t know all of me, it can never be real.”
You’ve gotta check out this role playing haunted house romcom. 😂😂😂.
Donna aka “Red” is a nurse, and one of her patients left her a creepy house in need of some work. Rather than staying in the free home she was given she stays in her apartment where she hooks up with her neighbor Billy in a no strings attached kind of situation. To add another level of fun, all encounters involve role play. Their role playing was super cute, cringey fun.
The “Donna 4 Eva” in sharpie had me cackling!
Donna’s grandparents talking about her dating / sex life cracked me up.
The trouble with messing with an ouija board when you’re big into role play is it’s hard to tell if you’re role playing or possessed😂😂😂😂
Ultimately, the question Billy and Donna have to ask themselves is, when does the role-playing stop and when does reality begin?
Spice Level: 🥵🔥🌶️
Song: Tubthumping by Chumbawamba
“Tight and wet, such difficult working conditions.” 🚽🪠
“I need you to snake my drain. Hurry!”
“Wait! I have to finish cleaning the house before the sun goes down. Take my virginity now.”
“If she doesn’t know all of me, it can never be real.”
You’ve gotta check out this role playing haunted house romcom. 😂😂😂.
Donna aka “Red” is a nurse, and one of her patients left her a creepy house in need of some work. Rather than staying in the free home she was given she stays in her apartment where she hooks up with her neighbor Billy in a no strings attached kind of situation. To add another level of fun, all encounters involve role play. Their role playing was super cute, cringey fun.
The “Donna 4 Eva” in sharpie had me cackling!
Donna’s grandparents talking about her dating / sex life cracked me up.
The trouble with messing with an ouija board when you’re big into role play is it’s hard to tell if you’re role playing or possessed😂😂😂😂
Ultimately, the question Billy and Donna have to ask themselves is, when does the role-playing stop and when does reality begin?
October 7, 2025
3.5 🌟 Donna and Billy were so cute! Silly as the other ones are, too. The ghost was an extra add on, but I enjoyed it. Happy we got to see the non-Boston Billy side of him, he was so sweet.
October 15, 2025
A spicy friends with benefits, haunted house, dual POV romance that sees Boston playboy Billy falling for his nurse neighbor, Donna as he tries to help her fix up her house while not falling in love. I really enjoyed this latest romcom in the Holiday romance series authored by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. These books are fun, full of heart and heat and quick entertaining reads. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Piper Lawson and Lauren Layne.
October 29, 2024
I literally am obsessed with every book this duo puts out that I’ve read and I can’t say enough good things about their work. Billy use to be my least favorite in the family but of course after reading this he’s quickly raised through the ranks (not above Nolan though🖤) I recommend not only this book but this whole series to anyone who loves kicking their feet like a giddy child at romance novels
October 22, 2024
I had no idea Connor Crais was an author as well as a narrator, but I did know there was not another narrator I would listen to a full blown Boston accent for. This was an adorable, giggle worthy, spooky season story that I adored from start to finish. I’ll be looking for anything else he and Kayley Loring write when I need Some fluffy, funny stories to listen to.
October 3, 2024
3.5 stars
A fun, funny and heartfelt love story for fan fave Billy Boston, in this neighbors-with-benefits-to-lovers romance.
Billy has been a standout character in the Very Holiday books who, though distant, became a beacon of partying and wild times. He is a fun, wild, larger-than-life party boy, he loves his family dearly, and he lives life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity and relishing every moment. He even keeps his love life free and easy. He has a committed, no-strings arrangement with his neighbor, Donna, where they role play and enjoy wildly steamy sexy time but don’t talk about anything personal whatsoever, and it suits him just fine… until it doesn’t.
You see, all of Billy’s cousins are now happily married, and they bet him that he can’t get a serious girlfriend. He turns to Donna as the obvious choice to show him how to be the perfect boyfriend, and in return he offers to help her renovate an old, decrepit house that she has recently inherited. He thinks it’s a simple arrangement, but it is far from that, with the two f**k-buddies finally spending actual time together and discovering a whole new side to each other.
I loved the dynamic between Billy and Donna. Their sexual chemistry is crazy, and though they act all blasé over the idea of spending time together, Billy is already feeling more for Donna than he ever expected to, and he jumps on the opportunity to show her that there’s more to him than just his mad sex skills. She’s obliviously keeping their relationship exactly as it is, and Billy has a tough job on his hands to convince her otherwise.
It’s a fun set-up and I loved watching Billy and Donna’s story progress. They have this wild passion for each other that is demonstrated over and over (hot!!!), we get to see their fun and playful side when Donna joins Billy and his cousins on a wild night out, and the development of their romance is a sweet journey as Billy goes all out to win his girl.
This all unfolds while renovations on Donna’s house are complicated by an actual ghost haunting the property, and while it gives Billy the opportunity to shine as the super sweet and supportive guy that he is, I could have done without the ghosty aspects to the story. It did lead to some funny moments (séance… hehehe), but to me it escalated to be over the top and it detracted from the pure awesome that was Billy and Donna together.
But I did enjoy this book. It’s fun and lighthearted, and I loved seeing Billy get his HEA. And can I just say that the cover for this book is pure perfection. It’s so Billy Boston – from the shirt to the pose to the hair and the smirk… be still my heart!
Such a fun read. 3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
A fun, funny and heartfelt love story for fan fave Billy Boston, in this neighbors-with-benefits-to-lovers romance.
Billy has been a standout character in the Very Holiday books who, though distant, became a beacon of partying and wild times. He is a fun, wild, larger-than-life party boy, he loves his family dearly, and he lives life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity and relishing every moment. He even keeps his love life free and easy. He has a committed, no-strings arrangement with his neighbor, Donna, where they role play and enjoy wildly steamy sexy time but don’t talk about anything personal whatsoever, and it suits him just fine… until it doesn’t.
You see, all of Billy’s cousins are now happily married, and they bet him that he can’t get a serious girlfriend. He turns to Donna as the obvious choice to show him how to be the perfect boyfriend, and in return he offers to help her renovate an old, decrepit house that she has recently inherited. He thinks it’s a simple arrangement, but it is far from that, with the two f**k-buddies finally spending actual time together and discovering a whole new side to each other.
I don’t even know how there could be so much tension between two people who’ve had sex as many times as we have. But it’s there.
I loved the dynamic between Billy and Donna. Their sexual chemistry is crazy, and though they act all blasé over the idea of spending time together, Billy is already feeling more for Donna than he ever expected to, and he jumps on the opportunity to show her that there’s more to him than just his mad sex skills. She’s obliviously keeping their relationship exactly as it is, and Billy has a tough job on his hands to convince her otherwise.
“I think Donna and I might be pretending not to be in love with each other.”
It’s a fun set-up and I loved watching Billy and Donna’s story progress. They have this wild passion for each other that is demonstrated over and over (hot!!!), we get to see their fun and playful side when Donna joins Billy and his cousins on a wild night out, and the development of their romance is a sweet journey as Billy goes all out to win his girl.
I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t play the role of the guy who still has nothing to lose. I have everything to lose – the most amazing person I have ever met in my life.
This all unfolds while renovations on Donna’s house are complicated by an actual ghost haunting the property, and while it gives Billy the opportunity to shine as the super sweet and supportive guy that he is, I could have done without the ghosty aspects to the story. It did lead to some funny moments (séance… hehehe), but to me it escalated to be over the top and it detracted from the pure awesome that was Billy and Donna together.
But I did enjoy this book. It’s fun and lighthearted, and I loved seeing Billy get his HEA. And can I just say that the cover for this book is pure perfection. It’s so Billy Boston – from the shirt to the pose to the hair and the smirk… be still my heart!
Such a fun read. 3.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
October 2, 2024
A Very No Strings Halloween by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais is the perfect treat! This is a delightfully haunted ride of a romance with ghostly mischief and really sexy mischief. Fans of The Very Holiday Series will not be disappointed!
Billy is a cocky and irresistible, fun-time guy, some might say wrongfully mislabeled as a troublemaker. Donna is his super hot red-head neighbor and a HELLO NURSE! Somewhat distressed but definitely not a damsel—she’s fierce, caring, and more than ready to match his energy. Can you imagine a woman that can match Billy’s energy?! Here’s Donna! Their chemistry? Off the charts! Think steamy Fall nights and banter that’ll make you laugh out loud.
“I’m gonna have a relationship so stable you could keep horses in it.” - Billy Boston
To win a bet, Billy asks for dating lessons from the smartest, super hawt lady he knows, his no-strings fling Donna. Billy is making all the A’s and O’s and completely falling for her. With his “I know a guy” spirit, Billy offers to help Donna fix up the possibly haunted farmhouse she inherited from one of her patients. Between their dating lessons, role play sessions, and as the spooky and romantic mystery unfolds, Donna struggles to figure out what is real, what is play, and if Billy always has handcuffs on him. (SPOILER: HE DOES) Kayley and Connor always nail that balance of heart and heat, making this a must-read for anyone looking for a fun, flirty Halloween escape.
Billy is a cocky and irresistible, fun-time guy, some might say wrongfully mislabeled as a troublemaker. Donna is his super hot red-head neighbor and a HELLO NURSE! Somewhat distressed but definitely not a damsel—she’s fierce, caring, and more than ready to match his energy. Can you imagine a woman that can match Billy’s energy?! Here’s Donna! Their chemistry? Off the charts! Think steamy Fall nights and banter that’ll make you laugh out loud.
“I’m gonna have a relationship so stable you could keep horses in it.” - Billy Boston
To win a bet, Billy asks for dating lessons from the smartest, super hawt lady he knows, his no-strings fling Donna. Billy is making all the A’s and O’s and completely falling for her. With his “I know a guy” spirit, Billy offers to help Donna fix up the possibly haunted farmhouse she inherited from one of her patients. Between their dating lessons, role play sessions, and as the spooky and romantic mystery unfolds, Donna struggles to figure out what is real, what is play, and if Billy always has handcuffs on him. (SPOILER: HE DOES) Kayley and Connor always nail that balance of heart and heat, making this a must-read for anyone looking for a fun, flirty Halloween escape.
October 5, 2024
I absolutely love this series so much. It is filled with holiday fun, so many laughs, witty chapter titles, super sweet moments and plenty of fabulous spice!! I’ve been eagerly awaiting Billy’s story and it did not disappoint! Billy and his neighbor Donna have a long time no strings, sexual relationship that is all fun and games. When Donna asks Billy to help her fix up a house that she has inherited and thinks is haunted in exchange for helping Billy learn to date, the lines are blurred and they soon realize there is so much more to them than all fun.
This is the perfect romance for Halloween!! It’s got a spooky house, possible ghosts, an Ouija board, autumn in Boston and the swooniest love story in Billy and Donna. One thing Kayley and Connor do great is bring so much heart to an already fun story. And I loved getting to the heart of Billy. I adore him so much!!
🎧I read this last week and then listened to the audio first thing this morning at release. The audio for this series is what sets it apart from other series. Mackenzie is great as Donna and my favorite character in all the books, Piper. She is witty, sexy and her comedic timing is spot on. And Connor in this series can do no wrong. His Boston accent, Irish accent, German accent..my goodness. He does it all. He sings, his dirty talk, his humor..I think these roles are my very favorite thing that Connor does. If you are looking for an audiobook series that is just pure fun with lots of laughs and spice don’t sleep on this one!!
This is the perfect romance for Halloween!! It’s got a spooky house, possible ghosts, an Ouija board, autumn in Boston and the swooniest love story in Billy and Donna. One thing Kayley and Connor do great is bring so much heart to an already fun story. And I loved getting to the heart of Billy. I adore him so much!!
🎧I read this last week and then listened to the audio first thing this morning at release. The audio for this series is what sets it apart from other series. Mackenzie is great as Donna and my favorite character in all the books, Piper. She is witty, sexy and her comedic timing is spot on. And Connor in this series can do no wrong. His Boston accent, Irish accent, German accent..my goodness. He does it all. He sings, his dirty talk, his humor..I think these roles are my very favorite thing that Connor does. If you are looking for an audiobook series that is just pure fun with lots of laughs and spice don’t sleep on this one!!
October 5, 2024
Billy Boston is a banger!
I loved this so much, I can’t even tell you. Billy is a character I have loved from book one and he did not disappoint! Kayco did a fantastic job bringing his story to life! Donna is his perfect match. I laughed so hard so many times! This was everything I wanted and more.
Billy is that obnoxious guy that you go out drinking with and assume he’s just a good time. He has been a wonderful source of comedic relief in the other books in this series. But there is so much more to this character than you first assume. He had me rooting for him so hard. He has such a big heart and I loved his HEA.
The banter is fantastic! Donna gives it right back to Billy and it’s hilarious! And the banter between the cousins is top notch!
The narration was perfection! Mack and Connor nailed every single accent. Their acting choices were spot on. You know a book is good when you are cackling in public without a care in the world what people think of you because you are sucked in to the point that it consumes you. I don’t care if I am laughing too loud and you are staring, it’s Billy! What else am I supposed to do? Have I been speaking with a Boston accent all day? Yes, cocksuckah, I have. Wanna fight about it?
I loved this so much, I can’t even tell you. Billy is a character I have loved from book one and he did not disappoint! Kayco did a fantastic job bringing his story to life! Donna is his perfect match. I laughed so hard so many times! This was everything I wanted and more.
Billy is that obnoxious guy that you go out drinking with and assume he’s just a good time. He has been a wonderful source of comedic relief in the other books in this series. But there is so much more to this character than you first assume. He had me rooting for him so hard. He has such a big heart and I loved his HEA.
The banter is fantastic! Donna gives it right back to Billy and it’s hilarious! And the banter between the cousins is top notch!
The narration was perfection! Mack and Connor nailed every single accent. Their acting choices were spot on. You know a book is good when you are cackling in public without a care in the world what people think of you because you are sucked in to the point that it consumes you. I don’t care if I am laughing too loud and you are staring, it’s Billy! What else am I supposed to do? Have I been speaking with a Boston accent all day? Yes, cocksuckah, I have. Wanna fight about it?
October 5, 2024
My friends, 𝙺𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 & 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚛 𝙲𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚜 have done it once again! They brought us another fun, quick holiday story just in time for spooky season! And, let me tell you. It's one you'll want to grab up today! Billy Boston finally gets his story!!!
Billy quickly became a new favorite book boyfriend for me! I love his cockiness. He was so fun! And his nurse neighbor Donna is just as sassy and fun as he is. They have a no strings attached agreement and it's so fun watching them together!
The chemistry between Billy and Donna is undeniable. When Billy offers an "I know a guy" offer to help Donna fix up her farmhouse, the fun really begins. From spooky, ghostly happenings to role playing and handcuffs, this story is perfectly chiseled by the hands of two of my favorite author collabs! I couldn't get enough!
This is the perfect spooky romcom to read this Halloween season. From start to finish you'll find yourself chuckling, fanning yourself and wanting to be right in the center of the fun between Billy & Donna.
If you've never read a 𝙺𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚎𝚢/𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚛 collaboration story, grab this one. You'll fall head over heels for these quirky, fun characters and the banter and spice between them! Can't wait for the next one!
Billy quickly became a new favorite book boyfriend for me! I love his cockiness. He was so fun! And his nurse neighbor Donna is just as sassy and fun as he is. They have a no strings attached agreement and it's so fun watching them together!
The chemistry between Billy and Donna is undeniable. When Billy offers an "I know a guy" offer to help Donna fix up her farmhouse, the fun really begins. From spooky, ghostly happenings to role playing and handcuffs, this story is perfectly chiseled by the hands of two of my favorite author collabs! I couldn't get enough!
This is the perfect spooky romcom to read this Halloween season. From start to finish you'll find yourself chuckling, fanning yourself and wanting to be right in the center of the fun between Billy & Donna.
If you've never read a 𝙺𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚎𝚢/𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚛 collaboration story, grab this one. You'll fall head over heels for these quirky, fun characters and the banter and spice between them! Can't wait for the next one!
October 16, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️✨
I found this book in the series to be really funny, really sexy, and a little bit quirky! Neighbors/friends with benefits to more… I loved their story! I have loved this series! I’ve been waiting for Billy’s story for a while, so it was fun to finally get it. The spice was spicy, the ghosts,… different lol
🎃 Friend with benefits to more
🎃sexual chemistry 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎃 hilarious banter
🎃 paranormal activity 👻
🎃 haunted house 👻
I found this book in the series to be really funny, really sexy, and a little bit quirky! Neighbors/friends with benefits to more… I loved their story! I have loved this series! I’ve been waiting for Billy’s story for a while, so it was fun to finally get it. The spice was spicy, the ghosts,… different lol
🎃 Friend with benefits to more
🎃sexual chemistry 🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎃 hilarious banter
🎃 paranormal activity 👻
🎃 haunted house 👻
October 7, 2025
amazing!
A book full of laughs and love (and very spicy!) it has been a while since I read a Kayley Loring’s book and it didn’t disappointed me, perfectly written and such a fun book (as always)
A must read this spooky season!
A book full of laughs and love (and very spicy!) it has been a while since I read a Kayley Loring’s book and it didn’t disappointed me, perfectly written and such a fun book (as always)
A must read this spooky season!
September 22, 2024
Oh Billy Boston, you were worth the wait! “A Very No Strings Halloween” is a flirty, steamy and laugh out loud rom-com that I have been waiting for and I loved every chapter!
Billy is always down for a good time, 24/7. He’s the life of the party and will always be the first to help someone who needs it. But when his cousins make a bet he can’t find a serious girlfriend by November, he knows who to turn to for help. Donna is his next door neighbor and his no strings attached hook up. Donna works hard as a nurse and relaxes with Billy whenever she can. So the two strike a deal. Donna will help him with his dating techniques and Billy will help her fix up a house she’s inherited. But as they work on their projects, lines start to blur between fake and real.
From the first chapter and throughout the whole story, I was smiling and loving Billy so much. He was always so much fun in the previous books and I’m glad he got his story. That man loves his family and will do anything for them without hesitation. He’s the carefree cousin who won a lot of money but is using it the correct way for his business and his future. Donna was amazing too, I loved her career choice and how she was unapologetic on wanting a no strings relationship. Her heart is as big as Billy’s and I loved how they were with each other. The chemistry and connection they had was undeniable and only got hotter as the story went on. The two weren’t afraid to have some fun in the bedroom. The story had me laughing out loud so many times and then swooning the next. And our girl, Piper, makes an appearance and the story wouldn’t have been the same without her. This book was great and I can’t wait to listen to it when the audiobook comes out.
Billy is always down for a good time, 24/7. He’s the life of the party and will always be the first to help someone who needs it. But when his cousins make a bet he can’t find a serious girlfriend by November, he knows who to turn to for help. Donna is his next door neighbor and his no strings attached hook up. Donna works hard as a nurse and relaxes with Billy whenever she can. So the two strike a deal. Donna will help him with his dating techniques and Billy will help her fix up a house she’s inherited. But as they work on their projects, lines start to blur between fake and real.
From the first chapter and throughout the whole story, I was smiling and loving Billy so much. He was always so much fun in the previous books and I’m glad he got his story. That man loves his family and will do anything for them without hesitation. He’s the carefree cousin who won a lot of money but is using it the correct way for his business and his future. Donna was amazing too, I loved her career choice and how she was unapologetic on wanting a no strings relationship. Her heart is as big as Billy’s and I loved how they were with each other. The chemistry and connection they had was undeniable and only got hotter as the story went on. The two weren’t afraid to have some fun in the bedroom. The story had me laughing out loud so many times and then swooning the next. And our girl, Piper, makes an appearance and the story wouldn’t have been the same without her. This book was great and I can’t wait to listen to it when the audiobook comes out.
October 9, 2024
3.0 stars. Cute read. Love Billy Boston's antics, especially with Nolan and Declan.
October 7, 2024
Connor and Kayley- a duo to be reconned with. But this one- was my absolute fav out of the series!
October 2, 2024
This was a delightfully fun read with the one and only Billy Boston, the firecracker he falls for, and a haunted house!
There's so much more to Billy than just the fun loving, crazy bringing, love of the party bachelor. He has an amazing heart and truly loves his family. Donna is so perfect for him! She doesn't try to change him, she loves every part of him. They role play (sexy) and have a no strings agreement but that changes as they get to know one another. Their story is of course hilarious but also so sweet. I really liked the haunted house aspect too! Loved it!
ARC review.
There's so much more to Billy than just the fun loving, crazy bringing, love of the party bachelor. He has an amazing heart and truly loves his family. Donna is so perfect for him! She doesn't try to change him, she loves every part of him. They role play (sexy) and have a no strings agreement but that changes as they get to know one another. Their story is of course hilarious but also so sweet. I really liked the haunted house aspect too! Loved it!
ARC review.
October 10, 2024
This book was very hard to read. It’s supposed to be a Rom-Com, but I didn’t find it that funny.
The beginning is very hard to follow. It felt as if the author dropped you in the middle of a book instead of building the scene. Then there is a weird couple of chapters in the middle - diary entries from a secondary character.
I finished it, but came close to giving up. I will say the latter half of the book is so much better than the first half.
The beginning is very hard to follow. It felt as if the author dropped you in the middle of a book instead of building the scene. Then there is a weird couple of chapters in the middle - diary entries from a secondary character.
I finished it, but came close to giving up. I will say the latter half of the book is so much better than the first half.
October 29, 2025
Nothing will put you in the Halloween spirit quite like inheriting a haunted house from a deceased patient. That is the situation Donna finds herself in. And the only person she can think of that may bring some levity to this spooky situation is the one and only Billy Boston. Billy, with his crazy shenanigans and devil may care attitude, is the best thing that Donna didn’t realize she needed in her life.
November 29, 2024
This was a steamy fun read that I enjoyed and had me smiling the entire time. I really enjoyed the banter, witty dialogue and humor throughout this book and of course the sexy times between Billy and Donna. Loved seeing Piper and can’t wait to read her story next.
November 8, 2024
Adorably cute with a sprinkle of paranormal 😙👌🏻 chefs kiss
October 4, 2024
Well, we dropped everything when we saw Billy -big bollox- Boston shoot onto our Kindles! Because you know, it’s …BILLY!!! We’ve been addicted to this resourceful, fun-loving, kind, and crazy-arsed lovable rogue since day one of meeting him. If you’re in as much love with this series as we are, you’ll know what we mean, and you probably agree.
“Here I thought you were a wiseass, but you are, in fact, a wise soul. With a good heart.”
The first book in the Very Holiday series will ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts. You never forget your first love, right?! Declan & Maddie are like family after the number of times we’ve revisited their story in A Very Bossy Christmas. Well, it looks like Billy and Donna just gave them a run for their money, because we loved their story just as much.
A Very No Strings Halloween is stuffed full of all the trick and treats we crave; the hilarious banter we’ve come to love, on-point situational comedy, and heat…oh the sexual chemistry between Billy and Donna was off the charts, but in an almost self-deprecating way. Because no strings, right?!
It wasn’t just hot flirty fun though; it had real depth and emotion too. And before any doubters ask, yes, this is entirely possible because Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have the perfect formula in this story. We all love our spicy romantic comedies, but we love them even better when the characters ‘find’ themselves -amongst the role plays in this case- on the road to love and happiness.
’I need to get back to being Billy. Billy is fun. He’s a party. He’s not a guy you date. And certainly not a guy you marry.’
There's family cameos galore -we missed you Declan!- and a couple of special treats from the infamous Piper. Oh, and an otherworldly storyline running through it, which brought some epic scenes, one that involved a Ouija board, a body possession, and a bemused and laidback Billy who just goes with the flow. Honestly, this man! We were crying laughing.
”Oh my God. You thought I did all that for a scene?”
“Donna, we could put on a Broadway show with all the costumes we’ve collected over the past couple of years. What’s a bag of salt?”
Oh Billy, you wonderful, wonderful man. We love him SO much! And Billy, well he loves with his entire heart! We want to party with him and experience one of those nights where anything can happen because Billy ‘knows a guy.’ But we also want to put Billy in our pocket and bring him out for funsies. Billy deserved someone as special and incredible as Donna. Donna kicked arse and it could only ever be Donna for our Billy.
”I think Donna and I might be pretending not to be in love with each other.”
Is it too early to re-read already?
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