Christmas Kisses

Woodland Falls Christmas #1

by Fiona Clarke

Samantha

The cute, but annoying handyman that won’t leave my shop seems to be able to fix anything. So I ask him to fix my dating life. When the dating lessons start, I’m surprised by the spark between us.

Pretty soon, I’m no longer want to be apart from him, but does he feel the same way about me?



Ben

The coffee shop owner won’t give me the time of day. But when she asks for my help, I’m eager to show her how an amazing woman like her should be treated.

All I need to do now is convince her that the mayor of Woodland Falls isn’t the catch she’s made him up to be.

And then make her mine.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Fiona Clarke writes short steamy romance stories that have low angst and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Reviews

[RubiesReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love dating lessons

This really didn’t have much to do with Christmas but it was a cute story. The mixer literally could have been at any time in the year and actual Christmas was very quick.
I actually really enjoyed how the author was able to build their relationship quickly on a solid foundation. It helped that Ben had already been pining for a while. I look forward to reading more from her.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She owns the local coffee shop and he has been crushing on her for awhile, but she seems completely oblivious. She has spent all her time and money investing in her shop, she hasn't had much time for dating or been very successful at it. She needs to get some upgrades done to her shop, and approaches him about them, at the last minute trusting him to help her practice date...until it becomes obvious they aren't practicing. This is a short story format so you don't expect detailed character development or complicated plot drama. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. If you read the others you will get more info about the town and other characters some of which appear in this story. It isn't necessary but it does build on the background. This was a sweet story about not realizing what was right in front of you. When these two do make a connection it is on from there. They are both all in and their chemistry is hot. They have some steamy spice and he even gets protective of her. This one is really cute and has an HEA. A perfect little story for your bath or a rainy Sunday afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Kisses is Book 1 of Woodland Falls Christmas. It's a short and steamy, opposites-attract, age-gap, fake-dating, he falls first, curvy girl gets her handyman Christmas romance.

Samantha "Sam" is a curvy coffee shop owner. Ben is a 40 year old hunky handyman who has been crushing on Sam for some time.

Sam has a crush on the town mayor. Whenever she gets around him, she gets tongue tied. When he manipulates her into hosting a Christmas mixer and footing the bill, she thinks maybe this is her chance. She asks Ben to give her dating lessons. He agrees with plans to win her over. He's furious the mayor is taking advantage of her.

But as they are fake dating, her feelings turn all too real, and she realizes Ben might be who she wants.

These two were so cute together. The chemistry was hot, and the ending was happy. I adored Ben. He was such a sexy golden retriever. It was fun to see old friends from last year's Christmas series. I can't wait for the next one!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben,local handyman, who wanted to make a connection with Sam aka Samantha, the coffee shop owner. He has watched her crushing on the Mayor where she freezes up when she tries to talk to him. Ben doesn't like the Mayor. The mayor has asked her to hold a Christmas Mixer with her paying for the decorations, coffee, and food. She had being planning to upgrade with some additional booths installed. And the Mixer is only two weeks away. She asked Ben to if she can hire him to install the booths and he agrees to do it in the evenings plus she asked if he could teach her 'how to date'. HE AGREES! Now he gets to show how a man should treat a woman. Will she learn to stand up to the Mayor? How to not let someone sweet-talk her into doing something with his charm? Will Ben get her to look at him in a new way?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW 😮 this was entertaining story. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was incredible intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Ben was the local handyman, who wanted to make a connection with Sam aka Samantha, the coffee shop owner. He has watched her crushing on the Mayor where she freezes up when she tries to talk to him. The Mayor wasn’t attracted to her in this manner. Christmas was heating up between them as he was intrigued with her of course and sparks ignited between them. But Ben was emotional and physical attraction to Samantha and he couldn’t fight the temptation any longer. He been in love with her after all these years. Will she find herself falling for Ben instead of the Mayor. Or will Santa give a special surprise 😮!!!
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A steamy novella about handyman, Benedict and coffee shop owner, Samantha. Ben has always crushed on Sam and when she enlists his services to install some new booths in her shop, he jumps at the chance hoping to get to know her better. But Sam actually asks for more help, she wants his advice on dating too. And so they embark on a series of dates where they get to know each other.
This instalove romance was a nice read with likeable characters. Sam's character evolved so much as she gained self confidence that she almost became a different character. Ben was lovely and sweet and a cinnamon roll guy who was perfect for her. This was a quick read.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam has been hoodwinked into hosting the Christmas Mixer by the mayor of Woodland Falls and paying for it out of her pocket. Now she has to figure out how to get the repairs done on her shop in two weeks. Sam asks Ben Hoffer to help and not only that she asks him to help her learn to flirt. Ben readily agrees as he’s in love with Sam. Now Ben just needs to get Sam to love him. This is a sweet and steamy read, fast paced and I enjoyed it. Sam and Ben are a great couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- Ben and Sam
Genre- Holiday Romance
Length- under 100 pages
Heat- they do the things and use the P word.
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- N
Premise- Sam has a crush on the mayor and Ben hopes that if he volunteers to work on a project together (Forced Proximity! Yay!) that Sam will see that he’s the one for her.
Mewsings- just the right amount of romance for a short winter’s night.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute holiday romance story that will definitely get you in the mood for Christmas and Christmas miracles. Sam has a crush on the mayor,but can't tell him no,but when Ben offers to help her out with fixing up her coffee shop and other things will he finally get the chance to show her his true feelings? Or will the mayor win out? Great story fast read and great characters. Very enjoyable read and just in time for Christmas!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice holiday romance, and it was short and sweet, making it just the right length for the content. The story was a bit lovey-dovey at times, but that didn't detract from the story. There was a bit of spice, so I rated it 3/5 on my spice scale. All-in-all it was a an enjoyable holiday escape, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series when they come out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Angstadt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Love Story

Ben enjoys watching Sam ( Samantha) working at her shop. She has hired him to install booths at her coffee shop. But she seems interested in the town Mayor. Ben overhears their conversation where the Mayor wants her to sponsor a mixer. Ben believes the guy is taking advantage of her. And he’s shocked when she asks him to give her “dating” lessons. Who will win Sam’s heart?

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww this was super cute! Inexperienced Samantha asks Ben for dating lessons, not realizing Ben is in love with her already. I wish this story was a full length novel. It’s short and sweet yet doesn’t leave me with a million questions or feeling like I’m missing information.

🎄Christmas themed
❤️small town
🎄short/novella
❤️dating lessons
🎄small town

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Mixer Assistance

When Samantha is asked to hold a last-minute Christmas mixer by her crush, she enlists the help of handyman Ben. Will his assistance be what she needs or what she wants? It was a fun and short story discovering how it all works out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series set in Woodland Falls as they prepare for Christmas. Ben has his eye on Sam and is more than pleased when she asks him for help with something. A steamy and loving quick read, full of holiday spirit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining small town holiday short story, romance book that grabs your attention and holds it captive from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Davina Purnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good time

This was a good time medium read. The characters are fun with decent back stories. There is a sort of insta love type vibe . However it’s not truly an instant love story as both of the characters work up to the happy ending . Absolutely a lovely read and decent hook into the next story. I would grab the series just a friendly suggestion from me to you.

[Gina Trail · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short story I grabbed off Amazon. I do like the synopsis and the characters. I just wasn't a fan of the fast speed that it all unfolded. It was very rushed. I know it was probably hard to squeeze it all in. Alot of the wording was strange to me as well. I'll have to try a different story of hers to really see if I like her writing

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming Christmas Themed story that pulls us into the lives of Sam/Samantha and Ben. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, determination and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam & Ben's story was such fun to read! I loved the way things ended up turning around! It was also wonderful to have a short & wonderful book to read - sometimes short is exactly what I need!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the plot, characters, and interaction between the main characters. From the start to the end; I was completely involved with the results of their so called lessons. This storyline keeps you glued to the end, makes you wish for more details leading up to their future results.

[V W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo good, draws you in from the first word , quirky ,numerous, well written ,good story must give it a go

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas kisses was Ben and Samantha’s story. It was an intriguing and steamy read. Good characters. I got a copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving this review.