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Holiday Mode #1
This December
A Holiday Mode Novella
The holidays are usually lonely, but this December I have a fling with a rock star.
My life has imploded.
So it feels fitting to be living back at my parents’ home in South Lake Tahoe.
Is a quarter-life crisis a thing?
Which is how I meet pop/rock legend Cole Jackson—delivering groceries to his ridiculous Tahoe chalet.
Somehow he finds my scattered insanity charming.
And I’m so tempted.
Besides, isn’t that what people having a quarter-life crisis do? Have ill-advised flings?
So why not spend this December in the arms of a rock star?
What could go wrong?
Oh, I’m definitely going to regret thinking that…
Grab this charming standalone holiday novella between a rock star who falls first and hard for a woman who’s still trying to figure out who she is.
The holidays are usually lonely, but this December I have a fling with a rock star.
My life has imploded.
So it feels fitting to be living back at my parents’ home in South Lake Tahoe.
Is a quarter-life crisis a thing?
Which is how I meet pop/rock legend Cole Jackson—delivering groceries to his ridiculous Tahoe chalet.
Somehow he finds my scattered insanity charming.
And I’m so tempted.
Besides, isn’t that what people having a quarter-life crisis do? Have ill-advised flings?
So why not spend this December in the arms of a rock star?
What could go wrong?
Oh, I’m definitely going to regret thinking that…
Grab this charming standalone holiday novella between a rock star who falls first and hard for a woman who’s still trying to figure out who she is.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
8 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Archer
30 books467 followersGILLIAN ARCHER has a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering but prefers to spend her time on happily ever after. She writes the kind of stories she loves to read—the hotter the better! When she’s not pounding away on the keyboard, she can be found chasing her preschooler, or surfing the couch and indulging in her latest reality TV fixation, or reading awesome romance ebooks by her favorite authors. Gillian Archer lives in the wilds of Nevada with her amazing husband, gorgeous little girl, and goofy dog.
Check out her website for updates on her latest releases.
Check out her website for updates on her latest releases.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 5, 2024
This December
By: Gillian Archer
🎄☃️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☃️🎄
So sweet together!
Omg what a sweet Christmas rocker novella! Coke and December have such a sweet holiday romance that can become so much more if they just open to the possibility! Gillian Archer writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: My life has imploded. I’ve lost my job, my apartment, and don’t even get me started on my non-existent love life. So it feels fitting to be living back at my parents’ home in South Lake Tahoe. It’s like I’m a teen again at the ripe ol’ age of twenty-six only instead of delivering pizzas, I’m delivering overpriced salmon and kale to lazy ski bums. Is a quarter-life crisis a thing?
Which is how I meet rock star Cole Jackson delivering groceries to his ridiculous Tahoe chalet. Somehow he finds my scattered insanity charming. And I’m so tempted. Besides, isn’t that what people having a quarter-life crisis do? Have ill advised flings?
This fling has a definite expiration date. He’s going back on tour, and I have to get my life back on track. So why not spend this December in the arms of a rock star? What could go wrong?
Oh, I’m definitely going to regret thinking that…
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕
By: Gillian Archer
🎄☃️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☃️🎄
So sweet together!
Omg what a sweet Christmas rocker novella! Coke and December have such a sweet holiday romance that can become so much more if they just open to the possibility! Gillian Archer writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.
Authors Blurb: My life has imploded. I’ve lost my job, my apartment, and don’t even get me started on my non-existent love life. So it feels fitting to be living back at my parents’ home in South Lake Tahoe. It’s like I’m a teen again at the ripe ol’ age of twenty-six only instead of delivering pizzas, I’m delivering overpriced salmon and kale to lazy ski bums. Is a quarter-life crisis a thing?
Which is how I meet rock star Cole Jackson delivering groceries to his ridiculous Tahoe chalet. Somehow he finds my scattered insanity charming. And I’m so tempted. Besides, isn’t that what people having a quarter-life crisis do? Have ill advised flings?
This fling has a definite expiration date. He’s going back on tour, and I have to get my life back on track. So why not spend this December in the arms of a rock star? What could go wrong?
Oh, I’m definitely going to regret thinking that…
This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in single POV this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.
Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕
December 11, 2024
This December is a fun rock star Christmas romance. Cole might be world-famous, but he finds just the woman he's looking for in December. This pair make a really cute couple and their romance is perfect for this time of year. There isn't a great deal of angst or upset, or at least not between our couple. Instead they have to contend with an older sister who seems determined to ruin everything, the press who want to hound their every move and a mother who is a little too into Christmas. (Her daughters all all named on a winter or Christmas theme, although she missed a trick by not naming one of them Natalie!)
This was a great fun and quick read that really suits this time of year. It did have my pet Christmas hate (the 12 days of Christmas start on the 25th of December, not before!) but that didn't detract from the story, I wouldn't even mention it, but it's a hill I'm willing to die on, it drives me mad.
If you're looking for something Christmassy, not too silly and ultimately satisfying, then give this one a go. It's great.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
This was a great fun and quick read that really suits this time of year. It did have my pet Christmas hate (the 12 days of Christmas start on the 25th of December, not before!) but that didn't detract from the story, I wouldn't even mention it, but it's a hill I'm willing to die on, it drives me mad.
If you're looking for something Christmassy, not too silly and ultimately satisfying, then give this one a go. It's great.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
December 18, 2024
I read the entire book in a state of amused disbelief. It was so comically unrealistic, even by rom-com standards, the author literally had to spell what she was going for in some parts.
For example, the "when you know, you know" phrase was uttered more than 5 times, and for a novella, that's A LOT!
And also, because I'm still bewildered about it even after reading the book last month; what's with the instant besottedness?
Not attraction, not chemistry. Just fully besotted from the get go.
Considering the first time the MMC saw the FMC she was soaked in oat milk and making snow angels in his porch, I would say that calls for a welfare check, not being charmed by how "real" and "unapologetic" she was, his words not mine.
I think the author was going for a fanfiction style novella. I was half wishing the FMC was called y/n, which honestly what made it fun to read.
Although it's not an awesome read, it's definitely a fun, giggles inducing read when you feel like reading something light.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
For example, the "when you know, you know" phrase was uttered more than 5 times, and for a novella, that's A LOT!
And also, because I'm still bewildered about it even after reading the book last month; what's with the instant besottedness?
Not attraction, not chemistry. Just fully besotted from the get go.
Considering the first time the MMC saw the FMC she was soaked in oat milk and making snow angels in his porch, I would say that calls for a welfare check, not being charmed by how "real" and "unapologetic" she was, his words not mine.
I think the author was going for a fanfiction style novella. I was half wishing the FMC was called y/n, which honestly what made it fun to read.
Although it's not an awesome read, it's definitely a fun, giggles inducing read when you feel like reading something light.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 2, 2024
This story was so much fun from the very first page! December Bailey James has never quite found her “niche” in life. She went to college, studied marketing, had a job then lost her job due to layoffs. Now she is back home in South Lake Tahoe and living with her parents. She is reduced to delivering groceries to make some money as she decides what is next for her. What is next ends up being her first meeting with Cole Jackson. She has no idea who he is, but ends up falling on his slippery driveway and making a snow angel. He is enthralled by her, especially when she has no idea who he is. Once she does know that he is a famous rock star, they have already established a friendship and maybe, definitely, something more? When he sees some of her art work that she gave up for a “sensible” career, will his support give her the courage to return to what she loves? Just a wonderful holiday or anytime read! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
December 9, 2024
December is living back at home living with her parents after being laid off her job which she wasn’t that crazy about anyways and while out on her new job she has a very crazy day that changes her life in many ways. Working as a grocery delivery person isn’t her dream job but it is something and on one delivery she wipes out, but December is such an amazing person that she rolls with the punches and makes it a fun moment by making snow angels. Her way of turning something embarrassing into something fun catches the eye of Cole Jackson, a famous rockstar, and he is instantly smitten. These two balance each other out so well and when Cole joins December and her family in their holiday festivities things really heat up between them, but with fame comes the downfalls of the press. Will these two be able to walk away from a holiday fling or are their feelings so much more? This story was a cute and fun one with some emotions that will have you wanting to shake December’s sister and so happy when December finally realizes just how special she truly is.
January 1, 2025
Cutie little Christmas read! December has returned home with her tail between her legs essentially after moving home after losing her job. Trying to make ends meet, she is doing grocery delivery, also another way to keep her out of the house and away from her oldest sister who is very judgmental. Through this she meets Cole when she falls in his driveway while delivering his groceries, and he’s immediately enthralled with her. Placing additional orders to meet her again, they end up connecting and thus starts a romance, even though Cole is a celebrity. Things blow up a little when her family and his manager get involved, but true love prevails in combination with the holiday season!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 11, 2024
4 1/2 STARS!
Fast paced and highly addictive! If you're looking for a sexy holiday novella to get you in the mood for Christmas, look no further! Gillian Archer is delivering on a holiday fling turned forever with a rockstar and the down-on-her-luck delight he sweeps off her feet. Yes, obviously in a novella length story it's quick and could be developed more, but there's a whole lot of living and loving between Cole and December and not a whole lot lacking for a believable relationship. I loved every minute and only wished there was more! Great plot, fun characters and more emotional depth than you might expect.
Fast paced and highly addictive! If you're looking for a sexy holiday novella to get you in the mood for Christmas, look no further! Gillian Archer is delivering on a holiday fling turned forever with a rockstar and the down-on-her-luck delight he sweeps off her feet. Yes, obviously in a novella length story it's quick and could be developed more, but there's a whole lot of living and loving between Cole and December and not a whole lot lacking for a believable relationship. I loved every minute and only wished there was more! Great plot, fun characters and more emotional depth than you might expect.
November 19, 2024
The holiday season has barely begun and I was already in need of some festive escapism. This novella came through with the fairytale like story of a woman down on her luck, delivering groceries and living with her parents while she figures out her next steps who meets and charms a rock star. Not just any rock star, mind you -one who invites himself to family events and happily decorates cookies with the kids. Far fetched? Sure. Still exactly the dose of fantasy my heart needed.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2025
This December by Gillian Archer is a short Christmas story. It's not the most realistic but I honestly didn't care. The insta-love is a part of the story and personally, I don't mind especially when it comes to novellas such as this one. The heroine is named December and if you ask me this already sets the tone. Cole was actually a great MMC and I loved him. He tried his best to make December feel like the person she deserved to be while romancing her and it was very cute to read. I would definitely recommend this short story!
February 21, 2025
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It does not affect my opinions or content of my review.
Sometimes, you just need a sweet Meet Cute that’s a fun, quick palette cleanser and that’s exactly what this is!
It’s super short, not wholly deep, but it works. I laughed and giggled and just *sigh* needed this book. There’s family bonding, holiday shenanigans, and the relationship while again, super short book, is cute.
I recommend for a quick fun read!
Sometimes, you just need a sweet Meet Cute that’s a fun, quick palette cleanser and that’s exactly what this is!
It’s super short, not wholly deep, but it works. I laughed and giggled and just *sigh* needed this book. There’s family bonding, holiday shenanigans, and the relationship while again, super short book, is cute.
I recommend for a quick fun read!
December 2, 2024
I am not usually a fan of Christmas romance books but this was a nice change from the normal Hallmark type of story. The spice and sparks between Cole and December really light a fire to this love story. They meet during an embarrassing moment for her and then he keeps ordering flowers until he gets her to deliver them for herself. The challenges of her crazy family and his fame led to a fun and quirky ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2024
"This was the kinda thing that would follow me around for the rest of my life."
Entertaining, if short, Christmas rockstar romance. I knew the book was going to be fun when I discovered the heroine's name is December. This is pure escapism. It's not meant to be real life, so the implausible things that happen really don't matter that much. I read it in about two hours and smiled the rest of the day. Good times.
Entertaining, if short, Christmas rockstar romance. I knew the book was going to be fun when I discovered the heroine's name is December. This is pure escapism. It's not meant to be real life, so the implausible things that happen really don't matter that much. I read it in about two hours and smiled the rest of the day. Good times.
September 1, 2025
This is a good book. The two main characters are December and Cole. December has recently lost her job, had to move back home, and take a job delivering groceries. Cole is a singer. Cole requested groceries and December delivered them to his house. While she delivered them, she fell in snow. She decided to make a snow angel, Cole comes out of his cabin and sees her. He ask her out, she said yes. She doesn’t know he is famous. They do family things for Christmas they fall in love.
November 28, 2024
Sam meets Cole when she’s delivering groceries to his home. They meet and hit it off right away, but she doesn’t know who he is yet. He’s a rock star on top of the world and to her, she’s just her. She can’t imagine they would have anything in common, but they do.
This is a short novella length Christmas story which I fully enjoyed!!!
This is a short novella length Christmas story which I fully enjoyed!!!
May 15, 2025
3.5stars
A short and pleasant story set during the holiday season, though it lacks much depth. After losing her job, December returns to her hometown and starts working as a food delivery driver. That’s how she meets rockstar Cole, and soon a romance begins—will it last?
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
A short and pleasant story set during the holiday season, though it lacks much depth. After losing her job, December returns to her hometown and starts working as a food delivery driver. That’s how she meets rockstar Cole, and soon a romance begins—will it last?
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
November 19, 2024
I loved this Christmas rockstar novella! Cole & December are so sweet together! Loved the dynamics between the two of them and also with December’s family. A really cute quick read that I heartily recommend!
January 30, 2025
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a lighthearted, feel-good romance with a dash of humor and a relatable protagonist navigating the ups and downs of quarter-life crises, making it an ideal choice for fans of fun, flirty, and festive holiday reads.
November 30, 2024
4.5 stars
I typically devour anything by Gillian and this is no exception. This was a great quick rock star novella.
I took a half star off because I KNOW this would have been the most amazing full length book.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I typically devour anything by Gillian and this is no exception. This was a great quick rock star novella.
I took a half star off because I KNOW this would have been the most amazing full length book.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2024
A sweet, quick, fun holiday romance. Insta-love, family drama, a rockstar in hiding and all of the spice. A great Christmas themed weekend read.
March 29, 2025
Insta love and short
December 23, 2025
The story was very cute. The spice was soooo highschool 😂😂
January 30, 2026
This is the cutest, sweetest, spicy love story. What a joy to read. December being talked about by her family as being a "loser" becomes the "winner" in all of er family's eyes. Yea for her.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews