Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Holly, Jolly, and Oh So Naughty

Rate this book
Daddy, it's Christmas...

Seven years ago, I had a steamy fling with a gorgeous med student. Three weeks of pure bliss. He set my heart on fire. I thought we had something real. Then he vanished without a trace.

Now he's back in my small town. Walking into my parents' inn like he owns the place. Looking even more delicious than I remember. And he needs a fake girlfriend.

God, what was I thinking saying yes? Now we're playing couple at charity events. Getting snowed in at my bakery. Making out like teenagers under the mistletoe. Creating memories that feel dangerously real.

His touch still sets me ablaze. His kisses still make me weak. But I've got a secret bigger than Santa's gift list... Our six-year-old daughter.

The same daughter who just called him "Daddy" at the Christmas festival. In front of everyone. The same daughter I never told him about.

Now he's storming out into the snow. Leaving me and our daughter behind. Again.

Will this Christmas miracle end in heartbreak? Or will Santa finally deliver the family we've always dreamed of?

Sometimes the best presents come wrapped in secrets... And second chances come with a price.

Author’s A steamy small-town Christmas romance featuring a single mom, a secret baby, fake dating, and a doctor who never stopped loving the one who got away.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2024

538 people are currently reading
190 people want to read

About the author

Ava Gray

102 books226 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
894 (61%)
4 stars
371 (25%)
3 stars
147 (10%)
2 stars
27 (1%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Paula (on hiatus).
875 reviews12 followers
Read
December 5, 2024
DNF

MMC is too much of a wimp & momma's boy for me to read. She basically controls his life and he just goes along with it. And on top of it, he is a gynecologist 🤮 and of course FMC is supposed to be "the love of his life" yet he had no problem moving on with OW and getting engaged. Until his pops died and he wakes up to realize that he doesn't want to be marry OW. How nice of him. 🤮 That's not what I (or anyone with any sense) wants to read.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,580 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2024
Holly, Jolly, and Oh So Naughty

What an awesome story about a young single mother, raising her daughter. She has built a life for them both and established a business as well. Unexpected a new Dr. is in town, this is a definite surprise to her, since she knows him from her past. Will her secret be revealed, or stay hidden, where it has been for the past 6 yrs. Beautiful story, full of love, heartbreak, anger and sadness.
Profile Image for Jenni.
235 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2025
This was a good small town holiday romance and I really enjoyed the author's writing style. Lily is a single mom who owns a bakery, (because duh, it's a small town romance) and her daughter is 6 year old Emma. James, our MMC, was born into a prominent NYC socialite family, but he wants more than fancy dinners and parties, a prestigious career, and a marriage for connections. He wants to be his own man, use his gifts to help people, and marry the love of his life. James's mother is a piece of work but the author illustrates her really well. While I never witnessed what James went through first-hand, I know of people who have dealt with the type of manipulation he endured... for loyalty, for family, for image. It's horrible and real, and screws up lives. 

The story is all-American but there are several instances where British English words (pressie, pudding, tosspot, etc.) and phraseology pop up. No shade intended at the author, just an observation I'm sharing. I read a lot of Regency and Victorian romance, but for a reader who doesn't, they may scratch their head. A few other oddities... The "Daddy/Daughter Dance" scenario. No school would organize such an event on Christmas Day. Also, Lily's parents owned an inn. I envisioned warm and Hallmarky, yet it is erroneously referred to as a motel several times. And sidenote... I'm never a fan of reading about MMCs being gynecologists. Ick... just no. Especially when the specialty has zero relevance to the story. Make him a podiatrist, a urologist. Just, anything else, please. Also I thought it was funny that the story comes about because of a fling that turned into a pregnancy. Yet, when they reconnect, the gynecologist makes no mention of using protection any of the times they're together. He knew better, and she definitely knew better yet the author doesn't touch it.

And oh yeah... this is a spicy read with a handful of short scenes. They do flow fine with the story but there is also some vulgar language used. I don't mind some language in my books, but here it actually felt out of character.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. My Kindle told me I already own the next in the series, so off I go to read some more.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,827 reviews50 followers
November 28, 2024
James and Lily’s second chance at love romance includes a fair bit angst, a lot of charm and a bit of Christmas magic. A brief love affair seven years ago led to his leaving, a surprise pregnancy and a nasty rejection. Both have carried on with their lives and have become successful in their respective careers, but neither has found happiness with another romantic partner. The death of his father has changed James perception of his life and given him insight into what he wants his future to look like. He wants Lily to be part of that future. No more adhering to the rules and plans his mother has made for him, James wants to do what makes him happy for once. Now he has to convince Lily to give him a chance.

That’s not going to be easy. She has no reason to trust him and definitely doesn’t want to be hurt again or have her daughter hurt too. It is Lily’s warm, compassionate and generous heart that lets James take the first step back into her life. They have so much to sort out between them, despite the resurgence of love they both feel. How will they deal with his interfering and rather self-absorbed mother, the fellow who has wants Lily for his own, and the paternity of Emma? Then there are the trust and insecurity issues to confront too.

It was impossible not to like Lily and James or to empathize with their situation. I wanted to shake his mother. I was happy to see him stand his ground against her control and efforts to guilt him into doing what she wanted. Little Emma was adorable and an absolute sweetie who stole my heart. Amelia, Lily’s best friend, was another great character. She wanted the best for her friend, was fiercely protective and offered Lily advice and unconditional support. I also loved that the citizens in Lily’s hometown made sure to let James know that while they welcomed him, they also expected him to be kind and respectful to Lily, and not cause her any hurt.

James and Lily’s story made me smile, sigh, and mutter angrily at times. It was very satisfying to read and I won’t hesitate to recommend it.
499 reviews13 followers
November 25, 2024
Lily Thompson is our beautiful MFC. She runs a bakery, Sweet Noel.
James Anderson is a handsome, brilliant doctor and MMC.
They met on her college campus when he was with his father at a medical siminar. They had a good time and she feel in love with him. Then he left and left her pregnant. And was told when she contacted his mother, he wanted nothing to do with her. (Not all is as it seems).
So now seven years later, she’s living for her (their) daughter, Emma, with only memories of James in her heart.
And Lily has been in James heart all these years also. He had to leave because of family obligations but feel in love with Emma back then, and still loves her. Hes had to squash his feeling down because of his family. Hes now a renown Doctor like his father. He’s moved to her home town, working at Evergreen Medical Center, hoping for a reconect with Lily.
What follows is confusion, attraction, love that never left, sabotage and lies, and secrets revealed. But, you can expect a forever love for this family of three and a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue Carter.
750 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2024
Enjoyable second chance romance. Lily & James have had a short passionate affair 7 years before the start of the story after which James disappeared without a word. James is now a successful doctor dealing with the recent death of his father, Lily is a thriving baker with her own business. I loved the way James has returned to town to change his life direction and ‘escape’ from his controlling mother, and the fact that he is a really likable character. Lily is hiding a secret consequence from their previous time together, her cute little daughter whom James does not know exists! I liked the gentle way the story is narrated and how they both struggle with the re-emerging feelings neither of them is prepared for. Throw in James’ vile interfering mother and a creepy schoolteacher who has his sights set on Lily and you have a well-crafted romance from the pen of Ava Gray.
2,038 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2024
What a Wonderful Christmas 2nd chance love story that will remind you of a Hallmark Classic with a bit more! Lily learned the hard way when you don’t come from money life choices are taken from you. We find Lily 7 years later after James and his controlling mother push her away raising her precious daughter, Emma on her own back in her small home town owning a successful bakery. James has a wake up call when his father suddenly passes and he discovers all his choices made in life were never his. James finds himself in Lily’s small town as a very skilled doctor in his field and once these two find themselves again all bets are off… When secrets are revealed they have some issues to work through and against all odds dreams can come true. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachael.
703 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2024
Frustrating

Lilly and James had a quick fling years ago resulting in an unexpected pregnancy. Due to a bunch of lies and miscommunication, they were apart for many years. Lilly was under the impression James did not want their daughter while James never knew Lilly was pregnant.
Now seven years later and James has tracked down Lilly, moved to her town and became the town gynecologist. Somehow, he had been living at her parents inn, working at the local clinic in the small town where her bakery was located and they never ran into each other.
James seemed extremely immature and oblivious for being a 32 year old physician. He never put it together that he might be Emma’s father and Lilly didn’t tell him until about 75% into the story.
There were quite a few typos and could use some editing.
Spice was good and there is a HEA.
3,184 reviews27 followers
December 8, 2024
I loved Holly, Jolly, and Oh So Naughty. Family obligations cost James the love of his life. Lily was never going to be good enough according to his mother but he had no idea what she had done or what he was missing. Seven years have passed since James left Lily, she had tried to contact him to tell him her situation but he never responded but someone else did and their response was not good. Lily has done what she thought was best for herself and her daughter. Can she trust James this second time around or will he disappear again? When the truth is revealed will he stay or run like he did last time? I loved the storyline and the characters, except James’s mom I don’t like her, she’s not a good person. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jackie Human.
157 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2024
Beautiful heartwarming story

Aw what can I say? Absolutely beautiful story. Great characters and a lovely HEA.
I am not normally a fan of relationships that break up and many years pass before they get back together. But Ava really pulled it out the bag with this story.
James had a really controlling mother and 7 years ago he was young and didn’t have the strength of character to fight his mother, it wasn’t until his Dad died suddenly that he realised his mistake so moved away to forge his own life, also hoping he might get to see the girl he left behind.
Lily was a small time girl with a 6:year old daughter Emma, James’s daughter although he had no idea. The story unfolds with hiccups on the way but eventually they all get their HEA, even James’s Mum!
Highly recommend this book and can’t wait until the next one ❤️
Profile Image for Sara.
2,366 reviews14 followers
November 28, 2024
A second chance romance. The storyline is Hallmark holiday movie sweet with a nice addition of spice.

Secrets, a controlling and manipulative mother focused on her family’s image and other factors kept them apart for 7 years. It was enjoyable to see them both interested in being together and make an effort to reconnect.

James is a likable character and despite being a hot shot doctor, he’s not lead a very happy or fulfilling life. He is reeling from the sudden death of his father and trying to reconfigure his life to one he wants versus being forced to live to meet someone else’s standards. He truly wants to reconnect with Lily who surprisingly was willing to give him another chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lynn.
697 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2024
Seven years ago, James and Lily fell in love, but his family had obligations that were set in place since he started college.
After James' father dies of a heart attack, James realizes that he doesn't want to continue to be miserable. He drops everything back in the city to become a doctor in a little town, a town that just happens to be where Lily lives.

There is so much to the history of Lily and James, and neither one wants to really address what happened between them. James' mother is a snob and thinks "the rich" are better than every one else, and marriage is suppose to "better the family" instead of happiness. More of a modern day take on historical romance.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
448 reviews
November 28, 2024
Lily met the man of her dreams when she was young but he was out of her league and left. She found out she was pregnant and tried to reach him but his mother say he didn’t want her and offers her cash to get rid of the pregnancy which Lily refused. Years later James decides to look for Lily as she is the one that got away and when they finally connect she is hesitant because he broke her heart once and now she has her daughter Emma to think about. Can Lily trust him again with her heart and the most precious thing of all, Emma?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for judy.
577 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2024
This is a very interesting love story. It has family members who pressures James to make decisions that he has a problem overcoming. When his father dies he decides to choose happiness over family pressure and obligations. Lily is a talented woman who has Emma on her own due to circumstances that she had no control over. She is told that James wants nothing to do with her or their unborn child by his mother. Fast forward seven years later all secrets are revealed. This is Lily and James love story and about healing from the past. It is a very enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
6,510 reviews25 followers
November 27, 2024
In the very beginning my heart ached for Emma who wants her dad in the picture, but Lily thinks he didn't want them in his life. I had to wipe a few tears away until I kept reading and found out what the truth really was, and WOW it is going to make your head spin. Then comes James a doctor who has feelings for Lily the one woman who won his heart all those years ago. Keep reading to see what happens and if Emma gets her wish and meets her dad James and if James finds out that he has a daughter he never knew about.

Profile Image for L KQ.
5,592 reviews21 followers
December 6, 2024
Family Priority Changes

A whirlwind romance between James and Lily left her pregnant several years ago. When they are reunited, they discover that their feelings for each have remained, but obstacles from the past and her distrust in him complicate their growing relationship. This was an emotional read with family drama and characters that needed to take control of their own lives. It was entertaining and a joy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,534 reviews31 followers
December 6, 2024
James and Lily met 7 years before, had a good time and parted ways. They meet again when he's in town for a wedding and he wants to get together again but she had a daughter from their quick time so she doesn't want her daughter or herself hurt again by James. There are twists and turns to this story that I didn't expect and it's wonderful to see James grow into his own life where he wants Lily (and then Emma) in his life permanently.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
74 reviews
December 6, 2024
cute

Sweet story. Pretty predictable but that’s something we all love about Christmas books and movies, right? My biggest beef is that these indie authors seem to not proof read. During nativity practice after the bathroom the author types “James said” instead of “mark said.” How can you screw up your leads!? And there were a few other typos.. also, only a 2/5 chili peppers in terms of spice. 1 scene each off self pleasure then only 3 MAYBE 4 spicy scenes together but I think it’s only 3..
160 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2024
Emma's story,

Wonderful story of Lily and James, lost time and a wonderful little daughter Emma. Separated after falling in love Lily ends up alone pregnant and scared. James is never allowed to know about his daughter because his mother's values are horrid. I loved Emma and Lily was sweet. James struggled but was at last able to get his family back. There is a happily ever after. Although I was in tears at times I recommend this great Christmas book.
Thank you Ava Gray for a great book.
Profile Image for Whitney.
216 reviews
December 14, 2024
Some spice for the holidays

Lily stands out in her own way as a baker in this holiday rendition. James has really gone through it and ached to find his way back to Lily. They added spice to the holidays. Simply slipping back into their chemistry was a sweet read despite some obvious communication that could have brought parts forward in the story. James’ actions were noble, adaptive and impressive all things factored.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Thea Kubicki.
574 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2024
James and Lily

Holly, Jolly

A second chance story revolving around a rich man-child and a strong independent woman with a precocious daughter. While I really liked Lily and her daughter, Emma; I had a hard time with James. He was suppose to be this hot-shot doctor but let his mother run his life. Will he ever grow a pair and do the right thing?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
326 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2024
This was a really lovely, easy read with an enjoyable story.

It's been 7 years since Lily saw James and now he's living in her small town where everyone knows everyone and he doesn't know he's her daughter's father.

A few twists and turns, lots of family drama on his side, a very controlling mum, it's a very nice star crossed lovers romance set at Christmas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,092 reviews51 followers
December 15, 2024
4.25 stars

This is my kind of story! Second chance, small town, fake relationship - all favorites of mine.

James might have been born into money but he's extremely down to earth.

Lily was very hurt with how he disappeared after their brief romance years ago.

When they see each other again, will they be able to start over again or will they let their part mistakes ruin their present?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
822 reviews6 followers
December 16, 2024
Lovely story about a young, single mother who owns a bakery in her hometown. She hears about a hot shot young doctor who's new to town and is shocked to realize when she sees him that he is the man who is the father of her daughter. She had attempted to contact him when she found out she was pregnant, but was told by his mother that he wanted nothing to do with her. In fact, his mother had offered her money to abort the child. Needless to say, she had refused the offer.
1,040 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2024
Loved it.

Lily and James, two lovers who were separated 7 years ago due to family obligations and a meddling mom. They drifted apart but never stopped loving each other. When an unexpected tragedy sends James back to Lily hoping for forgiveness and reconciliation, he is met with something else that is quite unexpected. Loved the characters and the story. Two people, raised completely differently, find common ground in love, patience, forgiveness, and acceptance.
4,490 reviews21 followers
December 5, 2024
This is really a second chance story set at Christmas time. Some drama, crazy family, second thoughts and a cute baby girl that had me laughing at times. I had to see if these two would get their second chance and keep it. A few scenes had me laughing loudly and other times shaking mt head. But I was entertained the whole time.
Profile Image for Judy.
451 reviews
December 6, 2024
Such an amazingly sweet second chance romance. I loved every emotional bit of this story. James was so so sweet. Lily was just so heartfelt, such a strong true character. Even the grinch mom’s heart grew.
Just an absolutely lovely story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
627 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2024
This was a cute holiday second chance read. James Anderson has moved to the small town to find Lily Thompson who six years ago fell in love with but left her for family obligations. They come together and rekindle their relationship. But she has to tell him about his daughter that he never knew he had. I enjoyed this Christmas read.
11.6k reviews49 followers
December 16, 2024
Sweet and Naughty Fun

Holly, Jolly, and Oh So Naughty is the second book in the Festive Flames series. I enjoyed this second chance romance mixed with meant to be love and wrapped up in the holidays. The story is about Lily and James, and then their daughter Emma, who is about to find out about. Add in family, some drama, a small town, and some steamy hot passion.
587 reviews
December 25, 2024
LGJ

Keeping secrets hurts the ones we love. Death has a way of breaking you but allowing you to look at life differently. Desiring to be happier and reaching back into your past to your happy place. It all turns out well in the because I always say true love will always finds its way back home
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.