Festive Fling

by Lee Williamson

No Christmas parties. No big family meals. No dramas.

When her parents take off to Fiji for Christmas, Kayla decides she wants a Christmas sea-side break from her demanding job, and even more demanding ex. That's what Kayla needs—but it's not what Kayla gets.

Soon after arriving at her beachside rental she finds herself joining in festive activities with her neighbours. There’s a plus side though. Dreamy Fraser seems interested in her, but a holiday fling isn’t in Kayla’s plan.

Just when she's starting to consider a change of heart, her ex-boyfriend and boss arrives, followed closely by her mother.

Can she deal with these interruptions to her holiday, and will Fraser wait around while she does?

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2024

About the author

After spending some time writing in the YA Fantasy genre, I decided to to take a slight deviation and write some more romancy, mystery type books. I hope you will follow along on my journey.

Reviews

[Krislyn Vergara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kayla is making big life changes by quitting her job and staying in a small rental beach house for two months while getting over a breakup. During this time she decides to catch up on reading and write a graphic novel she's been wanting to do forever. Little did she know her neighbor is a famous author, Fraser, who helps her edit her graphic novel. With the help of the other rental neighbors and the adorable puppy Peppy, Kayla finds friends that become found family and make her feel welcome and help support her goals. With a little push, they also help Fraser seek out his dreams of writing outside of crime fiction and find love with Kayla.

This was a cute holiday read, that made me want to visit a beach, put my toes in the sand, and pursue my dreams! This book would be a great Christmas in July read!.

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

[Becc McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive a copy of Festive Fling by Lee Williamson to read and review and let me tell you, from the first chapter I was hooked!

To me, the way the book was written was so descriptive and inviting that I felt like I was part of the story. I was devasted to finish reading because I wasn't ready to let go!

I highly recommend reading Festive Fling if you like an easy, heart-warming read that will leave you wanting more!.

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

[Toby walrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Festive Fling is the sweetest novella of the year. 


Kayla is escaping her corporate job to follow her dreams. The last thing she needs after leaving her destructively toxic ex-boyfriend/ex-boss is a holiday fling. The fact that her beachside neighbor is unbelievably attractive is completely irrelevant. She clearly, most definitely, does not want to speak to the gentle, compassionate, hot man next door. Don’t be silly. 

These two are so well written. I love that they don’t sacrifice their independence or ambitions for each other. 

Fraser embodies the dreamy man next door trope while not needing to defend his masculinity. He’s impressed with his talented neighbor rather than threatened by her capability. Kayla is the incredible main character. She’s adorably in love with him and inspired by him. She is self-assured without being rude or unkind.

These two are one of the cutest couples I have had the pleasure to read. 

I am heavily resistant to holiday romance because I often see male leads underlined in misogyny. I took a chance on this one because Lee Williamson is the author of one of my favorite cozy mystery series (Maggie and Marple). All the women in the series seem so capable and confident in their abilities. I could not imagine her writing a woman who allows her needs to be dismissed by a man or vice versa. 

This is usually the part of the review I suggest the demographic that would appeal to this novel, but I cannot think of a group that wouldn’t enjoy this. This book is for anybody and everyone. It is a closed-door new adult romance. 

I am so glad I picked this up. It is the kind of book that feels like hot chocolate and a hug. If you need a healing, powerful romance about a woman going off on her ex. and finding her dreams, you should read this.

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

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

♡Kayla & Fraser♡

New to me author, and I'm obsessed! The writing was amazing! It's one of those stories you can easily picture, and I love that. Kayla and Fraser were great, and the way the story unfolded was perfect! I enjoyed all of the characters and got a kick out of the interruptions. Poor Kayla just wanted a break, but that didn't work out in her favor at all! Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a cute holiday romance!

Thanks so much to the author and Booksprout for the ARC!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet romance with likeable and realistic characters that are easy to relate to. A fun and interesting storyline and wonderful description of the setting. Its a charming rom com filled with unique twists and turns for Kayla and Fraser. Like Kayla's mother and her ex showing up at her holiday getaway... I really enjoyed this well written, sweet romance, it's the perfect read for the Christmas season.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Australia, so very picturesque, on the beach. A local falls for a renter but had done this before and is scared to open his heart again. She is renting a cabin here to get away and starting a new life. The sparks fly but will they overcome there past. Great holiday read.

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

[Melly · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute sweet novella. just like light-hearted story I needed! looking forward to staring the Maggie and marple series.