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Jolly & Jaded: He’s grumpy. She’s glitter. There’s snow, slow burn, and one accidental knee to the family jewels.
He’s been in love with her for years. She just broke his nuts with her knee. Merry Christmas.
Running my coffee shop is one thing. Running the town’s Christmas marketplace? That’s been my dream forever.
This year, I finally get my shot—twinkle lights, ugly sweaters, full festive takeover.
Only problem? Grant Anders.
My late brother’s best friend. The grump who shows up every day with that scowl… and has now been assigned as my co-planner.
And let’s not forget—I’ve secretly loved him since we were kids.
It’ll be a Christmas miracle if I make it through without falling harder than ever.
I’ve spent six years avoiding Elsie Marshall—because loving her from a distance is the only thing I’ve ever done right.
She’s my best friend’s little sister. The girl I failed.
Now she’s running the Christmas market—and I’ve somehow been roped into running it with her.
Late nights. Close quarters. And all the feelings I’ve spent years trying to bury.
She deserves joy, magic, everything good.
I just hope I don’t become the reason she loses any of it.
Running my coffee shop is one thing. Running the town’s Christmas marketplace? That’s been my dream forever.
This year, I finally get my shot—twinkle lights, ugly sweaters, full festive takeover.
Only problem? Grant Anders.
My late brother’s best friend. The grump who shows up every day with that scowl… and has now been assigned as my co-planner.
And let’s not forget—I’ve secretly loved him since we were kids.
It’ll be a Christmas miracle if I make it through without falling harder than ever.
I’ve spent six years avoiding Elsie Marshall—because loving her from a distance is the only thing I’ve ever done right.
She’s my best friend’s little sister. The girl I failed.
Now she’s running the Christmas market—and I’ve somehow been roped into running it with her.
Late nights. Close quarters. And all the feelings I’ve spent years trying to bury.
She deserves joy, magic, everything good.
I just hope I don’t become the reason she loses any of it.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2024
42 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Krimmer
26 books1,053 followersInternational Best Selling Author
Crowned the Queen of Banter, DJ Krimmer is known through the community for her witty, smart mouthed characters.
In her books, representations of the imperfect sides of life are not hidden in the shadows, they're front and center, a reminder that everyone deserves to be a princess and have their happily ever after.
Crowned the Queen of Banter, DJ Krimmer is known through the community for her witty, smart mouthed characters.
In her books, representations of the imperfect sides of life are not hidden in the shadows, they're front and center, a reminder that everyone deserves to be a princess and have their happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
December 20, 2025
3.5 stars
I liked this novella, but I needed more of their story. If it were an hour longer or had an epilogue, I think it would have been great! This was my first book by this author, and I would definitely read more!
I liked this novella, but I needed more of their story. If it were an hour longer or had an epilogue, I think it would have been great! This was my first book by this author, and I would definitely read more!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Amanda Willow & Joe Arden
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 2h 42m
December 27, 2024
3.5 ✨️
Such a nice idea, this novella, sadly it was very underdeveloped. I needed at least an extra epilogue, anything, something more.
It was a rushed read in some important moments, while we received some unimportant details, like her grandmother's sexual life... I'm all for some funny moments, but yeah, no, thank you! It was too cringey for me.
I just felt it was very rushed and sometimes superficial. But I did enjoy the story overall since I read it in one go. I was curious to see how everything would play out between them.
In the end, I liked these two characters. I would have really loved more of an extended epilogue 😀.
What to expect
- mutual pinning, since they were very young
- tragic / traumatic past
- somehow, they heal together, but I wanted more on this side, actually, of their story
- Christmas set-up
- spicy
- HEA
Such a nice idea, this novella, sadly it was very underdeveloped. I needed at least an extra epilogue, anything, something more.
It was a rushed read in some important moments, while we received some unimportant details, like her grandmother's sexual life... I'm all for some funny moments, but yeah, no, thank you! It was too cringey for me.
I just felt it was very rushed and sometimes superficial. But I did enjoy the story overall since I read it in one go. I was curious to see how everything would play out between them.
In the end, I liked these two characters. I would have really loved more of an extended epilogue 😀.
What to expect
- mutual pinning, since they were very young
- tragic / traumatic past
- somehow, they heal together, but I wanted more on this side, actually, of their story
- Christmas set-up
- spicy
- HEA
July 12, 2025
Yep— so, I’m obsessed with DJ Krimmer.
December 1, 2025
Cute and quick grumpy/sunshine Christmas novella. Unlike most novellas this isn’t an instalove which is a nice change. Grant and Elsie have a past, this is a brothers best friend situation but a tragedy kept them apart for almost 6 years. They overcome trauma, grief and Elsie’s bent toward people pleasing in this book.
I listen to it and the narration was very good. Joe Arden has yet to disappoint!
I listen to it and the narration was very good. Joe Arden has yet to disappoint!
December 30, 2024
This beautifully crafted novella is an enchanting journey into the depths of raw emotions and profound connections, seamlessly blended with clever dialogue that elicits laughter and heartfelt reflections. I was utterly absorbed in its pages, devouring the entire story in one enthralling sitting! The rich narrative, overflowing with genuine sentiment and infused with a joyous spirit, guides us through the emotional landscape alongside Grant and Elsie. Their journey beautifully balances heart-wrenching moments with uplifting triumphs, illuminating the intricacies of grief and mental health. It’s a tale of two remarkable souls who, after shying away from joy, learn to embrace the happiness that has long been out of their reach. Krimmer’s exceptional ability to craft such a profoundly moving story in so few pages is awe-inspiring—you may find yourself wishing for even more shared moments with these endearing characters. This novella provides a touching experience that will linger in your heart long after you turn the last page.
The audiobook rendition, masterfully narrated by Joe Arden and Amanda Willow, elevates this novella into a true treasure. I was delighted to learn that this marks Amanda Willow's debut performance! She brilliantly captures Elsie's sunny exterior while peeling back the layers to unveil her true emotional depths with remarkable finesse. I can’t wait to hear more from her in the future! Joe Arden perfectly embodies Grant, portraying his grumpy yet fiercely protective nature while highlighting the tenderness he shows to Elsie. His performance powerfully conveys the heavy burden of guilt and the tumultuous emotions of loss, bringing a vibrant, lifelike quality to the character that resonates profoundly with listeners. Together, they were a powerhouse!
The audiobook rendition, masterfully narrated by Joe Arden and Amanda Willow, elevates this novella into a true treasure. I was delighted to learn that this marks Amanda Willow's debut performance! She brilliantly captures Elsie's sunny exterior while peeling back the layers to unveil her true emotional depths with remarkable finesse. I can’t wait to hear more from her in the future! Joe Arden perfectly embodies Grant, portraying his grumpy yet fiercely protective nature while highlighting the tenderness he shows to Elsie. His performance powerfully conveys the heavy burden of guilt and the tumultuous emotions of loss, bringing a vibrant, lifelike quality to the character that resonates profoundly with listeners. Together, they were a powerhouse!
January 10, 2025
ALC AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Jolly & Jaded
By: DJ Krimmer
Narrated By: Amanda Willow and Joe Arden
Holiday perfection!
I love DJ’s writing so much, add in Joe Arden and Amanda Willow narrating in duet and what a gem of an audiobook. This is an emotionally adorable novella with raw emotions, strong connections and sarcastic banter that keeps you smirking and tugging at your heart strings. I binged this in one sitting and although it’s short it was just one of those audiobook you can’t stop listening to.
Elsie and Grant’s friendship is deep, the trauma they have endured together has only made them closer, both masking their true emotions, they begin to dive deeper Into the truths of their past. Joe Arden and Amanda Willow did a perfect job bringing Grant, Elsie, Elsie’s wild grandma and all of the side characters to life. Expressing Elsie’s confidence and the joy she portrays to those around her, the sorrow both Grant and Elsie hold in their hearts, the protective and dominating side of Grant, the erotic heat between the two of them, all the sarcastic banter, and the raw emotions, Joe and Amanda made me feel all the feels in this novella through their voices. I loved this book and once again fell in love with a story in DJ Krimmer’s world.
Thank You BNA for the opportunity to listen and review.
Jolly & Jaded
By: DJ Krimmer
Narrated By: Amanda Willow and Joe Arden
Holiday perfection!
I love DJ’s writing so much, add in Joe Arden and Amanda Willow narrating in duet and what a gem of an audiobook. This is an emotionally adorable novella with raw emotions, strong connections and sarcastic banter that keeps you smirking and tugging at your heart strings. I binged this in one sitting and although it’s short it was just one of those audiobook you can’t stop listening to.
Elsie and Grant’s friendship is deep, the trauma they have endured together has only made them closer, both masking their true emotions, they begin to dive deeper Into the truths of their past. Joe Arden and Amanda Willow did a perfect job bringing Grant, Elsie, Elsie’s wild grandma and all of the side characters to life. Expressing Elsie’s confidence and the joy she portrays to those around her, the sorrow both Grant and Elsie hold in their hearts, the protective and dominating side of Grant, the erotic heat between the two of them, all the sarcastic banter, and the raw emotions, Joe and Amanda made me feel all the feels in this novella through their voices. I loved this book and once again fell in love with a story in DJ Krimmer’s world.
Thank You BNA for the opportunity to listen and review.
December 4, 2025
YESSSS I did the audio for this one and it was so freaking good. Quick and a great holiday read. I was laughing multiple times and the spice was perfect.
December 16, 2025
OMG I loved this so much!! This novella was perfect and just what I needed!! It had the spice, the plot and I even got emotional 😭 I would love to have another book from Grant & Elsie!!
January 3, 2025
This was such a fun Christmas novella.
DJ writes grumpy x sunshine perfection and it's my favourite and she just nails it!!
I loved the banter between Elsie and Grant. In true DJ style this is emotion packed and so relatable with Elsie going through so much pain and hiding it behind a mask.
I love how Grant just knew Elsie and knew she was hiding and then took her to the realse her grief because he knew she needed that.
I cannot wait for the audio of this 🙌
Audio was perfection no notes it was everything I hoped and more.
DJ writes grumpy x sunshine perfection and it's my favourite and she just nails it!!
I loved the banter between Elsie and Grant. In true DJ style this is emotion packed and so relatable with Elsie going through so much pain and hiding it behind a mask.
I love how Grant just knew Elsie and knew she was hiding and then took her to the realse her grief because he knew she needed that.
I cannot wait for the audio of this 🙌
Audio was perfection no notes it was everything I hoped and more.
December 23, 2024
"holding back and not owning that grief, it’s going to hurt you in the long run"
"“I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to look at myself and not feel guilt.”
I nod softly. “I understand that feeling.” I move closer and wrap my arms around his tapered waist. “I can’t look at myself without feeling guilt either. So here’s my idea.” His eyes find mine and they look pleading. Like he’s begging me to give him the answers. “We don’t look at ourselves.” I state and he blinks.
“What?”
“We stop looking in the mirror. We’ll just look at each other.” "
**"Jolly and Jaded"** tells the story of Elsie and Grant, two characters burdened by a complicated past. Elsie’s brother died saving Grant, and as a result, Grant now has a prosthetic leg. In the midst of a Christmas-themed competition or event, the two find themselves working together while navigating a lingering attraction from their past.
Unfortunately, everything in this novelette feels rushed. The author introduces multiple subplots—Elsie and Grant’s history, the competition, Grant’s dog, a thirsty aunt—but the narrative reads like a patchwork quilt hastily stitched together, with loose threads everywhere. None of these elements are given enough space to breathe or develop meaningfully.
The romance itself takes too long to get off the ground, and when it finally does, everything moves at breakneck speed. For instance, Grant is initially insecure about Elsie seeing his prosthetic leg, which could have been a meaningful arc. Instead, this conflict is conveniently "resolved" the moment they sleep together, as if intimacy alone could erase such a deep-seated trauma. It felt unrealistic and superficial—more like the book was checking off a box than genuinely exploring the issue.
The competition subplot is so underdeveloped that it’s hard to grasp its significance or even its rules. The same goes for the Christmas setting—it barely plays a role. For a book marketed as holiday-themed, it feels devoid of seasonal warmth or spirit. And as for the epilogue... really? The last scene is a BJ? How does that serve as a resolution for the story, the characters, or even the themes? What about Elsie’s grief over her brother or Grant’s guilt? The book doesn’t bother to tie up these threads.
Ultimately, *Jolly and Jaded* had potential, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
"“I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to look at myself and not feel guilt.”
I nod softly. “I understand that feeling.” I move closer and wrap my arms around his tapered waist. “I can’t look at myself without feeling guilt either. So here’s my idea.” His eyes find mine and they look pleading. Like he’s begging me to give him the answers. “We don’t look at ourselves.” I state and he blinks.
“What?”
“We stop looking in the mirror. We’ll just look at each other.” "
**"Jolly and Jaded"** tells the story of Elsie and Grant, two characters burdened by a complicated past. Elsie’s brother died saving Grant, and as a result, Grant now has a prosthetic leg. In the midst of a Christmas-themed competition or event, the two find themselves working together while navigating a lingering attraction from their past.
Unfortunately, everything in this novelette feels rushed. The author introduces multiple subplots—Elsie and Grant’s history, the competition, Grant’s dog, a thirsty aunt—but the narrative reads like a patchwork quilt hastily stitched together, with loose threads everywhere. None of these elements are given enough space to breathe or develop meaningfully.
The romance itself takes too long to get off the ground, and when it finally does, everything moves at breakneck speed. For instance, Grant is initially insecure about Elsie seeing his prosthetic leg, which could have been a meaningful arc. Instead, this conflict is conveniently "resolved" the moment they sleep together, as if intimacy alone could erase such a deep-seated trauma. It felt unrealistic and superficial—more like the book was checking off a box than genuinely exploring the issue.
The competition subplot is so underdeveloped that it’s hard to grasp its significance or even its rules. The same goes for the Christmas setting—it barely plays a role. For a book marketed as holiday-themed, it feels devoid of seasonal warmth or spirit. And as for the epilogue... really? The last scene is a BJ? How does that serve as a resolution for the story, the characters, or even the themes? What about Elsie’s grief over her brother or Grant’s guilt? The book doesn’t bother to tie up these threads.
Ultimately, *Jolly and Jaded* had potential, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
December 20, 2024
The crown of Queen of Christmas goes to DJ Krimmer. I don’t know how she did it, but she squeezed an entire story full of emotion and plot into this holiday novella.
Grant and Elsie have been in each other’s lives since childhood. A tragic accident has caused them both significant grief over the course of the past six years, and I suggest you check your TWs before reading. Some traumatic experiences are mentioned on page, but are handled with care and empathy.
Elsie represents many women in this story - the ones who put on a mask to cover all of the trauma brewing inside. She is barely making ends meet running her coffee shop, and she also has a desire to bring Christmas cheer to her town. Grant is the gorgeous man of her dreams who is known to her as being a grump— he’s the opposite of her in every way. But Grant has a secret of his own; he has the hots for Elsie. And always has.
When he sees how stressed Elsie is about running the town’s annual Christmas Marketplace, he finds a way to insert himself into the planning in order to help. The proximity of Grant and Elsie allows them to see past each other’s masks and confront some of the tension (emotional and sexual) that has brews between them.
DJ has managed to create a past and a present in this story (as well as an epilogue that sees into the future) that fills in all the information you’d find in a regular length story, while keeping it novella length. Not only that, DJ balances the slow burn without it feeling forced or needing to expedite it to fit it into the plot. And when that slow burn does ignite…Let me just say this; there’s a scene involving mistletoe that made me melt. Apart from that mistletoe scene, this book really embodies the Christmas spirit and it does not feel like an afterthought or forced plot point. There’s an eccentric Nona, a dog, and a rage room scene that teared me up. I felt the holiday spirit, the longing, and the healing between Grant and Elsie.
Story
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Holiday Cheer
🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻
Spice
🌶️🌶️
Audiobook review
Grant and Elsie have been brought to audio this season by way of Joe Arden and Amanda Willow in the audiobook “Jolly & Jaded”.
Amanda voices Elsie in her audiobook debut. She brings a characterization to Elsie that you soon learn in the story: Elsie is equal parts independent woman and blissfully in love with her deceased brother’s best friend. Elsie struggles in silence in her unrequited love for Grant, and Amanda executes her longing with wistfulness and a melancholy “we are never meant to be”….and on the flip side she is able to stand up to Grant’s frosty exterior with some heat and sass of her own. Amanda’s tone played both of these sides of Elsie very well. I can’t wait to see where the world of narration takes her!
Joe is grumpy Grant…but also soft on the inside gooey Grant. Joe seamlessly becomes the man who is mourning his best friend (it’s been a few years), feels an overwhelming sense of guilt, and feels torn in his own unrequited love…for Elsie. What Joe does best is that he allows Grant’s character trait as “the town grump” to be just ONE of the pieces of Grant, while allowing the other sides of Grant’s character to shine through. He is written as a complicated, loving, and funny man who has not fully healed mentally or physically from their shared trauma.
DJ has written a wonderful Christmas novella with fully formed characters who each have their own battles, and even have some struggles together; yet they find common ground in shared pain and grief. The lighthearted parts of this story were sprinkled generously to balance the emotional pain. Amanda and Joe really shined in these moments. Grant and Elsie are another DJ Krimmer couple I will be thinking of long past the Christmas season.
Grant and Elsie have been in each other’s lives since childhood. A tragic accident has caused them both significant grief over the course of the past six years, and I suggest you check your TWs before reading. Some traumatic experiences are mentioned on page, but are handled with care and empathy.
Elsie represents many women in this story - the ones who put on a mask to cover all of the trauma brewing inside. She is barely making ends meet running her coffee shop, and she also has a desire to bring Christmas cheer to her town. Grant is the gorgeous man of her dreams who is known to her as being a grump— he’s the opposite of her in every way. But Grant has a secret of his own; he has the hots for Elsie. And always has.
When he sees how stressed Elsie is about running the town’s annual Christmas Marketplace, he finds a way to insert himself into the planning in order to help. The proximity of Grant and Elsie allows them to see past each other’s masks and confront some of the tension (emotional and sexual) that has brews between them.
DJ has managed to create a past and a present in this story (as well as an epilogue that sees into the future) that fills in all the information you’d find in a regular length story, while keeping it novella length. Not only that, DJ balances the slow burn without it feeling forced or needing to expedite it to fit it into the plot. And when that slow burn does ignite…Let me just say this; there’s a scene involving mistletoe that made me melt. Apart from that mistletoe scene, this book really embodies the Christmas spirit and it does not feel like an afterthought or forced plot point. There’s an eccentric Nona, a dog, and a rage room scene that teared me up. I felt the holiday spirit, the longing, and the healing between Grant and Elsie.
Story
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Holiday Cheer
🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻
Spice
🌶️🌶️
Audiobook review
Grant and Elsie have been brought to audio this season by way of Joe Arden and Amanda Willow in the audiobook “Jolly & Jaded”.
Amanda voices Elsie in her audiobook debut. She brings a characterization to Elsie that you soon learn in the story: Elsie is equal parts independent woman and blissfully in love with her deceased brother’s best friend. Elsie struggles in silence in her unrequited love for Grant, and Amanda executes her longing with wistfulness and a melancholy “we are never meant to be”….and on the flip side she is able to stand up to Grant’s frosty exterior with some heat and sass of her own. Amanda’s tone played both of these sides of Elsie very well. I can’t wait to see where the world of narration takes her!
Joe is grumpy Grant…but also soft on the inside gooey Grant. Joe seamlessly becomes the man who is mourning his best friend (it’s been a few years), feels an overwhelming sense of guilt, and feels torn in his own unrequited love…for Elsie. What Joe does best is that he allows Grant’s character trait as “the town grump” to be just ONE of the pieces of Grant, while allowing the other sides of Grant’s character to shine through. He is written as a complicated, loving, and funny man who has not fully healed mentally or physically from their shared trauma.
DJ has written a wonderful Christmas novella with fully formed characters who each have their own battles, and even have some struggles together; yet they find common ground in shared pain and grief. The lighthearted parts of this story were sprinkled generously to balance the emotional pain. Amanda and Joe really shined in these moments. Grant and Elsie are another DJ Krimmer couple I will be thinking of long past the Christmas season.
December 14, 2025
A holiday romance turned into an unexpected tear-jerker. DJ, you owe me some tissues.
I loved this novella. It was fast-paced, sassy, grumpy, funny, sad, and sexy. The spice is there, but it is not the book's prominent feature. The relationship (or lack thereof for years) between Grant and Elsie has been complicated by an accident that left them both heartbroken. It turned Grant into the town grump, and Elsie wears a mask of always being happy and people-pleasing. When Grant insists on being included to assist Els with a demanding town Christmas project, they both get more than expected. Hard truths come out, long-time guilt, fears, and overdue confessions—forced proximity for the win.
- Brothers’s Best Friend
- Small Town
- Holiday Romance
- Disability Rep
- Grief
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Rescue Dog
- Town Holiday Project
- I’ve Always Loved You
- Sassy Sex Positive Ganny
The duet narration by Joe Arden and Amanda Willow was fantastic. I have been a massive fan of Joe's voice acting for years. He is one of the best in business, versatile with accents and passionate about showcasing character traits ranging from silly to intense, evil to crazy, and so on. If I see Joe Arden listed as one of the narrators on an audiobook, it's going in my TBL, period.
If you are looking for a holiday novella with a side of open-door spice, this one is a 144-page paperback, or 2 hours 41 minutes on normal speed via audiobook, also available in ebook.
I loved this novella. It was fast-paced, sassy, grumpy, funny, sad, and sexy. The spice is there, but it is not the book's prominent feature. The relationship (or lack thereof for years) between Grant and Elsie has been complicated by an accident that left them both heartbroken. It turned Grant into the town grump, and Elsie wears a mask of always being happy and people-pleasing. When Grant insists on being included to assist Els with a demanding town Christmas project, they both get more than expected. Hard truths come out, long-time guilt, fears, and overdue confessions—forced proximity for the win.
- Brothers’s Best Friend
- Small Town
- Holiday Romance
- Disability Rep
- Grief
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Rescue Dog
- Town Holiday Project
- I’ve Always Loved You
- Sassy Sex Positive Ganny
The duet narration by Joe Arden and Amanda Willow was fantastic. I have been a massive fan of Joe's voice acting for years. He is one of the best in business, versatile with accents and passionate about showcasing character traits ranging from silly to intense, evil to crazy, and so on. If I see Joe Arden listed as one of the narrators on an audiobook, it's going in my TBL, period.
If you are looking for a holiday novella with a side of open-door spice, this one is a 144-page paperback, or 2 hours 41 minutes on normal speed via audiobook, also available in ebook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2025
Audiobook Review:
I didn’t realize this was a novella until after I bought it, but I LOVE the Hel’s Ink series by DJ so this was an automatic buy for me.
Although this is short and could’ve easily been its own longer book, it was packed with emotion. Both of the MC’s struggle with the death of the FMC’s brother (the best friend of the MMC). The MMC lost his leg in the accident and believes he’s the reason his best friend died.
The “I’m not good enough for you” trope isn’t one of my favorites, but I just really believed it here. Audio is duet and the female narrator really captured that perky sunshine kind of voice without making it grating.
- brother’s best friend
- grief
- amputee MMC
- Christmas
- grumpy x sunshine
- spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- duet audio
- angst
- short
I didn’t realize this was a novella until after I bought it, but I LOVE the Hel’s Ink series by DJ so this was an automatic buy for me.
Although this is short and could’ve easily been its own longer book, it was packed with emotion. Both of the MC’s struggle with the death of the FMC’s brother (the best friend of the MMC). The MMC lost his leg in the accident and believes he’s the reason his best friend died.
The “I’m not good enough for you” trope isn’t one of my favorites, but I just really believed it here. Audio is duet and the female narrator really captured that perky sunshine kind of voice without making it grating.
- brother’s best friend
- grief
- amputee MMC
- Christmas
- grumpy x sunshine
- spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- duet audio
- angst
- short
December 2, 2025
Brothers best friend
Small town
Holiday romance
Age gap
Duet narration - Joe Arden & Amanda Willow
Perfection with their performance.
I don’t know why I waited so long to give this novella a listen. 🎧
A fast paced holiday novella that has so much packed into its pages.
Elsie and Grant both have feeling but have yet to act on them or confess them. Dealing with grief over loosing Elsie’s brother and Grants best friend.
Grant feels Elsie deserves better than him so he keeps quiet about his feels, keeping an eye on Elsie from an arms length away. Elsie secretly lusting after Grant since she was much younger.
When these two finally give into their urge and feelings sparks fly!
A great holiday romance to add to your TBR!
Small town
Holiday romance
Age gap
Duet narration - Joe Arden & Amanda Willow
Perfection with their performance.
I don’t know why I waited so long to give this novella a listen. 🎧
A fast paced holiday novella that has so much packed into its pages.
Elsie and Grant both have feeling but have yet to act on them or confess them. Dealing with grief over loosing Elsie’s brother and Grants best friend.
Grant feels Elsie deserves better than him so he keeps quiet about his feels, keeping an eye on Elsie from an arms length away. Elsie secretly lusting after Grant since she was much younger.
When these two finally give into their urge and feelings sparks fly!
A great holiday romance to add to your TBR!
December 8, 2025
As heartwarming as this Christmas novella was supposed to be, the flashbacks to how the FMC’s brother died was not getting me in the Christmas mood. ESPECIALLY the whole pov of when it actually happened. I hate when people die that way in movies/tv shows/real life so I was uncomfortable.
I don’t read the synopsis of most books that I read because I like the surprise, but after listening to this novella, I think I need to start reading the synopsis lol.
So I went and read it after I finished it, BUT the synopsis doesn’t even say anything about literally the whole point of the book so…
Actually idek if this is supposed to be heartwarming, but all I know is I need to stick to happier Christmas stories.
I don’t read the synopsis of most books that I read because I like the surprise, but after listening to this novella, I think I need to start reading the synopsis lol.
So I went and read it after I finished it, BUT the synopsis doesn’t even say anything about literally the whole point of the book so…
Actually idek if this is supposed to be heartwarming, but all I know is I need to stick to happier Christmas stories.
January 4, 2025
This was such a cute holiday novella. I absolutely love d.js writing style, it hooks me right from the begging and keeps me looking for more.. And because of that I gave it 5 stars as I felt it needed more, it was a bit rushed at the end but still so amazing!
I love a girl who ain't afraid to take what she wants in (or out of) the bedroom.
I enjoyed watching Grant and Elsie heal through their trauma and the smash room scene was 🥹 and the pet adoption scene 🥹.
Brothers best friend/best friends little sister
Grumpy/sunshine
Trauma bonding
HEA
I love a girl who ain't afraid to take what she wants in (or out of) the bedroom.
I enjoyed watching Grant and Elsie heal through their trauma and the smash room scene was 🥹 and the pet adoption scene 🥹.
Brothers best friend/best friends little sister
Grumpy/sunshine
Trauma bonding
HEA
November 30, 2024
It has blown me away at how DJ can write a novella with such emotion and great connection to the characters and not be left needing more at the end. Grant and Elsie Story was a truly heart breaking one but they came together by the end to see what her brother had always seen.
Another great Christmas story to add to the collection.
Another great Christmas story to add to the collection.
November 27, 2025
1.5 stars. Nope. I really wanted to love this, but it’s so not my kind of Christmas book, and since this is my third attempt at reading this author, I think her stuff isn’t going to ever work for me. Hate that I spent money on this. But I'm definitely in the minority here, this book has great reviews, so maybe I just wasn't in the mood for something like this.
Also, the whole “dirty grandma” thing is not funny to me. I can't understand why authors keep doing it.
TW: traumatic death of sibling, amputation from injury, grief
Also, the whole “dirty grandma” thing is not funny to me. I can't understand why authors keep doing it.
TW: traumatic death of sibling, amputation from injury, grief
November 30, 2024
This was such a fun, quick read! Elsie and Grant's relationship was written so well. I loved their banter and chemistry throughout the story. The history and growth in the MCs was also great. This was different from what I've read from DJ before and I loved it.
December 2, 2024
This was a cute little Christmas time read, I enjoy DJ'S writing so much!! If you want a quick little Christmas read, this one's perfect. Elsie and Grant are so deserving of each other and I'm so glad they overcame every obstacle to finally be together. So wholesome.
December 23, 2024
Elise and Grant they make a great couple and their story line was great! I really enjoyed reading this cute little book!
I was given the opportunity to have the chance to listen to this audiobook from Blue Nose Audio! Joe Arden & Amanda Willow did a great job playing Grant & Elise and I enjoyed listening to them! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a short read!
I was given the opportunity to have the chance to listen to this audiobook from Blue Nose Audio! Joe Arden & Amanda Willow did a great job playing Grant & Elise and I enjoyed listening to them! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a short read!
December 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was such a fun, easy Christmas read. Short, sweet, quick to get through and still had a plot. A little spice, some emotion, and a grumpy, possessive MMC. It made me laugh a few times and was just a cozy, low-stress holiday romance. 🥰
This was such a fun, easy Christmas read. Short, sweet, quick to get through and still had a plot. A little spice, some emotion, and a grumpy, possessive MMC. It made me laugh a few times and was just a cozy, low-stress holiday romance. 🥰
December 21, 2025
Such a special read
The duet narration on this one was amazing! It's chock full of mental health rep with grief+loss plus injury and disability. I laughed a lot too thanks to Nonna! This was my first DJ Krimmer read and I will definitely read more!!
The duet narration on this one was amazing! It's chock full of mental health rep with grief+loss plus injury and disability. I laughed a lot too thanks to Nonna! This was my first DJ Krimmer read and I will definitely read more!!
January 18, 2025
4⭐️ 2🌶️
a cute holiday romance (i’m obviously not done with them) I loved the narration
a cute holiday romance (i’m obviously not done with them) I loved the narration
December 8, 2025
Enjoyed the plot but felt a little rushed. Novellas are hard because I’m usually left wanting more.
December 20, 2025
Genuinely upset that this isn’t a full length novel, I loved it so much. The audiobook was so good. Joe Arden always kills it and the female narrator was good too, she was a new narrator for me.
November 5, 2025
This was a great short Novella...it had all the feelings ....cozy, funny and some sad ...sometimes tragedy cause people to bottle up feelings and distance ourselves from the ones that loves us , but finally talking about it brings them closer...great ending
December 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧
DJ never misses! Absolutely love everything she writes. Really cute and emotional holiday novella. The only thing I wish was this was longer. I wanted more of this story and wasn’t ready for it to end!
🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧
DJ never misses! Absolutely love everything she writes. Really cute and emotional holiday novella. The only thing I wish was this was longer. I wanted more of this story and wasn’t ready for it to end!
December 17, 2025
Listened. And what a sweet holiday story. First one of the season and it didn’t disappoint.
May 7, 2025
WOW!!!
DJ ma’am you outdid yourself with this beautiful Christmas novella and I shouldn’t be surprised because you deliver every single time. I absolutely loved every second of it. Even though this beautiful book was just a novella, you put so much into it that it felt like a novel.
I absolutely love your type of writing because you have a way of writing that just makes the character so relatable that I cannot help myself falling in love with them. All of your characters are imperfectly perfect characters that have every day issues and you have become one of my favorite authors.
Grant and Elsie are truly my favorite characters because they are so relatable with every day issues that are times I forgot they were fictional characters. I absolutely love love love love this beautiful book from start to finish. This book made me cry, bawled my eyes out, laughed hysterically, and I swoon several times. Seriously if you absolutely love love love broken souls who mend their broken pieces, you need to get this book today. When I say that DJ is a phenomenal writer, please take my word for because she has never disappointed me.
DJ ma’am you outdid yourself with this beautiful Christmas novella and I shouldn’t be surprised because you deliver every single time. I absolutely loved every second of it. Even though this beautiful book was just a novella, you put so much into it that it felt like a novel.
I absolutely love your type of writing because you have a way of writing that just makes the character so relatable that I cannot help myself falling in love with them. All of your characters are imperfectly perfect characters that have every day issues and you have become one of my favorite authors.
Grant and Elsie are truly my favorite characters because they are so relatable with every day issues that are times I forgot they were fictional characters. I absolutely love love love love this beautiful book from start to finish. This book made me cry, bawled my eyes out, laughed hysterically, and I swoon several times. Seriously if you absolutely love love love broken souls who mend their broken pieces, you need to get this book today. When I say that DJ is a phenomenal writer, please take my word for because she has never disappointed me.
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