What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern U O'Brien Brothers #4.5
The Merriest Christmas
A Southern U O'Brien Brothers Sister Novella
Tis the season…to love thy enemy.
I just don't think I can do it. Friends-to-Secret Lovers to Enemies-to-Lovers isn't a thing. Right?
My mom invited Seaver, my ex, to spend Christmas with us. Not that she knows he's my ex. No one does. We had a secret relationship years ago, but then he just…disappeared.
Now, he's back, and I won't let him break my heart again.
The way he looks at me still lights me up. His kiss still sets my heart on fire. But even if I want to give in, I can't.
Seaver is more than my ex and a star hockey player. He's also my older brother's best friend.
I'd been in love with him for as long as I can remember, but that's the past.
The only thing I want for Christmas is my family home, happy and together.
The only thing Seaver wants is…me.
Can one kiss change everything?
This new adult sports romance novella features friends-to-secret lovers to enemies-to-lovers, one sizzling second chance romance, and a sexy set of brothers (and one hockey player) guaranteed to make you swoon.
Tis the season…to love thy enemy.
I just don't think I can do it. Friends-to-Secret Lovers to Enemies-to-Lovers isn't a thing. Right?
My mom invited Seaver, my ex, to spend Christmas with us. Not that she knows he's my ex. No one does. We had a secret relationship years ago, but then he just…disappeared.
Now, he's back, and I won't let him break my heart again.
The way he looks at me still lights me up. His kiss still sets my heart on fire. But even if I want to give in, I can't.
Seaver is more than my ex and a star hockey player. He's also my older brother's best friend.
I'd been in love with him for as long as I can remember, but that's the past.
The only thing I want for Christmas is my family home, happy and together.
The only thing Seaver wants is…me.
Can one kiss change everything?
This new adult sports romance novella features friends-to-secret lovers to enemies-to-lovers, one sizzling second chance romance, and a sexy set of brothers (and one hockey player) guaranteed to make you swoon.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2024
6 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Cookie O'Gorman
26 books1,118 followersCookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, BOOKWORM, SWEETHEART, and INTROVERT are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, The Total Knockout, and The Merriest Christmas! Her newest release The Nicest Thing came out on October 9, 2025!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 20, 2024
Such a tease….
That’s what I thought when I finished this novella because clearly Emmy and Seaver’s story is not done. The author laid the foundation for not only their story but also for Finn and Emmy’s bff.
It’s a standalone but part of the O’Brien series. A good read, indeed. But if you truly want to appreciate the O’Brien family bonds ( siblings to one another as well as the matriarch to the siblings), I urge the YA/NA reader to read the entire series. I liken it to enjoying a scoop of ice cream ( the novella) to enjoying ice cream with hot fudge and all the toppings ( the entire series).
That’s what I thought when I finished this novella because clearly Emmy and Seaver’s story is not done. The author laid the foundation for not only their story but also for Finn and Emmy’s bff.
It’s a standalone but part of the O’Brien series. A good read, indeed. But if you truly want to appreciate the O’Brien family bonds ( siblings to one another as well as the matriarch to the siblings), I urge the YA/NA reader to read the entire series. I liken it to enjoying a scoop of ice cream ( the novella) to enjoying ice cream with hot fudge and all the toppings ( the entire series).
December 16, 2024
Just the Christmas story I needed
Another wonderful story from Cookie. Left me wanting more! As always Cookie brought characters to life. Emmy and Seaver. Finn and Rose. Loved it all. And loved seeing Dex again!
Another wonderful story from Cookie. Left me wanting more! As always Cookie brought characters to life. Emmy and Seaver. Finn and Rose. Loved it all. And loved seeing Dex again!
February 15, 2025
Cookie O’Gorman is one of my favorite authors, so getting a Christmas book from her was just perfection. Like she said in her acknowledgments, Christmas time can be hard when you’ve lost a loved one. Christmas before last was the hardest one I’ve been through (which is saying something, because the Christmas year we lost my dad was incredibly rough). Finding more reasons for joy at Christmas, even in something as simple as a book, is incredibly healing. So thank you, Cookie O’Gorman!
August 15, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
the ending??? why was it SO RUSHED? like the brother accepted it.. kind of. and they KISSED but it felt so fast? and like what happened with emmy’s ex? the one finn PUNCHED like what was going on with him?? or even, i feel like we didn’t get much of emmy and seavers relationship from before the book, like their beginning secret relationship.. he.. left her? i feel like it wasn’t properly explained much or like why his actions were like that/justified. like we didn’t even get the “very good reason” to why he left in the first place. BUT let’s not just talk negatives, i still really enjoyed this book. with him RESCUING her at the start, basically SAVING christmas as his christmas gift to emmy? driving in the COLD SNOW and getting her family back together!! like they WERE super cute!! from the moment we met him in june’s book and say baylor get JEALOUS of him, like i was thinking OH YEAHHH. emmy and him were just so ADORABLE and emmy being matchmaker? THE MISTLETOE? we see you girl!! and we PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE NEED a rose and finn book!! at least finn got his payback making THEMM kiss under the mistletoe. and WHAT A KISS THAT WAS!! love love LOVEEEE. gimme another!
the ending??? why was it SO RUSHED? like the brother accepted it.. kind of. and they KISSED but it felt so fast? and like what happened with emmy’s ex? the one finn PUNCHED like what was going on with him?? or even, i feel like we didn’t get much of emmy and seavers relationship from before the book, like their beginning secret relationship.. he.. left her? i feel like it wasn’t properly explained much or like why his actions were like that/justified. like we didn’t even get the “very good reason” to why he left in the first place. BUT let’s not just talk negatives, i still really enjoyed this book. with him RESCUING her at the start, basically SAVING christmas as his christmas gift to emmy? driving in the COLD SNOW and getting her family back together!! like they WERE super cute!! from the moment we met him in june’s book and say baylor get JEALOUS of him, like i was thinking OH YEAHHH. emmy and him were just so ADORABLE and emmy being matchmaker? THE MISTLETOE? we see you girl!! and we PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE NEED a rose and finn book!! at least finn got his payback making THEMM kiss under the mistletoe. and WHAT A KISS THAT WAS!! love love LOVEEEE. gimme another!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
I loved loved LOVED to finally read Emmy's story, even though it was a short novella (for now I'm hoping)!!! She's such a cutie and I loved her with Seaver. AHHHHHHH I can't get enough of them. Really I loved all the previous books in this series and each couple has something unique and amazing. But somehow Emmy with Seaver hit me differently. I want to know more about them cause this has really been a sneak peek into their story. I'm sooooo hoping for another novella or even a whole book to continue and form what awesome goosebumps making chemistry and fire have been enlightened with this book. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give me MORE!!!! 🥰
December 14, 2024
Such a sweet and wholesome second chance story!
It was too short though, I need more!!!
I loved seeing the gang again and I just love the O’Brien family so much! Please continue with their story and maybe we will also get to see Fin and Rose next?!
It was too short though, I need more!!!
I loved seeing the gang again and I just love the O’Brien family so much! Please continue with their story and maybe we will also get to see Fin and Rose next?!
December 15, 2024
I love this series. This was a great read. Very sweet with a little bit of spice but not nearly long enough.
December 15, 2024
Sweet holiday novella that reminds me why I love reading about the O'Brien family (though I'm sadly behind on the series...).
November 3, 2025
WHAT THE HELL???
That's it???
I really hope she finishes this story. 😡😡😡😡
Loved John and Emmy💙💙💙💙💙
That's it???
I really hope she finishes this story. 😡😡😡😡
Loved John and Emmy💙💙💙💙💙
December 25, 2024
Super fun to be back with these characters and to finally get the daughter's story. I'm hoping more of it is to come.
December 30, 2024
Tis the season…to love thy enemy.
I just don’t think I can do it. Friends-to-Secret Lovers to Enemies-to-Lovers isn’t a thing. Right?
My mom invited Seaver, my ex, to spend Christmas with us. Not that she knows he’s my ex. No one does. We had a secret relationship years ago, but then he just…disappeared.
Now, he’s back, and I won’t let him break my heart again.
The way he looks at me still lights me up. His kiss still sets my heart on fire. But even if I want to give in, I can’t.
Seaver is more than my ex and a star hockey player. He’s also my older brother’s best friend.
I’d been in love with him for as long a s I can remember, but that’s the past.
The only thing I want for Christmas is my family home, happy and together.
The only thing Seaver wants is…me.
Can one kiss change everything?
I just wished that someone would see me, choose me, want me.
“What I wanted,” he said.
“And what was that?”
“For you to be mine.”
“The right person can change everything,” Chase said. “Once you’ve found your one, that’s it. Game over.”
Friends-to-secret-lover to enemies-to-lovers, Christmas time, Christmas shenanigans, matchmaking, family, and healing. Cookie has a way of bringing all of her characters to life. I have loved every single one of her books and this one is no expectation. However, the ending to this novella surprised me. And I can’t figure out if it’s a good surprise or not. 4.5 stars.
I just don’t think I can do it. Friends-to-Secret Lovers to Enemies-to-Lovers isn’t a thing. Right?
My mom invited Seaver, my ex, to spend Christmas with us. Not that she knows he’s my ex. No one does. We had a secret relationship years ago, but then he just…disappeared.
Now, he’s back, and I won’t let him break my heart again.
The way he looks at me still lights me up. His kiss still sets my heart on fire. But even if I want to give in, I can’t.
Seaver is more than my ex and a star hockey player. He’s also my older brother’s best friend.
I’d been in love with him for as long a s I can remember, but that’s the past.
The only thing I want for Christmas is my family home, happy and together.
The only thing Seaver wants is…me.
Can one kiss change everything?
I just wished that someone would see me, choose me, want me.
“What I wanted,” he said.
“And what was that?”
“For you to be mine.”
“The right person can change everything,” Chase said. “Once you’ve found your one, that’s it. Game over.”
Friends-to-secret-lover to enemies-to-lovers, Christmas time, Christmas shenanigans, matchmaking, family, and healing. Cookie has a way of bringing all of her characters to life. I have loved every single one of her books and this one is no expectation. However, the ending to this novella surprised me. And I can’t figure out if it’s a good surprise or not. 4.5 stars.
December 17, 2024
We finally get a slice of Emmy’s story!
This was as second chance romance, and did not play out how I thought it would. Not much of a spoiler since it’s in the blurb: but these two used to be a thing, but it was secret and nobody else knew. Until Seaver left one day without a single word.
Apparently there’s a reason why he left but he never tells her what it is, just asks for forgiveness based on this vaguest of meaning. Honestly, with zero explanation given and no grovelling I have no idea why she’d want him back. I usually feel the spark with these two, but it was a little diminished, likely because there was so much else going on.
There is a grand gesture and he does show he cares, and we all love when these siblings get together. Excited for Finn to get his turn, hoping it’s coming up next.
This was as second chance romance, and did not play out how I thought it would. Not much of a spoiler since it’s in the blurb: but these two used to be a thing, but it was secret and nobody else knew. Until Seaver left one day without a single word.
Apparently there’s a reason why he left but he never tells her what it is, just asks for forgiveness based on this vaguest of meaning. Honestly, with zero explanation given and no grovelling I have no idea why she’d want him back. I usually feel the spark with these two, but it was a little diminished, likely because there was so much else going on.
There is a grand gesture and he does show he cares, and we all love when these siblings get together. Excited for Finn to get his turn, hoping it’s coming up next.
November 24, 2025
I need a full book! I don't normally read novella companion novels, but I had to read this one and I am so glad I did.
I am so glad Emmy got a story. She truly is an amazing sister to all her brothers, always supporting their romantic endeavors. While I do wish she got her HEA, I understand her rationale for needing more time. I also think it makes the whole series a bit more realistic that all six siblings did not find the love of their life while in high school.
I wanted a little more from Seaver. I know this was a novella but even just a little bit more, where he went when he left, or why he was back all of a sudden. It just seemed odd that he is supposedly Dex's best friend and this is the first we are hearing of it. Moreover, Seaver made an appearance in Baylor's book but it didn't seem like Baylor even knew who he was.
Extremely cute, fun, festive story. Now just give me what happens next!
I am so glad Emmy got a story. She truly is an amazing sister to all her brothers, always supporting their romantic endeavors. While I do wish she got her HEA, I understand her rationale for needing more time. I also think it makes the whole series a bit more realistic that all six siblings did not find the love of their life while in high school.
I wanted a little more from Seaver. I know this was a novella but even just a little bit more, where he went when he left, or why he was back all of a sudden. It just seemed odd that he is supposedly Dex's best friend and this is the first we are hearing of it. Moreover, Seaver made an appearance in Baylor's book but it didn't seem like Baylor even knew who he was.
Extremely cute, fun, festive story. Now just give me what happens next!
January 1, 2026
The last Christmas book I read was terrible, and I did not want to end my 2025 reading on a bad note, so I went to my tried and true favorite author! I absolutely loved this book, as expected, because of all the love, support, and yearningly sweet romance. I ended 2025/began 2026 with another wonderful story from an amazing author. 🥰
February 20, 2026
Whether it’s a long book or just a short novella Cookie’s books always just gives you everything that you want in a book whether it’s long or short it always gives you all the feels!! 😊💗 I can’t wait to see if we get more of Emmy and Seaver.💞
December 24, 2024
2.75
I was told this would stand on its own merit. It didn't.
I was told this would stand on its own merit. It didn't.
Want to read
February 3, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews