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Holiday Rivals #4
Hoppily Ever After
Victoria
Being an elf is the best job in the world. For ten months out of the year, I live and breathe Christmas, working at C.O.C.O.A. to bring holiday magic to families who need it most. So when my boss asks me to pause Christmas and plan an Easter celebration instead, my holiday spirit takes a serious nosedive.
And just when I think it can’t get worse, the town ropes in James Northman—their beloved hometown star—to help promote it. If you ask me, it’s just a PR stunt to clean up his reputation after a tiny scandal. But no one asked me. Now, I’m stuck organizing a family-friendly Easter event with the most charming, frustrating man to ever walk out of Gingerbread Grove.
James
Spending spring in Gingerbread Grove was not on my agenda. But after some bad press painted me as more villain than heartthrob, I need a way to fix my image—preferably before my hockey career tanks completely.
Helping out with the town’s First Annual Easter Hop is the perfect opportunity…until I find out I’ll be working side by side with Victoria Bell. She’s sweet and cheerful with everyone else—but with me? Frosty as a snowstorm. And yet, the more she resists my charm, the more I really want to win her over.
If we can put aside our differences, we just might pull off the best Easter celebration ever. But if I’m not careful, I’ll be leaving town with more than just a repaired reputation—I might be leaving my heart behind, too.
Hoppily Ever After is a sweet, closed-door, kisses-only romantic comedy.
Being an elf is the best job in the world. For ten months out of the year, I live and breathe Christmas, working at C.O.C.O.A. to bring holiday magic to families who need it most. So when my boss asks me to pause Christmas and plan an Easter celebration instead, my holiday spirit takes a serious nosedive.
And just when I think it can’t get worse, the town ropes in James Northman—their beloved hometown star—to help promote it. If you ask me, it’s just a PR stunt to clean up his reputation after a tiny scandal. But no one asked me. Now, I’m stuck organizing a family-friendly Easter event with the most charming, frustrating man to ever walk out of Gingerbread Grove.
James
Spending spring in Gingerbread Grove was not on my agenda. But after some bad press painted me as more villain than heartthrob, I need a way to fix my image—preferably before my hockey career tanks completely.
Helping out with the town’s First Annual Easter Hop is the perfect opportunity…until I find out I’ll be working side by side with Victoria Bell. She’s sweet and cheerful with everyone else—but with me? Frosty as a snowstorm. And yet, the more she resists my charm, the more I really want to win her over.
If we can put aside our differences, we just might pull off the best Easter celebration ever. But if I’m not careful, I’ll be leaving town with more than just a repaired reputation—I might be leaving my heart behind, too.
Hoppily Ever After is a sweet, closed-door, kisses-only romantic comedy.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
6 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 14, 2025
I was so hoppy reading this book by Kimberly Hanson , it’s mighty handsome and I don’t just mean the terror of a hockey player called James Northman who did a bad thing ,it got out of hand. He sent a chocolate bunny head soaring with a swift swing of his hockey stick straight into the show’s host of Family Talks ,Tommy Newman ,a kids aimed event ,broke his nose although that was not meant ,it wasn’t on purpose. There were lots of gasps and awes and calls of mommy, as you can imagine . He’s in deep trouble of the leave the team fashion . Because the parents are asking for season monies back ,if he remains on the team, they want him gone …even the on the door want refunds galore, what an uproar. This can’t happen Vancouver Hockey team being his life ,his purpose ,his fun. So he has a lot to make up while on suspension …Oh boy what has he done? This was not his intention. Victoria Louise Bell is an Elf she’s full of the joy in her employee as a Christmas Elf ,not one of the Gingerbreadians who have been brought up here ,she’s only been in the employ of C.O.C.O.A for a few months but knows how it goes. She’s one of the pros who bring the holiday themes to be. But at the moment the theme is Easter, cute bunnies and all ,even chocolate ones? Ooh there might be more uproar to witness. Won’t that be a spectacle? But no it can’t be ,as these Gingerbread Town holidays are fun with no funny business. You see James Northman is a Gingerbreadian ,though not by choice nor joy ,it wasn’t called Gingerbread Grove when he was a boy. His parents live on the edge of town and it’s not very often he gets to town when he’s even around . He’s been signed up thanks to his agent Casey to appear at The Hop , an Easter event though he doesn’t half go in a strop not his element…. Until he sees who he’s to work beside and wow ,she’s worth him stepping inside, to see what is his fate. Now steady on cos here comes James ,who doesn’t hesitate .How bad can it be to sign a few cards can’t be hard…Well what do you know ,there wasn’t a show ,he did quite well .The children really liked him ,you could tell .A certainly lady who has a job filling plastic eggs with bunny ears ,is really drawn into him despite her initial fears .He’s good with the kids and that’s not a bad thing . And when he smiles ,dimples and all ,she is smitten and he is too ,you can clearly see. It’s written in the stars ,it must be as he doesn’t hesitate to take her on a date , now just don’t blow it , no faux pas James mate. It’s got hockey of course , I’m hoppy to report .She meets his friends WAGs at an hockey game too. No, we, uh, met while he was away. In Gingerbread Grove.” “Wait, that’s a real place? We thought he was just joking.” “Nope, it’s a real place,” “And it’s really a Christmas town year-round?” “Yup. I just moved there, so I haven’t seen it in its full Christmas glory yet, but I can’t wait to.” “You moved to a Christmas town?” Natasha asks. “What is there to do there?” “I’m an elf.” Well at this Tracey nearly chokes on her drink. “Sorry, did you say you’re an elf?” “Yes, I work for a company called C.O.C.O.A. It’s a non-profit that delivers Christmas to families that otherwise couldn’t afford it.” Well I for one was so Hoppy reading this amazingly funny as well as sweet love story ,it even has Pacallama, you’ll see the drama and what these creatures may be in all their glory…There’s a lot happen at this holiday resort and Kimberly Hanson has done an egg-cellent job with lots of forethought and it ties in perfectly in her series run of holidays fun. Just as I knew that she will have done. Great writing and storytelling and what a tale ! Ever so compelling. A delightful ,light hearted read perfect for Easter, I read with greed. Positively devoured with relish and glee. Hoppy Easter ! Kimberly Hanson to you from I. Love this awesome book ,oh my. Why don’t you all see for yourselves? Pick it up ,it’s out now on bookshelves. Yule be glad you did as this Christmas town full of cheer ? Well it now seems that it’s open for other holidays too throughout the year . Isn’t that worthy of a cheer or two? Woohoo!!
April 15, 2025
Hoppily Ever After is part of the Holiday Rivals series. While you might have a better understanding about the rivalry between the two towns if you've read the previous books, I do think you could enjoy this one as a standalone as well.
I don't know that I've ever actually read a true Easter romance... a few perhaps that took place in spring and mentioned it, maybe... but not where it was the focus like this... and you know what? I adored it and would love to see more of them! Christmas might be my favorite, but as someone who enjoys seasonal reads, it's fun to have other holidays in the spotlight too. (And with this one, you still get some Christmas mentions too, so that's even better). James and Victoria's romance might have been quick, but it was super cute too! I just adored them together. They had a really easy chemistry that I couldn't get enough of. And James's reason for needing good PR? Yeah, it definitely had me laughing out loud. I'll never look at chocolate bunnies the same! I adore a good hockey romance, and this one truly had me smiling from start to finish. It's a quick read but didn't feel rushed at all... just the right dose of Easter fun!
Hoppily Ever After is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I don't know that I've ever actually read a true Easter romance... a few perhaps that took place in spring and mentioned it, maybe... but not where it was the focus like this... and you know what? I adored it and would love to see more of them! Christmas might be my favorite, but as someone who enjoys seasonal reads, it's fun to have other holidays in the spotlight too. (And with this one, you still get some Christmas mentions too, so that's even better). James and Victoria's romance might have been quick, but it was super cute too! I just adored them together. They had a really easy chemistry that I couldn't get enough of. And James's reason for needing good PR? Yeah, it definitely had me laughing out loud. I'll never look at chocolate bunnies the same! I adore a good hockey romance, and this one truly had me smiling from start to finish. It's a quick read but didn't feel rushed at all... just the right dose of Easter fun!
Hoppily Ever After is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2026
I feel bad giving this such a low star rating because it wasn't a bad book ... it just wasn't the right kind of book for me.
First of all, I didn't realize beforehand that it's more of a novella than a fully fleshed out novel. Because of that, the pacing felt off to me - the ending especially was SUPER rushed. It's also part of a series and while you can technically read it as a standalone, there are A LOT of references and jokes about things that happened in the earlier books. As someone who hasn't read any of those books, I found myself feeling a bit disoriented at times. I also found it a bit weird (and maybe even a little disappointing) to have what was supposed to be an Easter love story set in a Christmas themed town. Reading about gingerbread, elves and candy canes didn't exactly inspire the spring vibes I was looking for.
Overall, it was a cute, easy read but the story was just a little too sweet for me personally (think Hallmark channel romcom on steroids). That said, if you're looking for a wholesome, feel-good, closed door romance that's easy to breeze through - this one fits the bill.
First of all, I didn't realize beforehand that it's more of a novella than a fully fleshed out novel. Because of that, the pacing felt off to me - the ending especially was SUPER rushed. It's also part of a series and while you can technically read it as a standalone, there are A LOT of references and jokes about things that happened in the earlier books. As someone who hasn't read any of those books, I found myself feeling a bit disoriented at times. I also found it a bit weird (and maybe even a little disappointing) to have what was supposed to be an Easter love story set in a Christmas themed town. Reading about gingerbread, elves and candy canes didn't exactly inspire the spring vibes I was looking for.
Overall, it was a cute, easy read but the story was just a little too sweet for me personally (think Hallmark channel romcom on steroids). That said, if you're looking for a wholesome, feel-good, closed door romance that's easy to breeze through - this one fits the bill.
April 16, 2025
This is the fourth installment in the Holiday Rivals series (and my second read from it), and I absolutely loved the unique twist on an Easter-themed romance! The town of Gingerbread Grove gave me serious Stars Hollow vibes—quirky, cozy, and full of charm. I couldn’t get enough of the over-the-top town rivalries and all the ridiculous (but hilarious) holiday puns. James and Victoria were such fun, sweet main characters, and I loved how they were both all-in on making their connection work, even after just meeting. If you’re in the mood for a short and sweet romcom packed with holiday cheer and small-town charm, look no further!
April 18, 2025
Hoppily Ever After is a clean, short, cute, holiday romance. James, a hockey star with a PR problem, meets elf Victoria when she is planning an Easter celebration. These two characters mesh so seamlessly that their romance does not really feel rushed. With the quirky rules about not mentioning Candy Cane Creek, the gingerbread themed businesses, the seasonal puns and James attempts to redeem himself, this book grabbed and kept my attention. While I prefer longer books, it is sometimes nice to have one you can finish when you just need a break. I have enjoyed all the books in this Holiday Rivals series.
April 23, 2025
4.5 rounded to 5
A beautiful whimsical story that brings smiles as you read. This light read is filled with many laugh out moments. An unexpected mistake causes this hockey player to face disciplinary measures and ordered to participate in an Easter event in his hometown. His meeting with Victoria changed the trajectory of his path and their love story is a cute journey filled with nostalgic scenes and small town vibes.
Looking for a sweet quick short read to put you in a happy frame of mind, hoppily ever after is right up this alley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A beautiful whimsical story that brings smiles as you read. This light read is filled with many laugh out moments. An unexpected mistake causes this hockey player to face disciplinary measures and ordered to participate in an Easter event in his hometown. His meeting with Victoria changed the trajectory of his path and their love story is a cute journey filled with nostalgic scenes and small town vibes.
Looking for a sweet quick short read to put you in a happy frame of mind, hoppily ever after is right up this alley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2025
A cute story of a holiday twist on a competition between two rival holiday themed towns. Gingerbread Grove is throwing an Easter festival and has invited a hometown hockey player to join the festivities. This is to improve his public image after a knee jerk reaction to a stunt that put him in questionable public approval status.
What was totally unexpected on his part is that he would meet an 'elf.'
A well written addition to the Holiday Rivals series with lots of whimsical characters as well. A fun read!
I was provided with a copy of the book and this review is my opinion
What was totally unexpected on his part is that he would meet an 'elf.'
A well written addition to the Holiday Rivals series with lots of whimsical characters as well. A fun read!
I was provided with a copy of the book and this review is my opinion
May 21, 2025
Hockey player, James Northman, returns to his hometown which has recently been rebranded as the Christmas themed town of Gingerbread Grove. James is recovering from a bad PR incident and taking some time off. To improve his image, his agent asks him to participate in a local Easter event/meet and greet with young fans. While at the event, he meets Victoria and it is love at first sight.
This was a very quick read and full of cuteness. I enjoyed this entry in the series and seeing favorite characters from previous books in the background. Can’t wait to visit Gingerbread Grove again!
This was a very quick read and full of cuteness. I enjoyed this entry in the series and seeing favorite characters from previous books in the background. Can’t wait to visit Gingerbread Grove again!
April 14, 2025
Both main characters were charming and sweet. The main guy, James, grew up in this town, but it wasn't Christmas-themed then. He still has family and friends in town, but he doesn't visit much, and not at all since the transition.
That leaves Victoria to show him around and introduce him to the old places with new names and themes.
They hit it off then, too well. But now what? They don't live near each other.
That leaves Victoria to show him around and introduce him to the old places with new names and themes.
They hit it off then, too well. But now what? They don't live near each other.
April 19, 2025
Sweet, fun, Easter novella.
I have never read anything by this author, but picked up the book because of the Easter theme. It is a sweet book with bunnies, eggs, cute kids, hockey, and a HEA. I enjoyed reading about the crazy town and downloaded another of the author’s books in the series.
I have never read anything by this author, but picked up the book because of the Easter theme. It is a sweet book with bunnies, eggs, cute kids, hockey, and a HEA. I enjoyed reading about the crazy town and downloaded another of the author’s books in the series.
April 21, 2025
This series couldn't get any cuter! What a darling Easter holiday read that's clean, wholesome and fun! It has a wonderful and clever story line that's entertaining, charming and full of goodness and love. The characters are simply adorable. A beautifully written, cute, sweet, heartwarming romance that's a feel good story about second chances, hope and a HEA.
May 4, 2025
James has caused trouble for his team. Who knew a hockey shot of a chocolate bunny head would turn into such a disaster? To gain some good publicity, he gets sent off to do a charity gig in his hometown of Gingerbread Cove. He meets Victoria the elf- now with bunny ears. I liked how he managed to redeem himself.
July 11, 2025
Hockey player who gets in image trouble is sentenced to Christmas town for reparations.
Only it's Easter and everything is eggs,chocolate bunnies, and Peeps. He is supervised by an elf named Victoria who soon gets the knick name Peeps. This light hearted romp in an almost magical town will leave you laughing and swooning. Over too soon, you'll be smiling and wanting more.
Only it's Easter and everything is eggs,chocolate bunnies, and Peeps. He is supervised by an elf named Victoria who soon gets the knick name Peeps. This light hearted romp in an almost magical town will leave you laughing and swooning. Over too soon, you'll be smiling and wanting more.
July 22, 2025
Hoppily ever after
Fun, sweet story. James is a hockey player and makes a mistake that sends him back to his home town of Gingerbread Grove. Victoria is an Elf for C.O.C.O.A. He had to help volunteer with the kids and they meet and have instant attraction. It's a fun sweet story that is a perfect quick read.
Fun, sweet story. James is a hockey player and makes a mistake that sends him back to his home town of Gingerbread Grove. Victoria is an Elf for C.O.C.O.A. He had to help volunteer with the kids and they meet and have instant attraction. It's a fun sweet story that is a perfect quick read.
April 5, 2026
A cute Easter read. James is a hockey player who has gotten himself into some trouble. So he is helping out at an Easter festival. Victorias job is to celebrate all holidays and that includes Easter. When these two meet the have instant chemistry and fun banter. This is a laugh out loud fun read with an adorable story being told.
April 23, 2025
This novella was such a sweet treat! From the very first page, I was completely charmed by the whimsical town of Gingerbread Grove and the unlikely pairing of holiday elf Victoria and hockey heartthrob James.
Victoria lives and breathes Christmas, so getting tasked with organizing the town’s first-ever Easter celebration (with the help of a scandal-shadowed celebrity) is the last thing she wants. But James? He’s determined to win the town’s heart back—and maybe Victoria’s, too.
I adored their dynamic—Victoria’s frosty exterior clashing with James’s golden-retriever charm had me grinning nonstop. The Easter-themed festivities added such a fun, festive vibe, and the story’s cozy small-town setting made me wish Gingerbread Grove was real. Also… hockey player? Instant win.
Quick, closed-door, and kisses-only, Hoppily Ever After is the kind of lighthearted rom-com that fills your heart with joy and leaves you with a smile. My first Easter-themed romance—and definitely a memorable one!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own!
Victoria lives and breathes Christmas, so getting tasked with organizing the town’s first-ever Easter celebration (with the help of a scandal-shadowed celebrity) is the last thing she wants. But James? He’s determined to win the town’s heart back—and maybe Victoria’s, too.
I adored their dynamic—Victoria’s frosty exterior clashing with James’s golden-retriever charm had me grinning nonstop. The Easter-themed festivities added such a fun, festive vibe, and the story’s cozy small-town setting made me wish Gingerbread Grove was real. Also… hockey player? Instant win.
Quick, closed-door, and kisses-only, Hoppily Ever After is the kind of lighthearted rom-com that fills your heart with joy and leaves you with a smile. My first Easter-themed romance—and definitely a memorable one!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own!
April 17, 2025
I absolutely adore these books. This entire series has been so fun. Hallmark vibes, adorable characters and the town rivalry is a fun storyline.
Thank you once again to the author for the privilege of being on her ARC team.
Thank you once again to the author for the privilege of being on her ARC team.
April 19, 2025
This was a cute insta love story. The characters were both likeable and I somehow feel like I am in a fairy tale when I read all the foods and drinks in Gingerbread Grove.
I do wish it was a little longer, but the story feels complete in itself and is perfect when you are looking for a short read.
I do wish it was a little longer, but the story feels complete in itself and is perfect when you are looking for a short read.
April 19, 2025
He's a professional hockey player. She's an elf in his hometown. When he takes out a chocolate bunny on tv damage control is needed. Will his time at home be enough to save his career? What happens when he has to return for his job? Where will their relationship lead?
April 28, 2025
Such a cute little story! Easy read and had me smiling the whole time. Only complaint is... I want more!! James and Victoria had obvious sparks from the get go and I just adored reading about their beginning..... and then some ☺️ 10/10!!
April 18, 2025
As always Kimberly delivers fun and sweet romance. James and Victorias story is so fun. If you have been a part of the Gingerbread Grove adventures you will enjoy this book.
April 18, 2025
First book I read in this series because I was looking for a cute Easter romance story. I loved it and am definitely reading the entire series now! Peeps and Skates ❤️🐰🏒
April 19, 2025
super cute short read 🐰🐰 perfect time for Easter .
April 27, 2025
A fun book about Easter and hockey. While the romance was fast it was sweet and rated G.
April 5, 2026
Cute very quick Hallmarky read!
April 23, 2026
Cute, sweet, funny novella.
April 27, 2025
Be aware that a chocolate bunny can change your life!
"Hoppily Ever After," book 4 in "The Holiday Rivals" series, is a sweet, closed-door Easter novella with lots of chocolate, a hockey player, and an elf. It can be read and enjoyed on its own, but I recommend reading the previous books as well because they're fun.
"Hoppily Ever After," book 4 in "The Holiday Rivals" series, is a sweet, closed-door Easter novella with lots of chocolate, a hockey player, and an elf. It can be read and enjoyed on its own, but I recommend reading the previous books as well because they're fun.
April 27, 2025
How can a 🍫chocolate 🐇rabbit change your life? Hop into this novella and find out. 🐰 This enchanting holiday romance is a true delight—a must-read for the season! The characters are genuinely relatable and endearing. It can easily be enjoyed on its own. I wholeheartedly recommend it for teens and adults alike. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Hoppily Ever After is a standalone novella within the Holiday Rivals series. This is a closed-door, kisses-only romantic comedy.
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