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Dear December

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Cameron

I pretended to be her hookup to free her from an awful marriage, but what if I want her for real? As Coal’s Lake’s youngest fire Chief, I have big shoes to fill and a station that needs more funding and staff. I’m going to have to get creative if I want to save the station…and make Felicity mine.

Felicity

After a drawn out divorce, the last thing I need to be interested in is a hot-as-hell firefighter. But when my soul-bearing letter to Santa ends up in Cam’s hands, I need to get it back. There’s no way he can know how badly I want him and a second chance at love.

Dear December is a spicy, standalone holiday novella in an interconnected world.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2025

14 people are currently reading
53 people want to read

About the author

Kelsey Woods

7 books92 followers
Kelsey Woods is the author of debut novel, Lovingly Restored. She wrote her first book on a typewriter at five years old. While ‘Sugar The Adventurous Hummingbird’ was lovely, she now prefers using her Microsoft Surface to bring you spicy contemporary romance.

Kelsey can be found attached at the hip to her emotional support Kindle or in recreation centre workout classes with women in their seventies.

Mother of two daughters and police wife, she lives on beautiful Vancouver Island and will brag about her proximity to the Pacific Ocean at every opportunity.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Michellelovesreading.
1,477 reviews174 followers
November 7, 2025
This was such a cute Christmas novella. I read it in a couple days. I enjoyed Cameron and felicity’s story.


Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for De Rijdende Boekenwurm.
382 reviews24 followers
November 10, 2025
✨ English first, Dutch next!

It’s almost that time of year again, the most wonderful time of the year! And of course, that calls for Christmas feel-good books. ‘Dear December’ is one of those festive reads you simply have to experience.

Felicity is visiting her brother Andrew in Coal’s Lake, where she meets firefighter Cameron in a little coffee shop. Felicity is married but has been trying to get a divorce for some time. She flies back to Toronto to make it official. Months later, it’s finally done, and she decides to move to the same village as her brother and sister-in-law. A fresh start and hopefully a new romance. Meanwhile, Cameron has become Chief and is busy arranging funds for new fire trucks, all the while unable to take his eyes off Felicity.

Kelsey Woods’ writing style is a real pleasure. She captures the Christmas spirit naturally, without ever feeling over the top. The interactions between the main characters feel authentic. A brave yet caring firefighter falling for the sweet Felicity, all set against a cozy Christmas backdrop. But the story isn’t all sugar and spice; less pleasant events also occur, making it a well-rounded and believable tale. The story is told from two perspectives, Felicity’s and Cameron’s, allowing readers to experience exactly what they think, feel, and desire.

Perfect for readers who enjoy Christmas feel-good romances where love, family, and a charming small village take center stage.


*Dutch*

Het is weer bijna: The most wonderful time of a year! Daar horen natuurlijk ook kerstfeelgood boeken bij! ‘Dear December’ is zo’n kerstfeelgood die je gelezen moet hebben.

Felicity is op bezoek bij haar broer Andrew in Coal’s Lake, waar ze in een koffietentje de brandweerman Cameron ontmoet. Felicity is getrouwd, maar probeert al een tijd te scheiden. Ze vliegt terug naar Toronto om de scheiding officieel te maken. Zoveel maanden later is het eindelijk gelukt en besluit ze in hetzelfde dorpje te gaan wonen als haar broer en schoonzus. Een nieuwe start en hopelijk een nieuwe liefde. Ondertussen is Cameron Chief geworden en heeft hij het druk met het regelen van geld voor nieuwe brandweerwagens, terwijl hij zijn oog niet van Felicity kan afhouden.

De schrijfstijl van Kelsey Woods is zeer prettig. Ze weet de kerstsfeer op een natuurlijke manier neer te zetten, zonder overdreven te zijn. Hoe de hoofdpersonages met elkaar omgaan voelt authentiek aan. Een stoere maar zorgzame brandweerman die zijn hart verliest aan de lieve Felicity, allemaal tegen de achtergrond van een gezellige kerstsfeer. Maar het verhaal is niet alleen maar zoet; er gebeuren ook minder leuke dingen, waardoor het een compleet en geloofwaardig verhaal wordt. Het verhaal wordt verteld vanuit twee oogpunten, die van Felicity en Cameron, waardoor de lezer precies mee krijgt wat ze denken, voelen en willen.

Voor de lezers van kerstige feelgoodromans waarin liefde, familie en een klein dorpje vol charme centraal staan.
Profile Image for Kylee.
59 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2025
Dear December is the cutest little holiday escape! Think cozy, festive, and just the right amount of spicy.🤌🏼🌶️

From page one, the drama is already STEAMING (no pun intended🤭💞) because our main girly, Felicity, is trying to finalize a divorce when a SMOKIN hot firefighter gets tangled up in her story as a supposed love affair. Tell me that isn’t the perfect setup for a winter binge.👏🏼🤤✨

The vibe is pure comfort🥰 soft lights, snowy nights, and chemistry that warms you right up like a cup of hot cocoa! Plus that splash of spice toward the end??! Absolutely chef’s kiss.🤌🏼🤌🏼

I’ve been deep into firefighter romances lately, and this one totally scratched the itch.🫶🏻 If you’re craving a quick, cozy read to pull you out of that seasonal slump, this novella hits the spot. ❄️🔥💌 p.s there is a few trauma scenes that include building fires for those sensitive to that topic🤝🏼
Profile Image for Meagan.
96 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2025
This book will get you in the Christmas spirit! (And the firefighter spirit too). Felicity is briefly in Coals Lake trying to get rid of her manipulative, soon to be ex husband. Firefighter Cam is there for coffee and to serve the public… Months later they stumble into each other and the rest is history. Second chance romance, holiday spirit, and being carried bridal style by a firefighter. What more could you need?!
Profile Image for Momma T's Books.
560 reviews33 followers
November 7, 2025
3.75⭐️ A great holiday read with a Fire Cheif. It was a cute, easy read. With a fake relationship to boot. When it comes full circle it is what both Felicity and Cam need. They fulfilled the holes in each other.
Profile Image for VickydpBooks.
574 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2025
It’s not many pages really good book

Blurb

Cameron

I pretended to be her hookup to free her from an awful marriage, but what if I want her for real? As Coal’s Lake’s youngest fire Chief, I have big shoes to fill and a station that needs more funding and staff. I’m going to have to get creative if I want to save the station…and make Felicity mine.

Felicity

After a drawn out divorce, the last thing I need to be interested in is a hot-as-hell firefighter. But when my soul-bearing letter to Santa ends up in Cam’s hands, I need to get it back. There’s no way he can know how badly I want him and a second chance at love.

Dear December is a spicy, standalone holiday novella in an interconnected world.
Profile Image for Nicole Kralis.
60 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2025
I received this as an arc and it was sooo good! I couldn’t put it down and had to read it all in a day. I loved the cute natured holiday romance. I am a sucker for a love at first sight and loved cam so much! Highly recommend this as an adorable Christmas read!!!
Profile Image for Autumn Reads.
267 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2025
4.5⭐️

This was a good, lighthearted, fun, quick read! I really enjoyed the main characters, their connection/relationship, and the romance and spice was done well. This is a novella so it is a pretty quick read. There wasn’t as much depth with the characters as I typically like, but being a novella, it was still good. I definitely recommend checking out this Christmas, spicy, small town, romance novella.
Profile Image for Ashley.
446 reviews16 followers
November 2, 2025
I adored this short sweet book. If you like hallmark Christmas movies you will love this story. Felicity and Cam are adorable together. This has match made in heaven vibes with a side of comedy. Hands down one of the best sweet short reads for Christmas.
34 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2025
This little Christmas novella is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. The balance between felicity and cam was so good. I love the fast fall and second chance. Who knew crying in a cafe in a small town would end you up in the arms of the fire chief!?! The spice is good so good!! Definitely a must read ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Aida Rivero.
79 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2025
I first started this book and noticed one of the content warnings indicated open door sex scenes that caught my attention. I was intrigued to learn what it meant and also why it was considered a content warning. 😂

This book was written as a dual point of view. We’ve got Felicity and Cameron. We start off with Felicity in a café, determined to get through to her husband, Milton that she is not getting on the plane back home and that she wants a divorce. She doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life in a marriage that is not working no matter the amount of time they’ve tried to make it work. This is where Cameron comes in.

Talk about random coffee shop encounters Cameron is doing his daily routine picking up his coffee as he usually does every day before he hides into his firefighters shift while he’s waiting in line they’re in front of him. Is this distracting female crying on the phone holding him up from getting his routine, medium coffee he hangs up the phone to get her to move to the counter and he notices how disheveled she is he feels bad about hanging up the phone and seeing how the stretch he is, he gets her her iced coffee as well as his medium coffee. He gets one look at her and really notices how beautiful she is. Instant attraction when a man looks at you in the face into your eyes and notices the freckles on the bridge of your nose. That’s love at first sight. Time passes the story moves on Felicity and Cameron meet again in the most peculiar way. Let’s just say Felicity wrote a letter to Santa and ask for a particular firefighter as her Christmas wish.

Wood does a beautiful job in the development of the storyline. As I read each point of view, I felt fully immersed in the book itself, as if I was right there, hearing from the character themselves tell me their story. There were moments I found myself laughing at certain points in the story.

It’s a beautiful portrayal of when someone is in a marriage that does not work despite the obstacle that may impede you from making a life of your own, go for it. You’re stronger than you believe yourself to be and there is always someone somewhere who’s going to prove you’re worth it. As all great stories written, this one had a happy ending.

Oh, and about that open door sex scene, sooooo worth reading and finding out for yourself. What, you thought I was gonna give you spoilers? 😂 You’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out the before, the in between and the end. Because believe me there is so much more!!!

10 out of 10 would recommend this book to family and friends!!
166 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2025
Even though this is a novella, you wouldnt even think it is with how well written the storyline is between Felicity and Cameron! Kelsey Woods’ does a phenomenal job in creating their storyline and I felt that the story was thoroughly written fantastically! Given that this book is part of an interconnected series, I am definitely going to read this series in Coal’s Lake because I am always a sucker for small town romances ❤️

This is the story of Felicity, who has decided that she wants a divorce from her husband, Milton. She realized that she doesnt want to spend the rest of her life in a marriage that isn’t working anymore. Even though its hard for her to come to this conclusion, it’s for the best, something her future ex husband doesnt seem to understand.

At the same time, Cameron is getting his coffee like he usually does when he sees and hears the young woman in front of him crying on the phone. The moment that she turns around, his breath is taken away and the instant attraction that he has for her is so beautifully written ❤️ However, he realizes that she is a married woman and they both go their separate ways. Months later, Cameron ends up receiving a letter addressed to Santa that he is the one that this person wishes to have.

Felicity moves back to Coal’s Lake to live with her family after her divorce is finalized. During the process of divorcing Milton, she ends up writing a letter to Santa wishing she can run into the mystery man at the coffee shop she briefly met months ago. Once again, they run into each other again and the tension between them is still so high! I truly loved reading this book because it demonstrates that even though you get a divorce, it doesnt mean that you can’t find love again. Sometimes, it takes time to truly find the love of your life and restart your life at an older age ❤️

Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for The Booktrovert Records.
163 reviews6 followers
November 7, 2025
ARC Review
💌 Dear December ❄️
Written By: Kelsey Woods

Overall: 3.75/5
Overall plot: 3.75/5
Character development: 3.75/5
Pace: 3.75/5
World building: 3.75/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5

First off, thank you, Kelsey, for letting me be part of your ARC team and read Dear December ahead of release!

Felicity’s just come out of a messy divorce and the last thing she needs is another man—especially one as hot (literally) as Fire Chief Cameron. But when a very honest letter to Santa ends up in his hands, things heat up fast.

Cam had pretended to be her “affair” to get Felicity’s husband to finally sign the divorce papers 10 months back, but now that she’s back in Coal’s Lake, he’s not pretending anymore. Between saving his fire station and trying to win her heart, this small-town firefighter is on a mission.

Short, steamy, and full of heart—Dear December brings holiday warmth, found family vibes, and that perfect dose of spice 🌶️.

Tropes:

💌 Small Town Alberta
❄️ Fire Chief MMC
💌 Injury Care
❄️ Later in Life
💌 Mistakenly Sent Letter
❄️ One Bed
Profile Image for Amanda M.
98 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2025
Firefighter ✅

Small town ✅

Christmas surprise ✅

Dear December follows Cameron, a firefighter from a small town, and Felicity, a woman going through a divorce and relocates to a small town (Cameron’s small town to be precise). However, this is not the first time they’ve met. Cameron pretended to be having an affair with Felicity in order to get her husband to sign the divorce papers. Without even knowing who she is.

Fast forward, felicity is in her apartment when she smells smoke and discovers a fire next door. And who comes to her rescue? Cameron. He tells her to stay with him while she recovers. But Christmas, forced proximity, hot firefighter….you see where this is going 😏

Dear December is a novella from Kelsey Woods’s Coal’s Lake series but can be read as a standalone! I loved the novella. It was a nice, spicy holiday read! And now I will be going back to read the series!

Thank you to Happily Booked PR for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Profile Image for Lottie Jones.
189 reviews
November 9, 2025
Thank you Kelsey Woods for providing this ARC of Dear December in exchange for my review.

This was such a short and sweet Christmas read, perfectly capturing that warm, fuzzy, rom-com feeling. Honestly, I could’ve happily devoured a full-length version because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these two.

The chemistry between Cam and Felicity? Off the charts. From their very first meeting right to the end, it just worked. And Felicity’s Christmas letter was the perfect mix of comedy and honesty - relatable, heartfelt, and just the right amount of chaos. Plus, let’s be real... who among us wouldn’t want to be rescued (and possibly swept off their feet) by a charming fireman?

If you like your romances short, sweet, and sprinkled with Christmas sparkle, Dear December absolutely deserves a spot on your festive TBR.
53 reviews
November 14, 2025
This book was such a nice short read especially to get the holiday season started. I didn’t feel that it was fast paced at all and it flowed really nicely not leaving anything to be questioned.

I really loved the meet cute between the characters Cameron and Felicity. It was one of the moments in the book that stayed with me and just thinking about it it’s so cute.

The love between the characters didn’t feel forced either at all. It developed so nicely especially with the way they just clicked. They didn’t have anything that left me wondering “why are they together” instead it had me thinking “get together fasterr”

This book is honestly one that I would recommend to anyone in the holiday spirit and loves fire fighters ‘cause who doesn’t right?

I totally loved this book and I am glad it was my first holiday read since it left me happy!
Profile Image for Angela Henry.
32 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2025
A fun holiday read!

Dear December

Gear up for the holidays with this sweet novella! Kelsy Woods is taking us back to Coal’s Lake. This time, we meet Cam and Felicity, the firefighter and the divorcee. Their chemistry is instantaneous, and sparks are flying everywhere (good thing Cam is a firefighter)! In addition to our new couple, we see some familiar faces of Coal’s Lake. Lettie and Andrew and Laurel and Brennon find sweet connections to this story and tie everything together perfectly.

Kelsey creates a world and characters that are so loveable, it has you giggling and crying at the same time. This is a must read for the season!

If you like:

-Firefighters

-Christmas

-One bed

-Small town shenanigans

-Instant connections

Look no further! This is the story for you! Read “Dear December” today!
Profile Image for Angie .
372 reviews
November 16, 2025
This was a super cute holiday romcom.

Cam and Felicity have such a great chemistry right from their awkward meeting in the coffee shop. One fake selfie that they both cherish.

Cameron is so devoted to his community and team. He does put everyone else first and his needs are always an afterthought.
Felicity is getting out of a terrible marriage and just needs a fresh start. Cameron, the firefighter who she just can’t stop thinking about. Moving to Coals Lake is the best chioce. Her brother is there…. So is Cameron.

Cameron is so sweet with taking care of Felicity and you know she’s embarrassed and mortified with everything she needs Cams help with. But he’s so calm but insistent that she heal properly. So obviously she needs to be moved in with him. Clearly.
Felicity cares about Coals Lake too. She fits here. She can start to be herself again. And of course it doesn’t hurt that a certain sexy firefighter is here and coming to her rescue yet again.
Profile Image for Bek ✨.
133 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2025
Oh my goodness, this Christmas story is pure cozy vibes! Think Hallmark magic, but in book form. Felicity and Cam’s instant spark is just delightful.

Cam is that big, confident guy you’d want in your corner; he’s got the protective instincts down from the get go, even though he hardly knows Felicity 𝘺𝘦𝘵. The way they click is so effortless!

Dear December is a heartwarming holiday romance. When Felicity rolls back into town, Cam is ready for round two, and their chemistry just sings. The small town backdrop wraps around you like a snug blanket, making everything feel even cozier. I absolutely loved this short and sweet gem!

If Hallmark movies are your jam, this book will totally be your new favorite!
Profile Image for Megan.
422 reviews10 followers
November 10, 2025
Sweet little holiday read that'll surely get you in the Christmas spirit.

Felicity is in Coals Lake to get away from her soon to be ex-husband when she meets firefighter, Cam. Cam pretends to be her boyfriend to help her solidify to her jerk of a husband that she's done with their marriage, and they part ways soon after. Neither has stopped thinking about the other, and after her divorce, Felicity finds herself back in Coals Lake and face to face with Cam who is now the fire chief. A sweet, heartwarming second chance, small town romance with the magic of Christmas all wrapped up in a cute little package. I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you to Kelsey Woods for an advanced readers copy of this book!
440 reviews12 followers
November 24, 2025
This was such a cozy and heartwarming holiday read.

Felicity is starting over after a tough divorce, and moving to Coal’s Lake feels like a fresh start. What she doesn’t expect is to run into Cameron again the firefighter who unknowingly helped her get those divorce papers signed months ago.

Their reunion is dramatic, with Cam rescuing Felicity from a fire in her apartment building. From that moment on, the story takes off. Cam insists she stay with him while she recovers, and the forced proximity brings out all the sparks. Their chemistry felt natural and sweet, and I loved how Cam was so gentle and protective with her. He’s the kind of guy who shows up when you need him most.

The small-town setting added so much warmth to the story. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows each other, and the holiday spirit is everywhere. I especially liked how Felicity got involved in helping Cam raise funds for the fire station it showed how much she cared, and how their bond went beyond just romance.
Profile Image for Jasmine Garcia.
90 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2025
Thank you to Kelsey Woods and Happily Booked PR for my copy of Dear December to read and review!

This was a short and sweet Christmas novella that’s got me ready for the holiday season.

For tropes, you have:
- Firefighter romance
- Small town romance (takes place in Canada)

For microtropes, you have:
- Recently divorced FMC and single MMC
- She gets injured and he takes care of her

I really enjoyed this book. The romance was sweet and wholesome, minus the firefighter having a dirty mouth, but I’m not complaining!

This book would be perfect for someone who is just starting out with holiday romance, loves hallmark, but isn’t ready for crazy levels of spice.
Profile Image for Hollie Barnes.
53 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2025
Dear December by @kelseywoodswrites
Published November 7, 2025
⭐️4.5/5

Dear December by Kelsey Woods is such a cozy, feel-good holiday novella. It has all the winter vibes—small-town charm, soft romance, and characters you can’t help but root for. I love a dual POV story and this one did not disappoint.

The chemistry between Felicity and Cameron feels natural - I loved their first interaction.
Their relationship didn’t feel forced, loved the way their story evolved. My only complaint? I wanted a little more time with these characters because they were just that sweet.

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting holiday romance, this one definitely hits the spot.

Thank you, Kelsey, and @happilybookedpr for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.

Can’t wait to read more by Kelsey Woods!!!!
Profile Image for Audi Walbridge.
128 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2025
A cute second chance small town romance.

Cam and Felicity met in a coffee shop, Felicity trying to get her husband to agree to a divorce but not budging, Cam offers help.

Months later Felicity is back in her brother's town. A Christmas list to Santa written & accidentally sent- and who is supposed to respond to them this year? Chief Cam Park.

An accidental fire puts them in close proximity and will a spark between them grow or be put out?

Characters are easy to like and the story flows so quickly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Crystal Reads.
929 reviews55 followers
November 18, 2025
Cameron and Felicity met in a coffee shop when he helped her get her divorce from her ex. Now she is in Coal’s Lake where her brother lives and she finds herself running into Cam again. This book gives you the perfect small town feel, filled with the holiday cheer, and of course a fire chief who is a real gentlemen. These two have chemistry and when he offers to allow her to stay at his place since there was a fire in her building, the forced proximity forces them to get closer and feelings start to break through. It’s sweet, cozy, and heartwarming.
Profile Image for Donia Weldam.
56 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC of Dear December ❤️.

I might have to read more first responder romances, ‘cause Camerons caring nature and taking charge of things really did something to me 🥵.

Felicity and Cameron had such a great meet-cute. The fact that they didn’t see eachother again after some time really gave the beginning the right amount of tension. Loving the holiday vibes in this one 🎄.
Profile Image for Tracy Redden.
179 reviews10 followers
November 10, 2025
What I love about this time of year are the cozy Christmas novellas — and this one was pure delight!
Felicity and Cameron's meet-cute completely pulled me in — unexpected but absolutely adorable. Their story unfolds at just the right pace, with plenty of fun banter and a few high-stakes moments that definitely kept me interested right till the end.

If you're looking for a sweet, festive read to curl up with this season, add this one to your TBR!

Note: You can start with the first in A Coals Lake Novella series, Cupid's Christmas, is available I loved it too!
Profile Image for Noemi Cates.
38 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2025
If you’re looking for a cute, small town, fire fighter, spicy Hallmark holiday book then this is the one! This was such a quick fun read, Cam is a firefighter who pretends to date Felicity so her husband can finally sign the divorce papers. The later meet again and when Cam is the fire chief and Felicity is very single👀
Thank you so much Kelsey Woods for this sweet and fun arc! I really enjoyed it and it definitely got me in the mood for the holidays🎄♥️
Profile Image for Whitney.
485 reviews
November 11, 2025
This cute Christmas novella is packed with spicy Hallmark vibes. The premise is a fun spin on an accidental meet-cute that turns into a second chance.

The chemistry between Cameron and Felicity was a full three-alarm fire. I mean, who doesn’t love a firefighter MMC who gets to literally sweep the FMC off her feet?

Dear December was the perfect quick, festive read to kick off the holiday season – sweet, charming, and just the right touch of heat.
Profile Image for Ashley Williams.
103 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2025
Dear December…

If you could bring me a hot fireman as a second-chance shot at love….you’d get this book!

This book was so cute and just in time to put you in the holiday spirit. I need a Cam in my life 😂 he can gladly carry me around any day!

There was the perfect amount of spice in this book. You can’t help but love the characters. Thank you @happilybookedpr for the early read! All opinions are my own.
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