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Holiday Hotties #4
Elf-ish
As the CEO of a major department store, I know firsthand that Christmas joy can be bought and sold just like anything else.
That's right. When it comes to the most wonderful time of the year, I’m a grinch in a penthouse.
But when a gorgeous, red-headed firefighter saves me from a heart attack with a kiss and a whispered plea, even I can’t begrudge her a simple favor - be her date at her younger brother’s holiday wedding.
Turns out, there’s nothing simple about it.
Suddenly, I’m ice skating on frozen ponds, baking cookies with her family, kissing under mistletoes, and finding a little fa-la-la in the season. I don’t even recognize myself.
Because she’s like the spirit of Christmas present, haunting my thoughts, sparking something in my cold heart, and making me crave things past-me would never have considered asking the big man in red for - a future.
Once upon a time, a scrooge like me vowed to transform. The only thing he didn’t get in the end was the girl. I’m determined that won’t happen to me.
It’s either give up my selfish ways or lose the love of a truly elf-ish woman.
+ + +
L.B. Dunbar continues the seasonal tradition with another holiday hottie coming your way, only this time, HE needs the saving, and SHE's with the fire department.
That's right. When it comes to the most wonderful time of the year, I’m a grinch in a penthouse.
But when a gorgeous, red-headed firefighter saves me from a heart attack with a kiss and a whispered plea, even I can’t begrudge her a simple favor - be her date at her younger brother’s holiday wedding.
Turns out, there’s nothing simple about it.
Suddenly, I’m ice skating on frozen ponds, baking cookies with her family, kissing under mistletoes, and finding a little fa-la-la in the season. I don’t even recognize myself.
Because she’s like the spirit of Christmas present, haunting my thoughts, sparking something in my cold heart, and making me crave things past-me would never have considered asking the big man in red for - a future.
Once upon a time, a scrooge like me vowed to transform. The only thing he didn’t get in the end was the girl. I’m determined that won’t happen to me.
It’s either give up my selfish ways or lose the love of a truly elf-ish woman.
+ + +
L.B. Dunbar continues the seasonal tradition with another holiday hottie coming your way, only this time, HE needs the saving, and SHE's with the fire department.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2025
213 people are currently reading
2706 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
91 books3,273 followersL.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
October 30, 2025
A cute but steamy holiday romance? Yes please.
I loved this. Jude is the most lovable Scrooge ever and I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the e-ARC!
I loved this. Jude is the most lovable Scrooge ever and I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the e-ARC!
November 21, 2025
As the book opens, EMT/Firefighter Angelica is called with her work partner to her favorite department store where her former high school classmate is in medical distress. After stabilizing him, she does something completely out of character and ethically dubious: she visits his hospital room the next day.
CEO of his family business, Josh is having a crisis of identity and purpose. Feeling fraudulent because of a deeply held family secret and after being rescued by the lovely Titian-haired paramedic, he’s determined to regain control of his life and decide in which direction he’ll go next.
When an opportunity arises to accompany the intriguing Angelica to her brother’s wedding, Josh demands she be his fake date to the annual company holiday extravaganza in which he’s compelled to participate. Holiday magic and a one bed scenario conspire to bring the pair closer together and to stop denying their mutual attraction.
This was a cute holiday read, and there is a redemption arc, but it’s not exactly a book brimming with depth, so Angelica comes off as being more than just a little too perfect: she gives of herself almost compulsively, without regard for her own needs, wants, or limits. This was an unfortunate choice by the author, and one that made Angelica difficult to relate to.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
CEO of his family business, Josh is having a crisis of identity and purpose. Feeling fraudulent because of a deeply held family secret and after being rescued by the lovely Titian-haired paramedic, he’s determined to regain control of his life and decide in which direction he’ll go next.
When an opportunity arises to accompany the intriguing Angelica to her brother’s wedding, Josh demands she be his fake date to the annual company holiday extravaganza in which he’s compelled to participate. Holiday magic and a one bed scenario conspire to bring the pair closer together and to stop denying their mutual attraction.
This was a cute holiday read, and there is a redemption arc, but it’s not exactly a book brimming with depth, so Angelica comes off as being more than just a little too perfect: she gives of herself almost compulsively, without regard for her own needs, wants, or limits. This was an unfortunate choice by the author, and one that made Angelica difficult to relate to.
I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
November 1, 2025
4 stars.
L.B. Dunbar's "Elf-ish" will definitely put you in the mood for Christmas! It is a very, very slight retelling of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," so expect humbugs and shenanigans alike, combined with a sweet story and even some spice. I liked both of the main characters, Angelica and Jude. Angelica, who is an EMT, saves Jude, a billionaire department store owner, at the beginning of the book after he had a "heart attack," which was actually stress cardiomyopathy, aka a broken heart. Instead of leaving well enough alone, Angelica visits Jude in the hospital, and they agree to trade dates with one another to help in their respective situations. His cardiac incident and Angelica's relentless goodness make him take stock of his life and strive to make some changes to the way he lives and acts. Sure enough, over time, Jude's Scrooge-y heart begins to thaw as Angelica's Christmas-loving ways rub off on him, as real feelings between them come into play. We've got all of the good tropes going on here, from fake dating to only one bed. I enjoyed the overall message about putting people and experiences over consumerism and presents at Christmastime. Jude especially experiences some terrific character growth throughout the course of the story. The spice is also well-written and dynamic. I enjoyed the banter between Angelica and Jude as well. I don't think this book is overly long, and it is mostly well-paced. All in all, a great holiday read!
Thank you to L.B. Dunbar and Hambright PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
L.B. Dunbar's "Elf-ish" will definitely put you in the mood for Christmas! It is a very, very slight retelling of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," so expect humbugs and shenanigans alike, combined with a sweet story and even some spice. I liked both of the main characters, Angelica and Jude. Angelica, who is an EMT, saves Jude, a billionaire department store owner, at the beginning of the book after he had a "heart attack," which was actually stress cardiomyopathy, aka a broken heart. Instead of leaving well enough alone, Angelica visits Jude in the hospital, and they agree to trade dates with one another to help in their respective situations. His cardiac incident and Angelica's relentless goodness make him take stock of his life and strive to make some changes to the way he lives and acts. Sure enough, over time, Jude's Scrooge-y heart begins to thaw as Angelica's Christmas-loving ways rub off on him, as real feelings between them come into play. We've got all of the good tropes going on here, from fake dating to only one bed. I enjoyed the overall message about putting people and experiences over consumerism and presents at Christmastime. Jude especially experiences some terrific character growth throughout the course of the story. The spice is also well-written and dynamic. I enjoyed the banter between Angelica and Jude as well. I don't think this book is overly long, and it is mostly well-paced. All in all, a great holiday read!
Thank you to L.B. Dunbar and Hambright PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
December 21, 2025
Thank you @lbdunbar and @hambright for this copy!
Elf-ish by L.B. Dunbar
Out Now!!
4.75 ⭐️
Why did I wait so long to read this?? This book had some of my favorite tropes, and they were done really well. It was a fun, cozy Christmas read with great chemistry and lots of holiday charm. The story was easy to enjoy and kept me smiling the whole time. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. Also for the audio people, Teddy Hamilton narrates the male voice 👀
🎄Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄Opposites attract
🎄EMT FMC
🎄Only one bed
🎄 Fake dating
🎄 Millionaire department store owner MMC
After a health scare and an EMT named Angelica, wealthy department store CEO Jude starts to question his life, and his love of the holidays. Raised to believe Christmas is all about sales and shopping, he realizes he wants more than ribbons and profits. When Angelica shows up again and asks him to be her date to a family wedding, Jude says yes… and everything starts to change. As feelings grow, he just might learn how to go from selfish to a little more elf-ish this Christmas! 🎄 ✨
November 3, 2025
I received this book as an ARC via The Author Agency. This is the first book from the Holiday Hotties series that I have read but I will definitely be adding the others to my TBR this holiday season. I think author L.B. Dunbar did a great job with this sweet and spicy little holiday love story. Jude and Angelica are an unlikely couple but balance each other so well. Jude's cold and somewhat hard demeanor is quickly softened by Angelica's authentic and caring presence. This is a billionaire, fake dating, opposites attract story where Angelica is the sunshine that challenges Jude to be more giving person. The MC's try to resist each other but ultimately give in. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a mellow and heart warming holiday love story with just the right amount of spice.
November 19, 2025
(I received an ARC for this book)
trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
The FMC is an EMT so her job is discussed and plays out on page. A main character in the hospital and the after effects, panic attacks on page, mention of the loss of parents/loved ones (deaths discussed on page, including the causes), mention of a child with a long-term medical condition, adulterous acts resulting in children (that does not involve the MCs)
Does a paramedic responding to a call fall under the meet cute category? I feel like in this situation, it should! Not that it was cute. Or that there were any hearteyes involved. Except for me, because I definitely had hearteyes for Jude and Angelica pretty quickly! An unlikely duo, signing up to spend the holidays together. Not that Angelica wants to spend the holiday with the stereotypical rich pr!ck she went to school with, especially since he doesn’t even recognize her. But there’s life saving measures, favors, and a brother getting married so what choice does she have? His family’s legacy is all Jude Ashford knows. But Angelica breathes fresh air into his lonely, empty life. And it’s the fresh start he never knew he needed. Oh, and there’s one bed involved, so this is definitely what I needed! This is exactly what I want out of a Scrooge billionaire and Miss Christmas fake dating romance!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Has anyone ever told you you are a temptress? I’m telling you. You’re delectable.”
• “Something tells me I could never hate you.”
• “I’m going to settle for visions of you coming in my head and the taste of you on my tongue, while we make cookies with your family.”
• “I want to feel all this wetness dripping down my d!ck.”
• “I want to shatter you in the best way.”
• “My good girl wants the naughty list. And she wants it with me.”
• “No obligation. No false pretense. Only love.”
• “I don’t want you to ever feel alone again.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Fake Dating
4/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Series
This is my review for Scrooge-ish
This is my review for Naughty-ish
This is my review for Grouch-ish
Trigger Warnings include:
The MMC is brought into the hospital in an emergency situation brought on by a panic attack, the discussion of the deaths of loved ones (including a drunk driver, plane crash, and a fireman that lost his life on the job), a main character was made to feel unloved as child
trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
The FMC is an EMT so her job is discussed and plays out on page. A main character in the hospital and the after effects, panic attacks on page, mention of the loss of parents/loved ones (deaths discussed on page, including the causes), mention of a child with a long-term medical condition, adulterous acts resulting in children (that does not involve the MCs)
Does a paramedic responding to a call fall under the meet cute category? I feel like in this situation, it should! Not that it was cute. Or that there were any hearteyes involved. Except for me, because I definitely had hearteyes for Jude and Angelica pretty quickly! An unlikely duo, signing up to spend the holidays together. Not that Angelica wants to spend the holiday with the stereotypical rich pr!ck she went to school with, especially since he doesn’t even recognize her. But there’s life saving measures, favors, and a brother getting married so what choice does she have? His family’s legacy is all Jude Ashford knows. But Angelica breathes fresh air into his lonely, empty life. And it’s the fresh start he never knew he needed. Oh, and there’s one bed involved, so this is definitely what I needed! This is exactly what I want out of a Scrooge billionaire and Miss Christmas fake dating romance!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Has anyone ever told you you are a temptress? I’m telling you. You’re delectable.”
• “Something tells me I could never hate you.”
• “I’m going to settle for visions of you coming in my head and the taste of you on my tongue, while we make cookies with your family.”
• “I want to feel all this wetness dripping down my d!ck.”
• “I want to shatter you in the best way.”
• “My good girl wants the naughty list. And she wants it with me.”
• “No obligation. No false pretense. Only love.”
• “I don’t want you to ever feel alone again.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Fake Dating
4/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Series
This is my review for Scrooge-ish
This is my review for Naughty-ish
This is my review for Grouch-ish
Trigger Warnings include:
The MMC is brought into the hospital in an emergency situation brought on by a panic attack, the discussion of the deaths of loved ones (including a drunk driver, plane crash, and a fireman that lost his life on the job), a main character was made to feel unloved as child
December 24, 2025
This was a cute and silly holiday romance!! Love a billionaire fake dating trope
November 1, 2025
Holiday theme stories with grumpy/sunshine characters are absolutely adorbs! The “take” on the grinch was ridiculously perfect for this story and for Jude! I am still grinning from ear to ear over all the emotions that this story brought out in me! On the one hand, it was fun, flirty and sexy and on the other it was emotional and heartwarming and had my feelings all over the place. It was a great experience and I know when this audio is ready I am going to be jumping for joy!
One thing I can always count on when I pick up a story written by Dunbar is her way of writing fictional stories that are relatable and realistic. She’s also very good at making sure her characters are mature and adulting properly, no matter what their age. Nothing gets me twitchier faster than adults behaving badly for dramatics. Jude & Angelica’s story is an uplifting story full of heart. They were both such likeable characters that I could have read on and on about them and not cared one bit.
I discovered this series just last year (December 2024) and in the last 6 or so months, in preparation for this story, I have listened to the series from the beginning, and it was an absolutely glorious experience!
If you’re looking for a sexy, entertaining holiday read, full of heart and all the 🎄festive🌲 your little heart can handle, then Elf-ish is the story for you!
One thing I can always count on when I pick up a story written by Dunbar is her way of writing fictional stories that are relatable and realistic. She’s also very good at making sure her characters are mature and adulting properly, no matter what their age. Nothing gets me twitchier faster than adults behaving badly for dramatics. Jude & Angelica’s story is an uplifting story full of heart. They were both such likeable characters that I could have read on and on about them and not cared one bit.
I discovered this series just last year (December 2024) and in the last 6 or so months, in preparation for this story, I have listened to the series from the beginning, and it was an absolutely glorious experience!
If you’re looking for a sexy, entertaining holiday read, full of heart and all the 🎄festive🌲 your little heart can handle, then Elf-ish is the story for you!
December 16, 2025
*Advanced Listener Review*
•Tropes: Christmas Romance, Fake Date.
• Thoughts:
As much as I have loved this series, this one wasn't my favorite. I did enjoy the story for what it was. I believe the author was going towards a Christmas Carol vibe. I wish it would have been more of that sort of Christmas vibes. I liked how the Characters seemed to just mesh. They fit and it was natural for them to be together. There were areas of the book that I wanted more, I wanted to see more healing from Jude. I wanted to see Angelica put her foot down with her family. The book felt slightly chaotic to me for some reason. I do not feel it was bad by any means. It just wasn't a favorite for me.
Narrator Thoughts:
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter
•Dual Narration. 1.75x
I love when these two narrate together. They do such an epic job. I loved them both and they brought the story to life.
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟.5/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥹/5
•Banter: 😂/5
•Platform:Audiobook
•Tropes: Christmas Romance, Fake Date.
• Thoughts:
As much as I have loved this series, this one wasn't my favorite. I did enjoy the story for what it was. I believe the author was going towards a Christmas Carol vibe. I wish it would have been more of that sort of Christmas vibes. I liked how the Characters seemed to just mesh. They fit and it was natural for them to be together. There were areas of the book that I wanted more, I wanted to see more healing from Jude. I wanted to see Angelica put her foot down with her family. The book felt slightly chaotic to me for some reason. I do not feel it was bad by any means. It just wasn't a favorite for me.
Narrator Thoughts:
Narrators: Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter
•Dual Narration. 1.75x
I love when these two narrate together. They do such an epic job. I loved them both and they brought the story to life.
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟.5/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Emotional:🥹/5
•Banter: 😂/5
•Platform:Audiobook
November 16, 2025
I really enjoyed Elf-ish! The author knows how to write a Christmas romance that’s fun, sweet, and a little steamy without feeling over the top. Jude, a CEO, starts out as a total Scrooge. He’s grumpy, work-obsessed, and completely over Christmas. Angelica is a EMT/Firefighter. She is smart, kind, and definitely holds her own, which makes their banter even more fun to read. Their chemistry is believable, and the small, quiet moments between them are my favorite part.
It’s cozy, funny, and a little steamy in all the right places, and while the plot hits some familiar holiday-romance beats, Dunbar makes it feel personal and heartfelt. If you’re in the mood for a quick, feel-good festive story that’ll leave you smiling, this one’s a solid pick. It’s the kind of book you can curl up with and just perfect for the holiday season!
It’s cozy, funny, and a little steamy in all the right places, and while the plot hits some familiar holiday-romance beats, Dunbar makes it feel personal and heartfelt. If you’re in the mood for a quick, feel-good festive story that’ll leave you smiling, this one’s a solid pick. It’s the kind of book you can curl up with and just perfect for the holiday season!
December 22, 2025
Elf-ish by L. B. Dunbar is the fourth book in the Holiday Hotties series. It is correctly described as a fake-dating, millionaire-grinch, holiday romance. In it, Angelica Winter is an EMT and responds to an emergency involving Jude Ashford, a man who inherited and runs Ashford’s, a famous, fancy store. A pretend-ship ensues with lots of “this isn’t real, right?” inner monologue.
Narrator Stella Hunter was great, and while I liked Teddy Hamilton in Naughty-ish, the second book in this series, his voice has such an edge in this one and it hurt my ears. I suppose it fit the character, but can we have a little softness occasionally? Jude wasn’t my favorite MMC and that didn’t help. He wants her A LOT, when he gets her, his dirty talk is cringe. He brags about himself in the sack (let someone else brag about you, okay?) and somehow has “an expensive scent”- how can noses tell how much something costs? It also reminds me of how it can be easier to do favors and cool things when you are rich. I wish he was more of a sweetie on the inside than he was.
There are people who will LOVE this book, I liked it on the lower edge of like.
3.5 /5 stars
8 hours 16 minutes at 1x on audio
Open door
Location: Downtown Chicago, Wisconsin
Narrator Stella Hunter was great, and while I liked Teddy Hamilton in Naughty-ish, the second book in this series, his voice has such an edge in this one and it hurt my ears. I suppose it fit the character, but can we have a little softness occasionally? Jude wasn’t my favorite MMC and that didn’t help. He wants her A LOT, when he gets her, his dirty talk is cringe. He brags about himself in the sack (let someone else brag about you, okay?) and somehow has “an expensive scent”- how can noses tell how much something costs? It also reminds me of how it can be easier to do favors and cool things when you are rich. I wish he was more of a sweetie on the inside than he was.
There are people who will LOVE this book, I liked it on the lower edge of like.
3.5 /5 stars
8 hours 16 minutes at 1x on audio
Open door
Location: Downtown Chicago, Wisconsin
November 2, 2025
This is the fourth book in this impressive series, and this is Jude and Angelica’s story.
Jude is a “Grinch” who hates Christmas, and he is the millionaire CEO is a major department store, and when he has heart issues, Angelica is an EMT who comes to his aid. When Angelica visits Jude in hospital, he agrees to fake date her for her younger brother’s holiday wedding.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, fake dating, passion, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and touching romance, which is full of holiday cheer.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Jude is a “Grinch” who hates Christmas, and he is the millionaire CEO is a major department store, and when he has heart issues, Angelica is an EMT who comes to his aid. When Angelica visits Jude in hospital, he agrees to fake date her for her younger brother’s holiday wedding.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, fake dating, passion, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and touching romance, which is full of holiday cheer.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
December 10, 2025
This holiday romance was so much fun! I loved this opposites attract, grumpy- sunshine love story!
I completely fell for these characters and their story. Angelica was just so strong and steady, I loved that about her. She was smart and capable, and her kindness and heart made her super easy to like. Jude was a bit of a surprise, and his complicated past really gave the story some good angst, making me feel for him. Watching him grow and figure things out made me super invested in their happy ending. Their chemistry truly shines!
I loved how this book balanced humor, heart, just the right amount of spice, and a little Christmas magic.
I completely fell for these characters and their story. Angelica was just so strong and steady, I loved that about her. She was smart and capable, and her kindness and heart made her super easy to like. Jude was a bit of a surprise, and his complicated past really gave the story some good angst, making me feel for him. Watching him grow and figure things out made me super invested in their happy ending. Their chemistry truly shines!
I loved how this book balanced humor, heart, just the right amount of spice, and a little Christmas magic.
November 2, 2025
I've loved every book I've read by this author. She never ever disappoints!
"You saved my life....And now I need your help to live it."
Angelica Winter and Jude Ashford are both in their mid-to-late 30s. He's a grumpy workaholic who doesn't do relationships and has a ton of baggage. She's a sunny, family-orientated EMT with a heart full of goodness and kindness. When Angelica saves Jude's life, it changes something in him. When she challenges his way of life and mentality, he finds that he wants to prove himself to her.
"Apparently, she's the past I missed and the present I'm enjoying....I think I'd like her to be the Christmas future as well."
This was such a fabulous read! I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the two MCs. Angelica challenged Jude in so many ways - not only to do and be better but also what he wanted for his life. As the doer and organiser in her crazy family, I felt that Angelica was taken for granted and it was heart-melting to see Jude take care of her when she needed it. Their chemistry was well and truly ablaze and the spicy scenes were 🔥. Jude became someone Angelica could learn on and love, and she brought light and new purpose into his life. This story was humorous, hot and uplifting. Loved it!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
"You saved my life....And now I need your help to live it."
Angelica Winter and Jude Ashford are both in their mid-to-late 30s. He's a grumpy workaholic who doesn't do relationships and has a ton of baggage. She's a sunny, family-orientated EMT with a heart full of goodness and kindness. When Angelica saves Jude's life, it changes something in him. When she challenges his way of life and mentality, he finds that he wants to prove himself to her.
"Apparently, she's the past I missed and the present I'm enjoying....I think I'd like her to be the Christmas future as well."
This was such a fabulous read! I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the two MCs. Angelica challenged Jude in so many ways - not only to do and be better but also what he wanted for his life. As the doer and organiser in her crazy family, I felt that Angelica was taken for granted and it was heart-melting to see Jude take care of her when she needed it. Their chemistry was well and truly ablaze and the spicy scenes were 🔥. Jude became someone Angelica could learn on and love, and she brought light and new purpose into his life. This story was humorous, hot and uplifting. Loved it!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
November 6, 2025
This is book four in the Holiday Hotties series, and I loved the premise of this story. After meeting the grumpy CEO, it was great to see him trying to change into a better person. This one quickly became my favorite of the series, mixing humor, heart, and just the right touch of holiday spice.
Angelica is an EMT who was called to the scene to save the grumpy CEO, Jude. Knowing she shouldn’t check on him, she goes to the hospital and somehow ends up agreeing to fake date him for the holiday season. Spending time with the grinch might have been better with all his negative vibes for the holidays.
Jude is the definition of a scrooge. He took over his family’s company and has grown it into a household name, but his partying ways might cost him his title. Desperate to save his job and after suffering a medical scare, he knows he has to change. Angelica fits the bill and gives him the chance to show everyone he’s changed. The only problem is that she’s pushing him to really make a difference.
As these two spend time together to honor their agreement, Jude’s heart slowly begins to melt. The spice between them could turn a blizzard into a summer shower. The hotel scene was to die for, and I couldn’t wait to see where these two would go from there. When Jude started spending time with Angelica’s family, I could see everything he yearned for as a child coming to life. Honestly, this book was both spicy and full of heart.
Elf-ish was a fun and flirty holiday read that gave me everything I wanted from this series. If you love grumpy sunshine romances, fake dating, and a touch of Christmas magic, this one is a perfect pick for your holiday reading list.
Angelica is an EMT who was called to the scene to save the grumpy CEO, Jude. Knowing she shouldn’t check on him, she goes to the hospital and somehow ends up agreeing to fake date him for the holiday season. Spending time with the grinch might have been better with all his negative vibes for the holidays.
Jude is the definition of a scrooge. He took over his family’s company and has grown it into a household name, but his partying ways might cost him his title. Desperate to save his job and after suffering a medical scare, he knows he has to change. Angelica fits the bill and gives him the chance to show everyone he’s changed. The only problem is that she’s pushing him to really make a difference.
As these two spend time together to honor their agreement, Jude’s heart slowly begins to melt. The spice between them could turn a blizzard into a summer shower. The hotel scene was to die for, and I couldn’t wait to see where these two would go from there. When Jude started spending time with Angelica’s family, I could see everything he yearned for as a child coming to life. Honestly, this book was both spicy and full of heart.
Elf-ish was a fun and flirty holiday read that gave me everything I wanted from this series. If you love grumpy sunshine romances, fake dating, and a touch of Christmas magic, this one is a perfect pick for your holiday reading list.
November 21, 2025
4 ⭐ 3 🌶️
This was really cute! I loved the whole concept and the Christmas Carol reimagining aspect. Jude was such a broken soul and I loved how Angelica helped piece him back together, showing him how to love.
The spice dialogue was a touch corny at times, but overall I really enjoyed it. These two were stinking perfect together in all the ways.
It definitely has me wanting to go back in the series and read the other 3 couples, especially since it sounds like Dane may be getting a story soon!
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the advanced copy!
This was really cute! I loved the whole concept and the Christmas Carol reimagining aspect. Jude was such a broken soul and I loved how Angelica helped piece him back together, showing him how to love.
The spice dialogue was a touch corny at times, but overall I really enjoyed it. These two were stinking perfect together in all the ways.
It definitely has me wanting to go back in the series and read the other 3 couples, especially since it sounds like Dane may be getting a story soon!
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the advanced copy!
November 12, 2025
Elf‑ish is a festive, feel‑good holiday romance that blends humor, heart, and a touch of spice. L.B. Dunbar delivers a clever twist on the “grinch‑meets‑holiday‑spirit” trope, centering on a millionaire CEO who must learn how to move from selfish to elf‑ish after a life‑changing encounter with a fiery redhead!
December 17, 2025
Thank you Hambright PR for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Honestly, I’m 75% of the way in and just not interested in it enough. I may come back to it later. I can totally see why many people have loved it, but I think it’s just not really the book for me.
The spice was fun! I love fake-dating. But the FMC has repeatedly been like “why is he doing this?” Girl, because he likes you. She is also afraid of a relationship because her last relationship simply just fizzled out? The biggest thing for me though has been that there is sort of an insane amount of super cheesy holiday related lines and 90% of the characters also have holiday related names.
Honestly, I’m 75% of the way in and just not interested in it enough. I may come back to it later. I can totally see why many people have loved it, but I think it’s just not really the book for me.
The spice was fun! I love fake-dating. But the FMC has repeatedly been like “why is he doing this?” Girl, because he likes you. She is also afraid of a relationship because her last relationship simply just fizzled out? The biggest thing for me though has been that there is sort of an insane amount of super cheesy holiday related lines and 90% of the characters also have holiday related names.
November 3, 2025
⭐ 3.5
Fue festivo, un poco a lo “a christmas carol” pero con romance y sin fantasmas, los protagonistas estuvieron bien y la historia me gusto, aunque no se porque tenia la percepción de que este libro sería una historia con el trope de segundas oportunidades pero no fue así y me alegro por eso. Para estas temporadas navideñas esta mas que bien, ademas de entretenido me dio un found family hermoso.
---
It was festive, a bit like “A Christmas Carol” but with romance and without ghosts. The main characters were good and I liked the story, although I don't know why I had the impression that this book would be a story with the second chances trope but it wasn't and I'm glad about that. For this holiday season, it's more than fine, in addition to being entertaining, it gave me a beautiful found family.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Fue festivo, un poco a lo “a christmas carol” pero con romance y sin fantasmas, los protagonistas estuvieron bien y la historia me gusto, aunque no se porque tenia la percepción de que este libro sería una historia con el trope de segundas oportunidades pero no fue así y me alegro por eso. Para estas temporadas navideñas esta mas que bien, ademas de entretenido me dio un found family hermoso.
---
It was festive, a bit like “A Christmas Carol” but with romance and without ghosts. The main characters were good and I liked the story, although I don't know why I had the impression that this book would be a story with the second chances trope but it wasn't and I'm glad about that. For this holiday season, it's more than fine, in addition to being entertaining, it gave me a beautiful found family.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
November 15, 2025
This was such a cute read!! Jude is such a grinch and when Angelica saves his life…well let’s just say his life takes a bit of a turn when he agrees to be her fake date for her brother’s wedding.
They very quickly realize they have feelings for each other but Jude has some icy walls up! I really enjoyed their banter and chemistry. They have these great funny and heartwarming moments and I loved Angelica’s family.
I liked that this was a loose “A Christmas Carol” retelling and anyone who loves Holiday romance books will enjoy this story!!
✨What To Expect:
🚑She saves his life (EMT)
🎁Millionaire department store owner
🎄Holiday dating arrangement
🛏️Only one bed
🌦️Grumpy/sunshine
🧲Opposites attract
⛸️Ice Skating
🩵Fake Dating
They very quickly realize they have feelings for each other but Jude has some icy walls up! I really enjoyed their banter and chemistry. They have these great funny and heartwarming moments and I loved Angelica’s family.
I liked that this was a loose “A Christmas Carol” retelling and anyone who loves Holiday romance books will enjoy this story!!
✨What To Expect:
🚑She saves his life (EMT)
🎁Millionaire department store owner
🎄Holiday dating arrangement
🛏️Only one bed
🌦️Grumpy/sunshine
🧲Opposites attract
⛸️Ice Skating
🩵Fake Dating
December 31, 2025
3.5/5 Stars
Quick Summary: Angelica is an EMT who saves Jude's life. Angelica asks for a date in return for saving him which leads to fun figure skating dates, volunteering and other things :).
This book definitely fits the Christmas vibe I was looking for during the holiday season. I enjoyed the banter between the two, Angelica and Jude, and how there were Christmasy references throughout their banter and the book. I found this book to be an easy read and easy to follow along with what was going on. There is quite a lot of spice in this book, and it was tasteful, but I feel like there were scenes that were thrown in just because (which is okay, but I felt like it detracted from the plot).
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Hambright PR for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Quick Summary: Angelica is an EMT who saves Jude's life. Angelica asks for a date in return for saving him which leads to fun figure skating dates, volunteering and other things :).
This book definitely fits the Christmas vibe I was looking for during the holiday season. I enjoyed the banter between the two, Angelica and Jude, and how there were Christmasy references throughout their banter and the book. I found this book to be an easy read and easy to follow along with what was going on. There is quite a lot of spice in this book, and it was tasteful, but I feel like there were scenes that were thrown in just because (which is okay, but I felt like it detracted from the plot).
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Hambright PR for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
November 1, 2025
This was a cute fun Christmas read, I read it I a couple days. This was such a good book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 26, 2025
Really loved how Jude and Angelica's story began. She is an EMT that saves his life. They get into a fake dating situation which is funny and hot. Their chemistry is on point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
The perfect Christmas romance
This book had the PERFECT amount of romance and SPICE for a Christmas novel. I loved this book! I want more of Jude and Angelica!
This book had the PERFECT amount of romance and SPICE for a Christmas novel. I loved this book! I want more of Jude and Angelica!
November 24, 2025
Perfect for the holidays! Had every bit of Christmas goodness that I wanted! I really enjoyed this!
November 22, 2025
My first L.B. Dunbar book but definitely not my last!
Angelica is an EMT who had to answer a call from a man who had a heart attack. She didn’t expect for it to be Jude Ashford, the department store mongol and the cool kid from their high school days.
Jude had always been the cliché. Rich kid, everything at his fingertips, perfect family, perfect life. However, after his health scare, and a reality check from a feisty medic, Jude realized he needed to make some life changes.
What started out as a quid pro quo, a date to a company event for a date to a family wedding, things escalated into definitely not fake territory. Angelica realizes that, while actually putting in the work to be less of a Scrooge and more of a Mr. Christmas, Jude means so much more to her than she ever expected he would. At the same time, Jude realizes that making these changes isn’t just to cross things off a list anymore, but because he truly wants to be a better person, and the kind of man Angelica deserves. Like, the scene with the sassy patient at the hospital? My freaking heart.
But something I truly loved about this story is that Angelica and Jude are in their late 30s and still finding love. I hate that modern society makes it seem if you aren’t married with kids and settled by 30, you might as well just wave the white flag. This gave my heart so much hope for what’s possible out there 🫶🏼
Thank you so much LB + Hambright for this beautiful story!
Angelica is an EMT who had to answer a call from a man who had a heart attack. She didn’t expect for it to be Jude Ashford, the department store mongol and the cool kid from their high school days.
Jude had always been the cliché. Rich kid, everything at his fingertips, perfect family, perfect life. However, after his health scare, and a reality check from a feisty medic, Jude realized he needed to make some life changes.
What started out as a quid pro quo, a date to a company event for a date to a family wedding, things escalated into definitely not fake territory. Angelica realizes that, while actually putting in the work to be less of a Scrooge and more of a Mr. Christmas, Jude means so much more to her than she ever expected he would. At the same time, Jude realizes that making these changes isn’t just to cross things off a list anymore, but because he truly wants to be a better person, and the kind of man Angelica deserves. Like, the scene with the sassy patient at the hospital? My freaking heart.
But something I truly loved about this story is that Angelica and Jude are in their late 30s and still finding love. I hate that modern society makes it seem if you aren’t married with kids and settled by 30, you might as well just wave the white flag. This gave my heart so much hope for what’s possible out there 🫶🏼
Thank you so much LB + Hambright for this beautiful story!
November 1, 2025
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon AU / Amazon CA
When Angelica saves Jude at his company's legendary store, it isn't just another day in the life of this millionaire. No, it sparks something in him, and now he's set off to not only find the angel whose voice he heard after his heart attack, he's determined to get his beautiful redheaded lifesaver to agree to a little fake dating arrangement this holiday season. He's not expecting to fall in love, doesn't even really know what that feels like, but if he can convince her he's not the Scrooge he was before, their fake dating has a chance of becoming real.
Angelica has always loved Ashford's, but she certainly didn't think she'd be here to save the life of the owner. He makes such an impression on her that she visits him in the hospital the next day and somehow ends up agreeing to a fake dating arrangement with him - she'll go on a date to convince his board he's changed, and he'll be her date to her brother's wedding, the wedding her brother has conned her into planning. The longer she's with him, the more she realizes how much baggage he has, what an awful childhood he had, and she hurts for him. But she can't fix him anymore than she can make him change. He has to do that for himself. With a little holiday magic, this Scrooge just might find his heart growing a size or two, and letting love in.
Elf-ish is an extra sweet with spice holiday romance. Jude has so hurt on the inside from his past, but Angelica is just the person to help him heal and set him on the path of change and healing. I hurt more than a little for him with each tiny detail of his past he let slip to her, but I smiled every time she made him smile, made him want to let go of that pain and become a better person. My holiday reading season just keeps getting better, more magical, and sweeter with every holiday story I devour. Jude and Angelica made my holiday mood even brighter and I won't forget them anytime soon.
ARC provided by The Author Agency for an honest review.
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November 2, 2025
“Don’t you leave me, Jude.” Remember those words. And have a tissue handy.
Author L. B. Dunbar has done it again: another fantastic Holiday Hotties story, just in time to get you in the holiday spirit. Elf-ish is Jude and Angelica’s story, and like the other books, it stays in your mind and heart. It’s romantic, sweet, funny and sexy. And you just can’t stop thinking about the two main characters.
Dunbar does an expert job of writing about people in their 30s and 40s, people who have lived life, made mistakes, experienced hurt and tragedy, become set in their ways. And her expertise extends to creating a little window of “what if?” and then expanding it more and more until you are completely smitten, enveloped in the love and possibilities – and the challenges.
Jude and Angelica knew each other way, way, way back when, about 20 years ago. They went to high school together. He was the arrogant, spoiled, entitled rich kid. She was the nerdy STEM student. He never even noticed her, and things haven’t changed much since then. He’s the CEO of Ashford’s, his family’s landmark store in downtown Chicago. She’s an EMT. Is it fate that causes their paths to cross again on Black Friday, when it seems he’s had a heart attack in his office and she’s one of the responders on duty. He, of course, does not recognize her from all those years ago, and also of course, he’s the typical rich, demanding executive who dismisses women, barely responding to her questions or even looking at her. But his heart starts to beat erratically in the ambulance, and she saves his life. Fate must be playing another hand here, because he feels something, someone, telling him not to leave, and he suddenly, surprising, inexplicably wants to be a better man. Not going to be easy, but he could swear he heard something – an angel? No, can’t be, but something happened.
Then Angelica does something she never does, shouldn’t do. She goes to the hospital the next day to check on him. Fate stepping in again? He’s his usual rude self, particularly when she corrects him – it wasn’t a heart attack, it was a broken heart. Stress cardiomyopathy. Broken heart syndrome. Being the giant jerk he is, he offers her anything in the store as payment for saving his life. She jokingly asks if Ashford’s sells dates, because she’d really like to have a Plus One for her brother’s Christmas Eve wedding. And here the story goes . . . hang on because it’s a wild ride.
They meet again. Agree on a fake date-for-date exchange. His company Christmas company party for the wedding. They banter, trade barbs; there is definite electricity between them. But it will remain fake. He doesn’t really do more than one-night stands with an occasional repeat and she’s still smarting from a breakup long ago. He’s always been super-hot, and he finds her beautiful so pretending shouldn’t be too unpleasant. Maybe.
Dunbar takes us from encounter to encounter, location to location, event to event as we watch this (still fake?) relationship grow. From his company party in Wisconsin (which adds a second night to their deal) to a church breakfast to accompanying Santa on a visit to the children’s ward of a hospital, we watch them together, and it is sweet, so sweet. He’s serious about making changes, and he seems so lonely that she just wants to see him happy, see some warmth in those icy blue eyes and a smile on that handsome face.
Angelica’s family is big and loud and close, even after experiencing loss. They might annoy each other but they are always there for support. Jude’s family is much more complicated (can you say sad and eye-popping?) and he isn’t in touch with anyone but his sister and he doesn’t actually see her and her family often. He has friends but is mostly a loner, and Christmas for him is sitting in his condo drinking whiskey and waiting for the day to end. Angelica’s life is full of family obligations and Christmas events and her fire station family. Nothing more in common than there was 20 years ago, except for that thickening thread that is tethering them together.
You will love every bit of Elf-ish – the holiday parties, dancing, hot tub, ice skating, cookie baking, Santa visits, chocolate making, hockey game, drive-in movie and you will especially love the steamy, sexy, swoony moments, the ebb and flow, the push forward and pull back of emotions until you can hardly stand it. Get together already! Dunbar has packed this story full of starry-eyed moments offset by snark and arguments, generous gestures and disappointment and the appearance of all the folks you already met and loved in Scrooge-ish, Naughty-ish and Grouch-ish. Bonus for me: I grew up in the greater Chicago area (well, Indiana but it counts) and Dunbar’s dedication to “Marshall Field’s, the department store. Thanks for the memories.” and her description of Ashford’s and what a special role it played at Christmastime brought back wonderful memories for me, too.
I received an advance copy of Elf-ish, and I cannot wait for the audiobook because if Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter are once again Dunbar’s narrators of choice, a perfect story will become heavenly. After you’ve read the Holiday Hotties series check out the rest of Dunbar’s backlist – so many books, all of them totally, completely, absolutely satisfying. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Author L. B. Dunbar has done it again: another fantastic Holiday Hotties story, just in time to get you in the holiday spirit. Elf-ish is Jude and Angelica’s story, and like the other books, it stays in your mind and heart. It’s romantic, sweet, funny and sexy. And you just can’t stop thinking about the two main characters.
Dunbar does an expert job of writing about people in their 30s and 40s, people who have lived life, made mistakes, experienced hurt and tragedy, become set in their ways. And her expertise extends to creating a little window of “what if?” and then expanding it more and more until you are completely smitten, enveloped in the love and possibilities – and the challenges.
Jude and Angelica knew each other way, way, way back when, about 20 years ago. They went to high school together. He was the arrogant, spoiled, entitled rich kid. She was the nerdy STEM student. He never even noticed her, and things haven’t changed much since then. He’s the CEO of Ashford’s, his family’s landmark store in downtown Chicago. She’s an EMT. Is it fate that causes their paths to cross again on Black Friday, when it seems he’s had a heart attack in his office and she’s one of the responders on duty. He, of course, does not recognize her from all those years ago, and also of course, he’s the typical rich, demanding executive who dismisses women, barely responding to her questions or even looking at her. But his heart starts to beat erratically in the ambulance, and she saves his life. Fate must be playing another hand here, because he feels something, someone, telling him not to leave, and he suddenly, surprising, inexplicably wants to be a better man. Not going to be easy, but he could swear he heard something – an angel? No, can’t be, but something happened.
Then Angelica does something she never does, shouldn’t do. She goes to the hospital the next day to check on him. Fate stepping in again? He’s his usual rude self, particularly when she corrects him – it wasn’t a heart attack, it was a broken heart. Stress cardiomyopathy. Broken heart syndrome. Being the giant jerk he is, he offers her anything in the store as payment for saving his life. She jokingly asks if Ashford’s sells dates, because she’d really like to have a Plus One for her brother’s Christmas Eve wedding. And here the story goes . . . hang on because it’s a wild ride.
They meet again. Agree on a fake date-for-date exchange. His company Christmas company party for the wedding. They banter, trade barbs; there is definite electricity between them. But it will remain fake. He doesn’t really do more than one-night stands with an occasional repeat and she’s still smarting from a breakup long ago. He’s always been super-hot, and he finds her beautiful so pretending shouldn’t be too unpleasant. Maybe.
Dunbar takes us from encounter to encounter, location to location, event to event as we watch this (still fake?) relationship grow. From his company party in Wisconsin (which adds a second night to their deal) to a church breakfast to accompanying Santa on a visit to the children’s ward of a hospital, we watch them together, and it is sweet, so sweet. He’s serious about making changes, and he seems so lonely that she just wants to see him happy, see some warmth in those icy blue eyes and a smile on that handsome face.
Angelica’s family is big and loud and close, even after experiencing loss. They might annoy each other but they are always there for support. Jude’s family is much more complicated (can you say sad and eye-popping?) and he isn’t in touch with anyone but his sister and he doesn’t actually see her and her family often. He has friends but is mostly a loner, and Christmas for him is sitting in his condo drinking whiskey and waiting for the day to end. Angelica’s life is full of family obligations and Christmas events and her fire station family. Nothing more in common than there was 20 years ago, except for that thickening thread that is tethering them together.
You will love every bit of Elf-ish – the holiday parties, dancing, hot tub, ice skating, cookie baking, Santa visits, chocolate making, hockey game, drive-in movie and you will especially love the steamy, sexy, swoony moments, the ebb and flow, the push forward and pull back of emotions until you can hardly stand it. Get together already! Dunbar has packed this story full of starry-eyed moments offset by snark and arguments, generous gestures and disappointment and the appearance of all the folks you already met and loved in Scrooge-ish, Naughty-ish and Grouch-ish. Bonus for me: I grew up in the greater Chicago area (well, Indiana but it counts) and Dunbar’s dedication to “Marshall Field’s, the department store. Thanks for the memories.” and her description of Ashford’s and what a special role it played at Christmastime brought back wonderful memories for me, too.
I received an advance copy of Elf-ish, and I cannot wait for the audiobook because if Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter are once again Dunbar’s narrators of choice, a perfect story will become heavenly. After you’ve read the Holiday Hotties series check out the rest of Dunbar’s backlist – so many books, all of them totally, completely, absolutely satisfying. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
December 12, 2025
📚Elf-ish by LB Dunbar
🎤Stella Hunter & Teddy Hamilton
DUET NARRATION
3.5⭐
Thank you LB Dunbar and Hambright PR for a #gifted copy of the E-ARC. All thoughts are my own. Audio purchased by me through Audible.
I was so excited to listen to this next book in the Holiday Hottie series & as much as I love these narrators & this series, this one fell a bit flat for me. It's much longer than the previous 3 books in this series. That might have something to do with it but I found myself cringing a little at this one. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either.
Elf-ish follows Jude, the CEO of a large department store who has become an absolute GRINCH when it comes to the holidays & just life itself. After suffering a stress-related cardiac incident, he's saved by a beautiful EMT, Angelica. She's sassy, spirited & just embodies everything cheery & spirited about the holiday season. Jude quickly finds himself drawn to her and really facing the decision to change his life or not.
They strike a deal to help each other out & pose as "fake dates" for different holiday events they need to attend. What begins as a fake dating situation quickly turns to kind of an insta-love situation and this might be where it went wrong for me. They definitely have sizzling chemistry & Angelica helps Jude find the true meaning of Christmas & life itself but it all happened just too fast for my liking.
Dunbar meshes the two holiday classics of The Grinch & A Christmas Carol into this holiday romance. Don't get me wrong, I love me a grumpy MC, but the Christmas Carol aspect to this story was tough for me. This book is quite a bit spicier than the previous ones and not that I don't like me some spice but it just didn't seem like this level went with the previous books.
Behind this story is honestly a wonderful message that I really liked, not letting regret rule your life. Just overall, this was OK for me.
🎤Let's talk narration: Stella & Teddy have narrated this whole series and I absolutely have loved them. Stella's character in this book was actually very likeable & sweet and her performance was honestly so easy to listen to. For some reason, Teddy's performance is what I struggled with. I KNOW!!! It's blasphemy and I'm ashamed to even speak it! 🫣
Maybe my expectations were too high because every other book & audio in this series has been an utter delight but this one missed the mark a bit for me unfortunately!
🎤Stella Hunter & Teddy Hamilton
DUET NARRATION
3.5⭐
Thank you LB Dunbar and Hambright PR for a #gifted copy of the E-ARC. All thoughts are my own. Audio purchased by me through Audible.
I was so excited to listen to this next book in the Holiday Hottie series & as much as I love these narrators & this series, this one fell a bit flat for me. It's much longer than the previous 3 books in this series. That might have something to do with it but I found myself cringing a little at this one. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either.
Elf-ish follows Jude, the CEO of a large department store who has become an absolute GRINCH when it comes to the holidays & just life itself. After suffering a stress-related cardiac incident, he's saved by a beautiful EMT, Angelica. She's sassy, spirited & just embodies everything cheery & spirited about the holiday season. Jude quickly finds himself drawn to her and really facing the decision to change his life or not.
They strike a deal to help each other out & pose as "fake dates" for different holiday events they need to attend. What begins as a fake dating situation quickly turns to kind of an insta-love situation and this might be where it went wrong for me. They definitely have sizzling chemistry & Angelica helps Jude find the true meaning of Christmas & life itself but it all happened just too fast for my liking.
Dunbar meshes the two holiday classics of The Grinch & A Christmas Carol into this holiday romance. Don't get me wrong, I love me a grumpy MC, but the Christmas Carol aspect to this story was tough for me. This book is quite a bit spicier than the previous ones and not that I don't like me some spice but it just didn't seem like this level went with the previous books.
Behind this story is honestly a wonderful message that I really liked, not letting regret rule your life. Just overall, this was OK for me.
🎤Let's talk narration: Stella & Teddy have narrated this whole series and I absolutely have loved them. Stella's character in this book was actually very likeable & sweet and her performance was honestly so easy to listen to. For some reason, Teddy's performance is what I struggled with. I KNOW!!! It's blasphemy and I'm ashamed to even speak it! 🫣
Maybe my expectations were too high because every other book & audio in this series has been an utter delight but this one missed the mark a bit for me unfortunately!
October 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW: Elf-Ish by L.B. Dunbar 🎄
✨BLURB:
Meet Jude Ashford . . . After Scrooge has his revelatory night, ever wonder if he continues to turn over a new holly leaf, or if he goes back to his miserly ways? I’ve been thinking about this question ever since a gorgeous red-headed angel saved me from a heart attack with a kiss and a whispered plea. Of course, I am not certain whether any of it really happened. The redhead. The kiss. The whisper. Maybe it was all a dream. A visionary warning to change my life before it was too late. As the CEO millionaire of a major department store in downtown Chicago, believing the holidays are about ribbons and bows; packages, boxes, and bags, and comes from a store has been my upbringing. However, I’ve decided to heed this cautionary tale in search of that something more in the season. Only, I don’t know exactly how to move from selfish to elf-ish. When that glorious redhead visits me in the hospital, a plan starts to form. I accept her request for a date to her younger brother’s holiday wedding, setting off a string of unexpected events and emotions. She becomes my reason for the fa-la-la season.
✨TROPES:
🚑She saves his life (EMT)
🎁Millionaire department store owner
🎄Holiday dating arrangement
🛏️Only one bed
☀️Grumpy/sunshine
🧲Opposites attract
✨MY THOUGHTS:
Elf-ish was such a fun and heartwarming holiday read! I loved the blend of small-town charm, festive magic, and a dash of spice that made it perfect for curling up with on a cozy winter evening. The characters were easy to root for — quirky, imperfect, and full of warmth — and the humor sprinkled throughout kept things light and entertaining.✨While a few parts felt a bit predictable, that didn’t take away from the overall charm of the story. It’s exactly the kind of book that puts you in a good mood and makes you believe a little Christmas magic, too ✨If you’re looking for a romantic, slightly cheeky holiday story with plenty of heart, Elf-ish is definitely worth adding to your festive TBR! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @hambright_pr and @lbdunbarwrites for the ARC. ✨
✨BLURB:
Meet Jude Ashford . . . After Scrooge has his revelatory night, ever wonder if he continues to turn over a new holly leaf, or if he goes back to his miserly ways? I’ve been thinking about this question ever since a gorgeous red-headed angel saved me from a heart attack with a kiss and a whispered plea. Of course, I am not certain whether any of it really happened. The redhead. The kiss. The whisper. Maybe it was all a dream. A visionary warning to change my life before it was too late. As the CEO millionaire of a major department store in downtown Chicago, believing the holidays are about ribbons and bows; packages, boxes, and bags, and comes from a store has been my upbringing. However, I’ve decided to heed this cautionary tale in search of that something more in the season. Only, I don’t know exactly how to move from selfish to elf-ish. When that glorious redhead visits me in the hospital, a plan starts to form. I accept her request for a date to her younger brother’s holiday wedding, setting off a string of unexpected events and emotions. She becomes my reason for the fa-la-la season.
✨TROPES:
🚑She saves his life (EMT)
🎁Millionaire department store owner
🎄Holiday dating arrangement
🛏️Only one bed
☀️Grumpy/sunshine
🧲Opposites attract
✨MY THOUGHTS:
Elf-ish was such a fun and heartwarming holiday read! I loved the blend of small-town charm, festive magic, and a dash of spice that made it perfect for curling up with on a cozy winter evening. The characters were easy to root for — quirky, imperfect, and full of warmth — and the humor sprinkled throughout kept things light and entertaining.✨While a few parts felt a bit predictable, that didn’t take away from the overall charm of the story. It’s exactly the kind of book that puts you in a good mood and makes you believe a little Christmas magic, too ✨If you’re looking for a romantic, slightly cheeky holiday story with plenty of heart, Elf-ish is definitely worth adding to your festive TBR! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @hambright_pr and @lbdunbarwrites for the ARC. ✨
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