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The Atlanta Vipers #0.5

Holiday Interference

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I didn’t plan on spending the night with the younger, brooding hockey player who barely says a word. But when a freak snowstorm shuts down Atlanta, I end up stranded—with one bed, one blanket, and Cal Reid.

I plan every holiday down to the minute. The playlists. The lights. The smiles.
He doesn’t even like Christmas.

He’s quiet, all rough edges and muscle, heat rolling off him in the dark. When our knees brush, the air changes. When his voice drops to a whisper, I forget every rule I’ve ever made about men like him.

He’s younger. Off-limits. Everything I shouldn’t want.

But his touch feels like fire against winter skin, and the storm outside isn’t the only thing melting.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

98 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Peake

18 books214 followers
Hey y'all! I'm Eliza and I write steamy, all the feels romance full of heart, heat, and humor. My heroes are swoony cinnamon rolls, my heroines are strong and audacious, and family is at the center of it all.

I'm a proud mom and a Southern girl who can bless a heart with the best of them. I live with my very own book boyfriend, a snoring dog, and a sassy cat.

In my downtime, I read all the panty-melting romances I can get my hands on, drink coffee by day, wine by night, and indulge my woo-woo side as often as possible. I'm also hopelessly addicted to tacos.

I dream of retiring to the beach someday where I'll continue writing sexy romance stories to my heart's content and taking sunrise and sunset walks in the sand, thinking of my next book!

Join my newsletter, The Sneak Peake, to get updates on all sorts of shenanigans, exclusive content, and news on books and appearances at http://elizapeake.com/subscribe/

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5 stars
75 (35%)
4 stars
70 (33%)
3 stars
45 (21%)
2 stars
16 (7%)
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6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Edwards .
767 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2025
A cute and steamy holiday novella!

I read it in one setting! I really want enjoyed reading Cal and Noelle's romance!

I can't wait for more in this series!
Profile Image for Nikki Long.
152 reviews10 followers
December 26, 2025
A nice festive read - Cal & Noelle were easy characters to like from the get go
Profile Image for Beautiful_Jade.
1,958 reviews
December 18, 2025
DNF

This has a really dry, awkward style of writing that doesn't work for me. Once I started skimming I gave up.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,208 reviews20 followers
November 27, 2025
Noelle Jenkins is an event planner who works with elite athletic organizations. Her particular event is for the Atlanta Vipers. However, there is one slight problem, but Noelle is no amateur at her job, no sir. You see snow in Atlanta is like a bad one-night stand—brief, messy, and talked about for years. Then something in her flinches. She’s halfway through texting the ride-share liaison when she feels it—that weird prickle at the base of her neck, like she just stepped into the wrong scene in the right shoes. Not panic. Not nerves. Just…a shift.

Like the room’s holding its breath behind her. She turns. And there he is. Leaning against a column near the back bar, sleeves pushed just far enough to show strong forearms and a watch that probably costs more than her car. Hair is damp from snow melt. Suit jacket open. Tie absent. And a look on his face like he’s already halfway checked out. Cal Reid. The Vipers’ youngest rookie. Quiet. Massive. All sharp edges and no shine. And absolutely not where he’s supposed to be right now. He already looks like the type of guy who barely tolerates the off-ice things that come with being a major league athlete.

Instead of making rounds or smiling for the sponsor photo op, as we discussed—as he scheduled—he’s standing there like he’s the only person in the building who knows how this story ends. Well because where he is from this might be normal and respects Mother Nature's warning signs. Instead of acting like the show must go on to make the event a success, she puts the event goers and herself in jeopardy. You see like Noelle, Cal got an instant sexual attraction to her and wanted to be in a position to keep an eye on her.

He needed to prove to himself that he could protect those he cared for. She on the other hand knew that no one had ever and would ever truly care about her and put her first. Cal had a fear of abandonment. Noelle doesn’t know how to stand still and just be one with herself because that means thinking and that is dangerous. As it is in wanting. Wishing. Hoping. She needs to keep those thoughts deeply concealed behind barriers besieging and guarding her heart. Afraid of commitment to anyone other than herself and clients, she's a fixer who's afraid to show any sign of weakness or vulnerability.

Fighting his inner anguish and a lack of faith in himself on the ice. Off the ice, he's exceptionally quiet, an old soul one might say. His eyes are a sneak peek into the depths of his soul, if you're truly looking. To everyone around him, he's grumpy and moody, but inside, he's pure puppy magic. He's a man you may have seen caring for or hanging out with his elderly grandparents. The sweetest man with vulnerabilities just looking for the right one to help heal his bruised and battered heart.

Since a snowstorm was about to put Atlanta at a standstill Noelle and her well-oiled crew made sure to get everyone out before the roads got blocked. She was the last to leave or so she thought. As she changed from heels to flats and was prepared to go to the lot to get her car Cal appeared out of nowhere. Telling driving would not be the best idea and she knew it and she did. She needed to change the subject and told him she saw him helping the seniors find their belongings and get to their limos safely without being asked.

She thanked him. He said he didn't do it for that he did it to help her. Cal & Noelle end up in close quarters, waiting out the storm in Cal's high-rise. Cabin fever becomes real when one night turns into two, tensions run high and the heat simmers. As they grow closer together, they share parts of their lives and their feelings that they've never shared with anyone. But when the snow melts, will they be strong enough to take a chance on what they both want? Could their feelings potentially be a chance at forever? Once they leave do old fears and a lack of confidence allow them to walk away without a backward glance?

See if Cal is brave enough to go after what he wants. Cal is the younger of the two but knows what he wants. In those two days, he learned to love Christmas from her. So, he knows that together he can help bring her back the joy of the here and now. Trust and not having to be fearful. I know you will enjoy this short, sweet HEA.
Profile Image for BookReviews_by_MissaPoo.
250 reviews10 followers
November 24, 2025
A Holiday Novella within the Atlanta Vipers Series.

This was a tension filled, emotionally charged, sweet yet angsty journey. Equal parts fun, flirty and heart achingly beautiful. Cal and Noelle will be swept up in a wintery whirlwind that'll have them both coming out the other side aching for more time and with feelings they never saw coming... and within it all, a family is formed.

Cal Reid is a Rookie for the Atlanta Vipers, fighting inner demons and a lack of confidence on the ice. Off the ice, he's broodingly quiet, an old soul in so many ways. The silent observer, his eyes are a sneak peek into his soul, if you're truly looking. To the outside world, he's grumpy and moody, but inside, he's pure golden retriever magic. He's a caretaker with the sweetest of vulnerabilities just looking for the one to help heal his bruised and battered heart.

Noelle Jenkins is an Event Planner who works with elite athletic organizations. She's feisty and fierce and constantly stuck on go! Afraid of commitment to anyone other than herself, she's a fixer that's afraid to show any sign of weakness or vulnerability. If she stops or slows down for even one moment, she'll think and thinking is dangerous. As is wanting. Wishing. Hoping. All things she keeps deeply buried behind the walls surrounding her guarded heart.

When a freak snow storm sidelines all of Atlanta, Cal & Noelle find themselves in close quarters, waiting out the storm in Cal's high rise. When one night turns into two, tensions run high and heat simmers. As they grow closer together, they share parts of themselves that they've never shared with anyone else. But when the snow melts, will they be strong enough to take a chance on what they both feel could potentially be a chance at forever? Or will old fears and a lack of confidence allow them to walk away without a backwards glance?

Return to Atlanta, GA home of the Atlanta Vipers as this rookie shoots his shot and where two lost, broken souls are looking for healing. For love. For the one who truly sees them and completes everything about them. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll scream for more as these two find their way to forever!
Profile Image for Natiley Holmes.
303 reviews11 followers
November 28, 2025
ARC Review

Holiday Interference takes readers on an unexpected journey that beautifully intertwines the magic of the holiday season with a touch of romance. Eliza Peake crafts a captivating story around two unlikely characters brought together by a snowstorm—Noelle, a meticulous holiday planner, and Cal, a brooding young hockey player.

The tension between Noelle and Cal is palpable from the start. The contrast between Noelle's holiday enthusiasm and Cal’s indifference toward Christmas adds depth and intrigue. Peake expertly portrays the change in their dynamic through shared moments that gradually build intimacy. The writing captures the warmth of connection amidst the cold chaos outside, making every touch and whisper feel significant.

I loved how Cal’s quiet intensity draws Noelle out of her comfort zone, challenging her preconceived notions about men like him. The themes of breaking down barriers and embracing vulnerability are beautifully woven throughout the narrative.

The snowstorm serves as a perfect backdrop, amplifying feelings of isolation and intimacy. This romance offers readers a delightful mix of sweetness and tension, with a satisfying payoff that leaves you craving more.

Holiday Interference is a heartwarming read perfect for anyone seeking a cozy escape this holiday season. Peake’s storytelling will not only warm you up but also bring a smile to your face long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Good Booking Girl.
423 reviews19 followers
November 19, 2025
This holiday novella was an absolute 5 ⭐️ read—soft, steamy, emotional, and the perfect follow-up to Game Misconduct. Stranded in a snowstorm with one bed and one grumpy, quiet hockey player? Yes, please.

Cal may be younger, but his maturity, patience, and old-soul steadiness make him exactly the man she’s been needing. Both characters carry real hurt and disappointment in their pasts, and watching them—slowly, cautiously—let their guards down made the emotional payoff so incredibly satisfying. Their connection is magnetic from the start, the kind of chemistry that feels inevitable no matter how hard they try to resist it.

She loves Christmas; he doesn’t. She plans everything; he keeps everything close to the chest. But trapped together in the glow of holiday lights and a blizzard they can’t outrun, they find something tender, real, and beautifully transformative.

This novella delivers all the cozy holiday vibes—snowed-in tension, one-bed heat, and that swoony, heart-clenching feeling of two people finding comfort where they least expected it. I absolutely loved their story, and Cal Reid has officially earned his spot on my “quiet but devastating” hockey hero list.

A perfect holiday read. I adored it. 🎄❄️🔥

I had the privilege and honour to ALPHA read this book. Thank you so much!
Profile Image for Wendy.
163 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐ The forced proximity and yearning in this book were sweet but the relationship development was missing for me. I love how Cal fell first and hard, but Noelle's interest seemed to just come from nowhere and not be nearly the same level of attachment. The way the characters were written did compliment one another, but I would have preferred to read more of the relationship in real life (like more when he's a player and trying to balance his career) than just the escape weekend.

Quick Synopsis: Being snowed in with the rookie was never Noelle's plan--and she's a master of planning. One night escaping the freak Atlanta snowstorm changes everything and makes Noelle think a different kind of life is possible. Cal has had a thing for Noelle since he first saw her, and he can tell her about his real life and struggles. After a perfect snowstorm relationship, is there anything long-term for them? Work at the Vipers is sure to get in the way...

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Imogen Dior.
926 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2025
I really enjoyed Holiday Interference. Book 1 of this series had me really interested in Cal’s character, he had this magnetic type of energy that made me super excited for his book. It was such a great read. Cal and Noelle had this quiet type of chemistry, quiet connection that was just present, growing as they got closer. The way their relationship progressed was done super well. It was done slow but fast at the same time and i fell in love with both of them. Cal is this steady presence, always there, always watching and waiting for the right time, the right thing to say. Noelle was very similar and very observant but also spoke her mind even when it scared her. I really liked both characters and this story as a whole. I loved seeing the secondary characters and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,837 reviews52 followers
November 18, 2025
Holiday Interference is a quick holiday read. You are going to love this. You meet Cal in book 1 and see little glimpses of who he is. You finally get to know the quiet rookie of the Atlanta Vipers. He has this quiet yet thoughtful nature about him. Your heart goes out to him when he does open up. Noelle is an event planner faced with weather derailing her holiday event for the Vipers. You feel the slow build chemistry between Noelle and Cal as the city is snowed in and they face a few days together in Cal's apartment. I love how the walls slowly fall for the both of them. You feel the falling and the connection between them. This holiday read gives you emotions and spice with everything so nice. I could not put this down. I cannot wait for more Atlanta Vipers to come. Go one click this today.
Profile Image for Samantha Carol-Ann.
78 reviews
November 25, 2025
Love. Love. Love this book.

Holiday Interference is a spicy, Christmas novella set in the Atlanta Vipers world.

It focuses on our main characters Noelle and Cal.

Novella is an event planner who can anticipate a problem before it even happens. She is always prepared, she is the type that never leaves the house without a backup plan.

Cal is the rookie on the Atlanta Vipers team. With a broody look on his face and quiet. While he doesn't say much, he hears everything and that includes what isn't said.

What happens when a snow storm hits Atlanta harder than anyone anticipated? The event is shut down and Noelle finds herself unable to get home. Cal offers to let her stay at his place with him until the storm let's up.

Nothing bad can come of one weekend right?

What to expect:

❄️Snowed in
🏒Hockey
🎄She loves Christmas/he hates it
❤️Reverse age gap
🎁Holiday chaos
Profile Image for Diana.
248 reviews30 followers
November 19, 2025
this was such a enjoyable, quick holiday novella. i was really intrigued by cal in the first book so i was so excited to get to know him more. i also really liked noelle and how caring she was. i love the showed in together trope because of all the tension, and let me tell you, this novella had all the tension.

even though this was a short novella the story did not feel rushed at all. i do wish we got a few more chapters with everyone in it, but i did enjoy the last few chapters were we got to see the team and get an idea who the next book will be about!

i am so excited to keep reading this series as it comes out. these characters feel like my friends now! thank you so much for the arc!
2,934 reviews30 followers
November 25, 2025
4.25 stars. This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, forced proximity, Christmas, contemporary sports romance between Noelle, the female event planner lead, and Cal, the male professional hockey player lead. I enjoyed the depths of emotions the characters reached, individually and as a couple. I appreciated Cal leaving Noelle space to make her own choices. I enjoyed Noelle’s growing appreciation of Cal’s quiet demonstrations of care. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes that contrasted the intensely emotional moments. I enjoyed the joyfully happy ending and the set up for the next story.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,514 reviews131 followers
November 27, 2025
Holiday Interference is rookie hockey player Cal Reid and event planner Noelle Jenkins age gap,entertaining and engaging story. It’s a magical, holiday read that I quickly became invested in.
Cal is a rookie for the Atlanta Vipers and is struggling with inner demons and confidence. Everyone sees him as grumpy and moody but deep down there is kind hearted soul who just needs help to heal his heart.
Noelle is the planner who comes across as independent, feisty and strong but she is hiding her own vulnerabilities……
So will there be a Christmas miracle to bring these two together and bring out the best in both of them.
I loved this magical, heartwarming read. I fell hard and fast for the characters and once I started there was no putting down.
Profile Image for Corinne Akers.
1,148 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2025
Holiday Interference

Noelle is a no nonsense, business oriented, get things done, in charge kind of girl. Cal is a rooky hockey player. They only interact at parties or events where they are there together. When a snowstorm shuts down the city of Atlanta, they end up in his apartment, secluded for the weekend until cell service and the world are accessible again. After bonding for three days together, what happens when they get back into the real world. Both of them have insecurities in our vulnerable. Will their explosive weekend together be enough to keep them together afterwards? I absolutely loved reading this book, and now that I know it’s part of a series. I might have to go and read the other books in it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,078 reviews207 followers
November 18, 2025
We were introduced to the Atlanta Vipers professional hockey team in the previous romance, Game Misconduct. It was so well done that I easily fell for this tough group of guys and need more. And now we get Cal's book, and I couldn’t get enough.

With plenty of banter, snow and steam, this is a short read that's perfect for when you want a brief interlude from the holiday busyness. You’ll then want to catch up with Maddox and Sloane's romance after reading this one so you’ll be ready for what comes next in the Viper world.

Profile Image for Miranda.
27 reviews6 followers
November 26, 2025
Book 2 of the Vipers Series!

I AM HOOKED!! This is one of my top 5 favorite series so far!

Cal and Noelle’s relationship was so soft and welcoming! I loved every minute of this book even though it wasn’t as spicy as the first book! But the love is still there and I just couldn’t have been happier to read book 2 as an arc!

Hopefully I get to read book 3 as an arc as well! I’m so excited to read Finn’s book!
106 reviews11 followers
November 26, 2025
Holiday Interference is a steamy, tension filled romance that kept me hooked from start to finish!

Cal’s quiet and brooding intensity contrasts perfectly with Noelle’s fiery but guarded energy and makes every interaction electric. I love a snowed in romance and the spice in this was EXCELLENT!

Flirty, angsty, and utterly addictive, this one left me wanting more.

Thank you for the ARC, all opinions are my own!
1,835 reviews49 followers
November 29, 2025
This is a fun holiday novella. - Cal’s story..the quiet one. He comes across as tough and grumpy but deep down he is a kind and caring man.

Noelle has energy for days! She doesn’t know how to slow down…but is forced to when a snow storm hits.

These two are forced together, share secrets and fears and become very close. They have great empathy, chemistry and happen to meet each other at the perfect time.

A sweet holiday romance with all the feels.
Profile Image for Sam.
100 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2025
This novella continues the Atlanta Vipers series, it digs into Cal’s story.


I loved the comfort the two found with each other; and how their love grew in the quiet places of understanding they had. Words weren’t always needed, and isnt that just what love is? Knowing and understanding a person and their needs, and wanting to provide that for them?

Heat? Slow-burn, until they finally couldn’t take it anymore. 🔥


Eliza Peake did it again, another fantastic hockey romance.
883 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2025
Holiday Interference

There is no other way to describe this other than a slow burn.
It’s not very long but packs a punch.
Noelle is an event planner and when snow starts raining down she gets everyone out before roads close.
As the last out she is surprised to find Cal waiting. His place is close so he takes her home to wait out the snow.
Their relationship ignites slowly as they delve into secret truths.
This is written with such feeling. A great author has arrived.
Profile Image for K Webz.
1,892 reviews
November 17, 2025
Holiday Interference is the perfect book to curl up with! Cal and Noelle have this perfect slow burn romance that just simmers as these two end up stranded together. Cal has this quiet strength to him and Noelle, she is delightful. I love the banter between these two, it is sweet and fun. Cal has had a crush on Noelle since the moment he met her, the chemistry is undeniable between these two.
Profile Image for Sandy Williams.
70 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2025
Eh

An ok hockey romance...it was my first time reading this genre and I don't know...it may just not by my thing...but it just felt like all get the girl and barely any hockey...will try at least one more book from this author but maybe the genre or writing style just isn't my cup of tea
Profile Image for Karen.
57 reviews
November 25, 2025
Noelle and Cal are so cute! She is a peppy event planner and he’s a grumpy hockey player. When they are stranded together for days they fight their attraction but… when they come together again they can’t deny it any more,

Such a great read and we reconnect with some familiar faces.
698 reviews
November 26, 2025
I really enjoyed Cal and Noelle. There's not much more steamy than being trapped together in a snow storm!

This was a great ready and kept me very engaged. I found the 1st book to be more addictive but I was still hooked!
16 reviews
November 27, 2025
This was so cute! I loved every minute of this!

He plays hockey. She plans events.
He’s quiet and broody. She can’t sit still.

🎁 Forced Proximity
🎄 One Bed Trope
🎁 Snowed In

This was definitely a sweet and cozy holiday read!

4/5 ⭐️’s
1.5/4 🌶️’s
128 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2025
Holiday Celebration

Holiday Interference written by Eliza Peake is one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. The characters are so real and the plot creates an intense mood throughout the whole story. Be sure to read this intriguing novel!
Profile Image for Kali Jean.
362 reviews
December 25, 2025
This book is a novella but it almost feels like it’s written as a poem. The story unfolds in a detailed slow motion that provides a depth to “insta love” we don’t normally get & makes it quite nice, especially for a delicious Christmas novella
4,823 reviews9 followers
December 29, 2025
okay read

An okay Christmas read that involves older woman and younger guy, although wasn’t sure about the age gap. He’s quiet but an old soul on young shoulders. No angst just a slow burn relationship that’s an okay read.
241 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2025
Cal and Noelle's novella was super cute. If you like one-bed, holiday, hockey romances, this is for you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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