Being stuck with a hot stranger was not on her holiday to-do list.
Neither was catching feelings.
All Amira wanted was to escape.
After a painful breakup that left her questioning everything—her culture, her boundaries, her sense of self—she’s sworn off men with too much money and charm to spare.
Unfortunately, life didn’t get the memo.
Desperate for a reset, Amira jumps at a last-minute job in Nantucket, hoping a change of scenery will bring peace. However, a snowstorm traps her in Seattle right before the holidays.
While waiting to rebook her flight, Amira comes face to… chest, with the tallest, and most obscenely handsome man she’s ever seen.
Henson Miller is one-half of Seattle’s richest brother moguls. A dominant, golden-retriever billionaire with a filthy mouth and a surprisingly tender heart.
Henson is used to women wanting his money, his name, or both. But Amira wants none of it. She’s fiery, guarded, and totally unimpressed by his empire. He wants her. But he doesn’t do attachments.
With the city shut down and only one hotel suite left, they’reforced to share a room.
One night. No expectations.
What started as a mistake encounter soon turns into a holiday neither of them can shake—and a connection that refuses to stay casual.
She swore she wouldn’t lose herself in another relationship.
He promised no strings attached.
But neither of them is prepared for what happens when fate gets involved.
Nouha Jullienne is a BIPOC, Canadian romance author crafting steamy, emotionally layered love stories, ranging from dark romance with morally grey antiheroes to contemporary slow burns. Since 2022, she’s published seven novels (with more on the way) about high-heat romance about powerful men and the women who won’t be tamed.
By day she works as a conference administrator; by night she crafts happily-ever-afters. A political science graduate, she traded dissertations for swoony chapters and never looked back. She lives in Canada’s capital with her husband and two daughters, and when she isn’t writing, she’s reading, storyboarding, or watching the next binge-worthy TV show.
Thank you to Nouha Jullienne for access to this ARC read.
After a breakup that left her questioning her identity and her boundaries, Amira swears off charming, wealthy men and heads to a new job in Nantucket for a fresh start until a Seattle snowstorm strands her and forces her to share the last available hotel suite with Henson Miller, a gorgeous billionaire who’s stunned by her refusal to be impressed by him. What’s supposed to be one night with no strings quickly becomes a magnetic connection neither of them can shake, challenging her vow to protect herself and his commitment to staying unattached as fate throws them together in ways neither expected.
If you like Hallmark movies then you will definitely love this book. It is a bit of insta love but the attraction is well done and plotted. It does take place around Christmas but that is not the primary focus. It does a good job at balancing spice with heartfelt moments.
The banter between Amira and Henson were well done. I’m not normally a huge fan of insta love but I like the way in which this was done. Henson is definitely a golden retriever, it was cute seeing Amira adjust to his personality. She was a bit more guarded (for good reasons) but I love seeing her learn that she deserves love.
This book was so fun, seductive and straight up ADDICTING. Am I an insta love girl now? Or am I just obsessed with the MMC? Honestly I think both.
I was so giddy reading this I could barely handle myself. Henson was the perfect gentleman...until he absolutely was not. 😏 And Amira? A heart of gold beauty, who just needs someone to love her, exactly as she is. Not only was Henson a literal dream, he really bared it all with Amira. His honesty and vulnerability was so real. These two together? They are perfection. Literal perfection.
The tension? Off the charts. The heat? Melt a snowman, level. Their banter and wit made my cheeks hurt from grinning so much. And don't even get me starrrrtted on the bonus epilogue. It was such a tease. But, um, yes.... devoured every delicious second of it.
And the chapter titles??? "Say you're mine." I MELTED. They were almost as entertaining as the story itself, and I LOVED them. I swooned. I blushed. I simply cant get enough of this story. If you want a fast paced, fun, spicy holiday novella that's not overly christmasy, THIS is the one. I promise you won't regret it.
Alsoooo, this was the first book I've read from the author, and I immediately want more. Her writing style is so effortless and real. I'm not joking when I said this book was addictive. It's not an option..! HAVE to read more of her books, and I'm so impatient for the next
Holiday romance One night stand Stuck together He falls first Billionaire Dual POV - 1st person POV
Duet narration - Sebastian York & Samantha Leatherman Wow! These two are fantastic. Sebastian with the slightest New York accent was delicious!
Henson is flying home for the holidays when his flight gets cancelled. He is frustrated and feeling impatient when the beautiful tiny Amira in a Christmas sweater steps up in line behind him. Henson is intrigued by her.
Amira is also on the canceled flight and needs to get herself rebooked. Upon finding out there are no flights until the next day after Henson and Amira have chatted some he offers her a hotel room.
Through conversations and forced proximity being stuck together for the night leads to only for tonight.
I feel in deep love with these characters. I absolutely loved the story. I found it funny, heartwarming, and 100% enjoyable. I highly recommend this one being added to your holiday TBR
As a bit of a Grinch myself, I love this read. It does take place over the holidays, but could honestly be read at any time. Take it from me, a person who does not celebrate Christmas until after Thanksgiving.
Henson doesn't love the holidays, and has an issue with crowds, whether they are his family or in his billionaire world. He has been used and doesn't want any relationships where there are strings attached. Amira is outgoing, but has been isolated from her true self. Hiding her personality for others. At first they both sense that the other won't understand their world's, but quickly learn they are more meant for each other than they realize.
It's fast paced, steamy, and cute. A perfect winter read.
“You can’t discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” This is now my 2nd Nouha’s book I’ve read & she definitely knows how to write emotion, but not over do it & spice! This takes place in New England. It gives spicyyyy Hallmark vibes🎄🤭 The fmc is an event coordinator & mmc is of course a billionaire. She’s chosen to help coordinate a New Year’s party at his family’s home & you can kinda guess what happens from there. It’s pretty heavy on the “insta love” but with it being a novella, I expected that. It’s an easy quick festive read, highly recommend!
Thank you so much Nouha Jullienne for another amazing ARC🎄❤️
I kinda like a billionaire romance where it’s there but it’s not really a thing. What I didn’t really like was that this is a takes place during the holidays story and not a holiday centered story. I did very much enjoy the dirty talk, and I actually good have done with my baby/little girl and less Temptress. Overall it’s a solid read and the introduction to Jullienne’s work I was looking for. I think I’m really gonna like her darker stuff. Also I would have loooved more time with Amira’s culture that’s always the best part for me when reading and (non BWWM) IR!
Loved this for a quick and spicy holiday read and very heavy on the insta lust/love! When Henson & Amira’s flight ends up being cancelled, they both are scrambling to figure out a new plan to get to Nantucket. And despite just meeting at the airport, Henson doesn’t hesitate to step in and help her….which leads to a pretty steamy one night stand. And then when their worlds collide again in Nantucket, it’s just a matter of time before they stop trying to fight their chemistry!
Read if you enjoy: ❄️holiday novella ❄️one night stand ❄️billionaire mmc ❄️strangers to lovers ❄️he falls first
Thank you to Nouha Jullienne for letting me read/review an ARC in exchange for honest opinions!
This book is such a cute holiday one night stand, billionaire romance! It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spicy heartfelt, witty, and just the right amount of cozy. Even though it takes place over Christmas, it’s not super holiday heavy, which makes it a perfect read any time of year.
I absolutely loved Amira and Henson. Their chemistry was instant and addictive, and the writing style pulled me in from the very first page. It’s a predictable story in all the best ways. It's the kind that feels like a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, and a little spark all rolled into one.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel good romance with heart, heat, and holiday vibes, this one’s a must read.
No Strings Attached by Nouha Jullienne - Story - 4 stars Audiobook - 5 stars
Two people end up stuck in a snowstorm and have to share a hotel room. They promise each other just one night, but it turns into something more than they expected.
Sean Masters voices Henson Miller, one half of Seattle's most successful moguls. He has that big, golden retriever energy and a delightfully dirty mouth. Sean always nails that perfect, growly book boyfriend vibe, and I loved the little hint of a New York accent which was absolutely delicious.
Samantha Leatherman brings Amira to life, a woman who swears off men after a tough breakup and focuses on her new job in Nantucket. That is, until a snowstorm hits Seattle and she meets the charming Henson. This was my first time listening to Samantha Leatherman, and I'm now a big fan. She captured Amira's inner struggle to let another man in so beautifully.
This was an incredibly charming and heartwarming listen for the holiday season with some great banter and delicious smut. It was rather insta-love which I am not a huge fan of but I do think it worked perfectly for this short holiday read.
“Maybe I’m trying to remember who I was before I stopped being me.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
“For a second, I’m not a man unraveling in a crowd. I’m just a boy on my hometown beach with sand between his toes and the sun on his back”
“I think when you spend a long time making yourself small for someone else, you forget how to take up space”
Where do I start? Cozy meets winter hallmark movie!! It was everything and more! Falling into each other and travel back home for Hensen Miller is infatuated with the Amira for who she is, and her not treating him a money grab. Amira says yes to know Henson more, and rest is a Christmas miracle!
Troupes: He falls first One bed Novella Winter romance Meet Cute
I loveddddd this super spicy holiday novella!!! The banter between Amira and Henson was great and I loved their individual growth. The novella has predictable but I still loved everything about it! 10/10 would recommend!
❤️Dual POV ❤️Billionaire ❤️One Night Stand ❤️Strangers to Lovers ❤️Spicy/Open Door
Thank you so much Nouha Jullienne for the digital ARC!! And you better believe I will be reading the next one! 😍
First off, I'm in love with this cover. This was a cute novella...until the epilogue. I've never been so mad at an epilogue before. If just one thing had been left out, I'd have been much happier. I just didn't feel like that situation added anything to the story. I will say, that bonus epilogue was pretty nice though.
This was such an enjoyable listen! The narrators really brought it to life. I loved the instant connection between the two MCs and I thought it was really cute how fate had a way of intervening when they least expected it to. The banter was adorable and their flirtatious comments had me blushing! Definitely a good book to get lost in for the holiday season. Sweet, funny, and a dash of spice
What can I say about this book… It was just the right amount of holiday spirits and completed with the level of spice that I love. The romance is so captivating that I finished it in a day only since I couldn’t put it down. The last page of the book is cruel Nouha.. Can’t wait to read book 2!
Devoured this and fell in love with this author! ❄️✨ Sweet & spicy, stuck together in one hotel room, one-night stand, and he falls first… say less. Add this to your winter TBR!
No Strings Attached was a fun and heart-warming read with just enough emotional depth to make it feel truly satisfying—exactly the kind of book you want to curl up with during the winter or an extended holiday break. What immediately drew me in were the tropes and the romantic tension layered with that billionaire flair (which we absolutely love). The writing is consistent throughout, and the story moves at an easy, enjoyable pace.
I also appreciated how thoughtfully crafted the characters were. As someone who doesn’t naturally gravitate toward Christmas, it felt refreshing to see the male lead share that same sentiment. It made his arc feel relatable to me and added a nice twist to the holiday setting. Overall, this was a charming, cozy romance that delivers on sweetness, warmth, and escapism.
Some of the tropes featured: ☃️holiday novella ☃️billionaire MMC ☃️strangers to lovers ☃️he falls first
Thank you to Nouha Jullienne for letting me read & review an ARC in exchange for honest opinions💛
No Strings Attached by Nouha Jullienne is the perfect holiday novella to read if you love insta-lust, one nights stands, second chance reconnection, spice, and holiday charm.
"You can't discover new oceans unless you have the strength to lose sight of the shore"
When Henson and Amira's flight to Nantucket is cancelled, Henson is struggling with the loud, large crowd. Amira unknowingly helps him, so he returns the favor by purchasing her ticket on the flight the next morning and inviting her to stay in his suite, which just so happens to be the last room available. The lingering energy of their instant connection leads to a spicy night. After landing, they both go their separate ways feeling like they each lost something. Later, due to fate they reconnect in an unexpected way. Amira is planning the huge New Year's Eve party for Henson's mom. And well let's just say everything is easier said than done. Add this quick holiday novella to your TBR!
I was able to read an advanced copy prior to release and I was honored to be selected by Nouha Julienne, so a huge thanks! I couldn't be more appreciative because I genuinely enjoyed this novella. From the very first chapter, it pulled me right in and held my attention. The writing flowed effortlessly, it had that perfect balance of emotion, banter, and tension that makes it impossible to put down. Every scene felt intentional, and the pacing was spot-on.
The chemistry between the main characters? Electric. You could feel it throughout their interaction, lingering and longing glances, and their constant banter and dialogue. I loved how their connection built naturally, nothing felt rushed or overdone. And the spice was steamy in all the best ways while still fitting perfectly with the story. It added to their relationship, rather than taking away from it. Both characters were written with such depth that you feel like you actually know them. You get to see their vulnerabilities, fears, and growth, and it made their relationship feel so real. I loved watching them both open up and let their walls down.
This book had everything I love in a romance; from the banter, emotional moments, character development, and the character chemistry that feels genuine and not forced.
If you love forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine energy, and a no-strings-attached deal that turns into something more, then No Strings Attached is one you won't want to miss!
This snowed-in, forced proximity romance had me hooked from the first page.
Amira is such a refreshing heroine — guarded, strong, and emotionally layered. Her internal struggle with identity, culture, and self-worth gives real depth to what could’ve just been a fun holiday fling story. You really feel her heartbreak, her hesitation, and the way she fights not to fall… which only makes it more satisfying when she does.
Henson Miller is the perfect mix of billionaire fantasy and emotional vulnerability. Yes, he’s rich, dominant, and completely obsessed with her — but what makes him stand out is his tenderness. His patience with Amira’s walls and his slow realization that he wants more than just “no strings” adds so much heart to their dynamic.
The forced proximity during a Seattle snowstorm, the one-bed hotel trope, the sexual tension that crackles through every scene — it’s all done so well without feeling cliché. The chemistry is scorching, but it never overshadows their emotional growth.
This is more than just a holiday romance. It’s about learning to trust again. About choosing love even when you’re scared of losing yourself.
If you love: • Forced proximity • Billionaire romance • Grumpy x fiery FMC • Holiday snowed-in tension • Emotional + spicy balance
…this one will absolutely deliver.
Samantha Letherwood delivers a raw, emotionally layered performance as Amira. You feel every ounce of her heartbreak, her hesitation, and her slow, terrifying surrender to something real. Her voice captures Amira’s strength and vulnerability so beautifully that you’re completely locked into her head and heart from the very first chapter.
And then there’s Sebastian York as Henson Miller… perfection.
Sebastian brings that deep, commanding, smooth-as-velvet energy that Henson needs. He makes him confident without being cold, dominant without crossing into unlikable, and unexpectedly tender in the quiet moments. The way his voice softens around Amira? Melt.
Together, their narration creates electric chemistry. The tension, the banter, the stolen moments in that snowed-in hotel room — all of it feels more intense, more intimate, more real. The spicy scenes shimmer, but it’s the emotional beats that truly hit hardest.
What I loved most is how their performances balance the story’s two sides: Amira’s fear of losing herself. Henson’s fear of wanting too much.
clearly it’s been too long since I stuck my head into a nouha book because OH MY FCKKKKKKKK
the feelings you get reading her words?!! from the chapter names to the descriptions to the anxiety her characters carry {and you feel so deeply} to the tears that always find their way the endless smirks and giggles to the kicking feet and the one handed smut that leaves you panting
𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩? 🌲 they get stuck in a snow storm together ✨ “𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑” x “𝓌ℯ 𝒸𝒶𝓃’𝓉, 𝓎ℴ𝓊’𝓇ℯ 𝒶 𝒸𝓁𝒾ℯ𝓃𝓉” 🌲 he falls first {and hard} ✨ possessive + he calls her ‘temptress’ 🌲 she’s lebanese ✨ healing from heartbreak {together}
“that’s what you get for acting like I was just a 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆. 𝒶𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝒸ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓊𝓈ℯ 𝓂ℯ 𝒻ℴ𝓇 ℴ𝓃ℯ 𝓃𝒾ℊ𝒽𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓀 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝓀ℯ 𝒾𝓉 𝓂ℯ𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓃ℴ𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃ℊ.” 🌲
what a yummy, sweet (yet hot & spicy) treat this one was! It is everything I needed from a Christmas novel!
📖 - After a rough heartbreak, Amira heads out of town hoping for a reset, but gets stranded in Seattle during a snowstorm instead. Forced to share a hotel suite with Henson Miller, a guarded billionaire, she agrees to one night with no strings attached. But the chemistry they try to ignore turns into something neither of them can brush off, and suddenly “no feelings” becomes the hardest rule to keep.
✨️ - This was so damn sweet! The entire time I was reading, I could practically feel the snow falling on my face and it felt ❄️ amazing ❄️. All I wanted was to crawl under a blanket with hot cocoa and gingerbread, and I was SERIOUSLY holding myself back from putting up my Christmas tree already 👀. The writing was fast-paced in the best possible way; the kind where you don’t even realize you’ve been smiling until you catch yourself nodding along while highlighting a quote 🤭. And Henny. The mouth on that man. YES PLEASE. 🙂↕️ But honestly, what I loved most about him was the way he spoke openly about his anxiety, and how thoughtfully it was written. Even though the plot leaned into the romanticized and not-always-realistic (exactly what this kind of book should be!), his vulnerability felt like an anchor of truth running through the whole story. And then there’s our lil Mira. I adored her! Feisty, driven, and loyal - both to others and to herself. The way her Arabic culture was woven in was 👩🍳💋, and I loved that her language made its way into the narrative too. Overall, 𝐍𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 is sweet, romantic, cosy, warm, hella spicy, and just plain fun. No big plot, and honestly? That was exactly what I needed.
💚A big big big big big thank youuuuu to Nouha for this ARC !!!💚
Quick, fun, and deliciously spicy — this book was like sipping hot cocoa with a splash of Bailey’s, no Tequila because it has a warm burn as you are taking it in. This story gives you Christmas vibes without beating you over the head with candy canes and carols. So yes, you can totally read it in July while sweating through your shorts. Cute banter, surprisingly heartfelt and so steamy it may fog up your Kindle. A story about finding love when you’ve sworn it off, learning to trust again, and realizing that sometimes the universe has better plans than your to-do list. She, wanted to escape. Her ex. Her feelings of constant doubt. Doubting her-self, her life (same girl, same). Instead, cue Mr. six-foot-something, tailored suit, with golden retriever energy and a jawline that probably has its own fan club. He, self-made billionaire, owner of both a construction empire and probably several sets of abs is trying to get home with his family for the holidays. Anxiety starts and then there she is, the most stunning-albeit and shortest-women he has ever seen. Big, round, hazel eyes with beautiful lashes and captivating dark gaze. They, trapped together for the night. One snow storm. One bed. (just kidding, ugh two). One, not so bad idea that turns into the best mistake of their lives. Cue the sexual tension so thick it needs a snowplow. He isn’t used to women saying no... and her “absolutely not” hits him hard. This is a spicy rom-com that keeps you warm while reading (and after), makes you chuckle, feel the feels and believe in fate (and hotel suite upgrades). Looking forward to their journey (and their spice) in book 2. Nouha Jullienne
Being stuck in Seattle during a snowstorm was NOT part of Amira’s plan… but apparently fate had a much hotter idea in mind. One cancelled flight, one hotel suite, and one ridiculously gorgeous billionaire later… things get very steamy, very fast. And what should’ve been a quick “we’ll never see each other again” moment turns into the kind of holiday connection neither of them can shake.
This novella had me hooked from the very first chapter. It’s quick, spicy, addictive, and genuinely so warm in that holiday-romance way that just hits the spot. I loved the banter, I loved the tension, and I loved watching these two fight their chemistry even though they were basically done for the moment they met.
Henson?? My whole heart. A dominant golden-retriever billionaire with a filthy mouth and the softest center — I was blushing and giggling like an idiot 😭 He’s anxious, honest, protective, and just sees Amira in a way that made me melt on the spot. And Amira? Absolutely queen behavior. She’s guarded, fiery, and healing from a breakup that shook her sense of self but she’s also compassionate, intuitive, and so easy to root for.
The writing flows effortlessly. The chemistry is insane. The forced proximity is elite. And the emotional beats land just as well as the spice (which… yeah… very hot 🔥). For a novella, it packs so much heart and depth without ever feeling rushed.
I didn’t want it to end and I genuinely can’t wait to go read the bonus epilogue.
✨ No Strings Attached is out and already available on KU. Huge thank you to @novelswithnouha for this gifted ARC 🧡
Recommend if you love: ❄️ Holiday romances 💋 One bed + forced proximity 🏦 Billionaire MMCs with soft hearts 🔥 Instant chemistry + open-door spice 💫 Quick, warm, addictive reads
Format: 🎧 Audiobook 🎧 (ALC) Performed by: Samantha Leatherwood and Sebastian York Style: duet Production: Blue Nose Audio
The combination of Jullienne, Leatherwood and York is what makes this WORK. Seriously. It's the perfect combination of fun, addictive, amazing writing and two perfectly cast narrators who truly push each and every emotion into their performances - I couldn't get enough, I already want more bonus content on top of the bonus content we've been blessed with, and I'm ready to follow this author ongoing!
This is definitely what feels like a spicy Hallmark movie in an audiobook form, and just the thing to get you into the holiday season. I love how complex the characters are, despite this only being just over four hours long - Amira and Henson are real, well-developed characters who I just wanted to know so much more about.
This is two souls finding each other to be able to heal from different forms of pain - and their story is filled with banter, laughter, romance and some incredibly delicious spice - what can I say, SebYo had me blushing at some points.
I absolutely LOVED the cultural representation in Amira, and the mental health rep in Henson. I think those aspects of both characters just made this... more. No other way to put it. And we all know I'm always a sucker for a good "he falls first" story - even better when he's a billionaire at Christmas.
As I said, Leatherwood and York were perfectly cast for this. Leatherwood is new to me, but I absolutely loved the energy and emotion she brought to Amira - and could listen to her all day. She's embodied Amira perfectly, giving true nuance to her performance. York performing as a grump who goes soft when he falls for his girl - perfection, always. His gruffness and the deepness to his voice brought Henson to life, and I loved that as Henson softened for Amira, you could hear the change in York's acting. Again, phenomenal casting for a fantastically written novella.
A cozy, spicy listen that is perfect for the holiday season, and has definitely put the author on my list!
Thank you to the author and @bluenoseaudio for the ALC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
No Strings Attached by @novelswithnouha "You can't discover new oceans unless you have the strength to lose sight of the shore" First off, a huge thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read No Strings Attached early! I genuinely loved this novella. From the very first chapter, it pulled me right in and didn't let go. The writing flowed so effortlessly, it had that perfect balance of emotion, banter, and tension that makes it impossible to put down. Every scene felt intentional, and the pacing was spot-on. The chemistry between the main characters? Absolutely electric. You could feel it in every interaction, every lingering glance, every line of dialogue. I loved how their connection built naturally, nothing felt rushed or overdone. And the spice... wow. It was steamy in all the best ways while still fitting perfectly with the story. It added to their relationship, rather than taking away from it. Both characters were written with such depth. You get to see their vulnerabilities, fears, and growth, and it made their relationship feel so real. I loved watching them both open up and let their walls down bit by bit, it gave the story so much heart. This book had everything I love in a romance! great banter, emotional moments, character development, and the kind of chemistry that makes you want to scream into a pillow. If you love forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine energy, and a no-strings-attached deal that turns into something so much more, No Strings Attached is one you won't want to miss! Trust me, you'll want this one queued up and ready to binge.
This was such a cute, festive, fast-paced, and deliciously steamy little holiday novella. We follow Amira, who finds herself stuck at the airport with the grumpiest of grumps, Henson… a wealthy billionaire with zero patience and a surprising soft spot for one very charming stranger.
Even though she insists he doesn’t owe her anything, he books them both a first-class flight out the next morning… and from the minute they meet, you can feel him falling first, falling hard, and trying very badly to hide it. One night together in a penthouse suite turns into a plan to go their separate ways, clean break, no strings, no complications. Except of course, it never works out that neatly.
The next time they cross paths, Amira is knocking on his parents’ front door as the decorator for their massive New Year’s Eve party. And once these two are in the same room again? Yeah… resisting each other is no longer an option. The chemistry, the tension, the soft little moments where he tries so hard to show her he cares it all builds into this steamy, sexy, he-falls-first holiday atmosphere that I absolutely loved. There is a bit of drama, but Henson does not let her slip away a second time.
And the audiobook? Absolute perfection. Sebastian York embodies the grumpy billionaire energy flawlessly that deep, intentional tone fits Henson so well. And Samantha Leatherwood, who was new to me, completely won me over. Her performance was emotional, expressive, and brought Amira’s heart and hesitancy to life in such a real way.
Overall, it was an adorable, spicy holiday listen that hit exactly the way a novella should. Cozy, sexy, and full of festive charm.
Okay, this book seriously feels like being wrapped in a warm hug. Nouha did such an amazing job getting me in the holiday spirit .And can we talk about the character names?? Henson and Amira?? So original and adorable, I can’t handle it.
The story opens with a meet-cute at the airport that immediately pulls you in. Henson, a billionaire struggling with anxiety, meets Amira, a vibrant and compassionate party planner. Their chemistry is undeniable, and what follows is a one-night stand that both think will fade into memory-until fate (and a holiday party!) brings them crashing back together. When Amira turns out to be the planner for Henson's mom's big event, the surprise reunion is both awkward and magical in the best way.
This book is like a Hallmark Christmas movie but with spice 🔥 and so much heart. The way Amira helps Henson through his anxiety just melted me. If you’re not feeling the holiday spirit yet, trust me — this story will fix that real quick.
“Guess I’ll have to work on being more prince, less villain."
"She’s fire and restraint wrapped in a package that tests every ounce of my discipline."
“You like being ruined by me.”
“I’m not done with you yet, Temptress.”
“Use your words, or I’ll keep going until you forget how.”
"I went from wanting no strings attached to begging a woman to not walk away from me."
“You can’t discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
This was such a fun, quick, spicy holiday read and the audiobook narrators brought Hen and Amira to life perfectly!
THOUGHTS 💭 🎄Hen and Amira’s meet-cute was perfect spicy Hallmark movie material - they meet in the airport customer service line after their flights to Nantucket for the holidays were cancelled. 🎄We got to know our characters as they got to know each other; inner-monologues and dinner chats had me falling as hard and fast for our MCs as they did for each other. 🎄Hen is next-level wealthy, but comes from humble roots. He’s been burned before by a woman who just wanted his money and is protective of his heart. I love that he can’t help but fall for Amira. 🎄 Amira was recovering from a broken heart; I really liked her character and found her to be a capable FMC that was unimpressed with all the things Hen was used to being wanted for (mainly his money and his notoriety). 🎄There is great spice and a quick slide into love that I couldn’t get enough of! I’m so thrilled that this novella is the start of a new series by Nouha! 🎧 I’m such a sucker for duet narration. I think it really brings the story to life and keeps me engaged with the story! 🎧 Sebastian York is one of my favorite audiobook narrators. When I saw he was narrating a Nouha Jullienne book? I knew it would be a perfect combo of Nouha’s words and Sebastian’s wonderfully deep voice.
Thanks so much to Nouha Jullienne and Blue Nose Audio for the ALC of this book!
Overall, a very good read. Nouha toyed with my emotions and threw a few lines in that utterly destroyed me. As an author, she was phenomenal at capturing raw post break up feelings. I had to stop after various scenes hit like a gut punch. There is vulnerability in growing after you’ve shrunk yourself to meet someone else’s perception of you and this was portrayed in both Amira and Hen.
The story line progressed as almost a dual slow burn / fast paced explosion. There was a tender push and pull between main characters that culminated in a beautiful love story where, in my opinion, neither character had to compromise as their partner was willing to accept flaw and all.
My only real “meh” was in the beginning the emphasis on how small Amira is, realistically to me it seemed more so as short girl, tall boy but at times it felt over played. I also probably would have preferred to have the major two end conflicts with ex’s sooner in the storyline with more in depth resolution but as a novella I can see why they were placed there for brevity sake.
I definitely will be on the look out for more ARCs as well as dive into the authors current body of works. Nouha definitely earned a place in my heart with this story and a new reader.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m convinced Nouha Jullienne mixes some kind of literary crack into her books because how else do I explain the fact that I inhaled No Strings Attached in two hours flat and came out grinning like an idiot? Honestly, why am I even surprised at this point? It’s Nouha. Of course I adored every single second.
Amira? Absolute queen behavior. Henson? My newest hyperfixation and also my latest problem. I opened this book expecting a cute little holiday escape, and suddenly I’m on the metaphorical airport floor, staring up at a giant, gorgeous, dominant billionaire with a filthy mouth and a soft heart, wondering how my life went so wrong yet so right.
This book made me laugh, melt, blush, and raise my eyebrows so much I’m pretty sure I got a mini workout. The chemistry? Off the charts. The banter? Elite. The forced one-bed situation? Nouha knew exactly what she was doing and I thank her for her service.
And now I’m destroyed because I need book two. Not tomorrow. Not next week. I need it yesterday.
If you want a fast, addictive, warm-and-spicy holiday read that will consume your brain and leave you staring at the wall afterward wondering why your life doesn’t include random encounters with dominant billionaire moguls… this is the one.
Nouha, girl. Stop surprising me with how much you surprise me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 📚 Book #1 in the "Blue Collar Billionaires: Seattle" series 🗣️ Dual POV 🖤 M/F ❄️ Holiday Read
I mean, where do I start? If I see Nouha has written it, im all in! I have literally not read a book by her that I havent liked, so when i saw spicy, holiday novella...I was SOLD!
Lemme say that this did not disappoint. If you are looking for a quick, spicy, holiday read then this is absolutely the book for you and I will stake my life on it. Please do note though, that if "insta-love" isnt your thing, then maybe skip this one as it leans heavily towards that trope. Its not usually my thing, but this one is super well done, and it just feels right.
I think I just connect with Amria cause honestly the holidays are a pita [for me at least] and he lack of Holiday spirit just connected for me. The banter is top notch between her and Henson, and honestly you just immediately feel their connection and are rooting for them. I cannot wait to read their second book, and truly will be devouring it as soon as I get it!
Give this book, and Nouha a shot...I have a feeling you might find your new one-click.
Tropes: ❄️ Holiday Novella 🖤 One Night Stand ❄️ Forced Proximity 🖤 Small Town ❄️ He Falls First 🖤 Only One Bed ❄️ Billionaire MMC 🖤 Strangers to Lovers