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Underneath The Tree
After a messy (and public) breakup, Delaney James wants twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and a quiet holiday where nothing can go wrong.
What she gets is Boone Carter… and his goat.
Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be a pit stop, not a showdown with the boy who used to be her best friend —before high school pride and one humiliating laugh made him her number one enemy. Now he’s broader in the shoulders, smugger in the grin, and entirely too tempting for her own good.
Boone knows Delaney hasn’t forgiven him, but he’s not letting this second chance slip away. He’s charming when she wants to throttle him, steady when she wants to bolt, and the chemistry between them is hotter than a string of Christmas lights about to short out. And with Dolly the goat shoving them together at every turn, Boone’s determined to prove that some sparks are worth chasing.
Snark, sparks, and one very opinionated goat…
This Christmas, Delaney might just find the best kind of trouble waiting underneath the tree.
What she gets is Boone Carter… and his goat.
Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be a pit stop, not a showdown with the boy who used to be her best friend —before high school pride and one humiliating laugh made him her number one enemy. Now he’s broader in the shoulders, smugger in the grin, and entirely too tempting for her own good.
Boone knows Delaney hasn’t forgiven him, but he’s not letting this second chance slip away. He’s charming when she wants to throttle him, steady when she wants to bolt, and the chemistry between them is hotter than a string of Christmas lights about to short out. And with Dolly the goat shoving them together at every turn, Boone’s determined to prove that some sparks are worth chasing.
Snark, sparks, and one very opinionated goat…
This Christmas, Delaney might just find the best kind of trouble waiting underneath the tree.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 1, 2025
*ARC Review*
This was such a feel-good, Hallmark-esque Christmas story. You get all the cozy staples: the classic post–breakup slump, a small town that lives and breathes Christmas (and everyone’s personal business), a dash of past miscommunication, and, of course, a goat. Put it all together and you’ve got a humorous, sweet story of self-rediscovery.
If you’re looking for a cute little pick-me-up, I definitely recommend it. I honestly would have given it 4 stars, but there were a couple plot holes that bothered me. (I don't want to give spoilers in this review, so I won't go into detail.) I was left with a few unanswered questions, so I’m really hoping we get a full-length novel in the future. There’s plenty here to build on, and I’d love to see this story expanded! The author did a fantastic job bringing this town and its characters to life, making them truly shine and easy to love. I want to see more of them!
This was such a feel-good, Hallmark-esque Christmas story. You get all the cozy staples: the classic post–breakup slump, a small town that lives and breathes Christmas (and everyone’s personal business), a dash of past miscommunication, and, of course, a goat. Put it all together and you’ve got a humorous, sweet story of self-rediscovery.
If you’re looking for a cute little pick-me-up, I definitely recommend it. I honestly would have given it 4 stars, but there were a couple plot holes that bothered me. (I don't want to give spoilers in this review, so I won't go into detail.) I was left with a few unanswered questions, so I’m really hoping we get a full-length novel in the future. There’s plenty here to build on, and I’d love to see this story expanded! The author did a fantastic job bringing this town and its characters to life, making them truly shine and easy to love. I want to see more of them!
November 28, 2025
I’m so thankful to have gotten this as an ARC.
I freaking loved it! It was just the right amount of pages to get a good morning read in.
Super cute, small town, holiday romance. I think many of us can resonate with a childhood crush & running into them as adults 🤪. Great job!!! Highly recommend!
I freaking loved it! It was just the right amount of pages to get a good morning read in.
Super cute, small town, holiday romance. I think many of us can resonate with a childhood crush & running into them as adults 🤪. Great job!!! Highly recommend!
November 30, 2025
Darley Collins delivers a sweet, twinkly, small-town holiday novella with Underneath the Tree—a friends-to-lovers second-chance romance that feels like stepping straight into a Hallmark movie, but with a little extra heart.
Delaney and Boone have been inseparable since before they could walk, the kind of lifelong best friends everyone in town just assumes are destined for more. But one impulsive moment under the mistletoe—and Boone’s painfully misguided reaction to his friends’ teasing—shatters Delaney’s certainty about what they could have been. A decade later, she returns home nursing a breakup and hoping for a quiet reset. Instead, she finds her mother and the town committee have plans for her digital-media talents, wrangling her into managing the beloved Cookie Stroll.
What follows is a cozy blend of stolen glances, lingering memories, surprise confessions, and one unforgettable pygmy goat who threatens to steal the whole show. Boone, now older and far more aware of what he lost, is determined not to squander this second chance. Delaney, meanwhile, must decide whether trusting him again is worth reopening old wounds.
Collins brilliantly captures that quintessential small-town warmth: meddling locals, festive traditions, and romance blooming beneath strings of Christmas lights.
A charming holiday treat with the promise of more stories to come, Underneath the Tree will delight fans of gentle second-chances, cozy vibes, and romances wrapped in twinkle lights.
Delaney and Boone have been inseparable since before they could walk, the kind of lifelong best friends everyone in town just assumes are destined for more. But one impulsive moment under the mistletoe—and Boone’s painfully misguided reaction to his friends’ teasing—shatters Delaney’s certainty about what they could have been. A decade later, she returns home nursing a breakup and hoping for a quiet reset. Instead, she finds her mother and the town committee have plans for her digital-media talents, wrangling her into managing the beloved Cookie Stroll.
What follows is a cozy blend of stolen glances, lingering memories, surprise confessions, and one unforgettable pygmy goat who threatens to steal the whole show. Boone, now older and far more aware of what he lost, is determined not to squander this second chance. Delaney, meanwhile, must decide whether trusting him again is worth reopening old wounds.
Collins brilliantly captures that quintessential small-town warmth: meddling locals, festive traditions, and romance blooming beneath strings of Christmas lights.
A charming holiday treat with the promise of more stories to come, Underneath the Tree will delight fans of gentle second-chances, cozy vibes, and romances wrapped in twinkle lights.
December 1, 2025
Underneath the Tree was such a warm, second-chance romance that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Boone and Delaney’s story felt heartfelt and real, especially as they slowly worked through the hurt of their past to rediscover what they once meant to each other. I loved the small-town holiday atmosphere and the way the author captured that mix of nostalgia, regret, and hope that comes with reconnecting with a first love.
Boone’s determination and Delaney’s guarded heart made their reunion emotional in the best way, and even though they stumbled more than once, watching them finally choose each other again was worth it. I enjoyed this book a lot, and the second-chance theme gave it the perfect dose of holiday magic.
Boone’s determination and Delaney’s guarded heart made their reunion emotional in the best way, and even though they stumbled more than once, watching them finally choose each other again was worth it. I enjoyed this book a lot, and the second-chance theme gave it the perfect dose of holiday magic.
December 4, 2025
Cute and cozy second chance small town romance. Delaney returns home and sees her childhood best friend and crush Boone. They haven't spoken in ten years but the whole town is pushing for them to rekindle their relationship. Boone wants to talk to her and clear the air over what happened. His baby goat Dolly, takes a liking to Delaney and gets them talking.
December 2, 2025
Loved this second chance small town romance and how Boone and Laney find their way back to building something sweet. All of the Christmas playlists books have been amazing fun Christmas reads
December 18, 2025
After a messy (and public) breakup, Delaney James wants twinkle lights, hot cocoa, and a quiet holiday where nothing can go wrong.
What she gets is Boone Carter… and his goat.
Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be a pit stop, not a showdown with the boy who used to be her best friend —before high school pride and one humiliating laugh made him her number one enemy. Now he’s broader in the shoulders, smugger in the grin, and entirely too tempting for her own good.
Boone knows Delaney hasn’t forgiven him, but he’s not letting this second chance slip away. He’s charming when she wants to throttle him, steady when she wants to bolt, and the chemistry between them is hotter than a string of Christmas lights about to short out. And with Dolly the goat shoving them together at every turn, Boone’s determined to prove that some sparks are worth chasing.
Snark, sparks, and one very opinionated goat…
This Christmas, Delaney might just find the best kind of trouble waiting underneath the tree.
Tropes: Holidays, Goat, Home for Christmas, Grin Smuggler, Second Chances, Hot Chemistry, Christmas Lights, Small Town, Best Friends to Lovers.
Underneath the Tree is the 4th book in The Christmas Playlist Series a multi-author series. This novella is brought to us by Darley Collins.
Darley has given us this sweet, twinkly, small-town holiday novella Underneath the Tree. A beautiful best friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that makes you feel like you’re stepping straight into a cozy Hallmark movie, that has that extra little bit of heart that is always extra special.
Belaney and Boone have always been inseparable since they were kids, even before they could walk, they were the kind of lifelong best-friends that everyone in their small-town just assumed were destined to be together forever.
But after one impulsive moment under the mistletoe that led to Boone’s painfully unfortunate reaction to all his friends’ teasing – shatters Delaney’s certainty about everything the two of them could have been together. A decade later, Delaney returns home after a nasty breakup and she returns home to nurse her broken heart and she hopes for some quiet and a peaceful reset.
Instead of her expectations, Delaney finds her mother and the entire town committee have plans to use her digital-media talents, and they manage to maneuver Delaney into managing their beloved Cookie Stroll.
Following events is a cozy blend of stolen glances, lingering memories, surprise confessions, and I can’t forget about that unforgettable pygmy goat named Dolly who pretty much steals the entire story.
Boone, who is now older, aware of everything that he’s lost, is determined not to squander this second chance he’s got with Delaney. Delaney on the other hand has to decide if she can trust him again and if taking the chance on trusting him again is worth reopening those old wounds.
Darley has incandescently captured the indispensable small-town warmth: all the meddling locals, festive traditions, and a romance that comes back to life and blossoms beneath the strings of Christmas lights.
This novella is a charming holiday treat that promises us more stories to come in the future, Underneath the Tree is sure to enrapture fans who enjoy gentle second-chance, cozy vibes, and a romance that’s wrapped up in the twinkling lights of the holidays.
What she gets is Boone Carter… and his goat.
Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be a pit stop, not a showdown with the boy who used to be her best friend —before high school pride and one humiliating laugh made him her number one enemy. Now he’s broader in the shoulders, smugger in the grin, and entirely too tempting for her own good.
Boone knows Delaney hasn’t forgiven him, but he’s not letting this second chance slip away. He’s charming when she wants to throttle him, steady when she wants to bolt, and the chemistry between them is hotter than a string of Christmas lights about to short out. And with Dolly the goat shoving them together at every turn, Boone’s determined to prove that some sparks are worth chasing.
Snark, sparks, and one very opinionated goat…
This Christmas, Delaney might just find the best kind of trouble waiting underneath the tree.
Tropes: Holidays, Goat, Home for Christmas, Grin Smuggler, Second Chances, Hot Chemistry, Christmas Lights, Small Town, Best Friends to Lovers.
Underneath the Tree is the 4th book in The Christmas Playlist Series a multi-author series. This novella is brought to us by Darley Collins.
Darley has given us this sweet, twinkly, small-town holiday novella Underneath the Tree. A beautiful best friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance that makes you feel like you’re stepping straight into a cozy Hallmark movie, that has that extra little bit of heart that is always extra special.
Belaney and Boone have always been inseparable since they were kids, even before they could walk, they were the kind of lifelong best-friends that everyone in their small-town just assumed were destined to be together forever.
But after one impulsive moment under the mistletoe that led to Boone’s painfully unfortunate reaction to all his friends’ teasing – shatters Delaney’s certainty about everything the two of them could have been together. A decade later, Delaney returns home after a nasty breakup and she returns home to nurse her broken heart and she hopes for some quiet and a peaceful reset.
Instead of her expectations, Delaney finds her mother and the entire town committee have plans to use her digital-media talents, and they manage to maneuver Delaney into managing their beloved Cookie Stroll.
Following events is a cozy blend of stolen glances, lingering memories, surprise confessions, and I can’t forget about that unforgettable pygmy goat named Dolly who pretty much steals the entire story.
Boone, who is now older, aware of everything that he’s lost, is determined not to squander this second chance he’s got with Delaney. Delaney on the other hand has to decide if she can trust him again and if taking the chance on trusting him again is worth reopening those old wounds.
Darley has incandescently captured the indispensable small-town warmth: all the meddling locals, festive traditions, and a romance that comes back to life and blossoms beneath the strings of Christmas lights.
This novella is a charming holiday treat that promises us more stories to come in the future, Underneath the Tree is sure to enrapture fans who enjoy gentle second-chance, cozy vibes, and a romance that’s wrapped up in the twinkling lights of the holidays.
November 30, 2025
Underneath the Tree: A Perfect Holiday Second Chance
Underneath the Tree is a genuinely warm and engaging small-town, second-chance romance.
The story centers on Delaney James, who returns home for a quiet holiday only to confront Boone Carter, her former childhood best friend and high school rival. The author skillfully navigates the complexity of their shared past, presenting a heartfelt journey as they work through old hurts to rediscover their powerful connection.
The holiday backdrop provides a charming, nostalgic atmosphere, enhancing the palpable chemistry between Boone and Delaney. Their reunion, complete with humorous intervention from Boone’s goat, Dolly, delivers an ideal balance of emotional depth, lighthearted snark, and undeniable romantic sparks.
This was such a satisfying and quick read.
Highly recommended for readers seeking a quick, emotional story of finding love again with a dash of holiday magic.
Underneath the Tree is a genuinely warm and engaging small-town, second-chance romance.
The story centers on Delaney James, who returns home for a quiet holiday only to confront Boone Carter, her former childhood best friend and high school rival. The author skillfully navigates the complexity of their shared past, presenting a heartfelt journey as they work through old hurts to rediscover their powerful connection.
The holiday backdrop provides a charming, nostalgic atmosphere, enhancing the palpable chemistry between Boone and Delaney. Their reunion, complete with humorous intervention from Boone’s goat, Dolly, delivers an ideal balance of emotional depth, lighthearted snark, and undeniable romantic sparks.
This was such a satisfying and quick read.
Highly recommended for readers seeking a quick, emotional story of finding love again with a dash of holiday magic.
December 16, 2025
Underneath the tree is Boone and Delaney's story. It's a small town very cozy, holiday romance.
Boone and Delaney were best friends as kids. When friends tried to pressure him to kiss her under the mistletoe and he ends up making her feel bad and hurt her feelings, their friendship haunts. Years later, Delaney is returning to town after a breakup and who does she run into? Yes... Boone. He now has his second chance to apologize for what he did and tell her about his feelings. Question is, will it be too late?
The story is very sweet and full of holiday vibes. It was a very quick, enjoyable read. Also, shout out to Dolly, the matchmaking goat, lol.
Boone and Delaney were best friends as kids. When friends tried to pressure him to kiss her under the mistletoe and he ends up making her feel bad and hurt her feelings, their friendship haunts. Years later, Delaney is returning to town after a breakup and who does she run into? Yes... Boone. He now has his second chance to apologize for what he did and tell her about his feelings. Question is, will it be too late?
The story is very sweet and full of holiday vibes. It was a very quick, enjoyable read. Also, shout out to Dolly, the matchmaking goat, lol.
December 6, 2025
Delaney and Boone used to be best friends, before poor judgement, and a snap decision destroyed poor Delaney’s heart.
This gives cozy hallmark vibes with her returning to town, the childhood crush turned business owner, the cute goat, and then everyone being in their business.
There are plot holes which hold it back from a 5-star. Not going to spoil, but they made me question a little of the story.
It’s open-ended and the author has indicated more to come….
Thanks Darley Collins for the opportunity to read in advance.
This gives cozy hallmark vibes with her returning to town, the childhood crush turned business owner, the cute goat, and then everyone being in their business.
There are plot holes which hold it back from a 5-star. Not going to spoil, but they made me question a little of the story.
It’s open-ended and the author has indicated more to come….
Thanks Darley Collins for the opportunity to read in advance.
December 2, 2025
This is not a complete novella, it’s end on a happy for now but not a HEA. This was a very cute hallmark style winter romance. All about rediscovering lost chances and maybe someday finding the love that you missed out on before. The characters are cute and fun, and you get all the small town Christmas charm that you could hope for in a Christmas story.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🫑
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🫑
December 8, 2025
Underneath The Tree is book four of The Christmas Playlist Series.
Boone made a big mistake many years ago and has never been able to forgive himself for what he did. When Delaney comes home for the holidays, he finally realizes this is his chance to beg for forgiveness for the wrong he did to her. This was a cute, fun story to get you in the mood for the holidays.
Boone made a big mistake many years ago and has never been able to forgive himself for what he did. When Delaney comes home for the holidays, he finally realizes this is his chance to beg for forgiveness for the wrong he did to her. This was a cute, fun story to get you in the mood for the holidays.
December 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ // Zero 🌶
Underneath the Tree by Darley Collins is the fourth book of The Christmas Playlist. This particular book in the series is NOT a spicy book. It's a cute, reconnecting second chance, between former childhood friends Delany and Boone, with a wild—little, uncontainable, side companion. A goat named Dolly.
While this story does end with an HEA, it's also not the end of their story. Darley plans to continue their story in the future, and I can't wait to see where it goes.
Underneath the Tree by Darley Collins is the fourth book of The Christmas Playlist. This particular book in the series is NOT a spicy book. It's a cute, reconnecting second chance, between former childhood friends Delany and Boone, with a wild—little, uncontainable, side companion. A goat named Dolly.
While this story does end with an HEA, it's also not the end of their story. Darley plans to continue their story in the future, and I can't wait to see where it goes.
December 10, 2025
This was such a sweet, cute, Hallmarky Christmas novella. Boone and Delaney dealt with insecurity and embarrassment when they were younger, and it affected them for ten years. Getting to watch them finally clear everything up with the help of a cute goat and find their way back to each other was great. I really enjoyed it.
December 15, 2025
This was the sweet small town, holiday novella I didn’t know I needed. It was giving me Hallmark vibes. Boone and Delaney have history that was never resolved and after 10yrs it’s seems like fate is pushing them to address what happened between them. But this is just a taste and the rest of their story is still out there.
December 15, 2025
Small town, second chance romance. Delaney and Boone were friends that secretly liked each other. One Christmas while out with friends, there's a chance for them to finally let each other know. When Boone gets teased about it, he makes a mistake that will change everything for 10 years. Delaney goes back home after a break-up, and keeps running into him. Will they finally admit their feelings?
December 20, 2025
ARC read 🤍
This sweet small town was painted beautifully with all of the cute small town traditions. This would be a good Christmas novella for teens and up as it does not have any spice (just a kiss). 😊❄️
I didn’t feel much of a connection with these characters or the plot, which is the reason for the 3 star rating, but it was a pleasant and fast read!
This sweet small town was painted beautifully with all of the cute small town traditions. This would be a good Christmas novella for teens and up as it does not have any spice (just a kiss). 😊❄️
I didn’t feel much of a connection with these characters or the plot, which is the reason for the 3 star rating, but it was a pleasant and fast read!
December 23, 2025
This was a good read. I truly enjoyed the push and pull between Delaney and Boone. Although I wanted to swat some characters upside the head a couple times. They were relatable and interesting. And the story wasted no time hooking and reeling me in. I definitely recommend this for a cute read. I need more of it.
January 25, 2026
This is a really fun second chance at love, Christmas novella. This is Delaney and Boone's story and let's not forget the cute goat character! They were best friends once, but she can't forget the time that he humiliated her. Now she is back in town and Boone is hoping for a second chance. This was a sweet romantic holiday story. I really liked Delaney's character and was happy with the ending.
December 27, 2025
This was a sweet small town romance with all of the festive small town traditions, however as cozy and cute as this book was it felt a little to flat
Also i would have liked some spice, banter and things, however this would make a perfect book for fans of ya romance
Also i would have liked some spice, banter and things, however this would make a perfect book for fans of ya romance
December 22, 2025
This was a cute small town second chance romance story. I connected with Delaney right away being a tomboy myself. It was a little hard to get through at times but I am glad I did.
December 22, 2025
I loved the cute Hallmark style novella.
Boone and Delany were childhood friends until they found themselves under some mistletoe surrounded by friends. One wrong word end their friendship.
Ten years later, Delany is helping her mom get ready for the town annual cookie crawl. Boone has become an important part of their hometown.
With the help of a small, chaos causing goat and the Christmas spirit, Boone and Delany are spending lots of time together.
This is just an intro into Boone and Delay's story. There is much more in-store for them.
I can not wait for the rest of their story!
Boone and Delany were childhood friends until they found themselves under some mistletoe surrounded by friends. One wrong word end their friendship.
Ten years later, Delany is helping her mom get ready for the town annual cookie crawl. Boone has become an important part of their hometown.
With the help of a small, chaos causing goat and the Christmas spirit, Boone and Delany are spending lots of time together.
This is just an intro into Boone and Delay's story. There is much more in-store for them.
I can not wait for the rest of their story!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews