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Cocoa and Clauses
What happens when a burned-out employment lawyer discovers she's an omega fated to three very different reindeer shifter alphas? She helps them unionize against Santa Claus, obviously.
Sylvie Hartwell just wanted a quiet Christmas with her family in Vermont. Instead, she gets cursed with magical hot chocolate, kidnapped by a gorgeous white-haired reindeer shifter, and discovers she's an omega compatible with the very workers who've been trying to organize against the North Pole's exploitative labor practices.
Kenai is a scarred Peary caribou diplomat who's been fighting for his people's rights for years without success. When he finds his fated mate, he's determined to do things right, even if his rut is making it very, very difficult to think straight.
Taimyr is the steady Siberian reindeer with the patience of a saint and a wicked sense of humor. He's been Kenai's mate for years, and he's more than willing to welcome their brilliant new omega into the fold if she'll have them.
Aleksi is a massive Finnish forest reindeer alpha with a reputation for aggression and a secret that could change this fight for good. But he’s not playing nice, and refuses to negotiate. That is until he finds out he’s fated to Sylvie, and he’ll do anything to have her.
As Sylvie navigates her new omega instincts, builds a legal case against centuries of supernatural labor violations, and falls for three alphas who each offer something different, she realizes this might be the most important Christmas of her life. And definitely the steamiest.
Perfect for readers who like their holiday romance with a side anti-capitalism and their happily-ever-afters hard-won and well-deserved.
Because sometimes the best way to fix a broken system is with a brilliant lawyer, three determined alphas, and mixing a little business with pleasure.
Sylvie Hartwell just wanted a quiet Christmas with her family in Vermont. Instead, she gets cursed with magical hot chocolate, kidnapped by a gorgeous white-haired reindeer shifter, and discovers she's an omega compatible with the very workers who've been trying to organize against the North Pole's exploitative labor practices.
Kenai is a scarred Peary caribou diplomat who's been fighting for his people's rights for years without success. When he finds his fated mate, he's determined to do things right, even if his rut is making it very, very difficult to think straight.
Taimyr is the steady Siberian reindeer with the patience of a saint and a wicked sense of humor. He's been Kenai's mate for years, and he's more than willing to welcome their brilliant new omega into the fold if she'll have them.
Aleksi is a massive Finnish forest reindeer alpha with a reputation for aggression and a secret that could change this fight for good. But he’s not playing nice, and refuses to negotiate. That is until he finds out he’s fated to Sylvie, and he’ll do anything to have her.
As Sylvie navigates her new omega instincts, builds a legal case against centuries of supernatural labor violations, and falls for three alphas who each offer something different, she realizes this might be the most important Christmas of her life. And definitely the steamiest.
Perfect for readers who like their holiday romance with a side anti-capitalism and their happily-ever-afters hard-won and well-deserved.
Because sometimes the best way to fix a broken system is with a brilliant lawyer, three determined alphas, and mixing a little business with pleasure.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2025
36 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 11, 2025
First, Ava had me obsessed with a spider demon. Now she’s got me thirsting after reindeer men. When will this spiral of depravity end? Hopefully never—because I’m not getting off this ride.
Cocoa and Clauses is pure festive filth wrapped in holiday cheer, and I loved every unhinged, cocoa-fueled (heh heh heh) second of it.
Cocoa and Clauses is pure festive filth wrapped in holiday cheer, and I loved every unhinged, cocoa-fueled (heh heh heh) second of it.
November 24, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦—𝐈’𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
yes to more holiday romances with reindeer shifters. this is a very fast paced holiday romance that leans very heavily on the insta-love of fates mates, so it doesn’t leave much to relationship development. esp since this book is a very quick read.
the romance and spice was very the focus of the book. tbh i really wished for more of the plot about the Sylvie, the fmc, helping her mates and the other reindeers unionize. but since this book is pretty short, the issue was quickly resolved. however it was great to see Sylvie take down Jólnir, aka Santa, as a badass lawyer.
if you’re looking for a quick & magical holiday read with spice, then 𝑪𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 is perfect for you.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MMFM, AAOA, 1st person multi-POV, 32 fmc
reindeer shifters, magic, fated mates, heat, bonding marks, DP, HEA, epilogue
no OW or OM drama, no manwhores
“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦—𝐈’𝐦 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
yes to more holiday romances with reindeer shifters. this is a very fast paced holiday romance that leans very heavily on the insta-love of fates mates, so it doesn’t leave much to relationship development. esp since this book is a very quick read.
the romance and spice was very the focus of the book. tbh i really wished for more of the plot about the Sylvie, the fmc, helping her mates and the other reindeers unionize. but since this book is pretty short, the issue was quickly resolved. however it was great to see Sylvie take down Jólnir, aka Santa, as a badass lawyer.
if you’re looking for a quick & magical holiday read with spice, then 𝑪𝒐𝒄𝒐𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 is perfect for you.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
MMFM, AAOA, 1st person multi-POV, 32 fmc
reindeer shifters, magic, fated mates, heat, bonding marks, DP, HEA, epilogue
no OW or OM drama, no manwhores
November 29, 2025
interesting premise
Actually enjoyed this, though I wish the romance had a build up with cute moments
Also, I did not expect the Knoting… and I’m not sure how I feel about it 😭
And the MMCs constantly calling Sylvie ‘Omega’ was kinda annoying
Actually enjoyed this, though I wish the romance had a build up with cute moments
Also, I did not expect the Knoting… and I’m not sure how I feel about it 😭
And the MMCs constantly calling Sylvie ‘Omega’ was kinda annoying
December 21, 2025
I’m not that into omegaverse stories, but I love why choose. This combined both really well, and then threw in some awesome anti-capitalist pro-union not so subtle subtext. The story was fun and mostly very cozy, and there’s not even a third act breakup! I enjoyed the characters and the fact that there was a real plot, even if everything was super fast paced.
The only real qualm I have with this story is that all these dudes are supposedly overworked and have all these big deadlines (Christmas), and then they meet the main character and like never go back to work? Even though Christmas is days away still? And it’s fine and nobody notices or gets punished for their absence? When these are the three leaders? All suspiciously MIA at the same time for the whole week leading up to Christmas? That’s it, that’s my only issue. Everything else is great and I look forward to picking up some more of Ava Thorne’s works!
The only real qualm I have with this story is that all these dudes are supposedly overworked and have all these big deadlines (Christmas), and then they meet the main character and like never go back to work? Even though Christmas is days away still? And it’s fine and nobody notices or gets punished for their absence? When these are the three leaders? All suspiciously MIA at the same time for the whole week leading up to Christmas? That’s it, that’s my only issue. Everything else is great and I look forward to picking up some more of Ava Thorne’s works!
November 18, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
She’s a top employment lawyer in NYC who is getting burnt out. They’re Santa’s exploited reindeer shifter employees who need her help. Turns out she’s also the omega to their alpha, and things just got a little more complicated. But maybe they need each other in more ways than they think.
I ate this book up in one sitting. It’s on the shorter side as a holiday novella, but it packed so much into its 200 pages, and I never wanted to put it down. It started off reading like a hallmark movie, but once the spice and the overarching plot really kicked in it felt like so much more. There was a perfect mix of the two, with plenty of spicy scenes intermixed with a solid plot that had me rooting for our found family till the end. It felt the slightest bit rushed by the end, but as a novella I easily forgive since I still really enjoyed the plot. I highly recommend this spicy holiday why-choose novella with its hot reindeer shifters and sassy and sweet lawyer fmc!
She’s a top employment lawyer in NYC who is getting burnt out. They’re Santa’s exploited reindeer shifter employees who need her help. Turns out she’s also the omega to their alpha, and things just got a little more complicated. But maybe they need each other in more ways than they think.
I ate this book up in one sitting. It’s on the shorter side as a holiday novella, but it packed so much into its 200 pages, and I never wanted to put it down. It started off reading like a hallmark movie, but once the spice and the overarching plot really kicked in it felt like so much more. There was a perfect mix of the two, with plenty of spicy scenes intermixed with a solid plot that had me rooting for our found family till the end. It felt the slightest bit rushed by the end, but as a novella I easily forgive since I still really enjoyed the plot. I highly recommend this spicy holiday why-choose novella with its hot reindeer shifters and sassy and sweet lawyer fmc!
December 3, 2025
Santa's reindeer shifter work force is trying to sue/unionize for better working conditions and pay. Santa is basically and morally bankrupt Jeff Bezos ha ha ha
Good thing they meet their fated mate who is also a lawyer who reps employee rights and turns into an omega going into a heat after drinking magically spiked hot cocoa....yeah you read that right! The descriptions of the alpha reindeer mates and their each herds differences and work place issues was interesting.
This was fast, cute and fun! They definitely jumped right into the banging it out parts of mating heat.
Good thing they meet their fated mate who is also a lawyer who reps employee rights and turns into an omega going into a heat after drinking magically spiked hot cocoa....yeah you read that right! The descriptions of the alpha reindeer mates and their each herds differences and work place issues was interesting.
This was fast, cute and fun! They definitely jumped right into the banging it out parts of mating heat.
December 30, 2025
Я не ждала ничего. Не понравилась обложка, аннотация тоже оставила равнодушной, да и вообще у меня было ровно одно знакомство с книгой, где один из персонажей непосредственно связан родством с Сантой. И это знакомство закончилось практически так и не начавшись, потому что испанский стыд неуёмно преследовал меня. Но всем свойственно ошибаться и принижать историю до её непосредственного чтения, и в каком-то смысле я даже рада, что взялась за неё без ожиданий. Кстати, я сказала про родство с Сантой, но это не совсем верно именно с этой книгой — здесь балом правят олени Санты, что звучит ещё ненормальнее. Вот только это была лучшая рождественская история не только в этом году, но и вообще за весь мой читательский стаж.
Омеги и альфы преследуют меня или это я внезапно свернула куда-то не туда. Разница только одна — в этот раз в главной роли у нас женщина. Сильви — юристка, и она ненавидит приезжать домой на Рождество, ведь вся эта праздничная суета делает её несчастной. Она бы осталась в городе и занялась работой, но мама и бабушка настойчиво требовали её присутствия, и бедняге не оставили выбора. По пути к родственникам героиня отвлекается на разговор и сбивает оленя. Подозрительно большого оленя, попрошу, так ещё и ведущего себя не так, как это принято в природе. Он не пугается, внимательно слушает её болтовню и смотрит на женщину вполне осознанно. Сильви ни во что магическое не верит и списывает всё это на мимолётное помутнение, но вскоре оказывается втянута в разборки между Сантой и оленями, которые оказались оборотнями. Тот самый олень, которого она сбила, просит у неё юридической помощи, чтобы прекратить руководительский беспредел.
Да-да, сюжет даже для омегаверса и ромфэнтези слишком абсурдный, знаю. Вот пересказала его и снова смешно стало, но как же это было хорошо. Отличные герои (Сильви — моя стопроцентная фаворитка), сумасшедшая романтика и дух Рождества выкручен на максимум, так ещё и не всё завязано на любовной любви. И самое важное — это компактно умещено в небольшое количество страниц. Хотелось ли мне полноценного романа? Возможно. Получила ли я удовлетворение от новеллы? О да, ещё как. Я не знаю, как авторке это удалось, но она умудрилась «оживить» свой текст, не растянув его при этом до обычного размера. И да, забыла упомянуть, что это опять обратный гарем, и в отличие от предыдущего мною прочитанного, он шикарен.
Главная в этой истории, несомненно, — Сильви. Она умная, смешная и такая приятная женщина. Чудесная героиня, за которой было интересно наблюдать, и любовные интересы под стать ей же. Я жаловалась на тему того, что редко встречаю адекватный обратный гарем, где каждый из персонажей не будет обделён, и, похоже, вселенная решила порадовать меня в конце года.
Мужских героев здесь трое. Кэнай — тот самый сбитый олень, показавшийся мне поначалу серьёзным. Он прямо вписывался в типаж альфа-самца, но довольно быстро сдал эти бразды и превратился в милого дурашку. Где-то треть новеллы в тексте присутствует только эти двое, а потом к ним подключается второй герой. Таймур ворвался в историю и влюбил меня в себя (и нет, дело не в том, что у него длинные волосы, хотя...). Вот кто был самым серьёзным из всех представленных персонажей, но за юмор тоже отвечал исключительно он. Так эти трое веселились большую часть текста, и я даже подумала: «Блин, вы загубите мне обратный гарем, если продолжите игнорировать четвёртого мужика». Наивная. Некоторым писательницам стоит поучиться, как ввести одного из любовных интересов практически к развязке и не обделить его ни в чём. Идеальная гармония. Алекси — гроза всех оленей (до сих пор на смех пробивает, честное слово), но старушки его пугают. Сравнивать мужчин не буду, как и искать между них любимого, так как они все трое шикарны.
И если мы откинем то, что это в первую очередь рождественская романтическая новелла, то сможем насладиться линией с Сантой. Той, где он подался в бизнес, по пути растерял всю совесть и стал ориентироваться исключительно на прибыль, а потом пришла юристка и напомнила ему о том, как работают законы. Да, романтическая часть чудесная, но то, как герои «нагибали» Санту — лучшее, что есть в новелле.
Я стабильно собираюсь перечитывать эту историю в декабре и наслаждаться ей каждый раз, как в первый.
Омеги и альфы преследуют меня или это я внезапно свернула куда-то не туда. Разница только одна — в этот раз в главной роли у нас женщина. Сильви — юристка, и она ненавидит приезжать домой на Рождество, ведь вся эта праздничная суета делает её несчастной. Она бы осталась в городе и занялась работой, но мама и бабушка настойчиво требовали её присутствия, и бедняге не оставили выбора. По пути к родственникам героиня отвлекается на разговор и сбивает оленя. Подозрительно большого оленя, попрошу, так ещё и ведущего себя не так, как это принято в природе. Он не пугается, внимательно слушает её болтовню и смотрит на женщину вполне осознанно. Сильви ни во что магическое не верит и списывает всё это на мимолётное помутнение, но вскоре оказывается втянута в разборки между Сантой и оленями, которые оказались оборотнями. Тот самый олень, которого она сбила, просит у неё юридической помощи, чтобы прекратить руководительский беспредел.
Да-да, сюжет даже для омегаверса и ромфэнтези слишком абсурдный, знаю. Вот пересказала его и снова смешно стало, но как же это было хорошо. Отличные герои (Сильви — моя стопроцентная фаворитка), сумасшедшая романтика и дух Рождества выкручен на максимум, так ещё и не всё завязано на любовной любви. И самое важное — это компактно умещено в небольшое количество страниц. Хотелось ли мне полноценного романа? Возможно. Получила ли я удовлетворение от новеллы? О да, ещё как. Я не знаю, как авторке это удалось, но она умудрилась «оживить» свой текст, не растянув его при этом до обычного размера. И да, забыла упомянуть, что это опять обратный гарем, и в отличие от предыдущего мною прочитанного, он шикарен.
Главная в этой истории, несомненно, — Сильви. Она умная, смешная и такая приятная женщина. Чудесная героиня, за которой было интересно наблюдать, и любовные интересы под стать ей же. Я жаловалась на тему того, что редко встречаю адекватный обратный гарем, где каждый из персонажей не будет обделён, и, похоже, вселенная решила порадовать меня в конце года.
Мужских героев здесь трое. Кэнай — тот самый сбитый олень, показавшийся мне поначалу серьёзным. Он прямо вписывался в типаж альфа-самца, но довольно быстро сдал эти бразды и превратился в милого дурашку. Где-то треть новеллы в тексте присутствует только эти двое, а потом к ним подключается второй герой. Таймур ворвался в историю и влюбил меня в себя (и нет, дело не в том, что у него длинные волосы, хотя...). Вот кто был самым серьёзным из всех представленных персонажей, но за юмор тоже отвечал исключительно он. Так эти трое веселились большую часть текста, и я даже подумала: «Блин, вы загубите мне обратный гарем, если продолжите игнорировать четвёртого мужика». Наивная. Некоторым писательницам стоит поучиться, как ввести одного из любовных интересов практически к развязке и не обделить его ни в чём. Идеальная гармония. Алекси — гроза всех оленей (до сих пор на смех пробивает, честное слово), но старушки его пугают. Сравнивать мужчин не буду, как и искать между них любимого, так как они все трое шикарны.
И если мы откинем то, что это в первую очередь рождественская романтическая новелла, то сможем насладиться линией с Сантой. Той, где он подался в бизнес, по пути растерял всю совесть и стал ориентироваться исключительно на прибыль, а потом пришла юристка и напомнила ему о том, как работают законы. Да, романтическая часть чудесная, но то, как герои «нагибали» Санту — лучшее, что есть в новелле.
Я стабильно собираюсь перечитывать эту историю в декабре и наслаждаться ей каждый раз, как в первый.
November 18, 2025
Thank you Ava Thorne for providing me with an advance copy of Cocoa and Clauses. An MMFM shifterverse romance for the holiday season? Yes mf please
genre: Paranormal romance
rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🦌abt the book:
*Shifterverse
*MMFM
*Female omega/human lawyer x 3 alpha-male reindeer shifters
*Heat & rut
*Anti-capitalist
*Meddling old ladies
📖summary
Due to her less than satisfactory relationship history, Sylvie Hartwell follows in her grandma's footsteps of prioritizing her job as an employment lawyer. She normally does not make it back home to Vermont during the holiday season, but something about this year makes Sylvie take the time off - whether it's her needing a break from work, or some holiday magic 😉
Strange things are happening at the beginning of her break: she hits a huge white reindeer with mesmerizing eyes, a strange but oddly disalarming Mrs. Patterson keeps giving Sylvie drinks that taste really good but feel funny, and mysteriously captivating guy with white hair and familiar shows up to Sylvie's mothers ornament booth at the local holiday market. One particular hot cocoa from Mrs Patterson thrusts Sylvie into a world she never would have imagined with three alpha male reindeer, who butt antlers over their toxic workplace environment. And now her.
Sylvie must navigate her once-dormant omega instincts with the help of Kenai, Taimyr, and Aleksi, while also figuring out how to help them get basic labor rights - all before Christmas Day.
Will she be able to wrangle these alpha males into working together for their greater good, or will this be the case that Sylvie can't win?
🏍️my thoughts:
Ava told me in person that this book was going to be a light smutty read. Though smutty it was, there is nothing light about the feelings that Kenai, Taimyr, and Aleksi made me feel. Or the way that it was more than just reindeer smut, our girl really took her position as an employment lawyer to heart with the way she went after Ol Saint Nick.
Honestly, I was expecting more of a CotVQ situation with like 95% smut and maybe 5% plot, but I'm glad it wasn't because I can relate to Sylvie in a few ways - mainly about the struggle to trust and rely on others. Except I haven't found three reindeer shifters to help me work through my stuff, much less one.
I only have two minor grievances. One is that I found it a tad overdone with the three males constantly calling Sylvie "omega," especially when Aleksi had the cute "kisu" nickname for her, but it is a shiftverse to it's not that big of a deal. The other minor grievance is that I wish Aleksi, Taimyr, and Kenai had a moment where they had a "dominance" kind of thing or a scene where they .. work out their past grievances and turn it into a MMMF situation, but I can picture that in my head just fine, so another grievance that doesn't take away from the 5 stars 😏
Definitely a perfect smutty holiday read, or even if you want a girl boss who takes down a toxic work environment!
genre: Paranormal romance
rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🦌abt the book:
*Shifterverse
*MMFM
*Female omega/human lawyer x 3 alpha-male reindeer shifters
*Heat & rut
*Anti-capitalist
*Meddling old ladies
📖summary
Due to her less than satisfactory relationship history, Sylvie Hartwell follows in her grandma's footsteps of prioritizing her job as an employment lawyer. She normally does not make it back home to Vermont during the holiday season, but something about this year makes Sylvie take the time off - whether it's her needing a break from work, or some holiday magic 😉
Strange things are happening at the beginning of her break: she hits a huge white reindeer with mesmerizing eyes, a strange but oddly disalarming Mrs. Patterson keeps giving Sylvie drinks that taste really good but feel funny, and mysteriously captivating guy with white hair and familiar shows up to Sylvie's mothers ornament booth at the local holiday market. One particular hot cocoa from Mrs Patterson thrusts Sylvie into a world she never would have imagined with three alpha male reindeer, who butt antlers over their toxic workplace environment. And now her.
Sylvie must navigate her once-dormant omega instincts with the help of Kenai, Taimyr, and Aleksi, while also figuring out how to help them get basic labor rights - all before Christmas Day.
Will she be able to wrangle these alpha males into working together for their greater good, or will this be the case that Sylvie can't win?
🏍️my thoughts:
Ava told me in person that this book was going to be a light smutty read. Though smutty it was, there is nothing light about the feelings that Kenai, Taimyr, and Aleksi made me feel. Or the way that it was more than just reindeer smut, our girl really took her position as an employment lawyer to heart with the way she went after Ol Saint Nick.
Honestly, I was expecting more of a CotVQ situation with like 95% smut and maybe 5% plot, but I'm glad it wasn't because I can relate to Sylvie in a few ways - mainly about the struggle to trust and rely on others. Except I haven't found three reindeer shifters to help me work through my stuff, much less one.
I only have two minor grievances. One is that I found it a tad overdone with the three males constantly calling Sylvie "omega," especially when Aleksi had the cute "kisu" nickname for her, but it is a shiftverse to it's not that big of a deal. The other minor grievance is that I wish Aleksi, Taimyr, and Kenai had a moment where they had a "dominance" kind of thing or a scene where they .. work out their past grievances and turn it into a MMMF situation, but I can picture that in my head just fine, so another grievance that doesn't take away from the 5 stars 😏
Definitely a perfect smutty holiday read, or even if you want a girl boss who takes down a toxic work environment!
January 26, 2026
I started reading this book somewhere around New Year's celebration. And it took me a long time to read it. It had all the right ingredients in it, but I just wasn't interested. Both in the romance and the smut. The plot was way interesting for me here and considering what it was about, that's something new!
This one has different POVs and I wasn't aware of this (usually, I am, when I see a name before a chapter starts. You need to guess, though, who's talking in each chapter here). It's a neutral fact, y'all might think whatever you want about this. But it is a big minus for me.
It has a explicit MM relationship. Another neutral fact. It's just an "Okay, fine" part to me. I like reading books with just MM relationship in it, romance and smut and stuff like that. But it gets somehow a little too much for me when it's a harem book. I like it when it's centered around one person (and if that person happens to be a male character - that's great, I'm reading that!). It just gets a little weird for me when there's two centers - male and female. I can't explain it with words. Which is probably weird too, since I'm bisexual myself. It's just a preference, I suppose.
A huge portion of the book is smut. I'm not prudish, but I like when it's spread out through the book. This book is short though, so there's no spreading out evenly with the plot. But! What's not smut and romance is a fantasy about worker's rights. That's so very new to me. I really enjoyed reading about this (which surprises me).
Overall, it was a nice enough book. But I have slightly different preferences that don't align with it. If you like the things I've mentioned, you'll love it. I, unfortunately, didn't, but I don't think it reflects the quality of the book. I don't think I'll read something else from this author (although I'm keeping this option open). That's pretty much all I can say here.
This one has different POVs and I wasn't aware of this (usually, I am, when I see a name before a chapter starts. You need to guess, though, who's talking in each chapter here). It's a neutral fact, y'all might think whatever you want about this. But it is a big minus for me.
It has a explicit MM relationship. Another neutral fact. It's just an "Okay, fine" part to me. I like reading books with just MM relationship in it, romance and smut and stuff like that. But it gets somehow a little too much for me when it's a harem book. I like it when it's centered around one person (and if that person happens to be a male character - that's great, I'm reading that!). It just gets a little weird for me when there's two centers - male and female. I can't explain it with words. Which is probably weird too, since I'm bisexual myself. It's just a preference, I suppose.
A huge portion of the book is smut. I'm not prudish, but I like when it's spread out through the book. This book is short though, so there's no spreading out evenly with the plot. But! What's not smut and romance is a fantasy about worker's rights. That's so very new to me. I really enjoyed reading about this (which surprises me).
Overall, it was a nice enough book. But I have slightly different preferences that don't align with it. If you like the things I've mentioned, you'll love it. I, unfortunately, didn't, but I don't think it reflects the quality of the book. I don't think I'll read something else from this author (although I'm keeping this option open). That's pretty much all I can say here.
December 8, 2025
I saw the cover.
I clocked the vibes IMMEDIATELY.
I knew this was not going to be a wholesome Hallmark stroll through Candy Cane Lane… this was going to be a festive fever dream with antlers, attitude, and spice galore.
And STILL… I was not prepared.
This book does not even pretend to have chill. The cover basically winks at you like yeah I’m just an innocent Christmas book….but, babe…. this is 98% spice and 2% plot holding onto a candy cane for balance….
The plot shows up for a few seconds like,
“Hi!! I’m here!!”
and the spice immediately shoves her into a decorative wreath and takes center stage.
Sylvie our FMC is a relatable, holiday-fried qirl boss. She’s tired, she’s stressed, she’s running on fumes and cocoa powder, and suddenly she’s in situations that absolutely require a waiver.
The Reindeer Shifters on the other hand… not a single one of them is behaving like they’re in a Christmas romance. They saw the twinkle lights, the snow, the mistletoe, and said:
“Time to ruin someone’s winter break.”
Good for them.
Good for her.
Good for ALL OF US.
This book is:
🎄 Equal parts cozy and chaotic
🔥 A level of spicy that could thaw the entire North Pole
🍫 Guided not by plot, but by holiday thirst
❄️ Exactly what the cover promised… but also somehow more
If you want depth, nuance, or slow emotional unraveling: babes, not here.
If you want a feral, festive, unhinged good time with enough heat to melt the snow off your roof?
WELCOME.
I knew what I was signing up for…
I just didn’t know it would make me blush through an entire peppermint mocha.
I clocked the vibes IMMEDIATELY.
I knew this was not going to be a wholesome Hallmark stroll through Candy Cane Lane… this was going to be a festive fever dream with antlers, attitude, and spice galore.
And STILL… I was not prepared.
This book does not even pretend to have chill. The cover basically winks at you like yeah I’m just an innocent Christmas book….but, babe…. this is 98% spice and 2% plot holding onto a candy cane for balance….
The plot shows up for a few seconds like,
“Hi!! I’m here!!”
and the spice immediately shoves her into a decorative wreath and takes center stage.
Sylvie our FMC is a relatable, holiday-fried qirl boss. She’s tired, she’s stressed, she’s running on fumes and cocoa powder, and suddenly she’s in situations that absolutely require a waiver.
The Reindeer Shifters on the other hand… not a single one of them is behaving like they’re in a Christmas romance. They saw the twinkle lights, the snow, the mistletoe, and said:
“Time to ruin someone’s winter break.”
Good for them.
Good for her.
Good for ALL OF US.
This book is:
🎄 Equal parts cozy and chaotic
🔥 A level of spicy that could thaw the entire North Pole
🍫 Guided not by plot, but by holiday thirst
❄️ Exactly what the cover promised… but also somehow more
If you want depth, nuance, or slow emotional unraveling: babes, not here.
If you want a feral, festive, unhinged good time with enough heat to melt the snow off your roof?
WELCOME.
I knew what I was signing up for…
I just didn’t know it would make me blush through an entire peppermint mocha.
November 26, 2025
so, this book has some fun moments, but unfortunately it falls flat for me.
i’m sure it’s just because it’s a pretty short, quick read, but the whole thing just felt oddly paced to me. there’s a little confusion sometimes about where we are and why.
as always, i’m gonna complain about the instalove thing. i think with a little more conceptual plotting, this would’ve been really fun and cute, but going immediately from “i need your help with this unexpected heat, don’t worry, i won’t get attached” to “these are my bitten and bonded alphas” is jarring and annoying.
especially because there are several lines about how reindeer magic makes it that they can “see” that she’s determined and hardworking and kind and just and passionate and focused and driven and ambitious and whatever else. and because of that, it means that the audience gets told all those things instead of giving the character the time and space to actually show all those traits. we only know those things because we’re told it, we don’t actually get to see most of it.
although, i will say the case prep scene with rose is fun, and the actual negotiation scene is also fun, although i wish it were longer. considering that the major plot of the book is actually working up to the negotiation and fighting for worker’s rights, it’s well done but also a little anti-climactic to have the whole thing built up over the whole book to then be over in less than 10 pages.
i’m sure it’s just because it’s a pretty short, quick read, but the whole thing just felt oddly paced to me. there’s a little confusion sometimes about where we are and why.
as always, i’m gonna complain about the instalove thing. i think with a little more conceptual plotting, this would’ve been really fun and cute, but going immediately from “i need your help with this unexpected heat, don’t worry, i won’t get attached” to “these are my bitten and bonded alphas” is jarring and annoying.
especially because there are several lines about how reindeer magic makes it that they can “see” that she’s determined and hardworking and kind and just and passionate and focused and driven and ambitious and whatever else. and because of that, it means that the audience gets told all those things instead of giving the character the time and space to actually show all those traits. we only know those things because we’re told it, we don’t actually get to see most of it.
although, i will say the case prep scene with rose is fun, and the actual negotiation scene is also fun, although i wish it were longer. considering that the major plot of the book is actually working up to the negotiation and fighting for worker’s rights, it’s well done but also a little anti-climactic to have the whole thing built up over the whole book to then be over in less than 10 pages.
November 23, 2025
DNFd at 67%. So bored. The pacing and story are unbalanced. You can draw circles around each section. Here’s the part where she’s disillusioned by her family and work life. Here’s the part where her ancestral omega DNA shows up. Here’s the part about reindeer shifter labor disputes with their corporate Christmas overlords. There’s a lot of space given to describing things that don’t really matter to the context of the story while also leaving out transitions. Such as her being angry at them for kidnapping her to their realm but ignoring that they undressed her to put her in a sauna, which is never explained as to why they’re there—it’s a strange segue. One moment they’re in the sauna and she’s angry at them, the next they’re in the house explaining she’s an omega, then they’re suddenly in the bedroom getting it on. The pacing is terrible. The story is rushed. Too much is covered for the length of the book. I purchased it expecting to love it because I do love other books by this author but this particular book has an unfinished feel to it which is disappointing because I was hoping for a cute reindeer shifter OV.
November 16, 2025
Cocoa and Clauses is a paranormal holiday romance full of reindeer shifters, spice and a corporate North Pole. This story is part of the Cozy Christmas Collection, a collection of holiday novellas by four different authors. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Why choose (mmfm)
✨Anticapitalist
✨Not an established… herd
✨Heat, knots and ruts
✨Reindeer shifters x human lawyer
✨Mate bonds
✨Loneliness
✨“Good girl”
✨Learning to work together
Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nicknames: Baby, Kisu
The Lovely: I enjoyed the unique concept of the story - an overworked and exhausted employment attorney meets three reindeer shifters who need her help and her love. This was cute and cozy with all the family and holiday feels.
Recommendation: Another novela for the holiday reads list - this time with reindeer shifters in an omegaverse context. If you’re in the mood for a quick and spicy paranormal holiday read, I think you would like this story.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Why choose (mmfm)
✨Anticapitalist
✨Not an established… herd
✨Heat, knots and ruts
✨Reindeer shifters x human lawyer
✨Mate bonds
✨Loneliness
✨“Good girl”
✨Learning to work together
Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nicknames: Baby, Kisu
The Lovely: I enjoyed the unique concept of the story - an overworked and exhausted employment attorney meets three reindeer shifters who need her help and her love. This was cute and cozy with all the family and holiday feels.
Recommendation: Another novela for the holiday reads list - this time with reindeer shifters in an omegaverse context. If you’re in the mood for a quick and spicy paranormal holiday read, I think you would like this story.
December 12, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up
Cocoa and Clauses was my first dip into Omegaverse, and honestly… I’m still deciding how I feel about everyone calling each other “alpha” and “omega” out loud. Is that the standard for these? It’s a little awkward, IMO. The concept of reindeer shifters totally worked for me, and I’d happily read more books that use that twist. I also loved the idea of Santa as a corrupt corporate overlord and the reindeer shifters trying to unionize.
Sylvie is likeable, even if she accepts her new reality a bit too fast for someone who’s supposed to be a guarded lawyer. The book is on the shorter side, so the quick pacing makes sense, but some parts definitely felt rushed. The spice kicks in around 30% and does not hold back. And out of the three alphas, the gruff, standoffish one, Aleksi, was *obviously* my favorite.
Overall, this was a spicy, quirky holiday read with some interesting worldbuilding and a few rough edges. Not perfect, but fun enough that I’m intrigued about trying more Omegaverse in the future.
Cocoa and Clauses was my first dip into Omegaverse, and honestly… I’m still deciding how I feel about everyone calling each other “alpha” and “omega” out loud. Is that the standard for these? It’s a little awkward, IMO. The concept of reindeer shifters totally worked for me, and I’d happily read more books that use that twist. I also loved the idea of Santa as a corrupt corporate overlord and the reindeer shifters trying to unionize.
Sylvie is likeable, even if she accepts her new reality a bit too fast for someone who’s supposed to be a guarded lawyer. The book is on the shorter side, so the quick pacing makes sense, but some parts definitely felt rushed. The spice kicks in around 30% and does not hold back. And out of the three alphas, the gruff, standoffish one, Aleksi, was *obviously* my favorite.
Overall, this was a spicy, quirky holiday read with some interesting worldbuilding and a few rough edges. Not perfect, but fun enough that I’m intrigued about trying more Omegaverse in the future.
November 15, 2025
Thank you for the ARC!
If you're looking for a cozy, smutty why-choose holiday novella for the holidays, look no further--this definitely ticks all the boxes if you're looking for some good Hallmark-like smut with reindeer shifters. Sylvie is of course, the high-powered lawyer going back to her hometown, and she was a great MC. The ML's are all pretty good, although I personally liked Kenai the best, since he's the one Sylvie meets first (in reindeer form no less), since he's such a sweetheart, along with Aleksi who is also so, so respectful (but forceful when it counts ;) Taimyr got the least amount of development I feel like, since you hear about him, and then as soon as Sylvie meets him, it's fated mates time. I also really enjoyed Sylvie's family, especially her snarky lawyer grandmother :DDDD
The main downsides for me is that this is a novella, so the pacing of everything was just a bit too fast for me. For the romance part, you can argue that that's just down to fated mates, but even the lawsuit for me seemed to get resolved way too quickly. But of course, that's not exactly the genre of story you're looking for here, so perhaps it's best just to go with the flow and enjoy the scorching hot smut with a side of legal drama.
If you're looking for a cozy, smutty why-choose holiday novella for the holidays, look no further--this definitely ticks all the boxes if you're looking for some good Hallmark-like smut with reindeer shifters. Sylvie is of course, the high-powered lawyer going back to her hometown, and she was a great MC. The ML's are all pretty good, although I personally liked Kenai the best, since he's the one Sylvie meets first (in reindeer form no less), since he's such a sweetheart, along with Aleksi who is also so, so respectful (but forceful when it counts ;) Taimyr got the least amount of development I feel like, since you hear about him, and then as soon as Sylvie meets him, it's fated mates time. I also really enjoyed Sylvie's family, especially her snarky lawyer grandmother :DDDD
The main downsides for me is that this is a novella, so the pacing of everything was just a bit too fast for me. For the romance part, you can argue that that's just down to fated mates, but even the lawsuit for me seemed to get resolved way too quickly. But of course, that's not exactly the genre of story you're looking for here, so perhaps it's best just to go with the flow and enjoy the scorching hot smut with a side of legal drama.
November 20, 2025
Cocoa and Clauses is a sweet book with some adorably silly parts. It's a great read to get you in the winter spirit. Well, as long as you like your hot cocoa with a ton of cinnamon, because this is packing the Christmas spice.
Workaholic Sylvie Hartwell finally geta a quiet Christmas back home, until magical hot chocolate pushes her into the reality behind fairytales. Now She must help three of Santa's reindeer unionize against him, while navigating what it means to be mated to them along the way.
What to Expect:
MMFM
Why Chose
Reindeer Shifter MMC's
Lawyers FMC
Fated Mates
Heat & Rut
Anti-Capitalism
Knotting
I really loved the concept of the North Pole being a corporation. The story is fun to read and original with the blend of how Santa runs things, standing up to it, and finding not just one, but three, fated mates. It really is a sweet and cozy book, and it has more than plenty spice to keep you wrapped in if that's what you came here for.
Workaholic Sylvie Hartwell finally geta a quiet Christmas back home, until magical hot chocolate pushes her into the reality behind fairytales. Now She must help three of Santa's reindeer unionize against him, while navigating what it means to be mated to them along the way.
What to Expect:
MMFM
Why Chose
Reindeer Shifter MMC's
Lawyers FMC
Fated Mates
Heat & Rut
Anti-Capitalism
Knotting
I really loved the concept of the North Pole being a corporation. The story is fun to read and original with the blend of how Santa runs things, standing up to it, and finding not just one, but three, fated mates. It really is a sweet and cozy book, and it has more than plenty spice to keep you wrapped in if that's what you came here for.
November 20, 2025
A why choose reindeer shifter omegaverse?! Yes, please!
Tropes:
🦌 Omegaverse (MMFM)
🦌 Reindeer Shifters (she’s human)
🦌 Legally Blonde Meets Hot Frosty
Sylvie is a workaholic lawyer in labor rights. She’s finally going home for Christmas, but drinks some magic hot chocolate that forces a gorgeous white haired reindeer shifter to take her away. Now she knows that alphas and omegas exist, Santa is real, and she’s going to help her new mates unionize to get the benefits they deserve.
This book was a really fun novella! Ava did a magical job making it not feel rushed, and you felt like you really got to know the characters in a short amount of time. I didn’t know I needed a Christmas shifter omegaverse, but am I sure glad it exists! All of these alphas are swoony in their own ways, and I loved how they quickly came together for their cause, but especially for Sylvie.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Ava, for sending me a copy of this book!
Tropes:
🦌 Omegaverse (MMFM)
🦌 Reindeer Shifters (she’s human)
🦌 Legally Blonde Meets Hot Frosty
Sylvie is a workaholic lawyer in labor rights. She’s finally going home for Christmas, but drinks some magic hot chocolate that forces a gorgeous white haired reindeer shifter to take her away. Now she knows that alphas and omegas exist, Santa is real, and she’s going to help her new mates unionize to get the benefits they deserve.
This book was a really fun novella! Ava did a magical job making it not feel rushed, and you felt like you really got to know the characters in a short amount of time. I didn’t know I needed a Christmas shifter omegaverse, but am I sure glad it exists! All of these alphas are swoony in their own ways, and I loved how they quickly came together for their cause, but especially for Sylvie.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Ava, for sending me a copy of this book!
November 9, 2025
Never did I ever think you’d catch me reading a Christmas book. Not only did I read it, I enjoyed it! I wish Goodreads allowed for half stars because this one is a solid 4.5
Pros: It’s a very quick sexy read that fills you with that warm, homely feeling you get after watching a nice Hallmark Christmas movie. The characters are easy to love. Did I mention it’s sexy?
Cons: There’s a lot of work talk (I get it she’s a lawyer it’s the plot) but it seemed almost too much for how short this story was. Now this might be a me problem but there were times I was extremely confused on their um *positions*. I found myself having to reread a lot of areas because I thought I was missing something.
Overall, it delivered what was promised: A spicy novella about a lawyer and her three shapeshifting hunks
Pros: It’s a very quick sexy read that fills you with that warm, homely feeling you get after watching a nice Hallmark Christmas movie. The characters are easy to love. Did I mention it’s sexy?
Cons: There’s a lot of work talk (I get it she’s a lawyer it’s the plot) but it seemed almost too much for how short this story was. Now this might be a me problem but there were times I was extremely confused on their um *positions*. I found myself having to reread a lot of areas because I thought I was missing something.
Overall, it delivered what was promised: A spicy novella about a lawyer and her three shapeshifting hunks
November 15, 2025
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a reindeer why choose before Thanksgiving 🤭 You are just going to love this Christmas Novella.
If you are a fan of Shifter Romances with a Why Choose - MMFM, Lawyer FMC, Reindeer Shifters, Anti-Capitalist, Heat & Rut and so much more!
Sylvie works herself to the bone as an employment lawyer but when fate runs in her path, she finds out magic is real, she is an Omega and comes face to face with 3 Alpha mates who need help to unionize Santa’s workforce.
Kenai the sweet one, Taimyr the quiet one and Aleski the broody one. Though they have long been at odds, Sylvie as their Omega brings these 3 Alphas to their knees.
This was such a cute, cozy, spicy novella perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Sylvie does not back down from a fight and she shows her Alphas that she will do whatever it takes to win their case.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are a fan of Shifter Romances with a Why Choose - MMFM, Lawyer FMC, Reindeer Shifters, Anti-Capitalist, Heat & Rut and so much more!
Sylvie works herself to the bone as an employment lawyer but when fate runs in her path, she finds out magic is real, she is an Omega and comes face to face with 3 Alpha mates who need help to unionize Santa’s workforce.
Kenai the sweet one, Taimyr the quiet one and Aleski the broody one. Though they have long been at odds, Sylvie as their Omega brings these 3 Alphas to their knees.
This was such a cute, cozy, spicy novella perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Sylvie does not back down from a fight and she shows her Alphas that she will do whatever it takes to win their case.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
November 21, 2025
Do you like Hallmark Christmas movies? Does corporate greed roast your chestnuts? Ooh, have I got a steamy why-choose romance with reindeer shifters for you!
This is a fast moving, romantic novella full of heat, love, and a fight for fairness.
Sylvie, a powerhouse employment lawyer, just wants some holiday downtime.
Kenai, Taimyr, and Aleksi are reindeer alpha shifters seeking justice.
When these four come together, sparks fly in every sense.
I was delighted with how this story blended Christmas charm, corporate politics, and a steamy romance arc in under 300 pages.
Aleksi was my favorite—big, strong, and fiercely protective, even if Sylvie already has two mates.
Their dynamic gave me shades of Pucking Around, and Aleksi’s Finnish roots only added to the appeal.
A festive, fiery read that balances passion with justice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this eARC.
This is a fast moving, romantic novella full of heat, love, and a fight for fairness.
Sylvie, a powerhouse employment lawyer, just wants some holiday downtime.
Kenai, Taimyr, and Aleksi are reindeer alpha shifters seeking justice.
When these four come together, sparks fly in every sense.
I was delighted with how this story blended Christmas charm, corporate politics, and a steamy romance arc in under 300 pages.
Aleksi was my favorite—big, strong, and fiercely protective, even if Sylvie already has two mates.
Their dynamic gave me shades of Pucking Around, and Aleksi’s Finnish roots only added to the appeal.
A festive, fiery read that balances passion with justice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookFunnel for this eARC.
November 24, 2025
Okay, reindeer shifters? Count me IN. As the biggest Christmas fan, I need to know where I can find them ASAP. This book was soooo cute. I absolutely could not stand her family in the beginning, but Kenai saves her and thank goodness he does. And his relationship with Taimyr? Awwww. And Alexi? I want one so badly. Any of them, honestly 😂💛
Also, my favorite part of the book, "Because people didn't stay. People left. They resented your success and your drive, and they belittled you.... Trusting was a mistake. It was easier not to trust at all." I felt that so deeply.
I wish we got a bit more of all of them together (and maybe a little less contract number talk, or at least more time with the guys to balance it), but it was still such a good, cozy holiday read. And the way the North Pole was portrayed? Perfection. I loved it! 🎄🦌✨
Also, my favorite part of the book, "Because people didn't stay. People left. They resented your success and your drive, and they belittled you.... Trusting was a mistake. It was easier not to trust at all." I felt that so deeply.
I wish we got a bit more of all of them together (and maybe a little less contract number talk, or at least more time with the guys to balance it), but it was still such a good, cozy holiday read. And the way the North Pole was portrayed? Perfection. I loved it! 🎄🦌✨
December 31, 2025
Legally Blonde Meets Christmas
TW: ab*se at work, violation of working conditions,
This was a fun little read. I definitely would’ve finished faster if the holidays didn’t get so busy. But here we are.
This was a super cute story. It’s absolutely fast burn which I didn’t expect for a human who knew nothing about magic who suddenly found a non human mate but otherwise it was great.
The reindeer shifters of the pole are being mistreated and need a lawyer and no one is better than Sylvie however when they meet she gets put into a heat and the plan kinda goes sideways.
Love that I’m ending my year with an omegaverse
Tropes: why choose, touch her and ☠️, fated mates, MMFM, reindeer shifters, they need her help, they help her through her heat, omegaverse
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Steam:🔥🔥🔥
Sweetness:💗💗💗💗
TW: ab*se at work, violation of working conditions,
This was a fun little read. I definitely would’ve finished faster if the holidays didn’t get so busy. But here we are.
This was a super cute story. It’s absolutely fast burn which I didn’t expect for a human who knew nothing about magic who suddenly found a non human mate but otherwise it was great.
The reindeer shifters of the pole are being mistreated and need a lawyer and no one is better than Sylvie however when they meet she gets put into a heat and the plan kinda goes sideways.
Love that I’m ending my year with an omegaverse
Tropes: why choose, touch her and ☠️, fated mates, MMFM, reindeer shifters, they need her help, they help her through her heat, omegaverse
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Steam:🔥🔥🔥
Sweetness:💗💗💗💗
November 9, 2025
Oh this was cuuuuuuuute in like the spiciest way possible.
I’m not normally one for Christmas books but this!!! This is so good.
A corporate woman, hyper independent, trying to care for everyone but herself and feeling out of place at her family Christmas functions. Now that’s someone I can relate to.
And her men!!!!!! Wow I am in love with all 3 of them. I absolutely loved that we got introduced to them slowly and it allowed us to really get to know each of them on their own. That was definitely the perfect way to do that.
And when they all came together (pun intended), it was just so beautiful. Like really smutty, but in such a wholesome way. I just loved it so much.
So thankful for this ARC and can’t express how dedicated of an Ava fan I am. I need 70000 more books.
I’m not normally one for Christmas books but this!!! This is so good.
A corporate woman, hyper independent, trying to care for everyone but herself and feeling out of place at her family Christmas functions. Now that’s someone I can relate to.
And her men!!!!!! Wow I am in love with all 3 of them. I absolutely loved that we got introduced to them slowly and it allowed us to really get to know each of them on their own. That was definitely the perfect way to do that.
And when they all came together (pun intended), it was just so beautiful. Like really smutty, but in such a wholesome way. I just loved it so much.
So thankful for this ARC and can’t express how dedicated of an Ava fan I am. I need 70000 more books.
November 18, 2025
ARC Review - Thank you so much Ava for this opportunity 🤗
4.5⭐ 3.5🌶️
This book had everything that I needed; vibes, spices, lot of laughs and depth. It was an amazing read and for sure, it will become one of my favorites for holiday season.
I really like Ava Thorne's writing style. She manages to balance humor and deeper themes, plot and spice, very well, creating something harmonious. The story was very interesting and different without being too light or complicated for a novella. The way the mating bond is established based on each subspecies was really well thought out and cute. Grandma Rose stole the show every time she was in a scene, she was hilarious!
It's a book I really recommend to read if you enjoy hallmark holiday movies and shifter romance
4.5⭐ 3.5🌶️
This book had everything that I needed; vibes, spices, lot of laughs and depth. It was an amazing read and for sure, it will become one of my favorites for holiday season.
I really like Ava Thorne's writing style. She manages to balance humor and deeper themes, plot and spice, very well, creating something harmonious. The story was very interesting and different without being too light or complicated for a novella. The way the mating bond is established based on each subspecies was really well thought out and cute. Grandma Rose stole the show every time she was in a scene, she was hilarious!
It's a book I really recommend to read if you enjoy hallmark holiday movies and shifter romance
November 18, 2025
Imagine what would happen if Santa Claus was an ancient magical entity with exploitative labor practices and the reindeer shifters under his employment have finally had enough. Enter Sylvie, one of the top employment lawyers in NY, who just might be the answer to all their problems. On top of that, she's actually an omega and 3 prominent alpha reindeer shifters from different clans have their eyes set on her. This was a quick, fun, spicy, holiday-themed read that had a nice balance of winter magic, steam, and anti-capitalism themes. I'd never read about reindeer shifters before so this was one for the bucketlist. I'd rate it a 3.75 stars - only wish the book was a bit longer to develop the love interests a bit more equally!
Thank you Ava for the eARC!
Thank you Ava for the eARC!
November 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book had me hooked. It’s the perfect mix for a holiday read my style it gave me spice, it made me simp for the reindeer shifters, and it delivered a story that, even with its fantasy vibes, felt real.
I loved the dynamic between the alphas and their omega, the chemistry, and the softness hidden between all the heat. Sylvie’s growth was beautiful to read watching her fight for her own happiness and finally feel like she belonged somewhere was so satisfying.
For me, the biggest lesson was that it’s never too late to break the patterns that hurt us and fight for the life we deserve. And that it’s okay to guard our feelings… the right people will still find us. And who knows maybe you’ll get three 😏
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book had me hooked. It’s the perfect mix for a holiday read my style it gave me spice, it made me simp for the reindeer shifters, and it delivered a story that, even with its fantasy vibes, felt real.
I loved the dynamic between the alphas and their omega, the chemistry, and the softness hidden between all the heat. Sylvie’s growth was beautiful to read watching her fight for her own happiness and finally feel like she belonged somewhere was so satisfying.
For me, the biggest lesson was that it’s never too late to break the patterns that hurt us and fight for the life we deserve. And that it’s okay to guard our feelings… the right people will still find us. And who knows maybe you’ll get three 😏
November 23, 2025
ARC Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three reindeer men, one human female, and a work force looking to unionize - how could you not be curious?
This was a fast steamy read that is exactly as described. It hit that magical Christmas vibe: saving the world (okay Christmas), delicious cocoa, and with a satisfying stick-it-to-the-man employment lawyer style.
This is not a serious read and it doesn't dance around anything - it's straight to the point and ends in a satisfying way that could be built on or not. Interconnected standalone shifter novellas???! Just an idea...
Thank you Ava Thorne for this ARC!
Three reindeer men, one human female, and a work force looking to unionize - how could you not be curious?
This was a fast steamy read that is exactly as described. It hit that magical Christmas vibe: saving the world (okay Christmas), delicious cocoa, and with a satisfying stick-it-to-the-man employment lawyer style.
This is not a serious read and it doesn't dance around anything - it's straight to the point and ends in a satisfying way that could be built on or not. Interconnected standalone shifter novellas???! Just an idea...
Thank you Ava Thorne for this ARC!
November 30, 2025
Bad Santa!
Sylvie is a top employment laywer from New York. Kenai, Taimyr and Aleski are three Alphas, from three different Reindeer Packs, who need assistance with their employer, Santa, who is exploiting their employment. They need legal assistance yes, but they also need each other.
This was a nice cosy and cute read. Never thought I would read legal legislation for a magical corporation, but it was good.
Can smut be wholesome? I think the smut in this story almost felt wholesome....🤔🤣
I loved how these characters helped each other, how they broke down those walls and opened up to each other, in more ways than one 😜 (sorry)
Anyhow, I loved it.
Sylvie is a top employment laywer from New York. Kenai, Taimyr and Aleski are three Alphas, from three different Reindeer Packs, who need assistance with their employer, Santa, who is exploiting their employment. They need legal assistance yes, but they also need each other.
This was a nice cosy and cute read. Never thought I would read legal legislation for a magical corporation, but it was good.
Can smut be wholesome? I think the smut in this story almost felt wholesome....🤔🤣
I loved how these characters helped each other, how they broke down those walls and opened up to each other, in more ways than one 😜 (sorry)
Anyhow, I loved it.
December 15, 2025
holiday cheer with spice
I’m not sure what I expected when I read the blurb for this story but whatever I thought this blew it out of the water. Slyvie and her three hot AF reindeer mates were fun and festive, it was such an interesting take on Christmas and magic but it still made sense and was seamless with how it all worked. From accidentally running into her first mate with her car to finding out Santa is a corporate CEO Fae, and I think most of us know that Fae are not to be trusted. It’s a fun story with an interesting somewhat intense plot relating to big business and how they treat their employees along with some finding of love that grows and evolves with you.
I’m not sure what I expected when I read the blurb for this story but whatever I thought this blew it out of the water. Slyvie and her three hot AF reindeer mates were fun and festive, it was such an interesting take on Christmas and magic but it still made sense and was seamless with how it all worked. From accidentally running into her first mate with her car to finding out Santa is a corporate CEO Fae, and I think most of us know that Fae are not to be trusted. It’s a fun story with an interesting somewhat intense plot relating to big business and how they treat their employees along with some finding of love that grows and evolves with you.
November 18, 2025
❄️𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚 + 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘❄️
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‼️Legally Blonde meets Hot Frosty‼️
🎄 If you’re looking for a new silly, sweet & oh so spicy paranormal holiday romance with shifters you don’t have to choose between, boyfriends who have boyfriends, and a corporate style North Pole, then this is the book for you!!
🎄 Cocoa & Clauses by @avathorne_author is a sweet and spicy why-choose that leaves you feeling cozy and puts you right into the holiday mood. The world-building is super easy to dive into, and the fast-pace makes this story an easy weekend read (although I devoured it in just a day)!! I loved the reverse Christmas concept of the overworked employees attempting to stand up to Santa’s forceful hand and looking for justice. AND OF COURSE, magically discovering their mate in the process!! It made the story feel original and a fun read.
🎄 I absolutely loved all the characters. Even though Kenai is my favorite, with his cinnamon roll personality, each of the males brought a different perspective and dynamic to the herd, which just reinforces how well they all worked together. The FMC, Sylvie builds a beautiful connection with each of the male shifters, and in turn, they each build a comfortable & passionate connection with her.
✨️ Cocoa & Clauses is part of the Cozy Christmas Collection, a collection of holiday novellas by four different authors!!
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‼️Legally Blonde meets Hot Frosty‼️
🎄 If you’re looking for a new silly, sweet & oh so spicy paranormal holiday romance with shifters you don’t have to choose between, boyfriends who have boyfriends, and a corporate style North Pole, then this is the book for you!!
🎄 Cocoa & Clauses by @avathorne_author is a sweet and spicy why-choose that leaves you feeling cozy and puts you right into the holiday mood. The world-building is super easy to dive into, and the fast-pace makes this story an easy weekend read (although I devoured it in just a day)!! I loved the reverse Christmas concept of the overworked employees attempting to stand up to Santa’s forceful hand and looking for justice. AND OF COURSE, magically discovering their mate in the process!! It made the story feel original and a fun read.
🎄 I absolutely loved all the characters. Even though Kenai is my favorite, with his cinnamon roll personality, each of the males brought a different perspective and dynamic to the herd, which just reinforces how well they all worked together. The FMC, Sylvie builds a beautiful connection with each of the male shifters, and in turn, they each build a comfortable & passionate connection with her.
✨️ Cocoa & Clauses is part of the Cozy Christmas Collection, a collection of holiday novellas by four different authors!!
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