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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.
- GenresShapeshiftersWhy Choose
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2025
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 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 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!
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
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!
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.
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! 🎄🦌✨
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.
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!!
November 12, 2025
4.25❄️🌶️🌶️🌶️
•NYC lawyer w/ heart of gold who focuses on Employment Law ✔️
•Reindeer Alpha Shifters fighting for better working rights & environment in the North Pole✔️
•A meddling Fae with extra special hot cocoa, that turns this legal mission as steamy as the sauna. ✔️ Yes, it’s as delightfully chaotic as it sounds.
It’s festive, funny, and full of heart. Like a blanket fresh from the dryer, the Omegaverse heat level will definitely keep you toasty while the Christmas spirit warms everything else. Perfect for readers who want a little spice with their cocoa and a whole lot of cheer.
•NYC lawyer w/ heart of gold who focuses on Employment Law ✔️
•Reindeer Alpha Shifters fighting for better working rights & environment in the North Pole✔️
•A meddling Fae with extra special hot cocoa, that turns this legal mission as steamy as the sauna. ✔️ Yes, it’s as delightfully chaotic as it sounds.
It’s festive, funny, and full of heart. Like a blanket fresh from the dryer, the Omegaverse heat level will definitely keep you toasty while the Christmas spirit warms everything else. Perfect for readers who want a little spice with their cocoa and a whole lot of cheer.
November 15, 2025
This was a fun and spicy little Christmas novella perfect for this time of the year! I liked the characters, and the plot was fun. It was shifter/omegaverse, but make it Christmas!
Being a novella everything js fast paced which I didn't mind! I do wish the Santa plot had a little more page time! We really only got like half a chapter with actual Santa on it, but again, it is a novella and the book is more romance heavy than plot heavy.
The spice was deliciousssss. Who know reindeer would have me sweating so much 😮💨
Being a novella everything js fast paced which I didn't mind! I do wish the Santa plot had a little more page time! We really only got like half a chapter with actual Santa on it, but again, it is a novella and the book is more romance heavy than plot heavy.
The spice was deliciousssss. Who know reindeer would have me sweating so much 😮💨
November 17, 2025
Eva Thorne thank you so much for letting me read this book ahead of the masses. Here is my honest review.
If you are looking for a cozy and smutty Christmas read then this is the book for you.
What do you get when you cross an overworked employment lawyer and 3 very different alpha reindeers trying to unionize ? You get one hell of a ride and story.
The story will make you believe in love again and letting people in and trusting Fate.
Character development and spice was spot on.
If you are looking for a cozy and smutty Christmas read then this is the book for you.
What do you get when you cross an overworked employment lawyer and 3 very different alpha reindeers trying to unionize ? You get one hell of a ride and story.
The story will make you believe in love again and letting people in and trusting Fate.
Character development and spice was spot on.
November 27, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book. I’ve never read a reindeer shifter/Omegaverse before but I loved it. Kenai is my absolute favorite. Who would’ve thought that Santa would turn out to be the bad guy!! I loved how fierce Sylvie was and loved seeing her able to open up to her mates and accept them into her life. Ughhh, this book gave me so many warm and fuzzy feelings, definitely one of my favs!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
OMGGG this book is sooo cute and HOT! My new Christmas wish this year is for my own herd of reindeer shifters cause GODDAMN! I could have read another 200 pages of this world and story, it’s truly such a perfect holiday read.
November 18, 2025
Such an amazing and interesting read i absolutely loved it 😍 the plot was sooo interesting and incredible and their is quite a bit of spice and the characters are absolutely fascinating 😍 such a great book
November 24, 2025
Another incredible story in this little series!
This book was not what I was expecting at all!
Three very different alphas... and one very sassy omega!
It was such a unique story!
It had a great plot. It had great banter.
It had some amazing spice!
This amazing little found family will have you in all your feels!
This short little shifter romance was full of holiday cheer and packed one heck a punch!
This book was not what I was expecting at all!
Three very different alphas... and one very sassy omega!
It was such a unique story!
It had a great plot. It had great banter.
It had some amazing spice!
This amazing little found family will have you in all your feels!
This short little shifter romance was full of holiday cheer and packed one heck a punch!
November 10, 2025
I’ll just share this: I was in the discord asking “why am I CRYING while she gets absolutely RAILED, AVA???”
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