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Booked for Christmas: A Forced Proximity Workplace Holiday Romance Novella
🌶️🌶️🌶️
One surprise guest. One infuriatingly hot man. This holiday just got complicated.
When a freak blizzard cancels the resort’s big holiday buyout, front-desk overachiever Julia Martin is left alone to lock up paradise. She’s one key-turn away from calling it when Margo Vale—the famously ruthless New York Times critic—shows up expecting luxury service and ocean views.
There’s just one the power’s out, the staff’s gone, and the only help left on the island is Wes, a tattooed, half-naked chef secretly squatting in the basement.
Julia’s promotion is on the line. So she lies. She checks Margo in and ropes Wes into faking a flawless tropical Christmas.
What starts as a panicked charade turns into fairy lights, makeshift feasts, and one very real bed. And when Wes discovers Julia’s stash of steamy romance novels? He’s more than willing to play the part of her fantasy hero.
Booked for Christmas is a sizzling holiday rom-com with forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and a full serving of real-life romance novel role-play. Unwrap the holiday romance you didn’t know you were waiting for—grab your copy now!
One surprise guest. One infuriatingly hot man. This holiday just got complicated.
When a freak blizzard cancels the resort’s big holiday buyout, front-desk overachiever Julia Martin is left alone to lock up paradise. She’s one key-turn away from calling it when Margo Vale—the famously ruthless New York Times critic—shows up expecting luxury service and ocean views.
There’s just one the power’s out, the staff’s gone, and the only help left on the island is Wes, a tattooed, half-naked chef secretly squatting in the basement.
Julia’s promotion is on the line. So she lies. She checks Margo in and ropes Wes into faking a flawless tropical Christmas.
What starts as a panicked charade turns into fairy lights, makeshift feasts, and one very real bed. And when Wes discovers Julia’s stash of steamy romance novels? He’s more than willing to play the part of her fantasy hero.
Booked for Christmas is a sizzling holiday rom-com with forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and a full serving of real-life romance novel role-play. Unwrap the holiday romance you didn’t know you were waiting for—grab your copy now!
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
6 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 18, 2025
Oh. My. Spice! 🌶🌶🌶🌶
I was lucky enough to get to read this book as an ARC reader. It was impossible to put down, and I have already recommended it to my friends.
Forced proximity ✔️
Roleplay ✔️
He falls first ✔️
What could go wrong (or oh so right) when the resort closes down for a Holiday, but one high profile guest doesn't get the memo? Julia and Wes need to pull off a Christmas miracle.
I was lucky enough to get to read this book as an ARC reader. It was impossible to put down, and I have already recommended it to my friends.
Forced proximity ✔️
Roleplay ✔️
He falls first ✔️
What could go wrong (or oh so right) when the resort closes down for a Holiday, but one high profile guest doesn't get the memo? Julia and Wes need to pull off a Christmas miracle.
November 26, 2025
This story had me smiling from ear to ear!
What a feel good, yet very steamy holiday story!
I loved both Wes and Julia.
For a novella, the character builds were done so well!
Even Ms. Vale, a secondary character!
You should not miss this delightful romance!
What a feel good, yet very steamy holiday story!
I loved both Wes and Julia.
For a novella, the character builds were done so well!
Even Ms. Vale, a secondary character!
You should not miss this delightful romance!
December 22, 2025
An unexpected love found at the workplace… Julia finds herself trying to make sure a highly coveted guest is taken care of during a downtime at the resort. Only to come to find another stow away at the resort - Wes, one of the culinary chefs.
They work together to make sure Margo Vale, the ruthless critic, has the best time so she gives a 5 star review. Julia is working on a promotion so she knows she has no other choice.
Their happily ever after is the perfect one for them, and this story is a great Christmas novella.
They work together to make sure Margo Vale, the ruthless critic, has the best time so she gives a 5 star review. Julia is working on a promotion so she knows she has no other choice.
Their happily ever after is the perfect one for them, and this story is a great Christmas novella.
November 16, 2025
Oh. My. God. 😍🥵
I received this story as part of a volunteer ARC opportunity, received it this morning & this read was impossible to put down.
Unfortunately chain of events leave two employees at this vacation resort with a high profile guest neither of them can fumble.
Forced proximity ✅
Witty banter and a bit of pining? ✅
VERY VERY VERY HOT ROLEPLAY? ✅
HE falls first???? ✅
This truly may be one of my favorite reads this year. Likely going to read it again 🥵
I received this story as part of a volunteer ARC opportunity, received it this morning & this read was impossible to put down.
Unfortunately chain of events leave two employees at this vacation resort with a high profile guest neither of them can fumble.
Forced proximity ✅
Witty banter and a bit of pining? ✅
VERY VERY VERY HOT ROLEPLAY? ✅
HE falls first???? ✅
This truly may be one of my favorite reads this year. Likely going to read it again 🥵
November 22, 2025
A spicy and swoon-worthy holiday novella set in the White Sands Resort of Lore Townsend’s Off-Limits Lovers series. Wes’s carefree attitude and Julia’s rule-following demands make for some great tension building. The story is short (takes place over three days) so things move fast, but you have to remember they have worked at the same place for over a year. Their love for romance novels leads to some very spicy role play. I loved reading the progression of Wes’s feelings. The whole book just gives you all the happy holiday magic feels.
November 27, 2025
Booked for Christmas is a spicy, forced proximity, holiday romance featuring Julia and Wes.
While the White Sands resort was booked for a corporate event, a massive snowstorm resulted in cancelled flights and guests not being able to travel to the resort. The team decided that since there weren't any guests, they would close for a long weekend, give the generators a break, and take the staff on a cruise. Julia agreed to stay behind to mind the property while the owners were away. She was hoping that it might be just the thing to get her promoted.
Julia is shocked when Margo Vale, a New York Times hospitality columnist, shows up at the resort. No one was supposed to be there. There's no staff and no electricity but she knows of Margo's reputation and doesn't want her to write a negative review. So what does she do? She gives Margo a room on the first floor and tries her best to attend to all her needs while ensuring she doesn't find out that the resort was supposed to be shut down. Unsure how she's going to pull this off, Julia lucks out when she stumbles upon Wes, one of the sous chefs. Now she has a partner in crime who can help out, and ensure Margo is fed delicious meals.
This was an unexpectedly delightful holiday novella! The very attractive Wes happens to be attracted to Julia. When he checks out one of her many romance novels, realizes that not only does he know the story but that it seems the prim and proper Julia might have a certain kink that he's all to happy to explore. In addition to their undeniable chemistry, this duo shares some very witty banter.
This book was a lovely way to revisit Townsend's Off-Limits Lovers series which I thoroughly enjoyed. For those who have yet to explore the series, this is a standalone installment and can be appreciated on its own. That said, I would encourage you to check out the series. It was very enjoyable!
While the White Sands resort was booked for a corporate event, a massive snowstorm resulted in cancelled flights and guests not being able to travel to the resort. The team decided that since there weren't any guests, they would close for a long weekend, give the generators a break, and take the staff on a cruise. Julia agreed to stay behind to mind the property while the owners were away. She was hoping that it might be just the thing to get her promoted.
Julia is shocked when Margo Vale, a New York Times hospitality columnist, shows up at the resort. No one was supposed to be there. There's no staff and no electricity but she knows of Margo's reputation and doesn't want her to write a negative review. So what does she do? She gives Margo a room on the first floor and tries her best to attend to all her needs while ensuring she doesn't find out that the resort was supposed to be shut down. Unsure how she's going to pull this off, Julia lucks out when she stumbles upon Wes, one of the sous chefs. Now she has a partner in crime who can help out, and ensure Margo is fed delicious meals.
This was an unexpectedly delightful holiday novella! The very attractive Wes happens to be attracted to Julia. When he checks out one of her many romance novels, realizes that not only does he know the story but that it seems the prim and proper Julia might have a certain kink that he's all to happy to explore. In addition to their undeniable chemistry, this duo shares some very witty banter.
This book was a lovely way to revisit Townsend's Off-Limits Lovers series which I thoroughly enjoyed. For those who have yet to explore the series, this is a standalone installment and can be appreciated on its own. That said, I would encourage you to check out the series. It was very enjoyable!
November 25, 2025
Booked for Christmas is a novella in the Off-Limits Lovers series by Lore Townsend and was given time as an ARC by the author. It can be read as a standalone, but Off the Menu was so good and reading that book first only enhances the reading experience for this little story. Lore has done it again! I love this series and her writing style so much. I read this book in one sitting. It is a short read, but well written nonetheless.
Wes and Julia are two lost souls working hard day in and day out with no end in sight. One Christmas weekend changes the course of their entire lives. Now they can’t imagine life without each other. Forget the mistletoe, Christmas miracles do exist for these two coworkers.
The perfect storm hits the island and her name is Margo Vale. She is a well known hospitality columnist that shows up at the door of a closed down resort. Jules and Wes must make the best of a crazy situation and they try to salvage what they think will be a terrible review. With no power, no staff, and limited food these three actually make a nice little Christmas for themselves. One of the most memorable holidays ever.
This novella is the perfect spicy read to start your Christmas reading season! Turn your favorite playlist on and grab a snack to get into the spirit. I hope we will see this couple in the future of this series. I love these two so much.
Wes and Julia are two lost souls working hard day in and day out with no end in sight. One Christmas weekend changes the course of their entire lives. Now they can’t imagine life without each other. Forget the mistletoe, Christmas miracles do exist for these two coworkers.
The perfect storm hits the island and her name is Margo Vale. She is a well known hospitality columnist that shows up at the door of a closed down resort. Jules and Wes must make the best of a crazy situation and they try to salvage what they think will be a terrible review. With no power, no staff, and limited food these three actually make a nice little Christmas for themselves. One of the most memorable holidays ever.
This novella is the perfect spicy read to start your Christmas reading season! Turn your favorite playlist on and grab a snack to get into the spirit. I hope we will see this couple in the future of this series. I love these two so much.
December 29, 2025
This is probably a perfectly fine story that I’m not in the mood for.
A getaway resort has closed for a few days and all the staff takes off on a cruise. The only employees left behind are one woman to keep an eye on everything and a kitchen staff member who is more or less camping out there without anyone knowing.
The fmc is Jonesing for a promotion so when an unexpected guest arrives, who happens to be a travel critic, she decides to fake that the resort is open for business. She blackmails the male into helping and they not only provide room and board but decide to reinstall the Christmas decor that had been already taken down. This is where it ends for me.
Why can’t she just be honest with the guest? It’s not her responsibility to insure that a positive review is given. She and the guy are even providing food out of their personal larders. I’ve nothing against going the extra mile but this is ridiculous. dnf
A getaway resort has closed for a few days and all the staff takes off on a cruise. The only employees left behind are one woman to keep an eye on everything and a kitchen staff member who is more or less camping out there without anyone knowing.
The fmc is Jonesing for a promotion so when an unexpected guest arrives, who happens to be a travel critic, she decides to fake that the resort is open for business. She blackmails the male into helping and they not only provide room and board but decide to reinstall the Christmas decor that had been already taken down. This is where it ends for me.
Why can’t she just be honest with the guest? It’s not her responsibility to insure that a positive review is given. She and the guy are even providing food out of their personal larders. I’ve nothing against going the extra mile but this is ridiculous. dnf
November 20, 2025
An Adorably Sweet And Spicy Holiday Novella!
Booked For Christmas is a fun and festive Christmas holiday novella set in the world of Lore Townsend’s Off Limit Lovers series. This can absolutely be read as a standalone but I have loved all the books in the series and highly recommend them. I suggest reading them in order. Booked For Christmas just enhances that Island flair that the Off Limit series encompasses.
Booked For Christmas is a well written and easy read and the characters are endearing and just a little bit broken. What was supposed to be a very lonely holiday for these intriguing characters turns into a comedy of errors, tension and off the charts attraction that goes down like a steamy cup of cocoa! This makes for the perfect holiday read!
Booked For Christmas is a fun and festive Christmas holiday novella set in the world of Lore Townsend’s Off Limit Lovers series. This can absolutely be read as a standalone but I have loved all the books in the series and highly recommend them. I suggest reading them in order. Booked For Christmas just enhances that Island flair that the Off Limit series encompasses.
Booked For Christmas is a well written and easy read and the characters are endearing and just a little bit broken. What was supposed to be a very lonely holiday for these intriguing characters turns into a comedy of errors, tension and off the charts attraction that goes down like a steamy cup of cocoa! This makes for the perfect holiday read!
November 26, 2025
This book was fun, heartwarming and perfect whether you love Christmas or a total grinch!
When the company that booked out the hotel get caught in a snowstorm the owners decide to give everyone a holiday. There is however work to be done on the boiler and one dedicated employee stays behind. Imagine her surprise when a guest turns up who isn’t aware they are closed and turns out to be a famous hotel reviewer, she can’t turn them away can she?
The hilarious results that follow are peppered with unexpected romance and adventurous role play and poignant exploration of three people to whom Christmas isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Read if you want steam with a fabulous storyline and a kick of Christmas cheer. Loved it!
When the company that booked out the hotel get caught in a snowstorm the owners decide to give everyone a holiday. There is however work to be done on the boiler and one dedicated employee stays behind. Imagine her surprise when a guest turns up who isn’t aware they are closed and turns out to be a famous hotel reviewer, she can’t turn them away can she?
The hilarious results that follow are peppered with unexpected romance and adventurous role play and poignant exploration of three people to whom Christmas isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Read if you want steam with a fabulous storyline and a kick of Christmas cheer. Loved it!
November 23, 2025
Booked for Christmas is a sweet, spicy, and impossible to put down!! It's a perfect holiday escape 🥰🥰🥰
It’s a fast-paced story.... 3 days of chaos and charm✨️ but packed with banter, tension, and swoonworthy roleplay 🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵
If you love festive romcoms with a side of steam, Booked for Christmas deserves a spot on your must read for the Holiday list!!!
What you get....
♡Enemies to Lovers
♡Forced Proximity
♡Grumpy Sunshine
♡Opposites Attract
♡Julia is a Rule Follower
♡Wes Has a Carefree Attitude
♡Christmas Farce
♡Romance Novel Role Play
♡Holiday Magic
♡He Falls First
Lore does it again!! Giving us another addictive story with characters we love!!
It’s a fast-paced story.... 3 days of chaos and charm✨️ but packed with banter, tension, and swoonworthy roleplay 🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵
If you love festive romcoms with a side of steam, Booked for Christmas deserves a spot on your must read for the Holiday list!!!
What you get....
♡Enemies to Lovers
♡Forced Proximity
♡Grumpy Sunshine
♡Opposites Attract
♡Julia is a Rule Follower
♡Wes Has a Carefree Attitude
♡Christmas Farce
♡Romance Novel Role Play
♡Holiday Magic
♡He Falls First
Lore does it again!! Giving us another addictive story with characters we love!!
November 17, 2025
What a delightful story. Julia is a dedicated employee who volunteers to stay at the resort while the owners and rest of the employees are on a cruise. An unexpected guest turns up and when Julia can’t contact the owners she takes it on herself to try and make the guests stay as good as possible. Then she finds one of the chefs camping out and blackmails him to helping. What follows is charming, steamy, fun and sometimes poignant story with the sweetest ending.
November 24, 2025
I struggled with the beginning. Although I expect things to move fast in a novella, it felt like the MC's were smashed together at light speed. However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed it.
It is written well and the characters have great depth and development. The connection between Julia and Wes is solid if a bit rushed. The smut though is insane in the best way.
A great holiday read to get you hot and bothered!
It is written well and the characters have great depth and development. The connection between Julia and Wes is solid if a bit rushed. The smut though is insane in the best way.
A great holiday read to get you hot and bothered!
December 30, 2025
OVERALL:4
SPICE:3
Such a cute and spicy Christmas novella. Christmas satisfaction is how I would classify this.
This all takes place at a lovely little resort where the whole employee population ends up being off for the Holidays due to a storm that prohibited their incoming bookings to arrive...only someone did not get that memo.
There is not a lot here since it is a novella, but what we do get of Julia and Wes was great.
SPICE:3
Such a cute and spicy Christmas novella. Christmas satisfaction is how I would classify this.
This all takes place at a lovely little resort where the whole employee population ends up being off for the Holidays due to a storm that prohibited their incoming bookings to arrive...only someone did not get that memo.
There is not a lot here since it is a novella, but what we do get of Julia and Wes was great.
November 20, 2025
It was great to return to the white sand resort. This is Julia and Wes’ story. This book was so spicy and fun! The role play in this book made me swoon so hard!
Margot really was my favorite character of this book, Who would have thought this from this somewhat stiff older lady 🤭
I loved this book! It was a short book and I devoured it in just a couple of hours.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Margot really was my favorite character of this book, Who would have thought this from this somewhat stiff older lady 🤭
I loved this book! It was a short book and I devoured it in just a couple of hours.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
November 28, 2025
4.5⭐️ if you’ve read the other books around the silver sands resort, this is a must read for you! It’s a short Christmas novella featuring Jules who works front desk and Wes who’s one of the sous chefs. These two end up having to run the empty hotel while it’s closed and have an unexpected guest turn up. The spice in this book was so hot, I was actually surprised at it, honestly it was so good. Thoroughly recommend.
November 27, 2025
You got me at Wes acting out Julia’s spicy romance novels lol. That’s way too cute. I absolutely loved this quick read with Wes and Julia. It was cute and spicy, and the story was just so much fun. How the two of them came together was great. I loved the idea of this story and it was so well executed.
November 29, 2025
A fun, holiday story.
This was cute with just a lovely bit of spice tossed in. While the romance was fast, that’s always to be expected with a novella. I enjoyed the story overall and felt the characters were relatable and interesting. If you’re in need of a holiday story that’s just fun all around, I’d encourage you to check it out.
This was cute with just a lovely bit of spice tossed in. While the romance was fast, that’s always to be expected with a novella. I enjoyed the story overall and felt the characters were relatable and interesting. If you’re in need of a holiday story that’s just fun all around, I’d encourage you to check it out.
December 2, 2025
A fun holiday read that I couldn't put down. When its snowing at home this will warm you right up. Wes and Julia's story has me hooked from the start. Hotel closing for a storm, what could go wrong. I love how Wes and Julia teamed up together to solve the problem and have some spice of their own. I will be adding this to my reread list!
November 27, 2025
This book made my heart happy. A hospitality reviewer shows up to a hotel that is currently closed but there are two employees who fear a bad review so they try their best to show the guest a good time and end up making a holiday I want to be a part of. Please read for a short feel good holiday break.
November 30, 2025
This one had me grinning. Very witty, quick, and easy read. Forced proximity will get me every time! Given the short time period (3ish days) the story takes place over, it is light on holiday vibes. But I can’t wait to visit the White Sands resort again!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
December 1, 2025
OMG this storyline is amazing. I just love these characters. My favorite is Margo Vale. She brings the whole story together. Don't get me wrong I do love Julia and Wes but Margo is the best side character I've ever read in a long time.
December 5, 2025
Novellas really aren't my fav because of the lack of character and relationship development and unfortunately, this is no exception. It escalated abruptly and at warp speed. The lone side character was my favorite character.
November 24, 2025
This was a super cute Christmas story. They restore an old woman's faith in christmas and society at the same time as falling into an instalove situation. Can't say much without giving it all away, but it was super sweet, excellent spice, and just a cute little love story. Super fast read too, so great for this time of year.
November 27, 2025
If you are looking for a cute quick read for Christmas this is the book for you.. you will laugh at the witty banter, foreplay and more
November 29, 2025
This holiday novella was sweet, full of spice and everything nice!! It brought me back to White Sands Resort in her Off Limits Lovers series.. I loved it! And the role playing was an added bonus ❤️
December 20, 2025
4.5 stars
November 25, 2025
Lore you just keep getting better. I’ve loved all the books about Faraday but this one was so sweet, unexpected, fun and the chemistry between Julia & Wes. So enjoyed their story and the fun they had keeping the resort going for one guest. All I can say is ENJOY
December 1, 2025
I love this story. It is such a great novella that builds off of one of her series. Julia and Wes are quite a pair. Definitely not convention but perfect in the end. I love how they stick together throughout the visit from their unexpected guest. Wes definitely rises to the occasion too, in more ways than one! It is a quick and spicy read. I definitely recommend!
January 5, 2026
Def not that spicy and the whole “wife” nickname gave me the ick haha
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews