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Not the Season
She hates Christmas. He lives for it. Can one magical season change everything?
Claudia Michaels has always dreaded the holidays. As the eldest daughter of divorced parents, Christmas is filled with guilt, tension, and prying questions about her love life. She’s single, tired, and just trying to get through December unnoticed.
Then she meets Henry Cambell.
A charming Canadian baker with twinkling eyes and a heart full of holiday cheer, Henry is only in town for two years, but it only takes one New Year’s Eve party to turn Claudia’s world upside down. When he spends the following Christmas with her family and sees the struggle behind her forced smiles, he makes a promise: next year, things will be different.
A quick, steamy, and heartwarming festive romance about healing, hope, and finding joy where you least expect it.
Claudia Michaels has always dreaded the holidays. As the eldest daughter of divorced parents, Christmas is filled with guilt, tension, and prying questions about her love life. She’s single, tired, and just trying to get through December unnoticed.
Then she meets Henry Cambell.
A charming Canadian baker with twinkling eyes and a heart full of holiday cheer, Henry is only in town for two years, but it only takes one New Year’s Eve party to turn Claudia’s world upside down. When he spends the following Christmas with her family and sees the struggle behind her forced smiles, he makes a promise: next year, things will be different.
A quick, steamy, and heartwarming festive romance about healing, hope, and finding joy where you least expect it.
193 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2025
6 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Emily Nicole
2 books52 followersFuelled by her passion for storytelling, a strong cup of coffee and a good laugh, Emily Nicole is a new voice in the world of Australian romance. Her love for reading began at a young age, and as she reached adulthood, resulted in a dream career as a librarian. She is constantly surrounded by books. When she's not at work, reading, or writing, she's busy listening to Taylor Swift, reviewing books on her Bookstagram account and interacting with fellow book lovers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 21, 2026
A fun and flirty Aussie Christmas story, from indie author Emily Nicole.
October 26, 2025
3/5
A very wholesome Christmas read, that truly represented the accuracy of a hot, sweaty Adelaide Christmas.
Henry was a very likeable MMC and I enjoyed the banter between him and Claudia. Props that this is the first romance book where there hasn’t been a giant blow up between the two main characters making this a very fast and sweet happy ever after wrap up.
Thank you to the author for this ARC! And congratulations on her second book, published 15th November 😍
A very wholesome Christmas read, that truly represented the accuracy of a hot, sweaty Adelaide Christmas.
Henry was a very likeable MMC and I enjoyed the banter between him and Claudia. Props that this is the first romance book where there hasn’t been a giant blow up between the two main characters making this a very fast and sweet happy ever after wrap up.
Thank you to the author for this ARC! And congratulations on her second book, published 15th November 😍
November 7, 2025
This was such a delight! The perfect feel good festive novella, with a smattering of spice. An absolute joy to read from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed the fact that these two knew what they wanted from the start. There’s no beating around the bush, there’s transparency and honesty throughout - just a really lovely, cosy, healthy relationship that weathers the storm of toxic family members and a looming deadline to decide on their potential to have a future together.
I came away smiling like an idiot - job well done, Emily.
Helps that Henry was a hottie, too!
I really enjoyed the fact that these two knew what they wanted from the start. There’s no beating around the bush, there’s transparency and honesty throughout - just a really lovely, cosy, healthy relationship that weathers the storm of toxic family members and a looming deadline to decide on their potential to have a future together.
I came away smiling like an idiot - job well done, Emily.
Helps that Henry was a hottie, too!
December 8, 2025
WHAT A PERFECT WAY TO START THE FESTIVE SEASON
Short and sweet - this novella was the right way to kick off December and to get in the Christmas mindset.
I loved the humour in this book (crying over highland cows is so relatable) as well as the spice (shout out to tinsel)
I appreciated the detailed approach for the dynamics with the family. The struggle of managing the people pleasing tendencies vs the frustration of patriarchal nonsense was handled with care and in such a way that I really felt it in my bones.
Finished this one on two flights and would highly recommend.
Bonus point because I just realised I’m in the acknowledgements and now I’m crying.
Short and sweet - this novella was the right way to kick off December and to get in the Christmas mindset.
I loved the humour in this book (crying over highland cows is so relatable) as well as the spice (shout out to tinsel)
I appreciated the detailed approach for the dynamics with the family. The struggle of managing the people pleasing tendencies vs the frustration of patriarchal nonsense was handled with care and in such a way that I really felt it in my bones.
Finished this one on two flights and would highly recommend.
Bonus point because I just realised I’m in the acknowledgements and now I’m crying.
November 14, 2025
Love, love loved this cosy Christmas story - I devoured it in one sitting! Set in Adelaide, I could relate to a lot of the references to locations and weather which was lovely. The FMC was highly relatable, and I badly wanted her to get her happily ever after with Henry. I kept waiting to disaster to strike and it was actually a nice reprieve to just read a happy tale of finding romance without the drama!
It's made me long for a white Christmas... but not just any white Christmas - specifically one in a tiny Hallmark type town in Canada so I can experience exactly the Christmas magic that Claudia did in this book 💜
Thank you for the opportunity to read an advance copy - I loved it and will be on the lookout for any future releases!
It's made me long for a white Christmas... but not just any white Christmas - specifically one in a tiny Hallmark type town in Canada so I can experience exactly the Christmas magic that Claudia did in this book 💜
Thank you for the opportunity to read an advance copy - I loved it and will be on the lookout for any future releases!
December 9, 2025
Emily having my heart melting constantly. You my girl know exactly what you’re doing. Excited for more releases
November 6, 2025
I loved this! It’s the perfect Christmas romance read and gave me all the feels to get me in the Chrissy spirit. 🎄
Emily has such a way of writing about insecurities and being loved for all your flaws, and this book was no different.
Henry and Claudia are a beautiful pair and I loved all the ups and down this story had to offer. And sorry but I didn’t know we could get spicy in a bakery kitchen 👀
Thankyou Emily for the opportunity to ARC read Not The Season!
Emily has such a way of writing about insecurities and being loved for all your flaws, and this book was no different.
Henry and Claudia are a beautiful pair and I loved all the ups and down this story had to offer. And sorry but I didn’t know we could get spicy in a bakery kitchen 👀
Thankyou Emily for the opportunity to ARC read Not The Season!
December 29, 2025
Emily Nicole has written a Christmas novel that feels just like a Hallmark movie - with an Aussie flavour!
It was a refreshing change to read about a hot Aussie Christmas - the only type of Christmas I know. The sweltering day Claudia has full of fun, feasts, complicated family relationships & the politics of who spends the day where, all rang true.
When the romance kicks off, NOT THE SEASON really hits its stride. I loved the meet cute & swoony Harrison, who quickly becomes steamy Harrison. That tinsel scene will live rent-free in my head for the rest of the season 🔥
If you hate the miscommunication trope, you’re going to especially relish this read because, guess what? No miscommunication! These are adults that know how to talk to each other & express how they’re feeling!
Finally, the found-family element was a beautiful touch & really brought the magical Christmas, Hallmark movie vibes that we know and love.
A cosy Christmas read that also brings the heat!
I received an e-ARC for review.
It was a refreshing change to read about a hot Aussie Christmas - the only type of Christmas I know. The sweltering day Claudia has full of fun, feasts, complicated family relationships & the politics of who spends the day where, all rang true.
When the romance kicks off, NOT THE SEASON really hits its stride. I loved the meet cute & swoony Harrison, who quickly becomes steamy Harrison. That tinsel scene will live rent-free in my head for the rest of the season 🔥
If you hate the miscommunication trope, you’re going to especially relish this read because, guess what? No miscommunication! These are adults that know how to talk to each other & express how they’re feeling!
Finally, the found-family element was a beautiful touch & really brought the magical Christmas, Hallmark movie vibes that we know and love.
A cosy Christmas read that also brings the heat!
I received an e-ARC for review.
December 14, 2025
This was okay. It started off really strong for me and I really loved the chemistry between Claudia and Henry. Henry is a fabulous love interest!
I did relate to some of Claudia's experiences being the eldest daughter and some of the negatives she felt about Christmas - particularly with the extended family. However I do feel like this detracted a bit too much from the story overall and I wound up feeling pretty bad for her mum and dad when she talked about moving to Canada. Claudia kept mentioning that she had nothing tying her to Australia but then also that she couldn't expect Henry to leave his family.. I don't know. It all felt a bit weird for me.
I have read both of Emily Nicole's books now and I'm not sure if her writing is for me. I find that it is very literal and it can pull you out of the story a bit.
I did relate to some of Claudia's experiences being the eldest daughter and some of the negatives she felt about Christmas - particularly with the extended family. However I do feel like this detracted a bit too much from the story overall and I wound up feeling pretty bad for her mum and dad when she talked about moving to Canada. Claudia kept mentioning that she had nothing tying her to Australia but then also that she couldn't expect Henry to leave his family.. I don't know. It all felt a bit weird for me.
I have read both of Emily Nicole's books now and I'm not sure if her writing is for me. I find that it is very literal and it can pull you out of the story a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
‘Not For The Season’ is a new release festive romance by Emily Nicole.
Based in Adelaide, it follows Claudia and Henry, and in addition to capturing the difference between the most wonderful time of the year in hot and cold climates, it shows (in a reassuring way) just how much can change from one Christmas to the next.
I’ve only ever experienced a hot Australian Christmas, so it’s always fun reading about how the other half live - drinking hot chocolate, throwing snowballs, and layering up to explore Christmas tree farms. But alongside the Hallmark vibes we know and love, it’s a reminder of how good we have it down under, all year round.
If like me, you’re already building a stack of titles to read next December, I recommend you add this on. It’s the perfect pick for the start (or end) of the silly season!
Based in Adelaide, it follows Claudia and Henry, and in addition to capturing the difference between the most wonderful time of the year in hot and cold climates, it shows (in a reassuring way) just how much can change from one Christmas to the next.
I’ve only ever experienced a hot Australian Christmas, so it’s always fun reading about how the other half live - drinking hot chocolate, throwing snowballs, and layering up to explore Christmas tree farms. But alongside the Hallmark vibes we know and love, it’s a reminder of how good we have it down under, all year round.
If like me, you’re already building a stack of titles to read next December, I recommend you add this on. It’s the perfect pick for the start (or end) of the silly season!
November 3, 2025
Such a fun and wholesome read! Fell in love with Henry from the get go! Being a south Aussie girlie, I loved all the very familiar places popping up, especially camping in deep creek 😆
Feeling very lucky to read this ARC, Thank you Emily!!!
Feeling very lucky to read this ARC, Thank you Emily!!!
Read
December 26, 2025in the mood for a gorgeous festive read? this is it! it's got a little romance and spice. it's also set in Adelaide Australia (my home town) which is so cool because there were tons of places mentioned that I knew!!!
November 14, 2025
🧑🏼🎄Not the Season by Emily Nicole🧑🏼🎄
Not the Season is a small but mighty festive romance that perfectly captures both the magic and melancholy of the holidays. Claudia’s dread for the holidays was so relatable with the messy family dynamics, the loneliness, the pressure to perform happiness. Enter Henry, a joyful Canadian baker who practically radiates Christmas spirit. Honestly the most non-toxic MC I’ve ever read and I’m definitely adding to the book boyfriend bank 😍
Their chemistry? Instant. Their connection? Deep. And their story? The perfect mix of flirty, healing, and hopeful 🥰
Emily has written a short, steamy, emotionally rich Christmas romance that somehow feels both comforting and cathartic. What I appreciated most was her sensitivity toward holiday pain, how she portrays the quiet loneliness behind the sparkle ✨ It reminds us that joy can coexist with grief and that sometimes the best gifts are second chances 🥹🩷
If you love: 🎁 Found family vibes 🎁 Holiday redemption arcs 🎁 Flirty bakers and emotional healing 🎁 Quick reads with big heart
…then Not the Season deserves a spot on your December TBR. Such a fun time! 😍
This book is about finding your own version of joy, and it left me smiling long after I turned the final page. Grab your copy now! 😜
Thank you so much to @emilysbookedup for sending me a digital copy to review 🙏🏻 can’t wait for the next one!
QOTD: What are your plans for the weekend? We’re having a mini family photoshoot today and I’m seeing some of my besties tomorrow 🥰
#nottheseason #emilynicole #bookreview #booksofinsta #romancebooks #holidayromance #christmasromance #holidayread #bookstagram #aussiebookstagrammer #booklover #bookworm #readmorebooks #aussiebookworm #bookaholic #igreads #book #books #spicyromance #readingromance #romancerecs #aussiefiction #aussieauthor #indieauthor
Not the Season is a small but mighty festive romance that perfectly captures both the magic and melancholy of the holidays. Claudia’s dread for the holidays was so relatable with the messy family dynamics, the loneliness, the pressure to perform happiness. Enter Henry, a joyful Canadian baker who practically radiates Christmas spirit. Honestly the most non-toxic MC I’ve ever read and I’m definitely adding to the book boyfriend bank 😍
Their chemistry? Instant. Their connection? Deep. And their story? The perfect mix of flirty, healing, and hopeful 🥰
Emily has written a short, steamy, emotionally rich Christmas romance that somehow feels both comforting and cathartic. What I appreciated most was her sensitivity toward holiday pain, how she portrays the quiet loneliness behind the sparkle ✨ It reminds us that joy can coexist with grief and that sometimes the best gifts are second chances 🥹🩷
If you love: 🎁 Found family vibes 🎁 Holiday redemption arcs 🎁 Flirty bakers and emotional healing 🎁 Quick reads with big heart
…then Not the Season deserves a spot on your December TBR. Such a fun time! 😍
This book is about finding your own version of joy, and it left me smiling long after I turned the final page. Grab your copy now! 😜
Thank you so much to @emilysbookedup for sending me a digital copy to review 🙏🏻 can’t wait for the next one!
QOTD: What are your plans for the weekend? We’re having a mini family photoshoot today and I’m seeing some of my besties tomorrow 🥰
#nottheseason #emilynicole #bookreview #booksofinsta #romancebooks #holidayromance #christmasromance #holidayread #bookstagram #aussiebookstagrammer #booklover #bookworm #readmorebooks #aussiebookworm #bookaholic #igreads #book #books #spicyromance #readingromance #romancerecs #aussiefiction #aussieauthor #indieauthor
November 12, 2025
"𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒎, 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒚."
If you're looking for a Christmas novella that will ignite all the Christmas feels you get from a Hallmark movie - your search is over. This cute romance perfectly captures the heart and magic of Christmas.
I loved that Claudia and Henry were mature, sensible, and genuinely acted their age. So often, romance relies on juvenile drama; seeing characters behave like adults made their connection feel grounded and deeply satisfying.
The setting is pure perfection: an Australian Christmas that felt exactly like home.
While Emily's author note said that Aussie Christmases don't feel "whimsical," I disagree. Especially the way they were written in this book. The underrated magic of a sunburnt Christmas is just a different kind of festive. A warm, summer's day by the pool with seafood is ideal. We may trade ugly sweaters for shorts and thongs, but the magic is undeniable, and this book really captured it beautifully. Australian Christmas is underrepresented in literature, and this reading experience was incredibly comforting.
In saying that, I absolutely loved way Emily paints the picture of a cold Christmas in Canada. It wasn't just reading about snow; it was like the pages themselves were sprinkled with snow and smelled faintly of pine and hot chocolate. Magic.
Can we just talk about Henry for a second? And he's a baker?! *swoon* Consider him officially crowned as one of my new top favorite book boyfriends. He's such a cinnamon roll and I love the way he treats Claudia.
And for I think only the second time while reading a book, I highlighted some of my favourite bits!
• mentioning the latest Katherine Center novel (she is also my favorite author!)
• The hot chocolate powder in chocolate chip cookies! I've never heard of (or tried) this so you best believe I'll be trying this the next time I make cookies.
I loved the cookie recipe at the end.
All the stars. All the Christmas feels.
If you're looking for a Christmas novella that will ignite all the Christmas feels you get from a Hallmark movie - your search is over. This cute romance perfectly captures the heart and magic of Christmas.
I loved that Claudia and Henry were mature, sensible, and genuinely acted their age. So often, romance relies on juvenile drama; seeing characters behave like adults made their connection feel grounded and deeply satisfying.
The setting is pure perfection: an Australian Christmas that felt exactly like home.
While Emily's author note said that Aussie Christmases don't feel "whimsical," I disagree. Especially the way they were written in this book. The underrated magic of a sunburnt Christmas is just a different kind of festive. A warm, summer's day by the pool with seafood is ideal. We may trade ugly sweaters for shorts and thongs, but the magic is undeniable, and this book really captured it beautifully. Australian Christmas is underrepresented in literature, and this reading experience was incredibly comforting.
In saying that, I absolutely loved way Emily paints the picture of a cold Christmas in Canada. It wasn't just reading about snow; it was like the pages themselves were sprinkled with snow and smelled faintly of pine and hot chocolate. Magic.
Can we just talk about Henry for a second? And he's a baker?! *swoon* Consider him officially crowned as one of my new top favorite book boyfriends. He's such a cinnamon roll and I love the way he treats Claudia.
And for I think only the second time while reading a book, I highlighted some of my favourite bits!
• mentioning the latest Katherine Center novel (she is also my favorite author!)
• The hot chocolate powder in chocolate chip cookies! I've never heard of (or tried) this so you best believe I'll be trying this the next time I make cookies.
I loved the cookie recipe at the end.
All the stars. All the Christmas feels.
November 15, 2025
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎄Cinnamon roll vs grinch
🎄Adelaide-based with a white Christmas holiday
🎄Sweet and spicy
🎄He makes a promise
🎄Eldest daughter + child of divorce
🎄No third act break up
🎄HEA
”Your beauty is a spectrum, one I am truely blessed to see in its entirety.”
What a cute, cosy and heartwarming Christmas novella, that made me feel all of the feels! This is definitely a book that you will want to read while cozying up on the couch with a hot chocolate and the Christmas tree lights twinkling. 🤗
”If I’m correct, and I usually am, you two are destined to be together. Opposing continents be dammed.”
I fell in love with our MMC Henry instantly - he is such a genuine, sweet and down to earth guy. The connection he had with our FMC Claudia was so beautiful to read. I adored how he was all in straight away, and never looked back or questioned anything. The banter was perfect and it was such a realistic representation of my home town, Adelaide. And the way Henry’s family welcomed Claudia into their family with open arms… my goodness, it had me smiling. It was honestly so refreshing to read a romance book that had no miscommunication and no red flag characters! Do ‘Henry’s’ exist in real life?? Because if so, I need to find myself one 😂🫠
”You are more than just a good time, Claudia. I want everything. I want to experience all of you.”
From someone who also struggles a lot with Christmas, split family, the feelings of loneliness and thoughts of being behind in life, I could relate to Claudia so much. This book truely got me hoping that one day I will find my Henry - someone who I can create lasting memories with and start new traditions with, but also someone who will help me find my love for Christmas again. ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎄Cinnamon roll vs grinch
🎄Adelaide-based with a white Christmas holiday
🎄Sweet and spicy
🎄He makes a promise
🎄Eldest daughter + child of divorce
🎄No third act break up
🎄HEA
”Your beauty is a spectrum, one I am truely blessed to see in its entirety.”
What a cute, cosy and heartwarming Christmas novella, that made me feel all of the feels! This is definitely a book that you will want to read while cozying up on the couch with a hot chocolate and the Christmas tree lights twinkling. 🤗
”If I’m correct, and I usually am, you two are destined to be together. Opposing continents be dammed.”
I fell in love with our MMC Henry instantly - he is such a genuine, sweet and down to earth guy. The connection he had with our FMC Claudia was so beautiful to read. I adored how he was all in straight away, and never looked back or questioned anything. The banter was perfect and it was such a realistic representation of my home town, Adelaide. And the way Henry’s family welcomed Claudia into their family with open arms… my goodness, it had me smiling. It was honestly so refreshing to read a romance book that had no miscommunication and no red flag characters! Do ‘Henry’s’ exist in real life?? Because if so, I need to find myself one 😂🫠
”You are more than just a good time, Claudia. I want everything. I want to experience all of you.”
From someone who also struggles a lot with Christmas, split family, the feelings of loneliness and thoughts of being behind in life, I could relate to Claudia so much. This book truely got me hoping that one day I will find my Henry - someone who I can create lasting memories with and start new traditions with, but also someone who will help me find my love for Christmas again. ❤️
November 7, 2025
💬 “I want to bring back the joy of Christmas. I want to erase the bad memories and replace them with new ones.”
💬 “I want to live a slow and easy life. I want to go for quiet walks in the mornings and have bakery treats whenever I want them. I want to be surrounded by nature. I want to be with you.”
💬 “Well, maybe you should make a Christmas with just like you used to. Let a little bit of magic in your life again, Claudia. You never know what might happen.”
Warmth, spice and all things nice ❤️
This delivered everything I want in a Christmas read - it was funny, sexy, sweet, festive, heartwarming, delicious, swoonworthy and just filled my heart with joy.
With every chapter you could feel Claudia’s joy return, just a little bit more and it was magical and all thanks to the wonderful Henry - such a stand up guy, who also happens to be a baker and is emotionally available and he helped her in finding herself again. Claudia is such a selfless character and she goes through so much growth and healing and I did see a little bit of myself in her.
I also found it very nostalgic, relatable and that it evoked a tonne of memories - from camping in Deep Creek, date nights at the Fringe Festival, giving gifts early, drinking gravy 😂, my emo playlists and with Henry bringing Claudia a single rose - Mick bought me a single rose on our first date and all of these things just made for an even more special reading experience 🥰
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas book to read this season, don’t snooze on this one!
Thank-you so much Emily for a Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review ⭐️
💬 “I want to live a slow and easy life. I want to go for quiet walks in the mornings and have bakery treats whenever I want them. I want to be surrounded by nature. I want to be with you.”
💬 “Well, maybe you should make a Christmas with just like you used to. Let a little bit of magic in your life again, Claudia. You never know what might happen.”
Warmth, spice and all things nice ❤️
This delivered everything I want in a Christmas read - it was funny, sexy, sweet, festive, heartwarming, delicious, swoonworthy and just filled my heart with joy.
With every chapter you could feel Claudia’s joy return, just a little bit more and it was magical and all thanks to the wonderful Henry - such a stand up guy, who also happens to be a baker and is emotionally available and he helped her in finding herself again. Claudia is such a selfless character and she goes through so much growth and healing and I did see a little bit of myself in her.
I also found it very nostalgic, relatable and that it evoked a tonne of memories - from camping in Deep Creek, date nights at the Fringe Festival, giving gifts early, drinking gravy 😂, my emo playlists and with Henry bringing Claudia a single rose - Mick bought me a single rose on our first date and all of these things just made for an even more special reading experience 🥰
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas book to read this season, don’t snooze on this one!
Thank-you so much Emily for a Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review ⭐️
November 17, 2025
As the eldest daughter of divorced parents, Claudia Michaels had always dreaded Christmas because its filled with guilt, tension, and prying questions about her love life. She’s single, tired, and just trying to get through December unnoticed.
Then she meets Henry Cambell, a charming Canadian baker with twinkling eyes and a heart full of holiday cheer, He's only in town for two years, but it only takes one New Year’s Eve party to turn Claudia’s world upside down. When he spends the following Christmas with her family and sees the struggle behind her forced smiles, he makes a promise: next year, things will be different.
A sweet novella with a wonderful Australian Christmas feel. I loved all the characters in this fun romance. There was a genuine, honest connection between Claudia and Henry and I admired Henry's support of Claudia in the face of her toxic family members. How could you not love a man who supports his partner, bakes AND loves Christmas! It was refreshing to read a story which didn't centre around a misunderstanding between the protagonists but which explored how Christmas can evoke great joy for some but sadness and melancholy for others
This story has a lot of heart and, if you love Christmas as much as I do, leaves you feeling warm and satisfied.
Thank you @emilysbookedup for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Then she meets Henry Cambell, a charming Canadian baker with twinkling eyes and a heart full of holiday cheer, He's only in town for two years, but it only takes one New Year’s Eve party to turn Claudia’s world upside down. When he spends the following Christmas with her family and sees the struggle behind her forced smiles, he makes a promise: next year, things will be different.
A sweet novella with a wonderful Australian Christmas feel. I loved all the characters in this fun romance. There was a genuine, honest connection between Claudia and Henry and I admired Henry's support of Claudia in the face of her toxic family members. How could you not love a man who supports his partner, bakes AND loves Christmas! It was refreshing to read a story which didn't centre around a misunderstanding between the protagonists but which explored how Christmas can evoke great joy for some but sadness and melancholy for others
This story has a lot of heart and, if you love Christmas as much as I do, leaves you feeling warm and satisfied.
Thank you @emilysbookedup for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 5, 2025
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘐’𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘮, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘖𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘥.”
She hates Christmas. He lives for it. Can one magical season change everything.
This book was an absolute first Christmas book for the year. It had all the right emotions and perfectly represents what an Australian Christmas is like and how crazy it is to experience for a non Australian. This book is short, sweet, fun and festive all wrapped up in one.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘢. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
This book gives all the right Hallmark vibes and is absolute perfection. The two show what it’s like to get through troubles together (and show restraint, I would have punched Claudia’s aunty in the face 🫣), they also show that love conquers all. One kiss on New Years Eve and these two are done for. I mean I would be too if I had Henry next to me.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
Thank you so much for this ARC. It was an absolute pleasure to read. After reading I Promise I Won’t Fall, this has just set in stone that I will read absolutely anything and everything that Emily writes.
She hates Christmas. He lives for it. Can one magical season change everything.
This book was an absolute first Christmas book for the year. It had all the right emotions and perfectly represents what an Australian Christmas is like and how crazy it is to experience for a non Australian. This book is short, sweet, fun and festive all wrapped up in one.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘢. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
This book gives all the right Hallmark vibes and is absolute perfection. The two show what it’s like to get through troubles together (and show restraint, I would have punched Claudia’s aunty in the face 🫣), they also show that love conquers all. One kiss on New Years Eve and these two are done for. I mean I would be too if I had Henry next to me.
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.”
Thank you so much for this ARC. It was an absolute pleasure to read. After reading I Promise I Won’t Fall, this has just set in stone that I will read absolutely anything and everything that Emily writes.
November 5, 2025
ADVANCED REVIEW
thank you to emily nicole for allowing me to read this gorgeous story ahead of release. it was so so so perfect and i loved it more than anything
THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN MINOR SPOILERS
this book was such a perfect, cute, quick holiday read
it perfectly encapsulates the gross stickiness of a hot aussie christmas and how the festive season feels a little less festive as you grow up. i could relate very much to claudia - being the daughter of divorced parents where christmasses are spent going back and forth between families while trying to please everyone, it can really take away from the magic of it all, especially when everybody keeps asking you what you’re doing with your life.
henry was such a lovely, sweet, fun character and the perfect person for claudia. seeing their relationship grow and watching claudia be truly loved, cherished and appreciated was so special and gentle and warm. i adored seeing the pair grow together as henry helped claudia to fall back in love with the magic of holidays and find her home with him and his family.
i loved this story so much, it was the perfect holiday read full of love, laughter and of course christmas spirit
thank you to emily nicole for allowing me to read this gorgeous story ahead of release. it was so so so perfect and i loved it more than anything
THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN MINOR SPOILERS
this book was such a perfect, cute, quick holiday read
it perfectly encapsulates the gross stickiness of a hot aussie christmas and how the festive season feels a little less festive as you grow up. i could relate very much to claudia - being the daughter of divorced parents where christmasses are spent going back and forth between families while trying to please everyone, it can really take away from the magic of it all, especially when everybody keeps asking you what you’re doing with your life.
henry was such a lovely, sweet, fun character and the perfect person for claudia. seeing their relationship grow and watching claudia be truly loved, cherished and appreciated was so special and gentle and warm. i adored seeing the pair grow together as henry helped claudia to fall back in love with the magic of holidays and find her home with him and his family.
i loved this story so much, it was the perfect holiday read full of love, laughter and of course christmas spirit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 1, 2025She hates Christmas. He lives for it. Can one magical season change everything?
Claudia is a grinch - after her parents' divorce and her ex breaking up with her on Christmas Eve, she has absolutely lost the holiday spirit. In walks Henry one New Year's Eve, a Canadian baker with a heart of gold and a promise to Claudia that he will help her fall in love with Christmas again.
Not the Season is an absolutely wholesome Christmas story. Claudia learns to fight for her own happiness and finds a future in Henry, an absolutely BEAUTIFULLY written man who should be the standard that all men should aspire to meet!
Sweet, fun and a great romp through Christmas and the holiday season, you should definitely add Not the Season to your Christmas tbr!
Thank you to Emily for an e-arc, all opinions are my own.
Claudia is a grinch - after her parents' divorce and her ex breaking up with her on Christmas Eve, she has absolutely lost the holiday spirit. In walks Henry one New Year's Eve, a Canadian baker with a heart of gold and a promise to Claudia that he will help her fall in love with Christmas again.
Not the Season is an absolutely wholesome Christmas story. Claudia learns to fight for her own happiness and finds a future in Henry, an absolutely BEAUTIFULLY written man who should be the standard that all men should aspire to meet!
Sweet, fun and a great romp through Christmas and the holiday season, you should definitely add Not the Season to your Christmas tbr!
Thank you to Emily for an e-arc, all opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
Thank you SO MUCH Emily for gifting me an early digital copy of Not The Season!
I LOVED it! It was SUCH a nice and lovely Christmas read that I could relate to with the various comments that you sometimes get on Christmas and hurt you even if it was not intended.
Reading and following Henry and Claudia’s relationship was such a treat as they respected, listened to one another and were just meant for each other. I enjoyed the subtle reference to I Promise I Won’t Fall, Emily’s first book that I also LOVED. Thank you for also shedding light on how Christmases are in Australia! For some reason I have always thought the atmosphere would be the same as in Europe, but now I know!
I also want to go to Almonte now and experience a Canadian Christmas!
Also, finally a romance without a miscommunication trope, thank you!!!
I would 100% recommend it!
I LOVED it! It was SUCH a nice and lovely Christmas read that I could relate to with the various comments that you sometimes get on Christmas and hurt you even if it was not intended.
Reading and following Henry and Claudia’s relationship was such a treat as they respected, listened to one another and were just meant for each other. I enjoyed the subtle reference to I Promise I Won’t Fall, Emily’s first book that I also LOVED. Thank you for also shedding light on how Christmases are in Australia! For some reason I have always thought the atmosphere would be the same as in Europe, but now I know!
I also want to go to Almonte now and experience a Canadian Christmas!
Also, finally a romance without a miscommunication trope, thank you!!!
I would 100% recommend it!
November 15, 2025
What if your Christmas isn’t all that full of holiday cheer and goodwill? Every year, Claudia dreads having to endure her family’s nosey, rude remarks over dinner about everything from her weight to her dating life. It’s never fun and the season of joy and giving is usually just stressful instead.
Enter one Canadian hottie who sweeps her off her feet on New Year’s Eve. Henry is a baker on a working visa in Australia, and their attraction is immediate. They quickly fall into a steady relationship, but what will happen when he has to go back? A trip to Henry’s hometown makes Claudia realise that the holidays can be magical and filled with fun.
If you’ve lost your Christmas spirit, or just want the warm fuzzies from Claudia rediscovering hers, this sweet and surprisingly sexy Aussie romance will be for you.
Enter one Canadian hottie who sweeps her off her feet on New Year’s Eve. Henry is a baker on a working visa in Australia, and their attraction is immediate. They quickly fall into a steady relationship, but what will happen when he has to go back? A trip to Henry’s hometown makes Claudia realise that the holidays can be magical and filled with fun.
If you’ve lost your Christmas spirit, or just want the warm fuzzies from Claudia rediscovering hers, this sweet and surprisingly sexy Aussie romance will be for you.
November 15, 2025
4.5 ⭐!!!
nothing gets me feeling more HO HO HO than a spicy lil Christmas novella hehe ❤️🔥🎅🏼
what a wholesome asf read!!! the vibes were immaculate, the different locations & adventures were so fun 🥹
Henry's character was written so beautifully, I was already obsessing over him from his first appearance. the best little kangaroo loving golden retriever!!! 🦘 reading him experience Australia for the first time had me cackling!! bless the Canadian man 🫶🏽
Henry & Claudia had instant chemistry and I was 100% here for it!! the communication & honesty from day one was ON POINT 👏🏼!!!!
+ reading a book that's based in my city is SO FUN!! all the different places they visit where I'm so familiar with, ahh I love it!!
this was the perfect little christmas novella to start off the festive season.
nothing gets me feeling more HO HO HO than a spicy lil Christmas novella hehe ❤️🔥🎅🏼
what a wholesome asf read!!! the vibes were immaculate, the different locations & adventures were so fun 🥹
Henry's character was written so beautifully, I was already obsessing over him from his first appearance. the best little kangaroo loving golden retriever!!! 🦘 reading him experience Australia for the first time had me cackling!! bless the Canadian man 🫶🏽
Henry & Claudia had instant chemistry and I was 100% here for it!! the communication & honesty from day one was ON POINT 👏🏼!!!!
+ reading a book that's based in my city is SO FUN!! all the different places they visit where I'm so familiar with, ahh I love it!!
this was the perfect little christmas novella to start off the festive season.
November 8, 2025
3.5/5 (rounded up)
This was giving Hallmark movie vibes with all the Christmas scenes from Adelaide, Australia and beyond. I love this was based in Adelaide and gave a glimpse into our hot Australian Christmases whilst dreaming of the Hallmark movie essence that fills our hearts when we watch North American Hallmark Christmases on our 35 + Celcius days.
It was refreshing how open and upfront Claudia and Henry were from the beginning and being able to share that vulnerability with each other makes me give this double thumbs up!
When MMC are green flags all around I will eat that up like a pavlova on a Christmas day!
I enjoyed the nostalgia of emo playlists, the Hallmark movie vibes and the white Christmas that we all would love :)
Thanks Emily for the ARC!
This was giving Hallmark movie vibes with all the Christmas scenes from Adelaide, Australia and beyond. I love this was based in Adelaide and gave a glimpse into our hot Australian Christmases whilst dreaming of the Hallmark movie essence that fills our hearts when we watch North American Hallmark Christmases on our 35 + Celcius days.
It was refreshing how open and upfront Claudia and Henry were from the beginning and being able to share that vulnerability with each other makes me give this double thumbs up!
When MMC are green flags all around I will eat that up like a pavlova on a Christmas day!
I enjoyed the nostalgia of emo playlists, the Hallmark movie vibes and the white Christmas that we all would love :)
Thanks Emily for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
🎄Looking for your first (or next) Christmas read of the year?
LET THIS BE IT!
This gorgeous book was released over the weekend, and after seeing so many glowing reviews, I had immediate FOMO. So I ordered it on my Kindle (hello, I’m a kindle user now 😝) and it completely overtook my life.
This was everything I could want in a Christmas story. I laughed, I wanted to cry, I just loved the entire premise of the story of Claudia and Henry. They were perfect. I’m going to actually have to fight @booksandspots for Henry as my new bookish boyfriend.
There were zero red flags, there was no miscommunication trope (which sometimes annoys me) and everything just ended up perfectly.
READ THIS IMMEDIATELY!
LET THIS BE IT!
This gorgeous book was released over the weekend, and after seeing so many glowing reviews, I had immediate FOMO. So I ordered it on my Kindle (hello, I’m a kindle user now 😝) and it completely overtook my life.
This was everything I could want in a Christmas story. I laughed, I wanted to cry, I just loved the entire premise of the story of Claudia and Henry. They were perfect. I’m going to actually have to fight @booksandspots for Henry as my new bookish boyfriend.
There were zero red flags, there was no miscommunication trope (which sometimes annoys me) and everything just ended up perfectly.
READ THIS IMMEDIATELY!
November 10, 2025
Not the Season by Emily Nicole
5 🌟
This is the perfect cute and cosy Christmas read. The relationship between Henry and Claudia was absolutely fantastic. It was such a healthy representation of a relationship that felt so natural, and their communication was brilliant throughout. This book made me giddy to read it and had me kicking my feet. It was a true, feel-good Christmas story, and I cannot recommend it enough if you need something to get you into the Christmas spirit! I also absolutely loved reading a Christmas novel set in Adelaide, with a hot Christmas, and reading about all of the Adelaide landmarks was so fun - plus a cheeky Fiction and Friction mention 🙌🏻
5 🌟
This is the perfect cute and cosy Christmas read. The relationship between Henry and Claudia was absolutely fantastic. It was such a healthy representation of a relationship that felt so natural, and their communication was brilliant throughout. This book made me giddy to read it and had me kicking my feet. It was a true, feel-good Christmas story, and I cannot recommend it enough if you need something to get you into the Christmas spirit! I also absolutely loved reading a Christmas novel set in Adelaide, with a hot Christmas, and reading about all of the Adelaide landmarks was so fun - plus a cheeky Fiction and Friction mention 🙌🏻
November 2, 2025
Short, sweet, festive and fun. 🎄 💋
You could sit down, grab a beverage, and finish this in one sitting if you like. I love nothing more than a story I can devour whole.
It’s the ‘I hate Christmas, but he’s going to make me believe in it again’ romance that gives hallmark vibes, with the spice those movies are always missing. 😏
Set in Adelaide (with some fun trips overseas - no spoilers here), it’s also representing those Australia summer Christmas traditions, that we may or may not love.
It’s written by one of my best friends, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.
You could sit down, grab a beverage, and finish this in one sitting if you like. I love nothing more than a story I can devour whole.
It’s the ‘I hate Christmas, but he’s going to make me believe in it again’ romance that gives hallmark vibes, with the spice those movies are always missing. 😏
Set in Adelaide (with some fun trips overseas - no spoilers here), it’s also representing those Australia summer Christmas traditions, that we may or may not love.
It’s written by one of my best friends, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.
October 29, 2025
What a delightful and wholesome Christmas story! I loved this and had a great time reading it.
I loved the Aussie elements particularly the descriptions of Adelaide and surrounds. It felt very much like home and I connected strongly to it! I also absolutely delighted in the romance! The MMC is a beautifully written man.
I loved so many bits of this and, as an eldest daughter, connected well with Claudia and yep, the feels are all accurate.
I am loving the watching this author grow!
I loved the Aussie elements particularly the descriptions of Adelaide and surrounds. It felt very much like home and I connected strongly to it! I also absolutely delighted in the romance! The MMC is a beautifully written man.
I loved so many bits of this and, as an eldest daughter, connected well with Claudia and yep, the feels are all accurate.
I am loving the watching this author grow!
November 25, 2025
Not the Season
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As happens with any book centred around an oldest daughter FMC I tend to find many of my personality traits and ticks on display and it is occassionally (all the time) disconcerting 😂
For an anti romance reader, Em Nicole certainly has a way of drawing me into characters and books that I simply don't want to put down. This short but sweet novella swept me away and I engrossed in finding out how Claudia and Henry's story was going to move.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As happens with any book centred around an oldest daughter FMC I tend to find many of my personality traits and ticks on display and it is occassionally (all the time) disconcerting 😂
For an anti romance reader, Em Nicole certainly has a way of drawing me into characters and books that I simply don't want to put down. This short but sweet novella swept me away and I engrossed in finding out how Claudia and Henry's story was going to move.
December 13, 2025
She hates Christmas. He lives for it. Can one magical season change everything? 🎄✨❄️
This was the absolute sweetest Christmas novella by Emily Nicole @emilysbookedup 🥰 I dare you to not find something you can relate to in this story. It looks at both the messiness and wonder that can be found at Christmas time.
A thoroughly bingeable read. I laughed, I cried, I had the best time. Such a delight ❤️
This was the absolute sweetest Christmas novella by Emily Nicole @emilysbookedup 🥰 I dare you to not find something you can relate to in this story. It looks at both the messiness and wonder that can be found at Christmas time.
A thoroughly bingeable read. I laughed, I cried, I had the best time. Such a delight ❤️
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