The Ex-Mas Duet

by Grace Elena

Being ex-cowriters in Music City is one thing. But ex-lovers? That’s where things get messy for Paloma and Graham.

Paloma Gentry-Tapia is quickly realizing her songwriting contract is coming to a close with not much to show for it. A few hit singles here and there, but nothing she’s really proud of. Her best works were when she wrote with someone she swore she’d never work with again. She can’t even remember the last time she picked up her Gibson and wrote something from the heart.

Graham Westin is cocky, knows he can get what he wants, writes the best songs for his label, and has the songwriting contract he could dream of. But when the next artist asking for new material is none other than Nashville’s country superstar, he can’t say no.

There’s always a catch and when Paloma and Graham realize they have no choice but to work on an EP together, they’re stuck. Stuck on the idea of being in the same studio again, stuck on having to write lyrics together, and stuck on feelings that haven’t quite passed. But they won’t ever admit that, until they are quite literally stuck in a cabin over two hundred miles away from Nashville.

With a snowstorm working against them in a town that seems to have the holiday magic they refuse to believe in, Paloma and Graham are forced to get through it one lyric at a time.

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The Ex-Mas Duet is a standalone holiday romance set in a fictional town in Tennessee. This book is intended for readers 18+.

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 12, 2025

About the author

Grace Elena is a Mexican American author who loves to write slow burn romances with strong Latinx leads. She's been writing since she could remember and even dabbled in some songwriting during her college years. When Grace isn't writing, she's spending time with her cat in Nashville, Tennessee.

IG: graceelenaauthor
Tiktok: graceelenaauthor

Reviews

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Paloma and Graham have instant scorching chemistry, and with their second chance at love, it was obvious that they both loved each other, despite how strong their hate seemed for each other.

There may not be as much spicy scenes as Grace is used to writing, but ooohh boy, it was hawt!!

Thank you Grace Elena and House of Hearts for an advanced copy.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Grace Elena and House of Hearts, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
This is the first, but not the last book of Graces that I will be reading!
May contain brief spoilers.

Ex-Mas Duet is a fun, quick, holiday read. It is a standalone, but I look forward to future installments.

Tropes
Exes to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Smalltown
Coworkers to lovers

Paloma- lost her spark for music writing when she and Graham broke up. Hasn't written a song since.

Graham- branched out, wants recognition for his work, wants to do more than duets.

Everyone always warns you don't date your coworkers, but Paloma and Graham have been there, broke up, and now have to work together again. When famous singer Colbie Brooks wants the two writers that got her song of the year to write her a Christmas holiday Ep, they are forced together in a cabin with no distractions.

Even though this novella is short and sweet, you really get the full picture of how Gram and Paloma used to be. It is funny, spicy, and a nice quick cozy read for the holidays! I would recommend you give this book a try, take a break from the holiday stress and escape for an hour or two!

[Julissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet novella, with second chance / exes-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes. There were cute moments, but I wanted to feel more of the pull between the main characters. I also felt like the big “conflict” looming over them was kind of glossed over, despite having had such a big impact on the FMC’s career. But I understand that in the brief format it couldn’t get more attention. I think I’ve enjoyed this author’s previous holiday novellas more than this one, but this was still worth the read and follows her characteristic style. If you’ve enjoyed her other books, definitely check this one out!

Thanks to Grace Elena & House of Hearts for an advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 12/12/25