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December
As a caterer working on film sets, Dana Sterling feels like she’s at least adjacent to the industry she’s always wanted to be a part of, but serving people food isn’t the same as acting in a feature film. When a movie based on her friends falling in love is being made in New Orleans, she’s assigned to be a gofer to one of the lead actresses, a diva who seems impossible to please.
Samara Barber is an A-lister with a secret, headed to New Orleans to work on a small-budget indie film. This production isn’t exactly the blockbusters she’s used to, though, and not having her very specific requirements met makes her wonder if she made a mistake. Things can’t get any worse when the other actress in the film has to drop out at the last minute.
Dana’s dream might be about to come true when she’s called on to play the role, and maybe there’s more to the diva that is Samara, who’s never broken her one never sleep with a co-star.
Samara Barber is an A-lister with a secret, headed to New Orleans to work on a small-budget indie film. This production isn’t exactly the blockbusters she’s used to, though, and not having her very specific requirements met makes her wonder if she made a mistake. Things can’t get any worse when the other actress in the film has to drop out at the last minute.
Dana’s dream might be about to come true when she’s called on to play the role, and maybe there’s more to the diva that is Samara, who’s never broken her one never sleep with a co-star.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
23 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pyland
81 books832 followersNicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance stand-alone novels and series like Chicago Series, Holiday Series, Royalty Series, Sports Series, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 60 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way.
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.
Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 2, 2025
The New Orleans series by Nicole Pyland ends with December. I’m sorry to see the series end, it’s like saying goodbye to close family over the past year.
Samara Barber, a 25-year-old a well-known actress from LA, plays a lead part in Bryce's film. The other lead role will have to be recast due to unforeseen circumstances. Queue Dana Sterling, a 30-year-old onset caterer, with acting experience.
The chemistry between Samara and Dana drew me into the movie set and their personal lives. Their back stories were well told and kept me wanting to turn the pages. A slow burn, passionate romance that had me rooting for them despite New Orleans family ties.
A fantastic way to end the series (can’t give too much away here, but it’s worth the wait). Farewell for now, friends.
Samara Barber, a 25-year-old a well-known actress from LA, plays a lead part in Bryce's film. The other lead role will have to be recast due to unforeseen circumstances. Queue Dana Sterling, a 30-year-old onset caterer, with acting experience.
The chemistry between Samara and Dana drew me into the movie set and their personal lives. Their back stories were well told and kept me wanting to turn the pages. A slow burn, passionate romance that had me rooting for them despite New Orleans family ties.
A fantastic way to end the series (can’t give too much away here, but it’s worth the wait). Farewell for now, friends.
January 25, 2026
This was just a good end to the series. While I have so much respect for Nicole Pyland for completing this challenge of releasing 12 books in 12 months, this last book was just a total bummer. Dana, the New Orleans native in this book was ok. She was fine, but she lost her spine around 30% of the book. She went from sassy caterer to wuss for a movie star too abruptly. Samara was awful. She used her OCD to just be a nightmare of a human being. OCD and other neurotypical diagnoses don’t equate to being mean and rude. And for no reason other than she met Dana, she is all of a sudden flexible and easy going. I call BS.
The other big problem with this book is that there is movie being made in the story line, which is about other characters from the series (March’s book). So we’ve got current characters playing past characters and the names are similar. For example, character x is playing Jessica, who is named Jill in the other books. It’s just too much name switching. Then, we are getting paragraphs of direct quotes from the March book. So I’m re-reading dialogue that Brice said in book 3, but the character in the movie is called Bray (don’t get me started on that disaster of a name choice) who is played by Dana, and, oh yeah, Bryce is on set and has dialogue in there too.
The other big problem with this book is that there is movie being made in the story line, which is about other characters from the series (March’s book). So we’ve got current characters playing past characters and the names are similar. For example, character x is playing Jessica, who is named Jill in the other books. It’s just too much name switching. Then, we are getting paragraphs of direct quotes from the March book. So I’m re-reading dialogue that Brice said in book 3, but the character in the movie is called Bray (don’t get me started on that disaster of a name choice) who is played by Dana, and, oh yeah, Bryce is on set and has dialogue in there too.
December 11, 2025
Loved the entire series!
December came too soon! I loved this series and so sad that it’s over but I know Nicole will give us something new and amazing! 5 🌟for December and the series!!!
December came too soon! I loved this series and so sad that it’s over but I know Nicole will give us something new and amazing! 5 🌟for December and the series!!!
December 6, 2025
The New Orleans Series concludes with December. It’s a great celebrity romance, and the coolest part is that it’s happening because of March’s Bryce and Sophie, who are finally filming a movie about the start of their relationship. Dana is the local who is working on the catering side of the production. Samara is a famous actress who has been cast for one of the lead roles. Samara and Dana’s meeting is almost completely the opposite of Bryce and Sophie’s, but their chemistry can’t be denied. I feel like if I say much more, everything I write will be a spoiler. I just like that the characters seem so genuine and relatable. They both have challenging, authentic life issues they have to get through before they can get their HEA. I’ve always loved Pyland’s Celebrity Series, and I feel like this book could fit in nicely there as well.
As the wrap-up for the New Orleans Series, I can say that it was good. All the previous MCs were in the epilogue, but it’s hard to give enough of a post-glimpse into the previous 22 main characters, plus all the important side ones, into one chapter. Because if you are a greedy reader and you’re a fan of the Series, you’ll always, always want more.
This is definitely a must-read series. Each book in the series is fantastic and will have you constantly changing your mind about which one is “The Favorite” ( or at least that’s how it works for me). I’ll miss New Orleans. Well done!!
As the wrap-up for the New Orleans Series, I can say that it was good. All the previous MCs were in the epilogue, but it’s hard to give enough of a post-glimpse into the previous 22 main characters, plus all the important side ones, into one chapter. Because if you are a greedy reader and you’re a fan of the Series, you’ll always, always want more.
This is definitely a must-read series. Each book in the series is fantastic and will have you constantly changing your mind about which one is “The Favorite” ( or at least that’s how it works for me). I’ll miss New Orleans. Well done!!
December 10, 2025
The end of a Year Long Series
December, the last month of the year and the final book in Nicole Pyland’s New Orleans Series. This was a great book to finish the series. You have Samara a “difficult and demanding” actress, who is in New Orleans to film a movie, the one that just so happens to be about Sophie and Bryce's love story. Then you have Dana who is part of the catering team but longs to be an actress. Two characters who have passion, chemistry and are able to see each other for who they are and navigate the ups and downs of a new relationship all while acting in a movie together, and dealing with their own issues and hurtles.
One thing I’ve loved about Nicole Pyland’s writing, including this book, is that she makes the characters relatable with everyday struggles that the rest of us go through.
This book had a nice wrap up to the series with getting updates from each of the other 11 MC couples and some of the side characters as well. There was even another cameo of the Physic in the epilogue.
Overall this is definitely a book and series I recommend reading if you are a fan of Nicole Pyland’s books.
December, the last month of the year and the final book in Nicole Pyland’s New Orleans Series. This was a great book to finish the series. You have Samara a “difficult and demanding” actress, who is in New Orleans to film a movie, the one that just so happens to be about Sophie and Bryce's love story. Then you have Dana who is part of the catering team but longs to be an actress. Two characters who have passion, chemistry and are able to see each other for who they are and navigate the ups and downs of a new relationship all while acting in a movie together, and dealing with their own issues and hurtles.
One thing I’ve loved about Nicole Pyland’s writing, including this book, is that she makes the characters relatable with everyday struggles that the rest of us go through.
This book had a nice wrap up to the series with getting updates from each of the other 11 MC couples and some of the side characters as well. There was even another cameo of the Physic in the epilogue.
Overall this is definitely a book and series I recommend reading if you are a fan of Nicole Pyland’s books.
December 8, 2025
December, the final book in Nicole Pyland's the New Orleans series. It was so great to, not only witness the story of the MCs, but also revisit some of the previous couples and the mysterious old psychic lady (lol). I absolutely loved the book and the series.
Follow along with the on/off screen love story between co-stars Dana and Samara who are reacting the love story of March's characters Bryce and Sophie. The chemistry between the two is off the charts! The book highlights the struggles of being neurodivergent (both known and accepted and not) and dealing with the possibility of being outed as a famous person. Like myself, Samara has autism and it was really cool to see a pretty accurate depiction of someone with similar experiences; it made her more realistic and relatable. And I could also relate to Dana's anxiety around family and loss. All in all, it was just a good fun, wholesome story about falling in love while your dreams are coming true.
The perfect way to end a series. 10/10, highly recommend
Follow along with the on/off screen love story between co-stars Dana and Samara who are reacting the love story of March's characters Bryce and Sophie. The chemistry between the two is off the charts! The book highlights the struggles of being neurodivergent (both known and accepted and not) and dealing with the possibility of being outed as a famous person. Like myself, Samara has autism and it was really cool to see a pretty accurate depiction of someone with similar experiences; it made her more realistic and relatable. And I could also relate to Dana's anxiety around family and loss. All in all, it was just a good fun, wholesome story about falling in love while your dreams are coming true.
The perfect way to end a series. 10/10, highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
Awww December! What a lovely story. I enjoyed this whole series and I liked the fact that this book takes place the following December. (1yr later) Dana and Samara are so very cute together. In the beginning they butt heads a bit but once they get to know on another on a deeper level sparks fly. They have major chemistry on and off the screen so to speak. Samara is on the spectrum and once she opens up to Dana about it she can finally be herself and I believe that is what really brings them together. It's not easy to talk about those things but Nicole does a great job wrighting about it and she does a great job bringing her characters to life and making you want to go out and have a great group of friends. And to top it all off everyone from January to December is written in so we get a nice bow to wrap up this series and of course a HEA as well
I definitely recommend the entire series every story is well worth the read!
I definitely recommend the entire series every story is well worth the read!
December 14, 2025
#12 in the NOLA series and I think it might be the last one and that makes me sad. This story is about Dana who works for a catering company on a movie set and Samara who is one of the main lead actress on this movie set. When something happens that might just land Dana the other main lead things start to get a bit interesting.
I really found this story to be really enjoyable. The chemistry and the character development between these two characters was great.
The whole series has been awesome. The way all the characters stay connected throughout the series even if some are not mention as much as others as the story goes on but that’s also another thing I love. It keeps this nice community of women in each other’s lives without forcing them in the same scenes all the time.
Great heartwarming lovable story filled with all the feels. Exciting,cute,frustrating and of course a little Spicy!
December 7, 2025
A slow start but did it ever get going for me at about 35% in.
Samara is an A-List celebrity who is taking on the “Sophie” role in Bryce & Sophie’s movie. Dana is a movie caterer to deep down wants to be an actress. When Dana is cast as the “Bryce” character next to Samara their chemistry is off the charts despite their rocky beginnings.
I think I struggled with the first third because I didn’t connect with either characters. It felt like they could never be soulmates. It seemed like we didn’t really get to know either character until much further into the book. But damn, once I did, I was hooked. I was 2 days reading the first third but binged the rest in a single sitting.
I have really enjoyed this whole series. At times it felt like there were a lot of people to keep track of but this series is home to many of my favourite characters from Nicole!
Samara is an A-List celebrity who is taking on the “Sophie” role in Bryce & Sophie’s movie. Dana is a movie caterer to deep down wants to be an actress. When Dana is cast as the “Bryce” character next to Samara their chemistry is off the charts despite their rocky beginnings.
I think I struggled with the first third because I didn’t connect with either characters. It felt like they could never be soulmates. It seemed like we didn’t really get to know either character until much further into the book. But damn, once I did, I was hooked. I was 2 days reading the first third but binged the rest in a single sitting.
I have really enjoyed this whole series. At times it felt like there were a lot of people to keep track of but this series is home to many of my favourite characters from Nicole!
December 4, 2025
Fin Magnifique!
One of the things I truly love about Nicole Pyland’s writing is the banter between her characters. December has tons of witty, endearing, challenging, and sometimes silly dialog that made me love the characters even more.
It’s a great story as well, with secrets and unfulfilled dreams colliding. Two unlikely women starting a relationship with misunderstanding until finding common ground and simmering attraction. It’s delightful watching it all unfold.
The New Orleans series was an ambitious undertaking, with twelve books, following twelve different couples. It gave readers a dozen fantastic stories and several bonus couples.
December honored the previous couples, while keeping the focus on the final story and it was a satisfying finish. Brava!
One of the things I truly love about Nicole Pyland’s writing is the banter between her characters. December has tons of witty, endearing, challenging, and sometimes silly dialog that made me love the characters even more.
It’s a great story as well, with secrets and unfulfilled dreams colliding. Two unlikely women starting a relationship with misunderstanding until finding common ground and simmering attraction. It’s delightful watching it all unfold.
The New Orleans series was an ambitious undertaking, with twelve books, following twelve different couples. It gave readers a dozen fantastic stories and several bonus couples.
December honored the previous couples, while keeping the focus on the final story and it was a satisfying finish. Brava!
December 6, 2025
I’m Closing
What a ending to this magical lesbian ride. Weddings, babies, houses and finally the movie!
This story was cute but I could’ve gone without the long scenes retelling the story of Bryce and Sophie. Also I’m not a fan of how it was implied that Dana was like Samara. I think Samara was a very strong character with real life complexity and it doesn’t take someone who’s “similar” to understand her or be attentive to her. Other then that it was a very cute story and conclusion to these women who I wish were my friends and to the old lady who never had a name but I wish I could meet and maybe she could go above and beyond and actually point me in the right direction lol.
What a ending to this magical lesbian ride. Weddings, babies, houses and finally the movie!
This story was cute but I could’ve gone without the long scenes retelling the story of Bryce and Sophie. Also I’m not a fan of how it was implied that Dana was like Samara. I think Samara was a very strong character with real life complexity and it doesn’t take someone who’s “similar” to understand her or be attentive to her. Other then that it was a very cute story and conclusion to these women who I wish were my friends and to the old lady who never had a name but I wish I could meet and maybe she could go above and beyond and actually point me in the right direction lol.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the love story in this book. The main characters were feisty but sweet. They started out somewhat adversarial, but became friends and then lovers who were open and willing to compromise. It was refreshing to see how they each worked to understand and support each other’s “issues” rather than be judgmental. I also found parts of the story to be informative and I appreciated learning about aspects of the characters.
I struggled a little to review the book as a whole and I wish I could give it two ratings - one for the main story (5 stars) and a second for the epilogue (3 stars). I have read every series written by Nicole Pyland, mostly because of the ��What Happens After” books. I love the follow up on characters I grew to love in their own stories. I know we were told up front that the WHA wouldn’t be written and I realize that this was an incredibly long series with 12 (really 14 or more) relationships, but I was disappointed by the brevity of the follow up in the epilogue. I wanted more than a few sentences about the early stories. This shouldn’t detract from the Samara/Dana story, which I loved. I admit that I am spoiled by the prior series and that is a tribute to those more than a judgment of this series. This has been a great series and an impressive endeavor to deliver 12 high quality stories in a single year. As always, I look forward to the next book from this author.
I struggled a little to review the book as a whole and I wish I could give it two ratings - one for the main story (5 stars) and a second for the epilogue (3 stars). I have read every series written by Nicole Pyland, mostly because of the ��What Happens After” books. I love the follow up on characters I grew to love in their own stories. I know we were told up front that the WHA wouldn’t be written and I realize that this was an incredibly long series with 12 (really 14 or more) relationships, but I was disappointed by the brevity of the follow up in the epilogue. I wanted more than a few sentences about the early stories. This shouldn’t detract from the Samara/Dana story, which I loved. I admit that I am spoiled by the prior series and that is a tribute to those more than a judgment of this series. This has been a great series and an impressive endeavor to deliver 12 high quality stories in a single year. As always, I look forward to the next book from this author.
December 6, 2025
I put off reading this book because I didn’t want the series to end! This book was a great ending to a series that I really loved.
One of my favorite things about Nicole’s books is how diverse her characters are. I enjoyed reading about Samara’s autism and how she navigates her life around it. I love learning about people’s life experiences that are different from my own. I also enjoyed reading the character progression of both Samara and Dana.
This was a great series and I highly recommend this entire series. I’m sad to be at the end of it but every book in this series is reread worthy and I can’t wait to see what Nicole Pyland writes next.
One of my favorite things about Nicole’s books is how diverse her characters are. I enjoyed reading about Samara’s autism and how she navigates her life around it. I love learning about people’s life experiences that are different from my own. I also enjoyed reading the character progression of both Samara and Dana.
This was a great series and I highly recommend this entire series. I’m sad to be at the end of it but every book in this series is reread worthy and I can’t wait to see what Nicole Pyland writes next.
December 6, 2025
Wow, what a fantastic conclusion to this excellent twelve-book series! Pyland never fails to deliver, and the latest installment in her NOLA series is no exception. The love story is a delightful enemies-to-friends-to-lovers tale. It’s a steamy, witty, fun, and at times emotional read. I absolutely adored it, and Pyland’s writing, once again, has ignited my desire to visit New Orleans. Pyland’s deep love for the city shines through on the pages. It’s bittersweet that this is the final book in NOLA, but it was an incredible journey. I eagerly await her next adventure in 2026.
December 13, 2025
OK, this just was the icing on the cake for this series!
Nicole Pyland, is a writing guru! This series has been delightful, with each couple growing together in interesting ways with enough carryover from one storyline to the next. There has been enough heat with each couple to keep interest growing, plenty of laughter and enough tension to keep it interesting. I love the characters and the setting, they just work together so well. Read the whole series, you will be glad you did!
Nicole Pyland, is a writing guru! This series has been delightful, with each couple growing together in interesting ways with enough carryover from one storyline to the next. There has been enough heat with each couple to keep interest growing, plenty of laughter and enough tension to keep it interesting. I love the characters and the setting, they just work together so well. Read the whole series, you will be glad you did!
November 27, 2025
Wow what an epic ending to the series, I loved the main characters their chemistry was shining off the page, their butting heads in the beginning before they learned to navigate together was captured with so much depth their love was like gold at the end of a rainbow bringing the story together perfectly a must-read congratulations
November 30, 2025
Dana starting out as a caterer and then getting the chance to act in a real movie was so fun to read, and it being Bryce and Sophie’s story made it even better. The tension between Dana and Samara is great—from “demanding diva and stressed gofer” to two women slowly letting their guards down with each other. A great end of the series, can’t believe it’s been a whole year of monthly releases!
December 2, 2025
Samara, an actress known for being overly-needy meets her match in Dana, a caterer would-be actress who doesn’t mind speaking her mind. Together they have immediate chemistry. Both have secrets that keep them locked in their current situation. Together they discover they can have what they want and be true to themselves. This story has a great characters, amazing sex scenes and a HEA!
December 11, 2025
I was unsure how this one would be, but it has ended up being one of the favorites. Love the dynamic between Dana and Samara and how having a little more information can cause a major perception change of an individual. Overall a great addition to the series.
December 16, 2025
fun & sass
This rounds out the series nicely, but I have to admit keeping up with couples was challenging. I like Dans & Samara a lot, but couldn’t quite connect them to the friends group. The story itself was intriguing!
This rounds out the series nicely, but I have to admit keeping up with couples was challenging. I like Dans & Samara a lot, but couldn’t quite connect them to the friends group. The story itself was intriguing!
December 6, 2025
I think Dana was a bit harsh on Samara
December 10, 2025
I have really enjoyed this entire series.
December 11, 2025
Very good book and all the gangs up to date.
December 25, 2025
Awesome
Love this series the characters were easy to fall in love with. The story line keeps you going. Maybe a reunion can happen down the line especially with Dana and Samara!
Love this series the characters were easy to fall in love with. The story line keeps you going. Maybe a reunion can happen down the line especially with Dana and Samara!
January 10, 2026
Loved this last story in an already excellent series.
December 27, 2025
A satisfying conclusion to the New Orleans series! Pyland has done it again and woven characters we’ve met over the series and others into Dana and Samara’s story. They start off on the wrong foot when Dana is working for the caterer on the film Samara is acting in. Quickly, their roles shift, and they are forced to spend more time together. They soon become somewhat unexpected allies and their story takes off from there. This is a story about perusing your dreams despite the fears and obstacles, and embracing who life brings in your path along the way.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews