Christmas Lights & Just Mights: A Houston Pumas Sweet Holiday Romance

by Ranee S. Clark

I do not need a boyfriend for Christmas.

What I need is peppermint hot chocolate, a holiday getaway, and a front-row seat to watch my best friend play in the big Christmas Day football game.

But when our mutual friend Chad shows up with his two adorable daughters, one massive migraine, and zero nannies to help out–guess who finds herself volunteering to play babysitter? Yep, me.

It’s all fun holiday light shows and ice-skating games until I see him shirtless in the middle of the night.

Suddenly my “single dad friend” is now "ridiculously attractive single dad friend.”

Here’s the he’s ten years older, recently divorced, and definitely not ready for the girls to have a new mom. Besides, I’m on a dating hiatus after almost eloping with someone I barely knew. This is supposed to be a cozy Christmas getaway, not a fall-for-the-single-dad-next-door situation.

Except…he’s working so hard to be the best dad he can be, keeping their Christmas traditions even when it’s hard and making sure the girls get the help they need to deal with their mom leaving. It’s hard not to daydream about being part of his life–of their life.

And just when I think I know what (or who) I want for Christmas, my ex shows up begging for a second chance.

Now I have to revisit the past I thought I wanted … or risk it all on the man who just might be my future.

A cozy, swoony, age-gap, single-dad closed door Christmas romcom—complete with cute kids, holiday magic, and one very inconvenient crush.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Fiction, Holiday Romance, Holiday

140 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

During her early years of reading, Ranee` S. Clark devoured fantasy books, which continued into her adulthood—since she often believes that a well-written romance novel is a delightful fantasy. Though raising three boys can sometimes hamper both romance with her own Mr. Charming and her writing, she tries to get a little of both in every day. And most of the time she succeeds.

Reviews

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series.

[Haley Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this holiday novella! It’s a quick and easy read with so much goodness packed in!
Second chance
Single dad
Closed door
banter
Happy reading!!

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness! This Christmas novella warmed me from the inside out like a mug of peppermint hot chocolate on a cold day. I went into this expecting a light, festive escape... and what I got was a warm-and-fuzzy heart hug.

From page one, I was rooting for our heroine. She’s on a holiday hiatus from dating, determined to enjoy the season with a clear head and a clear heart, but what she gets is helping her single-dad friend and his two adorable little girls.

What I loved most was how real everything felt. The struggles of a single dad trying to keep traditions alive for his girls and Ivy realizing she didn't need a break from love—she just needed to find the right guy. I loved that Chad finally got the happy ending he deserved.

If you’re craving a cozy, closed-door Christmas romance — one with second chances, cute kids, and all the soft-glow feels, this is the book for you. I received a complimentary ebook. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cover, cute story!

I love Ivy and Chad together, and his girls are adorable. Single dad romances are just… well, super cute to me.

My main hiccup was that this is the first book I’ve read from Clark and it’s part of a series, so I was lost quite a bit of the time. There’s character dynamics and histories I had no context for, which occasionally made it hard to appreciate in the moment what was going on.

BUT! It made me want to go back and read the rest of the series, and I anticipate the bit of confusion will end with a happy light bulb moment for my tired brain. 😂

It’s short, sweet, and delightfully adorable!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet!

This book was the perfect length for a busy day. I loved the sweetness of the romance between Chad and Ivy and the adorable moments with his two girls. The matchmaking from their friends: hilarious!

This book makes the most sense if you read Tight Ends and True Crime first, but you could read it independently.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...)]

I should have read the previous books in the series for the beginning of character development and the way the other characters are connected. I felt like I was thrown in the middle and was missing important info and characteristics. The author references the plots from the previous books but it was more confusing than helpful.

[Jenna Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Lights & Just Mights has all the right vibes: closed-door romance, second changes, single dad, a bit of banter, adorable children…all with a touch of Christmas! This novella is available on Kindle Unlimited. Since it’s part of a series, I’ll be going back to read the others soon!

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet single dad Christmas romance not to be missed! Adorable read and gives you all the warm fuzzy feelings! Perfect if you are looking for a quick holiday read!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Sarah Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

cozy little novella

(Reviewing on my husband’s account)

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars!

This was cute! It was my first read by Raneé, and I picked it for the tropes and the holiday vibes. I think the switch in feels from both MCs was very sudden since they had never shown attraction to one another at all, but I can see it may have been due to his circumstances surrounding his divorce. It would definitely help to read the first books in the series before jumping into the novella since their history is referenced a lot, and there’s quite a bit of character overlap with the other stories. If you want a super quick holiday read & you’ve read her other books in this series, definitely check this ones out!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful single dad love story

I knew most of the characters in this book from the past Houston Pumas books so it was like catching up with old friends. I adored Ivy and Chad’s love story. Having married a single dad myself, I could really relate to Ivy and the special relationship she had with her future stepchildren. Such a good sweet and clean Christmas romance. You could read this as a standalone if you haven’t read the other books in the series, but I highly recommend the whole Houston Pumas series. Ranee S. Clark has become a favorite author for me! I highly recommend this book!

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for consideration; all opinions are my own.

If you love single dads, cozy Christmas vibes, and a romance that feels like a warm blanket straight from the dryer…this novella is exactly what you need this season.

Ivy heads into the holidays expecting peppermint hot chocolate and a quiet getaway—but instead ends up babysitting her friend Chad’s two adorable daughters. Somewhere between the twinkle lights, ice skating, and late-night heart-to-hearts, she starts seeing Chad in a whole new way… and falling for the single dad who is doing everything he can to make Christmas magical for his girls.

Their chemistry is effortless, the family moments are melt-worthy, and every scene between Ivy and Chad feels like a hug. I especially loved how they take care of each other—soft, tender moments that make the romance feel real and earned. And ohhh those kisses!

This novella is sweet, swoony, and full of holiday heart. It can be read as a standalone, but if you’ve met Chad in Tight Ends and True Crimes, his glow-up is extra rewarding. A perfect comfort read for December!
If you’re craving a holiday romance that feels like home, add this one to your December TBR.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, contemporary romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read
Ivy and Chad’s story is a lovely fall. Two hurt hearts, trying to keep safe and finding a HEA with each other. Friends help them find time for romance, but they are ready for family too with Chad’s two girls as part of the mix. Loved the kindness, respect, and consideration they showed each other. They became a true team, along with the romance.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super sweet Christmas novella. It’s part of the Houston Pumas series but can be read as a standalone, which I did as I have not read any of the others yet. I love this author’s books but my TBR has been so long I haven’t gotten around to this series yet, but I definitely need to go read the rest of this series now. I loved Ivy and Chad. They were so sweet together and I didn’t feel the age gap at all. I was so happy to see healthy communication and not a bunch of misunderstandings.

[Tiffany (Work Kids N Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is the perfect Christmas, feel good story! With themes of family, togetherness, taking chances, and hope, it hits all the right places!

This is part of a series, but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Boy, oh boy, do I love this series and these characters!

Life Coach Ivy is always watching out for others. Not only is it in her nature, but she enjoys it! When single dad Chad comes down with a migraine with two little girls dying to get out and experience Christmas in Houston, Ivy can’t help but volunteer to help!

When the tables turn and both start to open up, will it lead to more?

Read This Book If You Like:
🎄 Football Games
🎄 Ice Skating
🎄 Seeing Christmas Lights
🎄 Being Vulnerable
🎄 Dark Chocolate Mint M&Ms
🎄 Crutches
🎄 Asking Questions
🎄 Being Carried
🎄 Meddling Friends

Content: mild off-page references to a loved one struggling with addiction, accidental injuries, mild anxiety attack, romance- kisses only.

Thank you to Ranee S Clark for the #gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was meh. I gave it three stars because it was short and sweet and I really loved that we had a story for Chad, but this honestly feels more like a two star for me.

I can’t move past Ivy’s history from the other book to get on board with her in this relationship!?! It’s weird when characters do things that are certifiable and then they’re all, “I’m a life coach so I figured it out….” Nope. She’s crazy….

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
🚨TW: mentions about drug dealing (his ex), panic attacks, a bad fall
🚨CW: hot kisses.

Favourite Moments
🎄 They meet again.
🎄 Moments with the children
🎄 They take care of each other.
🎄 Christmas day
🎄 Their meddling friends trying to matchmake them (can’t spoil it)
🎄 Them opening up to each other.
🎄 In the library (can’t spoil it)
(and lots more)

Swoony Moments
🎄 He falls first
🎄 He cares and worried for her.
🎄 He takes care of her when she is hurt. (can’t spoil it)
🎄 He tries his best to be a good father to his daughters.
🎄He shows his vulnerable side to her.

🎄 He is protective of her and his daughters.

Synopsis
Ivy
She works as a life-coach. She is great with children and she is also best friends with Law and Carlie who had her heartbroken by her ex. She tried dating again but failed.

Chad.
A single dad who has two beautiful daughters. He is trying his best to spend time with his daughters and he is struggling with it ever since his ex-wife left.

Law invited Ivy to his watch his game and spend Christmas together. Chad also came along with his daughters to spend Christmas together. However, Chad is having a bad migraine and Ivy was worried for him and offered to take care of his daughters and also check on him to make sure he is okay. From then on, they got closer and feelings for each other grew but both are worried that both are not ready for a relationship and also the age gap of 10 years. Will they ever be together? Read Christmas Lights & Just Mights to find out!!

Review:
Loving these two so much. Though the age gap is quite big but love way they care for each other and encourage each other. The way Ivy helped him through his panic attacks, offering to take care of his daughters when he had a bad migraine and also checking on him to make sure, he is okay. They opened up to each other and got closer to each other. And he also took care of her when she had a bad fall and they spend Christmas together along with two beautiful daughters. And his daughters adored her so much and kept on asking her to spend time with them and they had fun doing activities together and also watching movies together.

The both love each other’s company and was there for each other. They understand each other and also as they get to know more of each other, they got closer. Their meddling friends, Law and Carlie are also trying to matchmake them together indirectly (can’t spoil it you will have to read it to find out). This book made me smile, cry, laugh, swoon and also feeling the warmth of a family.

P.S I would love the library in this story. Seriously would love to read the books there. Haha…

This is a Houston Pumas Sports Sweet Holiday Romance story which is of course connected to the Houston Pumas Sports Romance series.

Please do check out the first three books of Houston Pumas Sport Romance series. It's Jett & Ava's love story, Carlie & Lawson's love story and also Ellie & Will's love story

I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @raneesclark for the ARC copy.

Can't wait to read her other books.

You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & JUST MIGHTS
by: Ranee S. Clark
@raneesclark

••I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

~do not need a boyfriend for Christmas. What I need is peppermint hot chocolate, a holiday getaway, and a front-row seat to watch my best friend play in the big Christmas Day football game. But when our mutual friend Chad shows up with his two adorable daughters, one massive migraine, and zero nannies to help outguess who finds herself volunteering to play babysitter? Yep, me. It’s all fun holiday light shows and ice-skating games until…

“Don’t push away real connection because of fear. Stay open to the experience.”

-CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & JUST MIGHTS, is a quick but,
cozy, swoony, age-gap, single-dad closed door Christmas romcom-complete with cute kids, holiday magic, and one very inconvenient fun crush. I thoroughly enjoyed how dear characters are able to put the past to rest, to being more open to the possibility of now, and looking ahead. Mixes in our fun holiday vibes, and an unfortunate accident that opens the door in letting others serve and help. There are sparks of chemistry, delightful banter, and an extra layer of depth to this dear story that I loved. Seeing characters risk hearts and find a real happily ever after together melted my heart. It was just right. This is a story worth the quick fun read!🙌🏻📚❄️

“Pretty sure this is my best Christmas ever.”

•Content: Off page character suffers from drug addiction and her actions (including neglectful treatment of children) are discussed non-graphically, A main character has mild anxiety attacks associated with taking medication. Descriptions are mild. The death of a parent in the past is discussed briefly.
Injuries such as a severe migraine and a broken ankle are discussed non-graphically; no language, no violence, kisses (some make-outs) only. Closed-door!

You can’t juggle everything all the time.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Well… I am cooked.”

#christmaslightsandjustmights
#raneesclark

“It’s so much better than I ever could have imagined.”

#allaboutthebestreads

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Ivy & Chad’s points of view

– there is an age gap of about 10 years between them

– it is mentioned that an unseen side character deals with a drug addiction & in the past has neglected their children

– it is mentioned that a character has mild anxiety attacks over taking any medication

– it is mentioned that a character’s parent passed due to cancer when the character was young (past event)

Review:

I’m so glad we didn’t leave this group of characters yet! And I loved that Ivy & Chad were able to get a happily ever after! 😍 This was so sweet and I loved the cute family-like moments between Ivy, Chad, and Chad’s daughters! I also loved that their friends were not so subtly pushing the two of them together/making it so they had some time alone together.

Summary:

Ivy was thrilled to be invited to get away for the holidays by her best friend. But with him being in relationship bliss, Ivy is still feeling loneliness in the holidays. That is until their mutual friend Chad needs a temporary babysitter for his daughters and Ivy finds herself volunteering. Now all she can think about his how Chad is a loving dad and his girls are the best thing to ever happen to her. But is Ivy ready for a real relationship after all this time? Would he even be interested in a younger woman?

Chad is trying to be better for his daughters and is finding that his work hours may not be best to do that anymore. Especially since this extended time off is doing wonders for them all. Or at least it was until Chad finds himself fighting off a major migraine that could halt all holiday plans. But when Ivy steps in so he can recover while the girls still get the holiday wonder, Chad finds himself leaning on her in so many more ways. With his feelings for her getting stronger as they spend more time together with the girls, Chad wonders if she’s interested in him too. But he’s been burned before and Chad isn’t sure if he could trust any answer she’d give him if he were to ask…

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas lights...and I just might be in Love!

Ivy is expecting a relaxing Christmas getaway but ends up babysitting her friend Chad’s daughters...and suddenly noticing how attractive he is. The more she sees him being an amazing single dad, the harder she falls.

But when her ex shows up begging for another shot, Ivy has to decide if she wants the past she knew or the future she’s started dreaming about with Chad.

What you'll love:
single dad
dual pov
age gap
Christmas getaway
forced proximity
so much tension
the stocking
he takes care of her
all the kisses...
meddling friends

This novella was heart-melting holiday magic! It's the perfect Christmas comfort read, full of a sweet and swoony romance, two little girls who stole the show, and more holiday charm than a Hallmark movie marathon!

Ever since meeting Chad earlier in the series, I've been hoping he would get his chance at his HEA and Ivy was the perfect mach! Their chemistry is effortless and they complement each other so well. Ivy's tenderness to his daughters made me melt, and all the moments with the four of them together were so heartwarming! I loved all the swoony moments between Chad and Ivy, and the way they take care of each other is serious #lifegoals ! Chad was protective of Ivy but always followed her lead and oh my word, when they finally kiss! Insert all the melting emojis here...

This is part of a series but can easily be enjoyed as a standalone and it's novella length makes it perfect to enjoy during the busy holiday season. If you love swoony single dads, holiday kisses, and cozy Christmas vibes, make sure you add this to your TBR this holiday season!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Jodi Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when side characters in previous books get their own HEAs, so I was excited to read Christmas Lights and Just Mights to see two of characters from Ranee S. Clark previous books get their own story. The story focuses Ivy and Chad as they attend their friend’s away pro football game.

I adored Ivy. Ivy had just spent the last 6 months on a dating hiatus to figure out what she wanted out of her next relationship. When she starts to see her friend Chad as attractive, she tries to blame her 6 month hiatus on her feelings. Unfortunately for Ivy, her feelings and attraction toward Chad get stronger the longer she is with him. I loved seeing Ivy figure out her feelings for Chad. She was so mature and open, especially in her thoughts on her relationships with others. I loved her character arc.

Chad was fabulous. He was such a good dad. I loved how he handled the baggage from his divorce and the hope he had for this future. It was really beautiful. It was so much to fun to watch Chad fall for Ivy. His character arc was so well done.

Things to love:
-Christmas vibes
-single dad
-age gap
-second chance at love
-open communication
-forced proximity
-matchmaking friends
-banter and chemistry

I could not put this one down. I was so excited for Ivy and Chad to find their way to each other. Their friendship and communication were so good. The banter and chemistry were so on point. The romance is slow burn, but that first kiss is so worth the wait. The last few chapters are gold. I loved Ivy and Chad both together and separately.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a joy to read. I have enjoyed this series. It was fun to see characters from the other books. This is Ivy and Chad's story.

Law is Ivy's best friend, and he has invited her to come to his holiday ballgame. Upon arrival at the small hotel the team is staying at, they see Chad with his adorable daughters. Poor Chad has a migraine, and it is evident he is struggling. Ivy, being the fixer and nurturer that she is, volunteers to take the girls for him so that he can go rest. And as they say the rest is history. These two have chemistry, even as they deny it in their own minds. Ivy has sworn off relationships. Chad is 10 years older than Ivy and still has the scars from his ex-wife's behavior. Chad knows the age gap is also an issue. He also has to think about his daughters and their mental wellbeing. Their little hearts are so fragile after what their mother has done.

This short and sweet story has all the feel goods that I look for in a sweet romance. Chad is such a gentleman and a terrific father, while also playing the part of mom as well. Ivy is a nurturer and wants to help everyone. She just stepped right in and helped him with his daughters. There were some funny scenes that left my chuckling. As far I was concerned these two were a match made in heaven. They had some of the same character traits that made them special to those around them. This age gap, single dad romance will tug on your heart strings and make your Christmas a little brighter.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella! I always thought that Chad needed his own story, and while I wasn’t expecting Ivy and him to end up together, they worked so well together. Both of them had been through a lot in the past months, and they were able to support each other well.
I really liked getting to see things from Ivy’s POV. I had a hard time with her character when she was first introduced, but I think getting to see her side of things really made me understand her perspective. Law had been her whole world for a while, so she was grappling with the fact that she was losing him in a way. While things were changing with her and Law, she had the opportunity to spend more time with Chad and his girls! I love how well Ivy fit into Chad’s life. Understandably, Chad is anxious about his girls but they have the most adorable relationship with Ivy.
I felt for Chad in Law and Carlie’s book, and I felt for him in this one too. He had been through a lot, but he was also genuinely trying to better himself for his daughters. I thought it was so sweet how he took care of Ivy, and their communication with each other was perfect! I would definitely recommend this Christmas novella. It can be read standalone but it’s more enjoyable to read at least Law and Carlie’s book first.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweetest dose of holiday cheer!

I loved this story so much that I couldn’t put it down. It was full of so many cute moments between the main characters as well as their friends and family.

Ivy has quite the relationship history and I was so glad to see her taking time for herself before diving into a new relationship. Single dad Chad was definitely not what she was looking for, but he was definitely what she needed. Chad has had a rough go of things and it was so good to see him have such a great support system and find ways to rely on others, even when he didn’t want to. I loved that they took care of each other in their times of need. I really appreciated their maturity and how they handled the issues in their personal lives as well as between them. It really made me root for them.

I loved seeing both Ivy and Chad with his girls. Their interactions are so sweet and easy. Gotta love a precocious preschooler and kindergartener.

What would a romcom be without a meddling group of friends? It was fun seeing the other Houston Pumas couples and how they approached Ivy and Chad’s new found closeness.

This single dad, age gap, holiday romance is full of holiday happiness, laughter, and swoony kisses. Although it is a standalone, I found several instances where knowing the storylines of the other Houston Puma books would be beneficial to understanding some of the conversations between the friends.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much! A sweet novella set during Christmas time that follows Ivy and Chad as they discover the sizzling chemistry between them♥️
This is the perfect story to add to your holiday tbr this Christmas season💖
I recommend reading the books that are before this one as there are side characters mentioned here that have their own books earlier and it will just make more sense knowing who people are

Internal thoughts while reading
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
The little girls are so precious
Aww dear Chad, I feel so bad for him🥺🥺
Shelby, how could you💔
Scarlett has my heart, so is so sweet for just 5 yrs old🫶🏼
Yes, Chad, you are in fact cooked😂😂😂
Chad’s checklist is cracking me up😂
Everyone definitely needs a man as obsessed as Chad - officially melting over here😍😂

🎄Christmas
♥️Single Parent
🎄He Takes Care of Her
♥️Age Gap
🎄Forced Proximity
♥️She Takes Care of Him
🎄Novella

🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None


Content Warnings:
Off page character suffers from drug addiction and her actions (including neglectful treatment of children) are discussed non-graphically.
A main character has mild anxiety attacks associated with taking medication. Descriptions are mild.
The death of a parent in the past is discussed briefly.
Injuries such as a severe migraine and a broken ankle are discussed non-graphically.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a darling holiday second chance romance. Ivy is a life coach and she’s trying hard to use all of her knowledge to get over her past boyfriend. When her best friend invites her to his football game over the Christmas holiday, she hopes it will takev her mind off being alone. She also hopes her friends won’t try to set her up with anyone. Chad is struggling to keep the holidays as normal as possible for his two daughters, after he asked his wife to leave because of her drug abuse. His daughter’s nanny invited them to come watch her boyfriend play football. Will he be able to make their holidays happy? He knows one thing he is not interested in dating anyone.
Never say never! When it’s right, it’s right! Both of these sayings fit this story perfectly. Neither Ivy or Chad are interested in a relationship, but when it feels like gravity is pulling them together, you can’t deny it. Plus when there’s two adorable little girls involved, the word no is suddenly not in your vocabulary. It is a quick easy read that will put a smile on your face and lighten your holidays. A clean, wholesome romance. There might be some triggers for some people; drug abuse, death of a parent, but details are held to a minimum. It is also free from any foul language.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that when we first met Chad in Tight Ends and True Crimes, I really wasn't expecting him to get a story of his own... and yet, I'm so glad that he did because I really enjoyed getting to know who he really was... and to see him get his chance at a happily ever after with Ivy (who we also met in the previous book)! That said, while you definitely could read this as a standalone, I do highly recommend reading that one first, as that initial introduction... well, it's priceless and one you won't want to miss. (There are also some mentions of previous events in this one that could be spoilers.) This story was so sweet. I always love a good 'he takes care of her' or 'she takes care of him' moment... and in this one, we get both! I loved it! There was something really cozy about their story, giving that feeling of home, perfect for the holiday season... and I couldn't get enough!

Christmas Lights and Just Mights is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Houston Pumas series.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isn’t this cover adorable? After seeing it, I knew I had to read this Christmastime novella. I love romances that make me smile, have wonderful friend groups, and have characters with big hearts. Raneé’s books always check those boxes.

Chad and Ivy are both reeling from past relationships, but during a joyful Christmas getaway with friends, they discover a spark between them that's hard to ignore. Chad wants to protect his girls from more hurt, and Ivy had said she didn’t need a boyfriend… right?

This may be only 133 pages, but it's packed with sweetness and warmth, making it a delightful holiday romance! I loved how Ivy was caring for Chad and his young daughters, creating a natural, safe, and inviting atmosphere. Chad and Ivy had both open, honest communication and incredible chemistry. It also helped that their friends, Law and Carlie, were scheming to get these two together.

This is part of the 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, but can easily be read as a standalone. It's a perfect holiday read that delivers a festive and romantic spirit!

Thank you @raneesclark for this gifted book.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an adorable holiday read. I love when a holiday book can make me feel the magic of Christmas and that is exactly what this book accomplished. Chad and Ivy were so adorable.

This is a duel pov, single dad, age gap, closed door romance. Ivy was such a great character I love how caring she was for Chads girls and how she instantly fit into the family. Chad was such a caring dad who was trying to juggle so many different things. Ivy fit perfectly into their family because she wanted to be there for the girls but she also didn’t want to replace their real mom.

I love a good he cares for her trope and this book delivered with that. After Ivy hurt her ankle Chad was so caring and always looking out for her and that just warmed my heart. I also like the slow burn of them getting together. They both had some things to figure out and they didn’t want to rush into anything so the slow burn was very enjoyable.

I totally recommend this book if you are looking for a short and sweet holiday story.

[Kassandra Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is calling, and I couldn’t resist diving into this new holiday book by Ranee S. Clark! And it was every bit the cozy Christmas read I hoped for.

This sweet, closed-door romance is just the sweetest! A single dad friend, two adorable kids, holiday lights, a little bit of age gap, and a girl who's just a little broken (both physically and with dating) what more could you ask for?! Ivy finds herself helping out with her best friends - friends, two young daughters and finds herself unexpectedly caught up in something more than a night of babysitting!

The sweet slow chemistry, caring family vibes, and genuine emotional growth between the characters makes this book a warm, fuzzy read perfect for chilly December evenings! No high drama, just gentle romance, trust, and holiday magic.

If you're in the mood for a short, sweet, heart warming novella that feels like a blanket and hot cocoa kind of night, this is one you need to pick up!

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Lights & Just Mights (Houston Pumas Sweet Holiday #4) by Ranee S. Clark

Christmas Lights & Just Mights is a heartfelt and clean Christmas romance that beautifully captures themes of family, healing, and second chances. Ranee S. Clark delivers a well-crafted story with fully developed, relatable characters who feel authentic throughout the narrative. The pacing is smooth, the storyline is engaging, and the emotional depth is handled with genuine warmth.

Having read the previous books in the Houston Pumas Sweet Holiday series, I can confidently say that this installment is my favorite so far. It blends charm, sincerity, and holiday spirit in a way that makes it a standout read. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy wholesome contemporary romance and uplifting holiday stories.