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Road to Gingerbread Grove: Holiday Rivals, Book 2
Can an elf save Christmas?
Avery
I love being an elf. No, really, that’s my job title. Head elf at C.O.C.O.A., where we make Christmas wishes come true for those who would otherwise do without. It means that I get to live and breathe Christmas all year long.
While coming home from an elf convention, I find myself single, stranded, and dressed like I just escaped the North Pole. That’s when I use my elfy charms to get a handsome stranger to let me tag along when he snags the last rental car and just happens to be heading my way.
It’s then I find that I can rescue him just like he’s doing for me. It might not be with Santa’s magic or a sleigh, but rather by helping him in his Christmas-loving hometown by pretending to be his girlfriend for the Yuletide Games. Now, I find myself immersed in a Survivor-style holiday competition that may test more than just my elf abilities, but also my heart.
Matthew
I promised myself I would never go back to my hometown of Gingerbread Grove, and I’ve been able to keep that promise for almost ten years. But after a call from my mom, I find myself booked on the next plane there.
Next thing I know, my flight is cancelled, I have to drive five hours in the pitch black during a snowstorm, and I find myself stuck with Avery, a hitchhiking elf.
While I cringe at all of the over-the-top Christmas requirements of the town, I find myself in the Christmas I used to love, all through my happy-go-lucky elf, who seems to find joy in pushing me outside of my comfort zone.
But when the darker side of the town starts to emerge, rumours are spread, and secrets are revealed, putting everything we’ve worked so hard for in jeopardy, including my not-so-fake feelings for my little elf.
Road to Gingerbread Grove is a full-length standalone book within the Holiday Rivals series. This is a closed-door, kisses-only romantic comedy.
Avery
I love being an elf. No, really, that’s my job title. Head elf at C.O.C.O.A., where we make Christmas wishes come true for those who would otherwise do without. It means that I get to live and breathe Christmas all year long.
While coming home from an elf convention, I find myself single, stranded, and dressed like I just escaped the North Pole. That’s when I use my elfy charms to get a handsome stranger to let me tag along when he snags the last rental car and just happens to be heading my way.
It’s then I find that I can rescue him just like he’s doing for me. It might not be with Santa’s magic or a sleigh, but rather by helping him in his Christmas-loving hometown by pretending to be his girlfriend for the Yuletide Games. Now, I find myself immersed in a Survivor-style holiday competition that may test more than just my elf abilities, but also my heart.
Matthew
I promised myself I would never go back to my hometown of Gingerbread Grove, and I’ve been able to keep that promise for almost ten years. But after a call from my mom, I find myself booked on the next plane there.
Next thing I know, my flight is cancelled, I have to drive five hours in the pitch black during a snowstorm, and I find myself stuck with Avery, a hitchhiking elf.
While I cringe at all of the over-the-top Christmas requirements of the town, I find myself in the Christmas I used to love, all through my happy-go-lucky elf, who seems to find joy in pushing me outside of my comfort zone.
But when the darker side of the town starts to emerge, rumours are spread, and secrets are revealed, putting everything we’ve worked so hard for in jeopardy, including my not-so-fake feelings for my little elf.
Road to Gingerbread Grove is a full-length standalone book within the Holiday Rivals series. This is a closed-door, kisses-only romantic comedy.
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Published November 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 6, 2025
Meant to meet
A really lovely Christmas romance with mystery and intrigue.
I loved the way this story started and as it proceeded it just got better.
Avery and Matthew met unexpectedly and end up sharing a rental car together, the conversations on the road trip stilted at first and then becoming fun.
Both having had terrible break up experiences Avery offers to help out Matthew once he gets home to Gingerbread Cove.
This is where this sweet kisses only fake relationship story, potentially leads to more.
With a town set on competitive Christmas games the couple find themselves caught up in all the fun and chaos that it involves.
Plus the more time they spend together they really start to like each other.
Can they work out why there are strange things happening in this little town or do they leave it for others to work out?
Will Avery and Matthew leave their past hurts behind and allow their feelings to grow?
An excellent storyline with some really great characters plus a few mean ones as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this Christmas story which was narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin and James Blackmore, their performances were fun and kept me engaged.
A really lovely Christmas romance with mystery and intrigue.
I loved the way this story started and as it proceeded it just got better.
Avery and Matthew met unexpectedly and end up sharing a rental car together, the conversations on the road trip stilted at first and then becoming fun.
Both having had terrible break up experiences Avery offers to help out Matthew once he gets home to Gingerbread Cove.
This is where this sweet kisses only fake relationship story, potentially leads to more.
With a town set on competitive Christmas games the couple find themselves caught up in all the fun and chaos that it involves.
Plus the more time they spend together they really start to like each other.
Can they work out why there are strange things happening in this little town or do they leave it for others to work out?
Will Avery and Matthew leave their past hurts behind and allow their feelings to grow?
An excellent storyline with some really great characters plus a few mean ones as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this Christmas story which was narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin and James Blackmore, their performances were fun and kept me engaged.
December 26, 2025
This book made me giggle and grin. When Matthew and Avery—complete strangers—have their flights cancelled due to a snowstorm, they’re forced to share a five-hour road trip in Matthew’s rental car. During the trip, Avery agrees to help him in his Christmas-loving hometown by pretending to be his girlfriend for the Yuletide Games.
If you love all things Christmas and clean romantic comedy with a side of mystery, you’ll love this book! It’s dual POV with relatable main characters and lots of fun and games.
My favorite things about this book were Avery’s character—her cheerfulness, willingness to help Matthew, and her heart for those less fortunate—and the movie and TV show references. (Think Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Home Alone, Princess Bride, etc.)
I couldn’t stop listening because I wanted to know who the villain was sabotaging Matthew and Avery’s part in the Games, and because the dual narration of Lisa Lynn Sandlin and James Blackmore was captivating, engaging, and simply wonderful. They totally brought the characters and story to life. I loved the pairing.
I highly recommend the audiobook.
If you love all things Christmas and clean romantic comedy with a side of mystery, you’ll love this book! It’s dual POV with relatable main characters and lots of fun and games.
My favorite things about this book were Avery’s character—her cheerfulness, willingness to help Matthew, and her heart for those less fortunate—and the movie and TV show references. (Think Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, Home Alone, Princess Bride, etc.)
I couldn’t stop listening because I wanted to know who the villain was sabotaging Matthew and Avery’s part in the Games, and because the dual narration of Lisa Lynn Sandlin and James Blackmore was captivating, engaging, and simply wonderful. They totally brought the characters and story to life. I loved the pairing.
I highly recommend the audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews