What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Before: A Riceville Springs novella
Christmas is a time people typically spend with their loved ones. The traditions are Bailey's favorite part of the holiday season. This year, instead of spending it with the people she loves, she's stuck in New York City with her boyfriend. Stuck is a bad word to use, but that's how it feels lately. She's spent the entire week of Christmas mostly alone, and it's starting to take a toll on her. While she loves Jason and wants to create new traditions with him, he's not on the same page. They may not even be on the same planet. Bailey navigates her crumbling relationship and holiday festivities alone. Her life is becoming all the things she promised herself it never would. Can she save Christmas, or will it end just as badly as it started?
- GenresHoliday Romance
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2025
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 8, 2025
2.5 ⭐
What did I just read? I don't even know what genre it should be categorized as, but this is definitely not romance 🥴
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about the book. All I can say is that I had to research whether the FMC's story continued in a sequel or not because I honestly thought the story ended there, but apparently not (thank god).
I didn't like the spicy scene in the book at all. It's not that it was badly written, it's just that I didn't need to read a spicy scene with a toxic couple that I know I won't be supporting. Not every book has to have spicy scenes 🥴
Even so, the novel is addictive, and I really liked the FMC. She didn't deserve to go through all that, honestly. Plus, the book is addictive and short, so I had no problem reading it.
What did I just read? I don't even know what genre it should be categorized as, but this is definitely not romance 🥴
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about the book. All I can say is that I had to research whether the FMC's story continued in a sequel or not because I honestly thought the story ended there, but apparently not (thank god).
I didn't like the spicy scene in the book at all. It's not that it was badly written, it's just that I didn't need to read a spicy scene with a toxic couple that I know I won't be supporting. Not every book has to have spicy scenes 🥴
Even so, the novel is addictive, and I really liked the FMC. She didn't deserve to go through all that, honestly. Plus, the book is addictive and short, so I had no problem reading it.
December 12, 2025
Thank you Love Notes PR, and Haylee Trew, for this ARC!
Honestly, this was heartbreaking and relatable. This is not a holiday read that’ll cheer you up, and put you in the Christmas spirit, but, if you’re looking for a sad girl christmas novella, this is for you.
Our fmc, Bailey, figures out that her current relationship offers her nothing, and she feels that loneliness the most around her favorite holiday, Christmas. At its core, this novella is about finding your worth underneath the fear of starting over. It’s about personal growth, and overcoming the fear of breaking free from what’s comfortable, because just because it’s comfortable, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.
“If you’d ask him, he’d probably tell you that we have no issues. We’re the perfect, happy, in-love couple. Yet, I feel nothing but alone.”
I think this whole novella was beautiful, and very sad. If you’ve ever gone through a breakup over the holiday reason, this will resonate with you in the worst way, but also make you feel seen. Bailey’s character development is quick, but you understand the backstory. Bailey is such a relatable fmc, in the sense that we often put up with a lot in a relationship, just because it’s comfortable.
“The thought of being alone outweighs the problems there are in the relationship.”
This is a novella, so Bailey’s story isn’t over. This does end on a cliffhanger, but in my opinion, this was the perfect set up for book 1 of the series. I can’t wait to continue with Bailey’s self love and self discovery journey!
Also, shout out to the dedication!!! - “This one is for all the people who were ever made to feel like they couldn’t say no. I see you.”
Honestly, this was heartbreaking and relatable. This is not a holiday read that’ll cheer you up, and put you in the Christmas spirit, but, if you’re looking for a sad girl christmas novella, this is for you.
Our fmc, Bailey, figures out that her current relationship offers her nothing, and she feels that loneliness the most around her favorite holiday, Christmas. At its core, this novella is about finding your worth underneath the fear of starting over. It’s about personal growth, and overcoming the fear of breaking free from what’s comfortable, because just because it’s comfortable, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.
“If you’d ask him, he’d probably tell you that we have no issues. We’re the perfect, happy, in-love couple. Yet, I feel nothing but alone.”
I think this whole novella was beautiful, and very sad. If you’ve ever gone through a breakup over the holiday reason, this will resonate with you in the worst way, but also make you feel seen. Bailey’s character development is quick, but you understand the backstory. Bailey is such a relatable fmc, in the sense that we often put up with a lot in a relationship, just because it’s comfortable.
“The thought of being alone outweighs the problems there are in the relationship.”
This is a novella, so Bailey’s story isn’t over. This does end on a cliffhanger, but in my opinion, this was the perfect set up for book 1 of the series. I can’t wait to continue with Bailey’s self love and self discovery journey!
Also, shout out to the dedication!!! - “This one is for all the people who were ever made to feel like they couldn’t say no. I see you.”
December 18, 2025
English first, Dutch next!
Thanks to Love Notes PR for this eARC! Here is my honest review.
A Christmas That Feels Different
In the novella ‘The Christmas Before’ Bailey has a strong desire to celebrate Christmas with her family and friends, just as she always did before she moved to New York with her boyfriend Jayson. Since then, everything has changed. Jayson is often absent, and they no longer celebrate Christmas. On top of that, he is dominant and keeps up the appearance that Bailey is happy, while the reality is very different.
If you are expecting a romantic Christmas story, this is not the book for you. On the contrary, it is a very sad story that unfolds slowly and is filled with a melancholic, almost suffocating atmosphere throughout. A particularly enjoyable part is the chapter about young Bailey, written entirely from her perspective. This perspective adds depth and shows how her experiences have shaped her.
Bailey feels very real. Her doubts, pain, and longing for happiness are well developed, making it easy to empathize with her. Thanks to Haylee Trew’s strong writing style and her ability to convey emotions and inner struggles realistically, the book is compelling and moving despite its somber tone.
***Dutch***
Een kerst die anders voelt
In de novelle 'The Christmas Before’ heeft Bailey een grote behoefte aan het vieren van kerst met haar familie en vrienden, zoals ze dat altijd deed voordat ze met haar vriend Jayson naar New York verhuisde. Sindsdien is alles veranderd. Jayson is vaak afwezig en kerst vieren ze niet meer. Bovendien is hij dominant en houdt hij Bailey voor de buitenwereld gelukkig, terwijl dat allesbehalve het geval is.
Wie een romantisch kerstverhaal verwacht, zal dit boek niet vinden wat hij zoekt. Het is juist het tegenovergestelde: een treurig verhaal dat langzaam ontvouwt en bijna het hele boek door een melancholieke, bijna beklemmende sfeer ademt. Bijzonder leuk is het hoofdstuk over de jonge Bailey, dat volledig vanuit haar perspectief is geschreven. Dit perspectief geeft extra diepte en laat zien hoe haar ervaringen haar hebben gevormd.
Bailey voelt erg realistisch aan. Haar twijfels, pijn en verlangen naar geluk zijn goed uitgewerkt, waardoor je echt met haar meeleeft. Dankzij Haylee Trews sterke schrijfstijl en haar vermogen om emoties en innerlijke worstelingen realistisch te beschrijven, is het boek ondanks de sombere toon aangrijpend en boeiend om te lezen.
Thanks to Love Notes PR for this eARC! Here is my honest review.
A Christmas That Feels Different
In the novella ‘The Christmas Before’ Bailey has a strong desire to celebrate Christmas with her family and friends, just as she always did before she moved to New York with her boyfriend Jayson. Since then, everything has changed. Jayson is often absent, and they no longer celebrate Christmas. On top of that, he is dominant and keeps up the appearance that Bailey is happy, while the reality is very different.
If you are expecting a romantic Christmas story, this is not the book for you. On the contrary, it is a very sad story that unfolds slowly and is filled with a melancholic, almost suffocating atmosphere throughout. A particularly enjoyable part is the chapter about young Bailey, written entirely from her perspective. This perspective adds depth and shows how her experiences have shaped her.
Bailey feels very real. Her doubts, pain, and longing for happiness are well developed, making it easy to empathize with her. Thanks to Haylee Trew’s strong writing style and her ability to convey emotions and inner struggles realistically, the book is compelling and moving despite its somber tone.
***Dutch***
Een kerst die anders voelt
In de novelle 'The Christmas Before’ heeft Bailey een grote behoefte aan het vieren van kerst met haar familie en vrienden, zoals ze dat altijd deed voordat ze met haar vriend Jayson naar New York verhuisde. Sindsdien is alles veranderd. Jayson is vaak afwezig en kerst vieren ze niet meer. Bovendien is hij dominant en houdt hij Bailey voor de buitenwereld gelukkig, terwijl dat allesbehalve het geval is.
Wie een romantisch kerstverhaal verwacht, zal dit boek niet vinden wat hij zoekt. Het is juist het tegenovergestelde: een treurig verhaal dat langzaam ontvouwt en bijna het hele boek door een melancholieke, bijna beklemmende sfeer ademt. Bijzonder leuk is het hoofdstuk over de jonge Bailey, dat volledig vanuit haar perspectief is geschreven. Dit perspectief geeft extra diepte en laat zien hoe haar ervaringen haar hebben gevormd.
Bailey voelt erg realistisch aan. Haar twijfels, pijn en verlangen naar geluk zijn goed uitgewerkt, waardoor je echt met haar meeleeft. Dankzij Haylee Trews sterke schrijfstijl en haar vermogen om emoties en innerlijke worstelingen realistisch te beschrijven, is het boek ondanks de sombere toon aangrijpend en boeiend om te lezen.
December 9, 2025
The Christmas Before ❄️
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Haylee Trew for trusting me with this ARC!🩵
Christmas has been Bailey's favourite holiday since when she was a little girl.However,as she is trying to make this season special for her and her partner Jason,he seems to not care at all and always having a deadline to catch up.Soon Bailey will understand that the issue was never the Holidays.
An other great novella,that literally spoke to my heart.
My girl Bailey was such a wonderful creature & a cutie pie for the whole story.I loved how jolly she was,and that the grinch was her FAVOURITE show.Trew literally wrote THE BEST fmc.
You cannot understand how my heart absolutely broke for her every time that nasty thing Jason was into the page.-I won't even discuss about how weird and disgusting that man was.
However,through this story you will see what those type of relationships can done to people.Bailey went from being the happiest person to just surviving just because of a man.NO GIRL,LEAVE (which she did 💅🏻)
Apart from that,the christmas vibes where EXACTLY there,but if you ask me this book is not about christmas lights and mistletoes.It's about re-finding YOU even after the personality you once had had been forgotten by yourself.
out on 9th,Dec ✨
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Haylee Trew for trusting me with this ARC!🩵
Christmas has been Bailey's favourite holiday since when she was a little girl.However,as she is trying to make this season special for her and her partner Jason,he seems to not care at all and always having a deadline to catch up.Soon Bailey will understand that the issue was never the Holidays.
An other great novella,that literally spoke to my heart.
My girl Bailey was such a wonderful creature & a cutie pie for the whole story.I loved how jolly she was,and that the grinch was her FAVOURITE show.Trew literally wrote THE BEST fmc.
You cannot understand how my heart absolutely broke for her every time that nasty thing Jason was into the page.-I won't even discuss about how weird and disgusting that man was.
However,through this story you will see what those type of relationships can done to people.Bailey went from being the happiest person to just surviving just because of a man.NO GIRL,LEAVE (which she did 💅🏻)
Apart from that,the christmas vibes where EXACTLY there,but if you ask me this book is not about christmas lights and mistletoes.It's about re-finding YOU even after the personality you once had had been forgotten by yourself.
out on 9th,Dec ✨
5⭐
December 7, 2025
This is very much a set up prequel... It ends on a cliffhanger, which is the perfect setup for the main book to come in 2026. We follow Bailey at Christmas, as she starts to realise that her life, and her relationship, aren't really how or where she wants them to be, and she finds herself nostalgic about home, especially since she isn't AT home this Christmas to appease her boyfriend Jason. We get flashbacks to a crush, and to all the reasons why should would rather be home, and why New York just doesn't seem to be fulfilling her anymore. And we end the Novella with the reason for her to return home.
I liked how we get to know Bailey a bit, in preparation for her main book... And while the ending is expected, it feels a bit underwhelming for a Christmas Novel, although as a prequel it certainly does it's job of making me REALLY want to carry on the series...
I received a free copy of this book through Love Notes PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked how we get to know Bailey a bit, in preparation for her main book... And while the ending is expected, it feels a bit underwhelming for a Christmas Novel, although as a prequel it certainly does it's job of making me REALLY want to carry on the series...
I received a free copy of this book through Love Notes PR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2025
Another terrible man with a J name… why is it always the J names?
The Christmas Before was such a well-written, cozy-but-emotional novella. I genuinely felt for Bailey as she tried to hold together both her Christmas spirit and a relationship that was clearly slipping through her fingers. The tension of “waiting for the other shoe to drop” had me turning pages, just hoping she would finally choose herself.
I do wish we’d seen Bailey make that choice a little earlier, maybe even heading home mid-story to reunite with her family and reclaim the traditions she loved. That would’ve given the ending an even stronger emotional punch. But even so, this was a heartfelt, easy read that captured the loneliness that can sometimes hide beneath the holiday lights.
A lovely festive novella overall.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC!
The Christmas Before was such a well-written, cozy-but-emotional novella. I genuinely felt for Bailey as she tried to hold together both her Christmas spirit and a relationship that was clearly slipping through her fingers. The tension of “waiting for the other shoe to drop” had me turning pages, just hoping she would finally choose herself.
I do wish we’d seen Bailey make that choice a little earlier, maybe even heading home mid-story to reunite with her family and reclaim the traditions she loved. That would’ve given the ending an even stronger emotional punch. But even so, this was a heartfelt, easy read that captured the loneliness that can sometimes hide beneath the holiday lights.
A lovely festive novella overall.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC!
December 6, 2025
Thank you, Love Notes PR, and author Haylee Trew for this eARC! 💌
I truly wasn’t expecting this at all! This story completely caught me by surprise. In the best way! I felt so much for Bailey; she went through such a rough path, and the abuse and manipulation she endured were heartbreaking.
And that spice scene… wow. If things are already heating up like this, I can’t wait to see what it’ll be like when she finally loves, and is loved, fully. 🌶️
It’s definitely a short read, and while I was hoping for a few more plot twists involving her boyfriend and her friend, it still delivered enough to leave me eagerly awaiting the full release in April 2026. I’ll be counting down the days! 😍
I also can’t wait to see her find the Christmas family she truly deserves. 🎄❤️
I truly wasn’t expecting this at all! This story completely caught me by surprise. In the best way! I felt so much for Bailey; she went through such a rough path, and the abuse and manipulation she endured were heartbreaking.
And that spice scene… wow. If things are already heating up like this, I can’t wait to see what it’ll be like when she finally loves, and is loved, fully. 🌶️
It’s definitely a short read, and while I was hoping for a few more plot twists involving her boyfriend and her friend, it still delivered enough to leave me eagerly awaiting the full release in April 2026. I’ll be counting down the days! 😍
I also can’t wait to see her find the Christmas family she truly deserves. 🎄❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains on page depictions of emotional abuse. Please read the authors trigger warnings before reading this book. Your mental health matters.
Another "J" name strikes again! I had to keep reminding myself that this is a prequel to Haylee’s upcoming series - because if you’re hoping for Bailey’s full HEA in The Christmas Before, you won’t find it yet. What you will find is a quick, emotional read that had me wishing I could reach through the pages, wrap Bailey in a hug, and tell her she’s going to make it out the other side.
And Jason? If you looked up “narcissistic manipulator” in the dictionary, his face would be right there. Not a single redeeming moment. Not one.
This was my first book by Haylee, and I’m already planning to binge her entire backlog. My only complaint? Book two doesn’t release until April… and I need it yesterday.
Another "J" name strikes again! I had to keep reminding myself that this is a prequel to Haylee’s upcoming series - because if you’re hoping for Bailey’s full HEA in The Christmas Before, you won’t find it yet. What you will find is a quick, emotional read that had me wishing I could reach through the pages, wrap Bailey in a hug, and tell her she’s going to make it out the other side.
And Jason? If you looked up “narcissistic manipulator” in the dictionary, his face would be right there. Not a single redeeming moment. Not one.
This was my first book by Haylee, and I’m already planning to binge her entire backlog. My only complaint? Book two doesn’t release until April… and I need it yesterday.
December 9, 2025
Bailey is living in NYC and missing home. It's been a very long time since she was back because her boyfriend Jason never wants to go or lets her go by herself. She keeps thinking about her life and relationship, how she's missing the spark. She wants to leave but knows Jason is a steady person and doesn't know what to do.
December 4, 2025
It was a good novella, don’t get me wrong. But for my first Christmas book of the year (& I LOVE Haylee’s books) it just broke my heart lol. I felt so bad for the girl!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Christmas Before
~Haylee Trew
The Christmas Before: A Riceville Springs Novella by Haylee Trew is the first glimpse into what I hope will become a fully developed, emotionally rich series. This is an introduction designed to set the stage before readers are swept into what I am hoping to become a heart-gripping story. I just wish we had been given some kind of warning that we would be ultimately left dangling on the edge, without any rope, while we wait for book two.
Bailey’s love for Christmas in ingrained deep in her soul. Growing up in a home that treasured the holiday, she carried that Christmas magic into her adult life. Moving to NYC after college brought excitement and new adventures, but no matter what, she always returned home to celebrate Christmas with her family.
Until this year.
Her boyfriend, Jason, is a workaholic. He is far more in love with the image he projects of himself that with the people in his life. Bailey is feeling the strain of their relationship and longing for home. When she asks for him to take time off work and go home with her for Christmas, he insists he can't. Gaslighting her into staying with him in the city to spend the holidays together, she will be spending her first Christmas away from home and family.
To keep the peace, Bailey stays for him. In doing so, she finds herself increasingly isolated. Cut off from her home, her people, her holiday traditions and lacking the spark their relationship once had. Bailey goes out of her way to recapture that early love they once had, all while feeling the longing to be home with her family.
Trew accomplishes something impressive in such a short format: she builds characters you bond with, despise, really feel. Bailey is raw, vulnerable, painfully relatable - as many women will unfortunately recognize. Jason, meanwhile, is crafted as the “villain,” though Trew never needs to make him overtly monstrous. His presence alone shapes the emotional terrain, laying down threads that clearly hint at deeper issues. The supporting cast appears briefly, but just enough to offer a glimpse into Bailey’s life before NYC - and into relationships I expect will grow as the series unfolds.
I think I know why Trew chose to begin with The Christmas Before, but let me be clear: don’t start this expecting a cozy holiday romance wrapped in tinsel and warmth. For me, it was quite the opposite. When I finished, I honestly checked my download to be sure the book hadn’t cut off early. I was not a happy bookworm.
Yes, it’s a cliffhanger.
Yes, it’s meant to set up the series.
But I was fully invested… and then—BAM. The cover slams shut. Right in my face y'all.
I'm hopeful the next book in the series is MUCH longer – please Haylee, don't give us another novella length cliffhanger – and really digs deeper into what the series has potential for.
Normally, a book that ends this abruptly would fall lower on my rating scale (especially since I tend to stick with authors I already know and love). But I’m giving this series the benefit of the doubt and going down the middle – for now. I’m reading book two before making any final judgments.
I’ll leave you with this: Don’t go in expecting a warm-and-fuzzy holiday happily-ever-after. This is a Christmas-centered origin story - a setup, not a payoff. And the cliffhanger? It’s a big one. If you’re anything like me, you’ll finish with your jaw hanging open, torn between frustration and hope (it was more frustration if we are being transparent here).
I enjoy a good cliffhanger…
but this one left me with some very mixed feelings.
Thank you to Haylee Tree and Love Notes PR for entrusting me to Alpha/Beta/ARC for The Christmas Before. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
~Haylee Trew
The Christmas Before: A Riceville Springs Novella by Haylee Trew is the first glimpse into what I hope will become a fully developed, emotionally rich series. This is an introduction designed to set the stage before readers are swept into what I am hoping to become a heart-gripping story. I just wish we had been given some kind of warning that we would be ultimately left dangling on the edge, without any rope, while we wait for book two.
Bailey’s love for Christmas in ingrained deep in her soul. Growing up in a home that treasured the holiday, she carried that Christmas magic into her adult life. Moving to NYC after college brought excitement and new adventures, but no matter what, she always returned home to celebrate Christmas with her family.
Until this year.
Her boyfriend, Jason, is a workaholic. He is far more in love with the image he projects of himself that with the people in his life. Bailey is feeling the strain of their relationship and longing for home. When she asks for him to take time off work and go home with her for Christmas, he insists he can't. Gaslighting her into staying with him in the city to spend the holidays together, she will be spending her first Christmas away from home and family.
To keep the peace, Bailey stays for him. In doing so, she finds herself increasingly isolated. Cut off from her home, her people, her holiday traditions and lacking the spark their relationship once had. Bailey goes out of her way to recapture that early love they once had, all while feeling the longing to be home with her family.
Trew accomplishes something impressive in such a short format: she builds characters you bond with, despise, really feel. Bailey is raw, vulnerable, painfully relatable - as many women will unfortunately recognize. Jason, meanwhile, is crafted as the “villain,” though Trew never needs to make him overtly monstrous. His presence alone shapes the emotional terrain, laying down threads that clearly hint at deeper issues. The supporting cast appears briefly, but just enough to offer a glimpse into Bailey’s life before NYC - and into relationships I expect will grow as the series unfolds.
I think I know why Trew chose to begin with The Christmas Before, but let me be clear: don’t start this expecting a cozy holiday romance wrapped in tinsel and warmth. For me, it was quite the opposite. When I finished, I honestly checked my download to be sure the book hadn’t cut off early. I was not a happy bookworm.
Yes, it’s a cliffhanger.
Yes, it’s meant to set up the series.
But I was fully invested… and then—BAM. The cover slams shut. Right in my face y'all.
I'm hopeful the next book in the series is MUCH longer – please Haylee, don't give us another novella length cliffhanger – and really digs deeper into what the series has potential for.
Normally, a book that ends this abruptly would fall lower on my rating scale (especially since I tend to stick with authors I already know and love). But I’m giving this series the benefit of the doubt and going down the middle – for now. I’m reading book two before making any final judgments.
I’ll leave you with this: Don’t go in expecting a warm-and-fuzzy holiday happily-ever-after. This is a Christmas-centered origin story - a setup, not a payoff. And the cliffhanger? It’s a big one. If you’re anything like me, you’ll finish with your jaw hanging open, torn between frustration and hope (it was more frustration if we are being transparent here).
I enjoy a good cliffhanger…
but this one left me with some very mixed feelings.
Thank you to Haylee Tree and Love Notes PR for entrusting me to Alpha/Beta/ARC for The Christmas Before. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
Want to read
December 16, 2025A𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 NOW
The Christmas Before by @author_hayleetrew is now available on Amazon and KU!
What to expect:
🎄 Christmas Novella
😫 Betrayal by MMC
😷 Homesick FMC
📚 BLURB 📚
Christmas is a time people typically spend with their loved ones. The traditions are Bailey's favorite part of the holiday season. This year, instead of spending it with the people she loves, she's stuck in New York City with her boyfriend. Stuck is a bad word to use, but that's how it feels lately. She's spent the entire week of Christmas mostly alone, and it's starting to take a toll on her. While she loves Jason and wants to create new traditions with him, he's not on the same page. They may not even be on the same planet. Bailey navigates her crumbling relationship and holiday festivities alone. Her life is becoming all the things she promised herself it never would. Can she save Christmas, or will it end just as badly as it started?
@lovenotes.pr #lovenotespr #thechristmasbefore #hayleetrew #authorhayleetrew #hayleetrewauthor #books #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #reader #newbooks #romance #romancebooks #romancereads #bookish #bookstagram #romanceauthor #availablenow #ku #kindleunlimited #christmasnovella #betrayalmmc #homesickfmc
The Christmas Before: A Riceville Springs novella
Haylee Trew
The Christmas Before by @author_hayleetrew is now available on Amazon and KU!
What to expect:
🎄 Christmas Novella
😫 Betrayal by MMC
😷 Homesick FMC
📚 BLURB 📚
Christmas is a time people typically spend with their loved ones. The traditions are Bailey's favorite part of the holiday season. This year, instead of spending it with the people she loves, she's stuck in New York City with her boyfriend. Stuck is a bad word to use, but that's how it feels lately. She's spent the entire week of Christmas mostly alone, and it's starting to take a toll on her. While she loves Jason and wants to create new traditions with him, he's not on the same page. They may not even be on the same planet. Bailey navigates her crumbling relationship and holiday festivities alone. Her life is becoming all the things she promised herself it never would. Can she save Christmas, or will it end just as badly as it started?
@lovenotes.pr #lovenotespr #thechristmasbefore #hayleetrew #authorhayleetrew #hayleetrewauthor #books #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #reader #newbooks #romance #romancebooks #romancereads #bookish #bookstagram #romanceauthor #availablenow #ku #kindleunlimited #christmasnovella #betrayalmmc #homesickfmc
The Christmas Before: A Riceville Springs novella
Haylee Trew
December 5, 2025
I would rate this book about three stars for content, but four overall for potential. The FMC, Bailey, clearly has some backbone buried, very far down, but it is has simply been covered by years of repressed feelings and manipulation from her boyfriend, Jason. I loved the writing and the build of the story, you can clearly see who our MMC will be in book two and I am excited to read it.
My genuine first note I wrote for this book was “Jason - I am bored. He bores me.” Which says enough but I think Trew built his characters up and down moments perfectly. It really made you understand how Bailey was feeling throughout the book, trying to stay and be happy but constantly wondering if he was going to get mad.
The spicy scene in chapter five carried the spice in this book, but if Jason can give us that I am very excited to see what happens in book two.
Something that could’ve made this a higher rating for me, was if we had had an introduction to the MMC for book two in a bonus chapter or a little peak at their perspective.
All in all this was a very quick read for the busy holiday season and it is easy to pick up and put down when you get distracted without losing the whole world you have immersed yourself in. I said before that Trew's writing sucks you in, but when you read this book you will feel every emotion, with a side of anticipation. It makes you wonder what Bailey will do next and if she manages to saves the Christmas she so desperately wants to make perfect with Jason. I very much look forward to reading Trew’s next book in this series and some of her others.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Haylee for the chance to read this ARC. This review is entirely based off of my own opinons.
My genuine first note I wrote for this book was “Jason - I am bored. He bores me.” Which says enough but I think Trew built his characters up and down moments perfectly. It really made you understand how Bailey was feeling throughout the book, trying to stay and be happy but constantly wondering if he was going to get mad.
The spicy scene in chapter five carried the spice in this book, but if Jason can give us that I am very excited to see what happens in book two.
Something that could’ve made this a higher rating for me, was if we had had an introduction to the MMC for book two in a bonus chapter or a little peak at their perspective.
All in all this was a very quick read for the busy holiday season and it is easy to pick up and put down when you get distracted without losing the whole world you have immersed yourself in. I said before that Trew's writing sucks you in, but when you read this book you will feel every emotion, with a side of anticipation. It makes you wonder what Bailey will do next and if she manages to saves the Christmas she so desperately wants to make perfect with Jason. I very much look forward to reading Trew’s next book in this series and some of her others.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and Haylee for the chance to read this ARC. This review is entirely based off of my own opinons.
December 21, 2025
The Christmas Before
By Haylee Trew
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Christmas Before is not your typical festive holiday romance. Instead of "cozy and sweet," Haylee Trew delivers a raw and deeply relatable novella about the loneliness that can persist even in a crowded city like New York during the holidays.
The story follows Bailey, a homesick protagonist stuck in NYC with her boyfriend, Jason. While Bailey is desperate for the warmth of her family's traditions, Jason is a "grinch" who is emotionally distant and unsupportive of her needs. Watching their relationship slowly unravel is painful but incredibly human; Bailey’s struggle—ignoring red flags while clinging to the hope of love—is something many readers will find all too relatable.
The story packs a powerful punch for a novella, focusing on emotional healing and the importance of not settling for "good enough". The tension between Bailey and Jason feels messy and real, especially during the confrontation over Christmas presents.
This serves as a perfect introduction to the upcoming Riceville Springs series, leaving me eager to see Bailey finally get the happiness she deserves in the next installment. I am soooo rooting for this.
If you’re looking for a quick read that prioritizes character growth and individual peace over immediate happily-ever-afters, this is it. And Trew delivers and more. It’s bittersweet, honest, and ends on a quiet cliffhanger that sets a perfect tone for what’s to come. It’s a definite must read.
10/10 Would recommend this to family and friends.
By Haylee Trew
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Christmas Before is not your typical festive holiday romance. Instead of "cozy and sweet," Haylee Trew delivers a raw and deeply relatable novella about the loneliness that can persist even in a crowded city like New York during the holidays.
The story follows Bailey, a homesick protagonist stuck in NYC with her boyfriend, Jason. While Bailey is desperate for the warmth of her family's traditions, Jason is a "grinch" who is emotionally distant and unsupportive of her needs. Watching their relationship slowly unravel is painful but incredibly human; Bailey’s struggle—ignoring red flags while clinging to the hope of love—is something many readers will find all too relatable.
The story packs a powerful punch for a novella, focusing on emotional healing and the importance of not settling for "good enough". The tension between Bailey and Jason feels messy and real, especially during the confrontation over Christmas presents.
This serves as a perfect introduction to the upcoming Riceville Springs series, leaving me eager to see Bailey finally get the happiness she deserves in the next installment. I am soooo rooting for this.
If you’re looking for a quick read that prioritizes character growth and individual peace over immediate happily-ever-afters, this is it. And Trew delivers and more. It’s bittersweet, honest, and ends on a quiet cliffhanger that sets a perfect tone for what’s to come. It’s a definite must read.
10/10 Would recommend this to family and friends.
December 22, 2025
The Christmas Before was a 3-star read for me but not because it lacked impact, but because it was emotionally heavy in a way that felt realistic and complex, especially for the holidays.
This novella held my attention the entire time, and I actually appreciated the shorter format. The story deals with a lot of heavy emotion, and having it contained in a novella made it more manageable, even if it was still draining at moments.
What stood out most to me was the FMC’s journey. She isn’t physically abused, but she slowly makes herself smaller, allowing herself to be manipulated and emotionally diminished. That portrayal felt very real and also very hard to read. The ending left me feeling shocked but ultimately happy I think. There’s a sense of relief when she finally has an “excuse” to leave, even though that realization comes from catching him cheating.
At the same time, the ending felt emotionally complex and a little unsatisfying. I couldn’t help but feel like there’s still so much she needs to unpack, and that this ending is less of a conclusion and more like the beginning of her life. I was happy for her, but not necessarily inspired more emotionally drained, yet reflective.
This was a story I respected deeply, even if it wasn’t one I fully enjoyed. It’s a meaningful, honest portrayal of emotional manipulation, and while it didn’t quite hit a higher rating for me, it definitely left an impression.
This novella held my attention the entire time, and I actually appreciated the shorter format. The story deals with a lot of heavy emotion, and having it contained in a novella made it more manageable, even if it was still draining at moments.
What stood out most to me was the FMC’s journey. She isn’t physically abused, but she slowly makes herself smaller, allowing herself to be manipulated and emotionally diminished. That portrayal felt very real and also very hard to read. The ending left me feeling shocked but ultimately happy I think. There’s a sense of relief when she finally has an “excuse” to leave, even though that realization comes from catching him cheating.
At the same time, the ending felt emotionally complex and a little unsatisfying. I couldn’t help but feel like there’s still so much she needs to unpack, and that this ending is less of a conclusion and more like the beginning of her life. I was happy for her, but not necessarily inspired more emotionally drained, yet reflective.
This was a story I respected deeply, even if it wasn’t one I fully enjoyed. It’s a meaningful, honest portrayal of emotional manipulation, and while it didn’t quite hit a higher rating for me, it definitely left an impression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
The Christmas Before by @author_hayleetrew is a beautifully emotional Christmas novella that quietly breaks your heart and then asks you to sit with the pieces.
This story captures how lonely the holidays can feel when you’re far from home and even farther from the person who’s supposed to love you most. Bailey’s homesickness felt incredibly real, and her longing for familiar traditions hit close to home. Watching her try to hold onto Christmas while her relationship with Jason slowly unraveled was both painful and relatable.
The betrayal by the MMC wasn’t explosive or dramatic in a typical romance way, which made it hurt even more. It felt subtle, realistic, and deeply disappointing—the kind of betrayal that comes from being emotionally absent when it matters most. Haylee Trew did an amazing job showing how neglect can be just as damaging as outright cruelty.
Despite its short length, this novella packs a strong emotional punch. It’s introspective, honest, and raw, focusing more on personal growth and emotional clarity than a picture-perfect holiday romance. If you enjoy quieter, character-driven stories that explore real relationship struggles—especially during the holidays—this one is absolutely worth reading.
Thank you so much to @lovenotes.pr and @author_hayleetrew for the opportunity to be an ARC member for this emotional and beautifully written book. 🎄🤍
This story captures how lonely the holidays can feel when you’re far from home and even farther from the person who’s supposed to love you most. Bailey’s homesickness felt incredibly real, and her longing for familiar traditions hit close to home. Watching her try to hold onto Christmas while her relationship with Jason slowly unraveled was both painful and relatable.
The betrayal by the MMC wasn’t explosive or dramatic in a typical romance way, which made it hurt even more. It felt subtle, realistic, and deeply disappointing—the kind of betrayal that comes from being emotionally absent when it matters most. Haylee Trew did an amazing job showing how neglect can be just as damaging as outright cruelty.
Despite its short length, this novella packs a strong emotional punch. It’s introspective, honest, and raw, focusing more on personal growth and emotional clarity than a picture-perfect holiday romance. If you enjoy quieter, character-driven stories that explore real relationship struggles—especially during the holidays—this one is absolutely worth reading.
Thank you so much to @lovenotes.pr and @author_hayleetrew for the opportunity to be an ARC member for this emotional and beautifully written book. 🎄🤍
December 22, 2025
The Christmas Before by Hayley Trew is a Christmas themed novella that shows a lot of promise.
This novella surrounds the relationship of Bailey and her longtime boyfriend, Jason. It is clear from the start that Bailey and Jason have a tumultuous relationship to say the meats. Jason works a lot, ignores Bailey’s feelings, doesn’t spend any quality time with her, and makes Bailey feel like she has to walk on egg shells around him. Bailey finds herself shrinking down to avoid emotional outbursts and tense moments. Honestly, the premise of this story feels like the toxic relationship ship most young ladies go through before they figure out how to speak up for themselves in relationships.
I will say this story and the plot line has a lot of promise, but between the slight mentioning of characters with little to no development, the spicy scene with a toxic couple that just felt gross, and some of the writing, this story was difficult for me. On the bright side, it was a very quick read and took me a little less than an hour to get through. Overall, I know this novella is setting up a bigger story, but I hope it is one that dives deeper into the characters, gives you more time to dive into the story, and gives Bailey a happy ending.
This novella surrounds the relationship of Bailey and her longtime boyfriend, Jason. It is clear from the start that Bailey and Jason have a tumultuous relationship to say the meats. Jason works a lot, ignores Bailey’s feelings, doesn’t spend any quality time with her, and makes Bailey feel like she has to walk on egg shells around him. Bailey finds herself shrinking down to avoid emotional outbursts and tense moments. Honestly, the premise of this story feels like the toxic relationship ship most young ladies go through before they figure out how to speak up for themselves in relationships.
I will say this story and the plot line has a lot of promise, but between the slight mentioning of characters with little to no development, the spicy scene with a toxic couple that just felt gross, and some of the writing, this story was difficult for me. On the bright side, it was a very quick read and took me a little less than an hour to get through. Overall, I know this novella is setting up a bigger story, but I hope it is one that dives deeper into the characters, gives you more time to dive into the story, and gives Bailey a happy ending.
December 10, 2025
First of all, I want to thank Love Notes PR and Haylee Trew for the opportunity to review the arc for this book.
This novella shows a very real, often unseen side of the holiday season. Instead of the usual cozy, jolly Christmas story, we follow Bailey, a homesick FMC trying to hold herself together during a week that should feel magical, but instead feels painfully lonely.
What I loved about this book is how honestly it explores the feeling of “having everything and yet nothing.” To the outside world, Bailey’s life looks perfect… but underneath, she’s settling for a version of love that brings more fear and sadness than joy. Her emotional unraveling felt raw, relatable, and so human.
The writing style is smooth, the length perfect for a one-sitting read, and the perspective refreshing. This is not your typical Hallmark-style holiday romance. It’s about recognizing what love isn’t, listening to your own needs, and facing the truths you’ve pushed aside.
The ending hooked me immediately… I need book two.
If you’re in the mood for a holiday story that’s emotional, honest, and centered on self-realization rather than mistletoe fluff then this one’s for you.
This novella shows a very real, often unseen side of the holiday season. Instead of the usual cozy, jolly Christmas story, we follow Bailey, a homesick FMC trying to hold herself together during a week that should feel magical, but instead feels painfully lonely.
What I loved about this book is how honestly it explores the feeling of “having everything and yet nothing.” To the outside world, Bailey’s life looks perfect… but underneath, she’s settling for a version of love that brings more fear and sadness than joy. Her emotional unraveling felt raw, relatable, and so human.
The writing style is smooth, the length perfect for a one-sitting read, and the perspective refreshing. This is not your typical Hallmark-style holiday romance. It’s about recognizing what love isn’t, listening to your own needs, and facing the truths you’ve pushed aside.
The ending hooked me immediately… I need book two.
If you’re in the mood for a holiday story that’s emotional, honest, and centered on self-realization rather than mistletoe fluff then this one’s for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
While this novella has Christmas in the title, don’t expect it to give you the warm fuzzies and mistletoe kisses. It is far from that.
The Christmas before is a prequel to Haylee’s forthcoming series. We are introduced to the ever-submissive Bailey, who is living in the big city, feeling alone and homesick, wishing she were with her family back in the small town of Riceville Springs.
Jason, Bailey’s boyfriend, with whom she lives, appears to be a workaholic and doesn’t share her love of Christmas. With him spending so much time working and less time with her, their relationship is not the same as it once was. Bailey’s love for Jason gives her the hope that their fractured relationship could change and change for the better.
Hailey has written a sad and heartbreaking background to set up Bailey’s forthcoming story. It appears her story will be an intriguing and exciting one.
Though this short story is in no terms romantic, I am eager for Bailey’s love to bloom in her own dedicated book. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
I am honoured to receive this ARC from Love Notes PR and Haylee Trew in exchange for my review.
The Christmas before is a prequel to Haylee’s forthcoming series. We are introduced to the ever-submissive Bailey, who is living in the big city, feeling alone and homesick, wishing she were with her family back in the small town of Riceville Springs.
Jason, Bailey’s boyfriend, with whom she lives, appears to be a workaholic and doesn’t share her love of Christmas. With him spending so much time working and less time with her, their relationship is not the same as it once was. Bailey’s love for Jason gives her the hope that their fractured relationship could change and change for the better.
Hailey has written a sad and heartbreaking background to set up Bailey’s forthcoming story. It appears her story will be an intriguing and exciting one.
Though this short story is in no terms romantic, I am eager for Bailey’s love to bloom in her own dedicated book. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
I am honoured to receive this ARC from Love Notes PR and Haylee Trew in exchange for my review.
December 16, 2025
I feel like I went into this blind as I was not expecting this quick read to be so heavy and emotionally impactful. It was not a cozy feel-good Christmas novella so be forewarned and go into it mentally prepared unlike myself 😅
The novella sheds light on the loneliness the FMC Bailey feels in her relationship around the holidays. She is homesick spending Christmas in NYC away from her family for the first time. Bailey is slowing coming to realize she is losing herself in her relationship and that her life is not ending up to be what she pictured or dreamed for herself. She has a hard time coming to terms with her reality. The story was well written but a little hard to read sometimes as we come to learn Bailey’s boyfriend Jason is controlling, manipulative, and borders on emotionally abusive.
From what I gathered after finishing this, The Christmas Before is a prequel novella or book one in a series so it definitely ends on a cliffhanger. Although I am displeased with how it ended, I am routing for Bailey and excited to see more of her story.
Thank you to Love Notes PR & Haylee Trew for the ARC ❤️💚❤️
The novella sheds light on the loneliness the FMC Bailey feels in her relationship around the holidays. She is homesick spending Christmas in NYC away from her family for the first time. Bailey is slowing coming to realize she is losing herself in her relationship and that her life is not ending up to be what she pictured or dreamed for herself. She has a hard time coming to terms with her reality. The story was well written but a little hard to read sometimes as we come to learn Bailey’s boyfriend Jason is controlling, manipulative, and borders on emotionally abusive.
From what I gathered after finishing this, The Christmas Before is a prequel novella or book one in a series so it definitely ends on a cliffhanger. Although I am displeased with how it ended, I am routing for Bailey and excited to see more of her story.
Thank you to Love Notes PR & Haylee Trew for the ARC ❤️💚❤️
December 18, 2025
"The Christmas Before" delivers a poignant truth about how lonely the holidays can feel when you've settled for "just fine." The love interest, Jason (or "dudebuddy," as I'll call him), clearly displays narcissistic tendencies. Despite my Latin instincts going into overdrive over his shady behavior, I had to step into the main character's mindset to understand her choices.
Short stories can pack a powerful punch, and this one hit hard. It reminded me that even men who offer extravagance often miss the small, meaningful details that truly matter. I'm currently in that complacent stage in my own relationship—comfortable but uninspired—and unlike the protagonist, I'm not even in love with him. Reading this story forced me to reflect: if I were hearing my own inner monologue narrated back to me, would I be just as critical of myself for staying with someone who adds no real value?
Finished on a layover flight to Vegas...Overall, it's a sharp, introspective piece that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommended for anyone questioning whether "good enough" is actually enough.
All thanks towards Love Notes PR and Haylee Trew for choosing me as an ARC reader!!
Short stories can pack a powerful punch, and this one hit hard. It reminded me that even men who offer extravagance often miss the small, meaningful details that truly matter. I'm currently in that complacent stage in my own relationship—comfortable but uninspired—and unlike the protagonist, I'm not even in love with him. Reading this story forced me to reflect: if I were hearing my own inner monologue narrated back to me, would I be just as critical of myself for staying with someone who adds no real value?
Finished on a layover flight to Vegas...Overall, it's a sharp, introspective piece that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommended for anyone questioning whether "good enough" is actually enough.
All thanks towards Love Notes PR and Haylee Trew for choosing me as an ARC reader!!
December 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this story and it was exactly what I look for in novellas! It was so well-written and the pacing was great and I was so drawn into the story and Bailey as a character. It was also perfect set up for the series and made me super excited to see where Bailey goes from here. Rooting for her!!
Bailey truly deserved so much better and it made me sad that it took her most of the novella to see that. It broke my heart seeing her explain all of Jason’s red flags away but I could sense she just wanted to be loved and truly seen. I was so excited to see a glimpse of what to expect in the next book sprinkled in and I am giggling in anticipation truly. I’m sat for it truly in the best way.
I also love the concept of a novella opening up a series and think this worked super well! Readers get a view into Bailey’s life and where she’s coming from before we get into the rest of her story. Overall, this novella helped set up what’s sure to be a great series and I cannot wait to see where Bailey’s story goes.
Thanks to Love Notes for the ARC!
Bailey truly deserved so much better and it made me sad that it took her most of the novella to see that. It broke my heart seeing her explain all of Jason’s red flags away but I could sense she just wanted to be loved and truly seen. I was so excited to see a glimpse of what to expect in the next book sprinkled in and I am giggling in anticipation truly. I’m sat for it truly in the best way.
I also love the concept of a novella opening up a series and think this worked super well! Readers get a view into Bailey’s life and where she’s coming from before we get into the rest of her story. Overall, this novella helped set up what’s sure to be a great series and I cannot wait to see where Bailey’s story goes.
Thanks to Love Notes for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
Thanks to Love Notes PR for the ARC.
This book was a real energy drainer, there were so many times I wanted to quit (which is a real feat considering how short the novella is). The only saving grace is the possibility of the FMC's story getting better in the next book, which I don't think I'll read. Must say, I usually try to give the best ratings possible to ARCs but this was well beyond any effort.
The FMC is truly infuriating, in the sense that she is really introspective, insightful and understanding about her own situation. However, she willingly kept putting off the inevitable and making it worse by accepting disrespectful treatments. As someone who really has gone through a similar situation, I'm offended by the FMC's motivations not to "rock the boat". Most of the time, she didn't want to upset her boyfriend because she'd be annoyed and it was too much of a hassle to calm him down. Rarely, she would express true fear. Sometimes, it even seemed she got to used to a lifestyle and just found it wouldn't be easy to star over.
This book was a real energy drainer, there were so many times I wanted to quit (which is a real feat considering how short the novella is). The only saving grace is the possibility of the FMC's story getting better in the next book, which I don't think I'll read. Must say, I usually try to give the best ratings possible to ARCs but this was well beyond any effort.
The FMC is truly infuriating, in the sense that she is really introspective, insightful and understanding about her own situation. However, she willingly kept putting off the inevitable and making it worse by accepting disrespectful treatments. As someone who really has gone through a similar situation, I'm offended by the FMC's motivations not to "rock the boat". Most of the time, she didn't want to upset her boyfriend because she'd be annoyed and it was too much of a hassle to calm him down. Rarely, she would express true fear. Sometimes, it even seemed she got to used to a lifestyle and just found it wouldn't be easy to star over.
December 17, 2025
This was an 84-page read, and honestly, it felt incomplete. The ending left me frustrated, not intrigued. While the author may consider this a complete story, it read more like a fragment—like I was dropped into the middle of a book and never given the rest.
Characters were introduced (especially Liam) who seemed important, but nothing ever happened with them. Bailey’s dissatisfaction in her relationship with Jason was told, not felt. I never connected to her or anyone else, which made the entire story feel distant and flat. I wasn’t pulled in at any point and kept reading purely out of curiosity, hoping the Liam storyline would go somewhere.
The only real positive was the pacing—I flew through the pages. But that speed just highlighted how underdeveloped everything was. The “pivotal moment” was obvious from early on and didn’t land with much impact.
Unless a second book comes out to actually finish this story, this one falls short. It has potential, but as it stands, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Characters were introduced (especially Liam) who seemed important, but nothing ever happened with them. Bailey’s dissatisfaction in her relationship with Jason was told, not felt. I never connected to her or anyone else, which made the entire story feel distant and flat. I wasn’t pulled in at any point and kept reading purely out of curiosity, hoping the Liam storyline would go somewhere.
The only real positive was the pacing—I flew through the pages. But that speed just highlighted how underdeveloped everything was. The “pivotal moment” was obvious from early on and didn’t land with much impact.
Unless a second book comes out to actually finish this story, this one falls short. It has potential, but as it stands, I wouldn’t recommend it.
December 15, 2025
To be fair, I actually expected more of a love story, including the love interest, but this one showed the life of Bailey, how she spends her Christmas, her favourite holiday, as a people pleaser, forgiving and giving second chances to her betraying boyfriend, and I only have a one word to call him - a**hole, especially in the end. At some points it really did feel like he was trying, maybe messing something up, but trying, and when it came to Christmas, he really did fucked up. He forgot her favourite color, the ring (not an engagement ring) was too big, and he made his favourite breakfast instead of hers. Could he've tried a bit more right? Right! At least in the end, he made Bailey's decision to leave a lot easier. And talking about Bailey, she could've stepped up for herself a bit faster and not wait til the downfall, but there's also the bright side! She's going back to her hometown to start anew. And so I am now excited to read the next book!
December 23, 2025
I received a digital arc from the publisher though all thoughts are my own.
Bailey is living in New York with her boyfriend who at first seemed like the ideal attentive partner and she was certain would some day marry him.
This is the first year that she will not be celebrating Christmas with her family which is something that really brings her down and she was convinced to stay in New York as her boyfriend didn't want to travel to her hometown and claimed he wanted to have her to himself for the season. Instead of actually spending time with her during one of her favorite times of the year, he is either working late at the office or comes home and spends most of his time in the home office and doesn't like to be disturbed.
If that wasn't frustrating enough, he is emotionally manipulative, doesn't like Bailey to spend time with friends and wants to constantly keep tabs on her if she isn't at home.
Bailey hasn't really been happy in the relationship for some time and this year in particular is helping to open her eyes to the possibility that her boyfriend is a manipulative controlling jerk and yet she feels stuck and unable to make a move.
Then some events take place and Bailey will have to make the decision as to whether she wants to stay in such a toxic relationship or that maybe there's so much more to life than being where she's at if she's prepared to take a leap of faith.
Trigger warnings: emotional abuse, emotionally controlling partner, name calling before, during and after a spicy scene, cheating
Bailey is living in New York with her boyfriend who at first seemed like the ideal attentive partner and she was certain would some day marry him.
This is the first year that she will not be celebrating Christmas with her family which is something that really brings her down and she was convinced to stay in New York as her boyfriend didn't want to travel to her hometown and claimed he wanted to have her to himself for the season. Instead of actually spending time with her during one of her favorite times of the year, he is either working late at the office or comes home and spends most of his time in the home office and doesn't like to be disturbed.
If that wasn't frustrating enough, he is emotionally manipulative, doesn't like Bailey to spend time with friends and wants to constantly keep tabs on her if she isn't at home.
Bailey hasn't really been happy in the relationship for some time and this year in particular is helping to open her eyes to the possibility that her boyfriend is a manipulative controlling jerk and yet she feels stuck and unable to make a move.
Then some events take place and Bailey will have to make the decision as to whether she wants to stay in such a toxic relationship or that maybe there's so much more to life than being where she's at if she's prepared to take a leap of faith.
Trigger warnings: emotional abuse, emotionally controlling partner, name calling before, during and after a spicy scene, cheating
December 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
If you're looking for a cute, feel-good, cozy Christmas novella, do NOT pick this book.
Mad. It’s the first word that comes to mind after finishing this ARC. I was mad from the beginning to the very last page. At 20% in, I was hoping something good was about to happen, but my frustration never left. I’m glad this was a novella because I don’t think I could have read a longer book about this abusive relationship. And OH, I’m soooo sad that she needed this specific event to get things moving. BUT, this is the story *before*, so I’m hoping the rest of the series will be more feel-good. If not, I do understand the trope, and you need to be prepared for this type of situation. Also, having all the chapters titled Bailey was a curious decision, as it gives hope there might be another narrator.
I hate Jason.
Thanks lovenotes.pr and author_hayleetrew for the ARC of The Christmas before.
🌶🌶
If you're looking for a cute, feel-good, cozy Christmas novella, do NOT pick this book.
Mad. It’s the first word that comes to mind after finishing this ARC. I was mad from the beginning to the very last page. At 20% in, I was hoping something good was about to happen, but my frustration never left. I’m glad this was a novella because I don’t think I could have read a longer book about this abusive relationship. And OH, I’m soooo sad that she needed this specific event to get things moving. BUT, this is the story *before*, so I’m hoping the rest of the series will be more feel-good. If not, I do understand the trope, and you need to be prepared for this type of situation. Also, having all the chapters titled Bailey was a curious decision, as it gives hope there might be another narrator.
I hate Jason.
Thanks lovenotes.pr and author_hayleetrew for the ARC of The Christmas before.
December 21, 2025
This Christmas story has many of the elements I LOVE in a cozy holiday read. This story beautifully blends the magic of the season with the emotional ups and downs of a relationship at a crossroads. Bailey’s deep love for traditions, paired with her desire to build a future with Jason, adds real depth to their romance and makes their struggles feel honest and relatable. I mainly enjoyed how truthfully the story explores relationships, change, and the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday, all while maintaining a hopeful tone. The book captures the quiet moments of love and miscommunication, making Bailey’s emotional journey feel genuine and heartfelt. Set against a festive New York City backdrop, the romance feels intimate, warm, and sweet. The Christmas Before by Haylee Trew ultimately delivers a touching reminder that love isn’t just about shared traditions, but about choosing yourself even when things feel uncertain.
December 22, 2025
🎄✨ Short, Sweet, and Sneaky Emotional ✨🎄
This was such a cute holiday novella! I’ve read a few books by Haylee before, and she definitely didn’t disappoint with this one.
The story is told entirely from Bailey’s POV, and wow—you can feel how unhappy she is in her relationship with Jason. Her frustration practically jumps off the page. The emotional disconnect, the way he’s constantly wrapped up in work, and the quiet hurt of not being truly seen or heard… it all hit hard. 💔
And that ending?! 😳 I knew something was coming, I suspected it, I begged the universe to be wrong—and yet here we are. That cliffhanger absolutely wrecked me in the best way.
I need the next book in this series immediately. Like… yesterday. 😂📖
#ARCReview #HolidayNovella #CliffhangerAlert #EmotionalReads #HolidayFeels #RelationshipDrama #ShortButPowerful #ReadMoreBooks #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #FestiveFiction
This was such a cute holiday novella! I’ve read a few books by Haylee before, and she definitely didn’t disappoint with this one.
The story is told entirely from Bailey’s POV, and wow—you can feel how unhappy she is in her relationship with Jason. Her frustration practically jumps off the page. The emotional disconnect, the way he’s constantly wrapped up in work, and the quiet hurt of not being truly seen or heard… it all hit hard. 💔
And that ending?! 😳 I knew something was coming, I suspected it, I begged the universe to be wrong—and yet here we are. That cliffhanger absolutely wrecked me in the best way.
I need the next book in this series immediately. Like… yesterday. 😂📖
#ARCReview #HolidayNovella #CliffhangerAlert #EmotionalReads #HolidayFeels #RelationshipDrama #ShortButPowerful #ReadMoreBooks #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #FestiveFiction
Review of advance copy received from Author
Christmas is supposed to feel warm and familiar, but for Bailey it feels lonely, confusing, and painfully off script.
The Christmas Before is a quick holiday novella that quietly unravels a relationship that looks fine on the surface but feels fractured underneath. I had a full love hate relationship with Bailey. One moment she is self aware and strong, the next she is ignoring every red flag she already knows exists. It was frustrating, very human, and honestly hard to look away.
What I did love was watching her finally find her voice, especially during the confrontation over Christmas presents because if she had not stood up for herself, I was ready to do it for her. The layers between Bailey and Jason are messy and uncomfortable in a way that feels real, and the ending left me staring at the page because the truth finally clicks for Bailey and she chooses herself without explanation.
A quiet cliffhanger that sets the tone for what is clearly just the beginning of Riceville Springs.
The Christmas Before is a quick holiday novella that quietly unravels a relationship that looks fine on the surface but feels fractured underneath. I had a full love hate relationship with Bailey. One moment she is self aware and strong, the next she is ignoring every red flag she already knows exists. It was frustrating, very human, and honestly hard to look away.
What I did love was watching her finally find her voice, especially during the confrontation over Christmas presents because if she had not stood up for herself, I was ready to do it for her. The layers between Bailey and Jason are messy and uncomfortable in a way that feels real, and the ending left me staring at the page because the truth finally clicks for Bailey and she chooses herself without explanation.
A quiet cliffhanger that sets the tone for what is clearly just the beginning of Riceville Springs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews