Holiday Hearts Unwrapped: The Holiday Matchmaker Short Romance Series, Book 1

by C.K. Darling, Andi Eloise (Narrator), Ryan Lee Dunlap (Narrator)

Christmas cookies, mistletoe kisses, and the friend zone—some traditions are meant to be broken.

Dalton Grant is expecting this holiday season will be a quiet one—until his childhood best friend Savannah crashes back into town needing a fake boyfriend for the Christmas Hearts Festival. Dalton would do anything for Savvy, even risk the one thing that matters their friendship.

When the town's self-appointed matchmaker signs them up for every romantic holiday activity—cookie contests, couples caroling, mistletoe challenges—fake kisses start feeling dangerously real. Suddenly, Dalton's questioning everything about their thirty-year friendship, especially when he discovers Savvy's been hiding feelings for him all along.

The problem? He's already broken her heart twice by choosing friendship over something more. Now, as Christmas magic weaves through their small Georgia town, Dalton realizes he's been blind to what's been right in front of him. But convincing Savvy to trust him with her heart again when he's the one who shattered it?

That might take a Christmas miracle.

Holiday Hearts Unwrapped is Book 1 in The Holiday Matchmaker Series and perfect for listeners who

Childhood friends to lovers Fake dating with real consequences Christmas festival romance Meddling small-town matchmakers Second chances wrapped in holiday magic Spice Level 2-3

The perfect holiday treat for listeners who believe in Christmas miracles and happily ever after’s.

Audible Audio

Published November 7, 2025

About the author

C.K. Darling writes bite-sized romances with big heart, plenty of heat, and a whole lotta Southern sass. Her spicy short stories—each clocking in around two hours—are perfect for readers and audiobook lovers who want all the swoon without the slog. Set in the small (but never dull) town of Peachwood Grove, Georgia, C.K.’s romances can be enjoyed as standalones or gobbled up in a bingeable series—like your favorite potato chips… you can’t read just one.

Whether you're craving a second-chance love, enemies turned sweethearts, or a grumpy hero who melts like buttercream, she’s got just the treat. These stories are also the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads—quick, satisfying, and sure to leave you smiling (and maybe a little flushed).

Up next? The Holiday Matchmaker Series—three festive love stories guaranteed to jingle your bells—launching November 7, 2025. So go ahead, get cozy, grab a snack (or a whole charcuterie board), and fall in love one short story at a time. When she’s not spinning steamy small-town tales, C.K. is sipping sweet tea, crafting up a glitter tornado, or wrangling pets and plot twists in equal measure.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet small town romance with Dalton and Savvy being childhood best friends. When the holidays roll around romance is sure to bloom. When these two get pushed together by the town matchmaker. They began to fake date which I for one knows how those things end up.I loved watching these two go through each activity falling for one another. Where they were once friends they move deliciously into lovers. I loved how savvy told Dalton her feelings from the past and he reveals his. These two are so sweet I love them. The narrators did a phenomenal job. I loved the way their voices made the characters sound. The slight accents were lovely.

[Clary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this story and it's a cute little holiday read. Dalton and Savvy are so cute together. I love me a good friends to lovers romance but when you add the holiday theme to it becomes magical. This story reminded me of a Hallmark movie, sprinkled with spice. Lots of sweet moments, set in a small town, second chance romance, and holiday fun. The narration by Andi Eloise and Ryan Lee Dunlap was excellent. They had the cutest southern country accents and they brought the characters to life in the best way.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful audiobook.Absolutely lovely loved it so much

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 This book is a genuinely warm, feel-good read without overdoing the holiday clichés. The characters feel relatable, with just enough quirks and flaws to make their journey believable, and the romance develops naturally rather than being rushed or forced.

I appreciated the balance between the festive backdrop and the character-driven story. Darling captures the cozy, small-town atmosphere without turning it into a caricature. The pacing is smooth, and there’s a nice mix of lighthearted moments and genuinely touching scenes that give the story emotional weight.

If you’re looking for a quick read and a holiday romance that’s charming but not cloying, this one’s worth picking up.
3.75 rounded up