Jennifer J. Williams's "The Twelve Dates of Christmas" is a small-town, age-gap holiday romance between Ava (FMC), a lively, feisty baker, and Trace (MMC), the serious president of a motorcycle club. Ava has had a crush on Trace for years. She loves to rile him up and shamelessly flirts with him despite their twenty-year age gap. He has always resisted her flirting and charm because his best friend, Sebastian, told him to stay away from her since she was so young and trying to establish herself as an adult. Their small town is hosting a speed-dating event, and Ava attends, only for it to be interrupted by Trace, who basically walks in and claims her in a show of dominance towards the men in attendance. Still, Ava goes on dates with many of the men who were at the speed-dating event, only for them to be interrupted by Trace in some way. Trace has changed his mind about Ava and is absolutely smitten with her, wanting to be with her because she consumes him, but now, *she's* the one who's not so sure about their pairing. Ava's clearly still going on these dates to poke and prod Trace, and he's had just about enough. He's going crazy without her, and she's about to find out that his tendencies are borderline obsessive. The push and pull between them provides a lot of tension and even some funny moments. He keeps showing up and doing things for her, fixing her car, saving her from a drunk date, putting a tracker on her car for "safety" purposes - wait, is that "doing things for her"?? Trace definitely has stalker-y tendencies, but Ava sort of likes it, so who am I to judge? The banter between them is the best part of this novella. They bite and fight at each other in a playful way that made me laugh. It is well-written that Trace accepts Ava for who she is, quirks and all, though their chemistry is mostly physical, in my opinion. There is a loooooooooooot of spice in this short story, lots of "daddy"-ing as well, which, depending on how you feel about that, might be too much for you. This is a quick read, a fast-paced story with not a whole lot of meat and potatoes, but it's good enough for me to recommend.
Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Ava has been into Trace from the start, however with their significant age gap of twenty years, it took some maturing for them to be ready to pursue a relationship they both wanted. After years of flirting on her part, she finally decided to put him behind her and moved on by completing twelve dates with men she met at a speed dating event. He was not read for them to move on, however, and began crashing her dates and pushing her to date him instead. Once they were both ready for more, their relationship and dynamic was cute, sweet, and spicy. I loved seeing their relationship evolve and since this was a shorter read, being a novella, it was fast paced and I loved how quickly we got to the action (romance) in this book! I also loved the found family of his motorcycle club and getting to see characters from previous books in the series. Their epilogue was super cute, and I loved their life they built together!
If you’re looking for a Christmas book with a HIGH level of spice 🥵 then I have the perfect book for you!
I flew through the advance copy of The Twelve Dates of Christmas by @authorjenniferjwilliams 🎄
The banter in texts not only between the FMC and the MMC, but also between the MMC and his best bud, had me giggling and laughing to myself. The overprotectiveness, “st@lking”, age gap, chemistry - this book had it all.
I won’t be spoiling anything for you but I highly recommend this fun, spicy read!
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! I am giving The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jennifer J. Williams an absolute 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An unhinged, laugh-out-loud, spicy holiday novella packed with "he stormed into speed dating to claim her" energy, baby marmot shenanigans, top-tier Friends references, and an obsessively devoted MMC who redefines green-flag unhinged perfection! 🎄🐹🎁✨ ARC Disclosure: I love Jennifer J. Williams—honestly! I sign up for ARCs for each of her works and I'm usually lucky enough to be chosen for them, so a big thank you to Jennifer for this one too! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own. The Review I absolutely loved Ava and Trace's story! Do I normally condone stalking? No. Did I do it here for Trace? Yes. Will I do it again if Jennifer writes it? Yes again! This novella was absolutely amazing. I read it in one sitting and found myself laughing out loud at times... the Friends reference ("they don't know we know..."), Ranger's text messages to Trace recounting Ava's activities... omg, it was fantastic! Having Seb and Isabella so present too—loved it. And the fact that everyone in town knows they are right for each other and were just waiting for Trace to give in... I mean, the whole town loved how he stormed into the speed dating event to claim her! It was a fantastic read and I loved it so much. I'll never get tired of this town and its people. Also... because I can't not mention them... the marmots? Loved them! It's like the guinea pigs in the Mile High series! 😅 And the breeding kink? I was not expecting it, but it kind of makes sense for them. I just loved how unhinged at times Trace was, and then how not unhinged he was too. Perfect MMC! And Ava was amazing too—she gave as good as she took, and her sassiness was marvellous! The Good Trace's unhinged yet deeply protective MMC energy, Ava's sassy and confident FMC personality, hilariously detailed Ranger text updates, baby marmot chaos, seamless cameos from Seb and Isabella, and the entire town rooting for them during the speed-dating crash! The Not So Good Reaching the end of this one-sitting novella and wishing we had another hundred pages in this town!
I absolutely loved Ava and Trace's story. There was something so delightful about watching Trace finally realize what everyone else had known for years. After all the waiting, flirting, and missed opportunities, seeing him decide he wasn't about to let Ava slip away was exactly what I wanted from their story.
Ava is such a fantastic FMC. She was sassy, determined, and never afraid to stand her ground. I loved that she challenged Trace at every turn and refused to make things easy for him. She knew exactly who she was, and watching Trace finally step up and give her what she deserved made me love them even more.
Trace is grumpy, protective, possessive, and completely gone for Ava long before he was willing to admit it. Once he finally got out of his own way, there was no stopping him. The man was absolutely obsessed, and I was here for every second of it. And that mouth? Yeah, I totally understood the hype. It’s filthy and I was absolutely gone for it.
The chemistry between these two was effortless. Their years of history added so much depth to their relationship, and I loved watching them finally get their chance together. Between the banter, the tension, and all the little moments that showed how much they cared about each other, I couldn't get enough.
I also loved all the small town chaos woven throughout the story. The speed dating event which started it all, the Ranger's updates, the baby marmots, and an entire town waiting for Trace to figure things out made this such a fun read.
One of my favorite things about this series is how connected the town feels, and this novella was no exception. And whatever you do, don't skip the bonus epilogue.
Festive, funny, swoony, and filled with heart, The Twelve Dates of Christmas was everything I wanted from Ava and Trace's story. Watching a grumpy MMC finally stop fighting his feelings and go after the FMC he'd loved all along made this impossible not to love.
A huge thank you to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary for the early copy!
Ava has been shamelessly flirting with Trace for years. She has always thought he was gorgeous and loved that she was able to get him flustered. But Trace has never shown interest in her. He’s twenty years older than her and while age has never really been an issues for Trace, his best friend Sebastian told him to stay away from her so she had a chance to grow up and spread her wings.
Ava decides to attend a local bars speed dating event. When Trace finds out he shows up, telling her she needs ”a real man”.
Ava is on a date with a guy who is pretty drunk so Sebastian tells Trace to go get her. She questions why he keeps showing up to crash her dates when he’s not interested in her. That’s when he lets it be known he wants her.
While Ava feels like the change in Trace’s feelings for her is confusing it’s clear to him. They’ve had 6 years of foreplay between them. Now he’s ready to have it all.
This guy is not quiet about what he wants once he finally decides he’s done watching her go on the dates she had already set up after the speed dating event. This man follows her to all but one of them. Ava feels like he’s trying to control her but is he really?
Ava feels like she doesn’t know anything about Trace so when a snowstorm takes out the power in her apartment building he takes the opportunity to show her who he is. Showing her there is more than just a physical relationship between them.
This book is part of the Eternity Series which I haven’t read. While it was fine reading as a standalone, I will be going back to read the series at some point. It was a perfect quick steamy romance that I read in one afternoon.
I really enjoyed this book so don't let the rating fool you! It would have been a solid 4-4.5, but I got annoyed in the last 20% with a couple of plot points (Ava's insistence at continuing the 12 dates after they claimed each other with her reasoning being she 'wanted to let them down face to face. That's just weird, love. And Trace's sudden flip after claiming her, talk about mixed messages!)
That aside, I really enjoyed the book! This was my first read by Jennifer and I enjoyed her writing style, and her ability to inject humour exactly when you need it. It was light, funny, and very spicy!
The spice was great and Trace's filthy mouth definitely kept me on my toes! I loved his need to claim, breed, protect her with his life. He's definitely an alpha male in purest form and I loved that.
This book also touched on sensitive topics such as Trace's history with the military and the loss of his best friend. Delicately handled, gave me lots of feels and gave his character depth and vulnerability. Also, Ava's history with her parents and stepfather, I really felt for her. She's been through a lot and clearly had many issues from that. I loved the connection they formed through their shared shitty pasts. I loved the found family aspect for both Trace and Ava, they both had sucky families big the ones they chose for themselves were so supportive.
If you need a quick easy read, something spicy, love a bit of baby girl/daddy talk then this may be the book for you!
The Twelve Dates of Christmas was a cute, funny and spicy novella that had me giggling, fanning myself and getting excited for all the Holiday reads to come over the next few months! 😍
Ava and Trace have known each other for years and spent most of those years flirting with one another but being 20 years older then Ava, Trace stayed away to allow her grow and figure out what she wanted from life. After one hurtful comment is made from Trace, Ava decides she is done waiting around for him to make a move and signs herself up for a speed dating event. With a time to move on attitude, Ava decides to go on a series of 12 dates to see what options are out there but when Trace catches wind of her plan, he is not about to let her go so easily!
Things get a little more complicated when Ava takes on a sublet and moves into a new apartment, only to find herself in forced proximity to Trace as he just so happens to own the building she moves into (becoming her new landlord) AND he also lives next door 🤭
Trace decides to stake a claim on her lets just say, Ava's dating plan doesn't go so smoothly with Trace making himself known with every given opportunity 😅
Cue the tension, angst and morally grey vibes and I was so here for it!
The banter and chemistry was fabulous between these characters (SO spicy!! 🥵), emotional moments as they unpack their pasts together, and truly so much substance was packed into this novella! The ending had me smiling from ear to ear 🥰
I do wish there was a bit more Christmas-y vibes to the story but overall I did really enjoy it and loved Jennifer's writing style, as she is a new to me author! I can't wait to go back and read some of her other books now 🤩
Thank you to Jennifer and Luna Literary for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I may not usually be an age-gap girlie, but when Jennifer J. Williams writes it, I'm willing to make an exception! And once again, she proved exactly why I keep coming back to her books. I was absolutely NOT disappointed!
Trace realized his mistake, and watching him show up for Ava after six years of her flirting with him was so satisfying. Ava was fiery, feisty, and more than capable of giving him a run for his money, while Trace brought all the grumpy, broody energy I could want. These two balanced each other perfectly, and the chemistry between them was everything.
And that mouth on Trace? Good grief. The things that man says deserve their own appreciation post. Jennifer J. Williams absolutely delivered on paper, and I was here for every single word!
But can we PLEASE talk about the bonus epilogue for a second? If you haven't downloaded it yet, RUN. GO DO IT NOW. I'm not spoiling a thing, but let's just say it involves Christmas lights, edging, and a twist that you absolutely need to experience for yourself. You're welcome!
I have officially been convinced that maybe I shouldn't rule out age-gap romances after all. Twelve Dates of Christmas was festive, steamy, and thoroughly entertaining, with a grumpy hero who knows how to make up for his mistakes and a heroine who keeps him on his toes. Add that bonus epilogue, and this one is a holiday gift that keeps on giving!
Thank you to Luna Literary for the ARC 🩷 🔥 Age gap 📚 Novella 🌶 Dirty talk and texts 🏡 Small town 🏍 MC club ✌️ Possessive mc Ok... Short, spicy novella with tons of potential. I didnt find this read overly festive if im honest? 🎄🤔 Lots of tropes thrown in to this very short read making it hard to keep up. Fmc Ava has been flirting with mmc Trace who is 20 years older than her for a long time. So far he hasnt given in but after crashing the speed dating event she attends something snaps in him. Trace is a member of an mc club which normally i enjoy but this plot just felt a little random in this book. Daddy kinks, "milk me" and the whole pregnancy thing... I didnt love how that was written. I dont feel there was enough discussion on what Ava wanted. I also struggled believing that Trace wants anything more than her body. I did feel the sexual tension between the pair but nothing more. I found the fmc super immature which for an age gap romance I definitely didnt enjoy 🙈 Some of the writing i found very cringe also. BUT - I do think the bones of the story are there and it definitely has potential. Not for me im sorry 🩷
I devoured this holiday novella in just a couple of hours—it was that good! It is a quick, fun, and completely unhinged age-gap romance that perfectly blends the "grumpy vs. sunshine" trope with an MC element. The witty banter between all the characters was amazing, and the text messages had me absolutely rolling (especially the ones from the probie to Trace tracking Ava's every move).
Ava is fiery, feisty, and a total brat in the best way possible, giving Trace, the grumpy, broody MMC a run for his money. After six years of her flirting, watching him realize his mistake and finally showing up for her was incredibly satisfying. Toss in some hilarious marmot shenanigans, fun Friends references, a secondary cast that feels like family, and smoking-hot spice, and you have the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit. It's a wonderful standalone story. I loved it so much that I'm immediately adding the series to my TBR list!
-Holliday Novella -20 year Age Gap -One Bed -Grumpy x Sunshine -Small Town Romance
This is such a feral spicy holiday read. If you like a big age gap, an obsessed-down-bad man, and an FMC who can hold her own, read this book. Trace and Ava are made for each other.
Trace is an army veteran. He is part of a motorcycle club. He is all man. He is fit and sexy. He is confident. But for 6 years he has avoided his feelings. His best friend told him to stay away from Ava so he did. But the obsession becomes too much but will he actually step in and try to win her over ?
Ava is an independent, beautiful, spunky woman. She does not need a man. She does not want to be owned or controlled. She simply wants to find someone who can handle her kinky side while also giving her independence. For 6 years she has flirted with Trace and fantasized about him. But for 6 years he gives her the cold shoulder. Until everything comes to a head.
Will they get their happy ending or will it be too late ? Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this advanced reader’s copy!
This book was my first from this author and it was so much fun!
I was laughing from the beginning because of Ava's constant flirtation. She was totally unhinged and lively. I loved how she was not afraid to voice her concerns and didn't stop herself to enjoy those Christmas dates. She had everyone on edge because of them and it was hilarious!
Trace was everything she needed. He always put her first and always had her best interest at heart. He was very mature and understanding and I really enjoyed how well they communicated with each other. Once he realized his feelings for her, he didn't stop demonstrating that he could be whatever she needed him to be.
Their chemistry was pure fire and it had a long time coming. Their friends and other secondary characters added some extra fun and banter that I really liked.
It was an easy paced, very enjoyable and spicy novella. I'm so grateful with Jennifer and Luna Literary for this ARC. Hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.
This was a fun, spicy Christmas romp, but oh my lord, Trace frustrated me! He's possessive as heck, although it takes him a while to pull his head out of his you-know-where and figure out what he actually wants. Ava has been waiting long enough, and watching him finally realise what he's about to lose is entertaining.
There’s plenty of spice, a twenty-year age gap, daddy and breeding kinks, and some hilarious other-man drama as Ava works her way through her Twelve Dates of Christmas. Trace's determination to make sure she ends up with him makes for some very entertaining moments. Especially his take on the breeding kink: “I’d call it more of a ‘I’ll do anything to keep Ava with me forever’ kink.”
And the Ranger texts? Absolutely the best!
A fun, steamy holiday novella with possessive vibes, plenty of drama and a hero who eventually gets his act together.
Gosh, this was an awful read, and I'm kind of sad about it. I really like some of the authors' books; they are cute, but this one was not for me, and I think partly that is my fault. I’m not always a fan of age gaps, but I can look past them most times; this was not one of those times. I was not expecting a 20-YEAR-AGE GAP (what?!) Then the whole biker/club/veteran stuff was also not for me. I love the idea of the club; I feel like it's important and nice, but it’s just giving “darker” than what I was expecting. The whole baby girl thing was a big NO for me; it creeps me out a bit, tbh. The whole stalkery vibe he had going on was also a NO for me. Aside from that, I couldn’t really stand her and her stupid dates. She was exhausting with her back and forth, her yes and no. Like, girl, just choose. Anyway, I was not expecting the book to go like this, and I’m pretty disappointed, but at the same time I should have looked at the tropes a bit better, so I know I’m mostly at fault for how it went down.
Anyway, if you like any of the stuff that I commented on, read the book. It's a short (cute, I suppose) read to get in the mood for Christmas that is just around the corner.
Thank you so much to the author and her team for the copy and to give me an opportunity to be able to read this book in advance! 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A quick read holiday novella featuring age gap, motorcycle club, an OTT alpha/protector MMC, a fiesty young baker, and text exchanges that made me laugh out loud a few times. The text exchanges were the best part of the book.
Ava has been flirting with Trace for years, but he has stayed away because he was warned to by his best friend and their 20 year age difference. After he says something mean to her, he realizes his mistake and his desire for her. I enjoyed his OTT tendencies (although I know some readers will see them as stalkerish), but I didn't really like Ava. She definitely came across as young and, at times, immature. Trace, despite being OTT, really saw Ava for who she is and allowed her to break his heart with her continued dating after they started their relationship.
If you like OTT alpha protective MMCs and funny text exchanges, this is a fast read to get your fix.
Tropes: 🏍️ Small Town Romance 🎄 Age Gap 🏍️ Forced Proximity 🎄 Neighbors to Lovers 🏍️ Opposites Attract 🎄 Holiday Novella
I really enjoyed this holiday novella from Jennifer J. Williams! This was the perfect small town age gap romance with lots of angst and tension from the MMC. Trace has all but ignored his desires for Ava but when she decides to do a speed dating event to get over Trace all his underlying emotions come out. Ava makes Trace work hard to prove he is in it for the long run and she does not make it easy. Trace edges on the morally grey character with the lengths he goes through to make sure Ava is safe and I am here for it! 🫣😂 The chemistry between the two is great and the pacing was fantastic for such a short read. Thank you to Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literacy for the opportunity to ARC read this title!
This is such a cute book! Ava and Trace have known each other for 6 years. When they first met, Trace was clearly told that Ava was off limits. With a 20 year ago gap and Ava still trying to figure out her life, he didn't need to stake a claim. 6 years of flirting, 6 years of foreplay, all comes to a halt when Trace insults Ava in the worst way possible. She decides it is time to move on from Trace and participate in a speed dating event. Maybe she will find her true love....or at least a way to get over Trace. When Trace barges in and interrupts her conversation, everything changes. Now that he is ready to stake a claim to Ava, will she be willing to forgive him and look for a future together? What about her speed dating events? What about all of the details of he life that she is still trying to work out? Will they find a HEA? One click and read! You won't be disappointed!
First off I would like to thank Jennifer for this gifted copy to read & review. All opinions are my own
Y'all this book was so freaking CUTE! I couldn't stop giggling and kicking my feet the whole time I was reading. I absolutely had a blast with Ava & Trace and absolute wishes the book was a tad longer, cause I just wanted more of them! They was the perfect balance for the other, Ava brings the fun & spontaneousness out of Trace. While Trace gives Ava stability & a safe place to be herself.
5/5 Recommend this book. Yes I know a Christmas book before Halloween is crazy, but you know what, I'm not mad about it at all. It's super short fast paced and will have you cackling out loud the whole time.
This was a quick holiday read. Age gap is one of my favorite tropes, so I was intrigued. This is supposed to be a standalone novella, but I do believe it would have been helpful to read other books in the Eternity Series to learn more about the characters in this story. Ava has had a crush on Trace for at least 6 years, so she has flirted with him any chance she got, but he never reciprocated the banter. After a speed dating event, he discovers how much he hates picturing her with anyone else. Since this is a novella, the chemistry between these two ramps up quickly, but it does take a while for them to admit their feelings about each other. Conflict is resolved quickly, so there is minimal to no angst. Great read after a heavy, emotionally laden book.
This holiday novella was so good. I loved Ava and Trace's story.
After 6 years of flirting with Trace without much of a response, Ava decides to give speed dating a go to try and get over her feelings for Trace. But who's there on all her speed dates, none other than the hot MC VP himself!
Trace is finally willing to admit that he wasn't about to let Ava slip through his fingers.
I liked that Ava wasn't afraid to challenge Trace and stand up to him.
The chemistry between them was so good and the tension from all those years of flirting was perfection.
You'll definitely want to add this one to your holiday TBR! And don't forget the bonus epilogue.
Thank you to the author, Jennifer J. Williams and Luna Literary for an early copy. I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.
“ I’ve shamelessly flirted with Trace Daniels for years and have spent more time dreaming about his hands than is reasonable. The catch?
He’s never seen me as anything serious. Well, until now. All because I signed up for Eternity Springs’ Twelve Dates of Christmas Speed Dating Event.”
I was so excited when Jennifer announced she was going back to Eternity Springs with a new book and it did not disappoint. I loved the age gap and Trace being so protective. The spice was just right. And the overall plot was great. I would recommend this book and any of the Eternity Springs series they are all just so good.
This was such a fun read. Small town baker has the hots for the hot (much older) vice president of the local motorcycle club, she's been flirting with him for 6 years with no luck and decides to go speed dating to meet a guy who might be interested... oh now he's mad jealous and very interested
Great banter, fantastic spice, she will drive him crazy and if you dare touch her you will die
You absolutely need to add this to your holiday (or anytime) reading list and enjoy!! You will not be disappointed
Thank you Jennifer for the fantastic ARC opportunity 💕
❤️ How I Rate Books ⭐ didn't like it ⭐⭐ it was ok ⭐⭐⭐ I liked it ⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!
Ava and Trace are k!nky, fiery, and full of love!! I thought the twelve dates of Christmas concept was very creative and not something I’ve seen in Christmas romances often so I thought that was cute.
The romance between them blazes fast and never turns back, and Williams packs every scene between them with sexual tension and emotion. Trace needs himself a brat to tame and he caught the best one of all 😉
Having the characters from Eternity Springs still mentioned or in the book was a very sweet way to wrap up this series and I loved all the silly callbacks to Sebastian and Isabella. It’s a fluffy, sweet, Christmas themed read 😊🎄
Trace, vice president of the MC, super serious and has spent years ignoring Ava's flirting, except hes actually a super softy when it comes to Ava! Ava has spent years sassing, poking the bear and flirting with Trace to no avail, so she finally tries to move on and gives speed dating a go.... ha... the way Trace storms right on in on that. This book was too short, with so many laughs, Trace is slightly unhinged and I'm here for it! A fast paced novella that brings us back into the Eternity verse, small town antics and a barrel of laughs.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
The chemistry these characters was out of this world! He’s a mechanic and good with his hands, he rides a motorcycle and treats her like a queen ❤️
They are 20 years apart which is unusual but not off putting.
I loved how she was feisty and spirited but he made sure she understood that he loved that about her and didn’t want to sniff that out but he wanted to make sure she was always safe 😍
This was my first foray into this author and this series. I will absolutely go back at some point and read Sebastian and Isabella’s book
Well this hit the Christmas festivities with a side order of unhinged, possessive obsessed male alpha all hot for his woman. What more could you ask for. With twelve dates what could go wrong.
Ava and Trace story.
If you like small town romance, age gaps, unhinged MMC, daddy/brat kink then this novella is for you.
My only issue is I really needed more of these two. Their story was addicting and the push/pull, will they won't they had me hooked but I still enjoyed the journey but im sad to see the end of this series but it's been a hell of a ride.
If you like reading very spicy age gap romance with a morally grey alpha hole that is obsessive and overprotective then you will love this. I thought the first half was really good. The build up and sexual tension was delicious to read. The rest got a bit much for me with the breeding kink and questionable consent and so on. I also missed the Christmas atmosphere. It was there but could have been dialed up a bit.
Huge Thank You Author Jennifer J. Williams for providing me with this ARC, I am truly grateful. I am voluntarily leaving a review
This was a good time. It made me laugh, gave me some warm fuzzies, and was a wee bit spicy too! I loved Ava and Trace together. I also loved all the side characters from the previous books. They all have such epic banter and chemistry with each other, even the marmots, and I can’t believe this is the final Eternity Springs book. I will miss all these characters but I can’t wait to see what comes next!
This book is an ultimate quick holiday read! Though it’s on the shorter side, it doesn't feel rushed or sparse at all. Jennifer delivers a satisfying story packed into a fast paced novella. What really stood out to me was how well the age gap trope was executed. The dynamic between the MMC and FMC is sweet, swoony, and full of cozy holiday charm without sacrificing emotional depth. If you're looking for a festive, feel good romance then add this to your Holiday TBR.