The Claus Effect

by Jillian Arly

A small town Christmas novella coming this winter!

Genres: Christmas

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 11, 2026

About the author

Hockey player writing hockey romance.

Reviews

[Shay's Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETA READ
I will devour anything Jillian writes. This was such a fun little side quest to a small christmas town!

[Courtney · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Well holy Christmas on a cracker. If you ever wanted to read a feel good Christmas novella by one of your favourite hockey romance authors than prepare to be jealous cause that is me.
Jillian you smashed this beyond out of the park, this small little town full of Christmas cheer has me loving every minute of this book.
You will giggle and feel all the feels. Such a nice, quick and easy holiday read for the romance obsessed book readers.
If you are looking for something feastive this Christmas season look no further. Natalia and Cole you are the perfect little couple and I hope we get to see some cameo appearance in Jillians other books.
Also do yourself a favour and read the bonus chapter!!!!!!!

[Madison (madsbookgarden) · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I just wish this was longer oh my gosh I could’ve used so much more of Cole and Natalia!!

[BK Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fear Jillian will never do no wrong and this might be my favourite Christmas book I've ever read. Thank you so much Jillian for the arc, I had the BEST time.

This was the perfect amount of Christmas, sometimes I feel there is too much Christmas in a book, alas - this is not that. This book is so moving and it was such a roller-coaster of emotions in less than 200 pages. I giggled and kicked my feet, I swooned, I laughed and I blushed. Oh boy did I blush, but it was fantastic.

Cole and Natalia are such wonderful characters and I loved how my depth they had in such a short period of time. Natalia is so strong and fierce and Cole is so warm and open. I loved the way Natalia held space for Cole and Cole was able to find his love of Christmas again.

Now, you're going to have to wait for the spice but my goodness was it worth it!! If you're looking for something fun and flirty and a great time, please do yourself a favour and pick this one up!

[Alice · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to author and team for this Advanced Copy 🥰

The interfering grannies absolutely made this story! Add in instant dislike but undeniable attraction, small town Christmas vibes, and enough banter and euphemisms to keep me grinning, and I was completely sold.

This novella is packed full of Christmas charm, sexual tension and the kind of festive atmosphere that makes me want to go to a Christmas market as soon as... The chemistry between Natalia and Cole was so much fun, the bickering and flirting had me smiling throughout.

There are some lovely emotional stories woven into the festive fun, and I would have happily had a little more time with those elements, but for a novella, this delivers a whole lot in a short space.

A fun, flirty, festive read that has me ready to embrace Christmas romance season!

[Hamail Haider · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was such a cute, fun little read!!!
The Christmas vibes in this book were immaculate, and both the characters were absolutely adorable. The way Natalia disliked him at first but still couldn't deny the instant attraction? Heck yes!! The meddling grandmothers were such a hilarious plot point, and I was fully on their side the entire time.
I would have seriously devoured this story even if it was a full novel because I'm in love with Natalia and Cole! The guest appearance of Kyle from Sticks and Stones was also such a fun surprise!
Overall, love the book and I can't wait for more from the author!!

[Asli Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


My girl Jillian Arly has done it again! I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this due to being on her content team and I am so happy it came out earlier than expected. I finished the entire thing in a sitting and I was giggling out loud while kicking my feet the entire time. I absolutely loved this book and I highly suggest you read to get yourself in the Christmas spirit. I absolutely loved this book so much! Thank you Jillian for giving me an advanced copy! You are the best! 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[LeeAnn Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t go wrong reading anything Jillian writes! She will make you laugh you butt off, get teary eyed and kick your feet like a school girl all in the same chapter. She writes some of the best characters you will ever read and she is remarkably talented! Thank you Jillian for allowing me to read this before release day! You truly have a way to make me get lost in a story! Now I’m ready to decorate for Christmas!

[Johnna Wilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need a cute but spicy Christmas story you can read quickly? Then this novella is for you!

There's nothing sexier than a handy man (see what I did there?), but what about a grumpy one who falls fast and hard for his sunshine, Christmas-loving girl?

I loved the meddling grandmas, the whiskey sharing (🥵), and the general holiday spirit in this one. Perfect for getting in the mood for the season!

Thanks to Jillian Arly for the ARC!

[tera_kinnane · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
Natalia + Cole
Well jingle my bells, I inhaled The Claus Effect! I read this pretty much cover to cover and even though I was satisfied, I just wanted more. This is a perfect quick read to get you fully in the Christmas Spirit.

🎅Holiday Novella
🎅Snowed In
🎅Mr & Mrs Claus cosplay
🎅She’s mean, he likes it
🎅Bakery/Bookstore owner X Contractor
🎅Meddling Grannies

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: I LOVED this holiday novella! It is so well written. The journey of the MMC from hating Christmas to loving it, is relatable. I love that the FMC is a curvy girl that loves herself but still shows vulnerability. There is spice as they get snowed in. The meddling grandmas are probably my favorite.

[Cassie Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what a novella should be, and the Christmas aspect really just felt extra special. I love Christmas time, it’s such a magical time of the year and Jillian really captured it perfectly while making it a realistic relationship in the story!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review Coming Soon! ✨