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Operation: Christmas Seduction

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True to his name, Ryan Holliday loves Christmas, as proclaimed by the tinsel and lights adorning his bar, Bangers and Mash. Sadly, the town Grinch, Paige Taylor--a woman who’s locked him in the friend zone—missed the memo. When he notices her mood unaffected by the trimmings, he makes it his mission to help her find her holiday spirit. Who knows? His good deed might even coax St. Nick into granting Ryan’s long-held Christmas wish to win her affection.

Any joy Paige Taylor might’ve known during the holidays had been killed by years of tense family affairs. For her, this year’s “Season of Stress” would be even worse thanks to her parents’ efforts to reunite Paige with her cheating ex-fiancé. In their eyes, his money and influence made up for his flaws. In fact, they blamed her for boring him with her dedication to her career as a history professor. At this point, even Henry VIII appealed more than modern men, which meant she shouldn’t flirt with the sexy bar owner insisting she party with the ghost of Christmas present.

Ryan seduces her over Christmas trees, cookies and shopping but will the Christmas magic they find together last beyond the New Year?

Note: This novella was originally part of the Heating Up the Holidays box set published November 2016.

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2017

12 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Megan Ryder

45 books613 followers
Ever since Megan Ryder discovered Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught while sneaking around the “forbidden” romance section of the library one day after school, she has been voraciously devouring romance novels of all types. Now a romance author in her own right, Megan pens sexy contemporary novels all about family and hot lovin’ with the boy next door. She’s also a master procrastinator–with knitting and yarn shopping as her primary form of procraftination!

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5 stars
31 (44%)
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25 (36%)
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11 (15%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,043 reviews595 followers
November 25, 2017
My introduction to Megan Ryder came through The Game Changer, the third book in the Knights of Passion series. It was a wonderful read, leaving me more than willing to pick up more of the author’s work. Thus, I went ahead and picked up Going All the Way – the first book in the series. Again, it was a wonderful read. I plan to read the second Knights of Passion book, Love from Left Field, soon – I really need to be up to date with all the books in the series. In addition to the Knights of Passion series, I’ve also read the Lone Star Match books. All three books were fabulous reads, pretty much ensuring I would pick up any Megan Ryder book. Then, along came Operation: Christmas Seduction.

In all honesty, I find Christmas stories can be a bit hit or miss. I’m not the biggest Christmas fan, but given the right story, I can be convinced the festive season isn’t all bad. Fortunately, Operation: Christmas Seduction is one such book – it’s a winner of the genre. Short and sweet, it’s an adorable little Christmas read. It is more than capable of getting a person into the Christmas spirit, leaving them smiling throughout.

Our story begins as quite a few holiday romance stories do – with two very different views on Christmas. Our male lead loves it whereas our female lead is more than happy to overlook the holiday season. It’s not a full-blown Grinch situation, but it’s enough to grab the attention of a male interested in being more than just a friend. Thus, an adorable story ensues.

Across the short story, we fall deeply in love with our leading characters. The events that play out between them are adorable, the chemistry between them wonderful, and the overall story highly addictive. With drama, emotion, and moments that will leave you grinning like a fool, this is exactly the type of Christmas romance you should be picking up. Without a doubt, it’s a wonderful little story – one I really enjoyed.

My only wish is that it had been a longer story – I enjoyed it so much and wish we could have witnessed even more of the wonderful interactions, the wonderful scenes, the wonderful characters, and all the other goodness we were given throughout.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
9,032 reviews172 followers
November 28, 2017
A nod to all things Christmas, Megan Ryder lays it on thick but scores some mistletoe this holiday season. A combination of the Grinch and a Hallmark movie, Operation: Christmas Seduction brings out the angst, charm and sentimentality. With a little role reversal and a stocking full of heart, Paige and Ryan generate the euphoric romance and holiday magic that is synonymous with this time of year. "I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.”
Profile Image for Elisabeth Lane.
407 reviews134 followers
January 28, 2021
Basically Hallmark movie on paper, complete with a lily white cast and zero acknowledgement that folks who don't celebrate Christmas exist. Seriously, this was mostly a fun holiday romance for what it was, but the initial approach of a guy bringing Christmas bro a girl without knowing much about her really put me off. This plot can be done in a way that isn't quite so oblivious.
Profile Image for Tisa.
1,218 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2021
Paige Taylor doesn't know what Christmas. Since her meaning of Christmas was a sterile, IN personal & of course a showy judgement family. Parents had a decorator to make their house Christmas. No handmade ornaments, family tree decorating. The Taylor family cared about the social scene at the country club & what their fake friends thought of their home. Which meant everything had to be impersonal & perfect.

Well not until her friend Ryan Holiday decided to show her the true meaning of the Christmas season. The Holiday family did the true traditional of Christmas, cookies, shipping, kids running around making a mess. And of course having a treat with all the children's hand made ornaments. What a shock for Paige! Ryan got her, first Real tree, with her own ornaments, home make popcorn garlands & yes she was allowed to have colored lights. She was able to be a little girl.


Paige was warming up to the spirit of Christmas from the Holiday family's eyes. She had such joy & admiration of Ryan's family. She was grateful that Ryan could see Paige for who she was. Not in her families eyes who believed she was a loser career wise, & stubborn for not forgiving her cheating ex fiancé who was a Dr. Paige was use to being treated as though she was invisible the misfit of the clan. They never respected her feelings, desires or accomplishments.
Unfortunately Ryan was was trying to show Paige her true worth more than her family thought of her. He made the mistake in attempting to defend Paige from her snobby family. But she would not stand for his criticism of her family. they loved her in her own way. So she thought; Until they criticized her for the last time. Can she let Ryan into her heart & soul to have a new life. A life that can show her what true love is. Read to find out!
Profile Image for Liberty.
851 reviews23 followers
June 22, 2022
The penultimate novella of the Love is Coming to Town Kindle Anthology has been read. I have to say that I’m ready to be done with it. Despite enjoying this one more than most of the novellas in the collection, I think I’m just tired of shorter fiction. I don’t love short fiction. I feel like a lot of the time we don’t really get to know the characters or the setting or the reasons for the conflict. In this one, I think the setting suffered more than anything else, but the side characters definitely felt flat for me. But I think this was the most Christmas-y novella in the collection. The reader really sees the two main characters dive into the holidays since he loves Christmas and she’s a bit of a Grinch. I didn’t love the conflict resolution at the end, but I can TRY to suspend my disbelief.

Overall, I rated this one 3 stars. I would rate the romance 2.75 stars and the Christmasiness 4 poinsettias.
2,867 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2017
A fun holiday story! I really liked Ryan and Paige--they had great chemistry and banter, and it was nice to watch their relationship grow. Paige's family is... tough. She is used to being the outcast in the family until Ryan shows her a different world of a close family and lots of holiday cheer. I really loved the 12 gifts of Christmas, particularly the last one! That was such a cute concept.

This is a shorter read, but it does not lack in romance, emotion, or the holiday spirit. The characters are like-able (with the exception of Paige's family) and it is hard not to fall in love with Paige, Ryan, and the rest of the Holliday clan. My only complaint is that i would have loved just a touch more from the ending... an epilogue would have been great!

Looking forward to more from this author!
Profile Image for Pam .
1,442 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2017
Ryan and Paige have become close friends but Ryan would like to be more. Ryan loves everything about the holidays. He has a very close, tight knit family that celebrates the holidays together.Paige is more of a "Grinch". To her, it's just another day. Her family is very cold & judgmental. Paige feels she never lives up to their expectations & assumes it's something she's doing incorrectly. Can two such different people find a way to get along? Can it be more than friendship?

Ms. Ryder has given her readers a hot, quick Christmas story. The electricity leaps off the page whenever Paige & Ryan are together. Ryan's outgoing, friendly nature pulls Paige to come out of her shell. He gives her courage to stand up for herself. She reminds him that money isn't everything. I enjoyed everything about this story -the plot, the setting, the characters.
733 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2017
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

This was a cute easy read for Christmas! When I don't have much time for reading, I enjoy having a quick read and also love the holiday stories so this was great.

Ryan and Paige were brought up so differently and yet they were great together. You just felt bad for Paige when you see how she was brought up and was nothing like her cold, rich elitist parents. You understand how Ryan could be so upset how they treat Paige differently and have a different set of rules for her, and when she doesn't stick up for herself, I was there with Ryan - frustrated!!

The conclusion to their relationship problems was great and loved the HEA! Great way to get in the holiday spirit, also!
Profile Image for Mary Mutisya-Astin.
502 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2017
A great Christmas story!

Christmas is the time of joy for some people but not Paige.
She is feeling alone in her small world and seeks solace with her best friend at her favourite bar only to find the place is covered in Christmas decorations. It seems she just cannot get away from the festive season if she tried.
When Ryan, the owner of the bar and the man she has a crush on, notices her bah humbug ways he promises to inject some Christmas fun into her life.
Can her Christmas dreams come true or will she always fall short of a chance at real happiness?

This is a great short Christmas love story and if you are a fan of Megan’s other books then you will not be disappointed.

I read an ARC of this story voluntarily for an honest review.
1,284 reviews
November 21, 2020
Great little Christmas story!

Wow, two very different views on the holiday for sure. Ryan's entire family celebrates all things Christmas with gusto while Paige comes from a very cold, judgmental family that has decorators who do everything for them. She is more than happy to skip Christmas all together, but Ryan is determined to give her the full experience of a warm, happy family Christmas to show her how much she really means to him.

Megan gives us a story that is full of spirit, characters that are adorable and chemistry that is sizzling. It's a perfect Christmas novella!
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,366 reviews46 followers
October 23, 2022
3 stars. Liked Ryan, not a huge fan of Paige. Did like Ryan’s family and friends.
This started nice and felt Christmassy, until we meet Paige’s over bearing and rude family.
Paige is a doormat who cannot stand up for herself, or let Ryan stand up for her. She keeps stating she loves her family, but they denigrate and ignore who she is.
Though this all ends well, with her family trying to be nice, it felt off. It was also telling they didn’t believe Paige about her fiancé cheating until it became undeniable.
Ryan was very holiday enthused. His family is just down to earth, hardworking and loving. The antithesis of Paige’s family.

Read in the anthology LOVE IS COMING TO TOWN.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,488 reviews16 followers
November 21, 2017
Ryan is appalled when he finds out that Paige isn't as enthusiastic about Christmas as him and his family so he challenges her to get into the Christmas spirit. The 12 days of Christmas themed gifts that Ryan leaves for Paige every day range from sweet to racy but all of them are well thought out and adorable.

I loved this short holiday story that definitely put me in the mood for the Christmas season. I really hope this is just the introduction for the Holliday family!!

*borrowed from KU*
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,850 reviews179 followers
November 22, 2017
With a last name of Holliday, Ryan and his family have always loved Christmas. Paige on the other hand has always dreaded that time of year due to her regimented family. But when Ryan sets out to show her the true happiness of Christmas the two have an instant attraction and the hopes of a relationship that can last. Will her family ruin her one chance at happiness or will Ryan be able to teach her the joy of the season? With great characters and a wonderful holiday storyline this book should not be missed.
Profile Image for LeMiliere.
2,903 reviews20 followers
November 28, 2017
This was a really sweet, romantic Christmas read. I fell in love with Ryan, Paige was so lucky to find a man who loves Christmas like he and his family do even though she didn't like Christmas to begin with. I really loved the whole 12 Days of Christmas thing, I only wish I'd experienced it myself.

The story was really well written with lots of warmth and wonderfully developed characters who were obviously meant to be together, this book left me with a really warm glow, I enjoyed it, I'm now in the mood for Christmas.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,176 reviews7 followers
November 29, 2017
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I throughly enjoyed it. It was a quick light hearted holiday themed story that fills you up with all the feels that only a good romance novel can bring you. The story was a little rushed... it covered a lot of ground in a few short chapters but it left me with a smile on my face and wanting more from these characters. Maybe we will see them again in a future book? I hope so. In the mean time, put this in your cart and enjoy a little Christmas magic.
Happy reading...enjoy!
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,173 reviews48 followers
December 4, 2017
Operation: Christmas Seduction is a quick but fun holiday read. This book will suck you into the holiday spirit and have you rooting for these two characters.

Paige and Ryan bring it all within the pages of this story, angst, humor, romance and a touch of christmas magic. I loved how Megan Ryder turned the tables on me by making Paige the grinch of the story while Ryan was the one filled with holiday spirit. It added a fun layer to an already compelling story.

If you are in the mood for a holiday story to get you ready for the season, this is the one, so grab your copy today.
Profile Image for Jean Joseph.
156 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2017
Ryan has wanted a relationship with Paige for awhile but she has him in the friend zone. Paige has a crush on Ryan but doesn't want to ruin their friendship if it doesn't work out. When Ryan finds out Paige is a scrooge, he takes the challenge to make her like Christmas. As they grow closer will they be able to make it work or will insecurities bring it to an end?? I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,748 reviews31 followers
December 30, 2017
This was a sweet quick Christmas read that left you with warm fuzzies, I just loved Ryan and Paige, well also Ryan's family to be fair. Ryan is all about Christmas where as Paige has never had a real Christmas so Ryan gives her the chance to see what a real Christmas is like, but will it be to much or will they finally not just enjoy Christmas but a happy ever after?

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Paige Norman.
610 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2021
Really great story, with fantastic characters, and plot, but the ending was TOO SHORT! Ryan is determined to show Paige what all the fuss about Christmas is, and get her to see what's right in front of her for love, as well. Inventive Christmas dating techniques, family and relationship issues, and SOME resolution (but not enough), and, as I said the ending is too abrupt and not nearly enough. Standalone, and a HEA.
Profile Image for Ashley .
1,152 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2017
This is a highly addicting Christmas story! I fell deeply and madly in love with this romance. I enjoyed Ryder's description of the setting and characters. I could not put this down! My only sadness is that it was a little short for my liking. Hopefully we will see these characters again!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Sarah Nielsen.
4,230 reviews21 followers
September 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. It was my first time reading Megan Ryder but I’m definitely open to reading more from her. The storyline was cute and filled with all things Christmas. My only problem was that I prefer to read first person point of view as opposed to the third person point of view, but otherwise it was great.
Profile Image for Charity Chimni.
Author 2 books9 followers
November 17, 2017
I loved this short and sweet book! I loved Ryan's persistence in showing Paige what she was missing. Along the journey they both found something special. A great tale full of love, passion, Christmas spirit, and family! Can't wait for more!
2,643 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2017
A well written Christmas love story with wonderful characters and storyline. Ryan and Paige together was so touching and made me really enjoy this book. I voluntarily received this book to review for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jenny H.
544 reviews
November 29, 2017
I found this to be a quick sweet Christmas romance read. Ryan and Paige were great well written characters. Loved the chemistry between them. The plot was fast paced, sweet and heartfelt. Overall a great get you into the holiday mood read. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Brigitte.
1,297 reviews25 followers
November 30, 2017
I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This story is just sweet. It is a different angle on Christmas that is for sure. Having two worlds clash in this way, well it was really fun reading it. The love conquers all !!!
Profile Image for Laurah Shealy.
50 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2020
Cute quick Christmas Romance

Want a break from the seasonal hustle and bustle? But still want to be in the Christmas spirit? This is that kind of escape. Doesn’t take long to read, but has all the feels.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,086 reviews51 followers
November 26, 2017
I so love holiday romance and I loved this book. It just makes me smile when I think about it. A good way to enjoy the holidays.
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