One Last Snowy Christmas: An O'Loughlin Brothers Novella

by A.F. Crowell

With every flake of snow that falls, Scott and Maria O'Loughlin are treasuring each individual moment with their three boys home under the same roof once again.

Cooper O'Loughlin has had a hard year. Home from his latest deployment, the Army Special Forces soldier is looking forward to Christmas with his wife and family. If only he could shake the feeling something had changed while he was away.

Storm O'Loughlin left home with a purpose,- only to return for holidays and not to look back. While catching up with old friends, in walked the woman who used to be the center of every fantasy he ever had. He has one week to make her his or walk away for good this time.

Ashton O'Loughlin might have been the youngest brother, but he was growing up and ready to take on life. With this last Christmas before graduating high school, he knew this was his final opportunity to make his move on the girl next door - who happened to be his very best friend.

Three brothers, one holiday, and too much about to happen, Scott and Maria share their love and their family before everything changes forever. One last snowy Christmas to hold onto hope or let go of everything as it was before.

This book contains mature content not suitable for those under the age of 18. Content involves strong language, violence, and sexual situations.

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2017

About the author

A.F. Crowell lives in Charleston, SC with her husband and two sons. They have two dogs, Diesel, a German Shepherd rescue and Dez, a black Labrador Retriever. She shares her love of books with her children, who have a head start on becoming life-long readers.

Romance fiction hit her radar when her husband forced her to watch Twilight one weekend when they were snowed in. That was it! From there her love grew; Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, YA and Dystopian are her preferred reads.

- See more at: https://www.facebook.com/authorafcrowell

Reviews

[Lu Bielefeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

short and sweet prequel

[Amber Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great intro to this family! I can't wait to read more about Storm, Coop, and Ash. Impatiently waiting for the next book! This book gave a great back story. Can't wait to see what is in store for these brothers!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful new family to love!

I love the O'Loughlin family. I love the parents in love and still very attracted to each other. I love the three boys/ men, and can't wait for each to find their Hea! Awesome story full of love, family, trials of live and sexy times!
Recommend read to anyone who loves falling in love, amazing family dynamics and sadly heartache. Just a good story and characters! I'm off to the next book by this new author I'm lucky to have found!

[Elizabeth Swain · Rating 5 out of 5]

AF Crowell has stepped up her game with the O'Laughlin Brothers in One Last Snowy Christmas! You are going to choose a favorite brother and want to keep him forever ! HOT! Elizabeth @ White Hot Reads

I cannot tell you how excited I am for another book and series from AF Crowell... She has a way of sucking you into her stories and never let you go. One Last Snowy Christmas is the story of Maria and Scott and their Boys... Cooper, Storm and Ashton. You get a glimpse at each one of the boys and who they are and how they struggle all rolled into a Christmas story. There is Heat, Love and Family!

You are going to love these boys so much.

[Tina J · Rating 4 out of 5]

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ THREE & 1/2 - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Idyllic winter wonderland scene. Synopsis seemed interesting.

> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Multiple first-person

Opening the story on Scott and Maria's wedding day, it introduces us to them - but more importantly, to Scott's three young sons that he was raising after his first wife left them shortly after the youngest boy was born two years prior.
Flash forward to Christmas, 14+ years later. The boys are all home for Christmas and each is presented a chance at love - or loss - for the holidays.
Cooper's failing marriage was in the forefront of his holiday, while home from deployment. Add to the stress, a growing attraction to his little brother's best friend who said brother is in love with.
Storm's in town visiting for the holidays and runs into the girl he'd loved and lost years ago. After rekindling their relationship while she's finalizing her divorce, Storm's abandonment issues are brought back in full-force and threaten to destroy him.
Ash has been in love with his best friend since before they were in Kinder. Unfortunately, she doesn't feel the same way.
The novella has a unique, yet, enjoyable format. The writing is good, outside of a few phrasing oddities. Several undesirable personality quirks and a whole lot of unnecessary drama later, you have the opening to three stories that I probably will not read. However, there are no solid endings here. This is no more than a teaser, a prequel novella to an upcoming series.
DO NOT EXPECT TO FIND AN HEA ENDING HERE.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.6 ~ Stars: 3.5

==========================

⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Last Snowy Christmas
AF Crowell
5 stars

Ok so I know Christmas is over but I stumbled across this book. Why did I click -- the cover. Just look at it. How perfect. So in clicking up with NO idea what I was about to read I absolutely was gifted a gem. This is a novella that introduces us to a family of three boys raised by their father and now step-momma after their real mother leaving and never looking back a few years earlier. We open the book with Scott and Maria's wedding -- here we are introduced to Cooper -- Storm -- and Ash. The O'Loughlin boys --

Years have passed and the boys are all grown up -- none of them have had a completely happy life -- heartbreak -- confusion -- and sacrifice swirls around each of them in a different way.

Cooper is home for the holidays and fresh from deployment. Needless to say the mix of emotions of his own marriage falling apart along with his attraction to a woman he should not be attracted to much less in love with.

Ash is in love with his best friend since Kindergarten -- the only problem .. as crazy as it will seem and sound -- the silly girl doesn't feel the same way. Ash is nothing more than like a brother to her. A person she can count on forever -- she doesn't see Ash in the same light as he does and Ash's heart is broken.

Storm is trying to forget or remember why the love of his life and he called it quits. Running in to her again could prove worthy of a second chance or a second disaster.

This is a good read for sure AND now releasing on Tuesday we have Claiming Cooper. Its set to be free on Kindle Unlimited so if you have another few days off click it up and dive in. If you don't then click it up for the next weekend when most of us will be inside relaxing and recovering from all the holiday cheer! Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets.
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[Whynter Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. This story was a great introduction in meeting the O'Loughlin family. cant wait to read more about Copper, Storm and Ashton. A great holiday read.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely in love with this family! Getting this taste of each person, even their parents was amazing and has me so on edge waiting for their stories to unfold! I can't wait!

[Deneale Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for Christmas, a story that will surely awaken every muscle in your heart. A story about a family going through a milestone, right before Christmas, and something that will touch you, in more ways than one.

I have always been a proud supporter of Ms. Crowell, she writes the most amazing books, and when she put out a story just in time for Christmas, I couldn’t wait to read it. But this was something that I never seen coming. However, once I started reading, there was no putting it down, this story was written beautifully. With love and the most amazing touch ever, very impressive.

So, you wanna know more? Let me tell you than!

The characters in this amazing book are: Maria and Scott O’Loughlin. Together this couple has three boys: Cooper, Storm and Ashton.

Cooper was in the Special Forces, and he has come home from deployment. He has been looking forward to coming home for Christmas all year.

Storm had left his home with only one purpose, to return home for the Holidays.

Ashton would be graduating from High School this Summer.

These boys had plans, and these are their plans: Ashton will finally meet up with the girl he had ever fantasized about, Ashton hopes to finally hook up with the beautiful neighbor girl, and Cooper – well he has some kind of feeling that something has changed while he was deployed.

A lot is about to happen, as the beautiful snow falls from the cold winter sky. The crispy cold air of winter brings the family closer together, and Christmas is celebrated, as Maria and Scott try to hold onto hope, or should they let everything go as it was before? Together, this family celebrates family and Christmas with the hopes of solutions that will arise and fix everything.

As you read this book, you will find yourself reminiscing your own family values and memories. Christmas and family are the two things that belong together.

Today, as I write this: December twenty third, two thousand seventeen, I hope that this review brings you insight, that the Holidays are meant to bring everyone together, and celebrated. Just as I am certain that the Author, Ms. Crowell meant to give you, with this book.

This book is a definite five-star story, and I think it was and is a great touch for Christmas. However, this book is meant for adults over eighteen only. Not intended for Children. So go get your copy now, you will be very impressed with this story, I promise you that.

[Felicia Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad to see AF Crowell back! I loved One Last Snowy Christmas - its a great introduction to the O'Loughlin family.

The story opens when Maria is getting to marry Scott and his three boys, Storm, Cooper and Ashton. Their mother left them years ago and now they are getting a new mom and she loves them as if they were her own. Flashforward 14 years later now the boys are men and Scott and Maria are more in love than ever.

The novella centers on each brother with multiple POV's and does a great job setting up their books yet to come. I love this idea from Ms Crowell - so when we get to read their individual books we get to jump right into the action since the core characters have already been set up. We also get Maria and Scott's POV's which I think is a nice touch.

This story packs a lot of information in a novella so the pace is fast moving - it does take place over the course of a few weeks at Christmas time which is a nice touch. I think Ms. Crowell does a great job keeping her characters' voices clear and we get to see their personalities clearly. We also get to meet a few secondary characters who I am sure will be a bigger role in the upcoming books and I cant wait to see how all the stories play out. I did find some of the phrasing a little repetitive so if I had one concern it would be that but that is more of my own issue and it doesn't take away from the story at all.

All in all, I loved this novella and I am really excited for what is coming up next for the O'Loughlin brothers.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is to introduce us to the O'Loughlin family. This cozy Christmas read was nice and I liked how AF gave us a holiday with the family. Marie & Scott were wed, and three little boys got the Mom they always wanted. With them grown now, all their Mom wants is for them to find their happiness.
We meet the O'Loughlin boys and they are all grown up and home for Christmas. This holiday read was a good introduction into their current lives.
Ashton is the youngest. I fear he will be the one to struggle on his journey to a HEA. I also believe that his story will be a good one. He has a heart of gold but it's blinded by a love he will never have. He seems like the brother that wears his heart on his sleeve. Ashton is genuine and the son I could see taking over the farm.
Cooper gives me the impression he settles. He will do whatever to make his family happy or what he thinks is expected of him. In the end, it is going to cost him his heart. I'm extremely interested to see where his journey takes him.
Storm has a lot hidden inside. I am probably most excited for this one. I have a feeling his inner demons, turmoil, and battle for love are going to explode. I hope we get to see him find a form a peace over all the stuff his real Mom did.

Overall this story was a good read that I would recommend before the the first novel. I think it really shows the beauty of AF's writing style and gives us some great sneak peaks with what is to come.

[Sofia Almiroudis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Last Snowy Christmas is a great introduction to the O'Loughlin Brothers. This book gives you an in site on each family member, especially the smoking HOT O'Loughlin boys, Storm, Cooper and Ashton. Each one with their unique personalties, but all down to earth, good hearted, and loyal men. We also get a glimpse of Scott and Maria, the O'Loughlin boys parents. Maria is their step-mom, but in all sense their mom. She came into their lives after their mother had left them, leaving a devastated Scott behind to raise three young boys on his own. The book starts with Maria and Scott's wedding and shows us from a young age the bond the boys have with Maria. Fast forward 14 years later. Storm lives in North Carolina, Cooper is married and in the service, and Ashton is in his last year of High School. Each chapter is in each O'Laughlin boys POV and we witness the struggles, desires, hopes and dreams of each one of them. I loved how AF Crowell brought us into each one of their lives and the deep connection each boy had towards one another as well as with their parents. It was also so sweet to see that Maria and Scott had not lost their chemistry and every opportunity they had their hands were on one another. Especially when they knew how much it grossed out their boys. Ha Ha I really got a kick out of the humor in the storyline but also loved how deep and emotional the story was as well. Great job AF, can't wait to read about each individual O'Loughlin boy and how they evolve.

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella promises to be the start of an awesome family series by A.F. Crowell. Christmas is the time for love and family and the may be the start of changes in the new year. I love that Ms. Crowell not only focuses on the relationship that each of the boys of the O'Loughlin family has with the women in their lives, but she also allows them to see the spark still exists in their parents' relationship. Each son is radically different from his brothers.
Storm was most impacted by the family backstory, and when he returns for Christmas, he doesn't expect his high school fantasy to become a possibility. Cooper returns from his deployment to find that the relationship with his wife seems to have shifted, and Ashton is a victim of unrequited love with his best friend. The glimpses of their lives and relationships promise exciting stories to come for the brothers. I can't wait to see where this author takes these characters in the future. The writing is tight and the characters well-developed, especially for a novella. The new year hold the promise of new stories and I can't wait.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a complete romance, there is no HEA to be had here. It is more of an introduction to a series. However, I found it to be interesting, well written, and it left me wanting to dive into the series I can only assume is coming. I've not read anything by this author, but I think I will make sure to grab the books in this series when they do come out!

This book starts with a little background on the parents, and then moves on to introducing the O'Loughlin brothers: Storm, Cooper, and Ashton. We spend a little time with each of the brothers, during what appears to be a rare, snowy Christmas that they are all home, after they've grown up. It introduces other characters in their world, opening up the possibilities for the upcoming books.

Although this story ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, it doesn't leave me disappointed. I feel more like I've been given a quick peek at their world, with an invitation to return.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beyond amazing on so many levels but the main three are Ash, Coop, and Storm. These brothers had to deal with their mother deserting them, adjusting to a step-mom that loved them dearly, and finding their own happiness as teenagers and adults. Each brother had internal pain to deal with. Kinsley was a friend that became the little sister they never had. But she was also dealing with her own internal pain. As you read this book, you get to know and fall in love with of these characters. I can relate to each of them for different ways. Now I must wait for the next book to come out......

The one quote that sums up this book is," You cant get hurt if you don't feel anything."
The quote that made me cry was," She left, Dad."
And both of these are quotes from Storm.
I just hope he eventually gets his happily ever after.

[Heather Jasinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see a new series by A.F. Crowell! Let me just say I can't wait to read more, she captures you from the very beginning with her writing as it flowed nicely and was interesting.
In the beginning, Maria and Scott married and you are introduced to Scott's three sons... Storm, Ashton, and Cooper. As the story continues it is years later and each son is doing something.


One of my favorite quotes in this story is "No, honey, when you love someone as much as I love you boys and your daddy, your heart grows bigger so you have more love to give. Your heart can be big as the moon if you love the right way."

[Brittany Hively · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect novella that was a perfect start to a series that I cannot wait to read!



So, this novella was a perfect kickoff. It had the viewpoint of several different characters that will have a story coming out. You would think that this would make things complicated, but in fact it flowed extremely well. I was extremely impressed with the story lines that were presented and how they were so smooth.



These short story lines made me super excited for the series and will be starting the first book in the series soon!



I highly recommend this series and I have only read the beginning novella. That is how well this novella was written.



http://amzn.to/2CWV36P

[Kim Brewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful introduction to the series that leaves me salivating for the next story. The love that Maria and Scott have for each other sets the bar high for their sons in the love department. They know what love looks like. I loved the wishes that Maria had for her sons. In this story one has an old crush come back to town, one knows something is not right but chooses to ignore it and the other is in love with his best friend. What does the future hold......I can't wait to find out!

[Alura · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can't promise you sweet and soft." "Good, I don't want soft and slow. I want you, Storm. All of you."


I could NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. It was the perfect mix of steamy and emotional. Love isn't always pretty and A.F. Crowell captures it's many facets beautifully in this contemporary romance. I felt connected to all of the characters and found myself completely caught up in their different lives. The only complaint I have is that the story ended too soon! I don't know how I'll ever wait for the next book, Claiming Cooper, to come out in January!

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to start off by saying that I love this author and all her books and this introduction didn’t disappoint!!! In this book you get a sneak peek of the lives of all 3 O’Loughlin boys Storm...Copper and Ashton and it really leaves you wanting more...it starts off with Scott and Maria and how they become a family and it only get more interesting from there...I can’t recommend this book enough and I can’t wait for the upcoming books to follow in what I’m sure will be an amazing series

[Jessica71208 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sneak peek into the O'Loughlin brothers. I loved Cooper, Storm, and Ash and I can't wait for each of the brothers own stories to come out. While I don't usually read many novellas I liked how you learn a bit about everyone and get like a big sneak peak of what the up coming books will be. Since I enjoyed reading this little bit about the brothers I'm positive that I will love each upcoming individual book

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.F. Crowell has invited you into the world of the O'Loughin clan, she asked you to sit down and be part of the family. As far as prequels go, this one is a doozy. There are multiple story arcs going on and she drags you into each one, giving you just enough to make you hungry for more. I'm thinking this series is going to make me laugh, cry, pull my hair out and finally cheer for these lusty boys and their equally loving parents. Can't wait for the next one!

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...

3.75 Stars

This novella is a prequel to a new series on the O’Loughlin family. We meet each brother and essentially the obstacles they must overcome. I don’t want to give too much of the story away but there are many romantic entanglements including, cheating, forbidden romance, abandonment and etc. I can’t wait to see what happens next to the three brothers.

[Tess Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story as an introduction to the character's future stories.
I just didn't realize that's what it was, so the end came and I was like, "Wait! What? No! What happens?!"
I look forward to reading more about this family, but I have a feeling I'm not going to like how the Cooper/Kinsey turns out. I mean, think of Ash!! (Yeah, I'm a little vested at this point...)
Can't wait for more.

[Wanda Slack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three hot sexy brothers and their love lifes make this a hot read leaving you wanting more. It introduces you to all of them and their parents who still can't keep their hands off of each other. I enjoyed it and will be looking forward to reading more about these 3 hotties. This is a perfect quick Christmas read to get you into the Spirit.

I was gifted this for an honest review

[Kellane Ayanna Mitchener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sneak peek😉

I loved reading about the O'Loughlin family. How they are there for each other and love one another. Maria and Scott are great parents to Cooper, Ashton,and Storm. I enjoyed reading about Ash and Kinsley's friendship. I can't wait to read about all the brothers love lives.

[Jacey Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sneak peek into the O'Loughlin brothers. I loved Cooper, Storm, and Ash and I can't wait for their stories. Their parents are amazing and I loved getting to know them throughout the story. I can't wait to see what is in store next for these brothers!! Well done!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the O’Loughlin boys

I need more. Like right now. I was so happy to read this book. I feel right away for the O’Loughlin brothers, especially Cooper. This is such a great story. You will love the whole family! Must read. Need more A.F. Crowell!!!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novella that introduces us to the O’Loughlin family. A quick background on each member. It’s enough to suck you in and ready to read more. A enjoyable Christmas read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this cute little Christmas novella. It introduces us to a new series to come out and after reading this one, I'm dying to read more about these characters. It really built up what will be some terrific storylines and I adore the characters!!