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The Holidays
The Holidays Series
The crazy Holidays family stories are now available in one, special edition book bundle! Included in this *The Stocking Was Hung (The Holidays #1) *Cupid Has a Heart-On (The Holidays #2) *The Firework Exploded (The Holidays #3) *The Bunny is Coming (The Holidays #4) *A Note from Aunt Bobbie *A preview of The Pumpkin Was Stuffed, A Holidays Family Halloween Short Story
546 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2017
177 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Tara Sivec
71 books10.3k followersTara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when all three of them become adults and move out.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 19, 2018
Love the funny!
I love these holiday stories of the Holiday family focusing specifically on Sam and Noel. During Christmas the meet at an airport and Noel brings Sam home to pose as her fiance to meet her crazy family. Each holiday story continues to be the backdrop of a significant milestone in Sam and Joel's relationship. These stories were laugh-out-loud funny and we even get a cameo of a couple of characters from Seduction and Snacks.
I love these holiday stories of the Holiday family focusing specifically on Sam and Noel. During Christmas the meet at an airport and Noel brings Sam home to pose as her fiance to meet her crazy family. Each holiday story continues to be the backdrop of a significant milestone in Sam and Joel's relationship. These stories were laugh-out-loud funny and we even get a cameo of a couple of characters from Seduction and Snacks.
Currently reading
August 11, 2018The Stocking was Hung - 5 Stars
Read in August 2016
I needed a light and funny book. This was the first one I came across on my kindle and it was exactly what I needed. I did not stop laughing the whole time. But I also got the feels. I love the Holiday family and cannot wait to read more.
Cupid has a Heart-on - 4 Stars
This book was totally cringe-worthy and laugh out loud hilarious. The Holiday family is completely crazy and I loved revisiting them.
The Firework Exploded - 4 Stars
I think each story just gets more ridiculous. But I loved it. I was struggling to hold in my laughter.
Read in August 2016
I needed a light and funny book. This was the first one I came across on my kindle and it was exactly what I needed. I did not stop laughing the whole time. But I also got the feels. I love the Holiday family and cannot wait to read more.
Cupid has a Heart-on - 4 Stars
This book was totally cringe-worthy and laugh out loud hilarious. The Holiday family is completely crazy and I loved revisiting them.
The Firework Exploded - 4 Stars
I think each story just gets more ridiculous. But I loved it. I was struggling to hold in my laughter.
December 26, 2017
I usually love Tara Sivec's work. It always makes me laugh excessively. So, when I saw that she had released a compendium of short stories (4 in total - about 100 pages each) about the holidays (and it was on sale for 99c on Kindle), I just couldn't resist it.
The first story is set at Christmas and it was fabulous. I laughed so hard and thoroughly enjoyed the meeting of Noel and Sam. It was very reminiscent of her Chocolate Lovers series. I enjoyed the story so much (well except for how Noel broke off her engagement - that was just plain nasty), that I moved straight on to the second story.
The second story was set on Valentines Day (celebrating the engagement of Noel and Sam), this was followed by the third story that was set on 4th July (celebrating the wedding of Noel and Sam) and the final story was set at Easter (celebrating Noel's pregnancy).
Unfortunately, by about the second book I was a little over it and I really should have stopped reading as I knew I had lost interest. The two main characters and their respective best friends were basically the Chocolate Lovers characters again with different names. There was blatant self promotion of her other books (Which is fine - but it just came off really cheesy and out of character for Sam to have a stash of Tara's other books in his Marine satchel).
Also, I found myself cringing so much with some of the stuff (and I usually love Tara's stuff). I didn't like the way the word "Gay" was thrown around as being an insult or the phrasing "Don't be a Girl" or even animal cruelty (so not funny) or even the caricature that was Aunt Bobbie. Ms Sivec usually incorporates diversity which is excellent, but she did it here as the joke element and I think that her representation of transvestites/transgenderism is very inconsiderate and very small town America.
Also, how many times can the lead male character's penis get hit, stabbed, burnt....and we are still supposed to laugh. It is like sitting around watching a Funniest Home Video Show and wondering why everyone is laughing so hard at the guy getting hit in the balls for the 100th time. Ok, the first time might generate a giggle, but about the 10th time most people are a little over it. I usually like Ms Sivec's work, but stories 2, 3 and 4 just had me cringing about her representation of minorities, women and penis related accidents....(now there is a sentence I never thought I would say) :-P. Read it for Xmas and then take a break as reading the four stories back to back is too much for one sitting and the laughs dry up really quickly and you just start feeling really embarrassed.
The first story is set at Christmas and it was fabulous. I laughed so hard and thoroughly enjoyed the meeting of Noel and Sam. It was very reminiscent of her Chocolate Lovers series. I enjoyed the story so much (well except for how Noel broke off her engagement - that was just plain nasty), that I moved straight on to the second story.
The second story was set on Valentines Day (celebrating the engagement of Noel and Sam), this was followed by the third story that was set on 4th July (celebrating the wedding of Noel and Sam) and the final story was set at Easter (celebrating Noel's pregnancy).
Unfortunately, by about the second book I was a little over it and I really should have stopped reading as I knew I had lost interest. The two main characters and their respective best friends were basically the Chocolate Lovers characters again with different names. There was blatant self promotion of her other books (Which is fine - but it just came off really cheesy and out of character for Sam to have a stash of Tara's other books in his Marine satchel).
Also, I found myself cringing so much with some of the stuff (and I usually love Tara's stuff). I didn't like the way the word "Gay" was thrown around as being an insult or the phrasing "Don't be a Girl" or even animal cruelty (so not funny) or even the caricature that was Aunt Bobbie. Ms Sivec usually incorporates diversity which is excellent, but she did it here as the joke element and I think that her representation of transvestites/transgenderism is very inconsiderate and very small town America.
Also, how many times can the lead male character's penis get hit, stabbed, burnt....and we are still supposed to laugh. It is like sitting around watching a Funniest Home Video Show and wondering why everyone is laughing so hard at the guy getting hit in the balls for the 100th time. Ok, the first time might generate a giggle, but about the 10th time most people are a little over it. I usually like Ms Sivec's work, but stories 2, 3 and 4 just had me cringing about her representation of minorities, women and penis related accidents....(now there is a sentence I never thought I would say) :-P. Read it for Xmas and then take a break as reading the four stories back to back is too much for one sitting and the laughs dry up really quickly and you just start feeling really embarrassed.
February 4, 2019
SUCH MARVELOUSLY ENTERTAINING STORIES!!!!!
These stories were fantastically entertaining!!! They were MARVELOUS!!!! Each holiday story was a real hoot!!! I just loved, loved, loved, them!!!! I adored Sam and Noel! Aunt Bobbie! All of the characters in the book actually were so wonderfully quirky and hilarious!!!! The dialogue and satire was fabulously funny! I laughed and laughed.... Loud and long over the ridiculousness of some of the scenes!!!! I really mean loud and long... To the point that I think my dog was getting concerned... HA!HA! I laughed so hard at the accidental incident with Turd, the cat. I don't think I have ever read funnier words in any book!!!!! If I ever feel down I am going to re-read the whole incident, especially Sam complaining about The Walking Dead TV show!!!!
The romance between Sam and Noel was so sweet and sexy..... Their understanding of each other was beautiful to read about. Aunt Bobbie's memoirs were the icing on the cake of such an engrossing and super entertaining series! They were so moving and heartfelt. I am so glad that Tara included them...... They made me teary eyed and helped give me a new perspective on how difficult it must be to grow up differently than the "so called norm"!!!! I would give this book series10 stars if I could.... I highly recommend them!!!!!
These stories were fantastically entertaining!!! They were MARVELOUS!!!! Each holiday story was a real hoot!!! I just loved, loved, loved, them!!!! I adored Sam and Noel! Aunt Bobbie! All of the characters in the book actually were so wonderfully quirky and hilarious!!!! The dialogue and satire was fabulously funny! I laughed and laughed.... Loud and long over the ridiculousness of some of the scenes!!!! I really mean loud and long... To the point that I think my dog was getting concerned... HA!HA! I laughed so hard at the accidental incident with Turd, the cat. I don't think I have ever read funnier words in any book!!!!! If I ever feel down I am going to re-read the whole incident, especially Sam complaining about The Walking Dead TV show!!!!
The romance between Sam and Noel was so sweet and sexy..... Their understanding of each other was beautiful to read about. Aunt Bobbie's memoirs were the icing on the cake of such an engrossing and super entertaining series! They were so moving and heartfelt. I am so glad that Tara included them...... They made me teary eyed and helped give me a new perspective on how difficult it must be to grow up differently than the "so called norm"!!!! I would give this book series10 stars if I could.... I highly recommend them!!!!!
August 5, 2024
The Stocking Was Hung – Absolutely hilarious! This family and their antics are wild, and under it all, you feel the love. Not a big stretch for our couple who are faking it, to ending up being the real deal <3
Cupid has a Heart-On – The hijinks were still funny, but seem more kitschy here. The real winner was the couple getting to know and understand each other more, amid all the chaos that is surrounding them
The Firework Exploded – This had all the giggles and belly laughs! There is something entirely madcap about every situation that presents itself here, and I was there for it all 😊
The Bunny is Coming – Out of all of them, this one had the most heart in it <3 Still the wildness that made it funny, but the emotions really shone through for Sam and Noel this time around!
Cupid has a Heart-On – The hijinks were still funny, but seem more kitschy here. The real winner was the couple getting to know and understand each other more, amid all the chaos that is surrounding them
The Firework Exploded – This had all the giggles and belly laughs! There is something entirely madcap about every situation that presents itself here, and I was there for it all 😊
The Bunny is Coming – Out of all of them, this one had the most heart in it <3 Still the wildness that made it funny, but the emotions really shone through for Sam and Noel this time around!
December 3, 2022
Holiday Hilarity
This series is so well done. I love how Tara creates her characters. They are so dynamic and have such prominent personalities.
I found this series seem less, and each book flowed smoothly from start to finish. The chaos is real, and it is hilarious.
Knowing Tara bases things on her own experiences, I would love to know what is inspired by true events and what came from her devious mind.
I fell in love with all the characters; they had such heart and sass. I enjoyed this series so much. This was such a fantastic holiday read, and if you are looking for quality, you’ve found it.
This series is so well done. I love how Tara creates her characters. They are so dynamic and have such prominent personalities.
I found this series seem less, and each book flowed smoothly from start to finish. The chaos is real, and it is hilarious.
Knowing Tara bases things on her own experiences, I would love to know what is inspired by true events and what came from her devious mind.
I fell in love with all the characters; they had such heart and sass. I enjoyed this series so much. This was such a fantastic holiday read, and if you are looking for quality, you’ve found it.
December 27, 2017
Just perfect!
This was just what I need. Laugh out loud funny. Love the part of seeing a little of Clair and Liz again. It's hard to fine a author that will make laugh hard till I'm crying. Everything I love in the Chocolate series is here. The main couple were so perfect. Her family was nuts but in a loving good way. Please Please more books like this. I have kindle unlimited but these type of books and a good comedy in it with a author that knows how to write comedy I will buy every time.
This was just what I need. Laugh out loud funny. Love the part of seeing a little of Clair and Liz again. It's hard to fine a author that will make laugh hard till I'm crying. Everything I love in the Chocolate series is here. The main couple were so perfect. Her family was nuts but in a loving good way. Please Please more books like this. I have kindle unlimited but these type of books and a good comedy in it with a author that knows how to write comedy I will buy every time.
December 30, 2020
Hot, steamy, hilarious, outlandish, and all around joy to read
Do you like hot, steamy, hilarious, outlandish, laugh out loud books that are a joy to read? If so, this book is for you! This is actually all 4 books of the series, and I think they get funnier as they go along. I also love how the author has things that can be hard to talk about in here, and it isn't in your face or the main part of the story. I just hope it gets people thinking. Maybe open their hearts and reserve their judgment. Just love Aunt Bobbie's response to prejudice! This was a nice book end 2020 with because it was a relaxing delight.
Do you like hot, steamy, hilarious, outlandish, laugh out loud books that are a joy to read? If so, this book is for you! This is actually all 4 books of the series, and I think they get funnier as they go along. I also love how the author has things that can be hard to talk about in here, and it isn't in your face or the main part of the story. I just hope it gets people thinking. Maybe open their hearts and reserve their judgment. Just love Aunt Bobbie's response to prejudice! This was a nice book end 2020 with because it was a relaxing delight.
November 15, 2018
CUTE AND LAUGHABLE ADVENTURE
Quirky and outrageously funny characters. Two people meet in airport and share a few personal funny lifetime stories. There is an immediate attraction between the two and ultimately she invites him home for the Holidays. He finds her family members are absolutely crazy and also always talking about it consumed about sex. The ridiculous never ends.
Quirky and outrageously funny characters. Two people meet in airport and share a few personal funny lifetime stories. There is an immediate attraction between the two and ultimately she invites him home for the Holidays. He finds her family members are absolutely crazy and also always talking about it consumed about sex. The ridiculous never ends.
January 19, 2020
These give “holiday stress” a whole new meaning!
These books were so fantastic! Absolutely hilarious classic Tara Sivec! I swear she is the queen of rom-com! And even better, these books were also tied in with the Chocoholics books. Seriously, that had to be the craziest town in all of Ohio! Lol!
If you want to laugh yourself silly with fun and funny holiday stories, this is the collection for you!
These books were so fantastic! Absolutely hilarious classic Tara Sivec! I swear she is the queen of rom-com! And even better, these books were also tied in with the Chocoholics books. Seriously, that had to be the craziest town in all of Ohio! Lol!
If you want to laugh yourself silly with fun and funny holiday stories, this is the collection for you!
December 23, 2017
When I bought this series I figured I would read each story for that specific holiday..yea, that didn't happen because I became obsessed with the Holiday family and had to read the rest. The Holidays become one of my most favorite funniest family series-every single story became better and funnier, just love the whole entire family. Great must read series!!
December 28, 2017
Every once in a while I really need something different. After angst and drama and so many feels, it's nice to find something fun, light, even over the top. And Tara Sivec's The Holidays Series is PERFECT for that!
Completely ridiculous, over the top funny, smoking hot while literally making you almost pee in your pants laughing. The series is a love story, filled with family insanity, sassy side characters, and the perfect combo of sexy, sweet, and silly to keep you reading!
Completely ridiculous, over the top funny, smoking hot while literally making you almost pee in your pants laughing. The series is a love story, filled with family insanity, sassy side characters, and the perfect combo of sexy, sweet, and silly to keep you reading!
December 30, 2017
Amazing
This is one of the best books I have read all year. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to drink. what a crazy family this is but no matter how messed up they were they were always there for each other and that is what family is all about. This is a must read!!!!
This is one of the best books I have read all year. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to drink. what a crazy family this is but no matter how messed up they were they were always there for each other and that is what family is all about. This is a must read!!!!
November 4, 2018
So funny!
Hands down one of the funniest Books I have ever read. Noel and Sam are a cute couple and her family is nuts! I laughed so hard throughout this book that I had years running down my face. It's just plain fun. 😂
Hands down one of the funniest Books I have ever read. Noel and Sam are a cute couple and her family is nuts! I laughed so hard throughout this book that I had years running down my face. It's just plain fun. 😂
May 21, 2019
Hilarious
I just love how hilarious and romantic these books are. Really good plot and amazing secondary characters. I highly recommend this book for those looking to spend hours laughing.
I just love how hilarious and romantic these books are. Really good plot and amazing secondary characters. I highly recommend this book for those looking to spend hours laughing.
December 19, 2020
Best read of 2020
Had me laughing nonstop....best read of 2020. Highly recommend everyone reads this extremely funny romantic comedy. Love these nutty characters. Couldn’t put this book down.
Had me laughing nonstop....best read of 2020. Highly recommend everyone reads this extremely funny romantic comedy. Love these nutty characters. Couldn’t put this book down.
September 15, 2021
happy holidays
The holidays will never be the same. Walking or running screaming thru the holidays with the Holiday family will have you laughing out loud. Thank you for adding Aunt Bobbie as a character! Truly shameless and truly entertaining
The holidays will never be the same. Walking or running screaming thru the holidays with the Holiday family will have you laughing out loud. Thank you for adding Aunt Bobbie as a character! Truly shameless and truly entertaining
December 14, 2017
Hilarous!!
These short stories were hilarious! I laughed til I cried! I didn’t want to stop reading them and fell in love with all of the Holidays!
These short stories were hilarious! I laughed til I cried! I didn’t want to stop reading them and fell in love with all of the Holidays!
December 20, 2017
Funniest book ever!
Ok, I will say, I’m a big Tara fan, however, this book is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. It’s laugh out loud crazy fun! Highly recommend!
Ok, I will say, I’m a big Tara fan, however, this book is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. It’s laugh out loud crazy fun! Highly recommend!
December 29, 2017
A hilarious series
I laughed throughout this series. A love story with some crazy family members is always a fun time during any holiday.
I laughed throughout this series. A love story with some crazy family members is always a fun time during any holiday.
December 31, 2017
Not your normal holidays
The things your parents say to embarrass you are nothing like Noel’s parents.... Funny, sexy (lots of sex) and an easy read.
The things your parents say to embarrass you are nothing like Noel’s parents.... Funny, sexy (lots of sex) and an easy read.
January 10, 2018
Loved!!
Loved this series. I laughed out loud so much. It was so easy to fall in love with all the holidays!
Loved this series. I laughed out loud so much. It was so easy to fall in love with all the holidays!
February 15, 2018
Loved this series! Noel's family is really funny! This book made me laugh so much! I also really enjoyed Aunt Bobbie's letter at the end!
March 30, 2018
Hilarious omg I couldn't put t down nd I laughed so HARD!!!!
If you want love sex and laughs this is a must READ!!
Amazing I'm going to look for MORE from this author!
If you want love sex and laughs this is a must READ!!
Amazing I'm going to look for MORE from this author!
May 14, 2018
4.5 Stars
July 4, 2018
Each review is listed individually by book. Happy Reading!!!
November 27, 2019
Movies
OMG they need to make these books into a movie series. I so want to see these in film. Have Aunt Bobbie played by Caitlyn Jenner
OMG they need to make these books into a movie series. I so want to see these in film. Have Aunt Bobbie played by Caitlyn Jenner
June 23, 2020
I laughed so hard I cried
Seriously funny stories following the love and life of Noel and Sam. Worth every penny to read and enjoy this!
Seriously funny stories following the love and life of Noel and Sam. Worth every penny to read and enjoy this!
August 18, 2020
Funny as hell!
Completely ridiculous and lots of fun, The Holiday series is a hot mess of crazy. With a little romance thrown in. I laughed so hard I almost lost my breath.
Completely ridiculous and lots of fun, The Holiday series is a hot mess of crazy. With a little romance thrown in. I laughed so hard I almost lost my breath.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews