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A Tale of Two Cities: A Christmas Novella
When people think of a holiday for love, they automatically come up with Valentine's Day. But who's to say that's the only one? Director, Dallas Bryant, isn’t looking for love this holiday season, but that all changes when Madison Walker and a mistletoe come in the picture. ;) A Tale of Two Cities Cute & Sweet Millennial Meets Over a Holiday, All With One Thing In Common; Cities. This is a short novella with a happy-for-now ending. If you prefer your stories longer, I'd recommend checking out another Alexandra Warren project. :)
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2018
130 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Warren
50 books1,297 followersAlexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 21, 2022
Alexandra Warren, what are you doing to me? This one consumed me! As did the Thanksgiving novella in this Holiday Collection series. It was so damn good!
I love that this centred around art and film and two ambitious people who are so in love with what they do, but find it difficult to have a relationship since their work takes up all their time. They meet on set, sparks fly, Christmas kisses (and more) ensue and it was such a good time.
Alexandra Warren had me hooked from beginning to end.
I love that this centred around art and film and two ambitious people who are so in love with what they do, but find it difficult to have a relationship since their work takes up all their time. They meet on set, sparks fly, Christmas kisses (and more) ensue and it was such a good time.
Alexandra Warren had me hooked from beginning to end.
November 25, 2022
3.5
Awh this was amazing and beautiful!
A very short Christmas novella.
The pacing was actually amazing, things didn't felt too rushed
🎄❤
Awh this was amazing and beautiful!
A very short Christmas novella.
The pacing was actually amazing, things didn't felt too rushed
🎄❤
February 11, 2022
i Loved This Story
I really enjoyed how Dallas pulled Madison out of her shell personally and professionally and encouraged her to dive into her new career….they actually made a really cute and sexy unexpected couple.
I really enjoyed how Dallas pulled Madison out of her shell personally and professionally and encouraged her to dive into her new career….they actually made a really cute and sexy unexpected couple.
December 11, 2020
Ok, this one has to be my favorite installment so far! “ A Tale of Two Cities: A Christmas Novella” had me hooked from the very first page. I loved the chemistry between Madison and Dallas. The ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas” remix was hilarious. I know that Alexandra Warren always gives a disclaimer about a happy for now ending and such, but I cannot stop wondering about what these characters are up to now, lol. I became attached! The plot was very refreshing. I look forward to reading the other books mentioned and being introduced to those characters as well. This was such a great, little holiday read. I definitely enjoyed!
December 6, 2025
Christmas on set
This was cute. Madison a production assistant and Dallas Bryant producer/director meet on set and the connection is immediate. While Madison is a little hesitant as she is trying to grow her career, Dallas is the opposite as he has the career she desires. Together they make magic off the screen and in the bedroom while committing to being "friends." While this didn't give me full blown Christmas, it was present and I got just enough.
I would gladly read more about this couple.
This was cute. Madison a production assistant and Dallas Bryant producer/director meet on set and the connection is immediate. While Madison is a little hesitant as she is trying to grow her career, Dallas is the opposite as he has the career she desires. Together they make magic off the screen and in the bedroom while committing to being "friends." While this didn't give me full blown Christmas, it was present and I got just enough.
I would gladly read more about this couple.
December 23, 2025
This was a 3.5 for me.
While neither Madison nor Dallas are looking for anything serious due to their profession and crazy schedules, there is definitely something brewing between the two. They both have an attraction to each other and thanks to a holiday party and some mistletoe, a kiss leads to so much more. I liked that outside of the attraction they both had for each other, they also were very career focused and took their jobs very seriously. I also appreciated that even though Dallas was the Director, he gave credit to where credit was due with Madison as the production assistant and spoke life into her to further her career.
Although I liked the two of them together and based on how it ended, we can see they are still together, for me I wanted a little more finality as to whether they were an actual couple of still just "friends" as Dallas defined what he was looking for earlier in the book. It could be me and maybe I missed it but for that reason I took off half a star. I still enjoyed the book overall.
While neither Madison nor Dallas are looking for anything serious due to their profession and crazy schedules, there is definitely something brewing between the two. They both have an attraction to each other and thanks to a holiday party and some mistletoe, a kiss leads to so much more. I liked that outside of the attraction they both had for each other, they also were very career focused and took their jobs very seriously. I also appreciated that even though Dallas was the Director, he gave credit to where credit was due with Madison as the production assistant and spoke life into her to further her career.
Although I liked the two of them together and based on how it ended, we can see they are still together, for me I wanted a little more finality as to whether they were an actual couple of still just "friends" as Dallas defined what he was looking for earlier in the book. It could be me and maybe I missed it but for that reason I took off half a star. I still enjoyed the book overall.
April 22, 2023
A Little Spicy
This was a fun read. Their courtship was super fast due to the short format of the book. It was cute to see the “regular” girl land her crush. I really liked the way Dallas was so enamored by Madison. His efforts to win her over were very sweet. It was a nice surprise to get a cameo from Zalayah and Gabriel. I loved the witty banter between the main characters. There were a lot of funny moments. This whole series has been enjoyable.
This was a fun read. Their courtship was super fast due to the short format of the book. It was cute to see the “regular” girl land her crush. I really liked the way Dallas was so enamored by Madison. His efforts to win her over were very sweet. It was a nice surprise to get a cameo from Zalayah and Gabriel. I loved the witty banter between the main characters. There were a lot of funny moments. This whole series has been enjoyable.
December 24, 2022
This was cute but not my fav of the series
December 15, 2022
full review on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRVQUMA6/
December 22, 2020
I love a great Christmas Novella
Madison Walker was living through the day to day not expecting anything from anyone. Who knew that after meeting director Dallas Bryant her passions could all come together? Throw in a mistletoe and it's a wrap! I loved every minute although it was a novella.
Madison Walker was living through the day to day not expecting anything from anyone. Who knew that after meeting director Dallas Bryant her passions could all come together? Throw in a mistletoe and it's a wrap! I loved every minute although it was a novella.
December 14, 2021
Madison x Dallas
I was looking forward to this short the most as part of my holiday read and it was the least enjoyable one. I didn't feel any spark between Madison and Dallas. Maybe it's because they didn't want a relationship, just "a friend I could füćķ" as Dallas so lovingly puts it.
I was looking forward to this short the most as part of my holiday read and it was the least enjoyable one. I didn't feel any spark between Madison and Dallas. Maybe it's because they didn't want a relationship, just "a friend I could füćķ" as Dallas so lovingly puts it.
February 10, 2024
A Mistletoe Meeting
“A Tale of Two Cities: A Christmas 🎅🏽 Novella” was a good read. This holiday hookup between Madison and Dallas was plausible. …I adore their “mistletoe meeting” and directorial mentor/mentee situationship with industry benefits 🤭🤷🏾♀️‼️
“A Tale of Two Cities: A Christmas 🎅🏽 Novella” was a good read. This holiday hookup between Madison and Dallas was plausible. …I adore their “mistletoe meeting” and directorial mentor/mentee situationship with industry benefits 🤭🤷🏾♀️‼️
January 4, 2019
*****
Good read!!! Felt like it could have been some more or well be some more from this couple. (Hint Hint)
Good read!!! Felt like it could have been some more or well be some more from this couple. (Hint Hint)
December 24, 2018
Loving the cities collection
Dallas and Madison did not disappoint! Danielle was hilarious with her rendition of the Christmas songs. The appearance of previous characters was a nice touch. The laughs were plenty, 32 hoodlum elves took me out!! Is Boston going to takes us somewhere for the new year??👀....
Dallas and Madison did not disappoint! Danielle was hilarious with her rendition of the Christmas songs. The appearance of previous characters was a nice touch. The laughs were plenty, 32 hoodlum elves took me out!! Is Boston going to takes us somewhere for the new year??👀....
June 12, 2023
I Am Loving These Shorts!
I am loving these holiday shorts! Alex is giving us new characters to love, while giving updates on our old familiar friends. I hope to see some full novels on some of these couples. I loved Madison and Dallas!
I am loving these holiday shorts! Alex is giving us new characters to love, while giving updates on our old familiar friends. I hope to see some full novels on some of these couples. I loved Madison and Dallas!
December 15, 2020
The novella format worked against this premise. Everything felt too rushed or perhaps unbalanced, with more time devoted to what happened on set than what happened in the romance department. I needed everything to be fleshed out more, especially because neither Madison or Dallas were interested in a relationship and it wasn’t clear whether they were actually more than friends with benefits by the end. For sure an HFN, not an HEA. They are promising together, I just wasn’t clear where it was headed.
Also, the dialogue tag for Madison was “whined” way too many times. I’m not into grown adults whining when they’re in the middle of a regular conversation.
Character notes: Madison is a production assistant and aspiring director. Dallas is a director.
CW: alcohol, reference to hero’s mother getting pregnant with him while his dad was on a break from his wife, reference to off-page character going into labor, ableist language
Also, the dialogue tag for Madison was “whined” way too many times. I’m not into grown adults whining when they’re in the middle of a regular conversation.
Character notes: Madison is a production assistant and aspiring director. Dallas is a director.
CW: alcohol, reference to hero’s mother getting pregnant with him while his dad was on a break from his wife, reference to off-page character going into labor, ableist language
December 24, 2022
4/5⭐️ 3.5/5🌶️
- This has been my favorite two cities book by far! Oh how I wish it was longer I was really enjoying this book!! It gave me the perfect mix of Christmas and romance in a novella. From the Christmas songs which were just a vibe to the forehead kisses I loved it all.
- Its about the lovely Madison Walker and she was so cute! She had a innocence vibe to her but she really gets busy lol. She is such a hard worker even if it's something simple. Her goal is to become a big time director and shes on the right path. Then its the big shot director Dallas Bryant. He was really sweet too. Plotting on Madi from the beginning. He saw her talent and looks and it was over after that.
- I really enjoyed the cute little moments they shared. I loved how he spoke so highly about her dreams with encouragement not laughter. But here is why I wish it was longer because technically the book ended with them just being friends with benefits. Its explained better in the book but yeah. Would have loved to see it go from that to more.
- Definitely recommend! This was also the push for me to read more by her so if you have a rec let me know.
- This has been my favorite two cities book by far! Oh how I wish it was longer I was really enjoying this book!! It gave me the perfect mix of Christmas and romance in a novella. From the Christmas songs which were just a vibe to the forehead kisses I loved it all.
- Its about the lovely Madison Walker and she was so cute! She had a innocence vibe to her but she really gets busy lol. She is such a hard worker even if it's something simple. Her goal is to become a big time director and shes on the right path. Then its the big shot director Dallas Bryant. He was really sweet too. Plotting on Madi from the beginning. He saw her talent and looks and it was over after that.
- I really enjoyed the cute little moments they shared. I loved how he spoke so highly about her dreams with encouragement not laughter. But here is why I wish it was longer because technically the book ended with them just being friends with benefits. Its explained better in the book but yeah. Would have loved to see it go from that to more.
- Definitely recommend! This was also the push for me to read more by her so if you have a rec let me know.
November 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! It was wonderful to read about a FMC who is quirky yet clever and attractive. I loved how the MMC, Dallas was smitten with the FMC, Madison and appreciated that she was different from the other women he dated. While there's nothing wrong with those other women, I’m glad he found Madison both adorable and sexy, without her needing to be a "bad b****" to catch his eye. The banter between Madison and Dallas had me laughing out loud many times. Dallas has an amazing vibe! I really admire a man who supports his woman. This was such a sweet and spicy read, especially with its Christmas theme—perfect for the holidays!
December 25, 2018
Cute Love Story
I am totally loving these quick holiday reads.I hope there is a New Years Novella coming as well. Madison and Dallas were really cute together. Being in the same industry I can see a long term happily ever after for them. This instant attraction to each other and the chemists was a recipe for love at first sight. As always I like the catch up on past characters Akexis and Jaden and Zalatah and Gabriel. Can't wait to see what amazing stories that you have in store for us in 2019 Alexandra. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I am totally loving these quick holiday reads.I hope there is a New Years Novella coming as well. Madison and Dallas were really cute together. Being in the same industry I can see a long term happily ever after for them. This instant attraction to each other and the chemists was a recipe for love at first sight. As always I like the catch up on past characters Akexis and Jaden and Zalatah and Gabriel. Can't wait to see what amazing stories that you have in store for us in 2019 Alexandra. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
December 18, 2022
Merry 🍆-Mas
Madison and Dallas...what do you do when you meet your professional hero and he finds you not only talented, but worth the time he hasn't wanted to give to anyone else in a very long time.
Hell, he's made you realize that you can have your career and a "more than a friend" as well. On the job intimacy though can be a tricky dog though, however these two clicked and their chemistry flowed to make this a special holiday for both of them and the beginning of a beautiful situationship?
Madison and Dallas...what do you do when you meet your professional hero and he finds you not only talented, but worth the time he hasn't wanted to give to anyone else in a very long time.
Hell, he's made you realize that you can have your career and a "more than a friend" as well. On the job intimacy though can be a tricky dog though, however these two clicked and their chemistry flowed to make this a special holiday for both of them and the beginning of a beautiful situationship?
December 17, 2025
This was a cute, quick read that I really enjoyed. Dallas and Madison’s time together was fun to read, especially the shift from the workplace to the “work space.” Loved that progression.
I was a little unsure about Alexis at first, but credit where it’s due; she knew how to make things happen, from the office moments all the way to the Christmas Eve party.
That said, Danielle’s on-again/off-again girlfriend, Tracey, was not it for me. Very immature, very insecure, and honestly exhausting in the few short pages she appeared.
Overall, a light, enjoyable read with solid moments.
I was a little unsure about Alexis at first, but credit where it’s due; she knew how to make things happen, from the office moments all the way to the Christmas Eve party.
That said, Danielle’s on-again/off-again girlfriend, Tracey, was not it for me. Very immature, very insecure, and honestly exhausting in the few short pages she appeared.
Overall, a light, enjoyable read with solid moments.
December 24, 2018
Merry @#$!mas!
Alexandra out did this one bringing so many of our favorite couples back and great editing. I love Za and Gabe!!! They are my favorite. But Dallas and Madison was steamy. I love her timid nerd thing with her secret side only for Dallas. Proves even celebrities prefer that down to earth struggle to make it thing. Great read! Happy Holidays!
Alexandra out did this one bringing so many of our favorite couples back and great editing. I love Za and Gabe!!! They are my favorite. But Dallas and Madison was steamy. I love her timid nerd thing with her secret side only for Dallas. Proves even celebrities prefer that down to earth struggle to make it thing. Great read! Happy Holidays!
December 24, 2018
Dallas Bryant 😍
I've read 3 Christmas stories in one day and this was the best one I've read so far! I loved Madison and Dallas's chemistry. I also liked how the author seamlessly added characters from her previous books in the story. I would look like to see a full length novel on Madison and Dallas.
I've read 3 Christmas stories in one day and this was the best one I've read so far! I loved Madison and Dallas's chemistry. I also liked how the author seamlessly added characters from her previous books in the story. I would look like to see a full length novel on Madison and Dallas.
December 25, 2018
Loved this holiday series!!!!
I've so enjoyed this holiday series. I believe Madison and Dallas may be my favorite couple. I love how previous couples were seamlessly blended into the stories. Danielle was a super hilarious supporting cast! She certainly added some laugh out loud moments!
I've so enjoyed this holiday series. I believe Madison and Dallas may be my favorite couple. I love how previous couples were seamlessly blended into the stories. Danielle was a super hilarious supporting cast! She certainly added some laugh out loud moments!
December 27, 2018
Short but sweet!
Perfect length for the busy holiday season！ I really enjoyed Madison and Dallas' story! I also love how the author references her previous works by having those characters cameo. I've been catching up on all of her releases, and the references help me decide what to read next! Good story!
Perfect length for the busy holiday season！ I really enjoyed Madison and Dallas' story! I also love how the author references her previous works by having those characters cameo. I've been catching up on all of her releases, and the references help me decide what to read next! Good story!
December 27, 2018
Madison and Dallas were quite a match. I liked how their careers connected both of them. I also enjoyed the linked cameos from former book characters from Alexandra Warren's previous books. Danielle and Madison were so much fun together. Especially the whole "Merry Dick-mas" song lyrics. Super cute novella for this time of year!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2019
Reading gold!
I have been a fan of this author for sometime and I always recommend her work to fellow readers. This story was everything I really enjoy how her characters are weaved into new adventures. The characters are always solid and even in a novella you will not be disappointed. Wonderful read waiting on her next treasure to be released.
I have been a fan of this author for sometime and I always recommend her work to fellow readers. This story was everything I really enjoy how her characters are weaved into new adventures. The characters are always solid and even in a novella you will not be disappointed. Wonderful read waiting on her next treasure to be released.
January 11, 2019
My Fave!
This one was my favorite because Madison and Dallas were modest people. Their aura and chemistry spoke volumes considering they worked in an industry that is so demanding and all about the glitz and glam, but I'm glad they made a love connection in spite of their friends with benefits title. Great Read! More! ReneeG 👍
This one was my favorite because Madison and Dallas were modest people. Their aura and chemistry spoke volumes considering they worked in an industry that is so demanding and all about the glitz and glam, but I'm glad they made a love connection in spite of their friends with benefits title. Great Read! More! ReneeG 👍
February 19, 2020
This was so much fun. Dallas & Maddison fit nicely as two people should in the beginnings of a relationship and beyond.
Although this is a wonderful stand alone, there are appearances from supporting cast members from previous books. But...they don’t intrude on the storyline at all. I think you will be pleasantly entertained.
Although this is a wonderful stand alone, there are appearances from supporting cast members from previous books. But...they don’t intrude on the storyline at all. I think you will be pleasantly entertained.
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