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Hectic Holidays #1
A Bird in the Oven
Olivia Holland expected to be married and starting a family by the time she turned thirty. Instead, she lives in the condo next door to her best friend without even so much as a pet. It’s not as bad as it sounds, except on the nights that said best friend’s very active sex life keeps her awake with the noise of his head board slamming against their shared bedroom wall. Still, Ollie is her best friend in the entire world and living next to him has perks—a willing spider exterminator, furnace repairman, and computer guru.
Oliver Cucinelli has a problem. A gargantuan conundrum. He truly loves very few things in his complicated existence—his job, his family, and his best friend, Liv. He’s happy to do anything she asks of him, from killing miniscule spiders to repairing her laptop. Which is exactly how he discovers that she has a severe case of baby fever. Ollie always knew Liv would outgrow him one day. He never expected it to be so soon.
A night of neighbor-watching debauchery, an unfortunate misunderstanding with Oliver’s mom, and a healthy dose of panic later, Oliver comes up with the perfect solution to everyone’s problems.
He’ll put a bird in Olivia’s oven. By Thanksgiving.
Oliver Cucinelli has a problem. A gargantuan conundrum. He truly loves very few things in his complicated existence—his job, his family, and his best friend, Liv. He’s happy to do anything she asks of him, from killing miniscule spiders to repairing her laptop. Which is exactly how he discovers that she has a severe case of baby fever. Ollie always knew Liv would outgrow him one day. He never expected it to be so soon.
A night of neighbor-watching debauchery, an unfortunate misunderstanding with Oliver’s mom, and a healthy dose of panic later, Oliver comes up with the perfect solution to everyone’s problems.
He’ll put a bird in Olivia’s oven. By Thanksgiving.
Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2020
About the author
Kata Čuić
21 books473 followersKata Čuić lives in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and writes romance stories with a dash of humor, a dollop of spice, and a heaping helping of heart. With a background in Linguistics and a minor in Religious Studies, her writing style marries lit fic with delicious tropes. He falls first and harder, anyone?
From angst-filled new adult series to standalone rom-coms, and even a touch of paranormal, Kata's diverse storytelling offers something for every romance reader palate. Because she gets bored writing the same things all the time, okay?
When she's not writing, Kata emotionally eats to cope with the endless news cycle, binge reads series because sleep is for the weak, and probably drinks too much whiskey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 25, 2020
Note to author: This is not over yet. You better sit down and write us the continuation of this precious couple book for this Christmas. Do you hear me, Ms Čuić? I want more.
Okay, now let's talk about this beautiful amazing gem I have in my hand. I love every sentence in this 150 pages book. It's simply executed and yet I freaking love everything about it. You have only five characters in this book. FIVE. Yet each one of them played their role in progressing the story much better than a complicated twisted ass story.
This is the story of friends into lovers, interconnected with this cute sweet moments of fragility and delicateness towards them. Oliver is autistic and has feelings for Olivia ever since they were kids. Olivia too shared the same feeling but timing was a bitch and now she wants to have a baby. Oliver found out and drama/hilarity ensues!
Oliver and Olivia are completely perfect for each other. Oliver and his own type of expressing himself. Olivia and her own selflessness and love. I want to be their friends and watch them grow together.
"Without you, I exist.” Deep breath. In. Out. Release. “With you, I live.”
Just amazing!
Okay, now let's talk about this beautiful amazing gem I have in my hand. I love every sentence in this 150 pages book. It's simply executed and yet I freaking love everything about it. You have only five characters in this book. FIVE. Yet each one of them played their role in progressing the story much better than a complicated twisted ass story.
This is the story of friends into lovers, interconnected with this cute sweet moments of fragility and delicateness towards them. Oliver is autistic and has feelings for Olivia ever since they were kids. Olivia too shared the same feeling but timing was a bitch and now she wants to have a baby. Oliver found out and drama/hilarity ensues!
Oliver and Olivia are completely perfect for each other. Oliver and his own type of expressing himself. Olivia and her own selflessness and love. I want to be their friends and watch them grow together.
"Without you, I exist.” Deep breath. In. Out. Release. “With you, I live.”
Just amazing!
January 19, 2022
If Christmas books can be read before Halloween then it's also completely acceptable to read Thanksgiving books in January right? Even while lounging in a pool because I'm in the southern hemisphere and it's the dead of summer right now. Right? Btw, I was completely terrified the whole time having my precious Kindle surrounded by all that deadly water. Reading while being inside a pool should be considered an extreme sport.
I had fun reading this, even if the story progression was very clunky. Oliver and Olivia (so corny that they basically have the same name, but I kinda love it! I hope they have a baby girl and name her Olive 😜) went from life-long, platonic BFFs to talking about sleeping together with pretty much no steps in between and little to no discussion. Like it was pretty much a done deal and the foregone conclusion to their Oliver lied to his mom dilemma.
It was pretty much established very early on that he was financially significantly well off, so it would have been a lot more reasonable and expected for him to propose paying for IVF, since he was the one to land them in that whole fake pregnancy lie anyways. But, no. They went from maaaaybe IVF to psh, yeah, let's get it on *cue Marvin Gaye*
I'll admit, though, that I really liked how candid and direct most of their conversations were. These two had absolutely no issues, shame or embarrassment openly discussing sleeping with each other (which, again, not really normal for life-long friends, but whatever). I would have expected way more awkwardness and uncertainty with them navigating such treacherous, uncharted waters; especially with all the history and emotional investment that comes with so many years of friendship. But Oliver and Olivia were like awkward, who? We don't know her.
Another thing I liked was how Oliver's autism was hinted, at first, through his obsession with numbers, figures and data. I've been thinking about it and I don't think I've come across many neurodiverse main characters in all my reading, so it was nice to see some representation! I think it was very brave of the author to tackle writing from the perspectives of both someone neurotypical and someone on the autism spectrum (dual POV FTW! 💪🏻).
But I still think the story and relationship progression was very clumsy. Things felt rushed. The story kept jumping around from one thing to the next, not really establishing any connections. There were weird miscommunications that made me feel like I'd missed something while reading and I didn't fully follow some of the trains of thought Oliver and Olivia had to reach the conclusions they did.
In the end, this was a quick, short novella to kick-starts what looks like it'll be a fun series. They didn't define their relationship, Olivia still isn't pregnant and the autism thing was kinda left up in the air. The groundwork has been laid down, and I'm curious to see where this story will go.
November 25, 2021
I was intrigued by the plot but sadly disappointed with the outcome. The character of Oliver was conflicting. He is pegged as somewhat of a ladies man and it is noted how many women he had slept with. In another light, he is described as autistic and the way his personality and character speaks, he sounds like Sheldon Cooper. Two completely different types of people wrapped up in one person. I found that characteristic odd and it threw the whole story off for me.
November 19, 2021
DNF at 22%
Seemed like it could have been good. U like the premise, the female character.
The male MC is the problem. Rather, how he's written. The dialogue for him is so overbearing and stilted. Enough that each time I read "his" words, i wanted to throw my Kindle.
Seemed like it could have been good. U like the premise, the female character.
The male MC is the problem. Rather, how he's written. The dialogue for him is so overbearing and stilted. Enough that each time I read "his" words, i wanted to throw my Kindle.
October 27, 2021
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Kata Cuic's writing. When she released this Thanksgiving-timed story last year, I snapped it up and enjoyed it tremendously. The only problem is that it's too short and I heartily agree with another reviewer who stated that a follow-up Christmas story is necessary.
I am not an expert on neurodiversity, but I've always been impressed with Kata Cuic's ability to include characters who represent a wide range of human experience, and do it in a way that feels real and engaging. The range of experience and growth that Liv and Ollie have in the space of a novella is astonishing. I couldn't love them more.
I am not an expert on neurodiversity, but I've always been impressed with Kata Cuic's ability to include characters who represent a wide range of human experience, and do it in a way that feels real and engaging. The range of experience and growth that Liv and Ollie have in the space of a novella is astonishing. I couldn't love them more.
November 24, 2022
A cute little story between friends. 🧡
November 24, 2022
I loved Olivia and Ollie friendship!
December 27, 2021
I just couldn't finish this book. I realize Ollie has autism, but I felt like I was listening to a gynecologist instead of a lover. It was so unromantic and off putting. I think this could have been a great friends to lovers story, but I just couldn't get past the clinical descriptions and how awkward everything was between the characters.
Read
November 28, 2020This book was just not for me I think. It had all the great ingredients: Friends-to-lovers, neighbors, a fun twist for Thanksgiving... The book had me laughing aloud in the first chapter and I thought we were off to a good start. However, the book then progressed really quickly to trying for a child, not really building up any tension or something for me. It also lead to me not really connecting to the characters as much. I appreciate the inclusion of a hero with autism, but I don’t know about how accurate his portrayal is here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
happy for now ending
I hate when they dont tell you when a book is a cliffhanger, i mean its a happy for now ending, but its not the same, and then you find out you cant even get the other two books til dec and feb
I hate when they dont tell you when a book is a cliffhanger, i mean its a happy for now ending, but its not the same, and then you find out you cant even get the other two books til dec and feb
November 28, 2021
This was hard to read
I don't even know how to put my feelings for this book into words. It was awkward and imo not a great representation of someone with autism...
I don't even know how to put my feelings for this book into words. It was awkward and imo not a great representation of someone with autism...
November 26, 2021
So, the story wasn't quite what I was expecting, though all things considered, I did find the book enjoyable.
Right off the bat, I fell in love with Olivia's snarky sense of humor, though unfortunately, it didn't seem to crop up nearly as much as I would've liked as the book wore on. However, I do have to give her props for standing up to Oliver's judgmental aunt, especially since she didn't resort to the kind of colorful language that I would've used. And speaking of Oliver, I liked that he was a hunky yet socially awkward nerd. While I do love me some he-man alphas, I also recognize that nerds do come with their own brand of sex appeal, and wish authors would use the archetype more often. However, getting back to Oliver specifically. Since I don't personally know anyone who's neurodivergent — at least, as far as I'm aware — I can't judge how accurate the author was in portraying someone with autism, but the revelation and eventual confirmation did put some of Oliver's mannerisms into perspective, i.e., his sensory issues that I somehow missed.
Again, the story wasn't quite what I was expecting — i.e., a Thanksgiving-themed rom-com with lotsa baby-making — but all-in-all, it worked for me. I only wish that I had known going in that this story was not a standalone and in fact continues in the next 2 books, apparently. Oh, I'll read them, but I just wish I knew I was signing up for that kind of series commitment.
Overall Verdict: 8 Thanksgiving turkeys out of 10
Right off the bat, I fell in love with Olivia's snarky sense of humor, though unfortunately, it didn't seem to crop up nearly as much as I would've liked as the book wore on. However, I do have to give her props for standing up to Oliver's judgmental aunt, especially since she didn't resort to the kind of colorful language that I would've used. And speaking of Oliver, I liked that he was a hunky yet socially awkward nerd. While I do love me some he-man alphas, I also recognize that nerds do come with their own brand of sex appeal, and wish authors would use the archetype more often. However, getting back to Oliver specifically. Since I don't personally know anyone who's neurodivergent — at least, as far as I'm aware — I can't judge how accurate the author was in portraying someone with autism, but the revelation and eventual confirmation did put some of Oliver's mannerisms into perspective, i.e., his sensory issues that I somehow missed.
Again, the story wasn't quite what I was expecting — i.e., a Thanksgiving-themed rom-com with lotsa baby-making — but all-in-all, it worked for me. I only wish that I had known going in that this story was not a standalone and in fact continues in the next 2 books, apparently. Oh, I'll read them, but I just wish I knew I was signing up for that kind of series commitment.
Overall Verdict: 8 Thanksgiving turkeys out of 10
January 11, 2022
There were good moments, but it lacked communication
I liked that this was about someone on the Autism spectrum finding their happily ever after. I didn't like that although it is hinted in his speech and mannerisms, its not directly mentioned until nearly the end. The foundation of their friendship is their ability to comfort each other and Olivia being so accommodating to his preferences so he doesn't get overwhelmed but they suddenly don't communicate very well when they decide to have a baby, which was another thing that doesn't make sense.
Logistically, she would be a month or two along before they realized she was pregnant in the first place, so deciding they would just have to get pregnant by Thanksgiving and his mom wouldn't do the math when Olivia is more than a month overdue? But I had a hard time putting this down, even when I was annoyed.
I liked that this was about someone on the Autism spectrum finding their happily ever after. I didn't like that although it is hinted in his speech and mannerisms, its not directly mentioned until nearly the end. The foundation of their friendship is their ability to comfort each other and Olivia being so accommodating to his preferences so he doesn't get overwhelmed but they suddenly don't communicate very well when they decide to have a baby, which was another thing that doesn't make sense.
Logistically, she would be a month or two along before they realized she was pregnant in the first place, so deciding they would just have to get pregnant by Thanksgiving and his mom wouldn't do the math when Olivia is more than a month overdue? But I had a hard time putting this down, even when I was annoyed.
November 29, 2020
A Bird in the Oven was such a fun and emotional holiday adventure. Olivia and Ollie have been friends forever and always in each other's lives. Olivia is starting to have baby fever and looking at all possible options. Ollie is feeling overwhelmed by his mother's wish for him to settle down and start his own family. Olivia and Ollie get swept into a deal that pleases both sides, but what happens when one has feelings and can't get past the deal that has been put in place? Ollie an Olivia takes us on quite the adventure that has them facing changes, dealing with feelings that have been kept secret, and as well as trying to figure out what they want in life and from each other moving forward. Read this book and experience all that is Ollie and Olivia!
October 31, 2021
With the holidays coming soon, what best way to enjoy Thanksgiving, but with a novella by Kata Čuić.
Be warned, before you start, that this is just a short story that NEEDS more Ollie and Olivia.(and more is expected to come soon)
With that said, I still recommend "A Bird in the Oven" for the typical, detail oriented characters and storyline. Kata Čuić writes such wonderful characters, making the story come alive, making the reader BEG for more of this story. The dynamics between all the characters and family the reader meets, keeps one interested and involved. And this dynamics and portrayal is something that all the books by Kata Čuić has, making her a definite favorite, as well as a must read author for all her books.
Be warned, before you start, that this is just a short story that NEEDS more Ollie and Olivia.(and more is expected to come soon)
With that said, I still recommend "A Bird in the Oven" for the typical, detail oriented characters and storyline. Kata Čuić writes such wonderful characters, making the story come alive, making the reader BEG for more of this story. The dynamics between all the characters and family the reader meets, keeps one interested and involved. And this dynamics and portrayal is something that all the books by Kata Čuić has, making her a definite favorite, as well as a must read author for all her books.
December 12, 2020
I love Liv and Ollie. Love them!!! And, dammit, I want more!
I think it's brilliant —absolutely brilliant— that the author doesn't broadcast the challenges Ollie lives with. I think it's brilliant that she hands him to you, and allows you to form your own thoughts and opinions.
(Spoiler below, so stop here if you don't want to know)
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Autism is not one size fits all. It looks different on everyone. The author did a beautiful job with this story...she captured exactly one example of an autistic person. And how lucky that character is to have the support system depicted.
Bravo!
I think it's brilliant —absolutely brilliant— that the author doesn't broadcast the challenges Ollie lives with. I think it's brilliant that she hands him to you, and allows you to form your own thoughts and opinions.
(Spoiler below, so stop here if you don't want to know)
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Autism is not one size fits all. It looks different on everyone. The author did a beautiful job with this story...she captured exactly one example of an autistic person. And how lucky that character is to have the support system depicted.
Bravo!
November 12, 2025
I chose to read this one as a Thanksgiving story to match the upcoming holiday. While the upcoming Thanksgiving is a key part of the story you don't actually have Thanksgiving Day/Dinner. This was a very interesting look into love from alternating points of view of an autistic MMC and his BFF who has loved him just as long as he has loved her. I thought it was well done but was tired of their inability to communicate by the end of the story. This is definitely open door and very steamy. The story ends as a sort of HFN with them apparently taking 2 more books to get to the HEA. I won't be reading them as I was ready for the HEA by the end of this one.
December 27, 2021
Comical but Educational
Lets face it, I bought it because it says comical and was affordable. And read it because of the authors name. And let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down until the end. Kata managed, through fun teach us about autism. Through Aunt Viv she shows us general conception of autistic people. But it’s very, very wrong. They are not crazy, they aren’t disabled, they just processes things differently. And with love, anything and everything is possible! Just read it, you will be pleasantly surprised and learn about autism and love.
Danica
Lets face it, I bought it because it says comical and was affordable. And read it because of the authors name. And let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down until the end. Kata managed, through fun teach us about autism. Through Aunt Viv she shows us general conception of autistic people. But it’s very, very wrong. They are not crazy, they aren’t disabled, they just processes things differently. And with love, anything and everything is possible! Just read it, you will be pleasantly surprised and learn about autism and love.
Danica
February 15, 2022
This is the first book in a new series and is Oliver and Olivia’s story. These two are best friends and neighbours, who have loved each other since childhood, but never disclosed their true feelings. Now Olivia wants a baby, and Oliver finds out, and is prepared to help her. This is a delightful story which is a quick read, and is humorous, with drama, witty banter, family, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
November 23, 2020
Honest review
Absolutely LOVED this book! Love the relationship between the two main characters and love seeing them interact. You get a glimpse of what it is like to be in the mind of someone with autism and also what it is like to be blessed to be in someone’s life that has autism. There are ups and downs, but this VERY MUCH a journey worth taking. Truly LOVE Ollie and Olivia. This really touched my heart.
Absolutely LOVED this book! Love the relationship between the two main characters and love seeing them interact. You get a glimpse of what it is like to be in the mind of someone with autism and also what it is like to be blessed to be in someone’s life that has autism. There are ups and downs, but this VERY MUCH a journey worth taking. Truly LOVE Ollie and Olivia. This really touched my heart.
November 25, 2021
A Bird in The Oven by Kata Cuic is a heartfelt Thanksgiving romance. I really enjoyed the friendship between Olivia and Oliver. I was a little put off by Oliver’s voice, but it eventually made sense as the book progressed. While Olivia doesn’t get her baby in this book, there are more to make up the Hectic Holidays series. This book has several steamy scenes. There are also some really emotional scenes. For being a short read it packed quite the punch.
May 3, 2022
3.5 but rounding up. I laughed In the beginning of the book and really feel like the story concept is good. I struggled with some things- Ollie is Autistic and although autism is a spectrum and a lot of people can be different on the line, it just seemed at times a stereotypical version of autism. Some of he word choices and such just made him sound very robotic at times.
I am going to read the next book because I genuinely want to see what happens next with them.
I am going to read the next book because I genuinely want to see what happens next with them.
September 24, 2022
Olivia and Oliver have been best friends since they were kids and now they are neighbors too.
A new breakup for Oliver, a misunderstanding and they end up having to pretend to Ollie's mother that Olivia is going to give her a grandson.
Do you think it’s the craziest thing ever? Well no. The craziest thing is to see how these 2 characters interact, how they are capable of messing things up simply by no speaking out. Very entertaining and fun.
❤️❤️❤️❤️Ollie.
A new breakup for Oliver, a misunderstanding and they end up having to pretend to Ollie's mother that Olivia is going to give her a grandson.
Do you think it’s the craziest thing ever? Well no. The craziest thing is to see how these 2 characters interact, how they are capable of messing things up simply by no speaking out. Very entertaining and fun.
❤️❤️❤️❤️Ollie.
November 22, 2022
Warning ** This short book does not have an ending. It is a curte friends to lovers story. But I'll never know how Oliver and Olivia resolve their differences. I won't be sucked into a serial story - and the second book doesn't resolve either.
I was looking forward to watching Oliver cope - this is a different male lead character. But, no. I didn't love it enough to keep going into however many chapters. I don't like serials - give me a whole long book, please!
I was looking forward to watching Oliver cope - this is a different male lead character. But, no. I didn't love it enough to keep going into however many chapters. I don't like serials - give me a whole long book, please!
November 27, 2022
3.5⭐️ rounded up
This is the first book in the Hectic Holidays series by Kata Čuić. Oliver & Olivia are best friends and neighbors who secretly love each other. Olivia has baby fever. Oliver finds out while fixing Olivia’s computer & it not only didn’t scare him away…BUT he is WILLING to help!
🍂Holiday Novella
🍂Dual POV
🍂Friends To Lovers
🍂Fake Pregnancy
🍂Guy Falls First
🍂Secret Pining
🍂Autism Representation
🍂Cinnamon Roll MMC
I am intrigued to see how Oliver & Olivia’s story unfolds.
This is the first book in the Hectic Holidays series by Kata Čuić. Oliver & Olivia are best friends and neighbors who secretly love each other. Olivia has baby fever. Oliver finds out while fixing Olivia’s computer & it not only didn’t scare him away…BUT he is WILLING to help!
🍂Holiday Novella
🍂Dual POV
🍂Friends To Lovers
🍂Fake Pregnancy
🍂Guy Falls First
🍂Secret Pining
🍂Autism Representation
🍂Cinnamon Roll MMC
I am intrigued to see how Oliver & Olivia’s story unfolds.
August 14, 2023
Love it
Oliver and Liv are cute together. It took me awhile to figure out why Oliver was written how he was. Kind of threw me off with reading, but I stuck with it. Once I realized why Oliver was the way he was, it was easier for me to read. A great book and gave me an insight into something I didn't know much about.
Oliver and Liv are cute together. It took me awhile to figure out why Oliver was written how he was. Kind of threw me off with reading, but I stuck with it. Once I realized why Oliver was the way he was, it was easier for me to read. A great book and gave me an insight into something I didn't know much about.
November 12, 2023
Ugh! I wanted so much more out of this ending! It seemed like it just abruptly ended. I throughly enjoyed the POV of Ollie and loving Ollie through Liv. I’ve never read a book with a MC with autism but certainly not a romantic/ smut, I love that the author did this and applaud it. But that ending? Lacked what it needed to give!
November 26, 2021
Fun, but also deeper than expected
There were a lot of fun parts in this book, I really liked the characters and the situation they found themselves in. It was interesting to see how communication and Oliver being on the spectrum provided the conflict.
There were a lot of fun parts in this book, I really liked the characters and the situation they found themselves in. It was interesting to see how communication and Oliver being on the spectrum provided the conflict.
November 30, 2021
2.5 Stars.
This is a story about two individuals who have been in love with each other for over 10 years and have never told the other their true feelings.
I enjoyed this story which includes a main character/love interest who is autistic.
This is a story about two individuals who have been in love with each other for over 10 years and have never told the other their true feelings.
I enjoyed this story which includes a main character/love interest who is autistic.
December 31, 2021
It was cute but I was expecting a standalone so was a little disappointed not to have more resolution at the end. Although I don't know how accurate the representation of our neurodiverse hero is I felt that it was meant to be positive which I liked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews