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All Aglow
A college tradition turned long-term promise means the Payne and Sideris families have spent every Christmas together for the past thirty-something years.
Cass Sideris loves traditions. She’s trying her hardest to follow in her lawyer parent's footsteps to make them proud, but in all honesty, the only family customs she truly feels inspired by are the ones that involve cutting down a giant Christmas tree, walking through the forest as the snow falls, and sipping eggnog next to the fire, surrounded by loved ones.
She’s grown up alongside the Payne children, including her best friend Dylan, the young twins who exist solely to make her life harder, and, uh, the oldest Payne daughter, Stevie. Stevie, a firefighter with perfect hair and a kind heart. No big deal. Cass hasn’t had an unrequited and unconfessed crush on Stevie since she was eight-years-old or anything.
When Stevie gets her heart broken, Cass doesn’t expect to be the one consoling her. And after a series of unfortunate events and a last-minute road trip bring her closer to Stevie, Cass starts questioning more than just her feelings for Stevie… like her path in life. Still, she definitely shouldn’t be trying to casually catch Stevie under the mistletoe, right?
Cass Sideris loves traditions. She’s trying her hardest to follow in her lawyer parent's footsteps to make them proud, but in all honesty, the only family customs she truly feels inspired by are the ones that involve cutting down a giant Christmas tree, walking through the forest as the snow falls, and sipping eggnog next to the fire, surrounded by loved ones.
She’s grown up alongside the Payne children, including her best friend Dylan, the young twins who exist solely to make her life harder, and, uh, the oldest Payne daughter, Stevie. Stevie, a firefighter with perfect hair and a kind heart. No big deal. Cass hasn’t had an unrequited and unconfessed crush on Stevie since she was eight-years-old or anything.
When Stevie gets her heart broken, Cass doesn’t expect to be the one consoling her. And after a series of unfortunate events and a last-minute road trip bring her closer to Stevie, Cass starts questioning more than just her feelings for Stevie… like her path in life. Still, she definitely shouldn’t be trying to casually catch Stevie under the mistletoe, right?
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2020
54 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Bryce Oakley
24 books257 followersBryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either. She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 19, 2021
A fun Kindle Unlimited Christmas Read.
Bryce Oakley is great at funny situations and dialogue. But for me the heart is often not there. The family dynamics here are humorous from YaYa and her aggressive weiner dog, to the terrorizing twins. But I felt little for the couple, and even less for the ensuing immature drama of swapping spouses that came about, it was weird. And kinda gross.
There are two families that have been having their Christmas together for years. There's MC Cass and her Mother and older brother, Eli, along with YaYa. Then there's Cass' best friend Dylan and his older sister Stevie, and their two parents - plus their younger twins.
We're supposed to believe Stevie and Cass have this connection and attraction - but honestly I didn't particularly feel it. Apart from everyone in the family not liking Stevie's bring home girlfriend Mia one year (This story takes place over 3 years/Christmases - 4 if you count the epilogue) I didn't really sense any real romantic feelings there. They barely even interacted, and it's clear they don't interact between the Christmas years, either - so it's like huh?
Year 2 they sleep together because they get snowed in, but there's a whole black moment/misunderstanding where the ex, Mia, shows up - and they don't speak to each other until the 3rd year. It's tedious and immature. But then it's all I love you's.
There's even more drama where the ex and Cass' brother become a thing, and it's very WTF inducing.
I'm sure others will love this more than me, but I just felt a bit too weirded out about certain aspects and could never believe the love there because of the lack of groundwork for the relationship.
Bryce Oakley is great at funny situations and dialogue. But for me the heart is often not there. The family dynamics here are humorous from YaYa and her aggressive weiner dog, to the terrorizing twins. But I felt little for the couple, and even less for the ensuing immature drama of swapping spouses that came about, it was weird. And kinda gross.
There are two families that have been having their Christmas together for years. There's MC Cass and her Mother and older brother, Eli, along with YaYa. Then there's Cass' best friend Dylan and his older sister Stevie, and their two parents - plus their younger twins.
We're supposed to believe Stevie and Cass have this connection and attraction - but honestly I didn't particularly feel it. Apart from everyone in the family not liking Stevie's bring home girlfriend Mia one year (This story takes place over 3 years/Christmases - 4 if you count the epilogue) I didn't really sense any real romantic feelings there. They barely even interacted, and it's clear they don't interact between the Christmas years, either - so it's like huh?
Year 2 they sleep together because they get snowed in, but there's a whole black moment/misunderstanding where the ex, Mia, shows up - and they don't speak to each other until the 3rd year. It's tedious and immature. But then it's all I love you's.
There's even more drama where the ex and Cass' brother become a thing, and it's very WTF inducing.
I'm sure others will love this more than me, but I just felt a bit too weirded out about certain aspects and could never believe the love there because of the lack of groundwork for the relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
I just need you all to know that there’s a dachshund in this book named Gretchen Wieners. It got a good chuckle out of me.
Not a new favorite sapphic Christmas romance, but it was still a nice read. Cass & Stevie’s families have always spent Christmas together in a cabin in Colorado. Cass grew up having a crush on Stevie, but nothing has ever happened between the two of them until a couple of pivotal years. I think the biggest issue here is that the novella takes place over 3 different years (4 including the epilogue) but it’s only 158 pages. So the backstory of years past never felt fully formed and then the relationship in the present day felt super rushed.
There’s a lot of fun, heartwarming stuff with both of their families. Also, I enjoyed Cass figuring out what she actually wants to do with her life rather than just following in her family’s footsteps. There’s also a really nice steamy scene. I wouldn’t steer anyone away from reading this. But I definitely did prefer Bryce Oakley’s The Snowy Springs Holiday Romances Series to this.
Not a new favorite sapphic Christmas romance, but it was still a nice read. Cass & Stevie’s families have always spent Christmas together in a cabin in Colorado. Cass grew up having a crush on Stevie, but nothing has ever happened between the two of them until a couple of pivotal years. I think the biggest issue here is that the novella takes place over 3 different years (4 including the epilogue) but it’s only 158 pages. So the backstory of years past never felt fully formed and then the relationship in the present day felt super rushed.
There’s a lot of fun, heartwarming stuff with both of their families. Also, I enjoyed Cass figuring out what she actually wants to do with her life rather than just following in her family’s footsteps. There’s also a really nice steamy scene. I wouldn’t steer anyone away from reading this. But I definitely did prefer Bryce Oakley’s The Snowy Springs Holiday Romances Series to this.
December 21, 2020
I enjoyed this holiday themed novella. It was funny and light - mostly. The long time unrequited crush Cass had on Stevie appeared quite one sided and the story would have benefited from shedding light on any feelings Stevie may have also had. The unexpected, sexy weekend encounter was nice - until it wasn't. And then a whole year goes by? Cass is the stronger character, and while Stevie is certainly attractive and caring, her behavior made it difficult to completely buy in to their eventual pairing. Also - there appeared to be something missing later in the story because Stevie's family seemed to be in the know about her feelings about Cass - yet we never find out how or why. Still - overall it was an enjoyable afternoon read. 3.5 stars
November 25, 2022
Christmas romance that takes place over a 4 years. It was a little funny and offered that Christmas nostalgia, but when your acts take place a year apart for a couple days at a time it can be hard to squeeze in all the feelings of the romance. I felt like I only ever got a taste of the chemistry that the two leads had so when the angsty part hit I knew there was history that would push them through but I didn't really connect with it.
The execution was neat, most Christmas stories revolve around a couple days before Christmas, which can feel very insta-love. This one allowed us to see more of the slow burn and experience the joy of the holiday season multiple times, it just could have used a bit more between acts.
The execution was neat, most Christmas stories revolve around a couple days before Christmas, which can feel very insta-love. This one allowed us to see more of the slow burn and experience the joy of the holiday season multiple times, it just could have used a bit more between acts.
March 24, 2021
Ngawwww... I do appreciate a good Christmas themed love story.
January 11, 2021
What in the heck did I just read. Didn't like it at all.
March 21, 2021
Oh! Golly! Loved this - read at one sitting. Pure class and the only fault was that it wasn't long enough. Also, by doing annual segments I did wonder what happened mid year! Thanks, Bryce, really appreciated.
January 12, 2021
I don't know what to say. I'm usually a sucker for long-time crushes or friends becoming more.
I wasn't feeling this. I don't even know how to explain it because I feel spent after reading it. Stevie didn't seem that into Cass. Maybe it was because it was four years of Cass' perspective.
They didn't seem to know each other, or speak to each other, outside of family events. Cass was insecure, and only at the end do you really know anything about Stevie's personality. There was no chemistry in my opinion.
The whole thing with Cass' father was never explained, which I would have actually liked to know more about.
In comparison to all that was written about their families, I wish there was more to their relationship that made it believable. Moments, conversations, memories. Anything.
Having a hard time gathering my thoughts after this one. May revisit this review. For now 1.5 stars, and that's more due to the great supporting characters. More spoiler induced commentary in my notes and highlighted quotes.
I wasn't feeling this. I don't even know how to explain it because I feel spent after reading it. Stevie didn't seem that into Cass. Maybe it was because it was four years of Cass' perspective.
They didn't seem to know each other, or speak to each other, outside of family events. Cass was insecure, and only at the end do you really know anything about Stevie's personality. There was no chemistry in my opinion.
The whole thing with Cass' father was never explained, which I would have actually liked to know more about.
In comparison to all that was written about their families, I wish there was more to their relationship that made it believable. Moments, conversations, memories. Anything.
Having a hard time gathering my thoughts after this one. May revisit this review. For now 1.5 stars, and that's more due to the great supporting characters. More spoiler induced commentary in my notes and highlighted quotes.
December 23, 2021
Is it even a rom-com if someone doesn't get minorly injured in a mishap? This was cute and Christmassy and mostly fluffy with a bit of angst from idiots in love being idiots, which is kind of my favorite type of angst.
December 23, 2020
A long expected love
Cass and Stevie have known each other since childhood. Their families always have Christmas together and the girls grew up together. Their love grew out of that and that is a wonderful story about love and how sometimes the best things take a while to get to I highly recommend this book as a wonderful Christmas romance.
Cass and Stevie have known each other since childhood. Their families always have Christmas together and the girls grew up together. Their love grew out of that and that is a wonderful story about love and how sometimes the best things take a while to get to I highly recommend this book as a wonderful Christmas romance.
December 17, 2020
I loved this book but I wish it was longer (it’s a novella, I know) and there were more scenes with Stevie so we could see what made Cass want her so much. It was obvious there was pining but I just wanted more Stevie.
December 13, 2020
Just Love Christmas Romances
Short sweet Christmas romance that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside ,a smile on your face and your heart just a little bit warmer.
Short sweet Christmas romance that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside ,a smile on your face and your heart just a little bit warmer.
Read
January 4, 2021As much as I loved the synopsis, the book didn't really work for me. The plot structure felt disconnected, and that did not help the characters and their story arcs stand out.
I will probably try one of the author's longer works next time.
I will probably try one of the author's longer works next time.
December 5, 2021
Nice story overall.
Pro : very funny, very likable MC
Con (for me) : the two MC spent very little time together in the book so we don't really get to see the relationship evolve. Not much chemistry.
Pro : very funny, very likable MC
Con (for me) : the two MC spent very little time together in the book so we don't really get to see the relationship evolve. Not much chemistry.
December 12, 2020
A lifetime of sharing Christmas brings romance when your heart finds home.
Bryce Oakley has given us (again such a delicious romance. The cast of characters fill this story with fun dialogue, snappy wit and some truely fun moments. The Sideris and Payne families have been meeting at Christmas for 30 years. Cass has been in love with Stevie forever. All the many magical moments start with the awkwardness of uncharted emotions. Cass has a tree gathering accident that sets everything in motion. The closeness these two families share is a rare treat. Time has changed them growing up together. The love only deepens but the spark Cass and Stevie have is lit in a accident getting the Christmas tree. As the next few years pass the families continue to see that Christmas really is a magical time. I loved this witty, warm, fun and brilliantly written story. I recommend everyone reads it for a great holiday romp.
Bryce Oakley has given us (again such a delicious romance. The cast of characters fill this story with fun dialogue, snappy wit and some truely fun moments. The Sideris and Payne families have been meeting at Christmas for 30 years. Cass has been in love with Stevie forever. All the many magical moments start with the awkwardness of uncharted emotions. Cass has a tree gathering accident that sets everything in motion. The closeness these two families share is a rare treat. Time has changed them growing up together. The love only deepens but the spark Cass and Stevie have is lit in a accident getting the Christmas tree. As the next few years pass the families continue to see that Christmas really is a magical time. I loved this witty, warm, fun and brilliantly written story. I recommend everyone reads it for a great holiday romp.
December 12, 2020
Another one that made me laugh out loud
I can always cheer up reading a funny endearing story like this. It’s perfect for this time of year. The author always makes me laugh, I love it!
I can always cheer up reading a funny endearing story like this. It’s perfect for this time of year. The author always makes me laugh, I love it!
March 16, 2022
Hoo boy, it is good that this book is so short I could read it all at once because I did not like it very much at all.
I personally think the decision to spread the story out over 4 years was pretty detrimental to my enjoyment. Huge swathes of time pass between the short, 4-day intervals of actual story progression. Add to this that I don't think Stevie was very interesting or compelling beyond the slight mention that she is built and apparently hot. But she seems like a terrible communicator and we have basically no interactions between her and Cass though out the whole novel. The interiority of Cass' infatuation realllly bothered me because it made Stevie seem extremely remote and disinterested in her. I think some pacing and rearranging to have them make up around the NYE of the 2nd year, after they actually take that road trip which is advertised in the book synopsis, would have made for a much better story structure and also more likeable characters.
Also, side question/concern.
I dunno, my review is basically that I didn't like this book. Short as that.
I personally think the decision to spread the story out over 4 years was pretty detrimental to my enjoyment. Huge swathes of time pass between the short, 4-day intervals of actual story progression. Add to this that I don't think Stevie was very interesting or compelling beyond the slight mention that she is built and apparently hot. But she seems like a terrible communicator and we have basically no interactions between her and Cass though out the whole novel. The interiority of Cass' infatuation realllly bothered me because it made Stevie seem extremely remote and disinterested in her. I think some pacing and rearranging to have them make up around the NYE of the 2nd year, after they actually take that road trip which is advertised in the book synopsis, would have made for a much better story structure and also more likeable characters.
Also, side question/concern.
I dunno, my review is basically that I didn't like this book. Short as that.
September 22, 2021
This looks like a sweet, long time friends to more, holiday romance. But it really misses the boat for me. It looks like the format of having the couple (Stevie and Cass) meet up every Christmas with their families as they've been doing all their lives was more important than putting together a cohesive story. There is humor and family interaction but there is almost no development of the two as a couple.
The ending also annoyed me. The one thing that is mentioned more than once is that Cass doesn't like surprises. And the ending grand gesture is a multiple giant surprise. As someone who doesn't like surprises if my spouse, who've I've been together with for 30 years did what Cass did we might not make it to year 31. This one just hit a lot of wrong buttons for me. I will move on to a different book where I might connect with the romance and relationship.
The ending also annoyed me. The one thing that is mentioned more than once is that Cass doesn't like surprises. And the ending grand gesture is a multiple giant surprise. As someone who doesn't like surprises if my spouse, who've I've been together with for 30 years did what Cass did we might not make it to year 31. This one just hit a lot of wrong buttons for me. I will move on to a different book where I might connect with the romance and relationship.
November 14, 2025
Cass has known Stevie FOREVER as their families have done Christmas together for years. And Cass might have a teeny tiny crush on the good looking firefighter.
(The book is broken into three segments, one per year.)
Year one, Stevie arrives with her girlfriend, Mia. Cass takes that ok, but does feel Mia is trying too hard. When Cass face plants into a tree, Stevie to the rescue.
Cass is attending law school like her brother, Eli, but her granny and others want her to pursue art and her popular webcomic
Year two, no Mia. Yay. Ashley, one of the Moms, asks her to paint a mural at her restaurant, which Cass agrees to. Things go well, except a snow storm grounds Stevie and Cass flights.
They decide to try to drive it, but end up stranded in a Kansas hotel. They sleep together, but Stevie feels it can't be more than one night, hurting Cass feelings.
Year three... Cass has accepted she wants to be a artist rather than a lawyer, finally. And after the trip, Stevie has totally ghosted her.
And Eli, Cass' brother, has brought Stevie's ex, Mia, as his date. Awkward! Eli reveals Mia has been with him awhile, and that Stevie is ok with it.
Stevie arrives late, explaining why she reacted so bad last year, and they make up.
Good read. I dud feel the third act breakup really felt unneeded, but eh.
3.5 stars out of 5
(The book is broken into three segments, one per year.)
Year one, Stevie arrives with her girlfriend, Mia. Cass takes that ok, but does feel Mia is trying too hard. When Cass face plants into a tree, Stevie to the rescue.
Cass is attending law school like her brother, Eli, but her granny and others want her to pursue art and her popular webcomic
Year two, no Mia. Yay. Ashley, one of the Moms, asks her to paint a mural at her restaurant, which Cass agrees to. Things go well, except a snow storm grounds Stevie and Cass flights.
They decide to try to drive it, but end up stranded in a Kansas hotel. They sleep together, but Stevie feels it can't be more than one night, hurting Cass feelings.
Year three... Cass has accepted she wants to be a artist rather than a lawyer, finally. And after the trip, Stevie has totally ghosted her.
And Eli, Cass' brother, has brought Stevie's ex, Mia, as his date. Awkward! Eli reveals Mia has been with him awhile, and that Stevie is ok with it.
Stevie arrives late, explaining why she reacted so bad last year, and they make up.
Good read. I dud feel the third act breakup really felt unneeded, but eh.
3.5 stars out of 5
December 13, 2020
Great story!
A very good Christmas story. Two families sharing Christmas for the past 30 years. Cass has been in love with Stevie since she was 8 years old. She’s always looked up to Stevie. This time around, there was a XMAS tree cutting mishap resulting in Cass getting injured and Stevie taking care of her and taking her to the hospital for stitches. Their relationship progressed the following year and so forth.
The characters were charming and funny (except Eli and Mia). Even the wiener dog was cute in her own grumpy way.
Overall, a well written book. Nice!
A very good Christmas story. Two families sharing Christmas for the past 30 years. Cass has been in love with Stevie since she was 8 years old. She’s always looked up to Stevie. This time around, there was a XMAS tree cutting mishap resulting in Cass getting injured and Stevie taking care of her and taking her to the hospital for stitches. Their relationship progressed the following year and so forth.
The characters were charming and funny (except Eli and Mia). Even the wiener dog was cute in her own grumpy way.
Overall, a well written book. Nice!
December 28, 2020
Short but nicely written Christmas story.
Cass and her family have been friends with Stevie's family for a couple dozen years. Meeting each year in a cabin in snowy Colorado. Each year a different family member brings a significant other, until Stevie and Cass decide enough is enough with all the hardships and disappointments, and bring each other to the family's get together. Enjoy!
Cass and her family have been friends with Stevie's family for a couple dozen years. Meeting each year in a cabin in snowy Colorado. Each year a different family member brings a significant other, until Stevie and Cass decide enough is enough with all the hardships and disappointments, and bring each other to the family's get together. Enjoy!
December 31, 2020
This is the second Christmas romance I’ve read about two families who spend Christmas in a cabin, one set of parents is divorced, and the heroine has been in love with their friends older sibling. Only this one is lesbians, and takes place over four years. It’s very sweet and charming, with some really fun side characters, like Yaya and Gretchen Wieners. I wish we’d gotten Stevie’s POV, because I liked Cass a lot but I think Stevie had the real stuff to work through.
November 10, 2022
Well written story of Cass and Stevie who have been friends since childhood. Their two families have been sharing a cabin for Christmas for thirty years. Their closeness is a rare treat. While the dialogue is quirky and snappy, the love and devotion these families have for one another is undeniable. I loved that Steve's gay brother is Cassia's best friend and I loved how awkward the mcs' relationship was as their emotions grew. All Aglow is a fun and witty story perfect for the holidays!
December 19, 2020
An odd and disjointed romance
It feels like part of romance in the last chapter was too rushed .There was angst but it could've used more detail of them getting together and the reality and tribulations of living with someone was left out .it felt like the last part was too pat and incomplete or rushed to a deadline.I like Bryce's novels normally.
It feels like part of romance in the last chapter was too rushed .There was angst but it could've used more detail of them getting together and the reality and tribulations of living with someone was left out .it felt like the last part was too pat and incomplete or rushed to a deadline.I like Bryce's novels normally.
December 28, 2020
Overall love the sweet holiday alphabet mafia storyline. Definitely like the author.
Only cons:
-There were editorial inaccuracies with the whole Mia timeline that didn’t add up.
-the chemistry could use more work to strengthen the development- this is my second book by the author & it may just be how they write though.
Overall Will definitely read more from them.
Only cons:
-There were editorial inaccuracies with the whole Mia timeline that didn’t add up.
-the chemistry could use more work to strengthen the development- this is my second book by the author & it may just be how they write though.
Overall Will definitely read more from them.
January 13, 2021
Joyful story
I read this after Christmas but it made me want a white Christmas in a cabin! It has angst, fun, laughter and of course love. What was lovely about this story was it was multi dimensional - the focus on the main characters yes, but it also draws you to want to know more about the others and want a feisty grandmother.
I read this after Christmas but it made me want a white Christmas in a cabin! It has angst, fun, laughter and of course love. What was lovely about this story was it was multi dimensional - the focus on the main characters yes, but it also draws you to want to know more about the others and want a feisty grandmother.
February 21, 2021
Beautiful and sappy
This story had everything I was looking for in a holiday read. I will say Eli’s slamming of the door definitely clued me into what was going on, but I absolutely loved it! It was beautiful and sappy and allowed me some happy tears that I was looking for. So, Thank you for writing this beautiful holiday read!
This story had everything I was looking for in a holiday read. I will say Eli’s slamming of the door definitely clued me into what was going on, but I absolutely loved it! It was beautiful and sappy and allowed me some happy tears that I was looking for. So, Thank you for writing this beautiful holiday read!
May 2, 2021
This holiday romance combines themes of long-time friends to lovers and same-time-next-year to create a nice feel good tale. The novella format limits how deep the story arc can go but the author manages to convey a reasonable sense of how the couple feel about each other with a few insights into their hesitancy. There is a good supporting cast and the expected HEA.
October 19, 2021
Very Cute Story!
The premise of this book was very cute. The storyline was rich in tradition during the holiday season. Two families who got together every year during Christmas from their college days. The story got chaotic at times. It was severely lacking in the romance department. Which is a little disappointing as this is written by Bryce Oakley.
The premise of this book was very cute. The storyline was rich in tradition during the holiday season. Two families who got together every year during Christmas from their college days. The story got chaotic at times. It was severely lacking in the romance department. Which is a little disappointing as this is written by Bryce Oakley.
November 22, 2021
A gay yuletide indeed
I lovwd rhis quirky family, rhe onry boys the yaya and her terror pf a dog. The author did an amazing job pulling me in and giving beautiful details, really bringing the people and story to life.
I give the spice a 🔥🔥🔥/🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥, some details, ff, more a slow burn. Still loved it.
I lovwd rhis quirky family, rhe onry boys the yaya and her terror pf a dog. The author did an amazing job pulling me in and giving beautiful details, really bringing the people and story to life.
I give the spice a 🔥🔥🔥/🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥, some details, ff, more a slow burn. Still loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews