The Christmas Checklist

Christmas Cove #2

by Erika Lynn

Welcome to Christmas Cove the little town that makes a big deal about Christmas.

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, too bad Riley’s boyfriend doesn’t want to spend them with her. Determined to make the holidays amazing without him, Riley creates her Christmas Checklist…

And someone wants to help her cross things off. It’s Riley’s new roommate – and her brother’s best friend from college – who has taken to cooking her bacon for breakfast. Shirtless.

Noah moved to Christmas Cove for a fresh start knowing it had a lot to offer. One thing not on menu? His best friend’s younger sister and new roommate, Riley. But her infectious laughter, caring spirit and love of all things Christmas make her irresistible. Resist he must. He’d almost ruined a friendship in the past because of his flirtatious ways and he refused to do it again.

But Noah can’t stop himself from volunteering to help Riley check off her Christmas list year. Keeping that vow to himself will be harder than he thought.

Genres: Christmas

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2020

About the author

Oh hey, I'm Erika! There is nothing I love more than good wine and a good book. Except for spending time with my husband, newborn son and permanently depressed looking maltipoo.

Stay in touch by following me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/authorerika...

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Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christmas Romance Novella. This book unlike a lot of Christmas Romance book as a lot of Christmas in it. I really love that it had so much Christmas in it. I also really loved true-to-life the characters were. Riley and Noah are so much fun to follow, and they made the story come to life. The storyline was driven by the characters. This was a short Novella, but there was so much in this short fast pace book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author (Erika Lynn) via booksirens, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Vanda O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Riley lives in the quaint little town of Christmas Cove and the holidays are a huge thing for her. Brad, her long-time long-distance boyfriend is always bailing on her, which she is beginning to find unacceptable. The last straw comes when he bails on her after promising to help with Christmas tree shopping.
Noah has just moved to town the night before Thanksgiving and tries to stay at Drew's house, but the kids make it impossible for him to sleep. So, at Thanksgiving dinner, Drew asks his sister to take Noah in and rent him the extra room.
They are atttacted to each other from the first second, but... Brad!
And after Brad bails to help with Christmas tree shopping, Riley makes a list of things she wants to do before Christmas. Noah finds himself volunteering to do those things with her.
Riley and Noah and friends are absolutely delightful characters and a really diversified bunch.
The story is delicious and you feel with the characters throughout the book.
A delicious story for Christmas and about Christmas.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Gayla Essen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t settle for less than what you deserve! Find the person who makes you happy, shares your interests, and overlooks your weird quirks. Finding love at Christmas, what could be better? This was a good, fast read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Locklear · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! Both a love story and Christmas story, so there isn't much better than that. I really liked the characters, the plot and thanks to the author I could visual the town. Can't wait to read more from this author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOMETHING MAKES ME THINK THIS IS JUST THE TOWN FOR ME

The story is the first in the Christmas Cove series—a small town in California. The town's name was Pine Cove, but the yearly Christmas Eve tradition of running into the local freezing cold lake fully decked out in Santa suits inspired the nickname.

The story is a sweet small-town romance revolving around Christmas, traditional events, and newcomers to the area. The story begins with plans for Thanksgiving and will have Riley and the family getting together at her parent's home. Her long-distance boyfriend, Brad, will make a show, and Drew's college friend, Noah, will be attending this year. Noah has recently moved to Christmas Cove as a history teacher and basketball coach for the high school.

Riley: I grew up here and still think it's adorable. And this town goes all out. Trust me; this is the best introduction to town you will have. It will make you want to stay forever.
Noah: Something makes me think this is just the town for me.

Riley and Brad have maintained a long-distance relationship, but things aren't copasetic between them. He makes promises and then breaks them, upsetting her—it is always something to do with his job. Noah, who is staying at Riley's house, gets involved with helping her with the Christmas Checklist she has made. The one thing Noah wasn't counting on was feelings for Riley. He can't do that—she is his best friend's sister—and she is with Brad.

The story's plot will mainly revolve around the month of December in Christmas Cove, with the various activities and events. Riley is such a caring person—looking out for the children in her class and their entire families. When Brad ditches on her checklist's schedule of items, Noah steps in for several of them. But, their time together leaves him with mixed emotions. Then it comes as a surprise that Brad and Riley broke up—but she never shared that information.

The story is about friends, a small town with many traditions, like the Santa Swim and After Party on Christmas Eve. It is also about two people, Riley and Noah, and becoming friends and considering more. I love how Noah cares about helping Riley with her checklist, and yet, he is also cautious about her feelings and concerns with her brother, Drew. When emotions get hurt, to what extent will Noah try to make it up to Riley? The story has a fun cast of characters, plenty of social interaction, and a sweet holiday tale.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this novella but I have to admit that I liked Christmas at the Coffee Shop more. This one didn't pull at my heartstrings the same way her other work has but it is a good story. This is a nice Christmas romance that moves quickly through the plot. I would have liked a little more information on the love interest and a little bit more struggle (not a lot... but a little more) to make this a 4 or 5 star novella. If you like quick Christmas books you might enjoy this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hannah Freund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that was a the perfect end to a long weekend after Christmas while I am still in denial the holidays are coming to a close. It's a sweet romance that leaves you rooting for Riley and Noah and hoping for more Christmas Cove stories in the future!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet contemporary holiday romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick brother's best friend novel.

Riley doesn't realize just how complacent her relationship with Brad has become until her brother's college friend moves to town. Noah sparks interest in her she hasn't felt in years. Suddenly her friends and family have managed to solve her cash flow issues by suggesting Noah rent a room from her. Unfortunately, living under the same roof as the shirtless, bacon cooking hunk is only creating more issues than it solved. And now he wants to help her cross off her Christmas checklist?

Noah has just moved to Christmas Cove for a high school coaching job. When his eyes connect with Riley as he walks into the room, learning she is his best friend's sister puts an instant halt to any feelings that may have stirred. He made that mistake once before with near disastrous results. So how will he deal with the feelings that continue to emerge while living under the same roof as this gorgeous temptation? Help her cross off her Christmas checklist since her jerk of a boyfriend can't be bothered, of course.
 
I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. This is the 2nd book in the Christmas Cove Series, but can be read as a stand alone. I’ve read all of Erika Lynn’s books and really enjoy them. This one is no different. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this story. Riley is dating a loser, when her brother’s college bff moves to town to be the high school basketball coach. Having Noah in her life, quickly makes her realize how unhappy she is with Brad. Especially after he flakes 2 weekends in a row. But, does Noah like her too? And what about her brother, will he approve or flip out? I read most of this book in one sitting, because I didn’t want to stop. I want to move to Christmas Cove, and I hope there are more in the series to come.

[Jennifer Noseworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute and adorable tale of Christmas Cove. It's a clean romance so the steam level is pretty low. The clean sexual tension was evident between Riley and Noah. The characters were sweet, especially Riley, she had a heart of gold. Noah was a good ol' boy who did wrong in the past, but has cleaned up his life.

A highly recommended read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jerry Rowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! I loved this story and the one before it. The idea of a Christmas Party for a whole town after taking a freezing dip in a lake in December is crazy to me, but I know some folks swear it's fun. A checklist of things to do is a great idea to base a book off of, and when the not so romantic boyfriend bails on our heroine once more, I was so glad she dumped him. The question is, could she risk losing a friend by making him more than a friend?

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polar Plunge and hot wine

What a quaint little town, and a new town hunk. While Riley loves all things Christmas and has a heart of gold full of compassion for all her children and their families. But her long distance relationship may just be growing distant when her brothers college friend shows up.
A man who watches romantic Christmas movies with you, and cares about the Christmas checklist is just what Riley wishes for....
Cute Christmas romance!

[Catherine Tijerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erika did a great Christmas storyline hitting this one out of the ballpark. Characters are real and they have made their share of mistakes. Will Noah and Riley get their HEA? I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a good short read. I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here

[Sandyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick Christmas read. Loved how the characters were every day people who draw the reader into the plot. Loved the fun activities that were done for Christmas, Noah and Riley are great together but also strong characters in themselves

Would recommend for a quick Christmas read

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, simple story about falling in love at Christmas time. The characters were relatable and familiar from past storylines. The HEA was complete in the epilogue, even if I would have loved to read that full Santa Swim scene.
It was great to be back in Christmas Cove for the holidays!

*I am sharing my honest opinion after reading a complimentary copy.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas Cove. This second instalment about Christmas Cove residents doesn’t disappoint. Riley and Noah are fantastic main characters, Rileys checklist bringing them together, having other familiar characters made the story in Christmas Cove warm and familiar. I can’t wait for more in this series.

[Julie Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read so is perfect for wiling away a few hours.

This story is driven by the romance between Riley and Noah, and root for them all the way.

Looking forward to more books from Christmas Cove.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tonisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Christmas Cove is always a good time. I love a good holiday novella. Noah and Riley's story is a good quick read. I read it all in one sitting. While they had their barriers to get to their happily ever after it was worth it.

I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable Holiday read...

This is a fun, HEA Christmas short story about finding the love that is right for you. There are a good number of proofreading typos that need correcting and take one star away.

[Leebecki Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely sweet book set at christmas in a place called Christmas cove. I really enjoyed the book and read it in a couple of hours. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2nd in Series

I was a little disappointed in this second story in the Christmas Cove series. The first one had stronger characters and a better story line, this one seemed a little too silly to me. Still a quick, fun Christmas read just not as good as the first.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Sappy Sweet Christmas Story

As with the first Christmas Cove Book, this could also be a Hallmark Christmas movie. I like them this time of year and they definitely aren’t over two hours. Feel good, lighthearted, and entertaining.

[Annette C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this is gonna be harsh. This wasn't great. It wasn't bad either. Just blah. It started off quite nicely, but then blah, boring, blah. Had great potential. It did put me in the mood to get an ugly Christmas sweater and bake some cookies. But otherwise, just okay.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas love story that will capture your heart. This book was well written and kept me interested to the point I binged read it in one sitting. Definitely worth a read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this charming holiday story.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so fun and enjoyable! I loved the characters and watching them come together. The humour that was layered in throughout was perfect.

I seriously need to move to Christmas Cove!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah & Riley had a great book. It was entertaining & great characters. Plus a new author for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas sequel. This has different main characters than the first, but the first books characters do make an appearance in this one. Definitely read them in order.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella and a quick fun read. Riley is dating Brad and they have a distance relationship. They only see each other a couple times a week but usually on Brad’s terms. Riley is a teacher and she is a big giver so she spends way too much to make sure families have holiday dinners. So at her family Thanksgiving dinner her brother Dean invites and old college roommate named Noah to eat with the family. Noah had recently got a job and moved back here. During the dinner Dean finds out Riley doesn’t have much money so he suggests Noah move in with her. Problem Noah is already wanting to get to know Riley better but knows he can’t get involved with his best friend’s sister. I loved how the two skirted each other as much as possible. But i loved that she had a Christmas Checklist and Noah was going to help her complete this no matter what! Great Christmas story! The giving, kindness and family made this story special!

I received an ARC for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Erika Lynn book (novella) was Christmas at the Coffee Shoppe which brought me here to book 2 in the Christmas Cove novella series - The Christmas Checklist, and I really loved it! I highly recommend checking all of her works out - I've read absolutely everything she has written since then (including striking up a friendship with her and chatting and helping with future works).

You won't go wrong with picking up her clean/closed door Christmas Cove series, or if you're looking for some spice, her Neighbours series, and upcoming full-length novel (ooh la la! It's awesome) - everything Erika writes is incredible, and this is the novella series that brought me to her. You will definitely want to check it out!