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Noel

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Who needs holiday magic when your life is almost perfect?

Britannia Edwards thinks she has it made. A high profile career, a corner office with a view, and a private weekly meeting with her sexy boss to boot. Convinced he’s going to leave his wife for her, she jumps at the chance to pick up his kid in an emergency to show him she’s ready to do anything for him.

At the private school, she meets handsome Noel Sullivan – a magnetic teacher full of holiday spirit. Suddenly, she can’t stop thinking about him. Despite her desires and beliefs, she starts falling under the spell of the season, and of Noel Sullivan.

Britannia is going to learn that mixing business with pleasure comes with a price, and she’ll need more than a little holiday magic when it comes to choosing between love and her career.

ebook

Published September 1, 2021

40 people want to read

About the author

H.M. Shander

46 books502 followers
H.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.

She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.

When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.

Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Jean Oram.
Author 87 books948 followers
Read
December 13, 2025
A cute, short Christmas romance, where the main character is in love with her boss. But he is filled with false promises and not real love, which she doesn’t realize until she meets a really sweet guy who understands what love is, and isn’t afraid to show it.
Profile Image for natalie .
322 reviews9 followers
September 25, 2021
An intriguing read with 4 stars!
Disclaimer: This is strictly my opinion on things and you are not required to agree with me on anything I mentioned.

Noel is a short Christmas themed story which features Britannia and Noel. Before diving into this story, I scrolled through other people's reviews and found out that most didn't like Britannia at the start, some still didn't like her even till the end. I wondered why, and of course, curiosity got the best of me so I signed up for an ARC copy.

While Britannia may seem somewhat naïve and/or gullible for most at the start, I felt like H.M. captured the right mindset for her. She thought she was in love, after all. And like any other woman, she hoped the other person would be able to reciprocate it. If he did, love could do wonders, right?

Finishing this book, I think the main reason some didn't like Britannia would probably be that most authors don't write their main women to be "the other woman" or "the homewrecker". Not many readers would embrace this idea with an open mind, and neither would most like the main female protagonist as the h would be going back on some people's firm beliefs. I'm not saying I condone being "the homewrecker" and continuing a relationship with a married man/woman after you found out that he/she was supposed to have a ring on their ring finger (metaphorically, of course. some couples don't wear rings and are still loyal to each other), but we can't exactly blame Britannia for being naïve at the start, can we?

Near the end of the story, Britannia revealed that she didn't even know her boss, Daniel, was married at the time when she jumped in an office affair with him, and when she did find out, she didn't know what to do. Then as time passed, he started to promise to leave his wife, assuring Britannia that he would be with her afterwards. Drunk in what she believed was love, she kept in that relationship and position, at least, she did until Noel came along.

Meeting Noel (in my perspective) is a saving grace for Britannia and her feelings, plus her mental health. Keeping a relationship with a manipulative man, a married man at that, would destroy Britannia one day, and it probably already has left some marks on her. Mentally, not physically. Though in some cases, I guess you could say there would be some physical marks as well if the relationship continued on and the back-and-forth between Daniel and Britannia became more intense, if Daniel started to become forceful and abusive, etc etc.

Thankfully, Noel appeared in her life, making her find out (eventually) what love really was. I liked how H.M. tied this book at the end with a cute little epilogue between Noel and Britannia, and I intend on reading other books from her soon.

Extra note: Like I mentioned before, Britannia's mindset may be frustrating to read for some readers, and while I think this story was cute and enjoyable, some may not. Be sure this is what you would like to read first before grabbing a copy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Federica S..
98 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2021
This is my first book from the author and I really loved it!
I really enjoyed the story line and the characters. I was so surprised about how much I was able to get from the story considering that a novella is much shorter than a novel. This shows the skills of the author. The characters were so well described, I could feel the emotions and thoughts running through them and the story line is a story, I believe, many people can relate to. The end wrapped up nicely the story but I wish it was longer, I wanted to know more as I’ve got attached to the characters. I couldn’t put the book down and as soon as I finished it, I went to look for more from the author. I really recommend this story to read any time of the year not just around Christmas. I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Ali.
382 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2022
Brit is the executive assistant to Daniel the ceo . She has been having an affair with him for 6 months and he has promised to leave his wife after the new year. She asked to pick up her boss’s son from school one day and meets his teacher Noel. She is instantly drawn to him and agrees to see him. The more time they spend together the more she learns what is missing from her current relationship. He sees her for herself and not just her body.
Can Noel get past the history and move forward?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtnee Turner.
Author 13 books225 followers
September 9, 2021
NOEL is a romantic novella about how wrong choices can sometimes lead you to the right ones. H.M. Shander provides readers with a fantastic, unexpected holiday romance.
Britannia seems to have it all. She’s worked her way up the corporate ladder, and she’s enjoying the view. She’s secretly sleeping with her boss, Daniel, but he has promised to leave his wife after the first of the year. As Christmas approaches, Daniel asks Britannia to pick up his son at school. She is immediately attracted to the boy’s teacher, Noel Sullivan. As she gets to know Noel, Britannia is conflicted by her lust for Daniel, and her growing affection for Noel.
The novella was a quick read, and I enjoyed it. Britannia’s honesty and Noel’s spirit pulled me into the story. I was really pleased with the main character’s growth during the story.
I recommend the novella to mature readers, due to the sexual content.
I was given a copy of the novella for my honest review.
Profile Image for Holly Doyal.
1,102 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2021
I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. I typically don't like books where the owner of a company is having an affair with one of his employees while promising he is getting a divorce (which no one ever believes is true). That's how this book starts off. Brit is the executive assistant to Daniel, whom she is sleeping with on a near daily basis in the offices. One day his wife has to rush to the ER and Daniel rushes to be with her leaving Brit to go pick up the bratty 10 year old son, Bentley. While at the school, Brit meets Mr. S, Bentley's teacher and she immediately falls in love. What happens next includes Brit coming to terms with her feelings over someone other than Daniel. While this book was cute, it wasn't great. Maybe if it had been longer, it would have been a better book - it's hard to have much depth to a super short book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,709 reviews42 followers
September 13, 2021
This is a Christmas Novella and it is Britannia and Noel's story and it is a must read. This is a quick read but still very enjoyable and I couldn't put it down as I wanted to see how it would end. The characters and storyline pulled you in and I didn't want it to end as it was so good and a real page turner. This story shows you how your outlook and life can change by having an open mind and seeing what is in front of you and looking into the future and this story was magical and so well written. I definitely recommend you read this book as H. M. Shander is a brilliant author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Oriana Becerril-Vazquez.
69 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2020
I was given an ARC to give an honest review about this book. I have to say I truly loved and enjoyed it! Easy, fast, enjoyable read, Noel and Brittania, are honest, direct, and sassy. That kind of honesty and self awareness is refreshing and opens our eyes to how things should be in all types of relationships. Interconnect the lives of two people...one who knows exactly what they want and another who lets go of what they thought they wanted, to give way to what they really deserved...talk about a game changer. Spirit of the season is seen in every word and opened my eyes to a simple truth: If you believe, anything can happen 😉!
4,166 reviews22 followers
November 9, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author and I wasn't sure what to expect. What a charming and delightful story! A quick and sweet read, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Brit and Noel were such great characters. Brit is the type of woman who knows what she wants and goes after it and I really liked that about her.This was a very well-written story and I think the author did a very nice job of bringing the characters and story to life with vivid descriptions. I enjoyed this sweet romance and will be looking for more from this author in the future!

I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Katie.
888 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2020
Short and sweet!

A good Christmas read. I wanted to slap Britannia for being so gullible to think a) that Daniel actually cared for her and would leave his wife and b) that everyone wouldn’t know what went on behind closed doors and wouldn’t believe she’d slept her way to the top, even if that was not the case. Noel was sweet and almost too forgiving to believe. BUT that is the wonderful thing about the magic of Christmas - we sometimes get things, good things, that we don’t truly deserve, through the grace and love of others.

I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
596 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2021
I really enjoyed reading, Noel by H.M. Shander because it was a such a great story about Britannia and Noel. They had met at a school function when she had to pick up her boss's son. I think that Noel was instantly smitten with Britannia and vice versa, but Britannia was in a relationship at the time. The more time she was around Noel, the more she liked him. I hoped that they would get together because it seemed like he was a great guy and he definitely treated her right. I would highly recommend reading this story. It was a sweet story!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,087 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2021
Britiannia has been having sex with her boss Daniel as he told her he is leaving his wife. She don't know at first that he was married. She has to go to his son school to pick him up because his wife is in the ER. Brit meets Noel is Bentley teacher and like him and when he asked her to come to the school Christmas Concert she decides to go. Noel asked her out for hot chocolate at a close cafe. Daniel keeps text with picture of himself. Noel show up at here work place and asked her to go shopping with him. Read and found out what happen between the men in her life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
734 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2021
Noel is about a bad choice Britannia made that eventually leads to her happiness. It was a fast, enjoyable read, with a sweet story. Britannia thinks she has it all and her boss will leave his wife for her, but shortly after meeting his son's teacher she starts to doubt his commitment. I enjoyed seeing her growth and how honest she was as they decided to start a relationship. Il oved Noel’s romantic side, he was willing to fight for Christmas magic. I highly recommend this book, you will enjoy these very likeable characters' journeys to love.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
741 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2021
H.M. Shander gives us a short Christmas romance. I did not like Britannia at first--too much in thrall to her egotistical nasty boss. Noel, the too-good-to-be-true hero, is fantastic, and luckily, she sees and feels the difference immediately. She soon makes some good choices, and she and Noel agree to give it a try. The epilogue gives us the happily ever after. I missed the character development and building of the relationship that happens in the author's longer books, but for what it is, this is sweet--just like Christmas! Proof of an unbiased review: I hate all the Christmas hoopla!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,184 reviews22 followers
September 28, 2021
This was an OK read for me. I always struggle with making one of the main characters a cheater and knowingly continuing in a relationship with a married man with a child, that's a tough person for me to like. Unfortunately fo Britannia her boss and the man she"loves"is that person. She meets Noel when she goes to pick up her boss's son from school, another cringey moment for me. Noel is too good to be true, he is honest, caring, positive, and wants to commit to the right person. The book was fast paced and I finally liked Britannia in the last 2 chapters. Overall, an OK read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
826 reviews8 followers
October 2, 2021
This short Christmas story, brings together Britannia, a high paid, executive assistant with Noel, an elementary school teacher. They meet by chance when she comes to his school to pick up her boss’ son from school one day. Instant attraction on both sides leads them to a coffee date. He believes in holiday magic, she believes in hard work to make things happen. And she had worked hard to get to the top. And where did it get her? This fancy job and an affair with her boss , filled with empty promises. Through Noel, she learns the difference between love and lust. She also learns the holiday magic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews125 followers
October 5, 2021
I've read several books written by H.M. Shander; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

She has written another good short story. The story is about Britannia, her boss Daniel & Noel. She loves her job and is having an affair with her boss; she thinks he’s going to leave his wife for her and basically offers to do anything she can for him. When there is an emergency at his son’s school she offers to go pick him up. While there she meets Noel; afterwards she can’t stop thinking about him which causes problems with her boss.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
October 16, 2021
Brittannia is assistant to Daniel, but also having an affair with the married man and he will not leave his wife. When the wife goes into the hospital, he asks Brit to pick up his son from school, where she meets Noel, the boys teacher. Instant sparks fly. The characters are terrific, with big decisions to make and intense feelings. The storyline pits her between her career and love, but there is only one answer. Loved the honesty between them that kept their relationship on the right track. Great ending, but would have loved more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chicken.
446 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2020
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story was captivating and intriguing. The characters were amazingly made and easy to imagine. The story follows Brittania who believes her boss is going to leave his wife for her. After being sent on duty to pick up her boss’s wife, she meets Noel, the child’s teacher. He’s nice, kind, and compassionate, everything that her boss isn’t. I enjoyed the story. Britannia was a bit naive for me. Besides that, I liked Noel’s character. Britannia grew throughout the story.

I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
5,008 reviews27 followers
September 25, 2021
Britannia has a high profile career and is sleeping with her boss who is married. An emergency comes up and he asks her to pickup his son at school. There she meets his teacher Noel Sullivan with the holiday spirit in spades. Even though she is involved with Daniel she cannot stop thinking about Noel. He invites he to the Christmas concert and she goes and has a good time.

Does she love Daniel like she thought or is there something better with Noel? I enjoyed this holiday story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeanine Harrell.
104 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2021
Sweet, festive, quick read. Britannia is a woman on top of her game. She thinks she has everything she every wanted until she meets Noel. A man that shows her what she’s missing. Despite it being a quick read, Shander does a great job of revealing the characters and the baggage they bring to the relationship. I love how Britannia’s eyes are slowly opened to how she is missing the true affection from a man that cares for her. Once she comes to this realization she goes after what she wants and is prepared for the consequences.
Profile Image for Christina Sneeringer.
456 reviews
September 27, 2021
A unique Christmas romance!
Britannia has been making some poor choices in her personal life and an unexpected meeting has her re-evaluating her choices. Noel is intrigued when he meets Britannia. This is a sweet Christmas romance that doesn't follow the typical line but still brings the spirit of Christmas into focus as the relationship develops between Britannia and Noel. I especially recommend this book if you are looking for a unique Christmas romance!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,987 reviews16 followers
September 28, 2021
loved it !!! love Noel !!! Brit ? well , you decide... this is their story... a fast paced drama....Brit is living the life... a great job...she loves her boss...her boss loves her... he promises to leave his wife, soon...until, she meets Noel. he's Bentley's teacher.. she had to pick him up... she starts to wonder if Daniel really loves her...or it's Noel.. that she can't stop thinking about .he asks her out...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cecly Ann.
Author 21 books28 followers
September 29, 2021
I have to admit, the premise of this novel threw me, but this short read is worth the time.
Britannia is having an affair with her married boss who, like all married bosses, is stringing her along with the "I will leave my wife soon story". He asks her to go pick his son up from school and Brit runs into Noel, the son's teacher. They go out for coffee. And just like that Brit is single again.
Okay.
Originally, Brit is a hard pass for me to like.
Flirty and stupid, but determined and knows what she wants when she finally realizes times up.
3,352 reviews18 followers
October 4, 2021
She's a high paid executive assistant, he's an elementary teacher. A chance meeting between them brings instant attraction. He believes in the magic of the holiday season and she believes in working hard for what you want. The story is well written, an enjoyable read and keeps your attention form start to finish. The characters are easy to get to know and you enjoy following their journey to a true HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Amanda (amanda.always.reading) Magdic .
723 reviews12 followers
December 2, 2025
I am in the middle on this one. It was a cute holiday romance. And I adored Noel's character. The pacing was good, even if the story felt a bit rushed- but that's the hazard with a novella. I really enjoyed the cozy Christmas vibes.

I do see where others have disliked Britannia. She was quite naive for her age. And I struggled with the infidelity aspects. It's a trope I typically avoid. But luckily the relationship and moments between Britannia and Noel balances that out enough for me to enjoy the book.

An overall quick and easy read. I will be checking out some of the authors back list
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,678 reviews26 followers
November 9, 2020
I just have to say I loved Noel. Britannia took a little more time to like. They meet when Brit is sent to pick up Daniel’s (her boss and lover) son at school. Brit is a feisty, strong woman that goes after what she wants. Will she get her man in the end? Grab your copy and see if she gets her man in the end.
17 reviews
November 10, 2020
As always, HM Shander never disappoints. An easy read I didn’t want to put down. It took me a while to get on Britannia’s Side, I wanted her to open her eyes to the situation she put herself in, but I was all in for her in the end. Noel was a dream from the start and I loved his upbeat personality. A cute story with a HEA that is well worth the read.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
2,054 reviews54 followers
September 28, 2021
3.5*
This was a cute quick holiday story! Britianna meets Noel when she does her boss/lover a favor and picks up his son. Something about him intrigues her and she finds herself having coffee with him. They find themselves hanging out and she is questioning her relationship with her boss. I liked it!

I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews9 followers
September 29, 2021
Britannia is having an affair with her married boss. He keeps telling Britannia he is going to leave his wife and marry her but it never happens. Then Brittania has to go pick up the son of her boss from school and she meets the teacher, Noel. Britannia and Noel go for coffee and things take off. This short story is sweet, romantic, and ends in a HEA. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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