Whirlwind Christmas

by Anastasia Austin

A single dad, age gap, step brother, fast burn Christmas romance novella!

MacKenzie
After my mom tells me she married a man she's known for less than six months, I don't think anything can rattle me.

Enter Zach. My new step brother with the totally hot dad bod.

The step brother thing is difficult enough to reconcile with the instant heat burning between us. Add in the ten-year age gap that makes me too young for a single dad of a four-year-old, and yeah... We're just asking for trouble.

There’s only two days until Christmas. Sleeping under the same roof. Can I ignore the fire and hope it goes out? Or do I give in and hope the fire doesn't burn our world to the ground around us?

This is a steamy, 18+ read with a HEA!

Genres: Novella

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2021

About the author

Comin' in HOT with the HEA

Anastasia Austin writes new adult and adult romance with plenty of heat.
Things you should know: She's a mess without her morning coffee. She treats her cats like people (all animals, really.) She's overly reliant on gifs to express her emotions. She loves her husband, even though he's a total troll and their teenage son, even though he can't tell a joke to save his life.

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Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and fast read! Usually I'm not very fond of "insta love", but here it works really well. Maybe because the story is set during Christmas and we all want to believe in those Christmas miracles...? Otherwise, I didn't get as much Christmas feeling as I would have liked, but that's my only "complaint".

I like all the characters in "Whirlwind Christmas". Besides our two main protagonists, MacKenzie and Zack, I really like Zack's sister Charlie. I believe she plays an important role in how things develop. And who wouldn't love 4-year-old Henley?! All family relationships are so sweet, and exactly how you wish every family to be. I would have loved to follow everyone during a longer period of time!

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. "

[MandyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas romance

This is a super cute, a little taboo, Christmas romance story. A second chance at love for a single dad with a bit of an age gap. It’s a little naughty… you’ve been warned :)

[Katiie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!!!!

I have read a couple books by this author and I have loved each one so much!!

I truly get great joy out of ur books and I can never get enough of ur work!! U know how to put a smile on my face when it need and that is why I love ur books so much!!

The fact they are short books are a plus I need a short book once in a while that is crammed packed with EVERYTHING!! U literally kno how to write them short books with all the feels🖤

Ur insta love ur sweetness with rough sex is so balanced I loved it!! It's just how I like it🤤🤤 (pun intended)!!

Hanley is my fav in this book by far!! He is the cutest kid in my head! I imagine a lil blonde boy with hazel eyes and a toothy smile with some glasses. And when he shouts I got a grandma and a MOMMY for Christmas!! Omg i died and was so happy ! The movie playing in my head of how much excitement he had!!!! Perfection!!

I'm not normally one for insta love but damn do u write it well!!

I honestly HONESTLY love the fact u had him as a dad bod! And u had this fit Athletic woman loving him! It was truly a nice pace. Don't get me wrong I LOVE me a sexy bod. But not always do the men HAVE to be sculpted to perfection.

I can't wait to see wat other stories u have in store!! 🖤🖤🖤

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Whirlwind Christmas' by Anastasia Austin is a short, steamy, sexy, standalone romance set during the Christmas holidays. MacKenzie goes home for Christmas to see her mom and is shocked to learn she got married. To her boyfriend of six months. WTF? Not only does MacKenzie have a new stepdad she has a new stepbrother and a nephew. Plus her stepbrother is one hot dad. Zach is a widower with an adorable four year old son, Henley. He can't believe how attracted he is to his new stepsister. If they had met last week this would not be an issue but now if their parents married it adds an unnecessary twist.

Ms. Austin has written an entertaining Christmas romance. This story has drama, laughs, and passion. This was a steamy romance where neither MacKenzie nor Zach were looking for love but found it anyways. It was sweet how Henley and MacKenzie connected. BTW I don’t think a ten year age difference is really an age gap. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of Christmas with their romance.

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

[Book Snob Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anastasia Austin is one of the best kept secrets in the book world. I absolutely love her books. She writes all types of storylines, and even the ones I think may not be for me, I always love too. She is such a great writer, and I am so happy that I fell on her radar. If you haven’t read one of her books, you are definitely missing out.

MacKenzie goes home for Christmas to see her mom…and her surprise new husband. Imagine how surprised she is to see her sexy step brother that makes her heart race. Zach is just as surprised by his reaction to her, as she was to her reaction to him. Zach is a widower with an adorable little one, who also takes right to MacKenzie. These two have so much chemistry, and despite both their hesitations with everything working against them, they decide to give it a try.

Safe read, and yes their romance was just as quick as the title implies. A very good and emotional storyline. This one had all the feels. His young sons reaction to them being together was pretty cute. An epilogue, with a loving and well deserved hea. Made my heart happy.

[Love Books Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

POV: Dual (1st person)

Tropes: Single dad, Step brother, Age gap, Novella

Triggers: Loss of wife

Likes: So so much! I'm a sucker for a single dad book and this one does not disappoint! The chemistry between Zach and Kenzie is just electric, their passion burns through the pages! Plus widower Zach is such a sweet dad to little cutie Henley.

Dislikes: Quite insta-love for me, but heck it's Christmas! Why not!

Overview: If you’re looking for a quick festive feel-good, and full of steam, read…then this is the book for you! Mackenzie is reluctantly back home for Christmas to visit her mum’s and her new husband, here she meets hot new step brother Zach. Zach never thought he’d love again after the loss his wife, so his focus has always been on his son.

Can the holiday season works its magic and help them find love under the Christmas tree? You’ll have to read to find out!

[Lindsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whirlwind Christmas is a super short but steamy romance. It contains age gap, step siblings, and a single dad with a cute kid all in one plus a family Christmas.
I love Anastasia’s books. I have read every single one and they never disappoint; I just wish some of them could be longer. I barely noticed the age gap in this one which I liked. I loved the family dynamics and how much everyone loved each other.
Zach and Mackenzie’s relationship was pretty much love at first sight. But they were worried about what the family would think and they had to think about Zach’s son in the process. I loved how much this story entailed even though it was short; it still had depth and tough subjects without being a major tearjerker.

[Lena (desert.diva.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third Anastasia Austin novella and she understands the novella formula.

Whirlwind Christmas is the fast paced, page turner, steamy, angsty lust filled sorry that you need right now to get you out of your reading slump. Anastasia know the formula for how to write two people falling in love in a matter of days not years.

Makenzie comes home for Christmas to meet her moms new husband and his family for the first time. Sparks are immediate when she gets introduced to Zach, her new step brother.

What I enjoyed about Whirlwind Christmas is that even though it’s a taboo storyline, Anastasia is able to form the story away from that feeling of it shouldn’t be happening and to a story where you are rooting for them to succeed!

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whirlwind Christmas has a different twist of the stepbrother romance. MacKenzie is joining her mom and her new husband's family for Christmas. When she walks in, she is taken back by the connection and warmth she feels. Zack is a single dad and is surprised when feeling that have been missing since his wife died awake when he sees MacKenzie. MacKenzie has an instant connection to Zack's son, one the even surprises him.

MacKenzie and Zack struggle in their own ways as what will their family think, they shouldn't because they are "related', and how will his son take them being together and is she ready. This story has a fun ending that made me smile.

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

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives the reader an early present

McKenzie, an avid hiker, comes home for Christmas to meet her mom’s new husband and family not sure she is ready for it until she sets her eyes on Zach, single father and her new older step-brother. As the story progresses sparks fly, walls fall, and getting over the family hurdle could be easier than letting go of the past. Anastasia Austin gives the reader an early present in Whirlwind Christmas. The instant attraction sent a sizzle through my blood while the family interactions brought back memories of the gatherings my family held during the holidays.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Instant Family . . .

MacKenzie is going home for Christmas to meet her mom’s new husband she had known for less than six months when they married. But that wasn’t the biggest shock. MacKenzie’s new step-brother is a handsome widower with a young son. Zach seems instantly attracted to MacKenzie, just as she was to him. His son accepted MacKenzie right away. Will MacKenzie and Zach trust their feelings and begin a relationship? Because even with it being so fast, they both feel it’s the right thing for them! Is this an early Christmas gift? Is a HEA actually not far away?

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always think these surprise adult step sibling storylines are forced, but this was a fun, fast paced, steamy read. MacKenzie finds out her mother has married and she will be meeting her new "step" family at Christmas. When she walks in the house, she meets Zach, super hot single father and her new older step-brother. There is an instant connection between not only McKenzie and Zach, but his son, as well. The book is a well written, short enjoyable romp and is FREE to read with KU.

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

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa, a little bit taboo, and a whole lot of chemistry that you can feel the electric current between Zach and MacKenzie. Loved the attitude of Zach’s sister, that she just goes with the flow, and just wants to see her big bro happy. Liked the inquisitive Henley as most little kids are honest and say what they see and want. A good read with fun characters and a good romance.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. MacKenzie has come home for the holidays. She and Zack meet and have an instant attraction. The problem is that he is her new step brother. While this is a somewhat taboo relationship, they make a perfect couple. His son captures her heart also

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

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenzie and Zach, the female and male leads, are having their first Christmas as step-siblings after their parents whirlwind romance and marriage. When they meet, each feels attracted but they’re step-siblings....

This short story is dual POV, well written, and a cute, steamy and sweet, Christmas romance.

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

[Jessica S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these two. The instant attraction, the love and the fact everybody is so ok with it.
It's a perfect Christmas short story and makes you smile.
I'm dying to tell more about the story but being it a novella almost everything would be a spoiler

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

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Xmas story that has the female meeting her moms new husband and his two adult children at Xmas but what she does know when she gets there is she will fall in love with the son and his lil boy and they love her too

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

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a cute stepbrother romance. Zach is a single dad and new stepbrother to MacKenzie. They are drawn to each other instantly but more so when he sees how easily his son Henley takes to her. It is a short easy read.

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

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing Charlie & Gage from Anastasia's other novels ;)

Mackenzie's mom & Zack's dad married each other.
And Kenzie and Zack have the sparks, but they have concerns about what happens if they like each other.
Can they overcome their hurdles to get what they want by Christmas?

LOVE these characters!

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a joy for me to read a story from this author. This was a short read, written in the first person point of view which is always a deal breaker for me. This story made me laugh from the first page. All the sarcastic remarks were truly funny. A quick read.

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

[arieste323 · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the book... Love at first sight at it's finest. Fast paced and beautifully written. Read in one sitting since I could not tear my eyes away. All the characters are relatable and lovable. Heart warming with a little angst. Truly love Mackenzie and Zachary.

[Jadyen (jayjaysbooknook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, fluffy read. I absolutely loved it! It’s a short book so great to pick up if you’re looking for a quick pick me up, feel good book!

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

[Karly Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐/5
0.5🔥/5

Finding out that her mother had gotten remarried to a man she had known for less than six months was kind of a shock to Mackenzie. But that was nothing compared to how she felt when she walked into her childhood home and saw him. Zach, the son of the man her mother married, and her new step-brother. The knowledge of him was one thing, but to have him in front of her, making her think things no sister should ever think about her brother, step or not, was another. Add in the fact that he is 10 years her senior, and is the single father to a four-year-old boy… they are just asking for trouble. Only two days until Christmas, will they be able to ignore the connection growing between them, or will they just hope their flame doesn’t burn their world down around them.

This is a very short holiday romance that was full of lovable characters, Christmas traditions, and terrible dad jokes. If you are looking for a fast paced/short and sweet novella to get you in the mood for Christmas, this may be the book for you. This book includes tropes such as…
-Single Parent/Single Father
-Step-Brother
-Age-Gap (10 years)
-Christmas/Holiday Short Story/Novella
This book was a quick, easy read with a touch of spice, and so many corny dad jokes. It had me laughing and awwing over and over again.

I received this as a free ARC copy via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great plot was beautifully written, and the characters were so well developed that as I turned each page the chemistry between the characters kept me totally hooked until the very last page!

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

this was cute & cheesy - very instalove but quick novella for holiday season!

[Philippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The instant connection between Zach and McKenzie at their initial meeting is startling to both of them. Toss in the fact that they're step-siblings, there's an age gap and he's a single dad, there is so much to consider. Ultimately, love conquers all!

This fast paced, sweet with a little heat is guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood. Wonderful characters, and a great sense of family and tradition.

I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fast-paced novella was actually quite sweet. MacKenzie goes home and meets her mom's new husband and family, and promptly falls for her new stepbrother Zach. Zach is intrigued by his new stepsister MacKenzie but has his 4-year old son to think about. I thought it was cute how these two acted around each other, really loved the part where Zach's son believed Santa brought him a special gift for Christmas!

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.