Joy and Payne

Payne Family Holidays #1

by Kat Baxter

Joy

I’ve left Texas with nothing more than my grandmother’s apron collection and her Christmas candy recipes to move to North Pole, NY. How I end up stranded on the side of the road in a ridiculous elf costume in the middle of a blizzard is just par for my course. Especially when the man who plays knight to my damsel is none other than Mr. Grumpy-pants AKA the hottest man I’ve ever met.

Eli

I’ve made a fortune off of murder. That is to say I’m a bestselling horror novelist and the only reason I still live in this crazy Christmas town is because my sister and my niece are here. Finding that curvy candy maker on the side of the road is the last thing I need. But I can’t leave her to freeze in her candy-cane striped tights. So I bring her home with me.

Then the snow to end all snows hits and we’re stuck together. I’ve always had a sweet tooth so keeping my hands (and my mouth) of the delectable and sassy southern girl is going to be harder than I think. And when the snow clears we might just have found where we both belong...together.


The holidays are coming and we’re heading to the North Pole — the real-life town of North Pole, New York, that is! Join your favorite romance authors for a series of standalone love stories set in a small town shared world filled with all things sexy and bright. ;) Snuggle up with some hot cocoa and your favorite cozy blanket because you’re not going to want to miss any of what these Holiday Honeys have in store!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Holiday, Short Stories, Contemporary Romance

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kat Baxter writes fast-paced, sweet & STEAMY romantic comedies. Readers have dubbed her “The Queen of Adorkable.” and her books “laugh-out-loud funny,” and “hot enough to melt your kindle.” She lives in Texas with her family and a menagerie of animals. Kat is the pseudonym for a bestselling historical romance author.

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Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy and Payne

Loved this one. Kat Baxter is a new to me author. Completely safe and free of abuse and cheating. No others after meeting.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Eli and Joy

Romance genre: insta-love
Series: Payne Family Holidays
Length: 57 pages

Plot: Eli is a grumpy horror writer who takes his sister and niece to the candy shop that Joy now works at. Joy moved from Texas to the East Coast and this is her first winter there. That m8ust be why her car simply isn't able to handle the weather, and as she is stopped by the side of the road, the grumpy customer from the candy store is the one who rescues her. He's not much better when they get home, but eventually, he warms up to her...and things warm up in general.

Commentary: Grumpy and Sunshine - I mean, this was almost ordained. A horror writer who is grumpy and a candymaker who is not. I love how Joy arranged the contest and a meeting between Eli and his writer-rival. Cute, short story to fill the time.

Grammar/formatting: a few small mistakes (like Clause for Claus)

Next book in the series: Kiss Me

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us characters we can care about. After losing everything in her hometown in Texas, Joy moves to New York to work as a candy maker. A vehicle that has decided to die and a blizzard heading her way, Joy is picked up by Eli and taken to his home in the mountains. They realize that they have a connection, but they will both have to drop their walls if they want to find happiness.

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

[Erika Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever💞💞

This story was intense insta love romance. I love every word of it. I love me some Kat books! Eli is a grumpy butthole. He is bitter, handsome, smart and rich. He is very cautious who he let in. Joy is sunshine. She is bright, curvy, beautiful and brave. She is is moving to a new start. What a start it is! I absolutely love their chemistry and journey throughout the story. The writing was wonderful as usual. Kat Baxter is amazing!

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!! This was a nice quick, short read. I absolutely love it.

Eli meets Joy when he goes into the candy shop with his niece Abby to get her some fudge. Joy is behind the counter and Eli stops in his tracks when he sees her. Joy doesn't notice the little girl next to him at first, Eli lets Abby pick out the fudge that she wants. After they leave Joy gets a phone call from the owner, Josephine that she needs to close up the store and head home there's a snow storm coming in. While Joy is heading home her car breaks down and Eli is driving by so he stops and picks her up. He takes her to his house because by the time he get her to his and back to his own he probably wouldn't make it. When they get inside Eli starts a fire the power is out so he gives Joy a blanket to wrap herself in. After Eli gets the fire going he goes and gets bedding so they can sleep in the living room with the fire. Joy finds out that the little girl with him was his niece and he doesn't have a wife. He brings Joy a change of clothing while he takes off his pants. Eli tells her he's a best selling horror writer. Joy tells him she's from Texas and she came her to get make some money making candy so she could buy her grandmother's candy shop back. When it's still dark outside Joy wakes with Eli against her back, he is hold her close to him. When she rolls over to face him he begins to kiss her, he pleasures her until she comes. He tells her that was very hot, she is very beautiful, but when she wants to return the favor he tells her to get some sleep. They wake the next morning and it's still snowing outside. Joy asks him if he has enough supplies and he does. Eli tell her he wants her, and Joy tells him to have her. Eli pleasures her and then Joy pleasures him then they make love. After breakfast Joy takes a shower while Eli goes outside to get the generator running. When Joy is done with her shower she wonders around Eli's home, she steps into a large room which she assumes is his office. When Joy looks on the shelve she sees some of his book and sees he writes about killing Santa. He tells her he wrote twelve books actually. Eli tells her about his divorce from Beth and how he walked in on her and his best friend in his bed. Everyone in their small town knew about Eli's marriage and that's why he doesn't go into town very often. Eli lets her sit on his lap while he looks through some of his emails. He gets an email from his agent who wants him to do a gingerbread competition with is biggest competitor Colton Briggs. Kiss Me Eli tells Joy he doesn't know anything about making gingerbread houses so she tells him she'll help him. Joy moves throughout Eli's kitchen with easy, he notices it feels right to have her with him. Eli works on the sketch while Joy gets the gingerbread in the oven. When her phone keeps going off she asks Eli to grab it, when he notices who is texting her he asks her who Shawn is. Joy doesn't know how to answer him so he tells her it doesn't matter and walks out of his house. Eli is walking around in the woods when he gets a phone call from his sister, Hannah. Eli's sister tells him there's a rumor going around that he picked up a house guest. Eli tells his sister all about Joy, then her about the text and how he walked out. Hannah ask him if he asked her who Shawn was before he walked out and left her in his cabin. His sister tells him he needs to move on from his ex-wife, not everyone is her. Eli realizes he needs to apologies to Joy, so he heads back to his home. Joy heads outside and smashes her phone telling anyone he was a mean SOB and she deserves love. When she's done Eli clears his throat, he tells her he didn't mean to yell he just thought she belonged to him. He tells her he makes her feel settled, he's crazy about her. She tells him she's crazy about him too. Joy tells him she wants to tell him about Shawn, that he bought a loan for her grandmother's candy shop and then sold it out from under her. Shawn alway was shaming her weight and curves. Eli tells her he was a jerk, Joy asks him what they do now. Eli tells her she now lives with him and they both get their happy ever after. On New Year's Day they head to New York City for the gingerbread competition. While walking there Eli asks Joy to be his wife and she tells him yes. Joy tells him she loves him and Eli tells her he loves her too.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these North Pole, NY, stories! Every one of these “North Pole” books that I have read has been so heart-melting good! This story is Joy and Payne’s romantic meeting and what they choose to do about it.

Joy has had a difficult time with so much bad luck. Her grandmother died and the bank foreclosed on her candy store. Trying to start over again in North Pole, NY, Joy’s luck continues on a downward spiral as her car breaks down, stranding her on the side of the road while she is freezing in her skimpy Elf costume. Eli Payne has been unhappy since his nasty divorce. He’s a writer of horror stories and his gloomy mood makes him perfect for writing about misery.

Fortunately for Joy, Eli Payne comes along and finds the half-frozen Elf who needs to be rescued and warmed up. Much to his dismay, he takes her home to get her out of the bitter cold. The snow storm does its part for these two and relentlessly drops snow on them so they are trapped inside together. Being around Joy is just what Eli needed as he opens his heart and begins to heal. Will he be able to trust her enough to pursue a relationship with her? Or will the fear of betrayal freeze his heart as he lets her walk away?

[Lynn Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy left Texas to move to North Pole, NY with her grandma’s fudge recipes and become the head fudge elf at a candy shoppe where she had to wear a skimpy elf costume. Eli, a handsome but grumpy man comes into the fudge store and is attracted to her and later has to rescue her after her car dies during a snowstorm. They end up having to go to his cabin because of the storm and she finds out that Eli is a rich, best selling author of horror books who divorced his childhood sweetheart who cheated on him when they were married. They end up acting on their mutual attraction and plan to work together on a scary gingerbread house for a challenge , but then Eli storms off after a misunderstanding. Will Joy and Eli be able to find happiness together?

I give this book 4.5 stars. I enjoyed this story with an instant attraction between the elf and grump that continues when they are forced together during a snowstorm. The author did a great job writing about their families and how they affected their lives. The epilogue was a great conclusion for their story.

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

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a multi author series set in North Pole, NY. This book reads as a standalone so its ok if you haven’t read any of the books in this series. It’s a hot and steamy, short instalove story. Poor Joy just can’t catch a break. She left Texas after her grandma passed away and the bank foreclosed on her grandma’s candy shop. She’s now in North Pole, NY completely unprepared for the snow and cold. Eli Payne is a bitter divorced writer who kills people, well kills them on paper anyways. He saves Joy from freezing to death when her car breaks down on the side of the road. The more Joy is around Eli the more his heart starts to crack. Can Eli trust Joy so he can open up to the possibility of a relationship? Or will he let his past win?

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy loves making candy, but when her grandmother passes she decided it's time to make some changes and heads to the North Pole. Eli grew up in North Pole, with a ugly past he keeps himself at his cabin. When Eli sees Joy at Santa's Workshop, he is drawn to her, and when he sees her on the side of the road he could not resist her any more.

Joy and Eli have a hot and passionate chemistry that would melt the snow in a blizzard. With Eli's past trust is a hard line, when he thinks Joy is lying he storms out into the snow to cool off. Eli is ready for a new start and leave her past in the past. Is it Eli or is she misjudging things.

This is a great addition to a great series and a perfect glimpse of the North Pole

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

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

It’s insta-attraction for Eli and Joy, Eli is a bestselling horror novelist and joy is a candy maker. When her car breaks down during a snow storm he stops to help. He brings her to his cabin where they talk a little and enjoy sexy times. He’s closed off due to his cheating ex wife and she’s been burned by a verbally abusive ex who steals her inheritance. But they can’t fight their feelings and Eli is thinking of forever. A small glitch when abusive ex texts Joy, Eli jumps to the conclusion she is cheating and storms out in a huff. His sister talks him down and he realizes Joy isn’t like that. An apology, I love yous and them planning a future. Epilogue on New Year’s Eve with a proposal. We will see more of them in his sister Hannah’s book.

[Gee Liz Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story but missing something.

This is the second book of Kat Baxter's I have read.
It's a very short novella about Joy, a girl from Texts who has just moved to New York to work as an elf in a fudge store, and Eli Payne, a number one best selling author who lives in a cabin on the outskirts.

Bad weather leads to the two being together in Eli's cabin for a few days and within that time things move VERY fast and they get together.

The writing is fun and easy to read. The characters are both likeable if not slightly under developed.

There was something missing. I'm not sure what though. It's such a short story that I think it is all just so abrupt. Perhaps if the novella was a big bigger and there was more of a story and character development?

Overall though, I am glad I read it and would recommend it to those who want a cute, christmassy, quick and easy read.

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy finds herself working in the fudge store in North Pole after moving across the country after the break up of a bad relationship. She’s driving home after work on day when she gets stuck in the snow. She’s saved by the grumpy guy who came in to buy fudge wearier that day and taken to his cabin in the mountains. Eli is still recovering from a bad divorce but feels something for the girl in the elf costume who he saved from freezing. After spending time together they realize they both feel the attraction and act on it. I’ll a text from an ex prevent them from having a Merry Christmas and a HEA? This was a new to me author and a great addition to the Holiday Honeys series. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was the best I've ever read by Kat Baxter, even if it was so short
I don't usually give 5 stars to novellas, but this one hit all the right spots for me 🥰

[...]
Everything.
Joy makes me feel everything.
She makes me hope and think that maybe I don't have to be alone forever. She makes me want to smile and laugh. She makes me want to do and feel all the shit I haven’t since Beth.

[...]
"I was actually talking to my sister on the phone and she was telling me what an idiot I was. And I saw the blooms. This brilliant splash of color in the midst of the bleak landscape. All I could think about was that was you. That's how I see you. A beacon of bright happiness right there in the middle of my gloomy existence. Your parents named you appropriately. You are Joy incarnate."

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is the short and sweet story about Eli and Joy. She has moved to North Pole to make her candies. He is an author that lives there to be close to his family. He is not really the Christmas theme type of guy but he loves his family. He quickly develops a weakness for candy made by a sexy little elf. Joy gets rescued from the side of the road by Eli. They get the chance to explore their attraction thanks to a blizzard hitting upper New York. This is another great addition to the Holiday Honeys group of stories

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

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Kat Baxter book and I can't wait to read more. I really loved Joy and Eli together. Joy has had it rough recently and Eli is closed off to people. These two had an interesting first meeting my when Eli is able to help Joy out during a blizzard, these two are able to grow closer together. Joy and Eli are perfect for each other; they are exactly what the other needs but didn't really know it. An assumption and jumping to conclusions could cost these two a HEA but don't worry! these two get a wonderful HEA that will leave you smiling! I would highly recommend this book.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heartwarming story. Love Joy and her upbeat personality. She packed up what she thought was most important to her and took off to North Pole, NY. She's in an Elf outfit when the most awesome man comes into the shop and buys some fudge. On his way home he sees his Elf on the side of the road with a broken car. Eli and Joy are fantastic for each other. She just can't believe a man like Eli is falling for her. I love the instant love and the hot sexy scene in the cabin in front of the fire. Burned up the bedding it was so hot. Loved the story. I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Joy and Payne a good addition to the series. The storyline is enjoyable with small town charm, family and instant love. I believe a story is only as powerful as its characters and Eli and Joy leaped from the page. I love stories where the hero and heroine are immediately drawn to each other, but have to overcome their own fears in addition to external obstacles. If you enjoy romances that are sizzling and heartfelt, I highly recommend this book.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book by Kat! This book was a wonderful read! Joy is new to town and Eli is a local. Joy is looking to start a new life working at the local candy shop. Eli is an author who writes horror novels. Joy is an eternal optimist and Eli is a grouch. They end up snowed in together during a blizzard and their connection sparks and grows. Everything about this couple is beautiful and steamy. Highly recommend this quick read!

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

[Jennifer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Kat Baxter. She's one of my new favorite reads for sure!

Never meet someone for the first time and blurt out, "nipples" or any other naughty bits!

Isn't talk, dark, and grumpy divine? You have to love an uncle that spoils his niece! How could you not love this fine horror writer?

Gotta say though, I wish once in a blue moon a guy would get stuck on the side of the road. :). We need some extra female superheroines! But I digress but in the end, Joy and Eli are each other's superheroes.

Can't wait til the next Kat Baxter book comes out!

[Mandi Garivn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stormy love

Joy is moving on from her past and into a bee town and new role. While she is not as confident as she should be when she meets Eli she cannot help but be drawn to the grumpy man. Eli has been more than burned by love. He is a successful horror writer and while he kills people for a living in his books he has never felt happily ever after a are for him until now. While they are thrown together by Mother Nature they will have to trust faith to be the light in the dark storms of their lives.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the inner dialogue of Joy, which kept me giggling throughout the entire story. I loved her outlook that she deserved better and forged ahead on her own when so much was stacked against her. Eli may have been a grump, but underneath all that bluster was someone searching for the right woman to bring joy to his soul. Cute ending for this unexpected holiday couple.

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

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fabulous. Joy is from Texas and has set off for a new start. Her ex is a jerk. Payne writes horror. He picks Joy up on the side of the road when she is stranded. He brings her home and then the blizzard hits. This is a happy fuzzy warm wonderful holiday story of love. Every book in this series has been totally enjoyable. They are all easy rides.

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

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli and Joy are the main protagonists in this short story. I loved the dual, first person point of view, which is always a deal breaker for me. Eli and Joy were great characters, very developed, their story had a good flow. Eli meets Joy while she is wearing an elf costume and he is around with his niece. This was a cute story.

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

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy needs a break and a Christmas miracle shes lost her candystore and her grandmother her new start is in North Pole, NY. Eli Payne is the original Grinch he gets his kicks from writing horror novels and hes still angry about his divorce can Joy bring Christmas cheer to a broken heart and can Eli save this elf down on her luck. Cute short holiday read.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli doesn’t know what he is getting himself into when he rescues the sexy elf from the side of the road. Joy can’t take her eyes off Eli and when the snowstorm traps them in his cabin, they give into the passion blazing between them. Eli knows things are happening fast but he is determined to show Joy that they are meant to be forever.

I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bill Jakobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story

I love anything and everything about Christmas. This book was titled so well, they both needed Joy after all the Payne their significant others put them through. Love the story is located in one of my favourite places Santa's Workshop, NY. The only love I found there was the Wishing Well wanted to talk to me (lol). So happy for the couple for their ending. Very good book, thanks. Written by Cindy :)

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy is a sweet, sugary treat and Payne is a grumpy, brooding, horror writer. When these two meet and collide the story begins. It is a short little read with a holiday theme. The characters are opposites, likable/lovable. The story is entertaining, funny, sweet, heartwarming and has a dash of craziness. A joy to read!

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

[poppysocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr grumpy meets Joy

Great book. The last thing Eli expected to see when he walked into the candy store with his niece was Joy and he knew he wanted her but he had been hurt in the past. Eli then rescues Joy after her car breaks down and has to take her back to his cabin as the snow storm was getting worse. Eli realises how much he wants Joy not for just now but for the future they both want.

[Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy and Eli find each other when they least expect it and the insta- love connection ignites. A fast paced short read that is able to provide enough depth into these characters that you’re able to connect with them easily. This was a new author to me, I found her writing style enjoyable and the storyline strong and flowed smoothly. I will surly be looking into more from this author in the future.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their meet cute was hilarious, but boy was Eli grumpy. And rude! So, it was so much fun to watch him and Joy get together. My one complaint is that it was way too short. The writing was witty and light, giving the whole story a warm, feel-good vibe. I would have loved to see the scary gingerbread house Joy made for Eli’s competition with Colton to see if it matched the image of it I had in my mind.