Elfed

by C.J. Hunt

What do you get when you mix a snowstorm, secrets, and two people with a shared past who desperately need a second chance at love? Come home to Rivers End and fall in love with this sweet, second-chance Christmas romance.

All Lindsay MacAllister wants it to make it home to Rivers End in time for her Uncle Isaac’s Christmas wedding. But the universe has other ideas. Lindsay is convinced that she’s on the naughty list this year, and that getting snowed in—with the one guy who managed to completely break her heart—is her punishment for the secrets she’s been keeping from her family.

Noah Burke is happy to hop a plane to Hawaii with his foster brothers and avoid the holiday season altogether. But a snow storm brings the airport to a grinding halt, and throws the girl-next-door he’s never been able to forget directly into his path. Now Noah’s faced with a choice. Will he risk telling Lindsay he’s never gotten over her and try to convince her he deserves a second chance? Or will his troubled past come between them… again?

***
Note from the author: This is a small town, second-chance, sweet holiday romance with a HEA and no cheating. There is the occasional use of strong language and while most of the ‘action’ takes place off screen, if you’re looking for ‘clean and wholesome’ this might not be for you.

It can be read as a standalone, or you can enjoy it with the rest of the MacAllisters of Rivers End romance series (psssst… there’s a boxed set of the first 4 books!).

1. Silver Bells (Jenna+Isaac, Beginnings)
2. Tipsy (Shannon+Lucas)
3. Reindeer Games (Ginger+Eli)
4. Wedding Bells (Jenna+Isaac, HEA)
5. Elfed (Lindsay+Noah)

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Clean Romance, Holiday, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Christmas

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2021

About the author

Join the Rivers End Bookclub and get free, exclusive Rivers End romances, gossip and VIP bonus goodies: visit www.RiversEndBookclub.com for instant access.

Hey neighbour! I’m a lifelong fan of stories where everyone gets their happily-ever-after and have been a voracious reader of everything romance since I was tall enough to reach my mom’s bookshelf. I write small town romance with plenty of heart, humour and a dash of heat. Sometimes with a dash of magic, mystery or suspense.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah and Lindsay's Second Chance . . .

Noah Burke and Lindsay MacAllister, high school sweethearts, have had to wait almost a decade to get that second chance for a HEA after Noah inexplicably ghosted her.

With things repeatedly not going smoothly, Lindsay is struggling to make it home in time for her uncle’s wedding. There is a problem with her luggage getting stolen and she has to go to the airport in her Elf costume. She runs into Noah and his family, and with the planes being grounded due to a snowstorm, they take her home with them. Will Noah and Lindsay take advantage of the second chance being offered to them after 10 years apart? Will she find out why he ghosted her so long ago? Will she be willing to fight for them when she is close to losing him again?

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sexy romance between Lindsay and Noah. The author brings a cast of strong characters centering on Lindsay and Noah and gives them a second chance at romance. It's well written ,moves fluidly with descriptive scenes and is an enjoyable read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Brenda Margriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, romantic read! It has all the Christmas feels, along with great banter (especially among Noah and his brothers), sweet but hot sexual tension, and a full cast of wonderful characters. Highly recommend.

[Angie McCaslan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CJ Hunt is very good at crafting great feel good stories. This is one of her finest. Noah and Lindsay have waited almost a decade for their happy ever after, but they finally get it. This story shows us the true meaning of family and teaches us that it isn’t always a blood connection!

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

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five of The MacAllisters of Rivers End series and is a short Christmas holiday romance tale between Lindsay MacAllister and Noah Burke. Lindsay has been spending the last six weeks playing an elf at a Santa’s Grotto and is looking forward to going back to her hometown in time for her Uncle Isaac’s wedding and the holiday season. Noah meanwhile is looking forward to spending five days off with his foster brothers Ty (Tyler) and Damon, in Hawaii, whilst leaving their youngest member of their family, Ari, at home looking after everything. They are all at the same airport, waiting for their flights, as the snowfall becomes heavier and heavier, leaving all flights cancelled for the evening and not much hope of anything moving the next day. Noah saw an elf running for a gate and it turns out that was Lindsay and she missed her flight, even though she had no baggage to check in after an incident at the mall office. Which left her running later than hoped. Noah recognises Lindsay as she is getting harassed in the bar and offers her the safety of sitting with him and his brothers. They recognise her as well, as their foster home was right next door to her parent’s home as the all grew up and went to the same high school. Everyone has to bed down the best they can on any seats or spaces on the floors they can find and hope the snow lets up in the morning. But it doesn’t! The men have lost what would be two days of their short break and decide it isn’t worth hanging around until the next day to see if flights open up. Lindsay has already missed the wedding now and just has to make it home, which is luckily where the guys are heading.
Noah moved away suddenly from Rivers End just before prom of their final year and they had been dating in secret for almost a year by then. This left Lindsay heartbroken, not knowing why he left and didn’t even say goodbye! Noah has his reasons, as we only find out near the end of the book and it breaks your heart. They drive her back to town and stop at their house first after a panicked call from Ari about all the power going out and at seventeen, he isn’t quite sure what to do. The snow is still falling heavily and they have to go really slowly and skid as they take the turn into their long driveway, when Lindsay spots something bright against the snowdrifts. A car has run off the road and had a tree land on it. The men get out to check if there is anyone inside and find a woman called Ainsley, cold but safe, and just unable to get out due to the tree and level of snow. They take Lindsay and Ainsley back to their house and start sorting out candles and so on, as well as dry clothes and some food. Noah and Lindsay have a lot to talk about, their past is a big cloud over both of their lives and since Lindsay has come back to work at her uncle’s lodge, she won’t be going anywhere and their love might get a second chance. There is further romance starting off between Ainsley and Ty, as well as a shocking surprise for Noah which is linked to his imprisoned father. The foster brother’s home may be an unusual one, with four unrelated men calling themselves a family, with three of them having grown up together in the same foster home in Rivers End and now coming back together after years apart. This is their first and only home of their own, as a family, and with the ones that they love. Hard decisions to be made about their futures and any chance of love again. A lovely story with some hard hitting scenarios and the effects of being in the foster system can have on children and the transition out of care. I look forward to reading more of this series and the other characters. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved cozying up with this story during my downtime between wrapping presents, doing my Christmas baking, and decorating the house.
When Lindsay must make it back to Rivers End at all costs in the face of a snowstorm, little does she know she's going to bump into Noah, the man she's still thinking about ten years after he unceremoniously left her, and as she's about to find out, he's still thinking about her. Some things need to be ironed out though before Lindsay can even think about anything changing between them.
What I really loved about this story was how complex the characters were. They both had layered pasts and complicated lives, which made them interesting characters. I really liked Noah's past and his living situation with his foster brothers and how they shared a house and the responsibilities of fixing up the house. There were some interesting dynamics at work. Noah made for a great character, and I like that Lindsay was trying to figure out what she wanted to be doing in life. I thought they had the potential to make a wonderful match. Nice little story and a heartwarming seasonal read. This was my first book from this author and I was not disappointed.
The romance is sweet with "fade to black" love scenes.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy of this book and am giving an honest review.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to come back to River’s End (an audio review)

I’m a huge C.J. Hunt fan. I love her River’s End books, and I love they’re set in a small British Columbia town on Vancouver Island. Sort of my neck of the woods. I definitely like the vibe I get. I’ve listened to all her audios and was thrilled when this one came out.

Elfed takes place in parallel with another book in the series, but it’s also the start of a new series. I liked connecting with the other characters, but I was especially intrigued with the set-up. I love the concept of the Lost Boys. Three men and a teenager who have all been through the foster system and have created a found family of their own. I especially felt for Noah and the predicament he’s in – his father takes dysfunction to a whole new level. And although I understood why he left Lindsay back in high school, I didn’t blame her for being hurt. Still, their second-chance romance was amazing. And the little twist at the end? Oh, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Sarah Gise is a lovely narrator whose work I enjoy and she was perfect for this book. I hope to get more from this narrator and author duo.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay and Noah knew each other in high school. They were in a secret relationship because of Noah's foster mom and Lindsay's parents didn't want them to be together. Fast forwarding 10 years, Lindsay is a Christmas elf and is trying to get home for Christmas and her uncle's wedding when the office that she has her suitcases is broken into and all kinds of things are missing, including her suitcases. Late for the airport she finally gets there and goes to the bar to get some fries while waiting for her plane, running into Noah and his brothers. She's in her elf costume and turns heads when she enters.
Due to a snowstorm all the planes are grounded, causing everyone to sleep at the airport. Noah and the guys decide to head back home, taking Lindsay with them. While going down the driveway she notices a car off in the ditch. Rescuing Ainsley they all make it to the house where the power is out.
Will Lindsay and Noah get back together?
This is a lighthearted read that I couldn't put down.

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

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rivers End has drawn back two of it’s former residents. Noah and his foster brothers have made the town their permanent home base for their chosen family. The memories of his time with Lindsay, the girl who captured his heart nearly ten years ago, may haunt him, but hearing bits and pieces about her new life away from town make the decision he made long ago a little more bearable. Stormy winter weather and a series of mishaps bring Lindsay and Noah face to face for the first time since he left her behind without a word years ago. Inclement weather and a little Christmas magic have given these two a chance to reconnect and reveal their long held feelings for each other, and perhaps have their own happily ever after. The supporting cast of characters are just as fascinating as Noah and Lindsay and make this book even more enjoyable.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a silly elf suit to getting stranded at the airport with no luggage to seeing her love from high school. Lindsay was not having a good day. Noah wasn't having the best day either, but it was looking up when he ran into Lindsay again. He had never gotten over her but didn't tell her why he ghosted her. After Noah's flight got cancelled also they all went back to Noah's house to sit out the snow storm. They had a lot of catching up to do and then she had to break some news to her parents. Things were getting settled when Noah gets a phone call he was not expecting. Upheaval again. He tries to cut Lindsay loose, but she is not having it. This story was very enjoyable. Family dynamics. a romance rekindled and a new member of the family.

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

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay and Noah were secretly together during high school because of their parents forbidding it. He is part of a foster group of five men who are still very close. They reconnect at the airport when flights are canceled. To make her day worse, her luggage is stolen and all she has is the elf costume she is wearing, trying to get to a family holiday wedding. They all end up back at his house to wait out the weather.
The characters are heartwarming and have all the feels that the long ago relationship brings back to them. The storyline has fun situations, drama, misconception, love, surprises and more. The story had me right from the start and I could not put it down. Loved the chemistry and strength they had to let the past go and forge ahead anew. Great ending.

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

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where this story kicks off, is Christmas comedy gold. But it doesn’t take very long to discover that there’s a really deep emotional story hiding under the humor. I’m a sucker for a second chance, so right from the start I was invested in seeing Lindsay and Noah reconnect. And just when the story got to the point most others would call it done, the author gave us another reason why Rivers End is such a special place. This book is filled with holiday magic and a bunch of Christmas miracles. I have no idea what’s going to happen next in this charming small town, but I can’t wait to see what it is.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been several years since I read the first four books in this series, and I was very happy for the chance to visit Rivers End again. I liked Lindsay from the get-go (you've GOT to love a girl who'll kick off her stilettos and go racing through an airport in an elf costume to try to catch her flight), but it was Noah and his brothers who really captured my heart. I would LOVE a book or three about Noah, Damon, and Tyler growing up at Wendy's and then taking in Ari.

C.J. Hunt's Rivers End books are the perfect holiday reads (and don't skip Merry and Oona).

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

CJ always makes Rivers End feel like coming back home to visit. I figured this would be a short and simple reunited former lovers for the holiday book but she threw in a few twists just to keep readers on their toes!

I look forward to learning more about Noah's Brothers, and the two bonus characters we were introduced to were great additions to the story and also set things up nicely to continue the stories.

CJ has done it again with another great book, and I'm already impair waiting to go back to Rivers End again. Maybe to visit Noah's brother Ty this time?

[Lisa Sandberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas romance. I enjoyed it. I got this as a free download and am writing an honest review.
Even though this is a short book, I really got into the characters. All of them are so compassionate and loving. I hope that there are more stories about these characters, as I'd love to learn what comes next for all of them.
After a not so great year, my husband died in January, I'm trying to get into the Christmas spirit. So I thought I'd read some Christmas themed stories. It's working!
Looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Callie Kakascik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little second-chance romance novella,

Starting in an airport with a freak snowstorm that strands all flights, Noah runs into the one that got away. Or, actually, the one that he ghosted. Turns out he lives where he grew up, next door to Lindsay.

Lindsay is on her way back to that same town to tell her parents that she dropped out of school and wants to move back to the town. (Which doesn't go over too well.)

I liked it, I'm wavering between 3.5 and 3.75 so I bumped it up to 4.

[Patty Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and thought it was a delightful read from the very beginning to the very end. I thought the characterbuilt up was very vital to the entire story and made it all seem to work out right in my opinion. I thought the storyline was so well thought out and it came together very well and this is my opinion.

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

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things seems to be going wrong for her and now she is snowed in with him, her ex and secrets may be revealed to the other. He is hoping to get a second chance with her but will his secrets come back to haunt him as well. How will it all go for these two? Will there be a Xmas miracle? Will they finally have a happy ending? See if they finally get a happy ending

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

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some outfits even the biggest chutzpah just cannot overcome- an elf costume is on that list.

Naturally Lindsay is wearing just that when she gets airport stranded and winds up with her previously vanishing ex and his whole family

will this be a holiday filled with amazing second chances, or just more heartache?

another Rivers End dram and action packed romance story

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

[Leslie Wibberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the delightful fictional community of River's End, Elfed is a sweet and satisfying small-town romance sure to delight all readers. Love scenes are fade to black, characters are fully developed and believable, and there is just the right amount of conflict in the story to keep readers engaged. I am a fan of Ms. Hunt's work and look forward to reading more. Disclaimer, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening images of C. J. Hunt's ELFED are adorable. A young woman is hoping to get off work as a Santa elf in a mall so she can make it home for a wedding. At the end of her shift, she discovers her luggage has been stolen, and she now has to dash through an airport dressed as an elf in a miniskirt and high heels. I loved it! The characters in this book are engaging and unique and the writing is excellent. Readers of sweet romance will love this book and this whole series by C.J. Hunt.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay was on her way to her hometown for her uncle's Christmas wedding and Noah was on his way to Hawaii to avoid the holiday season when they both end up snowed in at the same airport. These two high school sweethearts get a second chance at love. Elfed is book five and a great addition to the series. The writing is well done and the characters are likable. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by CJ Hunt; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the 5th book in the MacAllisters of Rivers End Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Lindsay & Noah. They end up getting stranded in a snowstorm together; neither ever got over the other one.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and entertaining read. The storyline and the characters draw you in from the beginning and you can’t put the story down. Lindsey and Noah are just meant to be and the author lets us enjoy their relationship.

The characters are likable, there is humor, romance and a little turmoil thrown in for good measure. My only problem was the ending, I wanted more. Other than that I really enjoyed this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jean Stillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! Could be a total Hallmark Christmas movie! Lindsey is going home as soon as she finishes her shift as a mall elf during the holiday season. But the weather and unforseen obstacles have different plans for her, leaving her stranded at the airport. Worse yet, she is stranded there...in elf attire...along with her high school sweetheart, Noah. This is a great short holiday read to give you the warm fuzzies. Perfect holiday read to get you in the holiday mood!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance

Lindsay is heading home for the Christmas break, but she gets stranded at the airport, where she runs into her ex-boyfriend. Noah never stopped loving her. They work things out, and then they break the news to Lindsay's parents that she's not going back to school.

Noah and Lindsay are a sweet couple. They quickly get back together, and talk about all their issues. This book is perfect for readers of young adult stories. I highly recommend it.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has made a decision to go home. She is at work working as an elf when all of her luggage and everything has been stolen. She doesn't have anything to change into. She sees some of the guys she knew from the neighborhood and they help her put. It was an awesome book. I wanted more

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

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s obvious the two main characters have never gotten over each other, but secrets kept them apart for nine years. Now is their chance to get it all out in the open. But something happens that puts their relationship in danger. Life changing decisions have to be made, decisions that will not just affect them, but their whole family.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable story. Despite all the seemingly bad things happening, Lindsay and Noah are getting a second chance at love. But only if Noah can get out of his own way. A fun Christmas read.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable sweet small town holiday romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

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