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Winter Wanderlust #1
Nutcracker with Benefits
Clara
I love my life—as a food and travel blogger I make my own hours, work all over the world, and don’t have a single regret. The cherry on top is flying home to New York City to celebrate the holidays with my family—and Nash.
He’s my best friend with benefits and was just named the sexiest billionaire bachelor of the year. He’s all mine—for now. But someday, Nash is going to break my heart.
Nash
Clara can have her cake—whether its pavlova, mochi, or tres leches—and eat it too.
I have twenty-four hours to convince her that she can have everything she wants right here in the city—including me.
Enjoy this steamy holiday romcom while listening to some Tchaikovsky for the full experience.
I love my life—as a food and travel blogger I make my own hours, work all over the world, and don’t have a single regret. The cherry on top is flying home to New York City to celebrate the holidays with my family—and Nash.
He’s my best friend with benefits and was just named the sexiest billionaire bachelor of the year. He’s all mine—for now. But someday, Nash is going to break my heart.
Nash
Clara can have her cake—whether its pavlova, mochi, or tres leches—and eat it too.
I have twenty-four hours to convince her that she can have everything she wants right here in the city—including me.
Enjoy this steamy holiday romcom while listening to some Tchaikovsky for the full experience.
Paperback
First published October 18, 2022
491 people are currently reading
4599 people want to read
About the author
Liz Alden
29 books227 followersMy Direct Store: https://lizalden.myshopify.com/
Winter Wanderlust Series
Nutcracker with Benefits: https://geni.us/nutcrackerwithbenefits
Frosty Proximity: https://geni.us/frostyproximity
Ghost of Ex-mas Past: https://geni.us/ghostofexmaspast
Run, Run, Roommates: https://geni.us/runrunroommates
FREE for Subscribers:
About Liz
I spent ten years traveling the world on a sailboat with my husband. He is not a secret rockstar, nor a grumpy farmer, nor a coworker I accidentally saw naked. I only see him naked intentionally.
Many of my books are based on my travels all over the world – from the Caribbean to Polynesia to Europe. I know exactly how big the world is—having sailed around it—and exactly how small it is, having bumped in to friends worldwide. I’ve been a dishwasher, an engineer, a CEO, and occasionally I get paid to write or sail.
Now I’m in my small town era, both in fiction and real life. I live in Western Massachusetts with a big backyard that would be perfect for a goat if only SOMEONE would let me have one. I like my men to be sweethearts, the bedroom door wide open (with a splash of something new!) and the women to be independent and mature.
You can read free short stories in all her series at https://www.lizalden.com/
Connect with Liz:
Facebook > https://facebook.com/lizaldenwriter
Twitter > https://twitter.com/lizaldenwriter
Instagram > https://instagram.com/lizaldenwriter
Pinterest > https://www.pinterest.com/lizaldenwri...
Winter Wanderlust Series
Nutcracker with Benefits: https://geni.us/nutcrackerwithbenefits
Frosty Proximity: https://geni.us/frostyproximity
Ghost of Ex-mas Past: https://geni.us/ghostofexmaspast
Run, Run, Roommates: https://geni.us/runrunroommates
FREE for Subscribers:
About Liz
I spent ten years traveling the world on a sailboat with my husband. He is not a secret rockstar, nor a grumpy farmer, nor a coworker I accidentally saw naked. I only see him naked intentionally.
Many of my books are based on my travels all over the world – from the Caribbean to Polynesia to Europe. I know exactly how big the world is—having sailed around it—and exactly how small it is, having bumped in to friends worldwide. I’ve been a dishwasher, an engineer, a CEO, and occasionally I get paid to write or sail.
Now I’m in my small town era, both in fiction and real life. I live in Western Massachusetts with a big backyard that would be perfect for a goat if only SOMEONE would let me have one. I like my men to be sweethearts, the bedroom door wide open (with a splash of something new!) and the women to be independent and mature.
You can read free short stories in all her series at https://www.lizalden.com/
Connect with Liz:
Facebook > https://facebook.com/lizaldenwriter
Twitter > https://twitter.com/lizaldenwriter
Instagram > https://instagram.com/lizaldenwriter
Pinterest > https://www.pinterest.com/lizaldenwri...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
December 25, 2022
Short & sweet with some spice but I wasn’t 100% invested in Nash & Clara as a couple. I was into Nash though - sexy, almost billionaire, family friendly turned lover - yes please!
December 21, 2022
This was a super cute and interesting Christmas novella! Clara is a travel blogger, and she is rarely in her hometown of NYC for more than a few days a year. She’s had a very long term (10 years) friends with benefits going on with Nash, who is like a son to her dads, and she’s excited to pick up where she left off when she goes into his room early on Christmas morning. Only surprise! It’s one of her dads, not Nash. So now the family knows, but Nash is determined that this year will be the one that he tells Clara he loves her and wants her to stay.
Nash takes her on a magical day all over the city, showing her restaurants, coffee rooms, spice shops, etc that are representative of countries she’s never been to. It’s such a lovely and thoughtful day that comes to ruin once Clara’s brother Frtiz throws a wrench in things. Nash declares his love, Clara leaves for her next destination, and all is not right.
It’s hard to pack a punch in a novella, but this one was great! Nash is a dream, Clara is driven and smart and outgoing, and I LOVED Dad and Uncle Dad. It also really resonated with me that Nash was so restricted by his parents and their religion, and that he chose to breakout. I felt that to my core, both as a former Southern Baptist and as someone with a best friend who was raised in a very strict Muslim household. I also ate up all of the cultural things sprinkled throughout the book, very entertaining!
Nash takes her on a magical day all over the city, showing her restaurants, coffee rooms, spice shops, etc that are representative of countries she’s never been to. It’s such a lovely and thoughtful day that comes to ruin once Clara’s brother Frtiz throws a wrench in things. Nash declares his love, Clara leaves for her next destination, and all is not right.
It’s hard to pack a punch in a novella, but this one was great! Nash is a dream, Clara is driven and smart and outgoing, and I LOVED Dad and Uncle Dad. It also really resonated with me that Nash was so restricted by his parents and their religion, and that he chose to breakout. I felt that to my core, both as a former Southern Baptist and as someone with a best friend who was raised in a very strict Muslim household. I also ate up all of the cultural things sprinkled throughout the book, very entertaining!
October 10, 2022
Ok, so Liz Alden books are always so immersive and steamy, and I love that. Clara and Nash are friends-with-benefits, and you don’t really see that in romances these days. This novella, however, does a great job of examining the “friend” part of the equation, as well as the “benefits.” There is a true friendship there, and I loved seeing Nash’s plan to woo Clara. He definitely put some time into this. The NYC setting at Christmastime was so special and fun. I’d really like to see NYC in the winter.
I also give Liz props for her unique characters. They’re all nuanced, and never generic. The only slight issue I had with the story is completely subjective, but I like to see the MCs when they first get together. I want to see the passion, the fireworks when they first kiss. I still gave the book 5 stars because this is definitely a “me” thing, but just know going in that you don’t get to see their first time together.
But I digress. If you’re looking for a short, sexy holiday novella to get you in the Christmas spirit, this is definitely for you.❤️🎄🎁
*An ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
I also give Liz props for her unique characters. They’re all nuanced, and never generic. The only slight issue I had with the story is completely subjective, but I like to see the MCs when they first get together. I want to see the passion, the fireworks when they first kiss. I still gave the book 5 stars because this is definitely a “me” thing, but just know going in that you don’t get to see their first time together.
But I digress. If you’re looking for a short, sexy holiday novella to get you in the Christmas spirit, this is definitely for you.❤️🎄🎁
*An ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.*
December 21, 2022
I read this because of Ainsley's glowing recommendation
December 23, 2022
Who doesn’t like something sweet and spicy during the holiday season?
I read Liz Aldean’s 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐚 and loved it, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of her Holiday novella. This is a steamy friends-to-lovers steamy romance that is filled with food and the sights of NYC. I loved the little nod to 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒖𝒕𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒓 too.
Thank you @lizaldenwriter for this gifted ebook.
I read Liz Aldean’s 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐚 and loved it, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of her Holiday novella. This is a steamy friends-to-lovers steamy romance that is filled with food and the sights of NYC. I loved the little nod to 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒖𝒕𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒓 too.
Thank you @lizaldenwriter for this gifted ebook.
October 20, 2022
4.25 WANDERLUST HOLIDAY STARS
This novella starts on Christmas Day with Clara breezing into town for two days to spend with family and her best friend with benefits, Nash.
She’s constantly on the go for her food and travel blog. She has a major case of wanderlust.
The Christmas scenes are charming and festive.
The characters are smart, interesting and fun.
I loved her two Dad’s, sister and her sisters young children. They bring heart and warmth to the story.
As the story continues it’s Clara and Nash on an important date he’s planned.
It’s a whirlwind to the senses, it’s clever and a cultural journey.
I loved the idea behind his plan, I enjoyed the scenes and characters adventures in NYC.
There’s plenty of sexy heat and scenes, their chemistry and connection is hot and emotional.
The two have a disagreement when it comes time to face feelings.
From there the characters do some soul searching and have to decide what’s important and what they want in their lives.
I enjoyed this short holiday romance. The culture, food and travel are described so beautifully.
The characters are interesting and likable. I didn’t connect strongly with them, in a short story I don’t usually so that’s to be expected. I still enjoyed the story very much. The writing is really good.
It’s a great holiday read.
This novella starts on Christmas Day with Clara breezing into town for two days to spend with family and her best friend with benefits, Nash.
She’s constantly on the go for her food and travel blog. She has a major case of wanderlust.
The Christmas scenes are charming and festive.
The characters are smart, interesting and fun.
I loved her two Dad’s, sister and her sisters young children. They bring heart and warmth to the story.
As the story continues it’s Clara and Nash on an important date he’s planned.
It’s a whirlwind to the senses, it’s clever and a cultural journey.
I loved the idea behind his plan, I enjoyed the scenes and characters adventures in NYC.
There’s plenty of sexy heat and scenes, their chemistry and connection is hot and emotional.
The two have a disagreement when it comes time to face feelings.
From there the characters do some soul searching and have to decide what’s important and what they want in their lives.
I enjoyed this short holiday romance. The culture, food and travel are described so beautifully.
The characters are interesting and likable. I didn’t connect strongly with them, in a short story I don’t usually so that’s to be expected. I still enjoyed the story very much. The writing is really good.
It’s a great holiday read.
October 23, 2022
ARC Book Review
Nutcracker With Benefits
A Novella Written By Liz Alden
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Here is a holiday themed novella to get you in the holiday spirit. It is a very quick read. It could be read in an afternoon.
Clara and Nash have known each other for a long time. For the past ten years they have had a secret friends with benefits relationship.
Cara is a food blogger and travels all over the world. She is home in New York City for just two days for Christmas.
Nash is a successful billionaire business man.
While Clara is home for the holidays, Nash plans to declare his love to Clara and convince her to settle down with him in New York City. He has planned a day in the city to show Clara all the unique things NYC has to offer that she could include in her blogs. Nash put a lot of time, effort, and money into his plan to woe Clara.
Some family interference and a little miscommunication put a wrench in Nash’s plans.
Nash soon learns that both people need to compromise to make a relationship work.
“Every place is worth going to.”
“Even a bad trip is a trip worth having.”
“But I’m ready for the next stop. And I’m ready to be with you.”
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Nutcracker With Benefits
A Novella Written By Liz Alden
Fiction - Romance
Published 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Here is a holiday themed novella to get you in the holiday spirit. It is a very quick read. It could be read in an afternoon.
Clara and Nash have known each other for a long time. For the past ten years they have had a secret friends with benefits relationship.
Cara is a food blogger and travels all over the world. She is home in New York City for just two days for Christmas.
Nash is a successful billionaire business man.
While Clara is home for the holidays, Nash plans to declare his love to Clara and convince her to settle down with him in New York City. He has planned a day in the city to show Clara all the unique things NYC has to offer that she could include in her blogs. Nash put a lot of time, effort, and money into his plan to woe Clara.
Some family interference and a little miscommunication put a wrench in Nash’s plans.
Nash soon learns that both people need to compromise to make a relationship work.
“Every place is worth going to.”
“Even a bad trip is a trip worth having.”
“But I’m ready for the next stop. And I’m ready to be with you.”
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 18, 2022
A great holiday novella filled with friends, benefits, family and wooing in the city of New York at Christmas!
Clara and Nash have had an arrangement for years. When she swoops into town, he is her man. Clara has lived her life out of suitcase, she is a travel/food blogger. Nash has waited patiently for his move while building his business here in NY. It's holiday time and it is finally time to show Clara what the city and Nash can offer. Nash is ready to turn on the charm and prove that they can have it all! I loved the great repour that this couple shared, they are sweet, funny and steamy all while holding out for what could be!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Clara and Nash have had an arrangement for years. When she swoops into town, he is her man. Clara has lived her life out of suitcase, she is a travel/food blogger. Nash has waited patiently for his move while building his business here in NY. It's holiday time and it is finally time to show Clara what the city and Nash can offer. Nash is ready to turn on the charm and prove that they can have it all! I loved the great repour that this couple shared, they are sweet, funny and steamy all while holding out for what could be!
~~Michele McMullen~~
December 15, 2022
For the next 10 days I’ll be sharing the Holiday romances I’ve been spending my Christmas season with! First up... Liz Alden’s Nutcracker with Benefits!
.
At 139 pages, this Christmas themed novella was the perfect book to curl up on the couch with. I’m a huge fan of Liz Aldren’s novels so I had a good feeling going into this and I was NOT disappointed! I’m such a sucker for friends to lovers, especially when there’s some secret pining going on. I loved Nash from the beginning. He’s charming, loving and a great friend to Clara. His idea of one day spent exploring the city and all the hidden cultures was so fun to read. If there’s one thing Liz Aldren knows how to do, it’s write travel themed romances. The way she describes settings, food, traditions, etc. is such a joy to read and always feels like an escape. Throw in some delish spice, some super sweet grand gestures and a HEA to wrap it all up, and this is a MUST read for the holiday season!
.
BLURB:
Clara
I love my life—as a food and travel blogger I make my own hours, work all over the world, and don’t have a single regret. The cherry on top is flying home to New York City to celebrate the holidayswith my family—and Nash.
He’s my best friend with benefits and was just named the sexiest billionaire bachelor of the year. He’s all mine—for now. But someday, Nash is going to break my heart.
Nash
Clara can have her cake—whether its pavlova, mochi, or tres leches—and eat it too.I have twenty-four hours to convince her that she can have everything she wants right here in the city—including me.
.
At 139 pages, this Christmas themed novella was the perfect book to curl up on the couch with. I’m a huge fan of Liz Aldren’s novels so I had a good feeling going into this and I was NOT disappointed! I’m such a sucker for friends to lovers, especially when there’s some secret pining going on. I loved Nash from the beginning. He’s charming, loving and a great friend to Clara. His idea of one day spent exploring the city and all the hidden cultures was so fun to read. If there’s one thing Liz Aldren knows how to do, it’s write travel themed romances. The way she describes settings, food, traditions, etc. is such a joy to read and always feels like an escape. Throw in some delish spice, some super sweet grand gestures and a HEA to wrap it all up, and this is a MUST read for the holiday season!
.
BLURB:
Clara
I love my life—as a food and travel blogger I make my own hours, work all over the world, and don’t have a single regret. The cherry on top is flying home to New York City to celebrate the holidayswith my family—and Nash.
He’s my best friend with benefits and was just named the sexiest billionaire bachelor of the year. He’s all mine—for now. But someday, Nash is going to break my heart.
Nash
Clara can have her cake—whether its pavlova, mochi, or tres leches—and eat it too.I have twenty-four hours to convince her that she can have everything she wants right here in the city—including me.
January 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
It was a cute story to read before bedtime. I liked it, but it wasn't extraordinary
It was a cute story to read before bedtime. I liked it, but it wasn't extraordinary
November 15, 2025
good book
October 21, 2022
Nash is a successful man who is madly in love with his best friend. He doesn't want to stop her from living the life she wants so he doesn't tell her that he loves her and hopes that someday she'll feel the same way. Clara travels the world and fills her day with new experiences. She loves her family so she visits when she can but she doesn't want to live every day in New York because she thinks it's limiting. Can their competing desires find a way to come together into one path?
I enjoyed learning about how Clara and Nash met and became friends and then lovers. The fact that Nash is already an integral part of Clara's family was a nice twist. When their relationship was discovered by her family, I really felt bad for everyone involved because I could imagine how confusing it must have been. The special day Nash planned for Clara in New York was magical. Each stop along the way was so thoughtful and meaningful. What person wouldn't love having someone plan a day like that just for them?! I even liked when Clara's brother inserted himself into their lives and proffered his opinion. I kind of hated him for it but I understood it. I thought that Clara thinking through everything and realizing that she needed a PowerPoint presentation was hysterical! I truly loved when Nash finally saw Clara for the smart, successful businesswoman that she is and not the young woman he fell in love with. Bravo to the author for having a non-traditional ending to the story. Yes, it's a happily ever after but it's a unique HEA.
I did have some problems with the story that stopped me from giving it a 5-star rating. First, when Clara arrives for Christmas, I don't understand how she missed the C-pap in the bedroom. It's critical to the setup and should have been obvious to her. Second, Nash's family is important to him being with Clara's family. It appears that he has never dealt with the damage done by his family. I needed some form of closure, doesn't matter what form but Nash needs to close that chapter firmly during this story. There were little things like timeframes that didn't make sense and conveniently adorable children that drive me crazy in stories. I will confess, the little side not that Nash and Clara babysat the twins when they were tiny babies was pretty cute.
This is a contemporary romance that takes place predominantly in New York but involves some travel outside New York. This is a love story that takes place in the 10 years leading up to this moment in time. I would recommend this book if you are looking for an unusual love story. I will read more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed learning about how Clara and Nash met and became friends and then lovers. The fact that Nash is already an integral part of Clara's family was a nice twist. When their relationship was discovered by her family, I really felt bad for everyone involved because I could imagine how confusing it must have been. The special day Nash planned for Clara in New York was magical. Each stop along the way was so thoughtful and meaningful. What person wouldn't love having someone plan a day like that just for them?! I even liked when Clara's brother inserted himself into their lives and proffered his opinion. I kind of hated him for it but I understood it. I thought that Clara thinking through everything and realizing that she needed a PowerPoint presentation was hysterical! I truly loved when Nash finally saw Clara for the smart, successful businesswoman that she is and not the young woman he fell in love with. Bravo to the author for having a non-traditional ending to the story. Yes, it's a happily ever after but it's a unique HEA.
I did have some problems with the story that stopped me from giving it a 5-star rating. First, when Clara arrives for Christmas, I don't understand how she missed the C-pap in the bedroom. It's critical to the setup and should have been obvious to her. Second, Nash's family is important to him being with Clara's family. It appears that he has never dealt with the damage done by his family. I needed some form of closure, doesn't matter what form but Nash needs to close that chapter firmly during this story. There were little things like timeframes that didn't make sense and conveniently adorable children that drive me crazy in stories. I will confess, the little side not that Nash and Clara babysat the twins when they were tiny babies was pretty cute.
This is a contemporary romance that takes place predominantly in New York but involves some travel outside New York. This is a love story that takes place in the 10 years leading up to this moment in time. I would recommend this book if you are looking for an unusual love story. I will read more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2022
More Than a Friend . . .
Clara’s mom had always wanted to travel but died before she could follow her dream. So Clara is determined to travel the world, and she loves what she does as a food and travel blogger. Nash is her best friend (with benefits) and she loves coming home to him. But she knows that he will one day find someone to settle down with.
So when she comes home for the holiday, he wants to try to convince her to stay home a bit more often. There are other ways to approach her blog without traveling off for long periods. But when she reads something he said about having someone in his life, she assumes he has found someone new. Will she leave? Or will she talk to him and find out what is going on? And if she comes back, will he try to convince her to stay?
Clara’s mom had always wanted to travel but died before she could follow her dream. So Clara is determined to travel the world, and she loves what she does as a food and travel blogger. Nash is her best friend (with benefits) and she loves coming home to him. But she knows that he will one day find someone to settle down with.
So when she comes home for the holiday, he wants to try to convince her to stay home a bit more often. There are other ways to approach her blog without traveling off for long periods. But when she reads something he said about having someone in his life, she assumes he has found someone new. Will she leave? Or will she talk to him and find out what is going on? And if she comes back, will he try to convince her to stay?
October 31, 2024
Cute quick Christmassy read.
After first reading book 2 and then book 3, I can confirm that you need to read the books in order to understand the various people (book 3 is almost the most standalone read).
Clara and Nash were nice together and I liked their whole family as background characters.
Two things that I was a bit annoyed about ;)
- Nash forcing Clara to scoot over in the car when they are wearing fancy dress. No, if you already are opening the door for her and being gallant, you close the door after her – she of course getting in on the curb side – and then you moving around the car to get in on the other side. Honestly!
- him asking her to fully compromise on everything in her life while he of course offers nothing. MEN! It was this book’s reason for the third act break-up but ugh I would have dumped his ass right there and then without taking him back.
3.5 stars rounded down
After first reading book 2 and then book 3, I can confirm that you need to read the books in order to understand the various people (book 3 is almost the most standalone read).
Clara and Nash were nice together and I liked their whole family as background characters.
Two things that I was a bit annoyed about ;)
- Nash forcing Clara to scoot over in the car when they are wearing fancy dress. No, if you already are opening the door for her and being gallant, you close the door after her – she of course getting in on the curb side – and then you moving around the car to get in on the other side. Honestly!
- him asking her to fully compromise on everything in her life while he of course offers nothing. MEN! It was this book’s reason for the third act break-up but ugh I would have dumped his ass right there and then without taking him back.
3.5 stars rounded down
November 23, 2022
If you're looking for a quick, fluffy holiday read then this will be perfect for you. The author did a great job of crafting a novella that still managed to explore characters in-depth without feeling rushed or forced.
I have never read a Nutcracker re-telling, but I have to say this one definitely worked for me! And the author didn't dwell on the 'benefits' part of Clara and Nash's fwb arrangement. In the story, there is much more care taken with the 'friendship' side, and that helped make the romance so much more convincing, especially for such a short story. By the end, I was rooting for them HARD!
As far as steamy holiday books go, this one might be one of my new favourites. Highly recommend!
I have never read a Nutcracker re-telling, but I have to say this one definitely worked for me! And the author didn't dwell on the 'benefits' part of Clara and Nash's fwb arrangement. In the story, there is much more care taken with the 'friendship' side, and that helped make the romance so much more convincing, especially for such a short story. By the end, I was rooting for them HARD!
As far as steamy holiday books go, this one might be one of my new favourites. Highly recommend!
October 3, 2022
A really interesting story and I kept forgetting about the link to the tale of the ballet 'Nutcracker suite'.
This author is well practised in her art, she writes a good story and has interesting well thought out characters too. Needless to say out heroine is called Clara who has to decide what she wants to do with her life going forward. I don't like to give spoilers about a book but if you are looking for a different type of story to the main ones out there at the moment, this is the book for you. It's a gentle romance with a bit of heat thrown in with some of the sex scenes. Maybe a bit too spicy to give to your mum to read!
I enjoyed the compromises both our lead characters agreed upon by the end of the book, a most satisfying read.
This author is well practised in her art, she writes a good story and has interesting well thought out characters too. Needless to say out heroine is called Clara who has to decide what she wants to do with her life going forward. I don't like to give spoilers about a book but if you are looking for a different type of story to the main ones out there at the moment, this is the book for you. It's a gentle romance with a bit of heat thrown in with some of the sex scenes. Maybe a bit too spicy to give to your mum to read!
I enjoyed the compromises both our lead characters agreed upon by the end of the book, a most satisfying read.
December 9, 2025
Nutcracker with Benefits by Liz Alden is a spicy, Nutcracker-inspired novella. Clara and Nash have been hooking up for years whenever she returns to New York between her work travels. But this year, Nash has something different in mind—an adventure designed to show her that everything she’s searching for out in the world might actually be right there with him.
This was such a cute read. It hits the familiar notes of the classic ballet without ever feeling like a direct retelling. The character dynamics felt genuine and warm, and the banter between Clara and Nash was charming. The spice was perfectly balanced and added just the right amount of heat.
This was such a cute read. It hits the familiar notes of the classic ballet without ever feeling like a direct retelling. The character dynamics felt genuine and warm, and the banter between Clara and Nash was charming. The spice was perfectly balanced and added just the right amount of heat.
October 17, 2022
Liz Alden is fairly new to me, but I am 100% a fangirl after subscribing to her newsletter, reading her two incredible short stories, (if you haven't done that, go do that!), and having this book gifted to me by Liz. I think she's become my favorite author, or at least she's in a two-way tie with Karina Halle!
Everyone else has done a great job explaining the basics of the story, so I'll just tell you it is totally swoon-worthy, Nash is my new book boyfriend, and it was an absolutely delightful holiday-themed story! I've only spent a week in New York City, but the day Nash so thoughtfully planned for Clara would be my dream-come-true day. The characters are all so well-written; there wasn't any character there to just accomplish one thing. They were all well-developed and integral to the plot. I love books with friends-with-benefits relationships, but they're hard to find. This particular story does it right-- in my experience, someone always falls in love, and the other usually fights it, so I felt that aspect was relatable. Liz Alden tells a wonderful love story- full of fun, adventure, and some angst, and then she wraps it up in a perfect bow for the readers to feel fuzzy and warm when it ends. It will always draw me to her next novel!
Everyone else has done a great job explaining the basics of the story, so I'll just tell you it is totally swoon-worthy, Nash is my new book boyfriend, and it was an absolutely delightful holiday-themed story! I've only spent a week in New York City, but the day Nash so thoughtfully planned for Clara would be my dream-come-true day. The characters are all so well-written; there wasn't any character there to just accomplish one thing. They were all well-developed and integral to the plot. I love books with friends-with-benefits relationships, but they're hard to find. This particular story does it right-- in my experience, someone always falls in love, and the other usually fights it, so I felt that aspect was relatable. Liz Alden tells a wonderful love story- full of fun, adventure, and some angst, and then she wraps it up in a perfect bow for the readers to feel fuzzy and warm when it ends. It will always draw me to her next novel!
November 26, 2025
"I’ve grown used to these cute Aussie-isms like “yeah, nah” and “nah, yeah,” which might be, like drop bears, designed to confuse tourists..."
FMC is supposed to be from New York we say that in NYC! Hell I don't even live in New York anymore and I still fucking say it and yes it confuses people.
Also spicy novella? Spicy where‽ I've seen more spice in a Harlequin novel. I picked this up as a pallet cleanser and this is seriously one of the most frustrating reads of the year. Failed at bringing the spice, hit one of my bookish pet peeves all in one.
FMC is supposed to be from New York we say that in NYC! Hell I don't even live in New York anymore and I still fucking say it and yes it confuses people.
Also spicy novella? Spicy where‽ I've seen more spice in a Harlequin novel. I picked this up as a pallet cleanser and this is seriously one of the most frustrating reads of the year. Failed at bringing the spice, hit one of my bookish pet peeves all in one.
October 19, 2022
This was a light, somewhat breezy rom com, which was perfect for my mood when I picked it up. I’m not crazy about present tense narration, or about stories where two characters alternate providing the narration in first person POV, and I did not love that here. While the author’s writing was good, the narrative voice felt the same regardless of whether Clara or Nash was telling the story. But the story itself was fun, and it wasn’t hard to overlook that.
Nash and Clara are best friends who don’t see each other often, as Clara’s career has her traveling all over the world, but whenever she breezes into town they enjoy some benefits. Clara is content with the relationship, but Nash wants more, and while Clara is in town for a couple of days at Christmas he sets out to provide her with the perfect day, and show her that she can be just as happy not always being gone.
I especially enjoyed all the supporting characters - Clara’s two dads, her niece and nephew, Nash’s personal stylist, etc. Nobody is one note, and considering this is a novella, and of course the focus is on Clara and Nash, the author did a good job with making the supporting characters vivid and fleshed out.
The book is billed as a “holiday retelling rom com”. Well, I’ll admit right now that I’ve never seen The Nutcracker and I don’t really know anything about it, but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this story in any way. Just in case you wonder if you need to see The Nutcracker first.
A fun read, with both Nash and Clara ultimately learning to compromise, and getting that satisfying HEA.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it*
Nash and Clara are best friends who don’t see each other often, as Clara’s career has her traveling all over the world, but whenever she breezes into town they enjoy some benefits. Clara is content with the relationship, but Nash wants more, and while Clara is in town for a couple of days at Christmas he sets out to provide her with the perfect day, and show her that she can be just as happy not always being gone.
I especially enjoyed all the supporting characters - Clara’s two dads, her niece and nephew, Nash’s personal stylist, etc. Nobody is one note, and considering this is a novella, and of course the focus is on Clara and Nash, the author did a good job with making the supporting characters vivid and fleshed out.
The book is billed as a “holiday retelling rom com”. Well, I’ll admit right now that I’ve never seen The Nutcracker and I don’t really know anything about it, but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this story in any way. Just in case you wonder if you need to see The Nutcracker first.
A fun read, with both Nash and Clara ultimately learning to compromise, and getting that satisfying HEA.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it*
December 14, 2022
short and sweet. lots of cute steamy moments. i enjoyed the atmosphere, but wasn’t holiday enough for me tbh.
November 19, 2023
A fun, quick holiday read!!
January 15, 2024
Quick read. Story was okay. Nothing special and only a few spicy scenes.
December 5, 2024
This story is a sweet kind of second chance, childhood lovers type story. Definitely a show burn with really low spice. But overall it was cute and a nice Christmas story.
October 3, 2022
Very good holiday romance! Funny and sweet.. Emotional and interesting. I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 23, 2022
A steamy, holiday romance that involves Nash, a focused young businessman (almost billionaire) and Clara, a food and travel blogger. Although they have had a sexual relationship since she was in college, they have known each other for years. Nash decides it is time to take it to the next level. Clara is content with status quo. Hurt feelings and misunderstands abound.
A good book that is well-written with interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good book that is well-written with interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2023
Clara combines her love for food and travel to make an adventurous life and spends time with a family friend with benefits when she comes back to New York. Isn’t that enough?
October 18, 2022
4.5 rounded up
This was a great, steamy Christmas novella! I always LOVE Liz Alden's stories - they are filled with such wanderlust and are such a nice escape for me. While this one didn't take place on a tropical island, it did take place in NYC.
The novella starts with Clara, travel blogger, arriving at home after a 10 month travel hiatus. Nash is her friends with benefits and also an employee of her Dad! They've been hooking up for years but is it more?
I feel like you don't see friends with benefits trope too often so it was fun to explore this. I loved all the characters in the book and I loved how it was a retelling of the Nutcracker! It was fun to picture how the story was unfolding thinking about the ballet. A very original, fun and steamy romance that has me excited for Christmas!
*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.
This was a great, steamy Christmas novella! I always LOVE Liz Alden's stories - they are filled with such wanderlust and are such a nice escape for me. While this one didn't take place on a tropical island, it did take place in NYC.
The novella starts with Clara, travel blogger, arriving at home after a 10 month travel hiatus. Nash is her friends with benefits and also an employee of her Dad! They've been hooking up for years but is it more?
I feel like you don't see friends with benefits trope too often so it was fun to explore this. I loved all the characters in the book and I loved how it was a retelling of the Nutcracker! It was fun to picture how the story was unfolding thinking about the ballet. A very original, fun and steamy romance that has me excited for Christmas!
*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.
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