A Bit of Holly Jolly

Holidaze in Salem #2

by Kelly Elliott

Mistletoe hung.
Christmas tree done.
Presents wrapped.
Holiday plans on track.

My first Christmas with Lucas couldn’t be any more perfect! So, a little holly jolly spell can’t hurt anything, right?

Love sometimes needs a little push by elves … or me.

The Jingle Mingle Spell

Evergreen brine.
Piece of twine.
A bit of red berry.
A hair from the one you’ll marry.

I take this string in a line. And with my love, I will entwine. I'll be yours, and you'll be mine … until the end of time.

When true love needs a little holiday magick, use this spell but beware, if one doesn't follow exactly, it could cause more than a little jingle mingle if you get my drift.

A Bit of Holly Jolly is book two in a four novella book series. They must be read in order!
A Bit of Holly Jolly - coming December 25, 2022
A Bit of Wee Luck - coming March 17, 2023
A Bit of Razzle Dazzle - coming July 4, 2023

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Novella

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2023

About the author

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Reviews

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of this series. I adore Kelly and have all her books. This one was so adorable. Lucas and Jollies story with a bit of a hiccup but then smooth sailing. Oh wait one more then a wonderful ending. There a great couple and a little magic.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas and Hollie's adventures continue...after the small cliffhanger...

Like the first book, this one was even more cute. I loved them both and especially the ending 😍😍😍. I can not wait for the 3rd book. Sadly it will come April 2023. I am sure that I will love it as well ♥️♥️♥️.

[Angela D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The generosity of Kelly is amazing- thank you for this ARC- I couldn’t wait to continue Lucas and Hollie’s story - do I wish it had more of a Christmas feel, yes, but I can’t get enough of these characters!!!!! You MUST read the first book (A Bit of Hocus Pocus) as this is not a stand alone, and of course you will need them all because Kelly is great at leaving you on that cliff hanger! Waiting for some Irish cheer!

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of these two! Gah! And on top of it I love holiday themed books and I absolutely can’t wait for more!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters bring me so much joy!!!! Wish there was a little more Christmas cheer but I absolutely love the path this is taking!!!!! Can’t wait for A Little Bit of Wee Luck!!

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollie is a witch and sometimes her magic goes a little awry. Her intentions are good, wanting to get her two friends to stop bickering and just admit they like eachother but when the spell goes sideways, things get a little crazy. Again.
This was so cute. Adorable. And even spicy! 🔥 Your girl Hollie likes anal play. 🤪

Hollie and Lukas relationship is getting stronger and stronger and it ends on a really cute HEA … till the next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I think I’d rate this more like 4.5 ⭐️’s.

I wish there a more of the Christmas feel to it. I would’ve liked to see Hollie and Lucas celebrate Christmas.

I love where this storyline is going and even though each book ends with a small cliffhanger. I love how she has written this series of stories.

If you love Kelly Elliott books you have to pick up this series of books. And YES this series HAS to be read in order!!! These are NOT standalone books.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful early Christmas gift from Kelly Elliott. I absolutely loved A Bit of Holly Jolly by Kelly Elliott, the second book in her new Holidaze in Salem novella series! Kelly Elliott has once again delivered another wonderful romance with A Bit of Holly Jolly and has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. I love all the characters in A Bit of Holly Jolly and how feel like best friends! Who does not love hot sexy men, strong, passionate females, and loving friends, who always support one another? Kelly Elliott continues to deliver all that and so much more. I have read other books by Kelly Elliott and have always enjoyed her wonderfully written love stories. Kelly Elliott has once again proven that she is an incredible storyteller. A Bit of Holly Jolly truly did not disappoint, it was impossible to put it down and I loved every moment on every page. One of my favorite parts is how Kelly Elliott incorporated the title of the book into the love story. I love that Kelly Elliott writes her stories in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting inside their minds and knowing their thoughts and how they really feel. A Bit of Holly Jolly is filled with secrets shared and discovered. A Bit of Holly Jolly is a wonderful love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Kelly Elliott love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing aloud. My favorite moments are the ones that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments. A Bit of Holly Jolly is filled with such moments, and with so much more. A Bit of Holly Jolly is about childhood rivals Hollie Craft, owner of party planning company Holidaze in Salem and Lucas Dayton, city archaeologist. A Bit of Holly Jolly continues to follow the relationship of Hollie and Lucas. I love how the cliffhanger from the previous books gets resolved and strengthens their relationship. Hollie wants to put on Lucas’s best friend, Shawn so that he will notice Hollie’s best friend, Kristin. After a night of drinking Kristin, Hollie cast a spell on Shawn so that he notices Kristin. Kristin changes the spell and adds more to it. This changes Shawn’s reaction to Kristin. Hollie and Kristin disclose to Shawn that they put a spell on him and what must be done to remove it. I enjoyed all the plot twists that threatened to disrupt their relationship, but their love prevailed. As Kristin and Shawn begin to spend time together without the spell, they both realize that they have feelings for the other. I love the ending of this part of their love story and Lucas’s surprise proposal. A love the surprise at the end causes a cliffhanger ending. A Bit of Holly Jolly is filled with bittersweet and poignant moments and the surprise plot twists, that I have come to love and expect in Kelly Elliott's stories. A Bit of Holly Jolly is an incredibly written love story, and I loved every moment. I especially love the cliffhanger ending of the story. Highly recommend this beautifully written story. Looking forward to reading A Bit of Wee Luck the next book in the series.

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Ding dong merrily on high, Kelly Elliott brings the seasonal feels, along with some sneaky spells. This series keeps getting better and better!' - The British Bibliophile

Thank you to Kelly Elliott for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy as part of her ARC team for me to read and leave an honest review.

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We were first introduced to Kelly's brand new series ( Holidaze in Salem ) via the first book in the series, A Bit of Hocus Pocus. Here, we were also introduced to the same pair who also star in this next read. Lucas and Hollie. A Bit of Holly Jolly continues this series, this time with a Christmas feel. Time to shift from spooky, to all things magically festive.

As outlined in the blurb, now that Lucas and Hollie are officially together, it's time to tackle their first Christmas together. Newly with her witchy powers, this time with Hollie can only be filled of meddling, mayhem and magic. Not with ill intentions, but certainly with comical and satisfactory results meant with a good heart.

After all, sometimes love does need a little bit of a push. Especially if it's for someone you love who seems to be blind, or in denial to it. But spells are not simple things, and when done with a little...improv? It certainly causes more than just a little nudge in the right direction. Many bells were jingled, and many mingles were to be had.

Most people who know me will know that Christmas--and its season--is my favourite time of the year, and I cannot resist holiday/Christmas-themed romance novels, so reading one written by one of my favourite authors on the entire planet? Yes please! Kelly has been in my literary life for almost a decade, so team her brilliant works with my favourite time of the year? Even more, yes please! Based off book one, I knew book two was going to be good. I didn't, however, anticipate it being better .

A Bit of Holly Jolly was too good to rush to read, yet I had to fight myself from finishing it too quickly. The story itself was incredibly easy to read, as we are already familiar with its two starring characters. Aided by the return of their friends as comforting secondary characters. Inside, there was everything I love about the festive season, topped with the literal pinnacle element of the season that is magic. The two things combined, along with what we know and love about Kelly and her writing, produces a read--and story--that I'm glad to have read by an author I'm proud to support. Would I love a full-length story from these two? Yes. But good things come in small packages, and this is one small package that I and other readers, will continue to love in and outside of this time of year.

Since the first read, I've indulged myself and have read this book a few times over. The ending gets me every single time in the best way possible. Kelly just has this incomparable way of ending things just so, and this ending was one-hundred-per-cent better than the previous book's. If you know, you know.

Five festive stars!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star Review A Bit Of Holly Jolly (Holidaze in Salem #2) by Kelly Elliott
If you haven't read the first book on the latest series then STOP. These books need to be read in order, so you have been warned. After reading A Bit Of Hocus Pocus and loving it, I could not wait to see what Kelly Elliott had in store for Hollie Craft and Lucas Dayton.
As with the book one I quickly found myself captivated by the story that Ms. Elliott wove. These characters are so endearing that you cannot help
There was a good mix of passion, romance and witty banter, add in spells that seem to go wrong and you have a well written, entertaining story that left me with a smile on my face. Tis the season to be jolly and the magik of the holiday season soon sees Hollie and Lucas involved in some entertaining adventures.
The secondary characters are engaging and added an additional layer to the story. Cannot wait to see what’s next for the characters from Holidaze in Salem.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some witchery coming again and this time Lucas is not the target. Holly once again is back at it and though it scares Lucas of what his love is capable of right now he is there for her. Now that she knows she has some witchery talent in her Holly just wants everybody to be happy. Another words beware people especially your friends. Holly just wants everybody to be in love and happy. Here's the thing though Holly needs a lot more studying and learning about her spells. Kelly Ellliott once again brings in all the fun, goodness and troublemaking in her Holidaze series it's so loveable till the end. This is one series that started right in the holiday season and there's still 2 more coming in this wonderful series cannot wait to see what Lucas will do now with Holly and her new talents.

"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series about Lucus and Hollie. I absolutely love these two. They are so relatable and lovable. The first book left off at a little cliffhanger with these two. The second book started right back up with these two fixing things. I love how Hollie is a witch and learning how that affects her life. The simple fact that Lucus is right there for her when she does magic is so very sweet. This book introduces Kristin and Shawn another what I am hoping to be a great couple that we get to read about. Kristin is also learning that she has some of the witch in her. I cant wait to read more from both of these couples.

This series started me back reading Kelly Elliott's books. Highly recommend.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to first say please make sure you read book one before picking up A Bit of Holly Jolly because these books need to be in order. After reading Hocus Pocus I was excited for what’s to come for Hollie Craft and Lucas Drayton in the Holidaze in Salem series and let me just say this series is turning into one addictive, magical read.
Another holiday approaches and this time we see this couple celebrating Christmas but it wouldn’t be a trip to Salem without a few magik spells that go wrong and that only adds to the humour in this magical read. A perfect mix of passion, fun and Christmas spirit make this a wonderful read so if you are looking for something to read that will leave you smiling look no further than this magik series.

[Xandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Jolly

The story continues with Hollie and Lucas. It was another cute holiday read..perfect for the season.

Hollie and Lucas relationship has blossomed and it is so adorable. Hollie finds herself doing another spell to help her best friend Kristin and Lucas best friend Shawn. As per usual the spell got messed up but no thanks to Kristin lol.

Kristin and Shawn have a difficult relationship and maybe a push and a bad spell is all they ever needed. The two are hilarious and fight constantly.

If you love holiday reads, banter, witchy vibes, and some spicy romance this has it all. Spice was spicing with a 5!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhh this book was so fun to get lost in! You must read A Bit of Hocus Pocus first. This book picks up where the first left off. Hollie is learning more about herself and she wants to help her best friend, Kristin. And both have good intentions but things go a little awry LOL I enjoyed seeing Hollie’s and Lucas’s relationship develop. They’re in a good place and both want what’s best for their friends! This book was fun to read and also had all the feels! I couldn’t read it fast enough and I can’t wait for A Bit of Wee Luck!

[Jac · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas in Salem and what will Hollie be up to this joyful season???
Hollie might just be back at it again with her spells but this time. It's her BFF...
Lucas is madly in love with Hollie and no, not under a spell at all but Lucas get's the call of his dream job.
Will Christmas be that little bit special with a question? Yes!!!
We watch two BFF's realise they cannot fight there feelings for each other, once the spell is broken of course.
And the next adventure for Lucas and Hollie that will end with a Positive.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our next instalment of Hollie & Lucas was perfect. I loved how it started straight after the end of book one and then we get to Christmas and i love how we are now looking at Shawn & Kristen who we know should be together. I love that Hollie & Lucas see it before they do as they have been there before. I loved how Hollie & Lucas are just getting stronger and stronger and the story shows you don't need to mess with the main characters for great story telling which i one of Kelly's gifts. Loved every moment

[Amy Leibenguth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of this series. Must read in order!

I’m loving Holly and Lucas’ story! They are building a strong love that allows them to have a wonderful relationship. I like Holly’s jump into her powers. She’s definitely eager to do spells, just doesn’t know her own strengths yet. Lucas is sweet and supportive, trying to keep her on the straight and narrow with her newly found magic. Excited for the next book!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to Kelly's books. A Bit of Holly Jolly is the 2nd book in the Holidaze in Salem series. You must read A Bit of Hocus Pocus to fall in love with Holly and Lucas. Their story continues with Holly still learning how to cast spells. Sometimes things do always go like she plans, but that's what makes it fun! Looking forward to the next book and seeing how Kristin and Shawn's story plays out and what magick is in store!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, Fun and Magical

Semi-cliffhanger
Part 2 of a 4 part novella
Told from both POVs

I really enjoyed the first book and this one was great too. Hollie practicing her magic is the funniest parts for me. How someone can be so terrible at casting spells is beyond me but at least the outcomes are always hilarious.

Can’t wait for book 3! Hoping there are more “failed” spells that leave me cracking up.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A*R*C for honest review with no compensation

A Bit of Holly Jolly is book 2 in the Holidaze in Salem by Kelly Elliott and we are back for more “magick”…

Lucas and Holly are back with more magick but as usual something always goes not quite as planned…

Laughter, fun read, spoilers, building relationships, starting new relationships, more magick and a surprise too! If you haven’t started the series yet, you are totally missing out!!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Bit of Holly Jolly is the second in the four novella book series Holidaze in Salem by Kelly Elliott. We pick up where we left off with the minor cliffhanger in a Bit of Hocus Pocus with Lucas being able to smooth things over with Hollie.

Hollie is still trying to come into her magick and decides to focus her attention on her and Lucas’ best friends Kristen and Shawn. Things obviously don’t go as planned.

Cute short read.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word this novella made me laugh!! If you are looking for a fun, light and quick holiday read look no further! Holly and Lucas are a hoot! In this one you get more of Shawn and Kristin. I have to say I want those two to get their own series!!! The novellas in this series do have to be read in order! I cannot wait for the next one! This one does leave the story line open ended! I didn’t want this one to end! I absolutely recommend it!!

Received a arc for a honest review.

[Lisa Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, you’d think Hollie would have learned not to cast another notice me spell after the fiasco with Lucas! But her new found magick has her (and Kristin) brewing up more trouble…with Shawn in their sites! When will they learn???
Hollie and Lucas notice Kristin and Shawn just might have been bitten by the love bug, because they don’t want to rip each other’s heads off anymore, but clothes……….

Can’t wait for the next book!!

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note: This book is a continuation of Hocus Pocus; we get more of Hollie and Lucas’s story.

I cannot wait for the next in the series as we come into the Christmas season. The author is bringing us fun reads where not everything goes right. The humor, passion, and magic of the season will leave you smiling and wanting more.

Need more magik, bring on the next holiday!

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read

A Bit of Holly Jolly is such a wonderful read. I loved this one so much. I love Holly and Lucas. This is Holly slowly coming more into her craft and looking forward to life with Lucas. Their relationship is stronger than ever as new adventures awaits them. This is filled with holiday magic. I cannot wait for more to come in the Holidaze in Salem series. This is such a cute series you will not want to miss out on.

[NICUnurse Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up right where the previous one left off, and it’s no less fun and funny than the first one. With Hollie and Lucas’s relationship moving forward, Shawn and Kristin are seeming to get along somewhat. So what harm can come by casting a harmless spell with a little bit of wine? For sure, Hollie will get this right now that she knows she’s a witch, right?! Oh, and there’s a nice surprise at the end.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bit of Holly Jolly is book two in the Holidaze in Salem series, and yes, you need to read them in order. After the last spell or hex went tits up, Holly had to tell Lucas what she did to him and reverse the curse, and ever since then, they have been together, practically living together. Their best friends had a one-night stand years ago, and ever since, they can't stand each other, that is, until Holly and Kristin do another drunken spell that goes ass over backward, with comical results.

[Keely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, but a little out there with all the magic. I feel like the first one was more fitting with it being during Halloween timeframe versus this one at Christmas time. Hollie’s party planning business seems great. Her relationship with Lucas is good and they support each other’s dreams, but the spells gone wrong with relationships is getting to be a bit much for me. Kelly Elliott books are still an automatic buy for me.

[Lana-White Hot Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funny shenanigans of Hollie continue. As she is starting to understand her magick more, she wants everyone to be happy. Of course, she sets her sights on Kristin and Shawn as she knows there is more there, but they won't admit it. Lucas tries to tell her to not do anything but she does. You also learn some unexpected events which make you think hum. I can't wait for the next book.