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Very Holiday #3.5
A Very Grumpy Father's Day
What’s the actual last thing you’d ever want your spouse to see you doing when you’ve been trying to get it on for weeks? Dancing around your baby’s room to “Come and Get Your Love” like Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy—in an Elmo costume? Yeah. Me too.
And yet, here we are.
This isn’t even the most humiliating thing I’ve done lately.
The first was leaving drunk messages when I was out partying with my cousins.
The second was trying to seduce her on the Staten Island Ferry.
The third was so terrible, I’m not even going to tell you about it.
I need to pull it together before the hot, busy, suddenly grumpy mother of my child forgets why she married her sexy, brilliant, occasionally infuriating former boss in the first place.
This is just how it goes for the men in my family… We get knocked down…but we get up again.
And nothing’s ever going to keep me down when it comes to my wife.
* PLEASE NOTE: This 35,000-word novella is a follow-up to A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS by Kayley Loring! You will probably enjoy it more if you’ve already read A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS. Or you might enjoy it even less, who knows?! Kayley doesn’t know anything, she just writes stuff.
And yet, here we are.
This isn’t even the most humiliating thing I’ve done lately.
The first was leaving drunk messages when I was out partying with my cousins.
The second was trying to seduce her on the Staten Island Ferry.
The third was so terrible, I’m not even going to tell you about it.
I need to pull it together before the hot, busy, suddenly grumpy mother of my child forgets why she married her sexy, brilliant, occasionally infuriating former boss in the first place.
This is just how it goes for the men in my family… We get knocked down…but we get up again.
And nothing’s ever going to keep me down when it comes to my wife.
* PLEASE NOTE: This 35,000-word novella is a follow-up to A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS by Kayley Loring! You will probably enjoy it more if you’ve already read A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS. Or you might enjoy it even less, who knows?! Kayley doesn’t know anything, she just writes stuff.
Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2023
182 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Kayley Loring
42 books1,679 followersAmazon Top 25 and USA Today bestselling author Kayley Loring spent many years as a screenwriter (under a different name) in Los Angeles before moving to the Pacific Northwest to live out her childhood dream of being a Disney heroine who talks and sings to woodland creatures. When not trying to keep animals alive, she’s writing steamy romantic comedy novels, obviously. She’s breathing cleaner air, writing dirtier words, and staring at her computer screen until her eyeballs dry out instead of prancing around Southern California in miniskirts and going to the hair salon. Still waiting for the woodland creatures to clean her house, though.
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
June 1, 2023
Cue “Come and Get Your Love.” Happy sigh… A Very Grumpy Father’s Day by Kayley Loring was a hilarious and heartfelt romance that had me grinning like a lovesick idiot from start to finish. Seriously, how could you not love Declan and Maddie, #maclan4eva, even more after indulging in this book! Busy as ever with work and their ten-month-old baby, Declan and Maddie struggle to find sexy alone time, and this makes Declan grumpy. This then spurs quite a humorous, sexually frustrating journey. However, one thing is certain. The love Maddie and Declan have for each other is still going strong, super steadfast, and totally swoon-worthy!
Kayley delivers all of her signature wit, sass, and charm from the laugh-out-loud text exchanges with the notorious Cannavale clan, to adorable baby moments with the loveable Ciara, to Piper and her ambitious writing goals, and finally the push and pull of when and will Maddie and Declan get their much needed spicy times. (including a Staten Island Ferry lovemaking reenactment) I loved catching up with the whole “bossy” crew, and I always look forward to more from one of my fave romcom queens, Kayley Loring.
Kayley delivers all of her signature wit, sass, and charm from the laugh-out-loud text exchanges with the notorious Cannavale clan, to adorable baby moments with the loveable Ciara, to Piper and her ambitious writing goals, and finally the push and pull of when and will Maddie and Declan get their much needed spicy times. (including a Staten Island Ferry lovemaking reenactment) I loved catching up with the whole “bossy” crew, and I always look forward to more from one of my fave romcom queens, Kayley Loring.
June 1, 2023
5 stars!
This is such a fantastic read! The chance to catch up with one of my most-loved romcom couples, Declan and Maddie (aka ‘Maclan’) from A Very Bossy Christmas. It’s a novella, and a bonus that fans will love, but also a chance for newbies to get to know this phenomenal couple.
We meet up with Declan and Maddie now happily married with a ten month old baby girl, and still blissfully in love, but they are now dealing with the challenge of trying to find time together in between work, a young baby, and other family responsibilities. They still banter like champions though, and with their texting and flirting, and Declan’s hilarious inner monologue, I laughed so much while reading his book!
They’re both desperate to reconnect (in ALL the ways), and we follow them through a series of comedic attempts and mishaps including nights out with his rowdy cousins, time with the extended family, drunken teenagers, traffic problems, and just the general exhaustion of life. It’s entertaining, and all-too relatable, and through it all they keep their sense of humour, they love each other fiercely, and they keep making the effort for each other.
I loved revisiting these characters, and getting glimpses of other characters from the series (Nolan, Billy, Piper and the rest of the family). It’s a fun and quick read with humour, heart and (eventually) a whole lotta sexy time. Plus there’s the bonus of seeing Declan as a hopelessly devoted Daddy, which absolutely melted my heart.
A great read – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a fantastic read! The chance to catch up with one of my most-loved romcom couples, Declan and Maddie (aka ‘Maclan’) from A Very Bossy Christmas. It’s a novella, and a bonus that fans will love, but also a chance for newbies to get to know this phenomenal couple.
We meet up with Declan and Maddie now happily married with a ten month old baby girl, and still blissfully in love, but they are now dealing with the challenge of trying to find time together in between work, a young baby, and other family responsibilities. They still banter like champions though, and with their texting and flirting, and Declan’s hilarious inner monologue, I laughed so much while reading his book!
“I miss you. We’re too busy. And tired. And cranky. But hot! We’re still hot as fuck.”
They’re both desperate to reconnect (in ALL the ways), and we follow them through a series of comedic attempts and mishaps including nights out with his rowdy cousins, time with the extended family, drunken teenagers, traffic problems, and just the general exhaustion of life. It’s entertaining, and all-too relatable, and through it all they keep their sense of humour, they love each other fiercely, and they keep making the effort for each other.
All is well.
I am still hot as fuck. I am worthy of the woman who married me and the tiny person who shares our sensational DNA. I am resilient – no, I am invincible. But mostly, I’m horny.
I loved revisiting these characters, and getting glimpses of other characters from the series (Nolan, Billy, Piper and the rest of the family). It’s a fun and quick read with humour, heart and (eventually) a whole lotta sexy time. Plus there’s the bonus of seeing Declan as a hopelessly devoted Daddy, which absolutely melted my heart.
A great read – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2023
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Oh it was SO good to be back in the world of Maddie and Declan. And it’s very nice to see life after the HEA. Married life and its trials and tribulations!
Declan’s love for his girls shone through the pages and despite his grumpiness it was a joy to read the hilarious moments leading up to Father’s Day - his first!!
I know that I will never look at Elmo the same way!
And Piper! Love love love that we got a chapter from a 16-year old Piper!!! Amazing.
Oh it was SO good to be back in the world of Maddie and Declan. And it’s very nice to see life after the HEA. Married life and its trials and tribulations!
Declan’s love for his girls shone through the pages and despite his grumpiness it was a joy to read the hilarious moments leading up to Father’s Day - his first!!
I know that I will never look at Elmo the same way!
And Piper! Love love love that we got a chapter from a 16-year old Piper!!! Amazing.
June 2, 2023
Full disclosure: Declan Cannavale is mine. 🤨 Now that we have that out of the way: This book is easily in my top five Kayley Loring books, which is saying something, considering I really do love all of Kayley's books. This story shows us Declan and Maddie a few years down the road after the birth of their beautiful daughter. This short story encompasses all the feels new parents go through: insane love and fierce protectiveness, while also wondering is your kid hates you or is maybe just an a**hole. The desperate need to find time to shower, much less sexy time. It's an honest portrayal of finding your humility in the face of a pissed off baby, showing how far Declan is willing to go to make his girls happy. I loved this view at their lives. And Billy, the baby whisperer... Who knew?? Love this one and highly recommend.
November 26, 2025
Hot Dogs, Hangovers, and Heartfelt Moments
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂🤨🤣🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🛡️ Audiobook Review: A (Very Holiday, #3.5)
Author: Kayley Loring
Genre: Holiday Romance Novella
Narrators: Connor Crais, Mackenzie Cartwright
👫🏻 A Charming Follow-Up for Fans of the Series
This novella is best enjoyed after reading or listening to the first three books in the series. Those earlier installments do a wonderful job of establishing the characters, their quirks, and their relationships—so by the time you reach this story, you’re already invested. This book serves as a direct follow-up to Maddie and Declan’s story from A Very Bossy Christmas, and it includes several delightful callbacks. Long-time fans will appreciate references to inside jokes such as “that Chumbawamba song” and the infamous naked dance to the tune Star-Lord grooves to at the start of Guardians of the Galaxy.
One of my favorite recurring elements from the earlier books is the cast of wonderfully eccentric side characters. Maddie’s now-sixteen-year-old niece Piper continues to shine with her blunt commentary and her uncanny ability to insert herself into adult conversations, offering unsolicited (but often hilarious) observations about the romantic chaos around her.
👩🏻❤️👨🏻 Plot & Character Moments
The story opens with Declan attempting to recover from a wild night out with his Irish cousins, Nolan Cassidy and Billy Boston. He has spent weeks looking forward to reconnecting intimately with his wife—only for their baby girl to interrupt every attempt. Maddie, ever the playful partner, decides to start the morning by treating him to a dramatic reenactment of the previous night. She plays back every voicemail he drunkenly left her, which includes:
• a spontaneous trip to the Hamptons,
• a piano duet of “Heart and Soul” with Jon Bon Jovi, and
• a borderline-melodramatic panic about people stepping on a hot dog that fell on the ground.
It sets the tone for the rest of the novella perfectly—equal parts funny, chaotic, and heartfelt.
This story acts as a cozy interlude in the series as we watch Declan and Maddie adjust to life with a newborn in their new family condo in New York. Between the move, demanding work schedules, constant family involvement, and baby Kira’s impeccable timing, their attempts at intimacy feel cursed. To make matters worse, Kira seems to cry every single time Declan picks her up, leaving him adorably devastated and more than a little insecure.
The plot isn’t high-drama—it’s a light, sweet snapshot of two characters we’ve grown to love as they navigate the messy, exhausting, and beautiful early days of parenthood. The tone is cute, warm, and reliably entertaining.
🎙 Audiobook Narration
Like the previous books, this one is told in alternating points of view and narrated by Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright. Their performances continue to be a highlight of the series. It’s a real testament to their skill—and the pleasant, natural quality of their voices—that I can listen to four books in a row performed by the same duo without feeling fatigued. They handle humor, emotional beats, and romantic tension equally well, elevating the story and giving each character distinct personality.
💭 Final Thoughts
This novella is a delightful bonus for fans of Maddie and Declan. It’s humorous, heartfelt, and perfectly paced for a quick listen. If you’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, this little slice-of-life continuation is absolutely worth your time.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂🤨🤣🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🛡️ Audiobook Review: A (Very Holiday, #3.5)
Author: Kayley Loring
Genre: Holiday Romance Novella
Narrators: Connor Crais, Mackenzie Cartwright
👫🏻 A Charming Follow-Up for Fans of the Series
This novella is best enjoyed after reading or listening to the first three books in the series. Those earlier installments do a wonderful job of establishing the characters, their quirks, and their relationships—so by the time you reach this story, you’re already invested. This book serves as a direct follow-up to Maddie and Declan’s story from A Very Bossy Christmas, and it includes several delightful callbacks. Long-time fans will appreciate references to inside jokes such as “that Chumbawamba song” and the infamous naked dance to the tune Star-Lord grooves to at the start of Guardians of the Galaxy.
One of my favorite recurring elements from the earlier books is the cast of wonderfully eccentric side characters. Maddie’s now-sixteen-year-old niece Piper continues to shine with her blunt commentary and her uncanny ability to insert herself into adult conversations, offering unsolicited (but often hilarious) observations about the romantic chaos around her.
👩🏻❤️👨🏻 Plot & Character Moments
The story opens with Declan attempting to recover from a wild night out with his Irish cousins, Nolan Cassidy and Billy Boston. He has spent weeks looking forward to reconnecting intimately with his wife—only for their baby girl to interrupt every attempt. Maddie, ever the playful partner, decides to start the morning by treating him to a dramatic reenactment of the previous night. She plays back every voicemail he drunkenly left her, which includes:
• a spontaneous trip to the Hamptons,
• a piano duet of “Heart and Soul” with Jon Bon Jovi, and
• a borderline-melodramatic panic about people stepping on a hot dog that fell on the ground.
It sets the tone for the rest of the novella perfectly—equal parts funny, chaotic, and heartfelt.
This story acts as a cozy interlude in the series as we watch Declan and Maddie adjust to life with a newborn in their new family condo in New York. Between the move, demanding work schedules, constant family involvement, and baby Kira’s impeccable timing, their attempts at intimacy feel cursed. To make matters worse, Kira seems to cry every single time Declan picks her up, leaving him adorably devastated and more than a little insecure.
The plot isn’t high-drama—it’s a light, sweet snapshot of two characters we’ve grown to love as they navigate the messy, exhausting, and beautiful early days of parenthood. The tone is cute, warm, and reliably entertaining.
🎙 Audiobook Narration
Like the previous books, this one is told in alternating points of view and narrated by Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright. Their performances continue to be a highlight of the series. It’s a real testament to their skill—and the pleasant, natural quality of their voices—that I can listen to four books in a row performed by the same duo without feeling fatigued. They handle humor, emotional beats, and romantic tension equally well, elevating the story and giving each character distinct personality.
💭 Final Thoughts
This novella is a delightful bonus for fans of Maddie and Declan. It’s humorous, heartfelt, and perfectly paced for a quick listen. If you’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, this little slice-of-life continuation is absolutely worth your time.
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June 1, 2023
A Very Holiday adventure
I have so many positive things to write about this book.
I love that it’s about a married couple and the daily activities that make up so much of life, yet often don’t seem remarkable. Way to go Kayley Loring for making everyday life seem hilarious! I was trying to read it while lounging with the book on my stomach and had to change positions because I couldn’t laugh and read at the same time.
Extra bonus points for it being a married couple that I already know and love from A Very Bossy Christmas. I did a re-listen of that audiobook right before this one came out, and now I’ve added the audiobook for this one to my wishlist. You wouldn’t technically have to listen to the Christmas book first, but it provides all the background for the characters in this one, and it’s good, so you should, along with the rest of the Very Holiday series audiobooks.
I received a copy of this book at my request, but also read it in KU and will buy the audiobook. The opinions here are my own.
I have so many positive things to write about this book.
I love that it’s about a married couple and the daily activities that make up so much of life, yet often don’t seem remarkable. Way to go Kayley Loring for making everyday life seem hilarious! I was trying to read it while lounging with the book on my stomach and had to change positions because I couldn’t laugh and read at the same time.
Extra bonus points for it being a married couple that I already know and love from A Very Bossy Christmas. I did a re-listen of that audiobook right before this one came out, and now I’ve added the audiobook for this one to my wishlist. You wouldn’t technically have to listen to the Christmas book first, but it provides all the background for the characters in this one, and it’s good, so you should, along with the rest of the Very Holiday series audiobooks.
I received a copy of this book at my request, but also read it in KU and will buy the audiobook. The opinions here are my own.
June 1, 2023
Maclan forever! I just loved this glimpse into Declan and Maddie's future. It was such a treat to see them settling in to married life with a baby. Declan as a dad is wonderful and hilarious. Throughout the book there were all these wonderful memories peppered in that brought back parts of their original story. Such a fun, and funny read. And Kayley Loring will forever be the queen of character texting convos!
June 1, 2023
Love! Love! Love this crazy peek into Declan’s world. It starts off with some great moments that are carried throughout the story. I laughed, chuckled and even snorted a time or two all while feeling these unique emotions about his predicaments. I loved the look into Maddie and Declan’s life since they have that epic love affair. I loved seeing a lot of the old characters including but not limited to Billy Boston and Nolan!
This is a quick book to read and a wonderful addition to this series! I can’t wait for the audio!
This is a quick book to read and a wonderful addition to this series! I can’t wait for the audio!
June 4, 2023
This book was everything I didn’t know I wanted in a follow up to Declan and Maddy’s story! I relate so hard to Declan here
“I can’t believe I had to walk three blocks in this beautiful sunshine and stand in line for thirty seconds”
At the same time the evil genius, Kayley Loring, is writing hilarious, relatable
- yet - unattainable males, she is writing the ladies who can do it all while wearing a breast pump, keeping esquires in line and being right all the time! *eyeroll* Don’t tell Declan.
“I can’t believe I had to walk three blocks in this beautiful sunshine and stand in line for thirty seconds”
At the same time the evil genius, Kayley Loring, is writing hilarious, relatable
- yet - unattainable males, she is writing the ladies who can do it all while wearing a breast pump, keeping esquires in line and being right all the time! *eyeroll* Don’t tell Declan.
May 23, 2023
This is such a fun, steamy novella. I read it in one day. I loved being back in the world of Declan Cannavale as his POV is hilarious.
Declan and Maddie are happily married with their ten-month-old daughter. They just can't seem to get enough alone time together with their busy work schedules, moving/unpacking and having a baby. Plus, baby Ciara cries when he holds her, which makes him feel like a failure as a father. All of this makes for a somewhat grumpy Declan.
We get to see their days leading up to Father's Day and the funny situations that arise with all their attempts to have sexy time.
This should be read after A Very Bossy Christmas so you can see how Declan and Maddie became a couple.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Declan and Maddie are happily married with their ten-month-old daughter. They just can't seem to get enough alone time together with their busy work schedules, moving/unpacking and having a baby. Plus, baby Ciara cries when he holds her, which makes him feel like a failure as a father. All of this makes for a somewhat grumpy Declan.
We get to see their days leading up to Father's Day and the funny situations that arise with all their attempts to have sexy time.
This should be read after A Very Bossy Christmas so you can see how Declan and Maddie became a couple.
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2023
If you got to this book you probably came because of “A Very Bossy Christmas”. No? Oh, go back and read (or better yet, listen to) it. Go. I’ll wait.
Back? Ahhh, I can see that goofy grin on your face and you are now a #Maclan fan. Told ya!
Well, Maddie and Declan are still very much in love. Declan is still grumpy and Maddie still doesn’t take his crap, and now they have the most precious gift of all: little Ciara.
What happens after an HEA? When you read a romance, you get to the happily ever after and then what? Kayley Loring gives you the “what”. Two people madly in love with each other and even more so with their kid and dealing with all the lack of time, of sleep, and oh FFS , seggsy times! They try, oh boy they try, but the odds seem to never be in their favor.
Declan is still very grumpy, but his biggest reason for that now is his need to be everything he can be for his girls, specially the little one, who seems to be having a hard time understanding that her dad is “the sh!t”. It’s hilarious, but most of all it’s endearing. The hot shot lawyer from Upper East Side needs to woo the little one and it’s not working.
I grinned from page one. Kayley Loring creates characters that you grow to love like they are your real friends. Going back to spend time with Cannevales was a joy and I will alway revisit. There is a special quality in Kayley Loring’s writing that I can’t exactly define, but that makes me LOL and get all gooey. You get all that here. A million stars.
I’ll never look at Elmo the same… ;)
Back? Ahhh, I can see that goofy grin on your face and you are now a #Maclan fan. Told ya!
Well, Maddie and Declan are still very much in love. Declan is still grumpy and Maddie still doesn’t take his crap, and now they have the most precious gift of all: little Ciara.
What happens after an HEA? When you read a romance, you get to the happily ever after and then what? Kayley Loring gives you the “what”. Two people madly in love with each other and even more so with their kid and dealing with all the lack of time, of sleep, and oh FFS , seggsy times! They try, oh boy they try, but the odds seem to never be in their favor.
Declan is still very grumpy, but his biggest reason for that now is his need to be everything he can be for his girls, specially the little one, who seems to be having a hard time understanding that her dad is “the sh!t”. It’s hilarious, but most of all it’s endearing. The hot shot lawyer from Upper East Side needs to woo the little one and it’s not working.
I grinned from page one. Kayley Loring creates characters that you grow to love like they are your real friends. Going back to spend time with Cannevales was a joy and I will alway revisit. There is a special quality in Kayley Loring’s writing that I can’t exactly define, but that makes me LOL and get all gooey. You get all that here. A million stars.
I’ll never look at Elmo the same… ;)
October 13, 2024
This did not do it for me. I didn't enjoy the tone overall and though the look at new parents in relationship was realistic and funny at times, it's also super frustrating and I didn't want to be part of it in my precious down time.
May 31, 2023
What romance reader doesn’t dream of a Where are they now type of follow up to their favorite couple? Here the author offers a novella about Maddie and Declan a couple of years after the first book in the series.
It’s set close to Father’s Day, and as it happens, Declan and Maddie haven’t been intimate in a while because, you know, parenthood. But more than the lack of stunts in the sheets, the story is about a man trying to find his place as a father AND a husband. And his wife helping him.
With Maddie being the queen of organization, and Declan sucking at it–hence his need of a skilled assistant–their several attempts at finding a place and time to be frisky fail until Maddie takes charge of the whole planning.
All the side characters we met and loved in the previous books are back for useful cameos. They’re examples to follow, providers of advices, helpers–or not so much. But they aren’t there just for fan service.
While it was quite good overall, I wasn’t a fan of the way the physical took precedence once they’re finally able to spend time alone. Call me a romantic, but I felt the failed attempts were more meaningful because they connected on another level, even though they weren’t satisfied in the end.
Sexy, witty, funny, short… Don’t deny yourself a good time.
Quickie
- Series: Very holiday #4 (follow up to A very bossy Christmas)
- Hashtags: #romcom #novella #established couple #parenthood
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Maddie Cooper & Declan Cannavale
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + the reality of being a parent
- – Piper writing sexy fanfictions about her aunt and uncle, super cringe-y
It’s set close to Father’s Day, and as it happens, Declan and Maddie haven’t been intimate in a while because, you know, parenthood. But more than the lack of stunts in the sheets, the story is about a man trying to find his place as a father AND a husband. And his wife helping him.
With Maddie being the queen of organization, and Declan sucking at it–hence his need of a skilled assistant–their several attempts at finding a place and time to be frisky fail until Maddie takes charge of the whole planning.
All the side characters we met and loved in the previous books are back for useful cameos. They’re examples to follow, providers of advices, helpers–or not so much. But they aren’t there just for fan service.
While it was quite good overall, I wasn’t a fan of the way the physical took precedence once they’re finally able to spend time alone. Call me a romantic, but I felt the failed attempts were more meaningful because they connected on another level, even though they weren’t satisfied in the end.
Sexy, witty, funny, short… Don’t deny yourself a good time.
Quickie
- Series: Very holiday #4 (follow up to A very bossy Christmas)
- Hashtags: #romcom #novella #established couple #parenthood
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Maddie Cooper & Declan Cannavale
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + the reality of being a parent
- – Piper writing sexy fanfictions about her aunt and uncle, super cringe-y
October 21, 2023
It was a decent novella, nothing more, nothing less, lol. I enjoyed getting back to my fav couple from this series, aka Declan and Maddie, but let's be honest, it's just one-hundred-something pages about the married couple with a kid trying to find a convenient time to get laid. Not necessarily something I'd call riveting *shrugs*
June 2, 2023
“Maddie Cooper…I want to live with you. I want to marry you. I want to make babies with you. I want to grow old with you. I want you to bury me and cry over my grave, and then I want to fall in love with you all over again in heaven. Or hell. We’ll see how good I am at atoning for my sins.”
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Awe! This made my day today!!! Back in 2020, I read “A Very Bossy Christmas” by this author and loved Declan & Maddie’s story (with a few exceptions of course….). You can read my review here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... So the quote above is one that makes me smile every time I read it.
This is Declan's & Maddie's story after they got their HEA and settled into married life and raising a kid. If you haven't read the previous one of how they met and just want something that's going to put a smile on your face, I think you will still enjoy it as a stand alone. I know I did and I don't say that often enough - if ever. However, please take note that this is not for everyone. It's a bit silly at times and not for everyone but this my jam so what can I say? It was just what I needed to pass an hour or two after a long, long tiring week. *sigh*
There is a lot of humor and sweet/swoony moments as always with this couple. The texts and Declan's relationship with his baby girl was so sweet & funny. And we even got a tiny bit of Piper, the niece who had a fascination with Declan's butt in previous book! 😝
This fictional couple was one of my top 10 favorite ones I have read. I really liked their relationship and the way they seemed to fit and have fun, but it did leave me with wanting more though! 😭
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Awe! This made my day today!!! Back in 2020, I read “A Very Bossy Christmas” by this author and loved Declan & Maddie’s story (with a few exceptions of course….). You can read my review here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... So the quote above is one that makes me smile every time I read it.
This is Declan's & Maddie's story after they got their HEA and settled into married life and raising a kid. If you haven't read the previous one of how they met and just want something that's going to put a smile on your face, I think you will still enjoy it as a stand alone. I know I did and I don't say that often enough - if ever. However, please take note that this is not for everyone. It's a bit silly at times and not for everyone but this my jam so what can I say? It was just what I needed to pass an hour or two after a long, long tiring week. *sigh*
There is a lot of humor and sweet/swoony moments as always with this couple. The texts and Declan's relationship with his baby girl was so sweet & funny. And we even got a tiny bit of Piper, the niece who had a fascination with Declan's butt in previous book! 😝
This fictional couple was one of my top 10 favorite ones I have read. I really liked their relationship and the way they seemed to fit and have fun, but it did leave me with wanting more though! 😭
May 31, 2023
Arhhh Declan and Maddie 🫶 this novella is picking up their story 10 months after their first child is born. A real romcom story of them just trying to get some alone time together! I laughed so much… loved a story of a couple already together and trying to slot their relationship back into their parenting lives! The banter from Declan is so good and I can’t wait to hear the audio of it.
This is book 4 in the very holiday series which is so much fun so definitely worth a read!
Blurb:
What’s the actual last thing you’d ever want your spouse to see you doing when you’ve been trying to get it on for weeks? Dancing around your baby’s room to “Come and Get Your Love” like Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy—in an Elmo costume? Yeah. Me too.
And yet, here we are.
This isn’t even the most humiliating thing I’ve done lately.
The first was leaving drunk messages when I was out partying with my cousins.
The second was trying to seduce her on the Staten Island Ferry.
The third was so terrible, I’m not even going to tell you about it.
I need to pull it together before the hot, busy, suddenly grumpy mother of my child forgets why she married her sexy, brilliant, occasionally infuriating former boss in the first place.
This is just how it goes for the men in my family… We get knocked down…but we get up again.
And nothing’s ever going to keep me down when it comes to my wife.
* PLEASE NOTE: This 35,000-word novella is a follow-up to A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS by Kayley Loring! You will probably enjoy it more if you’ve already read A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS. Or you might enjoy it even less, who knows?! Kayley doesn’t know anything, she just writes stuff.
This is book 4 in the very holiday series which is so much fun so definitely worth a read!
Blurb:
What’s the actual last thing you’d ever want your spouse to see you doing when you’ve been trying to get it on for weeks? Dancing around your baby’s room to “Come and Get Your Love” like Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy—in an Elmo costume? Yeah. Me too.
And yet, here we are.
This isn’t even the most humiliating thing I’ve done lately.
The first was leaving drunk messages when I was out partying with my cousins.
The second was trying to seduce her on the Staten Island Ferry.
The third was so terrible, I’m not even going to tell you about it.
I need to pull it together before the hot, busy, suddenly grumpy mother of my child forgets why she married her sexy, brilliant, occasionally infuriating former boss in the first place.
This is just how it goes for the men in my family… We get knocked down…but we get up again.
And nothing’s ever going to keep me down when it comes to my wife.
* PLEASE NOTE: This 35,000-word novella is a follow-up to A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS by Kayley Loring! You will probably enjoy it more if you’ve already read A VERY BOSSY CHRISTMAS. Or you might enjoy it even less, who knows?! Kayley doesn’t know anything, she just writes stuff.
May 31, 2023
This book hits home a bit more for me, at this stage in my life. Declan and Maddie are just trying to find their way while raising their little girl, while not losing themselves or their original love for each other. They are trying to hard to keep that passion alive!!
Who can’t relate to that?!
While I’ve noticed it before with Kayley Loring, one of my joys in reading is finding authors that can pull real life struggles and issues into a story, while still slowing me to find an escape.
I think that takes finesse and talent. The fact that this book is funny, steamy and has so much heart packed into it, while being a novella, just shows you how amazing KL is as a writer.
I have fallen in love with this family and always love seeing “where they end up” stories after the series has continued. I know it’s not easy to work these into an authors busy schedule and us readers truly appreciate the chance to go back a visit with our characters.
This author is one you should be diving head-first into if you enjoy romantic comedy!!
Happy reading, everyone!
Who can’t relate to that?!
While I’ve noticed it before with Kayley Loring, one of my joys in reading is finding authors that can pull real life struggles and issues into a story, while still slowing me to find an escape.
I think that takes finesse and talent. The fact that this book is funny, steamy and has so much heart packed into it, while being a novella, just shows you how amazing KL is as a writer.
I have fallen in love with this family and always love seeing “where they end up” stories after the series has continued. I know it’s not easy to work these into an authors busy schedule and us readers truly appreciate the chance to go back a visit with our characters.
This author is one you should be diving head-first into if you enjoy romantic comedy!!
Happy reading, everyone!
June 4, 2023
5.0 funny, adorably sweet, sexy stars!!!! Loved it. Oh, how I love this crazy Irish, Boston, Italian brood. Dec's first Father's Day, and he and Maddie desperately need to find the energy and the time to be together. This was a quick, fast read and good times.
Can't wait for Billy's book up next.
Can't wait for Billy's book up next.
June 1, 2023
A Very Grumpy Father’s Day is a sequel novella to A Very Bossy Christmas, so it’d be best to read that first. It was fun to be back with the characters who introduced me, not only to Kayley Loring, but also narrators Mackenzie Cartwright and Connor Crais. A Very Bossy Christmas was my first audiobook and the reason I have an Audible account, so this novella carried a lot of nostalgia for me.
It’s 3 1/2 years after the events of A Very Bossy Christmas. Maddie and Declan are married now and have a 10-month-old daughter, Ciara (KEE-rah). They moved into a condo 3 months ago and they still aren’t unpacked.
They’re busy. Super, super busy.
They keep trying to find time to sexy times but nothing goes their way. It adds a nice build up for readers, so when they finally are able to spend that quality time together, we’re just as relieved as they are. And it is definitely a steamy time.
Declan is also dealing with the fact his daughter cries any time he tries to hold her, which leads to some pretty funny and heartfelt moments.
There were throwbacks from A Very Bossy Christmas, as well as cameos from all the favorites, and I couldn’t have wanted more from a sequel.
I can’t wait to see what Kayley has in store for Billy Boston and Piper (separate books) in 2024.
Thank you to Kayley. I voluntarily read an early copy of this novella.
It’s 3 1/2 years after the events of A Very Bossy Christmas. Maddie and Declan are married now and have a 10-month-old daughter, Ciara (KEE-rah). They moved into a condo 3 months ago and they still aren’t unpacked.
They’re busy. Super, super busy.
They keep trying to find time to sexy times but nothing goes their way. It adds a nice build up for readers, so when they finally are able to spend that quality time together, we’re just as relieved as they are. And it is definitely a steamy time.
Declan is also dealing with the fact his daughter cries any time he tries to hold her, which leads to some pretty funny and heartfelt moments.
There were throwbacks from A Very Bossy Christmas, as well as cameos from all the favorites, and I couldn’t have wanted more from a sequel.
I can’t wait to see what Kayley has in store for Billy Boston and Piper (separate books) in 2024.
Thank you to Kayley. I voluntarily read an early copy of this novella.
May 21, 2023
There’s no better way to spend my morning than reading a Kayley Loring book. “A Very Grumpy Father’s Day” is a sweet, fun, and laugh out loud novella that brings me back to my very first and favorite Loring couple, Declan and Maddie.
It’s Declan’s first father’s day with Maddie and their ten-month old daughter, Ciara. They’ve just moved into a new apartment which brings its own chaos as they try to unpack and spend some adult time together. But with cousins in town, a fussy daughter, and other classic shenanigans… finding time together is hard for the couple.
I was so excited when this story was announced and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Declan is one of my favorite grumps and boy did I swoon extra hard at him now being a Dad. His world revolves around Maddie and Ciara. Maddie is as sassy as ever and the perfect sunshine match for Declan. Their struggles on trying to find time to be together is so relatable and will make any parent reading laugh and shaking their head because they have probably been there too. The beloved Billy Boston makes an appearance and I cannot wait for his book.
It’s Declan’s first father’s day with Maddie and their ten-month old daughter, Ciara. They’ve just moved into a new apartment which brings its own chaos as they try to unpack and spend some adult time together. But with cousins in town, a fussy daughter, and other classic shenanigans… finding time together is hard for the couple.
I was so excited when this story was announced and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Declan is one of my favorite grumps and boy did I swoon extra hard at him now being a Dad. His world revolves around Maddie and Ciara. Maddie is as sassy as ever and the perfect sunshine match for Declan. Their struggles on trying to find time to be together is so relatable and will make any parent reading laugh and shaking their head because they have probably been there too. The beloved Billy Boston makes an appearance and I cannot wait for his book.
June 2, 2023
“I have had a crippling addiction to my wife for years, and I have absolutely no intention of ever quitting her.”
Thank you to Kayley Loring for gifting us with a delightful novella set in her Very Holiday series. A Very Grumpy Father’s Day is a follow up to A Very Bossy Christmas. Catching up with Maddie and Declan and baby Ciara felt like coming home. We want to be a part of the Cannavale Cassidy O’Sullivan clan!
Not many romances go past the couple’s HEA. We need more of this! Kayley’s writing is so real and relatable and takes us on the journey with the characters. She beautifully and humorously captured exactly what it feels like to be married and the everyday struggles that go along with it, the chaos that comes with becoming new parents, and finding your way back to each other as you find your new normal as a family.
The narration for this novella is top notch. Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright have proven yet again why they will always be on our favorites list. They are both so incredibly talented. The accents, the impressions, the drunk singing…chef’s kiss! Kayley’s books are made for audio. Do not deprive your ears of this deliciousness!
AVGFD is exactly what we needed! In typical Kayley fashion, it was sweet, heartwarming and hysterical wrapped up and delivered in a Connor and Mackenzie sandwich. What more could we ask for? We cannot wait for Billy Boston and Piper’s books to be released!
Thank you to Kayley Loring for gifting us with a delightful novella set in her Very Holiday series. A Very Grumpy Father’s Day is a follow up to A Very Bossy Christmas. Catching up with Maddie and Declan and baby Ciara felt like coming home. We want to be a part of the Cannavale Cassidy O’Sullivan clan!
Not many romances go past the couple’s HEA. We need more of this! Kayley’s writing is so real and relatable and takes us on the journey with the characters. She beautifully and humorously captured exactly what it feels like to be married and the everyday struggles that go along with it, the chaos that comes with becoming new parents, and finding your way back to each other as you find your new normal as a family.
The narration for this novella is top notch. Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright have proven yet again why they will always be on our favorites list. They are both so incredibly talented. The accents, the impressions, the drunk singing…chef’s kiss! Kayley’s books are made for audio. Do not deprive your ears of this deliciousness!
AVGFD is exactly what we needed! In typical Kayley fashion, it was sweet, heartwarming and hysterical wrapped up and delivered in a Connor and Mackenzie sandwich. What more could we ask for? We cannot wait for Billy Boston and Piper’s books to be released!
June 3, 2023
"A Very Grumpy Father's Day" by Kayley Loring is a novella follow-up to "A Very Bossy Christmas" and features the same main characters, Declan and Maddie (Cooper) Cannavale. For maximum enjoyment, I'd recommend reading these stories in order, though I think new readers could start here without feeling lost.
This hilarious and heartwarming tale made me fall in love with Maddie and Declan all over again. The challenges they faced in trying to balance demanding careers, caring for their baby daughter Ciara, and finding time for each other were incredibly relatable. I loved that parenthood didn't change their love or desire for each other in the least, though it took a bit more planning (and help from an unexpected source) for them to find the time and space they needed to reconnect.
I highly recommend this novella for all romantic comedy fans and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
This hilarious and heartwarming tale made me fall in love with Maddie and Declan all over again. The challenges they faced in trying to balance demanding careers, caring for their baby daughter Ciara, and finding time for each other were incredibly relatable. I loved that parenthood didn't change their love or desire for each other in the least, though it took a bit more planning (and help from an unexpected source) for them to find the time and space they needed to reconnect.
I highly recommend this novella for all romantic comedy fans and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
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September 12, 2023Oh the world of Maclan…. It’s so so good to be back!!
It’s uncommon in romance to find books that set aside the rose-tinted glasses and focus on couples’ struggles after getting their HEA, such as adjusting to parenthood. To see Maddie and Declan deal with real-life problems, yet still going the extra mile to somehow make time in their chaotic schedules to show their love and appreciation for one another warmed my heart.
Also kudos to Mrs Loring for always providing the spiciest smut 🫶🏻
I love this series, and getting glimpses of the whole gang really felt like coming home. And to know that Billy is FINALLY getting his own book???? AND BECOMING A FATHER IN THE NEAR FUTURE??? Its sad that we’ll most certainly have to wait a year for it but SIGN ME TF UP
It’s uncommon in romance to find books that set aside the rose-tinted glasses and focus on couples’ struggles after getting their HEA, such as adjusting to parenthood. To see Maddie and Declan deal with real-life problems, yet still going the extra mile to somehow make time in their chaotic schedules to show their love and appreciation for one another warmed my heart.
Also kudos to Mrs Loring for always providing the spiciest smut 🫶🏻
I love this series, and getting glimpses of the whole gang really felt like coming home. And to know that Billy is FINALLY getting his own book???? AND BECOMING A FATHER IN THE NEAR FUTURE??? Its sad that we’ll most certainly have to wait a year for it but SIGN ME TF UP
June 10, 2023
A fun, spicy and relatable Father's day novella about two new parents trying to get it on despite exhaustion and constant interruptions. Great on audio with duet narration and cameos from past characters in the series. You can definitely tell new dad author/narrator Connor Crais wrote this one from personal experience lol.
May 28, 2023
If you read A Very Bossy Christmas, come revisit Declan and Maddie as they navigate being new parents coming up to Father's Day!
This gem of a novella will be releasing June 1st! So just in time for Father's Day!
If you loved Maclan, you'll love this sequel!
If you haven't read AVBC, that's fine too! If you love adorable middle 30s marriage romance stories... Or just love a good rom-com, this is a great read! 🥰🥰🥰
This gem of a novella will be releasing June 1st! So just in time for Father's Day!
If you loved Maclan, you'll love this sequel!
If you haven't read AVBC, that's fine too! If you love adorable middle 30s marriage romance stories... Or just love a good rom-com, this is a great read! 🥰🥰🥰
May 28, 2023
My first Kayley Loring book was A Very Bossy Christmas so I couldn’t wait to jump back into Maddie & Declan’s world! It’s 3.5 years later and KL entertains us with the best laughs and banter, this time from a tired parents’ viewpoint. This novella is the best way to spend a light hearted afternoon reading!
June 2, 2023
#MACLAN forever!!! 🙌🏽
I loved Declan from the beginning but him as a Dad?! Ughhh more please!! 🥰
Declan and Maddie are back and better than ever! I Do’s are done, got the baby carriage and now we get to see the happily ever after, or do we?
We get to see Maddie and Declan tackle parenthood while trying to keep their relationship as hot as it was from the beginning. Their banter is still top notch and their families are back to help bring more laughter in our lives! 🙌🏽🫶🏽
I loved Declan from the beginning but him as a Dad?! Ughhh more please!! 🥰
Declan and Maddie are back and better than ever! I Do’s are done, got the baby carriage and now we get to see the happily ever after, or do we?
We get to see Maddie and Declan tackle parenthood while trying to keep their relationship as hot as it was from the beginning. Their banter is still top notch and their families are back to help bring more laughter in our lives! 🙌🏽🫶🏽
June 8, 2023
Happy Daddy's Day Declan! You and Maddie make marriage look real good!
It was hilarious how you and Maddie plotted to get some "private" time, ever since your baby girl was born. However, something crazy always turned up to block you. But hey that goes with the territory. No doubt you will work it out!
The sexy conversation, that your mother overheard you having with your wife, was hysterical!
Unfortunately, the repetitious and tedious overuse of the "F" word, gave me a headache and cost this cutie pie story one star.
It was hilarious how you and Maddie plotted to get some "private" time, ever since your baby girl was born. However, something crazy always turned up to block you. But hey that goes with the territory. No doubt you will work it out!
The sexy conversation, that your mother overheard you having with your wife, was hysterical!
Unfortunately, the repetitious and tedious overuse of the "F" word, gave me a headache and cost this cutie pie story one star.
January 17, 2025
I wanted to like this book. I really did. Declan and Maddie were amazing in the first book and I loved their story and their banter and all the things.
This book was like a run-on sentence of two parents trying to find time to have sex with a 10 month old daughter. Though a story all new parents can relate to when your couple status moves to family status, I wish there was more depth outside of the obvious.
I am closing the door on this series. The characters left don't interest me enough to know their stories.
This book was like a run-on sentence of two parents trying to find time to have sex with a 10 month old daughter. Though a story all new parents can relate to when your couple status moves to family status, I wish there was more depth outside of the obvious.
I am closing the door on this series. The characters left don't interest me enough to know their stories.
October 5, 2025
This series is silly and fun, but I forgot about this one and couldn't leave it hanging before reading the Halloween one. 🤪 Declan and Maddie are back with their baby girl, just parents trying to find the time to add some spark back into their lives. Cute, funny, and spicy. Irish Boston Billy is next!
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