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Falling for Franklin #0.5
The Holiduel
When my pastry school rival, Finn Calloway, suddenly reappears back in the Nashville food scene, all of my plans are thrown off. Turns out we’re both stuck working out of the same commercial prep kitchen during the holidays. To top it off, Finn’s Canadian crepe truck is getting booked at events left and right, stealing my thunder and my gigs.
The coals of our competition start to burn again, made red hot by my resentment over the fact that he kissed me five years ago and then ditched town. Never making the effort to talk to me again.
But the more time I spend around Finn, the more I begin to see a different side of him. I’m tempted to set aside our rivalry and give him a second chance. Which I definitely can’t do. Because even though it might land me a permanent spot on Santa’s naughty list, I’d rather be a winner than a forgiver.
A laugh-out-loud, second chance, sweet romantic comedy with heaps of holiday humor and cheer. This book is a prequel to the remaining books in the Falling for Franklin series.
The coals of our competition start to burn again, made red hot by my resentment over the fact that he kissed me five years ago and then ditched town. Never making the effort to talk to me again.
But the more time I spend around Finn, the more I begin to see a different side of him. I’m tempted to set aside our rivalry and give him a second chance. Which I definitely can’t do. Because even though it might land me a permanent spot on Santa’s naughty list, I’d rather be a winner than a forgiver.
A laugh-out-loud, second chance, sweet romantic comedy with heaps of holiday humor and cheer. This book is a prequel to the remaining books in the Falling for Franklin series.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2022
64 people are currently reading
1911 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Gardiner
8 books399 followersHailey Gardiner writes cheeky, sweet romantic comedies in an effort to finally put her wildly active imagination to good use. Hailey is a master at quoting movies, will eat any dessert that’s salted, and loves raising two book-loving boys with her husband.
www.haileygardiner.com
@authorhaileygardiner
www.haileygardiner.com
@authorhaileygardiner
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
December 21, 2022
this was super cute🥹
July 6, 2023
So cute. I loved all the baking, banter, and really sweet moments. Very clean romance too.
November 19, 2022
Y'all. I can't believe these words are about to come out of my mouth for this second chance, slow burn romance. Are you ready?!
Oh holy cuteness Batman! I absolutely adored this book! I was sucked in from the very beginning and refused to put the book down until the very end! It was the perfect break from reality!
Ava and Finn have a bit of history together. It all started back in culinary school and ended with a kiss on graduation that rivaled any kiss either of them had ever had. And then nothing. For five years. Five very long years where Ava definitely did not hold a grudge against Finn. Nope. Not. At. All. And she definitely doesn't have any issues whatsoever with Finn coming back to town and stealing the holiday gig she really wanted. None. What. So. Ever. Well. Maybe just a teeny tiny bit.
Y'all. Bring on the all the sass and witty banter. I couldn't get enough of Ava and Finn. There was chemistry aplenty between these two whether they wanted to admit it or not. I loved watching them work out their past and get their HEA. It was full of laughs and all the dreamy sighs. Gah! I love these two!
A bit of advice for readers. Do not read this book if you're hungry or if you currently have a sweet tooth. All the yummy goodness mentioned in this book will drive you crazy! I may or may not want to try some of the deliciousness that Ava and Finn made.
It's no secret that I am not a fan of slow burn romances. This book was so well written that I didn't even realize it was one until closer to the end. Any author who can get me to read a slow burn without knowing it's a slow burn definitely deserves all the stars.
This was my first book by Ms. Gardiner and it definitely will not be my last. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
And of course my review wouldn't be complete without my casting. I'm loving these two! What do you think?!
Oh holy cuteness Batman! I absolutely adored this book! I was sucked in from the very beginning and refused to put the book down until the very end! It was the perfect break from reality!
Ava and Finn have a bit of history together. It all started back in culinary school and ended with a kiss on graduation that rivaled any kiss either of them had ever had. And then nothing. For five years. Five very long years where Ava definitely did not hold a grudge against Finn. Nope. Not. At. All. And she definitely doesn't have any issues whatsoever with Finn coming back to town and stealing the holiday gig she really wanted. None. What. So. Ever. Well. Maybe just a teeny tiny bit.
Y'all. Bring on the all the sass and witty banter. I couldn't get enough of Ava and Finn. There was chemistry aplenty between these two whether they wanted to admit it or not. I loved watching them work out their past and get their HEA. It was full of laughs and all the dreamy sighs. Gah! I love these two!
A bit of advice for readers. Do not read this book if you're hungry or if you currently have a sweet tooth. All the yummy goodness mentioned in this book will drive you crazy! I may or may not want to try some of the deliciousness that Ava and Finn made.
It's no secret that I am not a fan of slow burn romances. This book was so well written that I didn't even realize it was one until closer to the end. Any author who can get me to read a slow burn without knowing it's a slow burn definitely deserves all the stars.
This was my first book by Ms. Gardiner and it definitely will not be my last. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
And of course my review wouldn't be complete without my casting. I'm loving these two! What do you think?!
December 1, 2023
It was a cute, fun, quick little holiday romance! I loved that both characters were bakers, and their history was a fun one to unwrap.
The “conflict” felt very realistic and it was a sweet resolution.
I want one of Ava’s s’mores…so bad!!
3.5/5 stars
The “conflict” felt very realistic and it was a sweet resolution.
I want one of Ava’s s’mores…so bad!!
3.5/5 stars
November 26, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Ava Helms has a successful catering business, delivering gourmet s'mores to weddings, business gatherings, and more. But with Christmas quickly approaching, she's suddenly forced to share her prep kitchen with Finn Calloway- the man she once competed with and shared an unforgettable kiss with in culinary school. Even after five years apart Ava hasn't been able to forget how hurt she was after Finn kissed her and then left for Canada. But Finn is determined to make things right with Ava. Can he do enough to show he's sorry and to prove that he's never forgotten her either?
This was such a sweet holiday romance- both literally and figuratively! With both Ava and Finn being excellent bakers there was plenty of descriptive food details that are sure to make your mouth water. Novellas sometimes don't leave enough time to convince me that the couple is meant to be together, but the backstory that was provided in this one helped show that there was already chemistry between Ava and Finn. I liked the forced proximity of sharing a prep kitchen and how they were able to influence each other's menus. And I loved how Finn knew from the beginning that he had messed up and needed to do something special to convince Ava of his feelings. The drama is pretty minimal, which was a good thing. I was holding my breath when Ava learned the truth about their first kiss, but luckily she moved on fairly quickly after taking some time to digest the information from Finn. If you're looking for a quick, fun holiday read then definitely check this one out!
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Ava Helms has a successful catering business, delivering gourmet s'mores to weddings, business gatherings, and more. But with Christmas quickly approaching, she's suddenly forced to share her prep kitchen with Finn Calloway- the man she once competed with and shared an unforgettable kiss with in culinary school. Even after five years apart Ava hasn't been able to forget how hurt she was after Finn kissed her and then left for Canada. But Finn is determined to make things right with Ava. Can he do enough to show he's sorry and to prove that he's never forgotten her either?
This was such a sweet holiday romance- both literally and figuratively! With both Ava and Finn being excellent bakers there was plenty of descriptive food details that are sure to make your mouth water. Novellas sometimes don't leave enough time to convince me that the couple is meant to be together, but the backstory that was provided in this one helped show that there was already chemistry between Ava and Finn. I liked the forced proximity of sharing a prep kitchen and how they were able to influence each other's menus. And I loved how Finn knew from the beginning that he had messed up and needed to do something special to convince Ava of his feelings. The drama is pretty minimal, which was a good thing. I was holding my breath when Ava learned the truth about their first kiss, but luckily she moved on fairly quickly after taking some time to digest the information from Finn. If you're looking for a quick, fun holiday read then definitely check this one out!
November 22, 2022
VERY CHARMING.
I enjoyed this one so much. It was light, fast and all the things I need for a great novella. I would have loved a full length book with these characters because they were fire. I loved the banter and how the second chance, rivals to lovers romance came about.
There was even some good character growth and openness for a short book. Allowed some moments of connection for me that help me love a relationship.
Also THE FOOD. This book will make you so hungry. I now need fancy smores and yummy crepe cakes ASAP.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
I enjoyed this one so much. It was light, fast and all the things I need for a great novella. I would have loved a full length book with these characters because they were fire. I loved the banter and how the second chance, rivals to lovers romance came about.
There was even some good character growth and openness for a short book. Allowed some moments of connection for me that help me love a relationship.
Also THE FOOD. This book will make you so hungry. I now need fancy smores and yummy crepe cakes ASAP.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
November 24, 2022
Warning: This novella comes with an intense craving of gourmet s'mores. Yum! And perhaps an urge to listen to the Under the Mistletoe album by Justin Bieber? I'll leave that up to you.
Five years ago Finn Calloway left Ava Helms completely heartbroken. Now the two culinary rivals are renting the same commercial kitchen space for their catering businesses, much to Ava's displeasure.
Expect lots, and I mean LOTS, of delicious food, hilarious forced-proximity banter, and topnotch grovelling from Finn. I loved Finn owning up to his mistakes, proving he is ready for love.
It's a short read, but it was wonderfully paced too, offering plenty of heartwarming moments and kisses. And as a fellow Canadian, seeing Finn being teased for his toque, loonies and toonies, and accent was too funny. Definitely give this sweet holiday romance a try!
(heat level: kissing only)
Five years ago Finn Calloway left Ava Helms completely heartbroken. Now the two culinary rivals are renting the same commercial kitchen space for their catering businesses, much to Ava's displeasure.
Expect lots, and I mean LOTS, of delicious food, hilarious forced-proximity banter, and topnotch grovelling from Finn. I loved Finn owning up to his mistakes, proving he is ready for love.
It's a short read, but it was wonderfully paced too, offering plenty of heartwarming moments and kisses. And as a fellow Canadian, seeing Finn being teased for his toque, loonies and toonies, and accent was too funny. Definitely give this sweet holiday romance a try!
(heat level: kissing only)
January 6, 2026
The Holiduel by Hailey Gardiner is a festive, heartwarming holiday romance novella about Ava Helms, a passionate caterer whose plans for a cozy Christmas crumble when she finds herself sharing a commercial prep kitchen with Finn Calloway, her pastry school rival and the man who kissed her once and then disappeared, forcing them into a holiday‑tinged second chance that might thaw years of old hurt. This prequel to the Falling for Franklin series blends rivals‑to‑lovers energy with seasonal cheer, mouthwatering food descriptions, and genuine emotional moments.
What truly charmed me was the way Gardiner uses food and the holiday backdrop to amplify both tension and tenderness: the aroma of gourmet s’mores and crepes becomes almost a character itself, pulling you deeper into Ava and Finn’s shared world.
Ava’s mix of stubbornness and sweetness felt delightfully real, the kind of heroine whose inner life I found easy to root for, and Finn’s sincere efforts to make amends softened his initial gruffness in the most satisfying way. Their banter and forced proximity felt lively and fun, yet there were quiet beats of vulnerability that made their slow rediscovery of each other feel meaningful even within the novella’s brisk pace.
Though brief, the story wrapped up in a way that left me grinning and craving a cozy evening with hot chocolate and festive treats, the kind of fleeting, feel‑good romance that warms the heart without demanding too much emotional investment.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This sweet, spirited holiday tale delighted me with its humor, food‑centric charm, and genuinely tender second chance arc, even if its short length kept some emotional beats light. If you’re craving a cozy Christmas romance with food, laughter, and heart, this little novella is a delightful treat.
What truly charmed me was the way Gardiner uses food and the holiday backdrop to amplify both tension and tenderness: the aroma of gourmet s’mores and crepes becomes almost a character itself, pulling you deeper into Ava and Finn’s shared world.
Ava’s mix of stubbornness and sweetness felt delightfully real, the kind of heroine whose inner life I found easy to root for, and Finn’s sincere efforts to make amends softened his initial gruffness in the most satisfying way. Their banter and forced proximity felt lively and fun, yet there were quiet beats of vulnerability that made their slow rediscovery of each other feel meaningful even within the novella’s brisk pace.
Though brief, the story wrapped up in a way that left me grinning and craving a cozy evening with hot chocolate and festive treats, the kind of fleeting, feel‑good romance that warms the heart without demanding too much emotional investment.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This sweet, spirited holiday tale delighted me with its humor, food‑centric charm, and genuinely tender second chance arc, even if its short length kept some emotional beats light. If you’re craving a cozy Christmas romance with food, laughter, and heart, this little novella is a delightful treat.
December 22, 2025
This book was so cute!!!!!!!!!!!
The ending was fantastic, and the characters were adorable. This was an amazing little Christmas read😁
The ending was fantastic, and the characters were adorable. This was an amazing little Christmas read😁
May 7, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 3.5 ☆ ꒱
November 11, 2022
This is such a sweet read! A fun, feisty, second chance romance that left me with a huge smile on my face. The Holiduel is vibrantly festive, feel good charm! Hailey Gardiner gives us the perfect balance of heart and sweet swoons, with just the right dash of emotional tension and holiday fun. I couldn’t get enough of this adorable novella - my heart is all warm and cozy!
Five years ago, Ava and Finn were rivals at the same pastry school. But one night, the lines blur as they share an earth-shattering kiss. Shortly after however, Finn completely ghosts Ava and skips town to pursue his career as a pastry chef and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other since. Now Finn is back in town and once again, the two are rivals. And to add insult to injury, they have to share the same prep kitchen.
It’s a fun set-up and leads to lots of bickering, bantering, and fabulously snarky back-and-forth. But as they they relax around each other, they open up to one another, and suddenly everything starts to change. I loved these two together. It was so much fun watching them constantly fight, knowing that there is so much more simmering beneath the surface, and I was so excited to watch how everything would begin to change with them. And when it does, it’s swoony, and everything I was hoping for. Even though it’s a shorter romance, Hailey Gardiner gives them a lot of substance. And their chemistry is so freaking charming! And we have just enough history between these two to make their bond feel complex and authentic.
Festive, swoon-worthy, and so heartwarmingly sweet, The Holiduel is magnetically charming. This quick, feel good read had me grinning from ear to ear. Like the rest of the series, this book is full of hope and tenderness, an engaging story told with the humour and authenticity I adore from Hailey Gardiner. It's a sheer delight and I loved every word.
Five years ago, Ava and Finn were rivals at the same pastry school. But one night, the lines blur as they share an earth-shattering kiss. Shortly after however, Finn completely ghosts Ava and skips town to pursue his career as a pastry chef and they haven’t seen or spoken to each other since. Now Finn is back in town and once again, the two are rivals. And to add insult to injury, they have to share the same prep kitchen.
It’s a fun set-up and leads to lots of bickering, bantering, and fabulously snarky back-and-forth. But as they they relax around each other, they open up to one another, and suddenly everything starts to change. I loved these two together. It was so much fun watching them constantly fight, knowing that there is so much more simmering beneath the surface, and I was so excited to watch how everything would begin to change with them. And when it does, it’s swoony, and everything I was hoping for. Even though it’s a shorter romance, Hailey Gardiner gives them a lot of substance. And their chemistry is so freaking charming! And we have just enough history between these two to make their bond feel complex and authentic.
Festive, swoon-worthy, and so heartwarmingly sweet, The Holiduel is magnetically charming. This quick, feel good read had me grinning from ear to ear. Like the rest of the series, this book is full of hope and tenderness, an engaging story told with the humour and authenticity I adore from Hailey Gardiner. It's a sheer delight and I loved every word.
November 14, 2022
I liked it!
It is a sweet, cozy, second chance, rivals to lovers christmas story.
I liked the characters, their story and how well they work together in and off the kitchen.
It feels it's missing something, for being a novella, but was a lovely story and it was nice seeing the characters from the other books.
Looking forward to the next one!
*I've received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
It is a sweet, cozy, second chance, rivals to lovers christmas story.
I liked the characters, their story and how well they work together in and off the kitchen.
It feels it's missing something, for being a novella, but was a lovely story and it was nice seeing the characters from the other books.
Looking forward to the next one!
*I've received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2022
How can you not be charmed by:
*Salted caramel whiskey marshmallows
*Butter
*Christmas movie night
*Apology crepe cake
*Ice skating
*Crown roast
*TWO ovens in his home kitchen
* Ella Fitzgerald
*The pie crust she’s built around her heart?
Short, could have used a little more time with the actual romance, but sweet. I loved how much they both love baking and how much they appreciate that love in each other. If food is your love language and you love Christmas, don’t miss this one!
*Salted caramel whiskey marshmallows
*Butter
*Christmas movie night
*Apology crepe cake
*Ice skating
*Crown roast
*TWO ovens in his home kitchen
* Ella Fitzgerald
*The pie crust she’s built around her heart?
Short, could have used a little more time with the actual romance, but sweet. I loved how much they both love baking and how much they appreciate that love in each other. If food is your love language and you love Christmas, don’t miss this one!
December 17, 2022
Thank you Hailey Gardiner for the e-arc of your ever so swoony upcoming release!
Here’s what I loved about The Holiduel:
• second chance romance
• two chefs
• rivals
• angst and tension
• lots of banter
This book is the sweetest novella that you can curl up with and read in one sitting. Beware, it will make you hungry
4.5/5
Steam: kisses
TW: none
Here’s what I loved about The Holiduel:
• second chance romance
• two chefs
• rivals
• angst and tension
• lots of banter
This book is the sweetest novella that you can curl up with and read in one sitting. Beware, it will make you hungry
4.5/5
Steam: kisses
TW: none
December 26, 2023
a short clean romance . . . that I just didn’t really get in to or connect to the story or characters.
I’m finding contemporary romance isn’t for me. This felt super hallmarky and a little cheesy. 😆 but I think most others would probably enjoy it. It was free on kindle so I decided to give it a try.
I’m finding contemporary romance isn’t for me. This felt super hallmarky and a little cheesy. 😆 but I think most others would probably enjoy it. It was free on kindle so I decided to give it a try.
December 17, 2022
4 stars.
This little novella is short and sweet. It’s cute and christmasy and full of baking. I really enjoyed the writing style of this author and I instantly added her other books to my TBR. Also. The cover is just the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. My onllllly complaint is that I wanted a long novel full of Finn and Ava - because they both were lovely.
This little novella is short and sweet. It’s cute and christmasy and full of baking. I really enjoyed the writing style of this author and I instantly added her other books to my TBR. Also. The cover is just the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. My onllllly complaint is that I wanted a long novel full of Finn and Ava - because they both were lovely.
November 26, 2023
Es war sehr cute! Etwas mehr Winter als Christmas aber auch das passte sehr gut 😊
Mich hat etwas gestört, dass sie sich fast in jedem Satz mit dem Namen oder Spitznamen mitten im Gespräch angesprochen haben. Dachte, dass ich sowas normalerweise nicht merke 😂
Mich hat etwas gestört, dass sie sich fast in jedem Satz mit dem Namen oder Spitznamen mitten im Gespräch angesprochen haben. Dachte, dass ich sowas normalerweise nicht merke 😂
December 2, 2022
a very cute short fluffy read I liked it 🫶
December 4, 2022
a guy kisses you for a bet and leaves bc you’re a distraction to his career? i would drop his ass so fast…
December 24, 2022
I’m definitely not SOAR-EY that I read this novella! 😉
This was absolutely adorable and a great addition to the Franklin series! I loved seeing the backstory to Ava and Finn’s relationship!
Finna was such a sweetheart and just the cutest Canadian you ever did read! I appreciated that he came back and didn’t try to make excuses, he knew he messed up and wanted to make it right.
Ava had such a great voice to read from! I really understood her. I liked that she didn’t let Finn off easy but also didn’t hold a grudge for too long.
It was so great that besides the romantic feelings, they really respected each other as chefs. They valued each others input and experience. They were a perfect team!
Oh, and I loved the ice skating date and the dinner! So so sweet! And the magical snowy kiss at the end! 😍
Another big component to this novella was the FOOD!!! Gosh, this made me so hungry! I had so much food envy! 😂
Definitely recommend picking this up! It’s short and sweet and worth the read!
This was absolutely adorable and a great addition to the Franklin series! I loved seeing the backstory to Ava and Finn’s relationship!
Finna was such a sweetheart and just the cutest Canadian you ever did read! I appreciated that he came back and didn’t try to make excuses, he knew he messed up and wanted to make it right.
Ava had such a great voice to read from! I really understood her. I liked that she didn’t let Finn off easy but also didn’t hold a grudge for too long.
It was so great that besides the romantic feelings, they really respected each other as chefs. They valued each others input and experience. They were a perfect team!
Oh, and I loved the ice skating date and the dinner! So so sweet! And the magical snowy kiss at the end! 😍
Another big component to this novella was the FOOD!!! Gosh, this made me so hungry! I had so much food envy! 😂
Definitely recommend picking this up! It’s short and sweet and worth the read!
November 19, 2022
1st Read: ★★★★★
Tropes: Second-chance romance, forced proximity
This novella was the perfect start to the winter/Christmas season. Even though it is 80 degrees outside, the cozy, winter vibes were amazing. It was Christmas-y without being over-the-top. It made me want to head to the kitchen and start baking to experience the same sweet aromas that the characters were experiencing. I loved the imagery and how it was often food-related as it put me into the mindset of a baker. I loved the romance; it was just what I was looking for! Now I need to go read the rest of the series because I loved Gardiner's writing and I need more of it and wholesome romances. It was also fast-paced so I was able to read it in a matter of hours. I would definitely recommend picking this up this holiday season. 🎄
Thank you to Hailey Gardiner for providing me with an ARC copy!
Tropes: Second-chance romance, forced proximity
This novella was the perfect start to the winter/Christmas season. Even though it is 80 degrees outside, the cozy, winter vibes were amazing. It was Christmas-y without being over-the-top. It made me want to head to the kitchen and start baking to experience the same sweet aromas that the characters were experiencing. I loved the imagery and how it was often food-related as it put me into the mindset of a baker. I loved the romance; it was just what I was looking for! Now I need to go read the rest of the series because I loved Gardiner's writing and I need more of it and wholesome romances. It was also fast-paced so I was able to read it in a matter of hours. I would definitely recommend picking this up this holiday season. 🎄
Thank you to Hailey Gardiner for providing me with an ARC copy!
November 19, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a cute, holiday-themed romantic comedy! Author Hailey Gardiner did such a great job developing the characters. Their interactions with each other were believable, yet adorable. Ava and Fin are cute together, and I found myself rooting for them the entire book. I liked how Ava, her sister, and their friends would chide each other about love interests and hype each other up. It was a cozy, quick read and I felt the holiday spirit throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this to someone who wants a clean, cute, heartwarming holiday romance. I’m interested to read more by the author!
This is such a cute, holiday-themed romantic comedy! Author Hailey Gardiner did such a great job developing the characters. Their interactions with each other were believable, yet adorable. Ava and Fin are cute together, and I found myself rooting for them the entire book. I liked how Ava, her sister, and their friends would chide each other about love interests and hype each other up. It was a cozy, quick read and I felt the holiday spirit throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this to someone who wants a clean, cute, heartwarming holiday romance. I’m interested to read more by the author!
December 25, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
I am so glad I decided to squeeze this holiday novella in before Christmas ended. I read book 1 in this series earlier this year and adored it and this novella was just as fun.
I loved this one because it’s an interesting take on the enemies to lovers trope. It’s more like competitors to lovers but there’s a hint of animosity due to an event that took place five years prior. But I loved that both Ava and Finn acknowledge how their competition had made them both better chefs and how they admired each other’s talents and abilities. I also loved how honest they were with one another.
I definitely recommend this novella (and this series in general). This is a prequel novella to the series and it was great. It also wasn’t overly Christmasy, so if you tend to stray from holiday romances because they lean too strong in the holiday vibes, you might actually enjoy this one.
This is a closed door romance with no language and mild innuendo.
I am so glad I decided to squeeze this holiday novella in before Christmas ended. I read book 1 in this series earlier this year and adored it and this novella was just as fun.
I loved this one because it’s an interesting take on the enemies to lovers trope. It’s more like competitors to lovers but there’s a hint of animosity due to an event that took place five years prior. But I loved that both Ava and Finn acknowledge how their competition had made them both better chefs and how they admired each other’s talents and abilities. I also loved how honest they were with one another.
I definitely recommend this novella (and this series in general). This is a prequel novella to the series and it was great. It also wasn’t overly Christmasy, so if you tend to stray from holiday romances because they lean too strong in the holiday vibes, you might actually enjoy this one.
This is a closed door romance with no language and mild innuendo.
December 3, 2022
If you like sweet, closed door, holiday foodie romances, pick this up stat. Believe me when I say you are going to want to have a decadent treat by your side when you read this novella. The Holiduel was filled with delicious sounding treats (umm those s’mores?! Yes please!) and I’m pretty sure I was drooling the whole time reading it.
Food aside, Finn and Ava were a sweet pair! I loved how Finn admitted his mistakes and worked hard to fix it and make the situation better. The forced proximity and blaring holiday music added to the charm of the story as well. At 10 chapters, it was a short story, but I found it to be perfectly paced!
Be sure to add this to your holiday TBR today!
Food aside, Finn and Ava were a sweet pair! I loved how Finn admitted his mistakes and worked hard to fix it and make the situation better. The forced proximity and blaring holiday music added to the charm of the story as well. At 10 chapters, it was a short story, but I found it to be perfectly paced!
Be sure to add this to your holiday TBR today!
November 25, 2022
This was exactly what I needed the day I read it. Something short, sweet, and oh so comical!
Finn and Ava are adorable in this rivals-to-lovers story—I laughed aloud several times!
But perhaps my very favourite thing was the perfection of the Canadian humour. Also, the beautifully executed pronunciation of “sorry” as “soar-ey” and “oat” as “out.” The superior forms of pronunciation in my opinion. 😂
A perfect short read with all the Christmassy vibes, delicious baking, swoony romance, and spot-on humour!
Finn and Ava are adorable in this rivals-to-lovers story—I laughed aloud several times!
But perhaps my very favourite thing was the perfection of the Canadian humour. Also, the beautifully executed pronunciation of “sorry” as “soar-ey” and “oat” as “out.” The superior forms of pronunciation in my opinion. 😂
A perfect short read with all the Christmassy vibes, delicious baking, swoony romance, and spot-on humour!
November 29, 2022
quick cute read that closes my challenge for the year! it was pretty adorable and great to open the Christmas season. not bad especially since I'm more into thrillers and mysteries now!
December 3, 2022
This was a sweet, second chance holiday romance novella between two rival bakers. I loved the food, the banter, the chemistry and that the MMC was Canadian!! Lots of sparks, lots of feels, just a super fun holiday read that is perfect for fans of Sarah Adams!
🔥Steam level: kissing only
🔥Steam level: kissing only
January 1, 2023
Enemies to lovers, second chance romance holiday novella based around baking
It didn’t wow me but was still a hallmark movies vibes book
It didn’t wow me but was still a hallmark movies vibes book
February 22, 2025
THE HOLIDUEL
(0.5: This is the prequel book to the Falling for Franklin series.)
by: Hailey Gardiner
@authorhaileygardiner
-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There’s nowhere else l’d rather be this Christmas.”
~Just hear those “hate” bells jingling...
When my pastry school rival, Finn Calloway, suddenly reappears back in the Nashville food scene, all of my plans are thrown off. Turns out we’re both stuck working out of the same commercial prep kitchen during the holidays. To top it off, Finn’s Canadian crepe truck is getting booked at events left and right, stealing my thunder and my gigs…
“I would never let something so petty eat away at my soul for five years. I’m above such things.”
-Fourth book read to honor Hailey: The HOLIDUEL. This delightful quick-paced story is a laugh-out-loud, second chance, rivals to lovers sweet romance with great holiday humor and cheer. This sweet story hooked me in with all the Canadiana humor, baked good delights, and poetic descriptions of close proximity and sweet kisses. I should note also that this story doesn’t completely revolve around Christmas, so any time is a fun time to read this story. But, also it may have you craving all the yummy baked goods. The simple and awkward moments were written in way that is both magical and adorable. Also, within this story is a pinch of animosity due to an event that took place five years prior for both the main characters. But, I really enjoyed seeing how both Ava and Finn realize and completely acknowledge how their competition made them both better chefs and how they admired each other’s talents and abilities. I loved how honest they were with one another. That’s so important for any relationship! Watching how both characters don’t realize along the way how they are inspiring the other was heartwarming. The impact one can have surely has a ripple effect, just like dear Hailey. This festive fun story is worth the read!🤍✨💙
“It’s not like I still harbor any kind of resentment towards the man who kissed me until we were floating through the Milky Way.”
-Content: only kisses.
#theholiduel
#authorhaileygardiner
#worththeread
#rememberinghaileygardiner
#allaboutthebestreads
(0.5: This is the prequel book to the Falling for Franklin series.)
by: Hailey Gardiner
@authorhaileygardiner
-I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There’s nowhere else l’d rather be this Christmas.”
~Just hear those “hate” bells jingling...
When my pastry school rival, Finn Calloway, suddenly reappears back in the Nashville food scene, all of my plans are thrown off. Turns out we’re both stuck working out of the same commercial prep kitchen during the holidays. To top it off, Finn’s Canadian crepe truck is getting booked at events left and right, stealing my thunder and my gigs…
“I would never let something so petty eat away at my soul for five years. I’m above such things.”
-Fourth book read to honor Hailey: The HOLIDUEL. This delightful quick-paced story is a laugh-out-loud, second chance, rivals to lovers sweet romance with great holiday humor and cheer. This sweet story hooked me in with all the Canadiana humor, baked good delights, and poetic descriptions of close proximity and sweet kisses. I should note also that this story doesn’t completely revolve around Christmas, so any time is a fun time to read this story. But, also it may have you craving all the yummy baked goods. The simple and awkward moments were written in way that is both magical and adorable. Also, within this story is a pinch of animosity due to an event that took place five years prior for both the main characters. But, I really enjoyed seeing how both Ava and Finn realize and completely acknowledge how their competition made them both better chefs and how they admired each other’s talents and abilities. I loved how honest they were with one another. That’s so important for any relationship! Watching how both characters don’t realize along the way how they are inspiring the other was heartwarming. The impact one can have surely has a ripple effect, just like dear Hailey. This festive fun story is worth the read!🤍✨💙
“It’s not like I still harbor any kind of resentment towards the man who kissed me until we were floating through the Milky Way.”
-Content: only kisses.
#theholiduel
#authorhaileygardiner
#worththeread
#rememberinghaileygardiner
#allaboutthebestreads
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