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Once Upon A December #1
The Gift Rarely Given
Christmas has never been this hot... or eventful.
Falling asleep on a bench in the marina's parking lot on Amelia Island was not in my plans for last night. Neither is being woken up by Alex Haddock, former QB for the Jacksonville Rhinos, and a grumpy media nightmare.
I don’t even know who he is. But one thing leads to another, and we end up in the back of his truck for a steamy night. It’s supposed to be just that one time, but now he's here asking me, Livie Sanz, curvy hot mess express and everyone's best friend, to be his fake girlfriend so the media thinks he's settling down.
I agree, because—bonus!—it also gets my mom off my back about dying alone.
We have twelve days before Christmas to prove to the world he's reformed, and to prove to my mom that I am capable of picking my own partner. Even if he looks like he could murder someone with his stare.
The problem is that what started as all fun and games quickly changes into blurred lines and what-ifs. And now, I'm left wondering if there's any way we can both let our guard down enough to admit there might be more here than our arrangement.
Falling asleep on a bench in the marina's parking lot on Amelia Island was not in my plans for last night. Neither is being woken up by Alex Haddock, former QB for the Jacksonville Rhinos, and a grumpy media nightmare.
I don’t even know who he is. But one thing leads to another, and we end up in the back of his truck for a steamy night. It’s supposed to be just that one time, but now he's here asking me, Livie Sanz, curvy hot mess express and everyone's best friend, to be his fake girlfriend so the media thinks he's settling down.
I agree, because—bonus!—it also gets my mom off my back about dying alone.
We have twelve days before Christmas to prove to the world he's reformed, and to prove to my mom that I am capable of picking my own partner. Even if he looks like he could murder someone with his stare.
The problem is that what started as all fun and games quickly changes into blurred lines and what-ifs. And now, I'm left wondering if there's any way we can both let our guard down enough to admit there might be more here than our arrangement.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
165 people are currently reading
1399 people want to read
About the author
Ambar Cordova
8 books300 followersAmbar Cordova is a romance author of heartwarming and relatable multicultural stories. With a focus on raw, emotional storytelling, she creates relatable worlds with flawed characters that feel real. She grew up in the Dominican Republic and draws on the diversity of her homeland as inspiration for her stories. Ambar writes books that readers not only escape into but also find themselves in. She warns her readers that they will both laugh and cry 90% of the time with her stories, and she's not even a little bit sorry.
When Ambar is not writing she’s chasing chickens or children in a small town in Florida, spending time with her family, and fangirling big time about her favorite authors. Ambar enjoys boat rides, dancing, traveling, and spending time outside.
She is represented by Sadé Rena with Beck Literary Agency. For rights inquiries, please reach out to Sadé
at sade@beckliterary.com
CONNECT WITH AMBAR
•NEWSLETTER: acordovabooks.com/newsletter
•FACEBOOK: facebook.com/acordovabooks
•FACEBOOK READER GROUP: facebook.com/groups/735186988190607
•INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/acordovabooks
•TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorambarcordova
•WEBSITE: www.acordovabooks.com
When Ambar is not writing she’s chasing chickens or children in a small town in Florida, spending time with her family, and fangirling big time about her favorite authors. Ambar enjoys boat rides, dancing, traveling, and spending time outside.
She is represented by Sadé Rena with Beck Literary Agency. For rights inquiries, please reach out to Sadé
at sade@beckliterary.com
CONNECT WITH AMBAR
•NEWSLETTER: acordovabooks.com/newsletter
•FACEBOOK: facebook.com/acordovabooks
•FACEBOOK READER GROUP: facebook.com/groups/735186988190607
•INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/acordovabooks
•TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorambarcordova
•WEBSITE: www.acordovabooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
December 3, 2025
she was cute, fast paced and smutty - all I needed to start December with holiday spirit
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I need a short holiday audiobook to start December STRONG!
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I need a short holiday audiobook to start December STRONG!
December 14, 2024
I wish this book was a little longer 🥺💜
December 16, 2025
Thought i was doing myself a favor with listening to Christmas short novella but it wasn’t a favor at all!! IT WAS MORE LIKE A PUNISHMENT 😭😭
November 16, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Omg. The perfect spicy Christmas novella has arrived! Ámbar Cordova transported me back to Baker Oaks, and I loved every second of visiting some of my favorite characters. Livie and Alex were the perfect addition to the group.
Livie—a small-town girl navigating her mom’s pressure to settle down—and Alex—a retired football player in need of a PR glow-up—made the ultimate duo. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I couldn’t get enough of their banter.
This novella had it all: witty dialogue, sizzling spice, cozy small-town vibes, and a heartwarming HEA that left me swooning. It’s short, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you’re in the mood for a festive, feel-good romance that brings the heat!
Omg. The perfect spicy Christmas novella has arrived! Ámbar Cordova transported me back to Baker Oaks, and I loved every second of visiting some of my favorite characters. Livie and Alex were the perfect addition to the group.
Livie—a small-town girl navigating her mom’s pressure to settle down—and Alex—a retired football player in need of a PR glow-up—made the ultimate duo. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I couldn’t get enough of their banter.
This novella had it all: witty dialogue, sizzling spice, cozy small-town vibes, and a heartwarming HEA that left me swooning. It’s short, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you’re in the mood for a festive, feel-good romance that brings the heat!
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December 27, 2025
4 ⭐️ Cuteeeeee!
This was short but nice. I could have done without the nicknames, tho. Like shortie, really?
But yeah, this was really good, a twelve days of Christmas structured story. I really appreciated that, and the fact that, while this man was an ex-professional athlete, he has no problem being so uncool! And it's so hot! Like, he's so real for that-and also dreamy, cause what do you mean this man read romance??? Marriage material, I tell you.
This is also one of the very few books I've read that has a very clear demarcation separating the clean vs the spicy versions of the same book. Like, there's literally a mark to let you know a spicy scene is happening ahead, and you can just skip the rest of the chapter if you don't want your book to be smutty. I obviously read the entire thing, because I love spice in everything, including cute holiday romance novellas.
This was short but nice. I could have done without the nicknames, tho. Like shortie, really?
But yeah, this was really good, a twelve days of Christmas structured story. I really appreciated that, and the fact that, while this man was an ex-professional athlete, he has no problem being so uncool! And it's so hot! Like, he's so real for that-and also dreamy, cause what do you mean this man read romance??? Marriage material, I tell you.
This is also one of the very few books I've read that has a very clear demarcation separating the clean vs the spicy versions of the same book. Like, there's literally a mark to let you know a spicy scene is happening ahead, and you can just skip the rest of the chapter if you don't want your book to be smutty. I obviously read the entire thing, because I love spice in everything, including cute holiday romance novellas.
December 20, 2024
This book had so many typos! From missing words, to punctuation, to just bad wording. It was very distracting. It had potential but it felt rushed. Also proposing the week her coworker dies?! Wtf?! Just why?!
December 28, 2024
This girl’s mother…!!!! Oof.
December 8, 2024
I’m really enjoying reading holiday novellas, and this is the cutest! I liked that we get a playlist, with a specific song for each chapter; the cute grumpy secret cinnamon roll x sunshine dynamic; the text messages interspersed throughout (love a good mixed media book!); Livie is just the best little firecracker, and Alex is the perfect book boyfriend! Also love the Latinx and plus size rep!
Read
August 4, 2025Hi friend,
I loved writing Alex and Livie's story and unlike all my other books, this one is a rom com. This book is a good time. It's so fun and funny. It's a warm hug and good times.
If you're looking for a quick rom com with plus size and rehab rep, this is the book for you!
The Audiobook will release Aug 12th and I cannot wait!!
Ps: he's also obsessed!
143,
Ambar
I loved writing Alex and Livie's story and unlike all my other books, this one is a rom com. This book is a good time. It's so fun and funny. It's a warm hug and good times.
If you're looking for a quick rom com with plus size and rehab rep, this is the book for you!
The Audiobook will release Aug 12th and I cannot wait!!
Ps: he's also obsessed!
143,
Ambar
December 20, 2024
Overall: ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
(Available on KU)
Tropes:
🎁Holiday Romance
🎁Insta Lust
🎁Fake Dating
🎁Grumpy x Sunshine
🎁He Falls First (HARD)
🎁Small Town
🎁Mental Health Rep
🎁Multicultural
I am a sucker for Indie Latina Authors. The instant I saw Ambar post this in the Bookish Latina FB page I knew it was something I needed to read.
This Christmas novella focuses on Livie, Olivia, who is happy in her own life, body, and mind but is struggling with pleasing her mother. As a Latina myself I can 100% relate to her. Alex is a retired Football star with a bad reputation and has become a hermit now that he has lost his career due to an injury and is now living in his hometown.
They both meet when Livie, stupidly might I add, falls asleep on the park bench and Alex finds her and decides to watch over her. Talking led to eating. Eating leads to flirting. And BAM! Ya dirty dawgs now exactly what happens.
Anyway, needless to say, life finds a way to bring them back together again and they form a plan. One, Alex will fake date Livie for a few weeks to get her mother off her back. Two, Livie will help Alex’s reputation because she is not the typical female he would be dating. AKA she’s sweet, cute, and bubbly.
There was one part of this story that truly stuck out to me. Livie’s mother is obsessed with telling her how overweight she is. Or how she would look pretty if she was skinnier. As someone who has struggled due to weight because of PCOS and having a mother JUST like Livie had me bawling my eyes in the last few chapters. But what got me the most was Alex. I won’t tell you exactly what happened but know that is a real man who loves his woman.
5/5 Def recommend this beautiful Novella.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
(Available on KU)
Tropes:
🎁Holiday Romance
🎁Insta Lust
🎁Fake Dating
🎁Grumpy x Sunshine
🎁He Falls First (HARD)
🎁Small Town
🎁Mental Health Rep
🎁Multicultural
I am a sucker for Indie Latina Authors. The instant I saw Ambar post this in the Bookish Latina FB page I knew it was something I needed to read.
This Christmas novella focuses on Livie, Olivia, who is happy in her own life, body, and mind but is struggling with pleasing her mother. As a Latina myself I can 100% relate to her. Alex is a retired Football star with a bad reputation and has become a hermit now that he has lost his career due to an injury and is now living in his hometown.
They both meet when Livie, stupidly might I add, falls asleep on the park bench and Alex finds her and decides to watch over her. Talking led to eating. Eating leads to flirting. And BAM! Ya dirty dawgs now exactly what happens.
Anyway, needless to say, life finds a way to bring them back together again and they form a plan. One, Alex will fake date Livie for a few weeks to get her mother off her back. Two, Livie will help Alex’s reputation because she is not the typical female he would be dating. AKA she’s sweet, cute, and bubbly.
There was one part of this story that truly stuck out to me. Livie’s mother is obsessed with telling her how overweight she is. Or how she would look pretty if she was skinnier. As someone who has struggled due to weight because of PCOS and having a mother JUST like Livie had me bawling my eyes in the last few chapters. But what got me the most was Alex. I won’t tell you exactly what happened but know that is a real man who loves his woman.
5/5 Def recommend this beautiful Novella.
December 13, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
-One Night Stand
-Curvy Girl
-Fake Dating
Livie se queda dormida en una banca luego de una cita desastrosa. Alex la ve ahí y ps decide que lo responsable por hacer es quedarse a vigilar en lo que despierta. 👀 (Chico, simplemente despiértala y dile que se vaya a su casa. 🤣 Pero bueno, sin eso no tendríamos historia. 🙊)
Una cosa lleva a la otra y se separan.
Luego se vuelven a encontrar y deciden fingir una relacion por diversos motivos. Y todo termina como todos imaginamos.
La historia es linda, divertida y rápida de leer. 👌
📖
"And there I was, on a Friday night, having dinner with Thor personified and then one thing led to another. It was so hot."
_
“Alex Haddock, you’re speaking book boyfriend lines,” I add.
“The highest compliment one could ever give me.”
-One Night Stand
-Curvy Girl
-Fake Dating
Livie se queda dormida en una banca luego de una cita desastrosa. Alex la ve ahí y ps decide que lo responsable por hacer es quedarse a vigilar en lo que despierta. 👀 (Chico, simplemente despiértala y dile que se vaya a su casa. 🤣 Pero bueno, sin eso no tendríamos historia. 🙊)
Una cosa lleva a la otra y se separan.
Luego se vuelven a encontrar y deciden fingir una relacion por diversos motivos. Y todo termina como todos imaginamos.
La historia es linda, divertida y rápida de leer. 👌
📖
"And there I was, on a Friday night, having dinner with Thor personified and then one thing led to another. It was so hot."
_
“Alex Haddock, you’re speaking book boyfriend lines,” I add.
“The highest compliment one could ever give me.”
November 24, 2025
4.5 stars.
Ok I loved this so much, and I fear I may have completely derailed the rest of my yearly reading plans because now I need to read everything Ambar Cordova has ever written. Like… how did she fit this much emotion into one little holiday novella? I devoured it in a single sitting and have zero regrets.
Livie and Alex are so perfect for each other—the chemistry, the banter, the way he stands up to her mom. I cannot.
And while I didn’t use it, I love that there’s even an option to make this a closed-door romance if that’s your vibe. Such a thoughtful touch in an already wonderful little story.
Ok I loved this so much, and I fear I may have completely derailed the rest of my yearly reading plans because now I need to read everything Ambar Cordova has ever written. Like… how did she fit this much emotion into one little holiday novella? I devoured it in a single sitting and have zero regrets.
Livie and Alex are so perfect for each other—the chemistry, the banter, the way he stands up to her mom. I cannot.
And while I didn’t use it, I love that there’s even an option to make this a closed-door romance if that’s your vibe. Such a thoughtful touch in an already wonderful little story.
December 26, 2024
Edit up to a 5⭐️. After speaking with this author, I realized the typos in this book were a simple human error and ultimately should not detract from my overall rating of this novella. Everyone is human and things happen. The joy I experienced while reading this on Christmas Day overrides a simple error. Livie and Alex are amazing characters (as they all are in the Baker Oaks universe) and I can't wait for cameos in future books!!
4.25 ⭐️ This was a wonderful, dorky, playful holiday novella to read on Christmas day! The banter between these 2 characters constantly had me giggling and the spice...oh it spices! The plot for a novella was 5/5 but had to dock a bit for the typos. With a bit more editing, this would have been a 5.
All in all, another one knocked out of the park for Ambar!
4.25 ⭐️ This was a wonderful, dorky, playful holiday novella to read on Christmas day! The banter between these 2 characters constantly had me giggling and the spice...oh it spices! The plot for a novella was 5/5 but had to dock a bit for the typos. With a bit more editing, this would have been a 5.
All in all, another one knocked out of the park for Ambar!
December 23, 2024
I couldn't go this holiday season without reading at least one christmas book and I'm glad I picked this one up! It was super cute and while it def has some insta-love, I really enjoyed it and thought it was cute enough that I didn't even mind. Honestly, the more I've read the more I've learned to enjoy insta-love when the story calls for it (and lets face it, holiday romances, especially novellas, call for some instalove).
I also loved the characters and I def want to check out more from this author in the future <3
I also loved the characters and I def want to check out more from this author in the future <3
November 17, 2024
The Gift Rarely Given, Ambar Cordova 💚
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The perfect Christmas novella 🎄
Ambar has managed to do it again and this time we’re brought back to Baker Oaks just in time for the holidays!
TGRG is about 135 pages but the content within was so rich. I feel like it was just right!
Alex Haddock 💋 & Livie Sanz ✨
I cannot wait to see more of them in Ambars upcoming novel! ❤️
Thank you Ambar for allowing me a chance at an early copy of The Gift Rarely Given. 🥰
TGRG will be released on December 1st and will be available on Kindle Unlimited & Paperback! So please, add this to your holiday reading list.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️| Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The perfect Christmas novella 🎄
Ambar has managed to do it again and this time we’re brought back to Baker Oaks just in time for the holidays!
TGRG is about 135 pages but the content within was so rich. I feel like it was just right!
Alex Haddock 💋 & Livie Sanz ✨
I cannot wait to see more of them in Ambars upcoming novel! ❤️
Thank you Ambar for allowing me a chance at an early copy of The Gift Rarely Given. 🥰
TGRG will be released on December 1st and will be available on Kindle Unlimited & Paperback! So please, add this to your holiday reading list.
Read
December 7, 2024This was a cute holiday novella.
It was a sweet balance or romance & spice.
Fake dating when it’s never really fake to begin with.
A swoon worthy MMC and a confident curvy FMC
It was a sweet balance or romance & spice.
Fake dating when it’s never really fake to begin with.
A swoon worthy MMC and a confident curvy FMC
December 25, 2024
okay, could’ve been 4 stars but I couldn’t get over the typos or the fact that he proposed the same week her coworker died???? I mean the proposal was cute but that timing was not. Overall, I did enjoy the story and the main characters.
December 26, 2025
A fake dating holiday novella that starts out with a bang 😉? Count me in! This is a great little quick holiday romcom!
December 1, 2025
Vahva pühaderaamat. Algas mõnusalt, kulges üsna rahulikus tempos ja lõppes ootuspäraselt. Kui kuulasin, siis elasin kaasa, kuid kahjuks on juba päev pärast raamatu lõppu mul tegelaste nimed meelest ära. Kõige rohkem on meeles, kuidas kangelane naispeategelase kaitseks välja astus. Tõeline kompu.
December 20, 2025
This was no bueno just needed a quick book
Audiobook this one
Audiobook this one
May 3, 2025
***4.5/5 Stars***
The Gift Rarely Given Was a fake dating Christmas story that was sweet and steamy. This holiday story kept me smiling and the characters were so adorable! If you’re wanting a Christmas novella that will have you bingeing it in one sitting, has a dirty talker who was also a gentleman, a happily ever after, and you love those moments when the lines blur when fake dating, this is your book! There was even a moment in this story where it made me cry. I loved this one and can’t wait to read more of Ambar Cordova’s books!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
The Gift Rarely Given Was a fake dating Christmas story that was sweet and steamy. This holiday story kept me smiling and the characters were so adorable! If you’re wanting a Christmas novella that will have you bingeing it in one sitting, has a dirty talker who was also a gentleman, a happily ever after, and you love those moments when the lines blur when fake dating, this is your book! There was even a moment in this story where it made me cry. I loved this one and can’t wait to read more of Ambar Cordova’s books!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
November 30, 2024
Ohh, what a gem of a book and story this one was! I loved it!
This should be no surprise, since I've read the previous books and loved them, but it was a lush of fresh air in this holiday season.
In this story we have a funny meet cute between Livie and Alex, around finding a parking space. Even if it wasn't on their plans, the ended up going out that night and had a night to remember. They meet again and is clear that they can't stay away from each other so even if they don't admit that, they find a way to help each other and spend time together through a fake relationship. But is it fake when you act even when no one's watching? Even when you want it so bad for it to be real?
I loved both characters. Livie was such a strong woman, and at the same time kind, sassy and funny. She got to see the best of the people around her and loved to help everyone around. She had a kind heart and I kept rooting for her HEA. And Alex was just the perfect match for her. He was a kind, respectfull, sweet, funny, attentive and just perfect. Just perfect. He always said and did the right things and made me "aaahhww" so many times. I don't know how it is possible to right the perfect characters every time, but Ambar sure delivers every single time.
And not only the characters, but the whole plot/story, world building, all the details. I just love her writing style and what she manages to put on paper. Amazing!
I'm just dying to read the next one!
This should be no surprise, since I've read the previous books and loved them, but it was a lush of fresh air in this holiday season.
In this story we have a funny meet cute between Livie and Alex, around finding a parking space. Even if it wasn't on their plans, the ended up going out that night and had a night to remember. They meet again and is clear that they can't stay away from each other so even if they don't admit that, they find a way to help each other and spend time together through a fake relationship. But is it fake when you act even when no one's watching? Even when you want it so bad for it to be real?
I loved both characters. Livie was such a strong woman, and at the same time kind, sassy and funny. She got to see the best of the people around her and loved to help everyone around. She had a kind heart and I kept rooting for her HEA. And Alex was just the perfect match for her. He was a kind, respectfull, sweet, funny, attentive and just perfect. Just perfect. He always said and did the right things and made me "aaahhww" so many times. I don't know how it is possible to right the perfect characters every time, but Ambar sure delivers every single time.
And not only the characters, but the whole plot/story, world building, all the details. I just love her writing style and what she manages to put on paper. Amazing!
I'm just dying to read the next one!
December 7, 2024
The best Christmas romance I’ve read this season!
🌴
Livie ends her horrible date with an accidental nap on the beach only to wake up to a Thor-looking guy watching over her. After she realizes Alex isn’t going to attack her she decides to go to dinner with him. It’s there they both realize they can help one another: Alex can be her pretend boyfriend to get her mother off her back and stop setting her up on bad dates and Alex is a disgraced ex-football player trying to recover his reputation and dating a children’s hospice nurse would definitely help with that, but what happens when fake turns to real for them both?
1️⃣2️⃣
Get ready because I have a LOT to say about this one. I STAN FOR THIS novella SO HARD! From the beginning I knew this was a holiday romance for today’s generation. The author did a PHENOMENAL job sharing the content warnings, sharing a way to skip 🌶️ scenes for readers as well as music playlists to listen to while you read. Although it was a short story, it didn’t feel like that. The twelve days of Christmas countdown was 🧑🏽🍳 💋 and now I’m dying to read everything @acordovabooks has ever written. If I’d known I could have found a Noche Buena book I would have added it to my holiday bingo board! Unique title, a must-read, 5⭐️!
✅ Bingo Squares: Plus Size, Sports, Family Theme, 12 Days of Christmas, New Release, BIPOC, Smutty, Sunny Setting, Part of a Series
CW: death of children (off page), hospital setting, children in hospice, diet culture toxicity, fatphobia, football-related injury, mental health struggles
🌴
Livie ends her horrible date with an accidental nap on the beach only to wake up to a Thor-looking guy watching over her. After she realizes Alex isn’t going to attack her she decides to go to dinner with him. It’s there they both realize they can help one another: Alex can be her pretend boyfriend to get her mother off her back and stop setting her up on bad dates and Alex is a disgraced ex-football player trying to recover his reputation and dating a children’s hospice nurse would definitely help with that, but what happens when fake turns to real for them both?
1️⃣2️⃣
Get ready because I have a LOT to say about this one. I STAN FOR THIS novella SO HARD! From the beginning I knew this was a holiday romance for today’s generation. The author did a PHENOMENAL job sharing the content warnings, sharing a way to skip 🌶️ scenes for readers as well as music playlists to listen to while you read. Although it was a short story, it didn’t feel like that. The twelve days of Christmas countdown was 🧑🏽🍳 💋 and now I’m dying to read everything @acordovabooks has ever written. If I’d known I could have found a Noche Buena book I would have added it to my holiday bingo board! Unique title, a must-read, 5⭐️!
✅ Bingo Squares: Plus Size, Sports, Family Theme, 12 Days of Christmas, New Release, BIPOC, Smutty, Sunny Setting, Part of a Series
CW: death of children (off page), hospital setting, children in hospice, diet culture toxicity, fatphobia, football-related injury, mental health struggles
December 2, 2024
~ Holiday Romance (Novella)
~ Shy x Extrovert
~ Multicultural
✨ My Thoughts ✨
Such a great way to get into the holiday season. I loved being back in the small town of Baker Oaks. This novella was so much fun to read and spicy too. I loved seeing the other characters too. The chemistry and banter between Livie and Alex is just everything. I seriously giggled and swooned so much throughout this story. There was a tiny bit of angst as well. Everything in the story flowed so well. I can't gush enough about this one.
The Gift Rarely Given is a holiday novella. It is set in the Baker Oaks series by Ambar Cordova. It is not necessary to read the first two books in this series. I highly recommend it because they're really good though. This novella is great for the holiday season. I can't recommend it enough. This novella is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is out now and is on KU.
✨ I want to thank Ambar for an ARC of this ebook. These are my own true thoughts ✨
~ Shy x Extrovert
~ Multicultural
✨ My Thoughts ✨
Such a great way to get into the holiday season. I loved being back in the small town of Baker Oaks. This novella was so much fun to read and spicy too. I loved seeing the other characters too. The chemistry and banter between Livie and Alex is just everything. I seriously giggled and swooned so much throughout this story. There was a tiny bit of angst as well. Everything in the story flowed so well. I can't gush enough about this one.
The Gift Rarely Given is a holiday novella. It is set in the Baker Oaks series by Ambar Cordova. It is not necessary to read the first two books in this series. I highly recommend it because they're really good though. This novella is great for the holiday season. I can't recommend it enough. This novella is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is out now and is on KU.
✨ I want to thank Ambar for an ARC of this ebook. These are my own true thoughts ✨
December 6, 2024
What a cute holiday novella!
It gave hallmark vibes with a splash of spice😍
It’s definitely a great palette cleanser with all the cozy vibes, banter and holiday cheer 💚
Alex and Livie really just started with a bang. I mean who knew being dressed up in an elf costume, stealing your future boyfriends parking spot and then flipping him off would take you on a wild ride 😂 Alex is the epitome of the perfect fictional boyfriend, he knew all the right things to say and his hands?! Doing the Lords work. ✨BOOM SHAKALAAAAAA YES GODDDD✨ Livie was so real, a true oversharer, a foodie and she’s funny; she’s my kind of gal 🤭 I loved how she stood up to her mom and learned to embrace herself , we love a Latina baddie 🤌🏽
It gave hallmark vibes with a splash of spice😍
It’s definitely a great palette cleanser with all the cozy vibes, banter and holiday cheer 💚
Alex and Livie really just started with a bang. I mean who knew being dressed up in an elf costume, stealing your future boyfriends parking spot and then flipping him off would take you on a wild ride 😂 Alex is the epitome of the perfect fictional boyfriend, he knew all the right things to say and his hands?! Doing the Lords work. ✨BOOM SHAKALAAAAAA YES GODDDD✨ Livie was so real, a true oversharer, a foodie and she’s funny; she’s my kind of gal 🤭 I loved how she stood up to her mom and learned to embrace herself , we love a Latina baddie 🤌🏽
November 16, 2024
Every single time I go back to Baker oaks, I fall in love and never want to leave.
This time it was Alex and livies turn to charm me. Top marks for it being set around Christmas time. MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR!!!
This is a quick novella of insta lust between Alex and Livie, a chance meeting on a bench, they hatch a plan to change the publics opinion of Alex as well as getting Livies mum off her back about settling down.
I love them. And those spicy scenes are spicing! 🫢
This time it was Alex and livies turn to charm me. Top marks for it being set around Christmas time. MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR!!!
This is a quick novella of insta lust between Alex and Livie, a chance meeting on a bench, they hatch a plan to change the publics opinion of Alex as well as getting Livies mum off her back about settling down.
I love them. And those spicy scenes are spicing! 🫢
December 4, 2025
Alex and Olivia were so cute, and so good together. I loved their meet cute moment, and seeing them fall for each other throughout Christmas. I also absolutely loved seeing a book set in Jacksonville, it made me so nostalgic because I lived some of my best years there! I listened to the audiobook and the dual narration was fantastic, both narrators did such a good job!
Definitely add this one to your Christmas TBR!
🎄🎁🧸🎅🏼🌊🏈🏥🕯️
Definitely add this one to your Christmas TBR!
🎄🎁🧸🎅🏼🌊🏈🏥🕯️
November 15, 2024
I’m in my Christmas novella era! And this book just added to it all! I LOVE Ambars universe with baker oaks! I can’t get enough of these characters and to get Alex and Olivia’s story was so fun and tender. Who can’t help but fall for the cinnamon roll hunk who says ALL the best book boyfriend lines?!
All these men are ALWAYS top notch book boyfriend material ❤️
Enjoy this book by getting all into the holiday spirit, enjoy the little parts like hot coco and snuggles for movies.
All these men are ALWAYS top notch book boyfriend material ❤️
Enjoy this book by getting all into the holiday spirit, enjoy the little parts like hot coco and snuggles for movies.
November 29, 2024
This was such a cute #holidaynovella!! Love me some #smalltown lovin in Baker Oaks, FL!! The banter was so good, the #spice was so nice and I LOVED the FMC’s confidence!! She’s such a badass!! 🫶🏼 I also LOVE a MMC who will stand up for his love interest; even when those people are her family members!! 🎉
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This is a perfect #novella to hold us over until the next Baker Oaks book comes out!! 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓡𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓖𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓷 comes out 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟏!! Then January 15 we get Cara’s story in 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧!! I’m so excited!! See you in December Ambar!!🎄
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This is a perfect #novella to hold us over until the next Baker Oaks book comes out!! 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓡𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓖𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓷 comes out 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟏!! Then January 15 we get Cara’s story in 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧!! I’m so excited!! See you in December Ambar!!🎄
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December 5, 2024this was a very short book (novella)! and it was thoroughly enjoyable and cute. i thought it was very very fast paced but thats only my own pickiness bc duhh its gonna be short lol. it was cute and relatively spicy, i think it was a sweet read and a good way to get in the christmas spirit!
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