Unlucky in Love

Unlucky In Love

by Kiva Hart

She’s about to reconnect with the love she left behind...Brooke Taylor left Cedar Valley and the love of her life, Toby Harper, twelve years ago to chase her dreams in New York City. But when her grandmother, Nana June, needs help recovering from surgery, Brooke returns to her small hometown, only to be greeted by the ghosts of her past—particularly Toby, who never quite got over their abrupt breakup. Despite their painful history, Brooke agrees to help coordinate the town’s Christmas pageant, putting her in close proximity to Toby once again. As they work together on the nativity scene, old sparks fly, and the tension between them grows undeniable.

…and it’s going to be a holiday to remember.

Toby has moved on in many ways—running his family’s construction business and building a life without Brooke. But when she returns, the old feelings he buried all those years ago resurface. As the two of them work side by side on the pageant, they face the unresolved emotions from their past, the memories of a love that was never fully given a chance. Brooke must decide whether the life she built in New York is worth holding onto, or if returning to Cedar Valley and rekindling the love she left behind is the second chance she never knew she needed.

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Christmas, Novella

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2025

About the author

Kiva Hart is a passionate romance author known for her ability to weave steamy, heart-pounding love stories with unforgettable characters. With a love for exploring intense chemistry, forbidden romance, and emotional conflict, Kiva creates stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's enemies turning into lovers, brooding heroes falling for bright-eyed heroines, or love blossoming in the most unexpected circumstances, Kiva’s books are filled with sizzling tension and heart-stopping moments.

Reviews

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this holiday romantic second chance love story by Kiva Hart. It follows Brooke and Toby, who dated when they were younger, but given Brooke's want to live in the big city (rather than small town), she broke up with Toby. They are reunited when Brooke comes to town to help grandmother recuperate from surgery. The spark is reignited and it is as if they had never parted. Overall, a great holiday romance story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute!!!!

5🌟 Brooke and Toby..... life-long friends turned high school sweethearts turned basically strangers when Brooke up and leaves to start her life. Fast forward 12 years and Brooke returns to Cedar Valley to help her Nana. Lord knows, Small towns know everything before you can think it yourself lol Toby never left town and there's tension in the air. No spice but plenty of true vulnerability with both processing their feelings and a few makeout sessions. Nana has little pieces of wisdom and so does Pastor Micah. Moose, the dog, immediately zones in on Brooke as if he remembers her which makes Toby's brother think something is going to happen. There is a happy ending and I loved how quaint and cute this quick read turned out. Kiva really knows how to write a cute cosy contemporary romance. Will forever read these!

[Thalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up because I need a mental break from the other book I was reading, and it was a nice little jaunt into Hallmark-reading for Christmas. It was definitely a quick read, but I still felt something really lacking with these characters. Just not a great connection for me.

A clean read, so if you are looking for a cutesy Christmas vibe without the smut, you might give this a go. It just wasn't really my cup of tea.

[:꧁♡hailsbells1986♡꧂: · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky in Love: A Holiday Romance With a Little Bit of Christmas Magic — designed to grab attention fast, fit the cozy holiday aesthetic, and hit all the right trope notes.

💞 TROPE ALERT:
🎁 Second Chance Romance
🏡 Small-Town Charm
💋 Forced Proximity
🎄 Holiday Pageant Chaos
👵 Sassy Grandma Matchmaker

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sweet, small-town, second-chance holiday magic! 🎄❤️

If you’re craving a cozy Hallmark-style romance that makes you want to grab a blanket, light a candle, and sip hot cocoa while it snows outside—this is it.

Twelve years ago, Brooke Taylor left Cedar Valley (and her high school sweetheart, Toby Harper) to chase her dreams in New York City. When she comes home to help her sassy grandmother, Nana June, recover from surgery, she never expects to run straight into the man she left behind.

Now Brooke and Toby are forced to work together on the town’s Christmas pageant—complete with fake snow, tangled lights, and a whole lot of unresolved feelings. As old memories resurface and sparks start flying again, Brooke has to decide if her big-city life is really what she wants… or if home has been waiting for her all along.

Kiva Hart perfectly captures that small-town warmth, with characters that feel real and charming. Nana June absolutely steals every scene, and the chemistry between Brooke and Toby is equal parts nostalgic and heart-melting.

It’s a short, feel-good read—sweet, clean, and full of holiday magic. I devoured it in one sitting and closed the book smiling.

✨ Tropes: Second Chance · Small Town · Forced Proximity · Christmas Pageant · Sassy Grandma
🎁 Perfect for fans of: Hallmark movies, Debbie Macomber, and anyone who believes in second chances and snowflake kisses.

She left him once. Now she’s back for Christmas… and maybe forever. ❤️🎁

Twelve years apart. One small town. A love that never faded.


🎄She came home for Christmas—she didn’t plan on falling back in love.

🏡 Small-Town Magic:

❄️Where snowflakes, second chances, and a sassy grandma make holiday miracles happen.

#BookishTok #CozyReads #RomanceBookTok

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiva Hart’s Unlucky in Love is the kind of romance that tugs at both your heartstrings and your holiday spirit. From the moment Brooke Taylor returns to Cedar Valley, I felt the weight of her past pressing in—the choices she made, the love she left behind, and the way Toby Harper never fully let go of her memory.

The beauty of this story lies in its tenderness. Toby isn’t just an old flame; he’s the embodiment of everything Brooke thought she had to sacrifice to chase her dreams. Their reunion isn’t easy—there’s history, hurt, and unspoken regrets between them—but watching those old wounds give way to sparks of hope made me ache in the best way.

Set against the backdrop of a small-town Christmas pageant, the story blends festive charm with raw, emotional intimacy. There are cozy moments—twinkling lights, snowy nights, the gentle chaos of a community coming together—but also the deeper question of what it means to truly come home.

This isn’t just a holiday romance—it’s a story about forgiveness, rediscovering what matters most, and realizing that sometimes love deserves a second chance. Brooke and Toby’s journey feels nostalgic, tender, and utterly real.

If you love second-chance romances, small-town holiday magic, and characters who stumble, grow, and ultimately find their way back to each other, Unlucky in Love will warm your heart like the first sip of hot cocoa on a snowy night.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby and Brooke . . .

Toby Harper had worked hard to earn the money for the ring he would give Brooke when he asked her to marry him. But on the night he was ready to propose, as they walked home from the diner, she spoke first to tell him she would be leaving in August and she can't do a long-distance relationship. This was her final goodbye.

Twelve years later, Brooke Taylor was driving home to Nana June’s house to help Nana recover from wrist surgery. The house hadn't changed, old photos on the wall and handmade ornaments on the tree reminding her of the past. For someone told to "rest", there were tons of fresh-baked cookies of all kinds in the kitchen. Brooke went to the store to purchase some tea for Nana and walked right into Toby. Then later, Toby had a visit from Pastor Micah who was hoping he would repair the damaged Christmas nativity that was damaged by raccoons and a leaking room in the storage shed. Because he was so busy, Toby could only fit the extra time in on the evenings... then once he said yes, the Pastor happily announced he also asked Brooke to help coordinate costumes and logistics for the Christmas pageant this year, so Toby would be seeing Brooke regularly as the Pastor emphasized they were doing the Lord's work. Would Brooke discover that the life she is finding here far exceeds the New York job she has "temporarily" left behind? Will she give their love a chance to flourish this time? Or is Cedar Valley not enough for her anymore?

[Shalalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Second-Chance Holiday Romance!!!

Unlucky in Love is a warm, small-town Christmas romance that hits all the right notes of nostalgia, family, and rekindled love. Brooke’s return to Cedar Valley brings her face-to-face with Toby—the boy she once loved and left behind. Their reunion is both tender and bittersweet, as old wounds resurface alongside undeniable chemistry.

Kiva Hart weaves the magic of the holidays into every page, from the cozy hometown setting to the charm of the Christmas pageant that throws Brooke and Toby back into each other’s orbit. The story feels like curling up with a mug of cocoa—sweet, heartfelt, and with just enough tension to keep you hooked until the final chapter.

Perfect for readers who enjoy second-chance romances, holiday magic, and small-town love stories, this novella delivers a satisfying HEA and all the cozy vibes you want in a seasonal read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[greenapplemojito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice and quick small-town, second-chance read with the holiday, Christmas vibes! I always love the small-town Christmas settings in romance books, and it makes it even more fun when "not-so-subtle meddling" from the small-town folks is involved, and this book had quite a few unsubtle meddling. The only few bummers that I had were the fact that I wanted more story and wanted to connect deeply and understand the equation between the MCs, the fact that all books in the series had the name "Unlucky in Love" made it confusing to keep track of what I've read and what I haven't and that in the epilogue, the subheading says that the chapter is of the FMC but it starts off as the FMC's third person POV and ends up being the MMC's third person POV which was off and confusing. Apart from that, this was a short and quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Unlucky in Love is the Christmas installment in the series and delivers exactly what you’d expect from a small-town, second chance holiday romance. Brooke returning home to care for her grandmother and running straight into the love she left behind sets up a very familiar Hallmark-style storyline. It’s sweet, comforting, and easy to read, with lots of charming small-town and Christmas pageant vibes.

I genuinely liked Brooke and Toby together, and their history made their connection feel believable. However, compared to the first two books, this one felt much more predictable and lighter in emotional depth. It’s very much a “you know exactly where this is going” kind of read.

This is a clean romance with just a little smooching, which fits the cozy holiday vibes nicely. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it didn’t stand out to me the way the previous installments did. A cute, feel-good holiday read.

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, Magical, and Perfect for the Holidays!

"Unlucky in Love" was exactly the cozy holiday escape I was looking for. Kiva Heart has a gift for weaving romance, humor, and just a touch of Christmas magic into a story that feels both relatable and enchanting. The main character’s journey from heartbreak to hope had me rooting for her from page one, and the love interest was the perfect balance of charming and swoon-worthy.

The Christmas setting was beautifully done — twinkling lights, cozy nights, and just enough festive sparkle to make me feel like I was wrapped in a Hallmark movie (but with more emotion and depth). It’s the perfect book to curl up with by the fire and sip hot cocoa while you fall in love right alongside the characters.

If you love holiday romances with plenty of heart, laughter, and a happily-ever-after that leaves you smiling, this one’s for you!

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short but lovely read, perfect for the holiday!! Brooke left Cedar Valley and Toby in search of her dreams and ambitions. 12 years later she is back in town to help take care of her grandma. She is pulled into helping with the town holiday festivities and that puts her in close contact with Toby, He has tried to bury all the feelings for Brooke, but seeing her again is creating chaos in his life. As they work together, they are faced with the realization that time has not changed their feelings but they have grown and there is still hurt that taints their relationship, The underlining plot of belonging, forgiveness, second chances, soulmates, real happiness is one that this story mixes nicely with the season. Just get your cup of comfort and sit to enjoy this read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carrie Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! From the very beginning,Toby’s heartbreak was written with such depth that I truly felt his pain. The author did a wonderful job of pulling me into the characters’ emotions, I could sense what they were feeling.

Brooke’s return to help her grandmother was especially touching. The way she revisited old memories felt so authentic. The story had that charming, Hallmark-like quality: sweet, cozy, and heartwarming.

I loved how Toby and Brooke were “volunteered” into helping with the Christmas pageant—it added humor and warmth to the narrative while keeping the festive spirit alive. Overall, this was a super cute, well-written, and quick read that left me smiling.

If you’re looking for a holiday story that blends heartfelt emotion with cozy charm, this one is a perfect pick!

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and simple coming home romance.
This had such good promise but didn't quite hit the mark like the other two Unlucky in Love novellas.
The prologue starts 12 years prior when Brooke breaks things of with Toby to leave for the big city. Then 12 years later, Brooke is back in her hometown to take care of her grandma who needs support due to an injury and the whole town is playing matchmakers in order to try and push Toby and Brooke back together.
I missed the banter that I loved The Halloween and Thanksgiving novellas for.
Overall a sweet and simple love story about finding back to your roots and whats important to you, even when you get blindsided by the promises of a fast-paced life on the hunt for high achivements.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third story in the "Unlucky in Love" series. This installment follows Brooke Taylor, who returns to Cedar Valley after twelve years in New York City, where she had pursued her dreams, leaving behind Toby Harper, the love of her life. Her return is prompted by the need to care for her grandmother, Nana June, who is recovering from surgery. Brooke agrees to coordinate the town's Christmas pageant, which inevitably brings her into close contact with Toby once more. This is a well-written second-chance romance featuring excellent characters and a compelling storyline, culminating in a happy ending. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

UNLUCKY IN LOVE is a sweet Christmas novella. It’s the classic Hallmark-esque high school sweethearts where she leaves to a big city. He stays. When Brooke’s grandmother is injured and needs her help over the holidays, Brooke returns and runs into her ex, Toby.

This was a very surface level book. Nothing special with a lot of telling vs showing and elementary dialogue between the characters. Still, I enjoyed it and appreciated Toby not cutting Brooke any slack and fully expressing his feelings about her leaving.

UNLUCKY IN LOVE is a clean second chance holiday romance that anyone can enjoy.

[Rose Crill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m trying to adjust my expectations since it’s a novella and those have less to work with. It was very basic and hallmark-y. The characters were very one dimensional and the ending didn’t break barriers or do anything except give the quintessential holiday romance ending.
The town trying to get them together was over the top and not believable. There also wasn’t enough backstory. The author told us that the characters are in love, but we don’t see that. There are little moments of them falling, but it’s more in the crush level. There was a lot of repetition in the little side details but no deep description into the characters.
If you read this, just be prepared for what it offers.

[Sandy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke made a one-sided decision to break up with Toby and pursue her dreams away from the small town. After 12 years, she returns, and the small-town residents, including her Nana and the pastor, are matchmaking these high school sweethearts without their consent. When sparks ignite, there's no avoiding them being together again. I'm not sure what FMC experienced while being apart from MMC was worth the breakup, with no communication.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Brook and Toby... this is their story.. a second chance maybe... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... they were high school sweethearts until she ended things and left for NYC... that was twelve years ago and Toby never really got over it !! but, he's moved on.. so, has Brook.. she's only back because Nana June needs her.. they both get roped into helping with the Christmas pageant.. and start to wonder what if... will she stay... will he ask her to... so good !!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful series and beautiful Book 3 of the series. Brooke is back to town after 12 years. ANd was talked in to volunteer with Christmas event. And there is Toby, one whose heart she broke those years ago. Will they be able to talk it openly? When whole town does matchmaking and cares too much about them being back together.
Funny, entertaining and sweet short read. Wonderful characters and nice story to enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fatima Salih · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures that head-spinning ache of returning to the place — and person — who shaped you. Brooke and Toby’s story feels like untangling old Christmas lights: messy, illuminating, and unexpectedly hopeful. Their shared history gives every glance gravity, every conversation subtext. Watching them rebuild trust beneath the glow of holiday lights is deeply satisfying, heartfelt, and beautifully human.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puts You in the Holiday Mood!

Author Kiva Hart is new to me, but I enjoyed their writing style. This is a cute second chance romance where the FMC comes back to her hometown during the holidays after years away to help her aunt. ‘Tis the season of celebration, festivities and everything you can think of that two soul mates would be helping with during the holidays. This is a quick read and puts you in the holiday mood!

[Rhondalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet clean romance novella. Brooke and Toby were High School sweethearts. He thought they had forever and she plans to end their relationship tonight. Move forward 12 years later, Brooke is back in town to take care of her grandmother. Sassy grandma and the town have other plans. Pulled in to helping with the annual Christmas Pageant puts her right in the line of fire with Toby who has also been asked with the pageant.

Working together, brings back sweet memories. And this time Toby kisses makes her wonder should she go back to the city or try to make a new life with Toby. Sweet quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky in Love: A Holiday Romance With A Little Bit Of Christmas Magic,A second chance romance story of Toby and Brooke...She left Cedar Valley and the love of her life to chase her dreamnow 12 years later she's back to help her grandma to recover from her surgery and crossed path with the man she left behind ...A wonderful,sweet,heartwarming and enjoyable story..Book 3 of Unlucky in Love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Unlucky in Love: A holiday Romance with a bit of Christmas Magic...

This is a second chance romance Brooke and Toby dated in High School but Brooke brakes up with him before leaving for College.
Now Brooke is back in town to help her grandma. They both get volunteered to help with the Town pageant. Their feelings for each other are just as strong as they were before. Off to read the next one

[Kortnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 for GR.

While I really like this story, there was a lot of repetitive language, mostly phrases, used. Some descriptions were used almost verbatim and it just made it feel like I was reading the same thing over and over. That being said, I loved the characters and I wish it weren’t a novella so I could get more depth and background on Tony and Brooke. Overall, it was a very cute, short and sweet holiday romance.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a romance book by Kiva that is this wonderful of a read you will want to check it out and start reading it now. This romance book had my Sunday afternoon booked solid until I had finished reading it. I loved the storyline, and it put me in the holiday mood just reading all about Toby and Brooke's story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I really enjoyed this short book! It reminded me of a movie that I would watch on the Hallmark channel during Christmas! This book was super cute and sweet and has definitely gotten me in the mood for the holidays!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lovergirl25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has done it again. Not only did this love story feel real it felt like a relatable love people go through. There is always some strong love and this one had to overcome some things. Nothing is ever perfect people have loved and lossed. But isn't the saying isn't it better to have loved than to not have loved at all. Can't wait for more.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holiday second chance romance with some Christmas magic. This is my kind of fun, sweet and feel good Christmas story. I loved all the holiday celebrations described in the book and the adorable characters were a delight. It was a shorter read and I loved every page of it. This needs to be a movie! Heartwarming and happy leaving you smiling at the end.

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky in Love: A Holiday Romance With A Little Bit Of Christmas Magic is book 3 in the series. This is a fun, short, steamy read. The story was great and entertaining, and the characters were likable, fun, had chemistry. This was an enjoyable book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.