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Evergreen Valley Holidays #1
How the B*tch Stole Christmas
A Sapphic bookstore saving Romeo & Juliet holiday romance.
Jax loves books more than anything in the world, except her grandmother. While caring for her Grandmother who took care of her, her entire life also means taking care of the family bookstore. Which these days mainly means keeping it out of the hands of the Monroes, the towns oldest and greediest family. She's served eviction papers and is told she has 30 days to raise the funds or hand over the deed to the bookstore.
For years, Eliora's (El's) family has been tearing down buildings to make more money. Not wanting any part of it, she moved to New York City and became a lawyer. Now she's called back this holiday season, in hopes of her family gaining the deed to the towns bookstore.
What starts as a rivalry between the owner's granddaughter and a grumpy lawyer from the big city turns into a holiday romance of finding love where you least expect it. As El starts to fall for the small town and the holidays, she also begins to fall for Jax. And Jax learns not to judge a book by its resting b*tch face.
How the B*tch Stole Christmas is an Enemies to Lovers, return to hometown, Butch/Femme Sapphic romance set in Evergreen Valley, Connecticut. This is book 1 in a new interconnected standalone holiday series.
Jax loves books more than anything in the world, except her grandmother. While caring for her Grandmother who took care of her, her entire life also means taking care of the family bookstore. Which these days mainly means keeping it out of the hands of the Monroes, the towns oldest and greediest family. She's served eviction papers and is told she has 30 days to raise the funds or hand over the deed to the bookstore.
For years, Eliora's (El's) family has been tearing down buildings to make more money. Not wanting any part of it, she moved to New York City and became a lawyer. Now she's called back this holiday season, in hopes of her family gaining the deed to the towns bookstore.
What starts as a rivalry between the owner's granddaughter and a grumpy lawyer from the big city turns into a holiday romance of finding love where you least expect it. As El starts to fall for the small town and the holidays, she also begins to fall for Jax. And Jax learns not to judge a book by its resting b*tch face.
How the B*tch Stole Christmas is an Enemies to Lovers, return to hometown, Butch/Femme Sapphic romance set in Evergreen Valley, Connecticut. This is book 1 in a new interconnected standalone holiday series.
216 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2025
About the author
Shannon O'Connor
67 books885 followersShannon O’Connor is a twenty something, queer, self published author of over a dozen sapphic romance novels and counting. When she is not reading or writing, she can be found traveling or sitting with an iced coffee at a random coffee spot in New York City. She is currently a full time mom and full time author.
Currently repped by Beck Literary Agency.
She has a 100% NO AI policy. Her books are edited and proofread by human editors and her covers are designed and illustrated by human artists.
Currently repped by Beck Literary Agency.
She has a 100% NO AI policy. Her books are edited and proofread by human editors and her covers are designed and illustrated by human artists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 11, 2025
This novel was hit or miss. There were some good parts that I enjoyed and overall the writing is good, however there were several elements that were missing for me. This author pumps out novels like you wouldn’t believe (in terms of volume/pace) and I find that the quality varies; I think this might be one that was just a bit rushed (I have read many because overall I like this author). I disliked the entire first half of the “relationship” however the book flowed very easily and there were a lot of good scenes so I would say I ended up feeling somewhat neutral about this novel. I am assuming from what I have seen of this author that there will be several more interconnected books coming out relatively quickly which continue this story….and ill probably be staying tuned.
Rating: “C+“ / 3-Stars
Highlights:
-Spicy scenes are certainly spicy, and they are plentiful. Probably the largest strength of this novel, so set all of your expectations appropriately.
-The author’s interconnected universe is incredibly full of cameos and if you read their novels, it is a lot of fun. Thankfully if you don’t get the references, I don’t think it will be a problem (wont leave you confused).
-El had a neat little character arc. I wouldn’t say it was significant but it was definitely there and I always love character development.
-Plus sized representation that demonstrated some issues in a realistic manner.
-Easily pushed my buttons: anti-landlord, anti-developer, anti-capitalist.
-So much squirting.
-Mistletoe the cat. Highlight of the novel.
Complaints:
-Generally, this novel was light on the details and a bit rushed. I notice that a lot with this author, although its hit or miss on how things turn out.
-The attraction/romance was WEAK. Instalust that turned to instalove. They were obsessed with each other after an initial meeting that went awfully, had zero chemistry, and was antagonistic (but not in a fun way?). I simply didn’t see it. The development of the relationship was also just awful. This novel had a bunch of good scenes strung together but the flow of it, and the parts in between, just didn’t support the narrative.
-The plotline got surprisingly convoluted for what was ultimately a very simple plotline.
-I don’t know if it was the characters or the writing, but I could put myself in either of their shoes and empathize with their situations. Jax was FAR more forgiving and chill about things than I would have been. El was the clear enemy….but I suppose she was hot so idk.
-The ending was relatively underwhelming for me. I am guessing that the author is going to do another series of interconnected books where we will see this couple (and their situation) a bunch more…which might explain why things sort of trailed off without a satisfactory ending. I don’t like that though as I think novels should stand on their own!
Note: Ok how do I say this without spoilers (kinda a spoiler coming). One of the characters does something with a candy cane…..in a certain place…..and HECK NO. Public service announcement to everyone but that’s how you get infections/thrush/etc so I did not enjoy seeing this in this book.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Rating: “C+“ / 3-Stars
Highlights:
-Spicy scenes are certainly spicy, and they are plentiful. Probably the largest strength of this novel, so set all of your expectations appropriately.
-The author’s interconnected universe is incredibly full of cameos and if you read their novels, it is a lot of fun. Thankfully if you don’t get the references, I don’t think it will be a problem (wont leave you confused).
-El had a neat little character arc. I wouldn’t say it was significant but it was definitely there and I always love character development.
-Plus sized representation that demonstrated some issues in a realistic manner.
-Easily pushed my buttons: anti-landlord, anti-developer, anti-capitalist.
-So much squirting.
-Mistletoe the cat. Highlight of the novel.
Complaints:
-Generally, this novel was light on the details and a bit rushed. I notice that a lot with this author, although its hit or miss on how things turn out.
-The attraction/romance was WEAK. Instalust that turned to instalove. They were obsessed with each other after an initial meeting that went awfully, had zero chemistry, and was antagonistic (but not in a fun way?). I simply didn’t see it. The development of the relationship was also just awful. This novel had a bunch of good scenes strung together but the flow of it, and the parts in between, just didn’t support the narrative.
-The plotline got surprisingly convoluted for what was ultimately a very simple plotline.
-I don’t know if it was the characters or the writing, but I could put myself in either of their shoes and empathize with their situations. Jax was FAR more forgiving and chill about things than I would have been. El was the clear enemy….but I suppose she was hot so idk.
-The ending was relatively underwhelming for me. I am guessing that the author is going to do another series of interconnected books where we will see this couple (and their situation) a bunch more…which might explain why things sort of trailed off without a satisfactory ending. I don’t like that though as I think novels should stand on their own!
Note: Ok how do I say this without spoilers (kinda a spoiler coming). One of the characters does something with a candy cane…..in a certain place…..and HECK NO. Public service announcement to everyone but that’s how you get infections/thrush/etc so I did not enjoy seeing this in this book.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
November 12, 2025
"A festive enemies-to-lovers romance with heart, heat, and plenty of holiday drama!"
I had high hopes for this Christmas story from Shannon, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I can’t quite pinpoint why it didn’t fully meet my expectations, but that being said, there were still plenty of great aspects that made it an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Jax and Eliora (El). Their chemistry was off the charts, the heat and spice were top-notch, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic was filled with tension and drama that kept me turning the pages. Their relationship development was engaging and well written.
I also liked many of the side characters, especially Parker. She was such a great addition to the story and a wonderful friend to Jax and El — I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series to see where her story goes. Page, El’s sister, was another standout. I loved how she was always willing to help while staying true to her own beliefs, especially when standing up to their father.
I wasn’t particularly fond of the Monroe family as a whole — though that’s a testament to Shannon’s strong character writing. Mr. Monroe, in particular, was not a pleasant man, and while his presence served the story well, I found myself wishing for a bit less of him.
Thank you, Shannon, for the opportunity to review this book. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in the Evergreen Valley series!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I had high hopes for this Christmas story from Shannon, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I can’t quite pinpoint why it didn’t fully meet my expectations, but that being said, there were still plenty of great aspects that made it an enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Jax and Eliora (El). Their chemistry was off the charts, the heat and spice were top-notch, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic was filled with tension and drama that kept me turning the pages. Their relationship development was engaging and well written.
I also liked many of the side characters, especially Parker. She was such a great addition to the story and a wonderful friend to Jax and El — I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series to see where her story goes. Page, El’s sister, was another standout. I loved how she was always willing to help while staying true to her own beliefs, especially when standing up to their father.
I wasn’t particularly fond of the Monroe family as a whole — though that’s a testament to Shannon’s strong character writing. Mr. Monroe, in particular, was not a pleasant man, and while his presence served the story well, I found myself wishing for a bit less of him.
Thank you, Shannon, for the opportunity to review this book. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in the Evergreen Valley series!
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 3, 2025
Oof this was a rough read. The writing was genuinely hard to get through and kept me cringing 😬🥴
The two FMCs also went from hating each other to suddenly going at it with zero chemistry.
And El was truly one of the most unlikeable FMCs I’ve ever read.
I should have DNFed this book.
The two FMCs also went from hating each other to suddenly going at it with zero chemistry.
And El was truly one of the most unlikeable FMCs I’ve ever read.
I should have DNFed this book.
October 27, 2025
I love a small town holiday romance. This an enemies to lovers spicy story. I love how the town comes together to help just like in Jax’s favorite movie It’s a Wonderful Life. The story is very body positive which I love. I need to read the other stories in the series too. The characters are wonderful and very relatable.
November 5, 2025
The title isn’t particularly subtle….. and sets the scene.
Well I strangely find myself interested. Strangely because one main isn’t that likeable….. lives with someone they describe as dating. Meets the other main and says they are the sort of person they would give their number to….. It’s not, I don’t think that they are a cheater, because in most books I read, if anyone is cheating it’s one mains inconvenient present partner, often male.
Behaviour seems younger than their ages, or in one case, life suggests.
However, the intimate scenes, although not completely my thing due to some of the phrases used, are very “movingly” written.
Some tenses seem a bit odd and the ex is a bit all over the place in character. 2.5. Not particularly for me, but rounded up because rounding down feels mean if I felt “moved”.
Well I strangely find myself interested. Strangely because one main isn’t that likeable….. lives with someone they describe as dating. Meets the other main and says they are the sort of person they would give their number to….. It’s not, I don’t think that they are a cheater, because in most books I read, if anyone is cheating it’s one mains inconvenient present partner, often male.
Behaviour seems younger than their ages, or in one case, life suggests.
However, the intimate scenes, although not completely my thing due to some of the phrases used, are very “movingly” written.
Some tenses seem a bit odd and the ex is a bit all over the place in character. 2.5. Not particularly for me, but rounded up because rounding down feels mean if I felt “moved”.
May 3, 2026
This was a big miss for me. It wasn't bad, but it feels like it was written on a deadline and the result includes underdeveloped characters and character dynamics, adult lawyers somehow listening to their dads telling them they are forbidden from dating another adult person, and other things that feel really out of the blue but are in service of the plot.
December 12, 2025
Shout out to plus size girls! Small town and big city girls romance takes a multigenerational feud into 2025. Jax ,an affectionate, loyal and creative woman, is attracted to a confident, smart and attractive curvy woman. Shannon is not shy when describing treatment of plus size women. I love Jax's enthusiasm and appreciation for the unique quality of El plus body. Others characters are adorable , like Mistletoe, Parker and Paige. Enjoy the ride from New York to Evergreen Valley.
November 15, 2025
Another steamy small town sapphic romance from this lovely author! New town but with some returning characters from another small town not too far away ;). I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Both MCs are from Evergreen Valley. One, El, left for the big city as soon as she could becoming a lawyer. The other, Jax, is a lifer and lives with her grandma while also sharing a bookstore until Jax eventually takes over ownership.
El is summoned back by her greedy father who enlists El to check over Jax and her Grandma’s bookstore lease. Naturally El finds something and her lazy father has El deliver the news. What could have been a sweet meet-cute with mutual attraction ends up being another ugly encounter with the Monroe’s, El being one of them.
Can Jax and her grandma save their bookstore that’s been around for over 50 years? Will El break from the greedy (and ridiculous) Monroe’s? Can they fight their attraction? Read and find out! I’m excited to read Parker’s story next!
Both MCs are from Evergreen Valley. One, El, left for the big city as soon as she could becoming a lawyer. The other, Jax, is a lifer and lives with her grandma while also sharing a bookstore until Jax eventually takes over ownership.
El is summoned back by her greedy father who enlists El to check over Jax and her Grandma’s bookstore lease. Naturally El finds something and her lazy father has El deliver the news. What could have been a sweet meet-cute with mutual attraction ends up being another ugly encounter with the Monroe’s, El being one of them.
Can Jax and her grandma save their bookstore that’s been around for over 50 years? Will El break from the greedy (and ridiculous) Monroe’s? Can they fight their attraction? Read and find out! I’m excited to read Parker’s story next!
October 26, 2025
To escape her family's greed and ruination of their small hometown of Evergreen Valley, El moved to NYC to become a lawyer.
When her family needs her to come back to serve an eviction notice to the local bookstore they wish to acquire, she meets Jax, the bookstore's owner and manager.
Despite the animosity between the two, undeniable chemistry crackles between them, and no matter the obstacles keeping them apart, they can't resist one another.
This was so fun, and definitely steamy! I loved watching Jax and El fight the attraction between them, and ate up all the hate flirting and snarky banter.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- sapphic holiday romance
- small town
- lawyer + bookshop owner
- butch x femme
- plus size rep
- enemies to lovers
- instant attraction
- rival families
- mutual pining
When her family needs her to come back to serve an eviction notice to the local bookstore they wish to acquire, she meets Jax, the bookstore's owner and manager.
Despite the animosity between the two, undeniable chemistry crackles between them, and no matter the obstacles keeping them apart, they can't resist one another.
This was so fun, and definitely steamy! I loved watching Jax and El fight the attraction between them, and ate up all the hate flirting and snarky banter.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- sapphic holiday romance
- small town
- lawyer + bookshop owner
- butch x femme
- plus size rep
- enemies to lovers
- instant attraction
- rival families
- mutual pining
November 9, 2025
Jax and her grandmother run one of the first established romance-only bookshops in the US. Her grandparents started it about fifty years previously, but now it’s under threat from the town’s unpopular land-grabbing family, the Monroes. When Eliora Monroe enters the shop to deliver an eviction notice, Jax is so angry, but also so attracted to El.
El is an estate lawyer based in New York, but after getting a plea from her father to visit her hometown to help with a problem, she unwillingly goes. Until she arrives, she didn’t know her job was to evict the bookshop, and the hot woman running it.
This is an enemies to lovers romance based in a small town, with some of the same characters from another of the author’s books, Sweater Weather. A good story, good well written characters, but with a few minor language errors. Worth reading.
El is an estate lawyer based in New York, but after getting a plea from her father to visit her hometown to help with a problem, she unwillingly goes. Until she arrives, she didn’t know her job was to evict the bookshop, and the hot woman running it.
This is an enemies to lovers romance based in a small town, with some of the same characters from another of the author’s books, Sweater Weather. A good story, good well written characters, but with a few minor language errors. Worth reading.
Did Not Finish
March 8, 2026DNF @ 46% no rating
Not my favorite by this author. Prefer the Lighthouse Lovers series. Didn't feel much chemistry between the mains. Not a lot of build up in the relationship. Quick pace. I lost interest. Not very memorable.
Love the small town setting and the fight to save the little bookstore from the corporate giant.
#foundfamily #workaholic #bigcitybusiness #NYC #realestatelawyer #Returntohometown #smalltown #RomanceBookstoreOwner #Connecticut #MascFemme #PlusSizedMC #Christmas #winter #snow #richgirlpoorgirl #holidays
I received a review copy from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
Not my favorite by this author. Prefer the Lighthouse Lovers series. Didn't feel much chemistry between the mains. Not a lot of build up in the relationship. Quick pace. I lost interest. Not very memorable.
Love the small town setting and the fight to save the little bookstore from the corporate giant.
#foundfamily #workaholic #bigcitybusiness #NYC #realestatelawyer #Returntohometown #smalltown #RomanceBookstoreOwner #Connecticut #MascFemme #PlusSizedMC #Christmas #winter #snow #richgirlpoorgirl #holidays
I received a review copy from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
July 14, 2026
Thank you BookSiren and author Shannon O’Connor for an ARC copy of this book. I am happy to share my honest thoughts.
Ha! I don't think I've ever seen a book with a more arresting title! It immediately made me laugh and I couldn't wait to read this book! I love love love winter time and the holiday season in general so I was thrilled to take a little break from the summer time heat of which I am currently suffering through and enjoy a bit of a Christmastime reprieve in July. The B*tch Who Stole Christmas is a charming and delightful enemies to lovers sapphic romance that I read in one sitting!
We get a fun feuding families type of stories here which is so easy to take sides on since one family is mostly made up of greedy assholes with no moral compass. Jax is sweet, strong and has devoted her life to her grandmother and their small romance only bookstore that has been in the family for 50 years. I was intensely smitten with her and admired her strong sense of loyalty and genuine kindness. Enter El who must serve Jax with eviction papers! You know the feuding family part I mentioned? Yep, El is a member of the Monroe family who has steadily gobbled up every building and business in town and now has its sights set on Jax's family bookstore. El has attempted to escape her family time and time again. In fact, she is a practicing attorney in NY and only came back to her small town to help her family…never knowing the full story behind the bookstore (ps Eli’s grandfather is like the king of the assholes).
The story sort of moves fast because it is a bit on the shorter side but I didn't feel like it compromised much. I appreciated the tension and antics present given that Jax and El were essentially rivals but I never doubted that they’d eventually find their way together. Though there was most certainly an instant attraction, the chemistry between Jax and El sort of builds over time. In spending more time together, which is to be expected in a small town at Christmastime, they begin to lower their guards and make room for one another. There are some very spicy moments which added to the romance and definitely made me blush so win-win there. I loved Jax and El together so much. They are just cute together and work so well. Also, special thanks to Shannon O’Connor for her obvious respect for curvy/plus sized women. I love how they have been represented in past books and in this one as well. As a member of that particular group myself, it is hard to find sapphic romance with positive rep and so I thank you!
I really like O’Connors writing style because it is warm, sweet, fun and full of funny and delightful dialogue. There is most definitely tension given that Jax and El are forced into opposing corners, so to speak, but it's quite delicious. I felt it even added a bit of fire to the relationship and I dug that. I appreciated the focus on developing a love story more organically and in a believable way. I loved the special attention of creating a warm and cozy holiday vibe throughout the book which just added even more sweetness in the end.
Overall, this was a heartwarming holiday romance full of spice, tension and overcoming a kind of evil family all in the name of self respect and true love. This book was so much fun to read and I would most definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable enemies to lovers Chrismtas romance with small town charm and a sweet happy ending.
Ha! I don't think I've ever seen a book with a more arresting title! It immediately made me laugh and I couldn't wait to read this book! I love love love winter time and the holiday season in general so I was thrilled to take a little break from the summer time heat of which I am currently suffering through and enjoy a bit of a Christmastime reprieve in July. The B*tch Who Stole Christmas is a charming and delightful enemies to lovers sapphic romance that I read in one sitting!
We get a fun feuding families type of stories here which is so easy to take sides on since one family is mostly made up of greedy assholes with no moral compass. Jax is sweet, strong and has devoted her life to her grandmother and their small romance only bookstore that has been in the family for 50 years. I was intensely smitten with her and admired her strong sense of loyalty and genuine kindness. Enter El who must serve Jax with eviction papers! You know the feuding family part I mentioned? Yep, El is a member of the Monroe family who has steadily gobbled up every building and business in town and now has its sights set on Jax's family bookstore. El has attempted to escape her family time and time again. In fact, she is a practicing attorney in NY and only came back to her small town to help her family…never knowing the full story behind the bookstore (ps Eli’s grandfather is like the king of the assholes).
The story sort of moves fast because it is a bit on the shorter side but I didn't feel like it compromised much. I appreciated the tension and antics present given that Jax and El were essentially rivals but I never doubted that they’d eventually find their way together. Though there was most certainly an instant attraction, the chemistry between Jax and El sort of builds over time. In spending more time together, which is to be expected in a small town at Christmastime, they begin to lower their guards and make room for one another. There are some very spicy moments which added to the romance and definitely made me blush so win-win there. I loved Jax and El together so much. They are just cute together and work so well. Also, special thanks to Shannon O’Connor for her obvious respect for curvy/plus sized women. I love how they have been represented in past books and in this one as well. As a member of that particular group myself, it is hard to find sapphic romance with positive rep and so I thank you!
I really like O’Connors writing style because it is warm, sweet, fun and full of funny and delightful dialogue. There is most definitely tension given that Jax and El are forced into opposing corners, so to speak, but it's quite delicious. I felt it even added a bit of fire to the relationship and I dug that. I appreciated the focus on developing a love story more organically and in a believable way. I loved the special attention of creating a warm and cozy holiday vibe throughout the book which just added even more sweetness in the end.
Overall, this was a heartwarming holiday romance full of spice, tension and overcoming a kind of evil family all in the name of self respect and true love. This book was so much fun to read and I would most definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable enemies to lovers Chrismtas romance with small town charm and a sweet happy ending.
October 23, 2025
Things I loved:
- Sapphic Romance (F/F butch/femme)
- Plus size rep that is beautifully well done
- Enemies to lovers (though pissed off about instant attaction)
- Small town romance, generational family rivalries and small town found support
- An adorable Kitty
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Burn: 🔥 🔥 🔥
Review: I love Shannon's writing! This was a really fun romance, and I loved these two characters. We have El, who is our city girl lawyer; she's got confidence and curves and is very successful in her field. She's living in New York and gets asked to come home to help her family with a law issue, to which she begrudgingly agrees to return to her hometown for the weekend to help.
Then we have Jax, our amazing small-town bookshop owner who manages the bookstore along with her grandma. She's more of a homebody but very much loves her small town and shows up for close friends and her community.
El serves Jax the eviction notice, and despite El just seeing it as doing her job and Jax being completely pissed off and upset at the circumstance, there's instant attraction, and both parties are annoyed by this but can't seem to shake each other from each other's minds. I loved this mutual pining but in total denial, hating each other and lashing out with words. Great tension. They obviously come together, and I loved the chemistry and their stories as they do. The spice is spicing, and the communication between them is amazing. The banter and angry flirting was great, and I loved how they found their way to work together and eventually overcome every personal and external conflict to be together.
I loved the story of the generational family rivalry and how it tied them together, how it involved the bookstore and brought in additional characters. I loved seeing the couple from the first book, and although I haven't read it yet, I'm very excited too (even more so now).
Shannon does an amazing job fitting a lot of detail into these novellas, making sure there's plot, spice, and a lot of character depth, and they wrap up in an amazing package you can't help but love.
✨
- Sapphic Romance (F/F butch/femme)
- Plus size rep that is beautifully well done
- Enemies to lovers (though pissed off about instant attaction)
- Small town romance, generational family rivalries and small town found support
- An adorable Kitty
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Burn: 🔥 🔥 🔥
Review: I love Shannon's writing! This was a really fun romance, and I loved these two characters. We have El, who is our city girl lawyer; she's got confidence and curves and is very successful in her field. She's living in New York and gets asked to come home to help her family with a law issue, to which she begrudgingly agrees to return to her hometown for the weekend to help.
Then we have Jax, our amazing small-town bookshop owner who manages the bookstore along with her grandma. She's more of a homebody but very much loves her small town and shows up for close friends and her community.
El serves Jax the eviction notice, and despite El just seeing it as doing her job and Jax being completely pissed off and upset at the circumstance, there's instant attraction, and both parties are annoyed by this but can't seem to shake each other from each other's minds. I loved this mutual pining but in total denial, hating each other and lashing out with words. Great tension. They obviously come together, and I loved the chemistry and their stories as they do. The spice is spicing, and the communication between them is amazing. The banter and angry flirting was great, and I loved how they found their way to work together and eventually overcome every personal and external conflict to be together.
I loved the story of the generational family rivalry and how it tied them together, how it involved the bookstore and brought in additional characters. I loved seeing the couple from the first book, and although I haven't read it yet, I'm very excited too (even more so now).
Shannon does an amazing job fitting a lot of detail into these novellas, making sure there's plot, spice, and a lot of character depth, and they wrap up in an amazing package you can't help but love.
✨
December 2, 2025
‘How the B*tch Stole Christmas’ is a part of the ‘Evergreen Valley Holidays’ series, but can be read as a standalone.
📚 enemies to lovers
📚 opposites attract
📚 butch/femme
📚 lawyer/bookshop owner
📚 plus size rep
📚 small town holiday romance/return to hometown
📚 rival families
🔥 spice level: 3
El left her hometown for the big city and became a lawyer. One day her father summons her back home to check over the lease for something, that would help him kick out a family owning a bookstore. Afterwards she’s also told to serve the eviction notice to the bookstore’s owners.
Jax and her grandma run one of the first romance-only bookstore. It was started by her grandparents and been in the family for 50 years. Now however, it’s under a threat from the Monroe family.
This was a cozy and well-written read. The writing is really engaging, and I especially liked how well the side characters were written. The older Monroes were well portrayed as villains in the story. Other side characters were fun, genuine and supportive without ever stealing the spotlight from the main characters. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic had all the tension and drama I was hoping for, and once the relationship had time to develop, the chemistry between MCs was great.
Both main characters are incredibly likable, and El’s personal growth was beautifully portrayed. The realistic depiction of family expectations and pressure was also done amazingly. This and the general rivalry added a grounding layer to the overall sweet and light storyline.
The relationship did however felt a bit rushed, making it more instalust, than chemistry at first. I would’ve loved a bit more development before things heated up. But even though their initial connection felt weak, they worked toward it and at some point the emotional chemistry was real and shining.
Overall, the book was lovely and charming, with a great tension and drama. Amazing for a light holiday read.
I received an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
📚 enemies to lovers
📚 opposites attract
📚 butch/femme
📚 lawyer/bookshop owner
📚 plus size rep
📚 small town holiday romance/return to hometown
📚 rival families
🔥 spice level: 3
El left her hometown for the big city and became a lawyer. One day her father summons her back home to check over the lease for something, that would help him kick out a family owning a bookstore. Afterwards she’s also told to serve the eviction notice to the bookstore’s owners.
Jax and her grandma run one of the first romance-only bookstore. It was started by her grandparents and been in the family for 50 years. Now however, it’s under a threat from the Monroe family.
This was a cozy and well-written read. The writing is really engaging, and I especially liked how well the side characters were written. The older Monroes were well portrayed as villains in the story. Other side characters were fun, genuine and supportive without ever stealing the spotlight from the main characters. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic had all the tension and drama I was hoping for, and once the relationship had time to develop, the chemistry between MCs was great.
Both main characters are incredibly likable, and El’s personal growth was beautifully portrayed. The realistic depiction of family expectations and pressure was also done amazingly. This and the general rivalry added a grounding layer to the overall sweet and light storyline.
The relationship did however felt a bit rushed, making it more instalust, than chemistry at first. I would’ve loved a bit more development before things heated up. But even though their initial connection felt weak, they worked toward it and at some point the emotional chemistry was real and shining.
Overall, the book was lovely and charming, with a great tension and drama. Amazing for a light holiday read.
I received an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2025
A perfect paint by numbers sapphic Christmas small town romance.
.
How the B*tch Stole Christmas by Shannon O'Connor is a small town sapphic Christmas romance with a rome and Juliet book shop twist.
Shannon O’conner’s first book of Evergreen Valley Holidays, How the B*tch Stole Christmas will not break the mold in this genre and style of novel.
As it has all been done before many times with a different twist on the story and as a reader you will probably have read some of them. So why read this one.
Firstly we have O’Connor’s style of writing which is almost perfect for this style of novel, with the way she is able to build up tension between Jax, the bookstore owner and Eli, whose family are trying to repossess the bookstore.
All this because of a feud which is so petty and yet just big enough to cause problems that can be solved in the world of a Christmas romance.
While the plot line of the foreclosure of the bookstore is what the bare bones of a conflict/enemies to lovers romance. It is the romance that keeps you reading.
In this case the tension between the couple is really well shown on page as each chapter swaps between the two perspectives, as it rises with each chapter with the closure of the bookstore is never far below the surface.
When the tension does break there are a number of spicy scenes which really shows the trust that Eli and Jax have between each other.
So should you read, How the B*tch Stole Christmas by Shannon O'Connor above the similar novels out there, if the reason for reading a novel is believable romance, just enough rivalry to add an element of (false) doubt that the relationship will fail.
Along with a Christmas novel that does not ladle the season all over the place and a light fun read then the answer is yes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
.
How the B*tch Stole Christmas by Shannon O'Connor is a small town sapphic Christmas romance with a rome and Juliet book shop twist.
Shannon O’conner’s first book of Evergreen Valley Holidays, How the B*tch Stole Christmas will not break the mold in this genre and style of novel.
As it has all been done before many times with a different twist on the story and as a reader you will probably have read some of them. So why read this one.
Firstly we have O’Connor’s style of writing which is almost perfect for this style of novel, with the way she is able to build up tension between Jax, the bookstore owner and Eli, whose family are trying to repossess the bookstore.
All this because of a feud which is so petty and yet just big enough to cause problems that can be solved in the world of a Christmas romance.
While the plot line of the foreclosure of the bookstore is what the bare bones of a conflict/enemies to lovers romance. It is the romance that keeps you reading.
In this case the tension between the couple is really well shown on page as each chapter swaps between the two perspectives, as it rises with each chapter with the closure of the bookstore is never far below the surface.
When the tension does break there are a number of spicy scenes which really shows the trust that Eli and Jax have between each other.
So should you read, How the B*tch Stole Christmas by Shannon O'Connor above the similar novels out there, if the reason for reading a novel is believable romance, just enough rivalry to add an element of (false) doubt that the relationship will fail.
Along with a Christmas novel that does not ladle the season all over the place and a light fun read then the answer is yes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2025
Reviewed by Natalie for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
I went into this book with high hopes—the premise sounded perfect. While it was a good read overall, it didn’t quite hit “great” for me. I found myself missing the tension and chemistry I usually crave in an enemies-to-lovers story.
The setup had so much promise: a book-loving granddaughter running her family’s bookstore, and a big-city lawyer determined to acquire it for her family’s gain. It’s a charming concept, and for the most part, the story was enjoyable and easy to read. I just wished for a bit more build-up and spark between the characters to make it truly unforgettable.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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I went into this book with high hopes—the premise sounded perfect. While it was a good read overall, it didn’t quite hit “great” for me. I found myself missing the tension and chemistry I usually crave in an enemies-to-lovers story.
The setup had so much promise: a book-loving granddaughter running her family’s bookstore, and a big-city lawyer determined to acquire it for her family’s gain. It’s a charming concept, and for the most part, the story was enjoyable and easy to read. I just wished for a bit more build-up and spark between the characters to make it truly unforgettable.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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October 26, 2025
This book can easily be read as a standalone, even if you haven’t read the previous one in the series. However, being familiar with the earlier story does help in recognizing the characters and understanding their backgrounds.
The story flows beautifully and includes enough layers to give it real depth. Each character goes through personal growth, making important choices and setting their own priorities. This makes the book feel very true to life, even though it remains a novel with a few surprising — and occasionally slightly unrealistic — turns of events. These, however, don’t make the story any less enjoyable or regrettable to read.
The way family pressure and expectations are portrayed is especially well done, showing how they can bring both positive and negative energy.
Overall, I give this book 4 stars!
Thank you to #Booksiren and the author for providing me with a copy — I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
The story flows beautifully and includes enough layers to give it real depth. Each character goes through personal growth, making important choices and setting their own priorities. This makes the book feel very true to life, even though it remains a novel with a few surprising — and occasionally slightly unrealistic — turns of events. These, however, don’t make the story any less enjoyable or regrettable to read.
The way family pressure and expectations are portrayed is especially well done, showing how they can bring both positive and negative energy.
Overall, I give this book 4 stars!
Thank you to #Booksiren and the author for providing me with a copy — I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. How the Bitch Stole Christmas by Shannon O’Connor was a fun Christmas romance. It had the elements of a Hallmark Christmas Movie, without the subtle misogyny. The smut was well written, had variety, and was hot 🥵 the way the characters feelings developed and evolved was believable and didn’t feel rushed or like insta-love (which is a personal ick of mine). My biggest complaints about stories that center plus sized women (as one myself) is they tend to focus too heavily on the size of the characters body and they have no other personality. This book did NOT do that. In fact when we get Jax’s perspective she appreciates El’s body in a way that seems genuine to WLW. Overall, this was a fun winter romance that I would recommend to anyone who wants more sapphic hallmark movies in their life.
3.5 stars rounded up!
3.5 stars rounded up!
October 27, 2025
Family Feud's gone wild.
I saw the writing on the wall the moment El walked into the bookstore.
Jax is working hard to help her grandma to keep the bookstore as it is. And the Monroe family is trying everything to take it away from them. El helps her family, her dad and grandpa, because you help family. But what she wasn't aware of was that her grandpa was holding an unnecessary grudge against Jax's grandma, because she didn't want to go out with him. WOW.
Jax and El starts seeing each other though, against El's family's wishes, but they don't care.
I love how the book ends with their HEA happening.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I saw the writing on the wall the moment El walked into the bookstore.
Jax is working hard to help her grandma to keep the bookstore as it is. And the Monroe family is trying everything to take it away from them. El helps her family, her dad and grandpa, because you help family. But what she wasn't aware of was that her grandpa was holding an unnecessary grudge against Jax's grandma, because she didn't want to go out with him. WOW.
Jax and El starts seeing each other though, against El's family's wishes, but they don't care.
I love how the book ends with their HEA happening.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2025
A big city lawyer, who has worked hard to avoid going back to her small hometown and dealing with her overbearing parents and grandfather, returns home, at the behest of her father, to help with a contractual issue, and finally faces the realization that it's time she stop avoiding her family and stand up for herself. If Hallmark and Lifetime put a story together, this would be it. Lots of Hallmark-like storyline, but with the angst and darkness more characteristic of Lifetime, plus a lot of spice, more typical of Showtime! This is a great story with a lot of interesting characters and, as formulaic as it can seem, it works well and was quite enjoyable to read. Thank you to BookSirens for the advance review copy I received for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2025
I went into this book with high hopes—the premise sounded perfect. While it was a good read overall, it didn’t quite hit “great” for me. I found myself missing the tension and chemistry I usually crave in an enemies-to-lovers story.
The setup had so much promise: a book-loving granddaughter running her family’s bookstore, and a big-city lawyer determined to acquire it for her family’s gain. It’s a charming concept, and for the most part, the story was enjoyable and easy to read. I just wished for a bit more build-up and spark between the characters to make it truly unforgettable.
The setup had so much promise: a book-loving granddaughter running her family’s bookstore, and a big-city lawyer determined to acquire it for her family’s gain. It’s a charming concept, and for the most part, the story was enjoyable and easy to read. I just wished for a bit more build-up and spark between the characters to make it truly unforgettable.
October 20, 2025
Another fun, sweet romance from this author.
I loved the main characters. Jax is a cute butch homebody while El is a lively city femme. Both of them have some serious family trauma, but are so different to one another.
The book delivers on wintery, Christmas vibes and links in well with the authors most recent release, Sweater Weather. Though you don’t have to have read it to enjoy this one.
The story is heartfelt and out there, and such a great fun story. It’s a sexy enemies to lovers for the holidays and I plan to revisit it next winter! A cosy comfort read, for sure, but doesn’t skimp on the drama!
I loved the main characters. Jax is a cute butch homebody while El is a lively city femme. Both of them have some serious family trauma, but are so different to one another.
The book delivers on wintery, Christmas vibes and links in well with the authors most recent release, Sweater Weather. Though you don’t have to have read it to enjoy this one.
The story is heartfelt and out there, and such a great fun story. It’s a sexy enemies to lovers for the holidays and I plan to revisit it next winter! A cosy comfort read, for sure, but doesn’t skimp on the drama!
January 14, 2026
I devoured this book in a day, and I now have multiple Shannon O'Connor books on my TBR list. Except for the part where I'm the townie not the big city attorney (or rich) I feel like El is my altar ego, and I totally have a crush on Jax.
I like the way the enemies to lovers developed too, how the relationship continued to develop from there, and the way Jax's best friend and El's sister were both supportive of the relationship and helped the MCs see each others' side/point of view.
Grandma totally rocks, and I want to hang out with all these women!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like the way the enemies to lovers developed too, how the relationship continued to develop from there, and the way Jax's best friend and El's sister were both supportive of the relationship and helped the MCs see each others' side/point of view.
Grandma totally rocks, and I want to hang out with all these women!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2025
This is a sweet, enemies to lovers holiday romance. Jax and El are great characters and seeing their romance play out is delightful. I love the body positivity in this book with El. It’s something we need more of in romance books. Evergreen Valley seems like a wonderful place to live (Monroes notwithstanding). I would love to visit Jax’s bookstore. What’s not to love about a romance only bookstore. This is a perfect book to read as we approach the holidays. It will really get you in the spirit.
November 16, 2025
El helps her dad with a favour but that means she’s actually helping evict Jax and her grandmother from the bookstore her grandma has owned for 50 years.
El is Bella’s bff who we met when she inherited the orchard in the last book.
Opposites attract and enemies to lovers, the book is full of humour and a little Christmas cheer. Both characters are likeable and the story is fresh and fun.
The side characters will be getting their own stories which I’m looking forward to.
El is Bella’s bff who we met when she inherited the orchard in the last book.
Opposites attract and enemies to lovers, the book is full of humour and a little Christmas cheer. Both characters are likeable and the story is fresh and fun.
The side characters will be getting their own stories which I’m looking forward to.
December 14, 2025
This has the perfect hallmark feel. City girl helps her rich family evict a poor old woman and her grand daughter from the romance book shop she has owned for 50 years. Of course the two ennemis are hot for each other. Frankly i wasn't in a christmas mood until this book and be warned its definitely a 18+ version of a hallmark movie. So freaking good. Side note/ trigger warning there is an iffy grey zone break up / on a break situation that didn't bother me but i feel like i should mention.
November 1, 2025
Shannon has done it again. Enemies to lovers at the drop of a hat. All that angst between each other turns to passion between Jax and El. It was hot and steamy and bound to turn to love. They were so honest with each other. Definitely worth thr read. I received an advance copy for a review. Totally worth the purchase.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
El is the lawyer from a rich family. This is definitely an enemy to lovers story.Jax works in a bookstore that her grandmother owns. El’s family tries to evict. Jax’s family from the bookstore. I found the plot very interesting and the book very spicy. I recommend this book for our romance readers. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2025
This book is the first book in the Evergreen Valley Holidays series. It is the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit. The chemistry between Jax and El is electric and gets very hot. Great story with wonderful characters. You do not want to miss this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily,
December 23, 2025
a sweet and fun holiday book
This book has it all, a quirky grandma, an ice queen, a kitten, a hot young bookstore owner and a holiday small town. I enjoyed this book much like a hallmark movie, but with lot of hot sex 🔥. One character is plus sized and owns it, which is a nice thing to include. Enjoy this holiday treat.
This book has it all, a quirky grandma, an ice queen, a kitten, a hot young bookstore owner and a holiday small town. I enjoyed this book much like a hallmark movie, but with lot of hot sex 🔥. One character is plus sized and owns it, which is a nice thing to include. Enjoy this holiday treat.
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