Un Natale da festeggiare (I silver fox di Forestville)

Forestville Silver Foxes #related

by Nora Phoenix, Mary Vitrano

È strano avere una cotta per Babbo Natale, vero?

L’intero look composto da completo rosso e barba avrebbe dovuto farmi passare la voglia, per non parlare delle renne e della slitta. Ah, e della sua età. Il tipo ha come minimo vent’anni più di me.

Solo che nel momento in cui vedo il super sexy Babbo Natale che qualcuno ha assunto per l’addio al celibato di mio padre – non chiedetemelo – provo all’istante l’impulso di sedermi sulle sue ginocchia e dirgli che tutto ciò che desidero per Natale è lui.

La buona notizia è che a Babbo Natale – il cui vero nome è Ellery – piacciono gli uomini e, più specificamente, io. E non è affatto contrario al fatto che mi sieda sulle sue ginocchia. Oppure che faccia un giro sul suo c… voglio dire, conlui. Insomma, finiamo per vivere un meraviglioso periodo natalizio tutto nostro.

Circondati dalla neve che cade e con le caldarroste quasi pronte, piano piano mi rendo conto che voglio stare con Ellery anche dopo la fine delle festività natalizie. Ma quello che c’è tra noi avrà una possibilità al di fuori della magia del Natale?

Un Natale da festeggiare è una novella natalizia standalone ambientata nel mondo dei Silver fox di Forestville.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Holiday, Novella, Christmas, Contemporary, Audiobook

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2024

About the author

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/

You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
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Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

I don't know if this was just me at the time I was reading or the season or whatever, but I struggled with this one much more than I usually do with anything Nora writes.

Mainly I think it was more the kink aspect of it that, unusually for me anyways, didn't bring me the usual feels I would get with the gentle Dom/boy aspect of the narrative.

I think because of Boaz's added ADHD, I felt everything was a little too full on, too frantic, for it to match up with reading a festive set romance, where I generally prefer to have an easy going story of two people meeting and falling in love.

There was a little bit too much drama around the irritating Third Act/75% part of the novella which felt inserted purely to cause tension. Elliott's determination to call things off because he felt too much but didn't think Boaz did, just didn't ring true given how the two men had been together.

And Boaz not having enough courage to speak out and say he was catching feelings also was mismatched for how much he'd just been blurting out his inner thoughts throughout.

So, well written as always, more a case of it's me not the book.

#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very hot easy read. Filled with holiday cheer and love. I still do not like that he decorated for Christmas by himself. Ellery should have had Boaz’s help. Decorating for Christmas shouldn’t be a solo project. It’s sad tbh and tarnished the story a bit plus all the crying towards the end… too much drama for me at this time. It ended well of course.

[Axalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boaz (29) et Ellery avec un Culomètre à 🥵🍆

Malgré l'apparence de Père Noël, Boaz est attiré par Ellery, engagé pour l'enterrement de vie de garçon de son père. Ils passent un Noël merveilleux, mais Boaz se demande si leur relation peut durer au-delà des fêtes.

› Dès le début, on comprend où on met les pieds : Boaz aime les hommes plus âgés et surtout le Père Noël sexy sur lequel il est assis.
> J'aime que le TDHA de Boaz soit inséré facilement dans le récit et également le rende tout bégayant devant Ellery.
› On sait tout de suite comment ça va se finir, puisqu'ils n'habitent pas dans la même ville.
› Leurs interactions sont tellement domestiques, j'aime beaucoup trop ça !
› Est-ce que je vous ai dit que Ellery était MENUISIER ?! Ouais, tout ce que j'aime ~
› J'ai compris que ça allait être un 5/5 dès que Boaz a émis le souhait d'un homme qui prenne soin de lui et que Ellery a rempli ce rôle sans rien dire.

Bref, un combo parfait pour plaire à la lectrice en moi !

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Manca poco più di un mese a Natale e si cominciano a vedere in giro le prime novelle ambientate sotto le feste imminenti.
Siamo sempre immersi nei bellissimi paesaggi e baite di Forestville e, finiti i racconti dei personaggi principali, ora è la volta di chi si è trasferito da poco in città per trovare il suo lieto fine.
Durante una addio al celibato del padre, Boaz ,il giovane e irrequieto graphic designer digitale, incontra il suo sogno proibito: un avvenente simil boscaiolo vestito da Babbo Natale!
Non pensava di avere dei kink, ma vedere Ellery, questo è il nome del sexy Santa Clause, vestito in quel modo ha scatenato in lui la voglia irresistibile di sedersi sulle sue ginocchia per fargli, e farsi, fare di tutto!
Boaz è in città solo per festeggiare il padre, non aveva intenzione di fermarsi molto, ma più tempo passa con Ellery e meno ha voglia di tornare a Los Ageles, dove ha solo i coinquilini che lo aspettano…
Anche per Ellery l’incontro fortuito col ragazzo scatena qualcosa in lui che non sentiva da molto tempo.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to prance off to Forestville again. This time, Nora serves up a sweet & spicy holiday novella featuring a smoking hot silver fox and an energetic artist with adhd and buckets of flirting skills and sass.

Boaz is in town for his father's wedding, and at the bachelor party, he meets a sexy muscled Santa. The instalust happens super fast, and these two turn a 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥 one night stand into an extended through christmas break from reality with lots of banging.

But it's not just the intimate scenes here. Ellery and Boaz have a connection that neither can deny. Can their new feelings survive the distance? Can someone fall in love in less than a week?

I enjoyed the hell out of this story. If you're a fan of instalove & instalust, light D/s, and sugary sweet characters that are made for each other ---> then look no further.

CELEBRATING THE SEASON will be available to read & purchase on December 6th.

[The Secret Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, novella, MM
Tropes / tags: age gap, kink, small town

I was very excited about going back to Forestville for a holiday story, but unfortunately I just didn't fully connect with this novella.

Ellery and Boaz's romance was pretty intense with some insta-lust / attraction, which quickly turned into feelings. With Boaz only visiting Forestville, their time together was limited but they surely tried to make the most of it, hidden away at Ellery's cabin. Their chemistry was great and I loved the light D/s, and the combination of sweet and steamy scenes was perfect. The little wooden squirrels had my heart all warm and happy.

It was overall a sweet read, full of holiday spirit and love, but also had a dose of insecurities and drama. I can't really pinpoint what it was that didn't work for me, I just struggled a little with getting into the story and it didn't captivate me the way the stories in this series usually do.

-
Thanks to Abbie Nicole for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Celebrating the Season is a standalone story set in Nora Phoenix’s Forestville Silver Foxes series. The main series focuses on a group of longtime best friends who play big roles in each other’s stories, so they are best read together. However, Phoenix has also been writing some shorter stories that feature Forestville and/or its residents that are standalones, so you can jump in easily without having read the main books. In this case, Ellery is a local (and the titular silver fox), while Boaz comes into town for the party.

I think fans of the Forestville series will enjoy revisiting the town for this holiday story. And for those new to the series, this is a great way to get a feel for the vibe and style for the connected books. If you enjoy this one, I think you will also enjoy the rest. I am liking these little side stories and find them a fun complement to the main series.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.">here.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

Do you need a steamy Santa story in your life this holiday season? Look no further than Celebrating the Season, featuring a sexy santa, a young man who knows how to talk his way into Santa's lap (and his bed) and a holiday season designed to explore their explosive chemistry!

Slight spoiler:
I will say that the third act break up was a little extreme, but the groveling was oh so worth it...

If you need a steamy story with a hint of daddy/boy d/s energy and a little bit of cuddling on the couch, then pick up this book!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Forestville Silver Foxes Christmas story of a boy finding his perfect silver fox. When Boaz goes to his dad's bachelor party in the small town of Forestville, he doesn't expect to meet the perfect silver fox who brings not only love but discipline and peace to his chaotic mind. Ellery has given up on finding his perfect person and has put up walls to prevent that until the whirlwind that is Boaz enters his orbit. Together, these men balance one another in the best way possible, showing how well opposites really do work. The perfect addition to an already amazing series, I can not wait to see what Nora has in store next for these Forestville men.

[Marika Schiavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boaz si trova a Forestville per festeggiare l'addio al celibato di suo padre e del suo fidanzato Hawk. La serata trascorre serena tra chiacchiere e flirt quando, nel locale, fa il suo ingresso Babbo Natale. Alto, muscoloso, dagli occhi azzurro ghiaccio, barba sale e pepe perfettamente curata, fanno scattare tutti i campanelli nella mente di Boaz. Tutto ciò che questi desidera è sedersi sulle gambe di Babbo Natale e comportarsi proprio come un cattivo ragazzo per stuzzicare quell'affascinante uomo. La mancanza di filtri fra bocca e testa di Boaz gli fa esprimere in modo chiaro ciò che desidera: Babbo Natale sexy è più che disponibile ad ascoltare quali sono i suoi pensieri sconci e ad avverare ogni sua fantasia. Entrambi sono consapevoli della durata di questa avventura. Riusciranno a godersi il momento senza compromettere i loro cuori? Non vi resta che preparare la valigia (con abbigliamento piuttosto pesante) e partire con Boaz in direzione Forestville per vivere emozioni intense. Non preoccupatevi, però, a far salire di botto le temperature ci penseranno i nostri due protagonisti!
Seguo Nora Phoenix da talmente tanto tempo che solo leggere il suo nome fra le nuove pubblicazioni mi porta ad accettare una collaborazione praticamente senza leggere quasi la sinossi. Certo, la curiosità ha poi la meglio, specie quando si tratta di questa spettacolare serie I Silver Fox di Forestville. Sono più che felice di aver letto in super anteprima Un Natale da festeggiare. Con la sua penna unica e coinvolgente, diretta e piacevole, l'autrice trascina il lettore fra le pagine di questa tenera novella scoppiettante. Quanto sono belli Boaz ed Ellery! Li ho adorati tantissimo entrambi, si completano alla perfezione. Il primo è un vero e proprio tornado, un raggio di sole a tutti gli effetti, porta gioia ovunque vada con la sua parlantina vivace e divertente. Il secondo, invece, è un falegname abile e dal cuore d'oro, tutto ciò che desidera è trovare un uomo di cui possa prendersi cura e donargli tutto l'affetto di cui dispone. Le scene spicy, poi, sono a dir poco bollenti, con quel pizzico in più dato da una leggerissima dinamica Dom/sub e Dirty Talk. L'intreccio narrativo è piuttosto lineare, ricco di scene quotidiane e confortevoli, senza alcun accenno di angst, bensì tante coccole e pura dolcezza. Si tratta decisamente di un Cozy Gay Romance che vi farà venire gli occhi a forma di cuore. Nora Phoenix si riconferma una vera garanzia del genere per me, tant'è che non vedo l'ora di gustarmi la prossima avventura che scaturirà dalla sua penna. La traduzione italiana di Mary Vitrano, che ringrazio come sempre per la sua disponibilità, è eccellente e fluida, rende benissimo lo stile dell'autrice ed è un vero e proprio piacere da gustare. Con il Natale sempre più vicino, penso che Un Natale da festeggiare sia una lettura must da non perdere per nessuna ragione. Perfetto se amate le storie d'amore piccanti e deliziosamente romantiche ambientate nel periodo natalizio, con tantissima gioia assicurata e due meravigliosi uomini che vi conquisteranno. Preciso infine che, nonostante sia ambientato nell'universo de I silver fox di Forestville, è perfettamente godibile come stand alone.
Assolutamente consigliato, per me sono 4.5 stelle!

[Alchimia DelleParole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boaz è un uomo di ventinove anni, vive a Los Angeles, è un artista professionista che crea ritratti e fan art disegnando sul tablet. È sicuro di poche cose nella sua vita: non si trova bene a LA da solo in mezzo a troppa gente, vorrebbe un uomo che lo accudisse dandogli sicurezza e protezione (principalmente da se stesso) e non sa mettere a tacere la sua testa sempre in movimento e caotica. Boaz non fa segreto di quali siano i suoi desideri di coppia e neppure di essere affetto da ADHD. Si trova a Forestville per l’addio al celibato del padre, prossimo a sposare il suo compagno, ed è qui che incontra Ellery, un boscaiolo cinquantenne con il fisico scolpito e una barba sale pepe folta. Ellery è maturo, gay e dominante. Non ci troviamo in un contesto di DOM/SUB, ma solo in un’atmosfera in cui Ellery sa perfettamente come vorrebbe vivere un rapporto di coppia, sa di aver la necessità di essere la parte forte della coppia e trova in Boaz un dolce ragazzo fin troppo conscio delle sue difficoltà. Non è chiaro quanto Boaz avesse fosse consapevole del suo bisogno di una figura matura a fianco, o se sia reso conto di quanto fosse giusto dopo aver provato per poco la vicinanza di Ellery. Ritrovarsi con delle regole semplici da seguire, vivere nel silenzio della montagna, essere accanto a un uomo taciturno ma che emana il calore della sua presenza è tutto ciò che Boaz capisce di volere. La sua ADHD sembra acquietarsi, la concentrazione è più semplice, il lavoro fluisce senza intoppi ed Ellery è un amante passionale e generoso.
Questa storia avrà la possibilità di svilupparsi senza gli addobbi di Natale, una volta che il magico periodo sarà terminato? Si tratta solo di un colpo di fulmine per un’avventura innevata e natalizia, o è la base di una storia solida destinata a crescere? Riusciranno a gestire la differenza di età?
Immergersi nell’atmosfera di Forestville è sempre bello e quindi, se ancora non conoscete questa cittadina immaginaria vicina a Seattle, direi che è l’occasione per farlo!
Buona lettura!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

One hot, mature, daddy-like "Santa".
One younger, energetic, flirty, naughty twink.
A merry meet cute and sharing some not-so-silent nights in a cabin

Their chemistry and connection were unexpected and strong. But Boaz is a city boy from L.A. and Ellery is happy in his little isolated cabin in Forestville. He never expected this little chaotic force to infiltrate his home and his heart.

But what do you do when you meet the person that perfectly complements you but your lives are in different locations?

I thought these two were fun together. Ellery‘s got the daddy thing down and Boaz craves that and likes to be the naughty boy. But Boaz has been conditioned to believe that he’s just too much for some people. I liked that Ellery didn’t think so and his structure and discipline actually helped him. And Boaz's energy and enthusiasm inspire Ellery and make him feel young.

They seem to be everything they didn’t know they wanted and needed but were not expecting to find. Ellery is just so patient, loving, and accepting and Boaz is sweet, vibrant, and energetic. Together they are hot and tender, but also have some challenges to face.

This is an age-gap, small town, forced proximity, opposites-attract, size difference, have a gay old time over the holidays story with some Ho Ho Ohs and sitting on Santa‘s lap. It's a sweet and steamy story about finding trust, acceptance, comfort, love, and home.

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[Zoë Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday Cheer Meter: 2/5
(Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')

1st person, past tense, dual POV
Boaz Robson (29), digital artist (by commission, fan art, character design, etc.)
Ellery Wolfe (50), retired Army paratrooper, retired smokejumper, woodcarver (figurines and furniture)

I snuck one more holiday read in even though I typically only let myself read holiday stories Nov/Dec. This was short and sweet, but less so than I was was expecting. I'm very behind in reviews so I'm going to do this one point form.
- While part of the author's Forestville Silver Foxes series, this stands alone fairly well. There are obviously some characters that overlap and make appearances but nothing that really makes you feel like you're missing a whole lot of context or ruins the other books if you want to circle back and read them later.
- I loved the meet-cute, though a sensible explanation was never really given for why Ellery was at Boaz's father's bachelor party dressed as a Santa. In fact, I would have rather not have been given an explanation than get the one we got, if that makes sense. The Santa banter was really fun though and left me amused and smiling.
- The fact that Boaz uses Elle Woods's patented bend-and-snap move is hilarious. As a person of a certain age, I appreciated it immensely.
- Oooh, these guys have great chemistry and I'm loving that things get slightly kinky but in a soft, subtle, natural way that suits the two of them.
- One thing that wasn't initially made clear to the reader is that Boaz doesn't live in Forestville so I personally was caught off guard when that was suddenly a hurdle to overcome.
- Not quite a "draw me like one of your French girls" scene but close enough for me to kick my feet in delight.
- I'm beyond bummed that they didn't decorate for Christmas together. Despite the meet-cute being the MCs meeting while one is dressed up like Santa this is pretty light on the festive feels.
- Squirrels!
- I loved the idyllic slice of life moments between these two. It, more than anything, really demonstrated how well suited they were as a couple. I loved how Boaz was so authentically himself and didn't try to mask who he was, which made the way he held back from vocalizing his feelings seem so out of character.
- Not a fan of the third act breakup, especially when it feels a little forced. I hated Ellery steamrolling Boaz about his feelings... I am enjoying his panic about getting to him again because he knows he F'd up.
- The groveling was nice, the epilogue was the cherry on top.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in Forestville🥳

I enjoyed this cute novella which took us back to Forestville. It was an age gap, insta-lust, opposites attract story. Boaz was adorable and the author handled his ADHD well, showing his insecurities and angst, thinking he’s not good enough or too much for people to accept. He has been rejected often enough to make him consciously try to tone down his personality.

Boaz is visiting Forestville from LA to attend his father’s stag party when the hottest Santa he has ever seen walks in. Before you can say “naughty list” Boaz is sitting on Santa’s lap.

Ellery and Boaz work because their differences compliment each other. Ellery gives Boaz discipline and structure but loves the way he can’t sit still and his constant chatter and Boaz shows Ellery that hiding away in a remote cabin can be lonely and everyone needs someone to love.

I enjoyed this story. Boaz's optimism and joy is contagious and made me smile. Whilst Ellery has fallen head over heels for Boaz he allows his worries about the age gap and living in a remote cabin in small town Forestville, as opposed to LA, get the better of him and he unintentionally hurts Boaz. Boaz actually finds the peace and slower pace of life suits him and the constant buzz in his head is quieter. Luckily Ellery realises he can’t live without Boaz and we get a sweet and HEA.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another cute novella type book set in Forestville. The premise sounds bonkers, but for some reason it was done tastefully. I loved picturing the cabin in the woods! We barely spend any real time in Forestville proper, since both MCs stay in the cabin most of the book. I wish they would have spent more time exploring the town, especially the winter festival, which was my favorite part. The parts I didn't like were closer to the end, where both MCs were second guessing themselves and doubting their feelings and not talking to each other like they have been this whole time. It just felt like a huge turn off the path they had both been on up until this point. The ending was sweet, although it could have easily been avoided. Lots of plot holes and such, but with a book like this it doesn't matter I guess. Overall a cute, wintery Christmas meet-cute/lust.
I spent a long time trying to figure out who Boaz's Dad and fiance were in any of the author's other books, but couldn't find them anywhere. I swore they were in one of them, they must have been. If anyone can tell me, that would be much appreciated.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a meet-cute, hot, age gap, sit-on-Santa's-lap story with a fair dose of insta-lust developing into insta-love.

I like the novella, it's nice to see an ND character being accepted with all his flaws and quirks but also shows his angst of not being good enough, being too much and that in the end he will be rejected.

These two click because they are so different, Ellery gives Boaz the structure he needs while Boaz is showing Ellery that there is more to life than the cabin in the wood and his wood work.

There is definitely steam galore and the heat does not only come from the fireplace. Both have interesting enough depth and chemistry to feel the connection and the story flows well.

Minus points for me are the - in my eyes - unnecessary drama at the end and that it can basically read as a standalone snowed in the woods romance.

Yes, it is set in a cabin in the wood around Forestville but the town or the people from previous books are missing. I come to love Forestville and hoped for more.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boaz never expected to be attracted to Santa Claus—but when a sexy, older Santa (Ellery) shows up at his dad’s bachelor party, everything changes. Despite the beard, sleigh, and twenty-year age gap, Boaz is instantly smitten. Luckily, Ellery is just as interested, and their holiday fling quickly turns into something deeper. As snow falls and sparks fly, Boaz begins to wonder if their connection can survive beyond the festive glow. Is their romance just Christmas magic, or something real enough to last?

This was a sweet Christmas novella set in the Forestville Silver Foxes world. I liked that everything might have started as a sexual attraction, but then it developed into intimacy and real feelings between them. I loved Ellery's speech when he realised that he had made a mistake, but I did wonder how Boaz would survive that remotely without the internet. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

CELEBRATING THE SEASON is set in Forestville, but you don't need to have read any of the others to enjoy this one.

Boaz arrives from LA to his dad's bachelor party. When a sexy Santa shows up, he makes sure to sit on his lap. The connection between him and Ellery is immediate and hot. What follows is a short, fast-paced story about just how quickly you can fall for someone if they're the right one. Boaz and Ellery both give the other what they need, so their partnership works wonderfully.

This is a steamy seasonal read with some light D/s in there. Read in one sitting and definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 6, 2024

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 5 out of 5]

story of Boaz and Ellery

This is a hookup to more holiday romance, featuring Boaz and Ellery, and is related to the Forestville Silver Fox series.

Boaz is attending his dad’s bachelor party in the town of Forestville. A super hot silver fox turns up dressed as Santa and Boaz takes the opportunity to flirt with him. Ellery and Boaz hit it off right away and it doesn’t take long for them to hook up. One night, turns into two, turns into more.

This is a low angst holiday romance with spicy times, dirty talk and lots of sweet moments. Boaz and Ellery have such a strong connection and are a great couple, I was happy when they got to their HEA.

Things to expect in this book are:
Related to series
MM holiday romance
Dual POV
Age gap (29/50)
Insta-lust & flirting
Hookup to more
Spicy times & dirty talk
Calls him good boy
C*ck warming
Both fall hard
All in
HEA

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boaz is attending his father's bachelor's party when he spies Santa coming to the party. Boaz goes for Santa's lap as early as possible. Santa--AKA Ellery--is enchanted with Boaz. He figures it will be a one-night stand but neither wants to leave after one night. Will Boaz stay with Ellery who is much older than him? Will heartbreak come into their lives? Can they make their lives work together?

I enjoyed this story. I liked Boaz's optimism and joy of life. Ellery questions if this can work because of their age difference but Boaz does not see the difference. He is so happy with Ellery. I hated that Ellery let his doubts and second-guessing bring pain into the relationship. They were both so good for each other. But I was glad that Ellery could admit he made a mistake and make amends to rectify the situation.

I am loving this series.

[Becky A · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Celebrating the Season" received THREE stars.

Good characters. I liked the plot, but the story would’ve read better if about 15% of the repetitive “he won’t want to be with me long term” was cut.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

This was a really cute and hot Christmas story. Being back in Forestville was fantastic, but if you haven't read any of those stories, you can still easily read this one. Starting with a fun meeting, these two find a lot of comfort and joy in each other's company.

I like Boaz and Ellery. I liked them as individuals and they worked well together as a couple. What started out as a hook-up morphed easily into much more over a short period without feeling rushed. I liked thay Boaz went after what he wanted and that Ellery accepted and enjoyed all aspects of Boaz. As honest as they had been throughout the book with each other, I wish they had been honest and courageous enough to take the leap earlier, but I was glad they reconnected and worked everything out.

[Ζωή Παππά · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Celebrating the season " is a fluffy and festive romance set in a small town. I really liked the meet cute between Boaz and Ellery, I'm not going to spoil it but it was really fun. I loved Boaz's personality, he was playful, full of joy and energy and I appreciated the ADHD representation, I felt seen. Ellery was wonderful, very caring, with a comforting strength. I adored them together, their chemistry was absolutely explosive and the dynamic between them delicious.
I read it in one sitting and had an amazing time. I highly recommend it, it's fast paced, well written and the characters are complex and relatable.

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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This is a deliciously naughty and sweet holiday story with another gorgeous Forestville silverfox.

What starts as a sexy holiday hook quickly turns into something important. Except it takes them a bit to truly acknowledge it. In the process they hold up in a snowy cabin sharing their art, eating good food and working out A LOT!

Santa Ellery definitely approves.

[Malissa Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Celebration

When Ellery meets Boaz at his Dad’s (Boaz’s dad) bachelor party he was certainly amused. Boaz is a very bold young man and knows what he wants and it seems he wanted Ellery. They agreed to spend the night together before Boaz has to leave but for some reason he couldn’t. Ellery offers for him to stay a week with him. The closer it got for Boaz the leave, the more they wanted to be together, and the doubts started coming. Ellery lets Boaz leave and both men are miserable. This book is filled with snark, a little sass, a little brattiness, with some romance and a lot of smexy time. For a short story it’s wonderful. I give it a 5 star 🌟 review. 💜

[Books and Ko · Rating 4 out of 5]

C’est bien la première fois qu’en débutant une lecture de Nora que j’ai faillit la fermer aussitôt commencée. Le début était un peut trop hot pour moi et surtout sans vraiment de sens. J’ai tout de même continuer et j’ai bien fait.
Au fil des pages, Boaz et Ellery se révèlent et nous découvrons un duo attachant, sensible et touchant.
L’auteur aborde à travers leur histoire des sujets qui parleront à beaucoup et qui nous permet de mieux les comprendre.
Il est vrai que cette romance est très érotique, mais il est aussi question de sentiments, de questionnements et de beaucoup de tendresse et d’amour.
J’ai finalement passé un très bon moment avec ce duo haut en couleurs et je ne regrette pas de m’être accrochée à ma lecture.
Une romance de noël qui bouscule un peu les codes mais qui vaut la peine d’être lue.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read. Boaz is in Forestville for his father’s engagement party. When at the bar, in walks a sexy Santa. Boaz has a chance to meet him and asks to sit on his lap so hen can let him know what he wants. The chemistry between them is off the charts between them. This is the start of their story as they get closer together within a couple of weeks. I loved the interactions between them. Love the town of Forestville and can’t wait to read more. Great world. Uilding, high heat and chemistry between them.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celebrating the Season is a hot, but sweet, age-gap story. Boaz falls for Ellery at his dad’s bachelor party where Ellery is playing Santa. The attraction is fast and hot and they spend several days together. There is a bit of angst because the two of them don’t communicate their feelings to each other. Ellery redeems himself quite well, though. 🥰

All-in-all a nice easy story to read and I enjoyed it very much.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Read for the Holidays (or anytime!)

Phoenix is without a doubt one of the most talented writers in this genre.

While Ellery and Boaz make a slightly unlikely couple the tension created through their differences results in a wonderfully complimentary package.

While the story takes place during the time frame of Christmas and New Years, the seasonal aspect plays an incredibly small part so it’s a worthwhile read at any time.

I genuinely appreciated how Phoenix demonstrated the potential upside of ADHD when with a caring and appreciative partner.

[Michelle Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to receive an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Perfect amount of Christmas cheer.
What a lovely novella to get you right into the spirit of Christmas 🎄.

I love how even in a novella Nora captures every part of her characters, their wants, hope and fears. This book was a perfect accomplishment for the forestville series.

Loved every word, a definite reread for me.
Well deserved 5 stars 🤩