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'Tis the Season: A Farm to Table Christmas Novella
Bridgette Faul has made plenty of mistakes in her life, even one that landed her in prison. But now she’s a pillar of society as owner and operator of Dirty Hands Farm, an open to the public farm that employs ex-cons looking to make a life for themselves. At forty, she’s set in her ways and has her life just the way she likes it: organized and simple.
Olivia Predmore is an up-and-coming prosecutor who on the surface has the perfect life. She’s set to marry her long-time defense attorney boyfriend and become a criminal law power couple in the central valley of California.
But a chance meeting at Bridgette’s Dirty Hands Christmas Tree Farm has both women rethinking what, and who, they really want in life.
Olivia Predmore is an up-and-coming prosecutor who on the surface has the perfect life. She’s set to marry her long-time defense attorney boyfriend and become a criminal law power couple in the central valley of California.
But a chance meeting at Bridgette’s Dirty Hands Christmas Tree Farm has both women rethinking what, and who, they really want in life.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2020
43 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
L. Dreamer
10 books105 followersLuc Dreamer is a transman, dad, and full-time wanderer. He writes queer stories with heart and soul.
Check out his website and subscribe to his newsletter if that's your thing: www.lucdreamer.com
Check out his website and subscribe to his newsletter if that's your thing: www.lucdreamer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 22, 2020
3.5* – The mistakes Bridge made in her youth led her straight to prison. After her release, having experienced the difficulty of finding a job as an ex-con, she applied for and got a grant to turn an old farm into a place to help others like her find their way back into society. When Olivia, a prosecutor, and her boyfriend come to the farm to get a Christmas tree, Bridge succumbs to Olivia’s charm almost immediately. Olivia doesn’t understand it then but the feeling is mutual.
Set in a covid-free alternate universe (one of the characters mentions the year as being 2020), ‘Tis the Season is a cute butch-femme opposites-attract Christmas novella. Bridge is kind and sweet, extremely patient with Olivia’s questioning, while Olivia does her best not to hurt Bridge too much in the time it takes her to find her way. There are interesting secondary characters too.
I also like the tongue-in-cheek allusions to Hallmark movies. All in all, a short but sweet read.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Set in a covid-free alternate universe (one of the characters mentions the year as being 2020), ‘Tis the Season is a cute butch-femme opposites-attract Christmas novella. Bridge is kind and sweet, extremely patient with Olivia’s questioning, while Olivia does her best not to hurt Bridge too much in the time it takes her to find her way. There are interesting secondary characters too.
I also like the tongue-in-cheek allusions to Hallmark movies. All in all, a short but sweet read.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2020
3.5 Stars for this new Christmas Novella by Luci Dreamer.
It’s the start of Christmas season and Prosecutor Olivia Predmore and her long time defense attorney boyfriend travel to a Christmas tree farm for a Christmas tree. The farm is run by Bridgette (Bridge) Faul, an ex-convict that is the owner and operator of the farm. She employs other ex-convicts with a goal of getting them on their feet. The boyfriend is instantly unlikable and Bridge instantly likable, especially to Olivia. After being together for about 10 years, the boyfriend finally proposes.
Olivia travels to the farm in the spring to check out their flowers for her wedding and she finds Bridge for help. By summer Olivia is no longer engaged. Olivia and Bridge’s friendship and relationship has ups and downs with Olivia navigating her first time feelings for a woman.
There is slow and there is slow. Their romance takes place over a year and at times only see and talk to each other weeks/months apart. But then again if you add up the amount of time they actually spent together, its practically instant.
I enjoyed it. This is only the second work I’ve read by Dreamer and it won’t be my last.
It’s the start of Christmas season and Prosecutor Olivia Predmore and her long time defense attorney boyfriend travel to a Christmas tree farm for a Christmas tree. The farm is run by Bridgette (Bridge) Faul, an ex-convict that is the owner and operator of the farm. She employs other ex-convicts with a goal of getting them on their feet. The boyfriend is instantly unlikable and Bridge instantly likable, especially to Olivia. After being together for about 10 years, the boyfriend finally proposes.
Olivia travels to the farm in the spring to check out their flowers for her wedding and she finds Bridge for help. By summer Olivia is no longer engaged. Olivia and Bridge’s friendship and relationship has ups and downs with Olivia navigating her first time feelings for a woman.
There is slow and there is slow. Their romance takes place over a year and at times only see and talk to each other weeks/months apart. But then again if you add up the amount of time they actually spent together, its practically instant.
I enjoyed it. This is only the second work I’ve read by Dreamer and it won’t be my last.
November 29, 2020
3.5 stars. This is a sweet holiday romance about Olivia - a prosecuting attorney and Bridgette (Bridge), an ex-con who now owns and runs Dirty Hands Farm that employs those who are also ex-cons or from vulnerable backgrounds.
This isn’t my favourite Dreamer book - I’d recommend In the Black personally - but it has a lot of points that I enjoyed. Whilst it starts off with the two MCs meeting when Olivia visits Dirty Hands to purchase a Christmas tree - it does span a period of more than a year and discusses a number of different holidays.
The time span might be one of the factors that makes this novella different than other Dreamer books. Numbers of weeks often pass between interactions for Bridge and Olivia, which can make it feel like there isn’t chemistry between the two, when we are told there is. Whilst I didn’t always feel the chemistry, the interactions between the two are often very cute and often amusing in a cute way.
There is a fair amount of angst in this book from Olivia about falling for Bridge, when we meet her she is in an established relationship with a long-term boyfriend, but a lot of the angst is also wrapped up in not making the same mistakes she made with her ex. Her feelings about this and her sexuality become very intertwined. It can make it a little hard to root for Olivia and their relationship at times.
Whilst it has it’s difficult moments it’s definitely worth a read.
I received an e-ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This isn’t my favourite Dreamer book - I’d recommend In the Black personally - but it has a lot of points that I enjoyed. Whilst it starts off with the two MCs meeting when Olivia visits Dirty Hands to purchase a Christmas tree - it does span a period of more than a year and discusses a number of different holidays.
The time span might be one of the factors that makes this novella different than other Dreamer books. Numbers of weeks often pass between interactions for Bridge and Olivia, which can make it feel like there isn’t chemistry between the two, when we are told there is. Whilst I didn’t always feel the chemistry, the interactions between the two are often very cute and often amusing in a cute way.
There is a fair amount of angst in this book from Olivia about falling for Bridge, when we meet her she is in an established relationship with a long-term boyfriend, but a lot of the angst is also wrapped up in not making the same mistakes she made with her ex. Her feelings about this and her sexuality become very intertwined. It can make it a little hard to root for Olivia and their relationship at times.
Whilst it has it’s difficult moments it’s definitely worth a read.
I received an e-ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2020
I struggled with this one, maybe because I struggle with that whole "gay for you" trope where one character is current in a long term 'straight' relationship, then finds themselves suddenly fawning and falling for a woman while still maintaining that relationship.
I was definitely put off by the discussion of the 'questioning' character giving her boyfriend a handjob in the car, which made me wanna puke. I have to question - Did we really need those lines in there??? I fail to see how they added to the story at all, other than to try and shock a lesbian audience?
Yeah maybe it's supposed to show incompatibility, but the author couldn't have done that in any other number of ways???
I pretty much wanted to stop then, but I continued.
Which comes to another issue I have, that an otherwise smart adult character can be so utterly blindsided with their sexuality or compatibility with a spouse. It just made me dislike the character. The way she treated Bridgette's farm at the start also pissed me off, and the whole 'different worlds - opposites attract' trope also felt forced and cliche, in the worst ways.
Don't get me started on the ridiculous way Bridgette, too, fauns over this silly yuppie girl, as if she is anything special. I felt nothing special in their connection or personalities at all. It was just OMG You're beautiful! And nothing deeper.
I'm really sorry, I usually LOVE Luci Dreamers stuff, but for me it just fell so flat. Probably my fault.
I was definitely put off by the discussion of the 'questioning' character giving her boyfriend a handjob in the car, which made me wanna puke. I have to question - Did we really need those lines in there??? I fail to see how they added to the story at all, other than to try and shock a lesbian audience?
Yeah maybe it's supposed to show incompatibility, but the author couldn't have done that in any other number of ways???
I pretty much wanted to stop then, but I continued.
Which comes to another issue I have, that an otherwise smart adult character can be so utterly blindsided with their sexuality or compatibility with a spouse. It just made me dislike the character. The way she treated Bridgette's farm at the start also pissed me off, and the whole 'different worlds - opposites attract' trope also felt forced and cliche, in the worst ways.
Don't get me started on the ridiculous way Bridgette, too, fauns over this silly yuppie girl, as if she is anything special. I felt nothing special in their connection or personalities at all. It was just OMG You're beautiful! And nothing deeper.
I'm really sorry, I usually LOVE Luci Dreamers stuff, but for me it just fell so flat. Probably my fault.
January 3, 2021
Wonderful after-Christmas story.
I really enjoyed reading this warm-hearted and positive novella. It was written in a comfortable style and had lovely main characters. Recommend
I really enjoyed reading this warm-hearted and positive novella. It was written in a comfortable style and had lovely main characters. Recommend
February 5, 2021
Super cute Holiday romance. Straight woman is enamored by a woman she meets at the Christmas Tree farm. Throws her whole world upside down. Can't stop thinking of her. You know, textbook romance. But the prison/correctional aspect of this was unique.
November 25, 2020
3.5 Stars - a quick Christmas read, well written
I love Luci Dreamer's books and will read anything she writes. This is good but it's a lot of straight angst/gay panic (not sure which term works best) and while there is a epilogue I feel like I didn't get enough "together time" to really hit me in all the feels that would bump me up a star. I would still recommend it, especially if you have KU.
I love Luci Dreamer's books and will read anything she writes. This is good but it's a lot of straight angst/gay panic (not sure which term works best) and while there is a epilogue I feel like I didn't get enough "together time" to really hit me in all the feels that would bump me up a star. I would still recommend it, especially if you have KU.
November 20, 2020
Dreamer has become my go-to for well-written, sweet and hot butch-femme stories. This holiday treat is the story of Bridge, a rough around the edges ex-con with a heart of gold and Olivia who is plagued by a plastic Ken-doll at the start of the story. Then she meets Bridge and her entire existence changes.
This novella takes place over the span of a year, so significant periods of time pass with no communication between the leads, but every time they are together the tension is thick and spicy.
I really like how Olivia is the fluid one, flexible and open minded even as her profession as a prosecuting attorney comes into conflict with Bridge’s past and present—plus the fact she has always identified as straight. Their interactions are sweet and meaningful. I was cheering for the two of them from the start. Even in this compact format, I felt the secondary characters were well-developed and hold a special place in my heart, especially Gladys and Dena, who are essential supports for our two mains and completely awesome in their own ways.
This story is a slow-burn and ends at a turning point in Bridge and Olivia’s relationship that begs for a sequel. It’s filled with love, hope, and sweetness. This is a read I want to revisit time and time again, each time I notice some new meaning.
A wonderful, heartwarming read I highly recommend.
My rating: five stars on top of the most beautiful Christmas tree ever.
I received this novel from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This novella takes place over the span of a year, so significant periods of time pass with no communication between the leads, but every time they are together the tension is thick and spicy.
I really like how Olivia is the fluid one, flexible and open minded even as her profession as a prosecuting attorney comes into conflict with Bridge’s past and present—plus the fact she has always identified as straight. Their interactions are sweet and meaningful. I was cheering for the two of them from the start. Even in this compact format, I felt the secondary characters were well-developed and hold a special place in my heart, especially Gladys and Dena, who are essential supports for our two mains and completely awesome in their own ways.
This story is a slow-burn and ends at a turning point in Bridge and Olivia’s relationship that begs for a sequel. It’s filled with love, hope, and sweetness. This is a read I want to revisit time and time again, each time I notice some new meaning.
A wonderful, heartwarming read I highly recommend.
My rating: five stars on top of the most beautiful Christmas tree ever.
I received this novel from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 28, 2020
I really struggled with this which was a let down. The whole story just felt forced, there was no chemistry even though we're told there is, and it was really predictable.
November 24, 2020
Wonderful Christmas romance story. Bridge runs farm all year and also a Christmas tree farm. Olivia first meets Bridge while getting a Christmas tree. You follow Bridge and Olivia through the seasons at the farm as they grow closer. It really puts you in the holiday sprint of giving and family. 🎄💚
December 13, 2020
Wonderful!
An ex-con and a prosecutor. That can only cause problems, right? Tis The Season is a great, feel good holiday read. I liked the plot, the cozy environment and how the romance evolved between the main characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
An ex-con and a prosecutor. That can only cause problems, right? Tis The Season is a great, feel good holiday read. I liked the plot, the cozy environment and how the romance evolved between the main characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 20, 2020
Tis the Season is a cute and sweet holiday romance novella. The story follows ex-con who currently runs a farm named Bridge, and up and coming prosecutor, Olivia.
Just like in Dreamers previous works I’ve read, the story and characters just suck you in. In no time at all I was rooting for the characters HEA! I absolutely adore Bridge. She is compassionate, kind, and strong. But I’m secretly hoping for a follow up because I want more of side character, Gladys and her backstory. She is a hoot!
In general, short stories can be hit or miss for me. I typically find myself wanting so much more from the story, and while I wouldn’t have minded more of a story, I really liked that this was a novella. Because of the smaller word count, the story was able to focus on the sweet romance between the MCs, without bringing in lots of angst.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable holiday romance novella. Highly recommend to fans of Hallmark Holiday Movies or looking for a sweet novella.
I received an ARC for an honest review
Just like in Dreamers previous works I’ve read, the story and characters just suck you in. In no time at all I was rooting for the characters HEA! I absolutely adore Bridge. She is compassionate, kind, and strong. But I’m secretly hoping for a follow up because I want more of side character, Gladys and her backstory. She is a hoot!
In general, short stories can be hit or miss for me. I typically find myself wanting so much more from the story, and while I wouldn’t have minded more of a story, I really liked that this was a novella. Because of the smaller word count, the story was able to focus on the sweet romance between the MCs, without bringing in lots of angst.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable holiday romance novella. Highly recommend to fans of Hallmark Holiday Movies or looking for a sweet novella.
I received an ARC for an honest review
January 1, 2021
This wonderful slow burn romance takes place over the span of a year and follows ex-con Bridge and prosecutor Liv as one fateful meeting changes both of their lives forever.
Bridge has a heart of gold and is smooth as hell, I loved her from start to finish. She doesn’t change much throughout the story but she doesn’t need to. She is so genuine and caring. Her very presence is all that’s needed. Bridge is kind, sweet, strong, compassionate, and she radiates goodness. Liv has always done what is expected of her, went into law like both of her parents, she’s dating the safe college boyfriend who had similar career aspirations. Once Liv meets Bridge everything very slowly starts to come into focus. Liv has a great character arc. There were a few times where I didn’t like her very much, be it her being rude or making judgmental comments, but she learns and grows both as a person and her world view and it is really great to follow.
I loved how this story progressed. I never felt rushed as it took place over the year. Liv has so much growth and self discovery to go through and I liked how Dreamer gave her time to find herself. I loved how each of the four seasons were used throughout the story as Liv keeps coming back to the farm.
This story is oh so sweet and flowed very organically. There is a great progression of the characters and the interactions of Liv and Bridge. I loved seeing them together as those two crazy kids kept dancing around their feelings for each other.
Tis the Season is incredibly heartwarming and sweet. This is a wonderful holiday love story full of laughs and heart.
Bridge has a heart of gold and is smooth as hell, I loved her from start to finish. She doesn’t change much throughout the story but she doesn’t need to. She is so genuine and caring. Her very presence is all that’s needed. Bridge is kind, sweet, strong, compassionate, and she radiates goodness. Liv has always done what is expected of her, went into law like both of her parents, she’s dating the safe college boyfriend who had similar career aspirations. Once Liv meets Bridge everything very slowly starts to come into focus. Liv has a great character arc. There were a few times where I didn’t like her very much, be it her being rude or making judgmental comments, but she learns and grows both as a person and her world view and it is really great to follow.
I loved how this story progressed. I never felt rushed as it took place over the year. Liv has so much growth and self discovery to go through and I liked how Dreamer gave her time to find herself. I loved how each of the four seasons were used throughout the story as Liv keeps coming back to the farm.
This story is oh so sweet and flowed very organically. There is a great progression of the characters and the interactions of Liv and Bridge. I loved seeing them together as those two crazy kids kept dancing around their feelings for each other.
Tis the Season is incredibly heartwarming and sweet. This is a wonderful holiday love story full of laughs and heart.
December 13, 2025
Reread #3 -
Fav christmasy novella love
Reread #2 (and it’s only July)
This really is the perfect Christmas novella, I do wish we got a sex scene though :(
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This was so freaking cute! I adore the premise of an ex-con who starts a new life helping other ex-cons and falls for a prosecutor. Both Liv and Bridge were both such sweethearts and it was so sweet seeing Liv realise her attraction to Bridge.
Liv was a little hot and cold which was frustrating, I wish when she came back the last time she gave a bit more of an apology and explanation. Like telling Bridge she held off so she could come out to her friends and family before jumping headfirst into a relationship with a woman.
But honestly this books biggest crime is being so short, this could have easily been a bit more fleshed out so there wasn’t as many time jumps and a better exploration of the ex-con and prosecutor complications and just more of them building a relationship.
Fav christmasy novella love
Reread #2 (and it’s only July)
This really is the perfect Christmas novella, I do wish we got a sex scene though :(
_______________________________________________
This was so freaking cute! I adore the premise of an ex-con who starts a new life helping other ex-cons and falls for a prosecutor. Both Liv and Bridge were both such sweethearts and it was so sweet seeing Liv realise her attraction to Bridge.
Liv was a little hot and cold which was frustrating, I wish when she came back the last time she gave a bit more of an apology and explanation. Like telling Bridge she held off so she could come out to her friends and family before jumping headfirst into a relationship with a woman.
But honestly this books biggest crime is being so short, this could have easily been a bit more fleshed out so there wasn’t as many time jumps and a better exploration of the ex-con and prosecutor complications and just more of them building a relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2020
This is a wonderful heartwarming holiday romance. Bridge is a likable hardworking woman with a bit of a sorted past. Olivia is a beautiful successful lawyer living a predictable, but busy life. Even though their pairing seems a bit unlikely, their chemistry is just too hard to resist. The result is a slow-burn romance that is a perfectly paced, keeping readers engaged and turning pages.
Dreamer is a solid writer and never fails to give her readers an enjoyable read; this story is no different. Slated as a holiday romance, it follows Bridge and Olivia’s budding friendship-turned-romance from one Christmas season to the next. It’s filled with tender and touching moments, just as any good holiday-themed romance should.
At first glance, this story has “the feel” of a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie. However, Dreamer chops out the cheese with her well constructed story and character arcs. Even though this is a novella, she gives it substance and builds on the essential elements of the story, thus avoiding those cringy cheesy moments.
If you love holiday romances, then you should delight in this one. It is an engaging and sweet story that’s sure to melt your heart. I’d encourage all lesfic romance readers to pick this one up. It’s really quite lovely.
Strengths…
Sweet
Charming
Likable characters
Quick, easy read
holiday themed
Well written
Dreamer is a solid writer and never fails to give her readers an enjoyable read; this story is no different. Slated as a holiday romance, it follows Bridge and Olivia’s budding friendship-turned-romance from one Christmas season to the next. It’s filled with tender and touching moments, just as any good holiday-themed romance should.
At first glance, this story has “the feel” of a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie. However, Dreamer chops out the cheese with her well constructed story and character arcs. Even though this is a novella, she gives it substance and builds on the essential elements of the story, thus avoiding those cringy cheesy moments.
If you love holiday romances, then you should delight in this one. It is an engaging and sweet story that’s sure to melt your heart. I’d encourage all lesfic romance readers to pick this one up. It’s really quite lovely.
Strengths…
Sweet
Charming
Likable characters
Quick, easy read
holiday themed
Well written
December 8, 2020
Luci Dreamer is becoming a favorite of mine. This is a novella but could be part of a series.
I love the set up. Bridgette is an ex-con who made won a grant and created Dirty Hands Farm that hires ex-cons. The farm seems like a place I would love to visit though out the year. The camaraderie amongst the workers is kindhearted and heartwarming. Olivia is a prosecutor who first visits the farm with her boyfriend of 10 years.
I enjoyed the storyline as it progressed through the holidays.
I love the set up. Bridgette is an ex-con who made won a grant and created Dirty Hands Farm that hires ex-cons. The farm seems like a place I would love to visit though out the year. The camaraderie amongst the workers is kindhearted and heartwarming. Olivia is a prosecutor who first visits the farm with her boyfriend of 10 years.
I enjoyed the storyline as it progressed through the holidays.
December 27, 2020
Short but made me smile.
I had Alexa read this book to me and I really enjoyed it. After serving time for a crime committed in her youth, the MC owns and operates a seasonal farm that hires folks coming out of the prison system and helps them get their feet on the ground. A young prosecuting attorney and her boyfriend come to the farm to buy their Christmas tree and the two women meet. The story begins there. A slow burn romance, no explicit sex, well written.
I had Alexa read this book to me and I really enjoyed it. After serving time for a crime committed in her youth, the MC owns and operates a seasonal farm that hires folks coming out of the prison system and helps them get their feet on the ground. A young prosecuting attorney and her boyfriend come to the farm to buy their Christmas tree and the two women meet. The story begins there. A slow burn romance, no explicit sex, well written.
June 30, 2021
A light fluffy one. Predictable. Sweet. Undemanding. I was in the right mood to read it. I do wonder why I have never seen a meteor shower and I guess I will Google them to see if it's something I can rectify.
January 27, 2021
I was hooked by Dirty Hands Farm and operator and ex-con Bridgette/Bridge then Prosecutor Olivia entered the picture to sink me even further in this slow burn, butch/femme, age gap romance. Events take place over the span of a year interwoven with angst and romance with supporting characters particularly Gladys, Dena and slimy Derick fleshing out the storyline. There were a couple blips in the plot but overall the premise of opposites attract hit the spot with the possibility of a HEA. I read slowly, to the end. 2020 has been a crappy year and Ms. Dreamer's writing has lifted my spirits. Gladys' story should be told ;)
December 18, 2020
Cute
Sweet. Slow build. Took the entire story to get together at all and just ended. I liked the premise, but when I think of farm to table its more to restaurants.. I know its a novella, but not much brought in on Olivia's profession. It was okay. I still enjoyed it, may read again.
Sweet. Slow build. Took the entire story to get together at all and just ended. I liked the premise, but when I think of farm to table its more to restaurants.. I know its a novella, but not much brought in on Olivia's profession. It was okay. I still enjoyed it, may read again.
November 27, 2020
I received an ARC of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
One of the few bright spots this year has been discovering feel-good contemporary wlw romances. I got to read ‘In the Black’ by Luci Dreamer earlier in the year for a Sapphic Book Club read and absolutely adored it, so I was thrilled to have the chance to review another book by her. (Would recommend reading with a hot beverage of choice, because it’s just that kind of cozy read.)
Bridgette and Olivia were excellent protagonists, and I think that’s really where Deamer excels - creating very human characters that you just can’t help but root for. Neither character is defined by their circumstances; while Bridgette finds it difficult to escape her past, her characterisation allows her to be defined far beyond those limits. Similarly with Olivia, while her life circumstances feel rigid, she’s a character that immediately comes off as so much more than a girl whose trapped by her responsibilities.
The dynamic between the two of them was sweet and easy, and it was hard not to root for them from the beginning. Their chemistry sizzled slowly, and because the book leans towards the fluffier side of things, it eventually frothed over into a really sweet homecoming for the both of them. I really liked the friendship that developed between them throughout the story (this was also something I loved about ‘In the Black’) and it made their relationship feel so much stronger.
As a novella, things obviously moved faster than they would in a full-length novel, but Dreamer manages to perfectly balance moments of tension with reconciliation, creating a well-paced plot that rounds off in a really satisfying way. The side characters were also wonderful; Bridgette’s staff at the farm are lively and hilarious and provided several laughs. Olivia’s friends and family feature a little less prominently, but every supporting character created a really loving, comforting atmosphere that’s perfect for a holiday story.
One of the few bright spots this year has been discovering feel-good contemporary wlw romances. I got to read ‘In the Black’ by Luci Dreamer earlier in the year for a Sapphic Book Club read and absolutely adored it, so I was thrilled to have the chance to review another book by her. (Would recommend reading with a hot beverage of choice, because it’s just that kind of cozy read.)
Bridgette and Olivia were excellent protagonists, and I think that’s really where Deamer excels - creating very human characters that you just can’t help but root for. Neither character is defined by their circumstances; while Bridgette finds it difficult to escape her past, her characterisation allows her to be defined far beyond those limits. Similarly with Olivia, while her life circumstances feel rigid, she’s a character that immediately comes off as so much more than a girl whose trapped by her responsibilities.
The dynamic between the two of them was sweet and easy, and it was hard not to root for them from the beginning. Their chemistry sizzled slowly, and because the book leans towards the fluffier side of things, it eventually frothed over into a really sweet homecoming for the both of them. I really liked the friendship that developed between them throughout the story (this was also something I loved about ‘In the Black’) and it made their relationship feel so much stronger.
As a novella, things obviously moved faster than they would in a full-length novel, but Dreamer manages to perfectly balance moments of tension with reconciliation, creating a well-paced plot that rounds off in a really satisfying way. The side characters were also wonderful; Bridgette’s staff at the farm are lively and hilarious and provided several laughs. Olivia’s friends and family feature a little less prominently, but every supporting character created a really loving, comforting atmosphere that’s perfect for a holiday story.
January 17, 2021
Very enjoyable and highly unusual storyline
Bridge and Olivia were definitely opposites in this story. Their characters were well defined as well as clearly identified sexual at the beginning and then how Olivia started having strange feelings and doubts. Meanwhile poor Bridges character was given a roller coaster ride of mixed feelings and signals. But, the story stuck to the storyline and was well written. This is the first book that I have read that addressed this topic and it was refreshing. Even the lack of sex scenes didn’t take away from this well written book. Great.job by the author.
Bridge and Olivia were definitely opposites in this story. Their characters were well defined as well as clearly identified sexual at the beginning and then how Olivia started having strange feelings and doubts. Meanwhile poor Bridges character was given a roller coaster ride of mixed feelings and signals. But, the story stuck to the storyline and was well written. This is the first book that I have read that addressed this topic and it was refreshing. Even the lack of sex scenes didn’t take away from this well written book. Great.job by the author.
November 24, 2020
What a beautiful story this was once again by Luci Dreamer. Bridge the ex con and Olivia the prosecutor are attracted to each other right away. Even if Olivia first doesn’t realize that she is because she has a boyfriend and always thought about herself as straight. How both were drawn to each other and got closer on every page was so beautifully written. The pace was just perfect. I won’t reveal anything just that if you’re a romance lover, you have to read this. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a rewiev.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a rewiev.
November 25, 2020
This is a short but sweet novella about opposites attracting. Bridge is an ex-con who runs a farm that is staffed by others like herself. She is a compassionate woman and wants to help them restart their lives. Olivia is a prosecutor with a boyfriend who is trying to make partner in his firm and asks her to marry him. The immediate attraction between them may change everything. Nice holiday romance.
November 26, 2020
A shortish holiday romance that takes place over a year. Interesting main character backgrounds- well one, the other is more traditional but being a short book we don't really see it. And that is probably my only complaint. I would have liked one of the main characters to be more fleshed out, but that would mean a longer book. A delicate balance was struck between a shortish book but not feeling rushed. Given 3 stars but really 3.5. as held my attention.
December 15, 2020
This is a feel-good holiday romance taking place over a one-year time frame from Christmas to Christmas. There are clearly a few hurdles in the way of the main characters, and a few sexual identity tropes to further muddle things up. Given the novella format the characters are reasonably well developed and are interesting enough that some of the cliches can be overlooked. A little more together time developing the relationship would be nice, but overall a good read.
December 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book. The two mains are opposites; one is a prosecutor and the other an ex-con. The prosecutor is straight while the ex-con is not. When they meet, there is an immediate attraction, well, after an unpleasant initial impression regarding muddy shoes. The main characters and their feelings were well done, and the secondary characters were also interesting. The romance is sweet and slow.
December 27, 2020
Cheerful
Cheerful, romantic and sweet story I recommend, is about love, family, holiday seasons and a big lesson. The main characters, Bridget and Olivia are captivating, joyful and kind. Bridget is an ex con, successful and genuine, she learned her lesson, she has a big heart, and her character is enigmatic, and honest, a woman who deserves my admiration. I definitely recommend it.
Cheerful, romantic and sweet story I recommend, is about love, family, holiday seasons and a big lesson. The main characters, Bridget and Olivia are captivating, joyful and kind. Bridget is an ex con, successful and genuine, she learned her lesson, she has a big heart, and her character is enigmatic, and honest, a woman who deserves my admiration. I definitely recommend it.
February 8, 2021
Pure Christmas Joy!
This was the first I’ve read Luci Dreamer and it won’t be the last! Olivia and Bridge are authentic characters who come together at Bridge’s farm. They
both have experienced life-altering changes and are
from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Oh, and did I mention, Olivia is about to get married...to a man! All this amid a busy Christmas season. This is a sweet holiday story that will make you smile!
This was the first I’ve read Luci Dreamer and it won’t be the last! Olivia and Bridge are authentic characters who come together at Bridge’s farm. They
both have experienced life-altering changes and are
from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Oh, and did I mention, Olivia is about to get married...to a man! All this amid a busy Christmas season. This is a sweet holiday story that will make you smile!
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