What do you think?
Rate this book
A Christmas Tart
On the third day of Christmas these childhood rivals have perfect chemis-tree!
Patrick Laroux and Maxine Redgrave hate each other. It’s palpable. The whole town knows it. They have been at each other’s throats since their sand castle building days.
But what everyone doesn’t know is that there was a winter, a long time ago, when Max had a secret and Patrick was there for her. They forgot to be hateful and thought maybe, just maybe they were in love….But you know, then it all fell apart.
Until now...
Get ready to watch tension fly and the three french biddies meddle when Max and Patrick reconnect at the Laurent Bakery in Martha's vineyard.
A Christmas Tart is a standalone novella with an HEA, but it features characters from the Universe of all of Lola West's books.
Pine-ing for the perfect holiday romance? It’s love at frost sight with The 12 Days of Kissmas! A dozen standalone holiday novellas so steamy they’re sure to melt that winter chill. From dashing doctors to dirty-talking mountain men, staying off the naughty list just got a whole lot harder.
Patrick Laroux and Maxine Redgrave hate each other. It’s palpable. The whole town knows it. They have been at each other’s throats since their sand castle building days.
But what everyone doesn’t know is that there was a winter, a long time ago, when Max had a secret and Patrick was there for her. They forgot to be hateful and thought maybe, just maybe they were in love….But you know, then it all fell apart.
Until now...
Get ready to watch tension fly and the three french biddies meddle when Max and Patrick reconnect at the Laurent Bakery in Martha's vineyard.
A Christmas Tart is a standalone novella with an HEA, but it features characters from the Universe of all of Lola West's books.
Pine-ing for the perfect holiday romance? It’s love at frost sight with The 12 Days of Kissmas! A dozen standalone holiday novellas so steamy they’re sure to melt that winter chill. From dashing doctors to dirty-talking mountain men, staying off the naughty list just got a whole lot harder.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2021
75 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Lola West
22 books379 followersLola's Website
Lola's Instagram
Lola's Facebook
Lola's Bookbub
Lola's Amazon Author Page
Lola West is the queen of sweet, smart, silly, sexy romance! She has a PhD in women's studies and a flair for the dramatic. She likes cotton candy, astronomy, kitten heels
and small town hunks.
Lola is a pen name.
The minds behind Lola are just like you - everyday people living regular lives, happy to day dream about sexy men and the sassy women they love.
LONG LIVE THE BOOK BOYFRIEND!
Lola's Instagram
Lola's Facebook
Lola's Bookbub
Lola's Amazon Author Page
Lola West is the queen of sweet, smart, silly, sexy romance! She has a PhD in women's studies and a flair for the dramatic. She likes cotton candy, astronomy, kitten heels
and small town hunks.
Lola is a pen name.
The minds behind Lola are just like you - everyday people living regular lives, happy to day dream about sexy men and the sassy women they love.
LONG LIVE THE BOOK BOYFRIEND!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 5, 2021
Lola has once again given us a couple that you want to fall in love with and cheer for while watching there angsty second chance unfold!
Maxine and Patrick had a beautiful friendship that blossomed but before they could have it all, she left him. Now ten years later they are in the same town with a few meddling aunts that know there is still some spark left in this feisty head strong couple. They now have the task of making the Christmas event of the town a hit, but they must work on it together!! This is about to get interesting!
Max is saucy, sweet, bold and beautiful and Patrick has certainly grown into himself and is more than ready for the challenge that is all Maxine! Get ready for a Christmas neither will forget!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Maxine and Patrick had a beautiful friendship that blossomed but before they could have it all, she left him. Now ten years later they are in the same town with a few meddling aunts that know there is still some spark left in this feisty head strong couple. They now have the task of making the Christmas event of the town a hit, but they must work on it together!! This is about to get interesting!
Max is saucy, sweet, bold and beautiful and Patrick has certainly grown into himself and is more than ready for the challenge that is all Maxine! Get ready for a Christmas neither will forget!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
January 28, 2022
RATING: 4.5⭐️
This story was simply too short 😈 I adore Patrick and Maxine and could have spent a few more chapters with them. I seriously cannot wait for more… please Lola can we meet everyone in a book again soon 🙏🏽
🔥cute Christmas novella
🔥second chances
🔥friends-to-enemies-to lovers
🔥dirty talking H
🥺sadly no defiling of baked goods like in Frenzy… a cupcake and eclair will never be the same IYKYK
We first glimpse Maxine and Patrick in Reckless Boy and then we see Patrick again in Rockin’ Her Curves.
The Martha’s Vineyard’s Coopération des Entreprises: Christmas Marketplace is celebrating its twenty-fifth year of success and it’s co-creators, the Laurent sisters have decided to pass the torch in to the next generation.
Patrick Leroux is more like a son than a nephew to the Laurent sisters and they want to see him happy. And after a heartbreaking, gut wrenching moment of childhood miscommunication they know it’s high time they bring their beloved friend and mentee Maxine Redgrave and Patrick back together. Even if they have to force the issue.
These two have had a love-hate thing going on for more than a decade. I’m talking snarky retorts and crossing the street to avoid each other. Yet they both want the same thing and have since the day they parted. Their forced closeness planning the Christmas Marketplace has the flames rekindled and when they finally do it’s kismet.
Hot steamy dirty talking moments of pure carnal delight and that ending!!
⚠️ While not a bad thing, thought I’d mention: teenage pregnancy, adoption, unplanned pregnancy
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
This story was simply too short 😈 I adore Patrick and Maxine and could have spent a few more chapters with them. I seriously cannot wait for more… please Lola can we meet everyone in a book again soon 🙏🏽
🔥cute Christmas novella
🔥second chances
🔥friends-to-enemies-to lovers
🔥dirty talking H
🥺sadly no defiling of baked goods like in Frenzy… a cupcake and eclair will never be the same IYKYK
We first glimpse Maxine and Patrick in Reckless Boy and then we see Patrick again in Rockin’ Her Curves.
The Martha’s Vineyard’s Coopération des Entreprises: Christmas Marketplace is celebrating its twenty-fifth year of success and it’s co-creators, the Laurent sisters have decided to pass the torch in to the next generation.
Patrick Leroux is more like a son than a nephew to the Laurent sisters and they want to see him happy. And after a heartbreaking, gut wrenching moment of childhood miscommunication they know it’s high time they bring their beloved friend and mentee Maxine Redgrave and Patrick back together. Even if they have to force the issue.
These two have had a love-hate thing going on for more than a decade. I’m talking snarky retorts and crossing the street to avoid each other. Yet they both want the same thing and have since the day they parted. Their forced closeness planning the Christmas Marketplace has the flames rekindled and when they finally do it’s kismet.
Hot steamy dirty talking moments of pure carnal delight and that ending!!
⚠️ While not a bad thing, thought I’d mention: teenage pregnancy, adoption, unplanned pregnancy
𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub
December 3, 2021
Cute "little" Xmas novella
Lola West knows how to make me smile. Patrick and Max were so likeable that you couldn't help but root for them to finally fall into each other's arms.
HEA finally came with a little extra Christmas present from them to solidified that they were meant to be!
Lola West knows how to make me smile. Patrick and Max were so likeable that you couldn't help but root for them to finally fall into each other's arms.
HEA finally came with a little extra Christmas present from them to solidified that they were meant to be!
November 30, 2021
A Christmas Tart is a fun novella that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Maxine and Patrick have know each other for many years. They had a falling out, Patrick is very angry and they haven’t been able to move beyond the events of the past.
However, there is so much tension and angst and heat between the two - something has to give.
Lola write fantastic, sweet, HOT and steamy stories with wonderful characters. Although this is a short story, you fall in love with the characters and their HEA.
I requested an arc and I’m leaving my honest review.
Maxine and Patrick have know each other for many years. They had a falling out, Patrick is very angry and they haven’t been able to move beyond the events of the past.
However, there is so much tension and angst and heat between the two - something has to give.
Lola write fantastic, sweet, HOT and steamy stories with wonderful characters. Although this is a short story, you fall in love with the characters and their HEA.
I requested an arc and I’m leaving my honest review.
December 5, 2021
This was my first Lola West romance read and I really enjoyed it! A Christmas Tart is an enemies to lovers, second chance romance and was a treat to read! Patrick and Max burn up the page with their off the charts chemistry and I for one could not read this book fast enough. Their happily ever after was super sweet. I’m giving A Christmas Tart the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
December 3, 2021
As they say hate sometimes come from deep love.
Max has broken Patrick's heart once which ended them being enemies their whole life.
Will a Christmas Miracle be enough to spark that love back???
There are hidden secrets from the past and feelings they haven't shared with anyone ever.
With three meddling aunts and a Christmas Marketplace to be organised things start to change.
It's a fun read filled with emotions that tugs your heart 😁.
I received an ARC copy for a honest review 😊.
Max has broken Patrick's heart once which ended them being enemies their whole life.
Will a Christmas Miracle be enough to spark that love back???
There are hidden secrets from the past and feelings they haven't shared with anyone ever.
With three meddling aunts and a Christmas Marketplace to be organised things start to change.
It's a fun read filled with emotions that tugs your heart 😁.
I received an ARC copy for a honest review 😊.
December 2, 2021
Another really quick, really cute holiday themed story with a bit more angst. There's something about the way this author writes these short, punchy stories that just give me everything I need in the moment I read them in (usually) less than 100 pages. Magic. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2021
This was a good novella. I think it probably should’ve been a little longer because while I know novellas are short, this did not feel complete.
August 9, 2023
WOW!! I absolutely love this book!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.
Patrick meets Maxine when she is sixteen, he lives with his aunts who own a bakery on Martha's Vineyard. Max comes to stay with Patrick's aunts because she finds herself pregnant at sixteen and her parents don't want anyone to know about it. After Max gives birth to a baby girl her parents take her from Martha's Vineyard to Paris. Patrick doesn't know what happened to her until six months later when she comes back. Max wanted to stay on Martha's Vineyard she and Patrick had fallen in love. Max comes back to the island and her father buys her a bookstore, she knows this is where she wants to live. Patrick takes over the bakery for his aunts and is just a few doors away from Max they are now nemesis with one another. When Patrick's aunts decide they are getting to old to do the Christmas Marketplace they put him and Max in charge. Patrick know his aunts have a different agenda for putting him and Max in charge. The aunts tell Patrick and Max they have a meeting in the morning with the owner of the Red Barn at six in the morning. Patrick tells Max to be ready by five thirty and he will pick her up, then he goes to have a few words with his aunts. Patrick arrives early to pick up Max, he wants to annoy her he can see she is not awake yet. When she turns on her lights to get ready he blows the horn and two minute after that until Max comes out the door. When they arrive at the Red Barn the owner walks then along the hiking trail to watch the sun rise over the ocean. Max is in her high heels and has a hard time walking in the sand. Patrick offers to carry her on his back, but she tells him she is fine. When Max almost twist her ankle he tells her she' not fine and makes her get on his back. After the owner leaves them Patrick and Max call a truce so they can get through the planning of the Christmas Marketplace. When Max meets her best friend Leah at the bakery she finds out she is pregnant. Patrick gets the code to the Red Barn after having to talk to all three of his aunts. Then he meets Max there to go over a few things, he brings food for them to sample. Max is trying to figure out how to repair the lights above when Patrick walks in and catches her. When she sees he brought some food she tries to get it from him but he doesn't let her. When she touches his chest a line gets crossed and they start kissing, soon they are making out and ripping each others clothes off. Patrick and Max meet for weeks having "meetings" over the planning of the Christmas Marketplace. Patrick doesn't want to tell Max how he feels about her he's afraid she will disappear once again. When Max gets ready for the Christmas Marketplace she ordered a little Ms. Clause outfit to wear for Patrick, only problem is its fitting a little tighter. Max soon realizes she might be pregnant, so she gets a pregnancy test and it's positive. Max tries to avoid Patrick all night, but when he spots her in her outfit he knows he needs to talk to her. She heads to the restroom and he follows her, she's about to burst into tears. When Patrick asks her if she's his Christmas Tart that takes her back to when she had her first child and the doctors in the hallway talking about her. Max takes off and runs to her car. Patrick tries to follow her but he doesn't want everyone to know, his aunts see him and tell him to go after her she is crying. When Patrick reaches her she is standing outside of her car, she tells him she forgot her keys. He asks her why is she running, she tells him she messed up again. She tells him she's the tart she's always the tart. She tells him she's pregnant again, Patrick is ecstatic about the news. She tells him she knows he doesn't want the baby, because of his parents. Patrick tells her he loves her, he's loved her since he was a boy and he'll love her until he the day he dies. She asks him if he really does and he tells her yes he loves her. Max tells him but she's pregnant and he tells her that the best Christmas present ever. Max tells him she loves him too. Patrick tells her if she ever tries to run away again he will chase her, he will hunt her down and drag her back home, because they belong together. Max tells him forever, then Patrick tells her, and ever.
Patrick meets Maxine when she is sixteen, he lives with his aunts who own a bakery on Martha's Vineyard. Max comes to stay with Patrick's aunts because she finds herself pregnant at sixteen and her parents don't want anyone to know about it. After Max gives birth to a baby girl her parents take her from Martha's Vineyard to Paris. Patrick doesn't know what happened to her until six months later when she comes back. Max wanted to stay on Martha's Vineyard she and Patrick had fallen in love. Max comes back to the island and her father buys her a bookstore, she knows this is where she wants to live. Patrick takes over the bakery for his aunts and is just a few doors away from Max they are now nemesis with one another. When Patrick's aunts decide they are getting to old to do the Christmas Marketplace they put him and Max in charge. Patrick know his aunts have a different agenda for putting him and Max in charge. The aunts tell Patrick and Max they have a meeting in the morning with the owner of the Red Barn at six in the morning. Patrick tells Max to be ready by five thirty and he will pick her up, then he goes to have a few words with his aunts. Patrick arrives early to pick up Max, he wants to annoy her he can see she is not awake yet. When she turns on her lights to get ready he blows the horn and two minute after that until Max comes out the door. When they arrive at the Red Barn the owner walks then along the hiking trail to watch the sun rise over the ocean. Max is in her high heels and has a hard time walking in the sand. Patrick offers to carry her on his back, but she tells him she is fine. When Max almost twist her ankle he tells her she' not fine and makes her get on his back. After the owner leaves them Patrick and Max call a truce so they can get through the planning of the Christmas Marketplace. When Max meets her best friend Leah at the bakery she finds out she is pregnant. Patrick gets the code to the Red Barn after having to talk to all three of his aunts. Then he meets Max there to go over a few things, he brings food for them to sample. Max is trying to figure out how to repair the lights above when Patrick walks in and catches her. When she sees he brought some food she tries to get it from him but he doesn't let her. When she touches his chest a line gets crossed and they start kissing, soon they are making out and ripping each others clothes off. Patrick and Max meet for weeks having "meetings" over the planning of the Christmas Marketplace. Patrick doesn't want to tell Max how he feels about her he's afraid she will disappear once again. When Max gets ready for the Christmas Marketplace she ordered a little Ms. Clause outfit to wear for Patrick, only problem is its fitting a little tighter. Max soon realizes she might be pregnant, so she gets a pregnancy test and it's positive. Max tries to avoid Patrick all night, but when he spots her in her outfit he knows he needs to talk to her. She heads to the restroom and he follows her, she's about to burst into tears. When Patrick asks her if she's his Christmas Tart that takes her back to when she had her first child and the doctors in the hallway talking about her. Max takes off and runs to her car. Patrick tries to follow her but he doesn't want everyone to know, his aunts see him and tell him to go after her she is crying. When Patrick reaches her she is standing outside of her car, she tells him she forgot her keys. He asks her why is she running, she tells him she messed up again. She tells him she's the tart she's always the tart. She tells him she's pregnant again, Patrick is ecstatic about the news. She tells him she knows he doesn't want the baby, because of his parents. Patrick tells her he loves her, he's loved her since he was a boy and he'll love her until he the day he dies. She asks him if he really does and he tells her yes he loves her. Max tells him but she's pregnant and he tells her that the best Christmas present ever. Max tells him she loves him too. Patrick tells her if she ever tries to run away again he will chase her, he will hunt her down and drag her back home, because they belong together. Max tells him forever, then Patrick tells her, and ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2021
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL
Patrick and Max had been best friends once upon a time. But when she never returned to the island one summer, she crushed his heart. Now she's back and he has yet to forgive her. Now these one time besties are enemies and spreading Grinchey bah humbugs all over the place. But with three very determined (read, meddling) aunts, Patrick does not stand a chance at going another Christmas without reconnecting with the woman he's never gotten his heart back from.
Enemies to lovers, second chance, and a holiday romance all rolled into one?! I am so there for all of that, and I loved every page as Patrick's aunts meddled Max and Patrick into admitting how they felt for each other. I felt for Max as her backstory came out, and I loved Patrick as he was there for her.
ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
December 7, 2021
Maxine Redgrave grew up as one of the "summer people" of Martha's Vineyard, but after she made a "mistake" at age 16, her wealthy parents exiled her to the island to spend the fall. To lend credibility to the cover story that Max was spending a semester in France, her parents hired the three Laurent sisters to teach her French. Max had been at odds with their nephew, Patrick Laroux, since they were toddlers, but surprisingly, they became friends (and possibly more) that fall. Unfortunately, the relationship ended badly when Max left the island without saying goodbye, and Patrick has hated her ever since. Ten years later, Patrick has taken over his family's bakery and Max has moved back to the island to run an independent bookstore. With Christmas approaching, the local business owners' association, led by Patrick's aunts, is preparing for the annual Christmas Marketplace. Patrick and Max are both shocked when his aunts suddenly announce they're too old to organize the event and name the two of them as their successors. Can a bit of Christmas magic - and some help from a trio of matchmaking French aunties - bring these two back together?
"A Christmas Tart" was a short read (it only took me about an hour), but it had a nice amount of steam to it. The true story behind Max's exile to the island when they were teenagers, as well as the reason she left Patrick so abruptly, broke my heart, but learning everything that she'd been through made it even easier to cheer her and Patrick on to their HEA. The story's ending was super sweet, and I loved the glimpse of what's to come in Andrew Warner's story ("Summer's Dad Bod").
I highly recommend this story for all fans of contemporary/holiday romance and look forward to whatever Lola West writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
"A Christmas Tart" was a short read (it only took me about an hour), but it had a nice amount of steam to it. The true story behind Max's exile to the island when they were teenagers, as well as the reason she left Patrick so abruptly, broke my heart, but learning everything that she'd been through made it even easier to cheer her and Patrick on to their HEA. The story's ending was super sweet, and I loved the glimpse of what's to come in Andrew Warner's story ("Summer's Dad Bod").
I highly recommend this story for all fans of contemporary/holiday romance and look forward to whatever Lola West writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 24, 2022
A Christmas Tart [12 Days of Kissmas]
These are christmas themed romance books with steamy bits.. These books are wrote by different authors in this series Set in a small town.. I give this book between 2.5 stars to 3 stars.. It was a good romance book but not my fav in this series
This book Follows Patrick and Maxine's story.. It was a good romance, steamy bits, a christmas feel, sweet, cute and fast read.. This book is a Baker/bookstore owner Romance and a Second chance romance..
Patrick - Runs his own bakery, He is funny, sassy, Grumpy, kind, baker and caring, He has 3 awesome aunts, He got hurt in the past, Always there if anyone needs help and always looks after the people he cares about, He still loves Maxine
Maxine - Runs her own bookstore, She is sweet, sassy and caring, She has a sad past, She does not have a close relationship with her family, She looks out for the people that mean something to her, She still loves Patrick
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Sassy characters
⦁ Baker/Bookstore Owner Romance
⦁ A bit Steamy
⦁ Second Chance Romance
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Christmas feel
⦁ Over 18+ Readers
⦁ Fast Read
I liked the relationship between Patrick and Maxine.. The characters are so awesome and Its nice to see that everything worked out and they got a happy ending..
These are christmas themed romance books with steamy bits.. These books are wrote by different authors in this series Set in a small town.. I give this book between 2.5 stars to 3 stars.. It was a good romance book but not my fav in this series
This book Follows Patrick and Maxine's story.. It was a good romance, steamy bits, a christmas feel, sweet, cute and fast read.. This book is a Baker/bookstore owner Romance and a Second chance romance..
Patrick - Runs his own bakery, He is funny, sassy, Grumpy, kind, baker and caring, He has 3 awesome aunts, He got hurt in the past, Always there if anyone needs help and always looks after the people he cares about, He still loves Maxine
Maxine - Runs her own bookstore, She is sweet, sassy and caring, She has a sad past, She does not have a close relationship with her family, She looks out for the people that mean something to her, She still loves Patrick
This book is packed full of:
⦁ Sassy characters
⦁ Baker/Bookstore Owner Romance
⦁ A bit Steamy
⦁ Second Chance Romance
⦁ Love at first sight
⦁ Christmas feel
⦁ Over 18+ Readers
⦁ Fast Read
I liked the relationship between Patrick and Maxine.. The characters are so awesome and Its nice to see that everything worked out and they got a happy ending..
December 21, 2021
I jumped at the chance to read this series, because well there are some of my favorite Authors in it as well as a few new ones that I can promise I will be reading more of. Well thought and put together. Thank you for allowing me to review these wonderful books.
Patrick Leroux is a brilliant chef at his family’s Bakery, after a ruff deal with his parents growing up he found his place in this world.
Maxine Redgrave took over her family’s Business Main Street Books after returning to her home town, she still feels like an outsider.
A Christmas Tart is a story of possible second chances, but can Patrick and Maxine be even cordial enough toward one another to see the hurt of their past?
I enjoyed Patrick, Maxine, Patrick’s Aunties Jacqueline, Josette and Celine Laurent, Ryan and Leah there is not one moment in A Christmas Tart by Lola West that I did not smile, laugh and or give a good sigh. Truly magnificent!
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!
Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...
Patrick Leroux is a brilliant chef at his family’s Bakery, after a ruff deal with his parents growing up he found his place in this world.
Maxine Redgrave took over her family’s Business Main Street Books after returning to her home town, she still feels like an outsider.
A Christmas Tart is a story of possible second chances, but can Patrick and Maxine be even cordial enough toward one another to see the hurt of their past?
I enjoyed Patrick, Maxine, Patrick’s Aunties Jacqueline, Josette and Celine Laurent, Ryan and Leah there is not one moment in A Christmas Tart by Lola West that I did not smile, laugh and or give a good sigh. Truly magnificent!
Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!
Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...
December 3, 2021
A short and but very sweet and steamy Christmas novella with a second chance for the main characters.
Patrick and Maxine have known each other for years but after a falling out when they were younger, they have been more like enemies. But when Patrick's Aunts take it upon themselves to make sure these two are friends again, the feelings that they had for each other return full force.
I loved the small town feel of the book as they worked together to set up the Christmas market. Patrick is a baker and I loved that as his profession. And he's a great dirty talker too. Maxine was great too. I felt bad for her and why they had their falling out as a teenagers, it will definitely be relatable to some. I could definitely read more about Maxine and Patrick.
Patrick and Maxine have known each other for years but after a falling out when they were younger, they have been more like enemies. But when Patrick's Aunts take it upon themselves to make sure these two are friends again, the feelings that they had for each other return full force.
I loved the small town feel of the book as they worked together to set up the Christmas market. Patrick is a baker and I loved that as his profession. And he's a great dirty talker too. Maxine was great too. I felt bad for her and why they had their falling out as a teenagers, it will definitely be relatable to some. I could definitely read more about Maxine and Patrick.
September 10, 2024
This book is part of the 12 Days of Kissmas series. They can be read as standalone books. Patrick and Maxine spent a special summer together many years ago. She left at the end of summer and acted like Patrick didn't exist. Now all these years later they just can't stand each other or that is how they act. Then Patrick's aunts set them up. They throw them together to plan the town's winter market event. Claiming they are old and need to retire. How long will it be before they combust? Will Max come clean about why she did what she did all those years ago? Can Patrick forgive her? Will they get a second chance? This book was a fun quick read. I have enjoyed all the books in this series I have read and I can't wait to read some more.
December 12, 2021
This is a super steamy and super festive Christmas quick read. This book has a second chance at first love vibe. Max and Patrick spent all their summers together growing up. He supported her when she had a life altering secret and then she disappeared. When she moves back to town they have a silent disrespect for each other until his Aunts throw them together in organising the holiday market.
Max and Patrick have intense chemistry. Whatever was forged between them at 16 has remained throughout their lives. Once they give in to their feelings again these two are wild passion and crazy hot kisses.
This is a perfect steamy Christmas novella to give you a satisfyingly festive HEA.
Max and Patrick have intense chemistry. Whatever was forged between them at 16 has remained throughout their lives. Once they give in to their feelings again these two are wild passion and crazy hot kisses.
This is a perfect steamy Christmas novella to give you a satisfyingly festive HEA.
December 15, 2021
This holiday read is all about second chances. Max and Patrick were childhood sweethearts, but life happened to force Max to put distance. Now older they are forced by the meddling aunts to work together for the Christmas Market. Those long ago feelings are bubbling below the surface. I loved watching these two fall in love once again. The magic of the season is at work. Delightful surprises and heartwarming moments in this one. I loved that Max owns the bookstore and Patrick a bakery. A wonderful combination in my world. This is a story to get into the holiday spirit.
December 23, 2022
Patrick is *chef's kiss*. His dirty talk is spot on, and the way he loves full-heartedly is touching. Even when he "hated" Max, he would be snippy but not horrible. He wore his pain on the outside and projected it with a snark. Max loved Patrick but knew she had hurt him and accepted that he would never forgive her. But she also knew she deserved better and would snip back at him. But once they were forced to be close together, they were goners. I loved this story and how sweet it was. And the epilogue was cute and the perfect way to finish their story.
December 4, 2021
Second chance novella
What a sweet second chance novella that brought the heat! I love the back that these two had and how it lead to some seriously tense background story theatrics. It was relatable and frustrating and then swoon worthy. Being a novella it did not feel rushed. I love when it all comes full circle and they finally succumb to the feelings and accept that they are it for one another.
What a sweet second chance novella that brought the heat! I love the back that these two had and how it lead to some seriously tense background story theatrics. It was relatable and frustrating and then swoon worthy. Being a novella it did not feel rushed. I love when it all comes full circle and they finally succumb to the feelings and accept that they are it for one another.
December 3, 2021
Max and Patrick were sweet together and funny with their back and forth. While it's a sweet and sexy second chance romance we never really get closure in the end, I think. We don’t see them addressing the original issue from when they were young and she left. Patrick’s aunts are a hoot however and loved their matchmaking.
December 4, 2021
A sweet, spicy 2nd chance romance for Christmas time. This was a fun read with a good dose of heat. Even though it’s a short story, it still manages to deal with some tough moments. Filled with interesting characters, this one is a real treat.
I received an ARC of this book and am happily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am happily leaving an honest review.
December 10, 2021
Short, Steamy Enemies to Lovers
Patrick and Maxine were friends when they were teens but became enemies when Max shattered Patricks heart with no explaination. Max runs the bookstore in town and they annoy each other every chance they can. Can three meddling auntie's get these to see eye to use and maybe find the friendship and love they once had.
Patrick and Maxine were friends when they were teens but became enemies when Max shattered Patricks heart with no explaination. Max runs the bookstore in town and they annoy each other every chance they can. Can three meddling auntie's get these to see eye to use and maybe find the friendship and love they once had.
December 11, 2021
Great short read!
Fully developed and executed short reads are perfect for this time of year when time is precious. I loved this second chance romance!!! Patrick and Max have a second chance at love after having to deal with very adult issues while teens. Great story and steamy NSFW scenes with a sweet HEA. Loved it!
Fully developed and executed short reads are perfect for this time of year when time is precious. I loved this second chance romance!!! Patrick and Max have a second chance at love after having to deal with very adult issues while teens. Great story and steamy NSFW scenes with a sweet HEA. Loved it!
December 13, 2021
4 Stars
This is Maxine and Patrick’s story. They hate each other but hate and love are super close in the terms of feelings of the heart. You can hate someone but also love them at the same time. This couple has that. The town has had enough and is going to get them together for their own good.
I recommend this book.
This is Maxine and Patrick’s story. They hate each other but hate and love are super close in the terms of feelings of the heart. You can hate someone but also love them at the same time. This couple has that. The town has had enough and is going to get them together for their own good.
I recommend this book.
December 26, 2021
Quick holiday read
Max and Patrick have known each other for years, growing close as teens but when Max leaves their closeness turns to unfriendliness, Patrick won't let his anger go until is Aunties turn the planning of the Christmas marketplace over to him and mix. The sparks fly, deep feelings resurface. Great quick read.
Volunteer KU based review
Max and Patrick have known each other for years, growing close as teens but when Max leaves their closeness turns to unfriendliness, Patrick won't let his anger go until is Aunties turn the planning of the Christmas marketplace over to him and mix. The sparks fly, deep feelings resurface. Great quick read.
Volunteer KU based review
February 12, 2022
Past mistakes
Max and Patrick have been enemies since they were little, until they weren't. Patrick helps Max through the toughest time in her life and she runs away. When she returns they're back to being enemies because their pain and pride are in the way. Can they work together to make the Christmas festival the best one yet or will their past destroy everything?
Max and Patrick have been enemies since they were little, until they weren't. Patrick helps Max through the toughest time in her life and she runs away. When she returns they're back to being enemies because their pain and pride are in the way. Can they work together to make the Christmas festival the best one yet or will their past destroy everything?
March 30, 2022
An enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance between two scolded adults who have loved each other since their teens. She is afraid to hurt him and he is afraid to get hurt by her. Loved how their feelings changed and how they were saying with their bodies even before their minds could understand what was happening.
December 17, 2023
In this second chance romance we get to watch Maxine and Patrick try to work together after 10 years of misunderstandings and miscommunication. I wondered through most of the book how two adults could act so childish, but the author did a wonderful job of bringing them together and getting the Aunties help in bringing our wayward love birds together. An enjoyable read.
December 4, 2021
Steamy holiday fun!
Super cute read by Lola West that has me curious for more stories from this small town! Patrick and Max get their second chance at romance and it’s such a wonderful story.
Super cute read by Lola West that has me curious for more stories from this small town! Patrick and Max get their second chance at romance and it’s such a wonderful story.
December 19, 2021
Christmas Eve
Patrick can't stand the sight of Max. It's not because he hates her, its because she left him and the love they had with no word. Now being forced together to plan an event they will either succeed or combust.
Patrick can't stand the sight of Max. It's not because he hates her, its because she left him and the love they had with no word. Now being forced together to plan an event they will either succeed or combust.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews