A Christmas Deal

That Night #1.5

by Cindy Dawson

Home for the holidays.

First-semester assignments behind me, no exams to study for. I have it all mapped out. Snowy afternoons by the fire, curled up with a good book and a steaming cup of cocoa. Evenings with the family catching up and baking cookies.

What wasn’t on the agenda was the school’s star linemen and world’s worst tutee crashing the party for extra study time, and tagging along to my
hometown.

Now I’ve gotten us roped into a scheme to ward off the ex that broke my heart. But the plan we agreed on is crumbling with every charming smirk and wandering touch.

The lines have blurred, and for the first time in my life, I don’t have all the answers.

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Romance, Holiday, Holiday Romance

127 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2022

Reviews

[K.M. Mixon]

Perfect Christmas novella. My first real Christmas read, and boy did it deliver. There are swoon-worthy moments, holiday magic, and a light sprinkling of spice to top it all off. I found myself reading with a cheesy grin plastered on my face. If you love a well paced, sweet holiday read, look no further. This author delivers well-rounded characters and relatable scenes that’ll draw you into them hook, line, and sinker.

[Bookblurbs13]

4.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This book felt as if someone bottled up Christmas and served it to you while you sat by the fire with your Christmas tree lit. It was so warm and sweet with such lovable characters. I’m not really a novella girl - I’m a sucker for details - but even so, this was an amazing read!

Positives:
-I love a good bookworm/jock love story so this was already starting strong
-Clara and Preston were just so likable and their chemistry was perfect. They’re a mix of sweet and spicy. I loved how they accepted each other as is, but also challenged each other to be better and grow out of their comfort zones
-Clara’s whole family fit so seamlessly. Their dynamics were fun to read about while also feeling like a real-life family with issues
-Clara slowly opening up and being more herself as the book progressed was sweet to see
-Loved Natalie’s relationship with Clara
-Plain and simple this book just felt like a warm hug of Christmas. It makes you want to blast Christmas music and dance around the kitchen with the person you love while you bake cookies together

Negatives:
-The only real negative I have is I wanted more.
• More Clara and Preston pre him going home with her and during their fake dating/falling for each other
• More Preston backstory
• More on Clara’s parents
• More, more, more
-Any negatives stemmed from me just wanting more - such as the idea of Preston going home with Clara initially felt forced, but without significant backstory of their existing relationship as tutor/tutee there would have been no way else for it to come about

But I guess wanting more is a testimony to Dawson’s writing that she created a story and characters I so desperately wanted more of. Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by her! If you are looking for a quick and happy festive read, don’t miss this one!

Thank you Cindy Dawson for the opportunity to read this arc!

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[Marty R.]

REVIEW OF A Christmas Deal by Cindy Dawson 🟢No Spoilers🟢

Copy: Kindle
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️.5/5

Main Characters:
Clara x Preston

This christmas novella is so far my all time favorite. I might be biased, but I don't care. I love Cindy's writing, and I truly loved the relationship that developed between Clara and Preston. Absolutely beautiful!

It's been a while since I read That Night, so there were a few things and characters I had to search for in That Night to figure out what and who they were. So I highly recommend reading That Night prior to this one, but it can also be read out of order, especially if you're just looking for a sweet Christmas novella to enjoy during the holiday. Then this is the one! 🎄♥️

What you get:
Tutor x tutee, no third act break up, great communication, fake relationship trope, ice skating, baking, coffee, overprotective brother, HEA. ♥️♥️

Do I recommend it?
HeII YES! 🎄🎄🙌

[Tori]

Whatever a wholesome yet hot (in places) festive novella.

Although this book is technically a novella in a new series I would never have known, just enough is given for you to understand the dynamics and enjoy the story as a unique tale. Although now I feel a need to read the first book...

The characters are introduced quickly, the plotline laid out without fuss and the romance kept light yet intimate... Definitely something I enjoyed .

Drama free, festive light and romance with a hint of humour just lightened up this readers heart.

It also made this reader happy to have a playlist to read along with and really get in the mood...thank you for the addition

[Nikole McBee]

This was my first novella & holiday read. Took a bit for me to get used to the fast pace but that’s on me, not the book. I needed a break from the heavy themes & plots of dark romance & this was prefect. I LOVED “The Shadows We Keep” by this author so decided to pick this one up, she didn’t disappoint. Her writing style is easy for me to devour.

[Madeline Touchet]

Wow wow wow wow. This book! I am so happy we got to know more about Clara! This is a must read if you loved That Night!

[Renee]

Here for this.

Christmas 🎅
Fake Dating
college romance
Jock/nerd

LOVE TO SEE IT.

[Mrs Mandy Reads Holverson]

When a Book worm meets a misunderstood Jock the world starts a new Jingle Carol.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am in heaven. This book superseded all of my expectations and then some. I purchased a signed copy from Cindy Dawson as a fun spicy Hallmark vibes read for the Yule season. The book quality itself was well put together in its paperback form and will withstand the test of time. I will re-read this book in the foreseeable future because it deserves to be memorialized. I appreciate the cover of this novella as a fresh non-AI approach to representing the story. It was nice to find an author who appreciates taking the time to create cover art as unforgettable as the story itself. The cover gave it a more realistic feel and made it super easy to dig deep into the story.

In this Christmas fake dating story, we find Clara and Preston. Two college students who meet through a tutoring program that Clara works for. Preston and Clara are opposites in the eyes of society. Clara is obsessed with Christmas. She loves going home and visiting her family for the holiday season. When Preston fails his paper before the Christmas break, he convinces Clara to take him to her holiday festivities on the grounds of studying. Their fate is sealed when the Fake relationship begins and the family is met. If there ever was a Hallmark Christmas story meets spicy lust this would be this story.

The pure depth of these characters will make your heart bleed. Cindy has a way in how she depicts scenes and scenarios in her characters. Cindy builds this small town Hallmark Village through her writing. You can feel the snow falling and the hot chocolate hit your soul through her words. Cindy is an elevated Author in my opinion. The Christmas Deal was the first Novella by Cindy Dawson I indulged myself with after following her for years on social media. I can say she has soared to the top of my instant purchase list. I look forward to MANY more Cindy Dawson books and the ease in her writing.

ON TO THE NEXT

[Raven Bork]

This was everything I love in a holiday novella—cute, cozy, chaotic, and just the right amount of swoony spice.

The story follows Clara, a sweet and studious college girl who ends up bringing Preston, her football jock of a tutee, home for Christmas under a fake dating arrangement. From the moment he calls her “Stacks” to the late-night fireside chats, I was hooked. Their chemistry was genuine, and they were adorable.

What surprised me most was how emotionally grounded this story felt despite being a light holiday read. Preston’s backstory added unexpected depth, and Clara’s complicated relationship with her past gave the plot more weight than I anticipated. There’s humor, heart, and just the right touch of family drama—and let’s not forget Robert’s unwelcome return 👀

It had all the warm, fuzzy vibes of a Hallmark movie... but with some delightful spice and real emotional growth.

[Brandi Blanton]

ARC review.

releases December 1st 2022


I was a huge fan of That Night, so when I got the chance to ARC read this Christmas novella from that universe I jumped. Thank you again so much for letting me read this Cindy Dawson.

We got to see where the characters are now and the chemistry from Preston and Clara picked up right from the start! A story of sugar and spice and everything nice for sure!

Where I'm not usually a holiday book grabber but I was so invested after "That Night" Definitely would recommend everyone read this! It's the perfect holiday novella right in time for Christmas.

#booknerd #booksofinstagram #read #ARCBOOK#bookobsessed #bookworm #bookblogger #book #booksbooksbooks #bookcommuity #romance #booklover #literature #reader #bookaholic #bookishbrandj #readsofinstagram #bookstagram #bookshelf

[Lia]

Sweet, spicy and beautiful

That Night is a novella about two college students who find themselves in a fake-dating sort of scenario around the holidays. It’s jam packed with sugar and spice (and a lot of naughty nice.) it’s the perfect read to curl up with in front of a fireplace around the holidays and relax with. Or to read in bed when you’re feeling nostalgic about what could’ve been with that cutie you always think of around the holidays (everyone has one!)
Cindy’s writing has been improving with every sentence that I read. Even though this is only her second book it reads like a well-established writer.
The characters were fun and charismatic and well-developed. It brought me such joy to reconnect with the side characters of this one which are the main characters from That Night, although the books don’t need to be read in order.

[Leah Plamm]

A Christmas Deal is a novella about two college students who find themselves in a fake-dating sort of scenario around the holidays. It’s jam packed with sugar and spice (and a lot of naughty nice.) it’s the perfect read to curl up with in front of a fireplace around the holidays and relax with. Or to read in bed when you’re feeling nostalgic about what could’ve been with that cutie you always think of around the holidays (everyone has one!)
Cindy’s writing has been improving with every sentence that I read. Even though this is only her second book it reads like a well-established writer.
The characters were fun and charismatic and well-developed. It brought me such joy to reconnect with the side characters of this one which are the main characters from That Night, although the books don’t need to be read in order.

[AW]

This novella was such a cozy holiday read. Clara, the bookish tutor, and Preston, the football player who's finding English Lit a bit tough, create an adorabl pair! Their fake dating adventure-Clara inviting Preston home for Christmas-is full of all the charm and tension you'd love, with just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.

I loved how they accepted each other, neither trying to change who the other was. Clara's family made my day: warm, welcoming, full of personality. Christina Sivrich's narration brought characters so alive that they felt unique!

It's a quick listen, perfect for a snowy afternoon, although I found myself wishing it were a full-length novel. So much heart is packed into this story, and I would have gladly spent more time with Clara and Preston.

Huge thanks to Cindy Dawson for the Review copy!

[Amy]

It was such a cute, down to earth story. Clara is a book worm. She is currently going to college. Preston is a jock and is being tutored by Clara.
But when they head to her family's house to spend Christmas, she finds there is more to him than meets the eye.

I loved the banter between them.
I loved visiting the characters from "That Night", Author Cindy Dawson's first story (check that out too if you haven't). And i loved the family dynamic between Clara, Damion (Clara's older brother) , Natalie (Clara's sister in law) and the kids (Damion and Natalie's two kids).
You can feel the love in that family flow from the pages.
It was a great feel good Christmas novella that hit the spot just like a cup of hot cocoa.

[Tammy -]

This is just an adorable Christmas novella that gives all the best of feels.

Booknerd Clara is tutoring jock Preston, and she somehow just invited him to come home with her for the holidays. They're just supposed to be friends and she's just supposed to be helping him with his schoolwork over break, but a run-in with her ex has Clara and Preston pretending to be a couple.

I've read a lot of fake dating romances, and some are hits while others are misses for me. This one? Definitely a hit. I loved the chemistry between Clara and Preston, and the family dynamic and secondary characters were great too. This story left me smiling and wanting more, and it's the perfect little holiday read.

[Kyla Boelk]

I’m going to have to read again when my paperback comes in because I didn’t realize I haven’t reviewed this yet and now it’s not as fresh in my memory.

& I didn’t get to read it anywhere near Christmas so now I’ll get even more of a Christmas vibe 😍

But seriously. It’s the perfect holiday read. Total cozy Christmas vibes.

I love all the included Christmas traditions.
it was like a corny hallmark Christmas movie. & when I say corny, I promise I mean it in a good way 😍 you know not like deep but it is sentimental and cozy and just all I hope for in a Christmas novella.

It’s fast paced and sweet and cozy.

Perfect to curl up next to a fire with a cozy blanket and hot coco. 😍

[Cheryl]

Looking for a quickie, holiday book, you will want to pick up this novella. Although, if you are an audiobook lover, then, I suggest grabbing the audiobook. Christina Sivrich does a really great job of single handily narrating the audiobook.

Clara and Preston made a cute couple. Preston is definitely ten times better than Clara's ex-boyfriend. Clara's big brother is a hoot. He is a great big brother protecting her. Him warning Preston. Although he had nothing to worry about as Preston is a sweetheart. Bonus as he is good looking as well.

A Christmas Deal by Cindy Dawson is a sweet, holiday treat! This book makes a great stocking stuffer read.

[Read By Cassie]

I was such a huge fan of That Night, so I was super excited when I found out that we were going to get a Christmas novella from that world. And let me tell you, A Christmas Deal did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved getting to see where the characters from That Night were and loved the chemistry between Clara and Preston from the very beginning. This story had the right amount of sweet and spice and I was incredibly invested in their story as I was reading it.

Definitely would recommend everyone read this. It’s the perfect holiday novella right in time for Christmas.

[Nikki McComas-Jimenez]

Such a sweet Christmas/holiday read!

I enjoyed that we got to catch up with the characters from her first novel, "That Night." You don't "NEED" to read that book to read this one, but I promise you, it will make it that much better.

I loved the chemistry between Clara & Preston. I love a "smart, book-worm" FMC.

I was cheesing the whole way through. This is a comfort read through and through.

This author does such a great job of connecting us to their characters!!

LOVED IT! Can't wait to get my hands on the physical copy.

[Gem (bookscaffeinencurls)]

Fake dating and festive family fun!

This was such a sweet read! Cindy Dawson has written a wonderfully cute and cosy Christmas novella! It’s short with a dash of spice and all things nice.

Its all about the bookworm and the jock during Christmas break. There’s fake dating and protective big brother, cookies, heart to hearts and falling head over heels!

I really loved Preston and Clara’s story. It’s just the kind of thing to get you in the Christmas mood with a love story, a bit of spice and a few laughs! Definitely give this a go a it’s good fun with all the feels!

[Jaimie]

I was looking for a short, sweet and quick holiday read and this did the trick!

This was a sweet little story between Clara (bookworm) and Preston (jock). When Preston is needing some additional tutoring, Clara agrees that he can go home with her for the holiday. Little did she know they would start a “fake” relationship to ward off her ex. What started as fake quickly becomes real.

It really was such a sweet read. There were family moments, some fun moments, and just a little bit of spice too! Again, a great quick and sweet holiday read!

[vivalalex]

Cindy does it again with wholesome characters and a warming dynamic. This is the perfect Christmas novella with a hint of spice and festive vibes. With the playlist, descriptive scenes, hot coco, Netflix cuddles, and a swoon worthy MMC, what more do you need? 🎄💕 I love the way she writes her characters and Preston is sweet as ever. Definitely read this if you enjoy Christmas & easy- going romances.

[Mk]

I loved this book so much! Preston and Clara were the perfect match! The studious bookworm vs the charismatic jock team up for the holidays and I was here for it!

I’m forever a sucker for a good nickname and “stacks” is by far my new favorite. They had fantastic chemistry that kept the book at peak coziness.

It was great to revisit the character from That Night again. It really was like coming home for the holidays❤️🎄❤️

[Kelsie Perez]

Have a little spice with your Christmas 😍

Ughhh okay this is so cute! I love that Clara isn’t the “perfect” girl you think jocks go for$ I love their relationship honestly! Such a cute Christmas read!

[Brittany Thomas]

all the best feels

This was so freaking adorable. Literally the cutest little Christmas novella. The family dynamic was awesome, it was actually my favorite part. Now I wish it was a full length book or a part two! I need an update on the Hawaiian shirts the following year 🥰

[BooksWithRook]

Stacks

4.00 ⭐️
0.50 🌶
Specs: Single POV | Under 100 pages
Cute holiday story of two college students going home for the holidays. One needs the other to tutor them and they form a friendship, which turns into a romantic connection.

[Tanya]

What a cute holiday read! Total hallmark movie feel! Fake dating turned into not so fake. A great quick holiday read with a bit of spicy!

[CJ]

This was cute; I’m not typically into Christmas reads but I’m happy I gave them a shot with this novella. This was a quick read done right; there’s something magical about Christmas!

[Asia Bishop]

Hallmark movie cute. Gave me butterflies the whole time.

[shelovestoread]

loved it!!

I loved this novella ! I loved seeing Clara grown up and Nat and Damion! Preston and Clara are something special too ♥️