The Twelve Holidates

Love Clichés #3.5

by Emma St. Clair

If someone tells you that waiting for your boyfriend in a giant stocking is a good idea, they’re WRONG.

I learn this the hard way when I discover my boyfriend is cheating on me.

Once again, I find myself crying on the very broad and sturdy shoulders of my best friend, Weston.

And even though he rejected me when we were kids, my feelings for Weston start bubbling back to the surface.

Especially when he insists that we work our way through the list of twelve holidates I had planned for my ex.

Twelve dates with my super hot and totally perfect BFF? Um, okay. You don’t have to ask me twice!

Only… the dates continue to be disasters.

The biggest disaster of all is the way I’m about to get my heart crushed AGAIN by my best friend.

Because I can’t hide my feelings anymore, and I don’t think being just friends is enough.

Winning over Weston would take a Christmas miracle…

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Clean Romance

122 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2020

About the author

Emma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)

Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante

You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.

Reviews

[Bryce Rocks My Socks · Rating 2 out of 5]

cheese level: 🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really stinkin cute

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Twelve Holidates by Emma St. Clair - 4 Stars
(Love Cliches Series #3.5 but can be read as a Standalone)
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

WELL THAT WAS ADORABLE!! I am already loving the Christmas reads you guys! Emma just always does such a great job with her characters and romance storylines! In this one, we have a friends to lovers story that was chef's kiss! You have banter, 12 dates between best friends to more and a swoony MMC! Pacing was great for a novella too!

We follow Taylor who from the first introduction catches her boyfriend Chad cheating on her. She is so upset and her best friend Weston jumps in to save the day by working through the 12 Dates list she had planned for her and Chad. Weston hopes the dates will help him confess how much he has always loved her and Taylor isn't sure how she feels or how Weston feels just yet....but the dates give much needed closeness between them with lots of laughs and emotions along the way.

SUPER CUTE. Highly recommend!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and hilarious

*UPDATE* I listened to the audiobook of this and it was just as fun and adorable. I will admit that Weston's voice startled me--it was very deep. But a super cute story!

(4.5 Stars) Taylor and Weston star in a seriously adorable and funny Christmas RomCom that had me smiling throughout. My husband and I are a tale of friends-to-love and I always enjoy it when an author does that trope well. It's scary to declare your feelings, yet that's what young teen Taylor did years ago and with no reciprocation, it's the friend zone for them. Fast forward years and many bad boyfriend choices later, and a different ending just might result...

St. Clair does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life. Weston is solid and patient, and oh, so creative as he takes over the list of holiday dates after Date #1 goes awry for Taylor. I anticipated their outings and swooned through them all, although Grandma, in all her quirkiness, had me feeling a little uneasy for some of them.

This is one of my favorite types of light-hearted Christmas stories and I loved that I could devour it faster than a batch of thickly frosted sugar cookies with sprinkles--and it was just as sweet and delicious.

Content: mild romance

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was decent.
I loved the plot and Weston was fantastic!
I think Taylor was a bit ruined for me by that narrator.
The narration was VERY robotic and made her character annoying to listen to.
I think physically reading this would have been a lot better.
Much love to Emma St.Clair for my DRC.

[Bobby's Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

A freakin’ CUTE and HUGGABLE Christmas romance I’ve read this holiday season! A FRIENDS TO LOVERS trope I loved! This is part of the Love Clichés series, but can be read as a standalone! If someone tells you that waiting for your boyfriend in a giant stocking is a good idea, they’re wrong. Taylor learned the hard way when she discovered her boyfriend had cheated on her. Once again, she finds herself crying on her handsome best friend, Weston. And even though he rejected Taylor when they were kids, her feelings for Weston start bubbling back up. Especially when he insists that they work their way through the list of twelve holidates Taylor had planned for her ex. Twelve dates with her hot BFF? You don’t have to ask twice! That is, the dates continues to be disasters, one that will even break Taylor’s heart again by her best friend. Because she can’t hide her feelings anymore, and she doesn’t think being friends is enough! For Taylor to win over Weston would take a Christmas miracle! A heartfelt, but sweet Christmas novella to read this holiday season!

[Sofi (sofi.bookshelf) 🩷✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro es para saciarse la curiosidad sobre la pareja que aparece unos segundos en un libro de esta saga.

Desde que aparecieron yo rogaba que hubiese algún libro para saber que pasaría, ya que no te dicen nada más que una interacción.

Me gustaron bastante como pareja, siento que tenían química y bastante compañerismo. Se conocían desde pequeños, por lo que conocían lo bueno y lo malo de cada uno.

¿Lo recomiendo? Si, es un libro navideño con romance.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute novella, perfect if you're in the mood for something quick and fun. Taylor and Weston have been friends since they were kids, both secretly crushing on the other. Weston is sick of being in the friendzone and has decided to do something about it.

I gotta admit, friends-to-lovers is not a favorite trope of mine, but I thought this was a cute read. I liked the characters, there were some funny parts and just thought the overall story was fun. Would recommend for anyone looking for a fun Christmas romance.

Content: Clean

Love Cliches Sweet RomCom Series

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect way to start the Christmas season, and my holiday TBR!!

Such a cute little novella! LOVE the friends to more trope & the characters were all so loveable! (Minus Chad…)
I was grinning the whole time!

Can’t wait to read more by Emma St. Clair!
4/5 stars

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute novella!

[Pepper Basham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fun, quick, and giggle-worthy Christmas novella meets all the expectations Emma St. Clair provides. Banter, romance, and a swoony hero! Toss in Christmas as it's like the extra twinkle lights we all love at Christmas :)

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sweet, and funny. **** if you listen to the audio, try doing it in AT LEAST 1.5x speed. The female narrator reads soooooo slow.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a whim, I decided to pick this up for a Christmas in July read. Plus, it's the only one I hadn't read yet in the Love Cliches series, so it seemed to knock out two things at once.

This is a fun and fluffy romance. The dates are hilarious the way things keep going wrong despite Weston's desire for them to be romantic for Taylor. The novella length is the perfect size for Taylor's story, and one that I was eager to read after her character being in the periphery in the other books in the series, but especially since I finished Sam's story (the final book). It was fun to finally read Taylor's happily-ever-after.

I do think this can be read as a standalone, and I read it last, which didn't bother me either. But do read the full length novels in order, if possible. Funny contemporary for this year's Christmas reads if that's your thing!

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute, super fast holiday read. Why am I reading it in July? Why not? (There's a Christmas in July readathon going on and this was sitting pretty waiting just for this.)
Weston and Taylor have been friends forever with a heavy dose of unrequited love on both sides - which feels completely necessary in a novella. Their relationship arc felt realistic to the time allotted to their story. With twelve dates on the line, nothing goes perfectly according to plan, so naturally hilarity ensues.
With each progressive read by this author, I enjoy her writing style more. They're entertaining and light-hearted and full of funny moments. I recommend all year round.

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this short story and really enjoyed it going back and forth to work. This whole series has been so fun to read or listen to. I love a good laugh. This book provided that and sweet and clean romance. The narrators did a great job.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: cheating

When Taylor discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her, she goes to her best friend Weston for comfort. But Weston has been in love with Taylor for years and is finally ready to see if he can get out of the friend zone. So he uses the list of Twelve Holidates that Taylor initially intended for her ex-boyfriend and uses them to convince Taylor that he's the one she should be with forever. Is Taylor ready to be more than friends or will Weston's plan fail miserably?

I first read this novella back in December when I was binge reading holiday romances, but I decided I needed to give it a reread now that I'm working my way through the Love Cliches series. I'm so glad I didn't skip over it! Weston and Taylor's story was adorable and just as fun as the other books in this series, but it just moved faster due to the short length of the book. That being said, I felt like the holidates provided plenty of chances for me to see Weston's devotion to Taylor and her increasing feelings towards him. My favorite part was when they ended up in bed together (don't worry it was all innocent 😉). I really felt Taylor's desire to be more than friends in that moment. I also liked getting a little peek at Chase who is the love interest in the next book. It'll be fun to see how his fake date with Taylor in this story plays into his own romance. If you're thinking of skipping this one due to the length, please don't. It's totally worth it!

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute novella!

[Emely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantó, estuvo super lindo, cortito y divertido
Mi personaje favorito de esta serie definitivamente es Dr. Love 😂

“Let’s just say that over the years, I’ve enjoyed making your exes pay for hurting you.”

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series! I downloaded each new book as soon as it released and was thoroughly entertained by every single one.

I borrowed the entire series through the Kindle Unlimited program and I was not asked to leave a review.

[emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Fluffy and a fun, quick holiday read!!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He tastes like peppermint and happily ever afters.”

Super sweet story about life long friends who have both been secretly in love with each other for years but too scared to tell the other one the truth after a middle school kiss gone awry.

What I loved:
+ friends to lovers
+ festive themed dates
+ feisty grandma & fruit cake dodgeball
+ fun family dynamics
+ sweet romance

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Friends to lovers romance, few good chuckles in this one.
This was a cute novella but felt rushed, I was expecting 12 actual dates and they were definitely not so that was disappointing.
The characters were likeable but didnt get much more depth than that.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable! I wish it had been a full book and not just a novella because the characters and antics were great!

[Samantha (bookstasamm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

After catching her boyfriend cheat on her, Taylor turns to her bestie Weston for comfort. Weston decides it’s time to let her know his feelings by making Taylor go on the the twelve “holidates” she had planned for her ex.

This was a cute Christmas novella about two best friends that don’t realize they’re in love with each other. I’m always a big fan of the friends to lovers trope so was excited to read this one. It’s the perfect feel good read for this time of year with some humor thrown in thanks to the dates not going as planned and Weston’s cantankerous grandma.

Although a bit predictable at times, I did really enjoy this story. I thought the holidates were cute and a fun take on a holiday romance. If you’re looking for some holiday cheer then this is the book for you.

[romina palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a quick light read.
it was so cute and super short, you could definitely read it in an hour.
perfect for christmas :)

[Natalie - FerryGoodBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best holiday romcom I have ever read. It’s equal parts charming and hilarious filled with mishaps that make you laugh at the misfortune but also your heart skip a beat because the tension building is just so delightful. This author knows how to play up the angst while also giving the reader moments of just full on belly laughing. If I could give all the stars to this book I would. It makes me sad that this was a novella but I just wasn’t ready for it to end and of course I wanted more, especially from a certain crazy grandmother who doesn’t like yams. Do yourself a favor and go read this amazing novella, laugh your butt off, and enjoy the butterflies!

[Pixie Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

My full review can be read here: bit.ly/3wSJXaD

A faint smile plays on his lips.

“Very good friends?” he says.

I’ve still got my arm around him and I find the spot on the side of his ribs that I know is ticklish. He laughs, trying to jerk out of my grip, but I don’t let him go.

“We are very good friends,” I say. “Aren’t we?”

Weston’s hand comes up to cover mine, stopping my tickle assault. But instead of letting go, he keeps his hand in place.

His caramel eyes meet mine, and for a few beats, all the sounds of the mall fade away. My hand is hot underneath his big palm, so, so hot. The heat travels to my wrist and up the sensitive skin on the inside of my elbow.

Like my last read, this one was also a novella...so I won't be saying toooo much because then I'll spoil everything, and we do NOT want that. I will, however, let y'all know that this short and sweet Christmas romance was WONDERFUL.

The chemistry between these two friends was insaneeeeee and reading about them secretly pining for each other (and getting jealous 😏) was the best kind of torture, lol. And even though all the "holidates" weren't perfect, they were definitely fun and they made it IMPOSSIBLE not to ship Taylor and Weston.

As far as content goes: Any suggestive material/innuendos were pretty minor, so no worries there. No "actual" language (everyone does have different preferences and viewpoints on what counts as profanity though). Also, the term "pimp" was used to describe Weston's mom in a manner that was supposed to be funny, but it honestly just rubbed me the wrong way. There was no on-page sex, but it was talked about/implied between different characters. Cheating does happen (not between the main characters). I think that was everything. 🤔 I would describe the book as a mild "PG-13 romance movie."

If you enjoy cute quick reads with LOTS of humor, then you need to check this one out for sure! And as alwaysssss, I am sooooooo looking forward to the next book!

Oh, and that ending was PRICELESS. 🤣🙌

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a cute, quick, Christmas audiobook to get you in the mood for the season? This sweet novella will have you laughing and smiling as Taylor and Weston go from best friends to more.

Ever since that fateful kiss when Taylor and Weston were young teenagers, they have both mistakenly friend zoned each other. Both secretly enjoyed the kiss but thought the other didn’t. They’ve had crushes on each other ever since but are too afraid to say anything.

When Taylor discovers her fiancé of two years cheating on her, she does what she always does, runs to Weston. This time though Weston is tired of pretending they are just friends and decides to take up Taylor’s list of twelve Christmas dates she had planned for her fiancé and have her go on them with him, with a few alterations. All the dates, some hilarious, some endearing prove to bring the two closer together and are destined to culminate into something great at the families’ traditional Christmas party. But, when an interfering mother decides to invite several dates for her son, this threatens to upend the developing romantic relationship between Taylor and Weston.

I loved all the humorous situations Taylor and Weston find themselves in during these dates, from burning a stocking outfit to sitting on Santa’s lap to roller skating to a quirky grandma. There’s a whole lot packed into this novella. The audiobook version has my favorite narrators who have narrated previous books. I absolutely love the way they voice all the characters!

It could definitely be read as a stand alone, but readers of the Love Clichés series will especially enjoy reading it before or after Falling For Your Best Friend. Definitely a sweet book to put you in the holiday spirit and at just a little over two and a half hours, it can easily be listened to in one day. I received a copy of this from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review.

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) - an eggnog shot of Christmas cheer!

In some ways - all positive - this is kind of like a Christmas-flavored variation on Shari L. Tapscott's "27 Ways to Find a Boyfriend"

Taylor took a chance to let Weston know she liked him many years ago, and doesn't want to risk the embarrassment of rejection again - & I could totally sympathize with her

Weston was a little trickier because you want him to man up and speak, but his reasoning for delaying now was plausible since Taylor had just had a bad breakup, and he wasn't sure where he stood with her anymore, either.

Once he decided on his course, you can't help but admire Weston's determination to make things happen & accomplish his goal - and abs! 😁

This one's a little fluffier than the main series but not in a cringey way; you can tell the author was having fun, & she takes us with her. Grandma had me a little concerned things were going to go too far for my comfort level, but she pulls back & takes an interesting detour and all's good - till the crash in the other room, lol

This was a fun eggnog shot of Christmas cheer just as the stress in our household was starting to get to me!

*Romance level: passionate kisses; while on medication one character strips to their underwear & the other looks away, couple literally, platonically sleeps together, nothing happens & no graphic details

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

How funny! This novella made me laugh a lot and sometimes a good laugh is just what we need.

Weston has been in love with his best friend Taylor since they were kids, so when she breaks up with yet another wrong man, Weston offers to help her do all the things she wrote on a list that she wanted to do at Christmast with her ex boyfriend, hoping that those dates help him confess his love to Taylor. Needless to say that there will be laughs, emotions and sparks everywhere.

The writing style is clear and even though this is not a full-length novel it's not rushed at all. I'll surely read other stories by Emma St. Clair!

Recommended! And not just at Christmas! ;)