Unexpected Christmas

by Eliza Peake

'Tis the Season for a Second Chance to Seduce the Hot Mechanic... Jake Henderson and I spent some long, hot days together, stealing kisses behind his dad’s auto shop. But the summer ended, and he broke my heart–I packed up the pieces and left town, vowing he’d never hurt me again.

When I come home for the holidays twelve years later and get paired up with Jake on a local Christmas event, I feel like the universe is pranking me. I might be the youngest female ad executive in my company, but he makes me feel like the shy, awkward girl I used to be. It takes all my newfound bravado to act like his rejection meant nothing.

But spending time with Jake brings out unexpected feelings, ones that pull on my heart. He's kind to his mother, helps the town bring Santa to life, and makes me breathless on the hood of his restored muscle car.

I have a life to get back to, one where Jake is just a memory. But I can't ignore this unexpected gift.

I wasn't looking for love this Christmas, but it looks like it found me.

*** Polish your jingle bells, strategically hang the mistletoe, and get ready to claim your spot on The Naughty List. This holiday season, fourteen of your favorite authors are spicing up the cocoa and taking advantage of those long winter nights, proving that sometimes it’s more fun to claim your coal than it is to stay on Santa’s good side. After all, well-behaved women might make the nice list, but naughty ones have all the fun… Wood Girl Gone Bad by Mae Harden
Owned By Santa by Imani Jay
Stuck Under the Mistletoe by Georgia Coffman
Lovestruck by Julia Jarrett
Secret Santa Surprise by Tamrin Banks
Checking It Twice by Claire Hastings
Falling for the Grinch by Amy Alves
Unexpected Christmas by Eliza Peake
Sleighed by Em Torrey
Nailed by Claire Wilder
Entry Level by Bella Michaels
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Breanna Lynn
Two Pink Lines for Christmas by Ember Davis
Run Run Rudolph by Chelle Sloan

Genres: Second Chance, Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Novella, Romance, Friends To Lovers

134 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2022

About the author

Hey y'all! I'm Eliza and I write steamy, all the feels romance full of heart, heat, and humor. My heroes are swoony cinnamon rolls, my heroines are strong and audacious, and family is at the center of it all.

I'm a proud mom and a Southern girl who can bless a heart with the best of them. I live with my very own book boyfriend, a snoring dog, and a sassy cat.

In my downtime, I read all the panty-melting romances I can get my hands on, drink coffee by day, wine by night, and indulge my woo-woo side as often as possible. I'm also hopelessly addicted to tacos.

I dream of retiring to the beach someday where I'll continue writing sexy romance stories to my heart's content and taking sunrise and sunset walks in the sand, thinking of my next book!

Join my newsletter, The Sneak Peake, to get updates on all sorts of shenanigans, exclusive content, and news on books and appearances at http://elizapeake.com/subscribe/

Reviews

[Victoria Bunce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review. I feel so lucky that I get to read this story first. Eliza Peake is one of my favorite romance authors because she writes southern small town romances with heart and some heat that keeps me turning the pages to read more. Her Madison Ridge series is addictive! I feel like I'm one of the townsfolk hanging out whenever I read one of her stories.

I am traveling overseas for the holidays and wanted to get into the festive spirit by reading some Christmas romances. The holiday season is full of hope, opportunity, and a little magic. Ms. Peake did not disappoint! I started "Unexpected Christmas" this morning and devoured it!

There's something special about a straight-laced woman who decides to join the naughty list and proudly claims her coal! Lia Gray returns home to deal with getting passed over for a promotion and runs into her ex-high school boyfriend Jake Henderson. Sparks ignite but Lia doesn't want to repeat history. She's got places to go and a PR world to conquer. Jake needs to strengthen and expand the family auto business, yet when Lia walks into the shop, he's hard pressed to let her walk away again.

There are so many hidden gems in this story. I love the line,"I don't have the time or inclination to figure out the inner thoughts of Jake Henderson. I tried that once before, and all I ended up with was a broken heart and healthy dose of commitment phobia." So very true! We've all been there! And then there is the one line that really resonated with me: "I shut the door behind me and feel like I've slammed it on my soul." Sometimes, it's hard to walk away when all we want to do is stay.

If you want a holiday story with heart and soul along with a savvy woman and a sexy guy and a fabulous written HEA, then this book is for you. Highly recommend.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is quick, brings the holiday cheer, and also manages to somehow not melt everything around Lia and Jake. They’re a once-was and one of them was left with a broken heart from it. Or maybe not just one of them….

So now, Lia is back in town for a visit and it appears that maybe a few mothers are hoping for a rekindling of something that Lia thought was a secret. Or maybe it’s just her fears that she still feels something for Jake. Because it’s obvious that Jake wants something from her. She just doesn’t believe that he wants a future until it’s almost shattered for them. And while this is a fast read, Lia really manages to crack hearts with her admission to her brother just how lost she’s been in life and how she’s so utterly tired of being overlooked or second best. I adored her for speaking up, then owning her piece of the fracture that became her and Jake now. I also really liked how Jake didn’t pull petty, immature games when he knew what his heart wanted. These two appear to be unstoppable once they get it all straight between them, and who wouldn’t enjoy a Christmas surprise like love?

[Sassafrack · Rating 2 out of 5]

While not completely the worst, I DNF’d this one.
To many things that I just get too frustrated trying to read. Which is my polite wary of saying I hated them. So if you loved this, just skip this review. You are, of course, entitled to your opinion, and I’m glad it brought you joy.


But if you you want to know why I couldn’t get through it, here’s my main problems :

1. I crushed you “for your own good” but now I want you to forgive me without even any attempt at an apology. (And I’m going to just act like a cocky a-hole and pretend nothing happened.)
Nope.
2. He crushed me and I’m all blow and bluster about how I’ll never let him close again, but oh wait now I’m making out with him because he’s so irresistible.
Nope.
3. Manipulation from not even remotely fun or thoughtful relatives, who don’t seem to care about the fmc’s heartbreak.
Nope.

There was a couple of little things that just didn’t feel right either, but these are the big things that are just not for me.

PS. I really hate writing negative reviews. I hope this at least helped someone make a decision either way.

[Brooke Collick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, Jake from high school girlies unite ✊🏻this one was sweet, and Christmasty, (and smutty), but like…..please do not put a ring around your penis 😭that is the weirdest thing I think I have ever read in all of my books

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun, steamy second chance romance. What makes this story one of my favorite Christmas romances is that both Jake and Lia are very likeable and they're approaching each other with the exact opposite goal. Lia wants nothing to do with him. He had his chance about ten years ago and he blew it. Now he's got another thing coming if she's ever going to forgive him for breaking her heart. While she tries her best to avoid him, it seems like half the town is invested in bringing them together again. You know how small towns are. You can't say or do anything or everyone in the town will know as if they were also there. For his part, Jake has been sorry he ever let her go. When he thinks he has another chance, you're there in his corner hoping he doesn't blow it again!

What makes this story fun is the dialogue that's snappy and sharp.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Unexpected Christmas: The Naughty List. IMHO both characters ended up on Santa's naughty list!

[Danielle Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to start off my Christmas Reading list. Unexpected Christmas by Eliza Peake is a fast, fun read. Lia is one sassy woman, who put the world on notice, "If this puts me on the naughty list then so be it. I'll take all the coal." Is she a good girl gone bad or a woman finding her stride? And boy does she with Jake, one very hot mechanic. A decade earlier, Jake taught her to love then ripped her heart out doing what he thought best for her. He has a second chance to get his "Sunflower" back, and boy does he deliver many panty-melting moments.

I loved these characters! If you like it hot, with a lot of steam and dirty talk, this is the read you should have under your tree this year.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Unexpected Christmas
Author: Eliza Peake
Hero/Heroine: Jake & Lia
Tropes: Small Town, Second Chance, Festive

THE GOOD 😀

I’d never read anything by this author before so this festive novella felt like the perfect place to start. There were characters in this book that clearly had their own story, so you bet your arse I’ll be going back and reading them cos, you know, FOMO.
Having had a brief dalliance back when they were teenagers, Jake and Lia find themselves working together twelve years later when they’re both roped in to helping with Christmas festivities in their small town. Still bitter about how things ended between them, Lia was determined not to fall for Jake’s charms again. Well, she failed that epically. That man sounded too damn fine for his own good.
The fact that these two had history added to the intense chemistry between them, and I loved how Jake slowly brought Lia out of herself and managed to break those walls down that she was so determined to put up around him. I understood her reluctance after having her heart broken by him, and I empathised with her about that, especially when she she broke down to her brother about how she was feeling, and not just about the Jake situation. That tugged on the old heartstrings I must say.
Overall, this was another massively enjoyable festive novella that packed the heart and the spice into so few chapters. Definitely won’t be the last I’ll read from this author.

THE BAD ☹️

Not a bean.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: A sweet and spicy festive novella destined to bring a smile to your face
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Shari Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love second chance romance! These two were a couple for all of a few days but it was everything that either one would ever want. Jake broke up with Lia because she was going off to come e didn’t want told her back. He never would know just how badly he broke her heart. She ran away to school and never came back home when she graduated. She is passed over by her boss for a big promotion that she totally deserved. When she finds out she didn’t get it she decided to go home for Christmas.

Jake owns the garage in town. When Lia gets home her mom needs her to take the family car to the shop. She is surprised to see see the one person she hopes to avoid while she is home.

The town needs help. Santa’s shop can’t be set up where it was supposed to go so they need a new location. Lia decides to propose that they use the garage. It’s the only place big enough for all the decorations. What she doesn’t know is that she is volunteering herself and Jake to work together.

Will these two lonely hearts be able to take a leap of faith?

Sweet story.

[K.G. Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Christmas

I love small town romance, and heading back to Madison Ridge in Eliza Peake's Christmas story, Unexpected Christmas, was a ton of fun! Even though this novella can be read as a standalone, I loved seeing old characters from the Madison Ridge series.

Jake Henderson is the perfect book boyfriend. He's a hot mechanic, sweet to his mama, and extra swoony when it comes to Lia. I wasn't sure how I felt about our heroine at first. But then, BAM, she totally surprised me with some "unexpected" vixen moves with Jake that had my glasses fogging up. These two together are total fire (and not the cozy kind in a fireplace on Christmas Eve, LOL.)

I love Eliza's writing style and will always read anything she writes. This little Christmas story is the perfect ember to warm you right up, and has a happily ever after that will leave you pining for more Jake.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Let me love you, Sunflower.” Well if my heart didn’t just melt into a puddle next to the cute Christmas tree. This was such a cute read! This is my first time reading Eliza Peake and I can’t wait to read more from her!

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun holiday read that will warm you up and get you in the spirit.

Lia and Jake have a past, still have feelings but are afraid to commit again - fear of being hurt. They are hoodwinked into working together and the more time they spend together the old feelings start creeping back in.

The banter and conversations between these two is fantastic and they are enjoying their holiday fling. However, hurt from the past is creeping in causing fear and confusion towards a long term commitment.

A little time and thinking helps clear their heads and leads to a beautiful HEA.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this emotional and heartfelt story, we have Lia who has finally come home again for Christmas years after having her heart shattered by the guy, she was so sure would be her one. Lia doesn’t want to see Jake but in a small town like Madison Ridge their running into each other is inevitable. Jake knew there was something special about Lia and as a young guy who didn’t feel worthy, he still doesn’t as an adult, but their chemistry is off the charts. As Lia tries to fight her attraction to Jake, they are thrown together to help the town put together their Christmas celebrations and the more time together the harder it become to let go of the past and the feelings remaining. My heart hurt for both as they both held on to the feelings of the past yet were too afraid to act on them and be heartbroken again. This was such a great second chance holiday story and the banter between characters with the small-town background makes me want to read about every single character in town. Another great holiday read that gives you the warm and fuzzy holiday spirit with steam!!!

[Bibliophilic Kitten · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute but short. I understand the meaning of "novella" but I wanted more from this couple. I wanted more details about the Santa's workshop project. I wanted more details about her life in Seattle. I wanted more of them spending time together during the week.

Did Jake even really grovel for her back? He apologized and just expected her to move on from it. Another reason that I wanted more.

[Misty • booksplusplants · Rating 3 out of 5]

How are none of these reviews talking about the epilogue?




Where he put the ring…whyyyy 😂

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Good Christmas romance

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a couple that was only together for a brief time after graduation when the man decided that he wasn't good enough for her and let her go. The woman is now into advertisement marketing and the man owns the family business, a auto shop. Ten years later she's back, seeing her brings back all those old memories for him but with her seeing him only brings back the heartache of his abandoning her. The woman's mother talk the couple into working together for the Christmas festival that the town has every year. They set fourth getting everything ready for the festival, trying to keep everything casual on her part but he likes getting under her skin. As things heat up between the couple they start getting the old feeling back with sparks flying every time they touch. One day they kiss when he gets a call having to go help his mother so the woman leaves when she comes back they have sex, they have sex all night the next morning he wakes her up with coffee and her favorite muffins, they talk for a bit then they start having sex again until he gets another can from his sister so he has to leave again taking her to her parents home. Once in the house she goes to make some coffee when her brother comes in the kitchen, they get into an small fight when he tells her that the man still loves her and that if she doesn't feel the same for him that she needs to stop what's going on before things get way to far and someone gets hurt. It been days since he has seen her, she has closed herself off to him. He gives the keys to the shop to they people using the shop for their festival plus the keys to his truck they're going to use for the parade, get goes to the festival where the woman will be he's stopped by a couple of her cousins while talking to her cousins the man notices her they stare at each other on and off when he excuses himself from the others to go to her he asks the cousin she's with if he could talk to the woman for a couple minutes alone. He takes her into an alley close to where she was at asking her what's going on, she tells him how she felt before when he pushed her away and that what they have can only be casual for now on upset he walks off. The next four days she can do nothing but cry and stay in bed, she starts packing to go back to where she lives before Christmas when her brother comes in and sits down on her bed he has her sit next to him while he tells her about his injury after the came back from the military and how him and his best friend became his wife. She starts packing faster telling him to not to tell their mother that she will be back in a couple of days. She goes back to the place she lives going to her job turning in her resignation and putting up up for sale her apartment. The man is at the shop doing some work on a car he's restoring everyone is gone for Christmas when he hears the door saying out loud that their closed the woman walks further in he turns around as they start talking, she tells him that she wants to be with him but then he tells her that she hurt him by the time they get done talking they have told each other that they love one another and they make love on the hood of the car. A year later their in bed he tells her that she needs to get up because the have to be at where she works at to eat with the family but first he has a gift for her under the cover when she looks underneath she sees a gold ribbon with a ring on the end of it. He talk the gold ribbon with the rings from where it was at then asks her to marry him and she tells him yes afterwards they make love tell each other they love one another and Merry Christmas.
Exceptional characters easy to read page turner that's dramatic as well as steamy romantic are fabulous. Wonderfully written story with a happily ever after ending .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon

Lia's back in town in time for Christmas and is feeling kind of Grinchey. She was passed over for a promotion she more than deserved, and the city life has gotten her down. When Hollie Berry, America's sweetheart, turns herself into a viral sensation with her claim your coal slogan, Lia's thinking maybe she should do just that. But who to help her with this?

Perhaps her ex, Jake? But nah...when he rejected her years ago, it had lasting repercussions to her very soul. Even though they've been thrown together by some very sneaky relatives, to help plan the town Christmas festivities, she's not sure she can survive another heartbreak by Jake. Or can't she? Her body sure seems to be on board.

Sweet, delicious second chance set during the Christmas. What's not to like about this charming story. I wanted more of them together by the time I was done reading, and would definitely welcome a second installment or a long epilogue of Lia and Jake in the future.



ARC provided by author for an honest review.

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[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved loved loved every single moment of this amazing story . If you are a fan of small town and second chance romances look no further . Unexpected Christmas was and is the perfect holiday read . From the moment I sat down and started both Jake and Lias emotional rollercoaster of a journey I was pretty much hooked . Both are so likable and relatable characters not to mention so unique and multi layered. I very quickly found myself becoming more and more invested. There were.moments I was on the edge of my seat heart beating so fast and others I would be laughing then before I knew it I’d find myself crying because my heart broke for Lia , especially after certain circumstances that lead up to Jake breaking her heart . I really do not want to give any details away as this is definitely one story best enjoyed by simply going In with a completely open mind . What I will say is that 95% of the time you’ll find me reading dark romances . But there are definitely times when I need something lighter , something that’s guaranteed to put a smile on my face . Eliza is my go to author. She truly is a queen when it comes to writing pretty much any trope in romance and always exceeds all my expectations. Fun , sexy , heartfelt, heartbreaking, angst , off the charts chemistry, romance, family , friendships, ups and downs , unexpected surprises, humor , witty banter , unforgettable and unputdownable. Unexpected Christmas is the perfect blend of all the things a great romance should be
a few seconds

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara]

Lia has returned to her small home town after years of being away after making a career for herself in The Big City. Jake, her childhood sweetheart and local small garage owner never left town and has taken over the family garage with hopes of starting his own classic car restoration shoppe. Lia and Jake never really moved beyond each other, but this holiday season, with Lia finally returning home their moms decide this is the time for both of them to have not just a Happy Holiday but a Happily Ever After. But I will not give spoilers, you'll have to read and enjoy this story to find out more on your own!

Filled with everything that makes a great holiday story there are wonderful characters that continue to draw our pair closer together, dialogue and back story that simmers with sexual tension, as well as sexy, flirty and sometimes sarcastic banter that shows just how close Lia and Jake were and reveal how deeply they care for each other. The cherry on this Christmas Cake though is the quick pace that draws you along like a great down hill sled ride that makes this story feel wonderfully vivid. A Quick, Fun, Sexy, and Steamy Story this is a great read that will make you smile when you think of it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Lia, the female lead, is returning to her hometown for the first stretch of time since she left for college after best friend and one time lover, Jake, the male lead, who told her he didn’t want her. He “knows” he wasn’t the best choice for her but all she felt was the hurt of rejection. Neither of them has been able to get past that hurt and, when they’re thrown together for Christmas party planning, feeling spark again. But can they both let go of the past to create a healthy future?

This novella is dual POV, ably written, and a steamy sweet Christmas romance. I’m not a fan of “I did it because it was best for you” - I find that really patronising and quite offensive. The building relationship and current interactions were engaging but I found it very difficult to move past the history that set up the current challenges. I empathised with Lia’s mixed feelings and understood why she made the choices she did. I understood Jake’s choices but really felt his pain was self-inflicted and had very little sympathy for him. I’ve given this story the rating I have because it is well written; it’s just not my cup of tea.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake Henderson and Lia Gray had a short but intense romance the summer after they graduated from high school. When it ended, Lia left town for college and has been focused on building her career in advertising ever since. After being passed over for a promotion, however, she decides to come home to Madison Ridge for the holidays. She volunteers to help her mom with the town's annual Christmas festival and is assigned to Santa's workshop, hosted by Jake at his family's auto repair shop. Spending time with her old flame is awkward at first, but it doesn't take long for them to fall back into their old friendship - and more. The problem is that Lia's only in town until Christmas Day, when she's scheduled to return to her life in Seattle. Can Jake give her a reason to stay in Madison Ridge?

I enjoyed this sweet yet steamy story, though there were a few aspects I thought could have been fleshed out a bit more. I would have liked to know more about Jake and Lia's teenage romance, as well as why Lia felt that her parents favored her brother Landon. Also, early in the story it seemed as if Jake and Lia's mothers were trying to play matchmaker for them; unfortunately, that plot thread was dropped after the four of them had breakfast together to make the initial arrangements for Santa's workshop. It's a shame because that could have been a cute addition to the story. At any rate, Jake and Lia had fantastic chemistry and their steamy scenes were absolute fire. I really liked them as a couple and was rooting for them the whole way.

I'd recommend "Unexpected Christmas" for all contemporary/small town romance fans. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going back to Madison Ridge and reading Eliza Peake's words felt like going back home as a Christmas treat. Unexpected Christmas is a small-town, second-chance, forced-proximity romance that gave me all the festive and swoony vibes I needed to start the holiday season.

Lia is back home after being passed over from a promotion at work. She hopes to spend her days with her family without running into the man who broke her heart 12 years ago. But luck is not on her side, or maybe her mother is Santa's helper... She not only comes face-to-face with Jake Henderson but also has to work with him to make sure the town's Santa Workshop becomes a reality.

These two have never forgotten each other. Yet, they seem to want different things: he is focused on expanding his mechanic shop, and she has a life and a career to return to in Seattle. So when they finally give in, it's hot and romantic, all wrapped under the mistletoe.

Best part of Unexpected Christmas? Knowing Eliza Peake will bring more of Madison Ridge next year. I've missed her books, and this was the perfect Christmas present.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being new to Ms.Peake's work i've been looking forward to reading her books! When i found out she'd be releasing a Naughty List book i knew i had to pick it up first. I enjoyed this story!

Lia and Jake's journey got my attention quickly! Lia is back home for the holidays and brought face to face with the man her heart can't forget, Jake. As these two have to join forces to help with the town's Christmas event, can they get along and will they ignore what's still between them?

I really liked how Lia and Jake were reunited. I was glad that i got to jump into both of their minds. I didn't know how they'd tackle working together, the past, and their feelings. Both Lia and Jake had me feeling many things throughout! The chemistry between them was so good!

With Unexpected Christmas, Ms.Peake has created a good holiday read you'll wanna finish in one sitting! I'm looking forward to picking up more from this author!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Eliza and is part of The Naughty List collection. If you’re looking for a quick, spicy holiday read look no further. This collection is perfect and as much as I love the spice, the stories are just amazing. I’ve read 5 books in this collection. Lia visits her family for the holidays in Madison Ridge after getting passed up for a promotion at her job. Once home, she gets paired up with her ex Jake to produce Santa’s Workshop in his auto shop by her mother and Jake’s. The banter between these two is amazing and the tension and angst is high. But Jake broke her heart years ago. I do feel it was a little rushed in parts, especially when she claimed her coal. I would’ve loved an inner monologue weighing that decision from Lia. But as it was, it was hot! But she’s afraid he’ll break her heart again, and his hearts at risk too. I loved the advice Lia’s brother Landon gives her. The epilogue and bonus epilogue were perfect. Full of banter, angst, tension, spice, family, love, emotions, second chances and so much more. Can’t wait to read more form Eliza.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever feel like characters within a book do things to self-sabotage? That's how I feel about young Jake in this book. He told Lia that there was nothing between (lie) them after spending the summer with her and broke her heart. Thus Lia leaves town and doesn't return for 12 years.

Jake does well for himself in those years, as does Lia. However Lia comes home with her tail between her legs after losing a big promotion. The hard part about living in a small town? There's not many places you can go without running into the same people, repeatedly.

Huzzah for meddling Momma's!! I swear I was cracking up at their antics throughout this book. Forcing Lia and Jake together in Santa's Village was likely just the push they needed to move them from "we used to be" to "let's do this".

Always check the TW/CW:
💥None

Anywho! Time to wrap this up with the goodies:
Read: 4🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 2 🌶🌶
HEA

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michele McMullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this wonderful group of holiday romances and Unexpected Christmas has just given me all the holiday feels! A quick steamy funny trip down memory lane with Jake and Lia.
Lia and Jake were once high school sweethearts. She thought they were forever, but little did she know that he set her free for her to pursue her dreams. Yes, it may have broken her young heart, but she is now back, and it is ten years later. Jake is a local businessman running his family garage. Imagine his surprise when the one that got away shows up with a car that needs repair. He may be good at his job but this time he is going to keep her here until she knows what they had was real and young old love can be new forever for them! Lia knows the moment she lays eyes on her first love that this is going to be more than a problem for her heart, but can this man show her that everything he did was always for her.
This couple is funny, emotional, steamy, has great witty banter and are about to learn to navigate the new them!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
🎄Second Chance
❄️Spicy
🎄Mechanic MMC
❄️Business Woman FMC
🎄Small Town
❄️Forced Proximity
🎄Holiday Special

UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS is a stand alone novella set in the MADISON RIDGE universe.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be my last. I’m hooked, line and sinker for more from Madison Ridge. It give Melanie Harlow vibes, which tracks because when you get to the end of the book, and reach the “Thanks” page, she gives her a shout out ♥️
This is a short and sweet, and spicy holiday novella with all the small town vibes you could crave: meddling family members, gorgeous town folk, town holiday traditions etc.. Jake and Lia haven’t seen each other in 12 years. And the last time she saw him, he broke her heart into a million pieces. He’s never stopped loving her. And he is determined to show her just how much he’s missed her.
Will she risk her heart again? Will she leave her big marketing job back in Seattle to make things work? 🫢 in the mean time, she’s here for a good time, just maybe not a long time….

[Savannah Cherniwchan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

✅second chance
✅blue collar man (mechanic)
✅Christmas novella

“It’s the unexpected that makes life worth living, Lia. And you are definitely unexpected.”

Lia didn’t run with the popular crowd. She always hung out with the artsy kids. Jake on the other hand, did run with the popular kids, jocks, and cheerleaders. That summer after they graduated, she let her proverbial hair down and he ended up getting to know her better. A whole lot better. To the point that it was too much for him. He ended things with her and broke her heart in the process that cause her to move away from the city. She comes back several years later to visit her family and their parents put them together to work on a project.
Can a person learn to trust someone who broke them?

I thought this was such a cute novella I really loved seeing the growth in both characters !

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the books in this series start with the same premise for the heroine to #claimhercoal. Jake and Lia were shared a night together 12 years ago, but then he broke her heart and she left. He stayed in their hometown and eventually took over his dad's garage. She comes home for Christmas and they get thrown together, by their meddling mothers, to turn Jake's repair shop into Santa's workshop. Can these two put their wounded feelings aside in order to get Santa's workshop ready for the town's Christmas celebration? What happens when Lia decides to #claimhercoal and goes after Jake? Will they make their relationship work this time? Read this fun, steamy story to learn the answers and see why being on the Naughty List can actually be a good thing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake breaks Lia’s heart one summer. She then runs away to college. This is the first time she has been back home in 12 years. Since Jake broke her heart. When their moms volunteer them to work together, to create Santa’s workshop, for the town’s holiday activities. Neither one is happy with the situation. But they won’t let their mom’s down. When they both still feel the chemistry between them. Will they forget everything else and give it a second chance?
This was a great Christmas novella. The chemistry between them was Hot! And their issues were very realistic. Usually when I read a novella, I feel there is something missing, or it was too short. I didn’t this time. I really enjoyed it! You will too if you like second chance romances!