Thank you Shannon Stacey & Harlequin Books for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey is a delightful & steamy novella. Since I read it on my Kindle. I had no idea it was a shorter read. As soon as I started the book, I was sucked in. A bookstore, small town, cute flirting & enemies to lovers during the holiday season? Can we get Netflix out to make a movie about this immediately?!?

Steam & Heart

The steam is there, but it's not too much for those just looking for a love story. It gets there though. I live for the steam & let's just say, I'm pleased. Stacey writes romance very well. There's just enough flirtation to get you excited, then she brings the hot & heavy steam. 

While it's a novella, it may seem the couple jumps into the relationship rather quickly. You know what? I AM HERE FOR THIS. Honestly, I'm sitting here thinking of a few longer romances I've read that would have been well suited for a novella. 

While One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey is the second book in the Cedar Street series, I read it as a standalone. I love it so much I'll go back & read One Summer Weekend. 

THE VERDICT

I am Really Into This book! One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey is so swoon-worthy. The romance is clever, cute, modern & sexy. I love it so much & I'll likely re-read it every Holiday season.

3.5 Stars

Such a cute enemies to lovers, opposites attract contemporary novella fit for lighthearted holidays read. This second entry to Stacey’s “Cedar Street” series brought to mind that christmasy movies with guaranteed happy ending on tv. It’s certainly a pick me up with all the droll, witty back and forth between our two lead characters.

Spanning from post Halloween to Christmas eve (well, obviously. DUH) - which is not very long - ONE CHRISTMAS EVE is revealed Zoe and Preston first meeting, their truculent association which spilled onto social media to exchanging sticky notes and lines from books (they read), to the inevitable sparking chemistry and affection between them. It’s lively, amusing, yet sobering and realistic at the same time. Once again, Stacey delivered a delightful story - with none of over the top drama, I might add!

That said, I think I liked Carly and Noah’s story better - as individually I’m not too fond of Zoe nor Preston’s voice. Although they made such awesome couple together. (That reconciliation scene could use a bit of a tweak, imho. Too many misinterpretation, bad choices of word - even one only repeating what one had been told before - and sulking. To me if felt like going leisurely on a smooth surface to crossing gravel driveway before arriving on your destination). All in all not so bad an early holiday read.


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Christmas novella that will make you smile. One Christmas Eve is the second book in the Cedar Creek series. Great character and wonderful storyline deliver a fabulous read to get you into the Christmas spirit

OMG!! I love this book. One Christmas Eve is a fantastic holiday romance by Shannon Stacey. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Stacey has loaded readers' stockings with a well-written book packed with outstanding characters. Kudos to Ms. Stacey on dialog and character interactions that made this book a fun read. Zoe moves and opens a bookstore with her cousin after her divorce. Preston opens his new estate planning business next door to the bookstore. Preston and Zoe's story is full of drama, laugh-out-loud humor, sizzle and holiday fun. This book was just plain fun to read and I look forward to reading more from Shannon Stacey soon. One Christmas is book 2 of the Cedar Street Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oops.

Definitely matchmaking.

Her parents took her ex's side? Nice people!

Sex sells, buster.

Yay for no bugs.

Gah.

What are book darts?

I have an auntie like that.

I'm in the mood for sweet Christmas story and this one was excellent.
I rooted for the characters, was engrossed by the plot and loved the festive spirit.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This is exactly the Christmas novella you need - it’s cute and fun and swoony and steamy all in one! PLUS it includes so much book love!

Zoe has opened a bookstore with her cousin - a fresh start after her divorce. Preston is the businessman who leases the office next door - and right away shows his unhappiness with the display of sexy romance novels in the bookstore window. Zoe is having none of his shaming and plans her next display with him in mind.

Their interactions continue with great flirting through Instagram and books. This book couldn’t have been more perfectly designed for me if the author had sat down and asked me about things I love - books (especially romance novels), bookstores, Instagram, Christmas and love!

If you love Hallmark/Netflix Christmas movies but also like a little more steam - check out this book! And if you’re reading this thinking it’s too early for Christmas reads - first of all, no such thing. Second of all - the book starts before Veterans Day. So now is the perfect time to pick this up!! Grab a hot chocolate, your coziest blanket and settle in for an enjoyable evening with Zoe and Preston!

Thank you to Carina Press and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

I enjoyed this fun holiday romance between Zoe and Preston. Opposites attract and even get on each others nerves at times but they can also be great together. Free spirited Zoe loves baiting Preston who is too uptight for his own good. Pretty soon he starts anticipating her moves and things get interesting. Great holiday story.

Wonderful stroll the lives of people in small town America where people know you and keep an eye on you, for better or for worse. But it’s here that most people find peace and quiet far from the hustle of a big city. But it’s also great when you move somewhere new and just feel like you’re “home”. More than that, you find new friends and perhaps the person of your dreams. But not all is easy as pie. Preston is likable but lives life in predictable segments. Zoe is out there and feels right being direct in life. Opposites may attract but these two explode when they first meet.
Really enjoyed the give and take of both characters. Watching their reactions to misunderstandings as well as getting over past hurts is something most of us have to overcome too.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.

Thank you to Shannon Stacey, the publisher and NetGalley for the free Arc in exchange for an honest opinion.
I loved this book!!! I stated it after work and couldn’t stop reading until I was done!
I live a good enemies to lovers trope and this one does it well as it isn’t over the top and is dealt with quickly.
I really appreciated how Shannon Stacey did t rely upon miscommunication for her problem. The characters talk clearly and for once I wasn’t left screaming at the characters.
The ending is oh so satisfying!!!
A great holiday read for anyone who loves a good laugh and a heartfelt, satisfied sigh at the end:)

I received an advanced reader copy of this to leave an honest review. I read the first book in this series which was a cute and fun read. This one is right along the same lines. Shannon Stacey has a very good writing style which makes it easy to stay engaged.

This book follows Zoe, a bookstore owner, and Preston, a new to town Estate Planner. As you can imagine, Preston is a bit more buttoned up and regimented due to his field of work. Whereas Zoe is much more free-spirited, especially after her divorce. Right from the beginning there is tension between the two since Zoe takes offense to how Preston reacts to the bookstore's window display. There is attraction there and they do both admit to taking that perhaps they both overreacted initially. Putting their differences aside, they embark on a relationship however both have issues from their prior relationships that cause both to be wary. In the end, these issues may be too much to overcome.

Overall a very fun and fast read. I would recommend if you are looking for something lighthearted and enjoy a good Christmas romance.

Zoe Randall is divorced and doesn't need another disapproving man in her life. Especially not one she accidentally cut off and now is shooting LOOKS at her mildly provocative book display. But Preston Wheeler doesn't mean to be that disapproving. And he certainly doesn't mean to accidentally egg her on into making an even more provocative display about candy. The two finally can admit that they have an attraction to each other
Things that made me smile:
Book flirting (the catnip item I didn't know I needed in my life.)
A paragraph dedicated to Preston's forearms that got me quite warm)
Zoe's cousin telling her that she can only be treating Preston that way because Zoe is either projecting her ex on to Preston at him or is trying to create reasons to be mad at him because she is hot for him
Straitlaced and kooky discovering that they can be perfect for each other

At just under 100 pages, I really was surprised how much of Zoe and Preston's personalities we got as well as how much we got to see their relationship grow. Could have done without the last Big Misunderstanding because it didn't really fit but overall a delightful, bite-sized read.

Five stars
This book comes out November 11th
ARC kindly provided by Carina Press and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

I don't think Shannon Stacey can write a bad book! This one is short, sweet, funny and everything I need for this holiday season.

Zoe is divorced and running a bookstore with her cousin. Preston is new to town and happens to be setting up shop with his estate planning business just next door to the bookstore. The two clashed before they were office neighbors, and it was so fun to see them come full circle and fall for each other.

This story is great for a weekend afternoon and I would highly recommend.

I loved this book. I don't usually love shorter novels/novellas because I always want more, but this little book is jam packed with goodness.

1. Sassy bookstore owner
2. Buttoned up professional type with an office upstairs
3. An escalating standoff via Instagram
4. Holidays (Halloween, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!)
5. Supportive friends and family
6. Real apologies
7. Communication via book passages
8. Sizzling kisses
9. Mistletoe ties
10. A happy ending.

I just... it's so good. Could there have been things that were more developed? Sure, but I don't think it hurt the story. This book is a 90 minute snack that you should treat yourself to.

A sweet, charming and hot story that's.just the right length for a quick holiday read. This is a story of two people with baggage finding each other and overcoming their pasts.. The conclusion was touching and brought a tear to my eye.

Great Christmas read! Grab a cup of cocoa and a blanket and see in for a return to Cedar Street. Ok, grab a glass of wine🍷!

Zoe is back in town after a divorce that left her confidence reeling. She and her cousin own a bookstore She is strong, determined and fierce. She displays her sense of self through her book section/notations and unique window displays.

Preston Wheeler is new to town and none to thrilled with the risque displays of the bookstore next door. Or, is that excitement he finds in the sexy Zoe next door. Preston wanted away from the rat race and found a very low key place to live. Except Zoe is a huge distraction, in a good way. When Preston does relax, open up to Zoe, and Zoe allows Preston in, these two are amazing together.

Zoe brings swatches of color to Preston's gray life and they make the picture of happiness.

I’ve become quite the fan of Shannon Stacey’s stories, and One Christmas Eve did not disappoint. A festive story is always a welcome treat and this feel good account of two cautious and fragile souls who find each other at the most romantic time of year, is remarkable.

Zoe has an infectious and vibrant personality, which she uses to hide her past disappointments, while Preston is the serious, responsible guy, who really isn’t looking for love, even though his sassy neighbour is hard to resist. So, if you’re looking for that mindless, make you smile while sipping your coffee, afternoon read; this is definitely a story for you!

I’m so excited for the next heart-warming tale on Cedar Street.

"One Christmas Eve" (Cedar Street Book 2) by Shannon Stacey is a wonderful read. I loved Zoe and Preston's story. This is a fun, holiday read, with romance, passion, humor, family, and more. This is the first book in this series that I've read, and I'm definitely going to get "One Summer Weekend" (Cedar Street Book 1) so I can read Carly and Noah's story. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, holiday stories, small-town life, family, and series.

Preston is the serious guy who moves in next door to the book store cousins Carly and Zoe own. Zoe is the fun loving cousin who does the window displays in the book store front window. It all starts there when Preston gives her a disapproving look for the one she has in the window for Halloween. Opposite attract and even if they kind of don't like each other at first they are definitely attracted to each other. The more time they spend with each other the more they realize they might just be good for each other. Old hang ups though have a way of messing things up though. LOVED this story. It's quick it's fun and the characters are all likable. If you like your Christmas themed stories this one had that too. This is a novella length book so things happen fast but it's a great evening or weekend read.



Find out more about Shannon Stacey and this series here. shannonstacey.com

Well, this was simply adorable.

I am always a little bit tickled when an author can make me fall in love with a novella. I often find them too short, the pacing rushed, and I struggle to find the connection between the characters. Not so here. This is a short read, for sure, but I had no trouble sinking into the sweet, sexy, utterly adorable connection between Zoe and Preston.

I particularly adored the quirky, fun way they found to communicate with each other. This is an opposites-attract love story and I loved how Ms. Stacey tied them together in the end. I can't say it enough - it was utterly adorable, super fun, and I could not be more satisfied.