*Daddy December* delivers all the warm fuzzies of a Hallmark movie but skips the drama of a third-act breakup. It’s happily-ever-after vibes from the first chapter, overflowing with syrupy sweetness. The story dives right into its conflict early on, and after that, it’s all smooth sailing—less Hallmark movie and more like those sentimental holiday commercials for cars or jewelry that tug at your heartstrings every winter.

Did I enjoy it? Yeah, I have to admit, it was a cozy, feel-good read. Would I recommend it? Maybe, if you’re in the mood for something light and sugary. Am I clamoring for more? Not really. I usually crave a little more depth—some tension or a hurdle to overcome. This one leaned so heavily into the cuteness it almost felt like a sugar rush, and honestly, it left me missing a bit of grit.

Ten years ago, Noelle made the tough decision to prioritize Nick's future over their shared past, despite being pregnant with his child. Now, as she prepares for her daughter's birthday, she’s shocked to learn Nick is back in town for Christmas. This time, there’s no avoiding their unresolved history.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an ALC of this steamy Christmas novella! I loved the chemistry between Noelle and Nick, both in their backstory and their present interactions. The balance of sweet and spicy moments hit just right—heartwarming without being overdone. Maxine delivered an incredible performance as always; her voice work effortlessly draws you in, even when it stirs memories of her iconic Triple Falls narration.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
🌶️🌶️½ (2.5/5 spice)

I enjoyed this! I did find myself thinking it was a little unrealistic that everyone would be so forgiving and back in love so quickly. I assumed this was just due to the fact it was a novella and then ultimately I decided I didn't care. I was all in on a happy ending for Nick and Noelle and I'm glad we got it. I love when we get to see the main couple happy together. I thought the narrators did a great job! Would definitely recommend listening to this one!

🎄 christmas romance
🎁 second chance romance
🎅 best friend’s brother
❄️ secret baby

After 10 years Noelle moves back to the town she grew up in, Winterburg. She meets up with her old friend, but then she sees Nicholas. Noelle used to be together with Nick, until he left the country to study at Oxford. Noelle didn’t want to hold Nick back but she didn’t want to stay in the town of Winterburg alone, so she also left town.

Nick finds out that Noelle has a daughter, Holly, who is also 10 years old. He quickly adds it all together; he is Holly’s father. Nick goes to Noelle’s house dressed up as Santa to see his daughter and give her the cupcakes for her birthday. He decided then and there that he wanted to be a father to his daughter, Holly.
But can Noelle and Nick make it work after everything that happened? And can they forgive each other and be a family together?

This is a short and sweet novella with a Christmas theme. I would definitely recommend reading this during Christmas time. All of the names in this book are Christmas themed, which I thought was very funny and cute.
I liked the writing style and the pace. It’s written in dual POV so you get both sides of the story. There was always something happening, which made me fly through this book.
There wasn’t a lot of spice in this book, but the spice that was there was really great.
I listened to this book as an audiobook. The narration is really great and very easy to follow.

3.5 stars

- best friend's brother
- single mom
- secret baby
- second chance romance

The audio for Daddy December was honestly what made me enjoy this as much as I did. I'm a sucker for second chance romances, especially when there's a secret baby involved (it's a guilty pleasure of mine), and really enjoyed how quick this listen was!

This was such a heartwarming Christmas romance. I do love a second chance romance. I adored Holly. The romance was sweet and a bit spicy. Noelle made a choice years ago that hurt more than one person. She had good intentions but she wishes she had not done it. Nick is a dad. Had been a dad for years and had no idea. Will Noelle let her be a dad and maybe a husband? Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a feel good audiobook with a couple very naughty scenes, that was a perfect choice for the holiday season. Noelle and Chris reunite after 10yrs and he finds out she had his daughter without him ever knowing. I found him and his family so forgiving, but I guess you can’t punish an innocent child. Especially when it seems they never got over each other. I loved the way they came together and Chris’s possessiveness. How doesn’t love being told they’re a good girl?

Daddy December by Linzvonc is a captivating romance that immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go. From its intriguing premise to its fast-paced storytelling, this novel delivers a refreshing twist on contemporary romance, diving into a dynamic relationship that feels both unique and unapologetically bold.

One of the standout qualities of Daddy December is how it breaks away from conventional romance tropes. The story offers something fresh, diving headfirst into its premise without hesitation. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the narrative wastes no time building tension. For readers who enjoy a quicker pace, this story skips the slow burn and dives into the action, keeping the pages turning and the energy high.

The spice in Daddy December is palpable and adds a sizzling layer to the story, but it never overshadows the emotional depth. Linzvonc strikes a balance between passion and plot, creating a connection between the characters that feels authentic and compelling.

This isn’t just a romance—it’s a bold, entertaining journey that offers something new to the genre. Fans of steamy, fast-paced love stories will find Daddy December an irresistible read, and Linzvonc’s ability to craft dynamic, engaging characters ensures this book is one that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for those seeking a romance that dares to stand out.

I started to cringe when at the birthday party for the ten year olds Noelle finds it cute the girls are pretending to be drunk. What??? The premise is Noelle was secretly dating Nick, her best friend's older brother ten years ago (she was 21). When he got accepted to his dream school she broke up with him so he would go. She realizes after he leaves that she is pregnant and doesn’t tell him. She left and only returned to his hometown and her best friend last year. She has been raising Holly as a single mom. He comes home for Christmas and is shocked to learn that he has a ten year old daughter he never knew about.

There are a lot of plot holes in this story. His sister knows Holly is her niece by her looks but inexplicably is mad now because Noelle never told her. She has had almost a year to bring that up. Also between acceptance letters and starting college there are months and months not days, so why did Nick just disappear? And why hasn’t he been home before if he is so successful.

The whole story takes place in a ridiculous few days' time frame. And of course sparks fly between Nick and Noelle. I am fine that Noelle works at a Hooter’s on steroids type of place as a waitress to support her and Holly. But his reaction to it by going alpha male and yet being so turned they get it on in the parking lot was icky. I only realized after the story ended that it was a shorter book, 164 pages. So maybe there wasn’t time to more slowly introduce him to his daughter or adjust to being together.

This is an okay story but I’ve read similar type books that are better and have more depth. I listened to an audiobook from Dreamscape Select via NetGalley. I did enjoy the narrators, especially Maxine Mitchell who I have listened to before. It you want a mindless, quick read or listen with steamy bits this will do.

2.5 ⭐️

I’m not sure if this novella is part of a series (it doesn’t say it is), but I felt like I was dropped into book 2 with no recap of book 1. Mostly though, I just couldn’t get over the idea that a successful 40 year old guy would come back to town to find out he has a 10 year old daughter, and within 24 hours: 1) have the kid calling him dad; 2) decide to move across an ocean; 3) be back with the mom as if the 10 intervening years never happened; and 4) be demanding they have another baby immediately. This was a lot for me as a mom - I’d be far more protective over my child after hiding her from the dad for a decade. Anyways, aside from all that, it was okay and had a couple mildly spicy scenes.

The audiobook narration was good. I was already a Maxine Mitchell fan, and I’d listen to more from Scott Rose now.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Blue Nose Publishing for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating the Plot - 4/5 ⭐
Rating the Narrators - 3/5 ⭐
Spice - 2/5 🌶

This spicy second-chance novella will hit you in the feels like a Christmas Hallmark movie. Linzvonc paced this book perfectly, making you feel like you're watching the scenes unfold as you read. Noelle and Nick are reunited after ten years apart. Nick had fled to England to pursue his dream career, while Noelle returned to her family to raise his child, which he didn't know about. Despite being a short read, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to see how everything would play out. The connection between Noelle and Nick is instant romance, sweet and spicy.

However, I deducted 1 ⭐ because I wished it had been a bit longer to allow for more depth in Noelle and Nick's characters. In my opinion, it's challenging to connect with the main characters when the story is brief. Also, the ending was pretty much predictable. Additionally, I took away 2 ⭐'s for the narrators' performance because the female voice actor sounded monotone in some parts, which didn't captivate me like the male voice actor did.

Overall, this book is perfect for anyone who loves novellas, Christmas settings, second-chance tropes, and a touch of spice

Thank you Blue Nose Publishing for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a charming and passionate Christmas novella packed with holiday spirit, second chances, and rekindling connections. If you want a quick, fun, and heartwarming holiday read, Daddy December is a great option.

Wow. Second chance romance with a secret child 10 years old? Yes please!

This book was so sweet.
I did find the romance and spice a little rushed but otherwise this book was a total win.
. definitely spicy with "touch her and die" vibes. Read at your own discretion.

I seen the name and the cover and it screamed "READ ME" so you know what i did... yep! i had read the book. I mean obviously as i am here reviewing said book.

I really enjoyed this read, the narrators were great to listen to and did a wonderful job of performing each character, Speaking of the characters i lovedddd Daddy Nick the most i mean i had a smexy man in my head the whole time and the santa suit plus a pair of daddy pajama's you would not say no to that. Also was very shocked to learn where Noel worked!! The plot was good as well, i mean a man and women who dated but went different ways one for work and one for well a child that no one knew about.

Now, the one issue i had was with the child who is 10 years old but what i heard was more of a 5 year old instead which felt odd to me. I also did not understand one part which had to do with the best friend ramping on about her to her mom as they had some issues and then next thing you know they are being best friends with no issues.

But i loved this book the spice was "chef's kiss"
4 STAR

Daddy December is a fun, spicy and christmassy novella, great for a quick read.

Due to the length, I found it a bit harder to connect with Nick, Noelle and Holly. However overall this was a fun read fast paced and uncomplicated read. The story was a bit cheesy in places and had strong hallmark vibes. The characters were warm and earnest, and I really enjoyed the small town feel and second chance romance.

The narrators did a wonderful job bringing Noelle and Nick to life and I thought the dual narration really enhanced their chemistry. A fun holiday read.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for a copy of their audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me an Audiobook Arc

This is the first Christmas Book I have ever read. I am not one for Christmas Hallmark movies; this was a Hallmark movie, which could be a positive for some people.

I am not really a Christmas girlie and wanted to try out a Christmas romance book. I saw Daddy December on Netgalley being sent out and said why not.

This novel is about what you would expect cringy, short, and steamy.

The Audiobook narrators were okay. I had to speed up the audiobook as soon as it started because Noelle's chapters were very monotone and slow.

Do not think I was the right audience for this book.
But hey now I know I am not a Christmas Book type of girl
Edit Review

Shockingly not for me. I didn't care for the narrator, although she was much better at 1.5+ speed. I didn't feel any connection to the FMC and MMc romance and the plot was basic if not there at all. I know it's just a novella but didn't feel worth the time.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the audio ARC. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

A spicy little second chance romance that sees a single mother reunited with her first love ten years after the birth of their daughter that he never knew existed. This was the first book for me by this author and I enjoyed this on audio. A fun holiday novella that was a quick, lighthearted read with just the right amount of spice. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

A sweet and spicy second chance Christmas Rom-com. Everything you need for a quick Holiday vibe and some heartfelt moments.

3,5 stars and a thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
Happy Holidays...

This story was cute and a nice little Christmas filler. I really enjoyed the narrators of this book, they embodied the characters well. I would recommend this to anybody in the mood for a Christmas read!

3.5 stars overall