A perfect Christmas romance read with plenty of drama, romance and sweetness. Beautifully written story which had me totally captivated from cover to cover. Love this author and her books and this is another one of them. It has a fantastic mix of swoon, sweet, sexy and drama....one heck of a fabulous Christmas read!! HEA at its best!! Happy reading!!

Summary
Zoe is living the her life unapologetically. After a traumatic failed marriage, she is back in the town she loves running the bookstore of her dreams with her cousin. But she wants nothing to do with the new uptight neighbor who complains about her sexy window display.
Preston knows he takes life too seriously. But he can't help but be drawn to the woman who owns the bookstore next door. As he opens up to Zoe, she realizes he may not be who she thought.

Overview
➸ POV - 3rd person omniscient

➸ Zoe Randall - Owns dream bookstore with her cousin and best friend Carly, Divorced

➸ Preston Wheeler - Estate attorney, Recently moved his business next door to Zoe's bookstore, Uptight and serious

➸ Content Warnings: Divorce, Sexual Repression

My Thoughts
This is super light enemies to lovers holiday romance that I couldn't help but devour. I read this entire (albeit short) story in a single sitting. It was so sweet and wholesome and perfect for the holiday season. If you're looking for something fun and romantic to get you into the holiday spirit I highly recommend this one!

Zoe had such a strong relationship with her cousin and I really appreciated the way they supported each other. I loved that Zoe was chasing her dreams and fully embracing who she was. I loved that she never backed down or diminished her personality to fit into her small town's box. She was so strong and witty despite the mental trauma she went through in her prior relationship.

While this book did touch on some tough things with Zoe's previous relationship, I liked that this story didn't get too heavy. Which such a short book, I liked that it stayed lighthearted and fun rather than trying to tackle too much in such a short time frame. It was the perfect balance.

Zoe and Preston's relationship was so sweet and I liked that enemies portion of their enemies to lovers romance, was pretty short lived. Again, since this book was so short, I was glad there was so much content of their relationship and romance rather than bickering. They complimented each other so well and I loved the opposites attract vibe of their relationship.

Overall I loved this sweet, holiday romance and will for sure be watching out for this author's next books!

This review is also posted to Goodreads and will be posted to my blog on December 7th

One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey is an adorable holiday novella!

Bookstore owner Zoe Randall might find her new next door business neighbour Preston Wheeler attractive but his reaction to her sexy window display is less than enticing. Having recently finalized a divorce from her judgemental husband, Zoe is in no mood to deal with Preston's conservative views so she sets out to create even sexier displays just to push Preston's buttons. New to town, Preston isn't looking for trouble but he can't seem to get Zoe and her provocative window displays out of his mind. With the town and Zoe's family throwing these two opposites together, it's not long before the sparks between them get out of hand. The only question is whether their intense chemistry could turn into something long lasting.

Shannon Stacey did a wonderful job building up the opposites-attract relationship between Zoe and Preston. Both characters brought out the best in each other and readers will have a lot of fun watching these two fall for each other.

Thank you NetGalley, Carina Press and Shannon Stacey for the digital ARC!

Perfectly lovely holiday novella! I loved the first book in this series, One Summer Weekend, and this was a wonderful follow up. There was a lot of zing between the two MCs, and the back and forth banter was super fun and totally relatable - the parts about Instagram and bookstores especially!

Definitely recommend both this and it's prequel - they would make perfect cozy weekend reads for any time of the year!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, and I would say that you could read it as a standalone, although Noah and Carly from book one are important side characters here too.

Zoe has opened a bookstore with her cousin Carly, and she has a lot of fun doing cheeky window displays which have caused a little trouble with the local council! But she is standing firm, refusing to be cowed or made to feel small by anyone, ever again. Newly divorced, we learn just what a douche she was married to... and we get to understand why her reaction to new neighbour Preston is so snarky.

Even at that first snarky stage, their conversations are full of chemistry, which gives the reader a sure sense of a fun twist to ensure that they end up with a happily ever after. That it should rely in no small part to post-it notes in raunchy reads is a wonderful touch.

I really enjoyed the mixture of book shop, holiday season, family issues, interesting ties, and a man very willing to satisfy a woman. A very enjoyable read, thank you, Shannon Stacey.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is the second book in the series, but the main characters from book one are prominent in this one too. While you don't necessarily have to read book one, it's a cute story.

Zoe owns a bookstore with her cousin, Carly. While Zoe gets her kicks by making up fun, sometimes racy window displays, she knows that it sometimes causes a stir among the town’s people. Zoe doesn't really believe in love, but she wants to believe. Zoe wants to live her own life, on her own terms. What she doesn't need is a prickly, stuck-up neighbor.

Preston is wanting to head out on his own. He's sick of the grind in the city. So when he finds the perfect location in a quaint little town, he can't wait to set up shop. What he isn't expecting is a racy window display, right next door. His clients will run away if this keeps up. And while he is trying to fit in, he makes a terrible first impression on his neighbor.

While the two of them get to know each other, Zoe's meddling friends give helping shoves and both Zoe and Preston realize how much they have in common. This is a sweet story, but while I liked the premise, I just didn't think they had great chemistry. It seemed incredibly forced at times for me. But it was still a cute story.

Short, fun story about two people who have been hurt in the past, and who, in spite of their differences, turn out to be exactly what each other needs. Zoe moved to her favorite town after her divorce and opened a bookstore with her best friend. After years of suffering through her ex's attempts to stifle the more vibrant parts of her personality, Zoe refuses to bow down to anyone else's opinion ever again. This has gotten her into trouble with the town council on occasion when they object to her sometimes over-the-top window displays.

Preston is a financial planner who is tired of the rat race in the city. Looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, he finds Cedar Street to be the perfect place to set up his new office. That is until he gets a good look at the display window of the bookstore next to his office. Those racy displays are not the first impression he's looking forward to for his new clients.

I loved Preston and Zoe's first face-to-face encounter. Preston was already a little stressed over the opening of his business and being cut off by a driver that morning. Being faced with a racy store window managed to get on his last nerve. But he couldn't just take a deep breath and let it go. Since he had to get the key to his office from the bookstore owner anyway, he went in, got the key, and then made a comment about the "unsuitability" of the window. Zoe, who takes great pride in her creative displays, was not amused, especially since Preston's attitude reminded her far too much of her ex's. Words were exchanged, leaving both with bad first impressions. Unfortunately for both, underneath the aggravation were also sparks of attraction, something neither was happy about.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of their relationship. Though initially antagonistic, it didn't take long for Zoe and Preston to begin a fun sort of flirtation. I liked the way that Zoe used her windows to poke at Preston's uptightness, and how Preston quickly began to appreciate Zoe's quirkiness. I loved seeing the chemistry building between them, though each was wary of doing anything about it. Zoe was still recovering her sense of self after her ex's attempts to stifle her. She is reluctant to trust her heart to someone who has the potential to be just as judgmental. Preston's self-esteem with women has taken a beating from former girlfriends who break up with him because "he's too boring" so he's in no rush to get involved with someone so colorful. I liked watching them get to know each other and discover that they balanced each other quite nicely.

There were some cute scenes of them together, especially as the chemistry heated up. I laughed out loud at the scene after Abe's party, when Zoe took an obviously drunk Preston home and refused to take advantage of him. I ached for them both as their feelings for each other grew, but their fears held them back. The big misunderstanding at the end was heartbreaking as it played right into those fears. I liked the visit Preston received from Noah, who gave him some good advice. Preston's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. The epilogue was terrific. I loved seeing them a year later and the changes in both of them.

I really enjoyed Zoe and Preston. She needs to be first in someones life and he needs to be in someones life. Christmas makes it happen

4.5 ⭐ rounded up

One Christmas Eve was such a sweet opposites attract romance and I was immediately hooked. It was so good that I had to immediately download the first in the series and read that one too. I have been looking forward to the holiday romances all year and this novella did not disappoint!

What I loved about this book:
1. I love books about book stores, that take place in bookstore, or that are just plain bookish so this novella was just up my alley. The main character Zoe is such a fun, but quirky small book store owner and I loved her affinity for the steamy romances. I completely loved her character so I can see why Preston was smitten.
2. Their connection didn't feel rushed or forced even though this was a novella. More often then not I'm left wanting more when I finish, but that was not the case this one.
3. I loved how meaningful books were to their relationship and how they used them to communicate. Sometimes it's hard to find the right words so why not have a favorite book say it for you?

You should definitely binge this series like I did, you definitely won't be disappointed!

I really liked this sweet holiday story. Preston is an estate planner and Zoe owns the bookstore next to his office. They get off to a bit of a rocky start, but that means they are always thinking of each other, and their attraction turns from slow burn to a flame after a kiss. While they may be opposites, I thought they really worked well together, and Preston isn't really quite as "boring" as he thinks he is.

There's a really cute bit with Zoe and Preston communicating via books they share with each other. And while there really aren't any surprises here, I really thought this romance works well as a holiday themed novella and it left me feeling good. There's a nice heat level and One Christmas Eve ends with a heart-warming look into the future, which I loved. Love this cover too!

Enjoyable, sweet, romantic holiday romance.

An ARC was provided for review.

Preston and Zoe start out on the wrong foot when he makes some disapproving remarks about the sexy Halloween display in her bookstore window. Because of emotional damage from her ex, Zoe immediately takes a dislike to Preston, but when he comes bearing an olive branch, the pair discovers they may have more in common than the mutual sparks growing between them.

One Christmas Eve is a wonderful holiday romance novella. Seriously - ALL. THE. FEELS. Zoe and Preston both carry baggage, and while it takes a little push to get them going, they realize that their pasts do not need to define their futures. Normally, it can be tough to convey a full HEA love story in a novella (unless the characters have a history), yet Ms. Stacey pulls it off with excellence. I connected with both characters and felt their joys and pains as they try to make the relationship work.

One of the best things about One Christmas Eve is the use of books in the story. Zoe and her cousin Carly (book #1) co-own a small town book shop. Zoe gives Preston one of her types of books (a steamy romance) and flags sections for him. This becomes a bit of a game, but also an effective way to help jump start communication between the pair. It’s a way to be vulnerable without feeling completely exposed. And it leads to an epilogue that brought tears to my eyes (in all the best ways).

Although Carly and Preston are quick to fall in love, One Christmas Eve brings serious emotional feels in a compact space. It’s fun, romantic, and some smexy times all centered around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

My Rating: A, Loved It

This holiday themed novella was so much fun! It's a slow-burn, opposites attract (close to enemies to lovers) steamy story about a bubbly bookstore owner and an uptight lawyer that's set in Nov/Dec. Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve all make an appearance!

I'm loving novella length stories right now because they're the perfect pace when life is really busy. Nothing in the plot drags on too long, I'm able to finish the entire thing in just one sitting or one day.and when they're done well, like this one, I don't feel like anything in this story was rushed.

It's the second in a series, but reads as a stand alone. (Read the first one though because it's so good!)

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a quick & sexy Christmasy read, this on is perfect!

After her divorce, Zoe moves to a small town where her cousin lives & convinces her to open a bookshop together. (love a good bookshop owner storyline!!) Zoe is taking down her sexy witch and paranormal romance window display when her new business neighbor, Preston, walks by. Preston is clearly a buttoned up type and complains about the shirtless werewolves in the window. Zoe doesn't take that lying down and ends up pushing his buttons, making a small enemy of the new neighbor.

This was such a fun read. I love a plot line with a grumpy character. I also really enjoyed how Zoe started communicating to Preston through romances. She labeled passages with sticky notes but then he would read the whole book. *heart eyes* Perfect pacing and length for this novella, I appreciated a quick and happy read to start off the holiday vibes!

Simply wonderful! Couldn’t wait to read after her earlier release this year. Zoe was a firecracker and I loved her quick wit and love of her window displays. Preston was her perfect match even if she thought he was a little too grey in the beginning they soon realized they were the first fit of color.

Dear Shannon Stacey,

One Christmas Eve is the second novella in your Cedar Street series and features Zoe Randall, the cousin of the female lead in the first book, One Summer Weekend. I haven’t read the first book and it’s not necessary to do so (thought I think I’d enjoy it) – this book stands alone well.

Zoe is a divorcee, having moved back to the fictional small town in New Hampshire where, as a child, she spent summers with her grandfather and cousin. It was always Zoe and Carly’s dream to open a bookshop together and Cedar Street Books was born.

Just after Halloween, Preston Wheeler, a estate planner and lawyer, moves into the office space next door to the bookstore. He’s come from Boston, determined to slow his pace and escape the rat race of the city. He’s a conservative guy, preferring a gray colour palate.

Zoe is in charge of the window displays at the story and she takes great pride in them. The Halloween window featured sexy witches and drew a number of complaints due to it being a bit too sexy for the townsfolk. Unfortunately, Preston voices a similar concern, thinking that the display right next door could impact his business and therefore he and Zoe get off to a bad start.

read the rest at Dear Author (link below)

One Christmas Eve is the perfect short story to get in the Christmas spirit!

What better setting than a bookstore in a small, cozy New Hampshire town? Two of my very favorite things! Zoe is all things independent, quirky, self-sufficient, and not taking anyone's crap after her recent divorce. Preston is new in town, and while he initially comes off as uptight and nerdy, Zoe begins to see a different side of him. He is also attentive and above all, captivated by Zoe and gives her complete freedom to be herself. I love the idea of how they are different but each bring out the best in each other.

This is like a Hallmark movie but with steam! Definitely recommend if you are looking for a Christmas book that will also heat you up ;)

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I also purchased a copy.

This was a wonderful story. I absolutely adored reading it. This is a novella and I was able to read this in matter of a few hours.

Zoe Randall was such a colorful character. Preston Wheeler is a solid dependable man who loves a good neutral gray color. These two are opposites right from the beginning. Preston's face gives him away when he looks at a window display of the book store right next to his new business of estate planning. Zoe is offended at his displeasure and the two exchange some words. The following is a road where both characters have to overcome past hurts that were inflicted upon them by others to get to their HEA.

I adored reading this novella. It was written in my favorite dual POV format. Seeing into their thoughts especially when in a situation that was similar to one in their past and why they acted the way they did, well it was really enlighting.

This was a sexy read. There were a few "bedroom" scenes so I would highly recommend this to anyone over the age of 18.

'Tis the season for Christmas books. And this time of year, novellas are the best. So easy to fit in during spare moments between holiday festivities. One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey is a perfect holiday read and one of my favorites so far this season.

Zoe Randall is the epitome of a quirky, fiery bookstore owner. And Preston Wheeler, the new business owner next door is the perfect foil to Zoe. He is serious and uptight, and hits all of Zoe's buttons when he complains about her recent window display. I loved the push and pull between Zoe and Preston. And how each of them as characters caused the other one to grow and develop throughout this story. Their meet cute was so much fun, and the chemistry just builds from there. Though this one is a quick novella, it packs a punch and manages to have tons of steam.

If you are looking for a quick Christmas read with steamy scenes and a heartfelt story, pick this one up. You will be full of Christmas cheer in no time!!

A Christmas novella that starts with a book owner who loves steamy romance novels and an estate planner who immediately hates her saucy window display? Yes!!! This is exactly the romance novel that I was looking for without even realizing it!
Zoe Randall is recently divorced and opens up a bookstore with her cousin. She loves to make amazing window displays (and sometimes they can be a bit on the steamy side), but when the new tenant complains - all bets are off! Preston Wheeler has moved his practice from Boston to the small town, but he wasn't expecting the bookstore owner downstairs from his office to be so prickly. Immediately I fell in love with the witty banter and chemistry between Zoe and Preston! She thinks he's an uptight asshole and he thinks her window displays are not tasteful. Of course I love the enemies to lovers trope and Shannon Stacey did such a wonderful job with these two characters.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the way that Zoe and Preston chose to handle some delicate issues. Instead of being shy or not communicating, they highlighted specific book passages to get their message across (swooooon). These kinds of details make a book so special! Even though this book was a novella, I never felt rushed and I loved the way the plot unfolded. These characters still had so much depth to them and I loved reading their story. I would describe this Christmas novella as a Hallmark movie, but with the steam and I absolutely loved it!
**ARC provided by Harlequin and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**

One Christmas Eve by Shannon Stacey is book Two in the Cedar Street Series. This is the story of Preston Wheeler and Zoe Randall. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book. Zoe and her friend have opened a bookstore and starting a new chapter in her life.
Preston is Zoe's business neighbor and they start to have disagreements that leads to a spark of words but what really getting hot is their connection to each other.
Quick enjoyable Read.

A couple who flirts via book exchanges and tabbed scenes?? Give me more! Are you looking for a sexy and fun opposites attract romance novella? Of course you are! Add in a small town, a heroine who owns a book shop, and a fun holiday season backdrop, you have this winner of a story from Shannon Stacey.

ONE CHRISTMAS EVE is a classic opposites attract romance. Our hero is slightly stodgy, but delightfully self-aware (aka, he knows he’s kind of boring). But he makes up for it with a cute sense of humor and a kind heart. Our heroine is recently divorced and not going to let anyone judge her ever again. The two characters clash over a sexy storefront window, and discover a ridiculous amount of sexual chemistry.

I’m pretty sure I grinned like a fool the entire time I was reading this novella. There’s banter, the perfect amount of sexy times, and a very well developed romance for a shorter page count. I do wish the conflict had been just a tad less predictable. The characters had complex emotions and I think there was room for a more interesting conflict resolution. Also, the heroine’s “secret” that ended her marriage made me roll my eyes SO hard. Though, the hero was cute when he found out.

Overall, I was delighted by this novella. It’s like a Hallmark movie with a little more spice, just the way I like it! I am kicking myself for not starting with book one, but luckily book two stands alone well. I will be going back for the first book in the series!

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**