Charming short read that warms the heart and makes you smile!

This is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last! I loved the characters Zoe, Preston Carly and Noah, and the story had lots of “feels” - flirtation, temptation, fun, heartache, clarity...

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley- this is my honest review.

Light, fun (gotta love Zoe), quick (just over an hour from start to finish) read. If you are looking for a feel-good story, this is for you.

This is book 2 in the series, but could honestly be read as a stand-alone.
3.5/5

Thank you #netgalley and #HARLEQUIN - Carina Press for the eARC.

I don't often read contemporary romance these days, but I'll always make an exception for Shannon Stacey. Her books are always good, feature nice people, and are low on drama.

This was no exception. It was a cute holiday story about two people who have been hurt and in the past and are cautious as a result of it. But Preston has a hard time resisting the whirlwind next door who pushes all his buttons, and Zoe loves teasing him out of his somber moods. They're a perfect match, and just adorable to read about. I honestly wish it would have been a bit longer, because I like a good opposites-attract story!

As it is, this was a lovely cozy read, perfect for a rainy afternoon!

After adoring the first book in this series, I was both anticipating and feeling apprehensive for the second book? Could Shannon Stacey do it again? The answer is a definite yes. One Christmas Eve is a fun insta-lust, no-strings-fling story..

Zoe and Preston are a cute couple. She has a horrible ex husband, he has a horrible ex girlfriend. It was nice to see vulnerability from both genders without it turning into an angsty story.

This book was adorable. I loved the two main characters. The hero was just uptight enough but still had a sense of humor. The small town atmosphere was done so well and not too kitschy. I loved the contrast of the two of them. My favorite part was how they communicated through books. This book was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy.

I really enjoyed Zoe and Preston’s annoying neighbor story. They both rushed to judgement, and although the story was quick, they did have some serious chemistry. I’m not quite in the Christmas mood yet, but this story got me a little closer.

A charming and light novella to get you in the holiday spirit, One Christmas Eve is well written and moves quickly. It’s got a great enemies to lovers feel with a couple that’s easy to like, and at such a short length there isn’t a wasted moment.

The story follows Preston, an estate planner who knows he’s boring. He’s just moved to town and opened his own business, but the book store next door is showcasing some rather scandalous books, and he’s not okay with that. When he confronts the owner, his concerns just spur her on to think of other racy displays. Zoe’s ex-husband tried to stifle her sexuality, and now she won’t be silenced by anyone - even the uptight guy next door who she loves to see unruffled. They might seem like a strange pair, but Zoe’s feistiness balances out Preston’s seriousness perfectly.

The writing here is great, and I enjoyed this pairing quite a bit. The enemies to lovers vibe gives the story a fun feel, and there are definitely some sexy times within the story. My only real issue with the book is it’s length - given the fact that this is a novella, it’s a lot to ask that these two move from strangers to foes to lovers within such a short timeline. I didn’t really buy that they’d be exchanging those three little words by the end, but there’s nothing I didn’t like about the story. It was also great checking in with the couple from the first book in the series, though this can easily be read as a standalone. Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review of this holiday romance.

Shannon Stacey is an author that I always enjoy, and this book did not disappoint! Quick read, but fun, warm, and oh so sexy. Loved it!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, which I am always happy to share! My thanks to the #NetGalley and the author and publisher for this opportunity! #OneChristmasEve

For a Christmas story (where has the year gone?!), this probably ticks all the boxes: festive, with the formulaic but well-paced story of a not-quite-enemies-to-lovers trope, and a HEA that follows after both protagonists resolve their own issues.

I've always liked Shannon Stacey's writing, but somehow I didn't exactly feel moved or get too deeply into both Preston and Zoe. The former is stoic and rather bland to be honest, as nice as he is while the latter seems to be uber-sassy and sensitive to the point of jumping at every perceived form of judgement (in some ways, it feels like over-compensation for her imagined shortcomings). Stacey does make the pairing work with her persuasive writing - I could sort of believe in them as the story went on - though for a novella, it felt somewhat forced and rushed, before it all skipped to a HEA a year later.

Again, it could just be down to me just not feeling the Christmassy vibe that's laid out in the book, so take this with a pinch of salt, especially for those who are already in the mood.

3.5 stars-- I'm such a sucker for a Shannon Stacey Christmas novella, and this one does not disappoint. I do think the ending felt a little rushed, so I wouldn't put it at the top tier of her holiday romances, but the characters are very charming, their "hate to love" (really disdain to love) dynamic was very cute, and I overall enjoyed the holiday vibes and comfort aspect of this kind of book.

A great read.

Zoe is happy with her new life, running her bookstore. When she meets Preston he reminds her too much of her disapproving ex. Will she give him a chance to prove otherwise?

Looking forward to the rest of this series.

Opposites really do attract.
At least in this story.
Preston is a boring guy. At least this is what he think about himself and how she sees him at first. Zoe is colorful in every aspect of her life.
You wouldn’t think these two would work, but they just do.
They butt heads at first, apologize then become friends before becoming something else.
A cutesy romance story. Maybe too cutesy??? I don’t know. While I did enjoy this one (book 2), I enjoyed book 1 even more.
This is a sweet November to December romance story.

Zoe and Preston are definitely opposites. One Christmas Eve, was a joy to read. I like the way that they used sticky notes pointing out certain parts of books to communicate. I might try this with my husband.

This was a very cute, short read. It was the second in her series and a holiday romance. I enjoyed it. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.

ONE CHRISTMAS EVE is the second book in Shannon Stacey’s “Cedar Street” series. The heroine of this story is the cousin of the heroine in the previous book. Zoe Randall and Preston Wheeler both have disastrous previous romantic entanglements that threaten to ruin their burgeoning relationship. Zoe and Preston have an inauspicious beginning when Zoe feels Preston is being judgy regarding her bookstore display. This is a sensitive area for Zoe, because she and her husband divorced because of his judgmental attitude toward her. In turn, Zoe’s overreaction causes Preston to be slightly wary of Zoe. Thankfully, Shannon Stacey doesn’t have this misunderstanding of each other and antagonism last for too long. Once they get to know each other a little better, this couple proves how well opposites can attract.

This may be my favorite book in this series so far. Zoe and Preston both have baggage when it comes to relationships, but they are realistically flawed characters and try to work on their issues. The unconventional courtship and evolving relationship is delicious. Just as Zoe is wary of judgmental men, Preston has had relationships end when woman find him to be too boring. For Zoe, Preston is anything but boring. Although he might be a natural planner and cautious, Preston is a hottie with a kind and caring side that is incredibly appealing. Preston’s being so over-the-moon for Zoe is completely endearing and he is an unexpectedly swoon- worthy hero. Shannon Stacey balances the red-hot romance with the emotionally charged storytelling.

ONE CHRISTMAS EVE is a must-read for contemporary romance fans. I love how Zoe flags passages in her beloved romance novels to reveal part of herself to Preston, and how he responds just as inventively. This is a character- driven story with characters you care about and become invested in. I look forward to reading Shannon Stacey’s next book.

One Christmas Eve takes place in a small town during the holiday season from Halloween to Christmas. The story is a love story between two opposite individuals. This book should have been short and sweet but it left me wanting more. It felt forced and I wish I could have gotten to know more about the characters.