HOLIDAY EVER AFTER is three seasonal stories wrapped up in a delightful book about following your heart. Jill Shalvis took some short stories, a couple of novellas and put together an immensely satisfying trilogy about love, loss and second chances. All three center on unforgettable characters that make you think you have just read an important novel. Jill Shalvis creates some memorable folk and in HOLIDAY EVER AFTER she introduces some of her best.

First up is ONE SNOWY NIGHT. Confession time. As I read this I kept thinking I know these characters. So upon looking it up found I had read and reviewed it five years ago. Loved it then and now. It lost none of its luster. Sign of a great Christmas love story. Stars of this story are Rory, Max and Max’s Doberman Carl. Short version Rory, Max and Carl get sort of stranded in a blizzard in his truck. All on their way to spend Christmas with their families. Rory needs this time with her family to try to rediscover her role in it.

So as I began reading HOLIDAY WISHES I wondered if this too wasn’t a repeat for me and it was. As part of the Heartbreaker series I read and reviewed this story back in 2019. Sean has been charged with planning his brother Finn’s wedding. Sean has a reputation for screwing things up. This is his chance to prove himself. The bachelor party is to be at a BBB owned and operated by none other than one of Sean’s ex-girlfriend Charlotte. Sean had walked away from any permanent involvement with Lotti when they were teenagers. Cut ties totally basically breaking Lotti’s heart.

Story three MISTLETOE IN PARADISE was originally published as a novella part of the Wildstone series in 2020. Guessed I missed it then but so happy to have a chance to read it as part of this trilogy of Christmas stories.

There is a running theme in the three stories Jill Shalvis includes in her Christmas trilogy HOLIDAY EVER AFTER and that is the mistakes of youth. Things that seem so important and vital when you are young somehow have the power to change the trajectory of our lives. And in these three tales just the simple act of walking away, turning your back on perhaps something worth holding onto changes these characters lives. In the stories the author seems to be giving them one more chance to get it right.

MISTLETOE IN PARADISE is a grand way to end this trilogy. James, his brother Jason and Hannah had developed a mutually satisfying friendship while in their teens. Boating on Christmas vacation on Hannah’s fathers boat gave the three of them an opportunity to take chances, try new things while enjoying each other’s company. Hannah’s family life was strange to put it mildly. Many would think of Hannah as the adult in her family group. That never changed. Jason’s death hit hard. James took over his role in the family as best he could. But James had ideas for his future. Hannah dove headfirst into her work. Being together for this short vacation aboard her dad’s boat would be good for both James and Hannah. They need the time away from work to gather their thoughts and give some time to wind down and see what their futures hold. Important is whether they can fit each other into their futures.

Check out HOLIDAY EVER AFTER for a heartwarming book by Jill Shalvis filled with her signature humor and wondrous characters.

Jill Shalvis delivers three novellas in this Christmas themed anthology. They are combined for the first time but have been preciously written as parts of others series by the author. All three have couples meeting up for a second time.

One Snowy Night: Rory is catching a ride from San Fran to Lake Tahoe on Christmas Eve in the middle of a storm. They knew each other in high school. She crushed on him but she left home at 17. Max blames Rory for costing him his chance at college. This is a forced proximity trope and the only story where I felt I was missing some background that probably came from other books in its series.

Holiday Wishes: Sean O'Riley shows up at an Inn in Napa with his brothers wedding party. He wants everything to go perfectly for the brother that has done so much for him. At the Inn is Lotti Hartford. They were each others firsts in HS before her family moved away and he ghosted her efforts at staying in touch. I enjoyed both of these MC's and could easily have read a full novel about them. A pet parrot adds some extra humor.

Mistletoe in Paradise: Hannah and Jack's families spent the week of Christmas together on her stepdads commercial yacht while they were growing up. They haven't seen each other for years. She has come to deliver divorce papers to her stepdad and Jack has come to tell his parents he wants out of the family business. This is my favorite story as the characters seemed more developed and have actual growth in the few days together. There is flirting and tugs at heart strings.

Each story contains steaminess which feels natural especially in the later two stories where they've been together before. Only in the first did everything feel very rushed. I will say that although all three are set at Christmastime they could have been at anytime of year. I'm new to Jill Shalvis and like her writing style and level of heat. I'm always glad to read new to me authors who already have books (and series) that I can binge through. Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Holiday Ever After is an anthology of One Snowy Night, Holiday Wishes, and Mistletoe in Paradise, by one of my favorite authors, Jill Shalvis. The stories are quick reads, with strong female lead characters unexpectedly meeting up with loves from their pasts in unusual circumstances. The guys who still hold a major piece of their hearts.

In One Snowy Night, Rory and Max meet again when he ends up being her only choice of a ride to get home to see her family, who she hasn’t seen in years. An awkward ride, indeed, but she really has no choice. What could possibly go wrong?

In Holiday Wishes, Sean is the best man planning his brother’s bachelor party at a B&B. While checking in, he runs into an old flame, Lotti. One he admits to himself that he never really got over. He wants to get to know her again, but she’s having none of that. Can he prove to her that he’s grown up and matured?

In Mistletoe in Paradise, Hannah ends up on her stepfather’s yacht, not just to see him for Christmas, but also to deliver some sad news. She never expected to run into James and, worse, be stuck with him for four days. Her plan is to deliver the news and get back home to work. The yacht was never supposed to set sail when it did.

Can chance encounters lead to mended broken hearts, second chances, and new beginnings for three couples who realize they never lost the love they had for one another years ago?

I was given an advance copy from NetGalley and Harper Collins. This review is my honest opinion.

This is a series I have enjoyed since book 1. All the characters are people you will want to hang out with, The story line is very interesting. The perfect Christmas book !!

I loved this compilation. Jill always has the best books in my opinion and is an automatic buy. These 3 stories had wonderful storylines and wonderful characters. It's something you could read in a couple hours and was enjoyable.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for giving the the opportunity to read Holiday Ever After before its release date in exchange of my own opinion. Christmas is my favorite holiday season ever since I was a little girl; to this date, it still makes me happy to see Christmas decorations, so for these reasons, I requested Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis who I am still new to her writing, but I am becoming more familiar with her books.. I have to be honest, I had no clue about this book being an anthology untill I saw Jill's FB post. Knowing I will be reading not one BUT 3 romantic novellas taking place during my favorite holiday, I was in cloud 9 because I will have a reading Christmas in July kind of thing.

However, if I have to give a one sentence review, it will be "Christmas is not in the air." Don't get me wrong, I liked all 3 love stories, but each of them felt like the story was happening any other day, but 'Tis the season. The first novella "One Snowy Night"set on Christmas Eve when Rory and Max got stuck during a blizzard when these two have more things left unfinished than any other real couple I know. Yes, they fixed things up, but what about the holiday? Just not there. Then, I read Holiday Wishes, where I met one of my newest book boyfriends, lol, Sean O'Riley and also wished the chance to be Lotti Hartford because this second chance love story also happened on a holiday weekend. Love was definitely in the air, doubts as well BUT what about my Christmasy feelings, my Hallmark movies feelings? Not there, none.

Last but not least, Mistletoe in Paradise where I spent my time in a yacht with the beautiful man under the name of James...okay, let me snap out of my dreams. Hannah, the main character in this story, where sadly, isn't me, is a completely workaholic who had a not so secrer fling with James. Thank God they realized their love for each other is stronger than anything, and patched things up. Was there Christmas in the air? Nope, nada.

Lovely stories, but not so much of holiday love stories, in my opinion 3.5 star overal.

Aww love me some Jill Shalvis. We get 3 novellas set during Christmastime. All three stories are friends to lovers AND second chances in this book. Overall I really enjoyed all three stories.

We get like-able characters, a big slobbery cuddly dog, a talkative parrot, and some island vibes. Each novella is humorous, lovable, heart warming and can stand alone as a short story. So if you like anthologies absolutely pick this up!

Well done again Jill Shalvis. Thank you Avon and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

Staci McIntyre

This totally turned into a Christmas in July read for me since I read the Advance Reader Copy. It’s officially coming out in October, so that will be a good time to stock up on Christmas themed romance stories. This book is composed of three novellas. One Snowy Night is Max and Rory’s story and part of the Heartbreaker Bay series. Holiday Wishes is Sean and Lotti’s story also part of the Heartbreaker Bay series. Finally, Mistletoe in Paradise is part of the Wildstone series. They can all be read as a standalone story to put you in the holiday spirit. I like reading novellas sometimes as they don’t require as much time to delve into and you are back in a familiar world catching up on some of the secondary characters.

Shalvis definitely writes some sexy and steamy scenes. She doesn’t hold back and it’s part of why I love her stories so much. It’s real. It’s sexy. I really like my happy endings. It might not always be easy to get to the happy part, but that is what makes it so fun. Put this book on your holiday to-be-read pile. You won’t regret it.

I had read 2/3 of the novellas in this book prior to the bindup, so I am glad I didn't end up purchasing it. That said, Shalvis NEVER disappoints! I have enjoyed all of these novellas and more from this author, and will never not watch for her new releases.

This is another great book from Jill Shalvis. There are really great stories. The main characters have know each other along time. They each have issues but together they find true love.

(3.5)
This is a collection of three stories which all have a few things in common. All have to do with loves (crushes in the first stories case) from the past reconnecting in some way, lots of internal lusting, build up to some R rated sexy times (not for the young viewers but the young and old at heart may enjoy quite a bit) and holiday ever afters.
In the first story, Rory needs a ride home desperately but she really doesn't want to take the devastatingly handsome Max Stranton up on his offer to take her. He's been her crush for more years than she'd like to remember. It looks like he's her only option. It also looks like this long ride in the snowy blizzard type conditions is giving them time to figure out their past and it might just be causing some feelings to stir that both have been trying to deny.
The second story, Holiday Wishes, has Sean O’Riley and a huge group of people showing up for his big brother and his bride to be bachelor and bachelorette party. As fate would have it, the girl running the place just so happens to be Lotti Hartford, the girl whose innocence he took and who took his many years ago. Thing is, he was a bit of a cad and she's displeased with him to this day. Like that'll stop him! He's decided he must pursue her and as the weather gets worse and he follows her around he decides he wants more then a fling. He wants her!
The last story is about Hannah. She's heading out on Christmas to spend it with her step-father who doesn't know that she's also about to serve him divorce papers from her mom (bummer). What she doesn't know is that her stepdad also invited her James, the ultra hunky guy she had a fling with years ago. They attempt to make the best of things and grow closer but this story has a bit of angst as her work gets in the way of a few things but have no fear! There's still some lovey dovey times for those of you looking for some.
This book is good. The stories are alright and definitely good for the romance reader who likes the "Oh we/I can't... But I'm going to anyway!" type thing. I thought the characters were well written and the stories had good starting and ending points.
If you like your short Christmas stories to have some Rx rated business going on, this book may be just what you are looking for.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Netgalley, the author, and anyone else I may have left out for the E-ARC of this book for review. I appreciate it so much. Thank you!

All three stories in this anthology are written by Jill Shalvis. Two of the novellas belong to the same series. I am not a fan of holiday-themed stories or anthologies. However, I cannot pass up anything this author writes. I adore the humor she weaves into her storylines.
ONE SNOWY NIGHT
Max Stranton works for an investigation and security firm. He offers Rory a ride to Lake Tahoe. Max remembers her from their high school days, especially what she did to him. Wintry conditions force the two to face their shared past. Will Max and Rory’s history keep them from being together? Can he forgive her?
Rory Andrews works as a dog groomer. She wants to go home and visit her family for Christmas. Rory reluctantly accepts a ride from Max, a former classmate, and his dog. Their road trip in a bad blizzard allows them to finally air out all their grievances. Will Rory make it to her family before Christmas? Can she gain Max’s forgiveness for her teenage folly?
Max is a sweetheart. He is a man of few words. I like Max’s protectiveness towards Rory. He came to her defense with her stepfather. What I love the most about Max is his thoughtfulness towards others. He willingly helped strangers in their time of need without expecting compensation. Max even tried to help Rory get to her family before Christmas morning.
Rory is a survivor. Her teen years were not kind to her, something I can relate with. I admire Rory’s courage to turn her life around. She tries to make amends for her past deeds. That takes incredible strength to do. What I adore the most about Rory is her interaction and behavior with Carl. She treats the dog as if he belongs to her. It is evident the two are best friends.
ONE SNOWY NIGHT is book 2.5 in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance series, HEARTBREAKER BAY. I have only read a few books in this series, something I plan to remedy in the future. Carl, Max’s dog, made the story entertaining. He reminds me of the Doberman I grew up with. So, I have a soft spot for that breed of dog.

HOLIDAY WISHES
Sean O’Riley co-owns a pub in San Francisco, California. He arranges a weekend getaway for his brother, his future sister-in-law, and their wedding party. Sean never imagined he would be reunited with Lotti Hartford, his first love. She even refuses to acknowledge him. Bad weather forces them to extend their stay at Lotti’s bed and breakfast. Can Sean convince Lotti to give him another chance? Will he give his brother the wedding he deserves?
Charlotte “Lotti” Hartford runs her family’s bed and breakfast in Napa Valley, California. She discovers that her latest customers include Sean O’Riley, the boy who broke her heart. Lotti refuses to soften her heart to the former bad boy. However, the weather keeps Sean and his party trapped at her B&B. Can Lotti trust Sean with her heart again? Will she ruin their second chance? Can Lotti help Sean pull off an impromptu wedding?
Sean is a doll! He is a reformed bad boy, who is tired of his womanizing ways. I like how Sean wants to right all the wrongs he committed in his youth. He deeply regrets some of his past actions. What I adore the most about Sean is his determination to make certain his brother’s wedding is perfect. It is his way to show Finn his appreciation for all he did for him after their parents died.
Lotti is a woman who is afraid to let people close. She has been hurt too many times. I understand Lotti’s reluctance around Sean. He was responsible for her first heartbreak. He is also the reason for her trust issues. What I love the most about Lotti is her selflessness. She willingly donated her unused wedding gown for Sean’s improvised wedding. Lotti even helped him with it.
HOLIDAY WISHES is book 4.5 in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance series, HEARTBREAKER BAY. This story, along with ONE SNOWY NIGHT, can stand alone. There is no on-going plot. Characters from prior books do show up in the story. I love Peaches, Lotti’s pet parrot. He made me laugh!

MISTLETOE IN PARADISE
James Webber owns and runs his own expedition company. He also helps at his family’s lumber business. James plans to have a talk with his father on their yearly holiday vacation in the Caribbean. He never anticipated finding Hannah on the boat. The two are forced to confront many things on their boat ride. Can James convince Hannah to give them another try? Or will he let her slip through his fingers again?
Hannah Banfield works as a health care advocate. She dreads her family’s joint Christmas yacht vacation in the Caribbean. Hannah has an ulterior purpose for going this year, a fact that she despises. However, she never expects to see James Webber on her father’s boat. Can Hannah deliver the devastating news she has for her stepfather? Who will she ultimately choose? Jason? Or her job?
James is an adventurous soul. He enjoys traveling and seeing new places. I like how instinctively James knows when Hannah needs a friend. Regardless of their troubles, he always listens to her when she needs to talk. James even defends Hannah against her stepfather. What I adore the most about James is the deathbed promise he made to his late brother. He is doing what Jason wanted him to do: live his own life.
Hannah is a driven woman dedicated to her work. She had a semi-difficult childhood growing up with two clueless and irresponsible parents. I admire Hannah’s thoughtfulness towards her stepfather. She did not want to hurt him so close to Christmas. He may not be blood related, but she still considered him her father. What I admire the most about Hannah is her reason for falling into her profession. She did not want to see another family experience what James and his parents did with Jason.
MISTLETOE IN PARADISE is book 5.5 in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance series, WILDSTONE. So far, every story in this series can stand alone. This novella is no exception. The only similarity each one has is the town Wildstone in California. I am almost caught up on this series. I just need to buy and read the first three books and the first novella.

HOLIDAY EVER AFTER is a series of warm-hearted and feel-good holiday stories. I love that Jill Shalvis did not ram Christmas down my throat. The holiday is more of a setting than the main focus.

this book has 3 stories about christmas, It is a quick read and all the stories are interesting. I enjoyed it very much.

These shorts by Shalvis were sweet. Not second chances but meant to bes. The fact that they took place around Christmas is what drew me in but probably would not have read them
.

I didn't know that this book was an anthology when I requested it. I simply requested it because Jill Shalvis never disappoints. I had previously read two of the three stories and I am not normally one to reread books, but I read all three of these in one sitting. I loved revisiting the characters from the first two stories. The third was new to me but just as enjoyable. One of my favorite things about Jill Shalvis books is the worlds she creates that make the reader want to be a part of them. My other favorite thing is how Jill Shalvis knows how to give the reader what she wants in a hero. Strong, sexy, protective... even the prickly ones are delicious.

Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis is a holiday anthology with three of her novellas. I have read and loved all of these novels. If you haven’t read one of her holiday romances—you are missing out because they are all sweet, sexy, and will leave you with the coziest feeling that will have you rereading these books all of the time.

Before I get into the actual review, I need to say a quick thank you to Harper Collins Publishers and NetGalley for giving me an e-proof in exchange for an honest review. This is an anthology of three of Jill Shalvis’ Christmas novellas. All are second chance romance and all equally Christmas-y.

My favorite story was Holiday wishes which I rated 3.25 stars. My least favorite was One Snowy Night which I rated 2.5 stars. Right in the middle was the final Christmas story Mistletoe in Paradise which I rated 2.75 stars. I think there were two things that drove these ratings down for me. First, there was a lot of moments where logic just did not factor into the story. People were acting in ways I really don’t think people would in those situations. On top of that, there were moments the author specifically stated something happening and then a paragraph later something in the story contradicted it. Second, the things that caused these couples to need a second chance at their romance were all things that they got over so quickly. It’s like when you’re reading a hate to love and they get to the love part too fast. These people have seriously hurt each other in the past and I think there needs to be time to really show the growth and change that has happened in the time between.

I will say, however, that the author did a good job with the steamy scenes in each novella. Normally, a novella like this has way too many sex scenes. Not so with these. And also normally anthologies or novellas like this get way too graphic for me in particular. Some smut is okay, but going all erotica in a romance novella isn’t for me. And I think the author did a good job of riding the line there between the two. No fade to blacks and nothing that made me want to hide the ARC under my pillow from embarrassment. I also found the character to have a lot of depth and contradictions which I appreciated. I think it’s easy to make characters flat when you’re writing a short story/novella and the author did a good job of driving away from that problem.

Christmas fun, spicy romance, and snow. What more could you ask for in a romance book?!? Great holiday read.

This is a lovely collection of short romance stories. It's my first book from this author, so now I'm curious about her other books.
I liked how she captured emotion in short stories. They all had special moments and great characters.

100% recommend to get out of a reading slump on a lazy Sunday afternoon!

First of all, thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of these 3 romantic Christmas novellas and introducing me to the adorable writing of Jill Shalvis. (I already have gone to the library to borrow and put on hold her other books!)

Holiday Ever After is actually a 3 in 1 book featuring short stories One Snowy Night, Holiday Wishes, and Mistletoe in Paradise.

One Snowy Night has you traveling home for Christmas with Rory and Max - once upon a time they were high school study buddies who shared one night together never to talk again. What better place to discuss love lost and bitter feelings than when you are stuck in a car with someone?! The close proximity and forced communication could either reunite them or give them closure once and for all - either way buckle up, because it’s a ride to remember.

In Holiday Wishes we meet up with refined bad boy Sean as he is leading and organizing his brothers joint bachelor/bachelorette party at a B&B. Little does he know the owner of said B&B is Lottie - the girl he gave himself to in high school only to ghost her when she moved. Can the weekend bring redemption for our bad boy? Or will it Lottie air her grievances and leave him high and dry like he once did to her? Lay back, relax, and enjoy their drama filled weekend.

Finally, in Mistletoe in Paradise we set sail with childhood friends Hannah and James as they embark on their families annual holiday yacht adventure. The only problem? They haven’t seen each other since the last trip - when they explored taking their friendship between the sheets - and it’s been years. Oh and the rest of the family is running late - causing them to be the only passengers for 4 days. Sea, sun, and long lost love await you in this sweet novella.