🎧 Audio Review 🎧

Rating: 4⭐️

Book: Once Upon a Christmas Tree
Author: Lulu Moore
Narrators: Shane East & Cj Bloom

After his brother gets left at the altar, Alexander plans a trip for him and his siblings to escape to Aspen away from prying eyes in December. For someone who hates the holidays, the last thing he thought would happen was meeting someone and forming a connection.

Haven has a lot on her plate with working multiple jobs to pay off her parent’s debt. She loves Christmas and is hosting the town’s gingerbread decorating competition. She didn’t expect to meet Alexander.

Thank you to valentine pr for the alc!

Well this was delightful!

First and foremost, anything Shane East narrates I’m going to listen to, he just automatically makes everything sound so deliciously sexy. Add that to a fun little christmas story and I am hooked.

This one is a prequel novella and to say I am salivating for the rest of the books would be an understatement. The setup, the backstory, the spice, and the brothers... not a single complaint about this one!

It's the perfect short read to squeeze in if you’re still trying to hit your reading goal or if you want something festive in your earholes! Highly recommend!

Once Upon a Christmas Tree is the prequel to the new series "The Valentine Nook Chronicles". It's a small town, opposites attract, one night stand romance.
Alex is the Mr. Grinch hero in this holiday read and Haven is the sweet opposite heroine. This story is full of all the feels, witty banter, and intense chemistry. This book will keep you entertained from start to finish. I can't wait for more in this series.

CJ Bloom and Shane East did a great job with this story and these characters.

Once Upon a Christmas Tree is a prequel novella to a new series from Lulu Moore! I thought it was a really cute story and a great set up to this new series!

Alexander hates Christmas, but this year he has to set his feelings aside for his brother who just called off his wedding. Alex and his brothers escape London to get away from it all and go to Colorado for a snowy Aspen vacation. Haven has been the last several years working like crazy trying to pay off her parent’s medical debt. Working at her Christmas tree farm as well as taking on every additional job that she can. What she doesn’t expect this holiday season is a hot British Christmas hating stranger. It doesn’t take long for Haven to start changing Alex’s mind. He might always dislike Christmas, but a fling with Haven might make this year a little more bearable. That is if he can leave her and their undeniable connection behind.

This story was really cute! Definitely a fun and spicy festive read! The town and all the Christmas antics were so fun! Haven and Alex had immediate chemistry and I loved watching their brief relationship unfold. Even though they’re so different they did have a lot in common and could relate to one another. It was nice to see them both open up! I’m definitely curious to see how their story will pick up in the upcoming Valentine Nook series! I’d love to see more from them!

🎄 Holiday Novella
❄️ Vacation Romance
🎄 Small Town
❄️ One Night Stand
🎄 Grinch x Sunshine
❄️ Aristocrat MMC x Christmas Tree Seller FMC
🎄 Opposites Attract
❄️ Spicy

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed both narrators! They were great for the characters! Thank you so much Lulu Moore, Valentine PR, and Netgalley for an ALC! 💚

Thank you Lulu Moore, Valentine PR, and Netgalley for providing me an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

‘Tis the season for holiday reading, and I’m thrilled to have had the chance to listen to this book! Alexander, visiting America with his family after his brother was left at the altar, has a strong aversion to Christmas and the holiday season. Haven, our main female character, now runs the Christmas tree shop she inherited after her parents passed away. As their worlds collide, they find themselves drawn to one another.

If you’re looking for a book with plenty of spice, this one will likely be right up your alley. It was a little steamier than I personally prefer, but if you enjoy that, then it’s definitely worth a read! I just wished the characters had more chemistry and that the story wasn’t so focused on steam (again, just my personal preference).

The narrators did a great job, and CJ Bloom really brought it to life.

Thank you again for providing me with an ALC of Once Upon a Christmas.

what a cutie Christmas treat!! the audio was so enjoyable and I can’t wait for the full length!! the spice was sooooo hot

4.5 Stars

Once Upon A Christmas Tree is a prequel read from the one and only Lulu Moore. A holiday vacation romance that promised a tease and a look into something that was yet to come in future, full-length novels.

As a rule and with my own personal ways to read, I don't dive into prequel reads without already having the series available immediately after to see if after finishing said prequel, if it is worth continuing onto the main series. This includes when my authors write a prequel novella or full-length book AFTER a main series to provide more content for their readers. Though to some that may seem pointless, but it does help answer some questions that may have arisen while reading the main series or weren't answered in any of the books.

Lulu got ahead of the chase here on that one, giving us the prequel read so we will have all of the information and background into where things could potentially go with Alex and Haven should it actually go anywhere.

Speaking of going somewhere, stop what you're doing. Go make your favourite Christmas drink, light a candle and settle in all nice and cozy, it's time to head to Aspen to meet Alex, Haven and his aristocratic brothers.

It has hardly been made a secret by Alex, A.K.A Alexander, A.K.A Lord Burlington, that he hates Christmas and anything that is remotely associated with the 'most wonderful time of the year'. The holidays for him, are days upon days of festive nightmares.

However, duty calls and he must fold away his loathing for it when his time and dedication is needed to help his eldest brother who has not long unfortunately been left at the alter of what would have been his wedding and thus, the happiest day of his life. As it turns out, it was not only the worst day for him but it was one that sent shockwaves through British high society.

So, what does one do when becoming the latest talking topic of the ton? You get the f**k out of dodge and escape to where no one knows your name. In this case, that is Aspen, Colorado. Swiftly, Alex and his brothers make a mad escape from London to the snow-capped mountains, and to their chalet and home from home.

In hindsight, going to Aspen in December when its at its most Christmassy, probably wasn't the best call for a man who could out-Grinch the Grinch. Lesson learned, kind of. Alex would go just about anywhere--even here--if it means it will start to help mend his brother's broken heart.

Haven Wylder has been hard at work over the course of the last four years to do one thing and one thing alone. Pay off any and all debts her parents left behind when they both died. A lot of work, time and effort for one person to achieve, but she was determined to do it regardless of whatever it took. Which means she not only took a job working on her ranch, at her Christmas tore and any other job she could get her hands on and get stuck in with doing. All of this left little time for any fun. Almost.

The holidays always put a smile on Haven's face, no matter what she was doing or however run-ragged she was from all of the jobs she committed herself to. That and of course, the annual gingerbread decorating competition. An event she always took place in joining and knew what she was getting herself into with.

What she didn't see coming or expect, was a tall, handsome stranger with an accent that would cause anyone with a beating heart to melt into a puddle at a single syllable, to not only cross her path but to HATE Christmas.

On top of everything she's juggling at the moment, this gives Haven a new task to perform. A miracle for Christmas, if you will. She's set out to and is determined to start changing Alex's mind and his outlook on the holly jolly Christmas season. Alex, surprisingly, seems to be going with her idea and it totally has nothing to do with the colour of her lips, the mesmerising colour of her hair or the biggest pair of doe eyes that has him entranced. No. Not at all.

Alex might not ever not despise Christmas, but going along with wherever his time with Haven will take him--and them--will make things just that little bit more bearable for him right now in the present moment.

That is, if he can find and gather up all of his strength to leave her and their unforgettable times together behind when the moment calls for him to head back home, and to the life he cannot abandon.

Every now and then, things happen by chance. A happenstance. Sometimes those chance encounters are good and others, not so much. This was one of the good ones this time, thankfully. My NetGalley tab was already open on my laptop and all I did was hit refresh, and there Lulu's audiobook was. Ready and ripe for my requesting to listen to it.

This audiobook automatically ticked three boxes for me before I even listened to it. Firstly, Lulu is a brand new-to-me author. Until seeing this listing, I was completely unaware of her. I don't get to read new authors as much as I would like to, so this was a godsend. Secondly, Shane East. Say. No. More. If that man were to read all of the side-effects on an American medication packet at top speed, I'd probably listen to it. I'm immediately sold as soon as I see his name. No question. Thirdly, Christmas/holiday romance. We were coming out of autumn and as we were coasting through the final days, this was the perfect bridge into getting into those festive books. Tick, tick and tick again.

I was left in genuine awe--of the good kind--after I finished listening to Alex and Haven's story. For a first time author read to blow me away as it did with two astonishingly captivating narrators at the helm was THE perfect start to my own festive reading season. I hear all the time about how certain narrators are chefs kiss perfection when chosen for the roles that they have narrated and most of the time, I can happily nod in agreement after finishing. Not in this case. I was praising those audiobook gods from within the first chapters. It was an instant 'yes!' and a prayer of thanks to the author for choosing Shane and CJ Bloom to double-team this festive fling romance.

Additionally, it also gave me chance to expand by CJ Bloom listening repertoire. I have maybe one or two other narrations of hers under my belt in total--compared to the dozens of Shane's already there--, so I'm happy to expand that number by one more audiobook with hopefully more to come next year.

Special mention has to be made with that ending. Like with prequel reads, I usually avoid books with that ending--which if you have either read or listened to this book, you'll know what I am talking about--, but this time I wasn't mad at coming across it. Why? Well, all of the above plus the fact that we got not only Alex and Haven introduced to us, but Alex's other brothers and several supporting characters, too. The mix of main and supporting characters gave enough flavour of what we now know will be coming our way next year with a brand new series, that it makes up for being left on the edge of our seats and then some.

Already that feeling in my gut that I have when I can tell a book--or series--will be good is bubbling away, and we're several months from the first book in the series. I'm talking September 2025, off the top of my head. For me to get that feeling--which I'm usually spot on for my own reading tastes--already, I can tell a winning series is already on the cards.

For those who are not as satisfied with the ending (for now) as I was, Lulu herself has said:

' One note I wanted to share, while Once Upon a Christmas Tree focuses on Alex and Haven, this prequel is as much an introduction to the Burlington family. As such ends with an HEA to be continued, because it wouldn't be fun if it was over too quickly'

Being told that we will be seeing more of Alex and Haven in the future, regardless of how long that will be, is very reassuring and I can hand on heart say that the time between now and then will be worth it tenfold. We've been promised 'more spice and a pumpkin-spiced latte, all the banter & stockings full of swoon', and I will be here to soak up every word Ms Moore will craft for us to devour.

Be good boys and girls, for there will be be a Burlington under our trees in the near future. That, we can be sure of.

⭐⭐⭐️⭐️/5 Plot
🌶️🌶/5 Spicy
💃💃🏽💃🏽💃/5 Characters
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5 Audio

This was the perfect book to start the holiday season with. It's Grumpy/sunshine or, in this case, Grinch/Cindy Lou Who coded but in the best way possible. Alex, our MMC, hates Christmas because of trauma from his past. His eldest brother was left at the altar and needed a distraction, so they decided to go to Aspen to escape London. In comes our FMC Haven. She is the epitome of the Christmas spirit. She runs a Christmas store and works in a bakery holding an annual gingerbread house competition. This book defines finding what you need at the right time.

I loved both Alex and Haven. They both had so much depth in such a short story, and it kept me wanting to listen the entire way through. Ooofff and the spicy scenes, Alex sir, your mouth 🥵🥵🥵 I was provided an ALC for an honest review. I can honestly say our narrators did a fantastic job portraying these characters and completing a British accent. In my head, both Shane East and CJ Bloom are these characters. The audiobook was completed in duel narration, and honestly, I didn't find it affected the progression at all.

If you are looking for a short and spicy read this holiday season, look no further. However, I will warn you you probably will be itching to read the other stories in the series next!

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating read that held my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and the characters felt real and engaging. I’m grateful to the publisher for providing an early copy—it was a pleasure to read!

This was such a short and fun read! I absolutely loved the narration and the world building that was done for the series. Alex was so grumpy but boy did he get HOOKED!!

Haven was such a driven and hard working woman and I loved that about her.

I was honestly so sad this was only a novella because I would have loved more of Alex and Haven. I can’t wait to see what is to come of The Valentine Nook Series!

4/5⭐️
1/5🌶️

ALC Review
Once Upon a Christmas Tree by Lulu Moore
Series: The Valentine Nook Chronicles

Narrated by Shane East and CJ Bloom - Dream team narration!

There is something about a grumpy x sunshine Christmas romance. It was a lot of fun to see the British aristocrat figuring out how to woo the small town Christmas darling. The book set up the rest characters in the Valentine Nook Chronicles.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
◾ Holiday romance
◾ Grinchy MMC x Christmas tree seller
◾ Grumpy x sunshine
◾ British aristocrat MMC
◾ Spicy & swoony
◾ Cozy dates (less)

If Lulu writes it I am going to read it! This was fast paced, funny, and spicy! 🌶️ Alex and Haven have amazing chemistry from the beginning and it made it hard to put down. I loved that there were some sweet moments sprinkled in. The gingerbread house competition was my favorite part of the book. 🥹I was in tears laughing at the banter between the Burlington brothers. Once Upon A Christmas Tree truly is a fantastic set up for the rest of the series and I am so excited to see what Lulu has in store for us! 😍👏🏻

About the narration:
This audiobook is narrated by the amazing and super talented Shane East and CJ Bloom Good narrators make books so much better and these two are some of the best of the best!

Read if you love:
- vacation romance 
- british mmc
- spice
- billionaire 
- funny side characters

Once Upon a Christmas Tree is my first Lulu Moore book. This is told in dual POV, first person present tense. It is narrated by Shane East & CJ Bloom in dual style narration.

Tropes include:
Holiday Romance
InstaLove
Grumpy/Sunshine
Opposites Attract
She Loves Christmas
He is a Scrooge

Haven loves the holidays. Alex is not sold on them. His relationships and banter with his brothers makes this all the more enjoyable. This is set up as a prequel or a book 1 in a series, so we do have to wait for the next installment.

I loved Shane's narration, I always do. CJ did a great job as well. :)

This was such a great set up for the Valentine Nook series!

📖 Once Upon Christmas Tree by Lulu Moore
📚 book 0.5 • Valentine Nook Chronicles
🎙️ CJ Bloom & Shane East

⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: open door

💭 overall thoughts:
I’m looking forward to all the brothers’ stories, this prequel novella had me intrigued 🧐

As for Haven & Alexander, I’m really looking forward to continuing their story in book 2 (coming November 2025).
Their chemistry was 🔥 and I love the bond that they formed, having more in common than they realized.

I’m extra excited since Lulu announced their tropes! 😍

🎙️audiobook thoughts:
The audio brought this book up to another level! I adore both CJ Bloom & Shane East and would gladly listen to anything they narrate 🥰

read if you love:
❄️ holiday vacation fling
🫶🏻 family & found family
💰 British billionaire/royalty mmc
🧁 baker/Christmas tree farm owner/bartender fmc
🎄 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov

Thank you to Dreamscape Select for an advanced audio copy. All opinions are my own.

Once Upon a Christmas Tree - Lulu Moore

Series: The Valentine Nook Chronicles
Series Number: 0.5 (Prequel)
TON (Type of Narration): Dual by CJ Bloom and Shane East
Audiobook Length: 5h 39m
Audiobook Rating: 4/5
Release Date: November 15, 2024
POV: Dual POV
Genre and Sub Genre: Romance, Christmas Novella
Main Location(s): Aspen, Colorado; England
Tropes: christmas hater MMC x christmas lover FMC, british aristocrat MMC, one night stand, vacation romance
Micro Tropes: gingerbread house competition, he helps her when she’s busy, family group chat
TW/CWs: death of a parent (mentioned, cancer, car accident), cheating (side character), grief, debt
On KU?: Yes
HEA: Happy For Now (more books to come)
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice: 2/5 (chapters 10, 13, 16)

Summary:
Alexander, Lord Burlington, is a grumpy aristocrat who despises Christmas but finds himself reluctantly spending the holiday season in Aspen after his brother’s scandalous wedding disaster. Enter Haven Wylder, a hardworking rancher and Christmas enthusiast. Between running her ranch, managing her Christmas shop, and judging the town’s gingerbread contest, she doesn’t have time for anything—or anyone. But when Alexander crosses her path, sparks fly despite their opposing holiday outlooks.

As Haven’s charm and love for Christmas begin to thaw Alexander’s icy heart, their connection becomes undeniable. But with Alexander viewing their romance as a fleeting distraction, the question remains—can he leave Haven behind, or will this unlikely holiday fling change his outlook forever?

This cozy, festive prequel to The Valentine Nook Chronicles is filled with holiday cheer, sizzling chemistry, and the magic of unexpected love.


Review:
Once Upon a Christmas Tree had all the makings of a cozy Christmas novella, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was a fun start to the holiday season. The festive vibes were definitely the highlight—skiing, the bakery, gingerbread house contests, and the snowy tree farm really set the scene. I also loved the brothers’ dynamic, which brought some humor and banter to the story and has me excited for the rest of the series.

The romance, though, left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Alexander being grumpy, insanely rich, and a total Christmas hater, paired with Haven’s love for the holidays and her struggles with debt, set up a classic opposites-attract story. But their connection felt more lust-driven than emotional. There wasn’t much beyond their physical attraction, and while the explicit scenes were okay, they didn’t live up to the spice I expected based on the buzz around the book.

The story was a bit chaotic, with a lot of characters and drama introduced all at once, making it hard to focus on Alex and Haven. The ending is a happy for now ending, if you can even call it that. Their relationship ends with a “maybe we’ll see each other next year”, after like a week of them knowing each other. It felt more like a setup for a future book than a proper resolution, but I don’t think they’re even the next book in the series. I’m hoping they get a full novel or their story gets expanded as the series progresses because I’d love to see where they end up.

Overall, this was cute and had plenty of Christmas cheer, but it wasn’t particularly memorable. If you’re looking for something light and festive with vacation fling vibes and some fun holiday antics, it’s worth a read. I’ll probably keep going with the series because I’m curious about the brothers and where the author takes their stories. Plus, the narrators were fantastic, which made it an enjoyable listening experience even when the story itself wasn’t blowing me away.

Characters Alexander Burlington and Heaven Wylder
The perfect match!
An absolute pleasure listening to this beautiful masterpiece of a story!

Pure Magic, that’s what this one is!
I Absolutely love this cute Christmasy banter filled story that’s filled with tons of festivities and charm in Aspen with the Burlington family specifically the gorgeous brothers and Heaven Wylder aka the Christmas tree lady who may be the Mayor of Aspen!
Such a Cute hilarious audiobook.
This is most definitely a must listen for all who love a sweet Christmasy story with a swoon worthy Character with the persona of a grinch and the heart of Saint Nicholas!

Blurb
✨♥️ 💚Alexander, Lord Burlington, hates the holidays.
But duty calls. This year he’s willing to set his feelings aside for the sake of his eldest brother who’s just been left at the altar—sending shockwaves through British high society—as they escape London for the snow capped mountains of Aspen.
However, it soon becomes obvious that Colorado in December wasn’t the best place to go for someone who usually out-grinches The Grinch.✨♥️💚
💚

“Are you the Mayor of Aspen”

Alexander Burlington and his Brothers all went to Aspen to take Londo his big brother’s mind off his imploding near miss of marital nuptials.
But upon meeting Heaven he immediately was attracted to her .. so much that he ended up enjoying himself despite being a bit of a grinch.


Blurb
✨♥️ Haven Wylder has spent the last four years paying off debts her parents left when they died. Between working on her ranch, or in her Christmas store and taking on every other job she can, there’s been no time for fun. But if there’s one thing guaranteed to put a smile on her face it’s the holidays and the annual gingerbread decorating competition.
What she wasn’t expecting was the tall, handsome stranger with the accent to die for who, gasp, hates Christmas.✨♥️
💚
♥️

From The Christmas tree farm, the gift shop the bakery to the sweetest gingerbread competition, this book has me in the mood for Christmas, plus the oh so romantic gesture this man was doing without noticing or I should say realizing that he was doing was super sweet!
Although sweet this was man was downright filthy the things he did with Heaven was so hot that I wouldn’t doubt there were puddles instead of snow outside!


This isn’t an orgasm it’s an exorcisms !

Blurb
♥️🎄💚🎄 It doesn’t take long for Haven to start changing Alex’s mind. It has nothing to do with her berry red lips and glossy caramel curls tumbling down her back, or her big doe eyes as green as the Christmas trees she selling. Or the way she fills out her jeans.
None at all.
Alexander will never not despise Christmas, but a fling with Haven Wylder might be just the thing to make it a little more bearable. That is… if he can leave her and their unforgettable connection behind.♥️🎄💚🎄


Now Haven’s love for all things Christmas was definitely over the top, it was clear this woman loves Christmas, it was no surprise to me the way how Alex's grinchy heart began to melt whenever he was with her.
Their chemistry was seen by everyone around them, it was so beautifully highlighted throughout the story which was beautifully written by this author!

♥️🎄♥️

Alexander was sweet and swoony and I’m definitely looking forward to reading all about the brothers stories because these Burlington men piqued my interest … But anyway The camaraderie and hilarious banter between the four brothers brought so much warmth, making their family dynamic special fun and hilarious to listen,
And let me tell you …Shane East definitely did a wonderful job carrying those moments across when narrating!

This story was beautifully narrated by two masterful storytellers:
Shane East and CJ Bloom, these two did an incredible job capturing the essence of this Christmasy romantic story.
But I must confess that I’m absolutely in awe each time CJ Bloom does a male impersonation .. no disrespect Whatsoever to Shane East .. but Jesus she is goooood !

Anyway be sure to add this sweet book to your TBR and look out for next in this series with these Burlington Men !

What To Expect:
♥️Christmas Romance
♥️One Night Stand
♥️Vacation Romance
♥️Grinchy/Sunshine
♥️Family Banter
♥️He Falls First
♥️Instant Attraction
♥️HEA
♥️Dual POV

A swoony, one night stand, holiday, vacation romance by bestselling author Lulu Moore

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Because it was so sweet
4🔥🔥🔥🥵 ohhh so much heat when they get together!
10 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️Five each because these two narrators are masters at what they do !

Thanks for reading my ratings and review of this delightful book, I wish to convey special thanks to Valentine_pr and NetGalley for this opportunity!
Definitely worth Listening for sure !

Catch you on the next one
@Georgious_eleanorpb🦋

Are you looking for a short, sweet and spicy Christmas
novella this holiday season? I GOT YOU!

The Burlington brothers end up in Aspen for a week and
Alex has his sights set on Haven--- the honorary go-to gal
of the town.

The chemistry between Haven and Alex is SIZZLING and
the spice was spicing in this one! This group of brothers
is going to bring us SUCH A GOOD SERIES. I cannnnnot
wait for more.

And as if this novella couldn't get any better... It's narrated
by SHANE EAST. 🤤🔥 It literally couldn't get any better
friends.

🎧𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - 𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗢𝗡 𝗔 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘
⏳𝟬𝟱𝗛 𝟯𝟵𝗠
🎙️𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 & 𝗖𝗝 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺

🎄𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚖𝚊𝚜 𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊
♥️𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝙽𝚘𝚠 𝙴𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 (𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚕)
🎄𝙶𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚢 /𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎
♥️𝙶𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚑 𝙼𝙼𝙲
🎄𝚇𝚖𝚊𝚜 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝙵𝙼𝙲

💭This novella is a prequel to an upcoming series (I think?), and while it doesn’t end with the traditional HEA, it wraps up in a heartwarming way that leaves you hopeful for the characters’ reunion in the future. The story centers around Alexander, the Lord of Burlington, who travels to Aspen to help his sibling recover from heartbreak after being betrayed by his fiancée. Alexander, or Al, has a complicated relationship with Christmas, associating it with the loss of his father, a tragedy he’s carried guilt for ever since.

Enter Haven, who couldn’t be more different from him. Despite her own painful loss, she’s embraced the holiday with joy and resilience. However, her life is far from easy, she’s buried in debt left by her late parents and barely has time to take a breather. When Al and Haven meet, sparks fly, leading to a holiday fling. They both know from the start that their time together has an expiration date, but that doesn’t stop them from sharing something magical.

✅This short and steamy Christmas novella is a perfect cozy read for the holidays. I loved the festive vibes and getting to know the Burlington brothers, and I’m excited to see Haven and Al find their HEA in the future. This was my first read from Lulu Moore, and I really enjoyed her writing style and humor. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work!

🎧𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄🎧
This audiobook was narrated in a duet style by Shane and Carly, and it was a real treat to listen to! Shane absolutely nailed the role of the English lord, his performance was spot-on, and his accent really brought the character to life. As for CJ, she did a solid job overall, though I wasn’t totally sold on her take on the “male” English voice. It didn’t quite work for me, but that’s just my personal preference. Still, I really enjoyed the audiobook as a whole, and their performances definitely made it an enjoyable listen!

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝟰⭐️ | 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝟯🌶️ | 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝟰🎧

✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 VALENTINE PR 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙻𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a quick and spicy prequel that will leave you wanting more in the best way. After reading this book by Lulu, I can’t wait for the rest of Valentine Nook! Haven and Alexander were adorable and I can’t wait to find out more about the brothers in future books! 📚

Alexander and his brothers end up in Aspen after his oldest brother gets left at the altar. They end up meeting Haven who is essentially the embodiment of Christmas as she owns a Christmas tree farm and does a lot for the town. Alexander is taken with her right away but you’ll have to read to find out what happens next! 💓

Alexander… I truly felt for him. He seemed so grouchy in the beginning but once we found out everything he had been through I saw another side to him. I loved his dynamic with his brothers and how they are always getting into so much mischief.

Haven was just trying to be perfection for everyone. She was so much sunshine in Christmas form! I loved how she accepted Alexander as he was and I wanted more of them!

I listened to this one as an audiobook and CJ Bloom + Shane East did a phenomenal job of making me feel like I was in a Christmas snow globe! The story came to life in my ears! They are both amazing narrators and I always love listening to them.

This was a cute, quick, read and the ending will leave you craving more from Lulu Moore! ☃️

ALC AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

Once Upon a Christmas Tree
The Valentine Nook Chronicles • Book #0.5
By: LuLu Moore @lulumoorebooks

Narrated By:
@shaneeastreads and @carlyrobinsnarrator

Once Upon a Christmas Tree is a prequel to The Valentine Nook Chronicles, and I am crossing my fingers the series comes early next year because I not only need Alex and Haven’s hot holiday romance back but i am excited for all of Alex’s brothers stories.
When Alex and his brother’s visit Aspen for a much needed holiday getaway the last thing he expected was to meet Haven, a hard working store owner with the weight of her small town (& medical bills) on her shoulders. When Alex and Haven meet, what better way to clear her mind than shacking up with a sexy tourist, did I mention he has a hot English accent? Their attraction is instant, the spice is hot, the connection is undeniable, and when one of them leaves in a week and the other is far from looking for a relationship, a holiday “benefits” buddy is perfect. This is a sexy, sweet, short holiday romance narrated by Shane East and CJ Bloom. Shane was exactly what I needed to get me in the holiday spirt, with the perfect accent, voicing Alex’s confident dirty mouth and a major weakness for Haven, he sucked me in right away. CJ Bloom brought out the confident side of Haven with her amazing voice, and even when Haven had doubts, she was positive and upbeat and i adored that about her, CJ brought the perfect tones of joy, spice and the vulnerability with her voice. Throughout the book we also get little tidbits about Alex’s brothers, and what might be coming for all of them, I can’t wait. Overall this was a great holiday prequel with small town vibes, holiday festivities and fun banter, with a to be continued coming soon.

Thank You @valentine_pr_ for the opportunity to listen and review.