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.

This book was adorable! We love a British narrator! One night stands are so fun! I wish there had been more of a HEA but with a one night stand I get it. I loved the gingerbread house competition!

God I absolutely loved this audiobook. Do I love that I won’t get this couple again in a good minute? No. But I’ll read whatever else this author writes at this point. Narration was incredible.

I absolutely loved the audio version of Once Upon a Christmas Tree by Lulu Moore! Haven and Alex’s witty banter and chemistry brought the festive, small-town romance to life, making it a charming and cozy holiday listen!

<strong>Hallmark but spicy </strong>

🎧Audiobook review
🎄Christmas loving FMC/ Grumpy MMC
🎄 English MMC
🎄Banter
🎄Gingerbread Competition

Shane East and Cj Bloom did a fantastic job in narration! This was such a deliciously filled book. As a prequel this definitely sold me and has made me immediately need the rest of this series! I can’t wait to find out more about these deliciously funny brothers !
⭐️5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🎧 ALC Review:
Narrated by Shane East & CJ Bloom.

Shane and CJ were so good for Alex and Haven! The accent and filthy mouth on Alex alone. He plays the supportive brother well, while also being a grinch for Christmas. CJ Bloom as Haven brought to life the hardworking woman who needed to let loose and have some fun with the man on vacation. I always enjoy listening to Shane and CJ.

This was such a cute prequel to introduce the Burlington's. After Lando has a mishap at his wedding, they all decide its time to get away. They travel from London to Aspen, Colorado for a break.

Alex falls hard and fast for the hardworking, overworked Haven Wylder- owner of Wylder Farms. She falls hard too though.

We see the brothers antics, and watch Alex do everything he can to be in Havens presence. But they live in different countries, with very different lives.
What will they do? 🤷‍♀️

I need more of Alex, Haven and these brothers shot at love!

This is the perfect introduction to a new series coming next year. This is not a spoiler because the author tells us in the introduction. There is an HEA, sort of…It’s to be continued in a later book but I didn’t feel unsatisfied the way this one ended.

What’s not to like about 4 swoony English brothers with royalty ties spending a week in Aspen? They include a grump, twins (one is a single dad) and the eldest who was thrown into his royal obligations at a young age unexpectedly. The banter, camaraderie, and the accents…sheesh….The way they razz each other, as brothers will do, but rally together to support each other when needed was a joy to watch.

During the trip to Aspen, Alexander the man who hates Christmas, meets Haven, the hardest working women in town and owner of the local Christmas tree farm and shop and fan of all things Christmas. Their story and interactions are pure entertainment. It’s a short story but the characters were so well developed.

The casting could not have been more perfect. Shane East was perfect as Alexander who struggles during the holidays based on a past, he can’t get over but tries to be in the moment for Haven and joins in all things Christmas. CJ Bloom was captivating as the strong-willed Haven, who has her own struggles but continues to spread joy and holiday spirit to everyone she meets.

Take this story for what it is. It’s a fabulous introduction to a new series with tons of heart, laughs, spice and brotherly banter. It’s simple entertainment and I can’t wait for more from the Burlington Brothers.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5

This is the perfect novella for the holiday season. It gives so many heartwarming and cozy Christmas vibes. This is a prequel to set up an upcoming series by Lulu Moore, and it did a great job introducing the British 4 brothers who are also Lord’s. I loved all of them, and I can’t wait for the series!

Alexander and his brother’s head to Aspen to get away from the scandal in London after his brother gets left at the altar. They go to relax and have fun on the slopes, but Aspen is also a huge Christmas town, and Alexander hates Christmas. He definitely has a good reason to hate Christmas, and I really felt for him. He meets Haven, and there is an instant attraction, but she loves Christmas and owns a Christmas tree farm and Christmas store.

They had such great banter, and I loved everything Alexander did to be around her and show his interest. There were some really cute and sweet moments, especially when he entered the gingerbread house competition. His gingerbread house was so sweet, and it was swoonworthy. The spice was also amazing.

What I loved most was that this had good character development, and I really felt like I knew each of the brothers. I just loved all of the characters.

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This audiobook was performed by two of my favorite narrators, CJ Bloom and Shane East. They did an amazing job with the banter and spice. Shane East’s British accent was so hot, and he can honestly do no wrong. I highly recommend this quick and spicy audiobook.

Thank you to Valentine PR and NetGalley for providing this ALC.

This is a prequel to a series which is not out yet so that was a first for me. The brothers in this book are British royalty and they go to a small town in USA after their elder brother cancel's his wedding because he found his fiancé cheating on him. The town is Christmassy, there is a gingerbread competition and everybody goes all in. Heaven the main character loves Christmas because her parents loved it and she also runs their business of Christmas tree shop. She is juggling a lot of jobs to pay off her parent's debt and which gave us a main character who is working at not just a Christmas tree shop but also at the local bakery and its super cozy. The trope is insta love because Alex is in town for only a week and that's not my favourite trope. I loved the brothers and their dynamic, I cant wait to read their individual stories. In all, a cute and quick Christmas story.

🎄 This is such a short & sweet story! Both Shane East and CJ Bloom give solid narrative performances for this book. Their narration is smooth and flows so easily as they bring both Alexander and Haven to life. Alex’s sexy, British accent can make any listener swoon. Not to mention, both East & Bloom are extremely good when narrating the spiciness of this audio.

I was not very satisfied with the ending for the story. The narrators continued to give a solid narration still I was just hoping for more from the story at the end. Since this is a prequel maybe there will be more in a future book.

Overall, I was pleased with audiobook. I particularly enjoy listening to both Shane East & CJ Bloom which made this audiobook a solid listen. 🎅🏼

This is one of the cutest opposites attract novella that I’ve ever read. Alex and Haven have the most amazing connection despite being complete opposites. Alex is the resident grump when it comes to Christmas and Haven is selling Christmas trees, ornaments and pastries. She is the embodiment of all things Christmas in her hometown of Aspen. They have an insta connection and have great banter. This was a quick steamy holiday fling that will leave you wanting more.

This book gives us all the things to set us up for LuLu’s new series which will be about 4 brothers of British Royalty. It also ends in a cliffhanger so I’ll be impatiently waiting for when Alex and Haven will return. This is my first Lulu Moore book and I’m here for it. The epilogue sets the tone for book one of the series and I can’t wait.

Shane East and CJ Bloom are dynamite together. They bring Alex and Haven’s personalities to life in the most perfect way.

What to expect.
🎄Prequel
🎄Opposite Attract
🎄grinchy MMC x local Christmas tree seller
🎄runaway groom Alex’s brother
🎄Band of hot British Brothers
🎄vacation fling set in Aspen
🎄GingerBread Contest

What a delightful holiday romance! This is the first book from Lulu that I’ve listened to and it was fantastic. Although it’s a novella it still hits all the feels and is a well developed story…filled with amazing characters, a fantastic setting and many laughs.

Alexander and Haven have amazing banter, chemistry and a fantastic love story. Opposites attract, holiday, small town and grumpy/sunshine are some of the amazing tropes.

Shane East and CJ Bloom are two amazing narrators. They bring these characters to life by giving them perfect voice, personality and emotion!

Looking forward to the other books in the series.

Prequel
Vacation Fling
Opposites Attract
British Royalty
Small Town
Gingerbread contest

This was a super cute holiday prequel to Lulu's next series! This book focuses mainly on what will be book 2's couple and then our epilogue gives us book 1's couple. Each book is a member of this family that is British royalty.

Shane East and CJ Bloom did an amazing job with this audiobook and I think I could listen to them read me the dictionary!

This prequel was sweet, but spicy. And filled with great holiday moments. The gingerbread contest was a favorite of mine.

Audiobook review: narrated by Shane East and CJ Bloom

This is the perfect book to get you into the Christmas mood. Alexander and his brothers come to Aspen for some much needed bonding time and he is instantly smitten with Haven, the local workaholic and owner of the Christmas tree ranch. It’s a beautifully written vacation romance and will have you invested in this family with a quickness. I truly cannot wait for this series to continue.

Shane East plays the role of British aristocracy so well, but add in the grumpy factor and his performance of Alexander was brilliant. CJ Bloom is one of the few narrators that truly bring a character to life for me. Not only does she have an absolutely beautiful tone to her voice, but she plays the part so well I can almost visualize the mannerisms and facial expressions of the character she’s portraying.

This book was a delightful holiday romance with a lively connection between the main characters that felt truly magical. The way they couldn’t get each other out of their heads after meeting was captivating and left me hooked. I especially loved the cozy, festive theme with all the baking and decorating—it made the story feel warm and full of holiday charm.

However, I was left wanting more! The ending felt like it was holding back, leaving us waiting for the next book to get the closure I craved. While I appreciate a good series, I wish we had seen more resolution to the romance in this one. That said, it was such a lovely listen, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.