Member Reviews
3.5 stars
- best friend's brother
- single mom
- secret baby
- second chance romance
The audio for Daddy December was honestly what made me enjoy this as much as I did. I'm a sucker for second chance romances, especially when there's a secret baby involved (it's a guilty pleasure of mine), and really enjoyed how quick this listen was!
This was such a heartwarming Christmas romance. I do love a second chance romance. I adored Holly. The romance was sweet and a bit spicy. Noelle made a choice years ago that hurt more than one person. She had good intentions but she wishes she had not done it. Nick is a dad. Had been a dad for years and had no idea. Will Noelle let her be a dad and maybe a husband? Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was a feel good audiobook with a couple very naughty scenes, that was a perfect choice for the holiday season. Noelle and Chris reunite after 10yrs and he finds out she had his daughter without him ever knowing. I found him and his family so forgiving, but I guess you can’t punish an innocent child. Especially when it seems they never got over each other. I loved the way they came together and Chris’s possessiveness. How doesn’t love being told they’re a good girl?
Daddy December by Linzvonc is a captivating romance that immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go. From its intriguing premise to its fast-paced storytelling, this novel delivers a refreshing twist on contemporary romance, diving into a dynamic relationship that feels both unique and unapologetically bold.
One of the standout qualities of Daddy December is how it breaks away from conventional romance tropes. The story offers something fresh, diving headfirst into its premise without hesitation. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and the narrative wastes no time building tension. For readers who enjoy a quicker pace, this story skips the slow burn and dives into the action, keeping the pages turning and the energy high.
The spice in Daddy December is palpable and adds a sizzling layer to the story, but it never overshadows the emotional depth. Linzvonc strikes a balance between passion and plot, creating a connection between the characters that feels authentic and compelling.
This isn’t just a romance—it’s a bold, entertaining journey that offers something new to the genre. Fans of steamy, fast-paced love stories will find Daddy December an irresistible read, and Linzvonc’s ability to craft dynamic, engaging characters ensures this book is one that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for those seeking a romance that dares to stand out.
I started to cringe when at the birthday party for the ten year olds Noelle finds it cute the girls are pretending to be drunk. What??? The premise is Noelle was secretly dating Nick, her best friend's older brother ten years ago (she was 21). When he got accepted to his dream school she broke up with him so he would go. She realizes after he leaves that she is pregnant and doesn’t tell him. She left and only returned to his hometown and her best friend last year. She has been raising Holly as a single mom. He comes home for Christmas and is shocked to learn that he has a ten year old daughter he never knew about.
There are a lot of plot holes in this story. His sister knows Holly is her niece by her looks but inexplicably is mad now because Noelle never told her. She has had almost a year to bring that up. Also between acceptance letters and starting college there are months and months not days, so why did Nick just disappear? And why hasn’t he been home before if he is so successful.
The whole story takes place in a ridiculous few days' time frame. And of course sparks fly between Nick and Noelle. I am fine that Noelle works at a Hooter’s on steroids type of place as a waitress to support her and Holly. But his reaction to it by going alpha male and yet being so turned they get it on in the parking lot was icky. I only realized after the story ended that it was a shorter book, 164 pages. So maybe there wasn’t time to more slowly introduce him to his daughter or adjust to being together.
This is an okay story but I’ve read similar type books that are better and have more depth. I listened to an audiobook from Dreamscape Select via NetGalley. I did enjoy the narrators, especially Maxine Mitchell who I have listened to before. It you want a mindless, quick read or listen with steamy bits this will do.
2.5 ⭐️
I’m not sure if this novella is part of a series (it doesn’t say it is), but I felt like I was dropped into book 2 with no recap of book 1. Mostly though, I just couldn’t get over the idea that a successful 40 year old guy would come back to town to find out he has a 10 year old daughter, and within 24 hours: 1) have the kid calling him dad; 2) decide to move across an ocean; 3) be back with the mom as if the 10 intervening years never happened; and 4) be demanding they have another baby immediately. This was a lot for me as a mom - I’d be far more protective over my child after hiding her from the dad for a decade. Anyways, aside from all that, it was okay and had a couple mildly spicy scenes.
The audiobook narration was good. I was already a Maxine Mitchell fan, and I’d listen to more from Scott Rose now.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Blue Nose Publishing for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating the Plot - 4/5 ⭐
Rating the Narrators - 3/5 ⭐
Spice - 2/5 🌶
This spicy second-chance novella will hit you in the feels like a Christmas Hallmark movie. Linzvonc paced this book perfectly, making you feel like you're watching the scenes unfold as you read. Noelle and Nick are reunited after ten years apart. Nick had fled to England to pursue his dream career, while Noelle returned to her family to raise his child, which he didn't know about. Despite being a short read, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to see how everything would play out. The connection between Noelle and Nick is instant romance, sweet and spicy.
However, I deducted 1 ⭐ because I wished it had been a bit longer to allow for more depth in Noelle and Nick's characters. In my opinion, it's challenging to connect with the main characters when the story is brief. Also, the ending was pretty much predictable. Additionally, I took away 2 ⭐'s for the narrators' performance because the female voice actor sounded monotone in some parts, which didn't captivate me like the male voice actor did.
Overall, this book is perfect for anyone who loves novellas, Christmas settings, second-chance tropes, and a touch of spice
Thank you Blue Nose Publishing for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a charming and passionate Christmas novella packed with holiday spirit, second chances, and rekindling connections. If you want a quick, fun, and heartwarming holiday read, Daddy December is a great option.
Wow. Second chance romance with a secret child 10 years old? Yes please!
This book was so sweet.
I did find the romance and spice a little rushed but otherwise this book was a total win.
. definitely spicy with "touch her and die" vibes. Read at your own discretion.
I seen the name and the cover and it screamed "READ ME" so you know what i did... yep! i had read the book. I mean obviously as i am here reviewing said book.
I really enjoyed this read, the narrators were great to listen to and did a wonderful job of performing each character, Speaking of the characters i lovedddd Daddy Nick the most i mean i had a smexy man in my head the whole time and the santa suit plus a pair of daddy pajama's you would not say no to that. Also was very shocked to learn where Noel worked!! The plot was good as well, i mean a man and women who dated but went different ways one for work and one for well a child that no one knew about.
Now, the one issue i had was with the child who is 10 years old but what i heard was more of a 5 year old instead which felt odd to me. I also did not understand one part which had to do with the best friend ramping on about her to her mom as they had some issues and then next thing you know they are being best friends with no issues.
But i loved this book the spice was "chef's kiss"
4 STAR
Daddy December is a fun, spicy and christmassy novella, great for a quick read.
Due to the length, I found it a bit harder to connect with Nick, Noelle and Holly. However overall this was a fun read fast paced and uncomplicated read. The story was a bit cheesy in places and had strong hallmark vibes. The characters were warm and earnest, and I really enjoyed the small town feel and second chance romance.
The narrators did a wonderful job bringing Noelle and Nick to life and I thought the dual narration really enhanced their chemistry. A fun holiday read.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for a copy of their audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Netgalley for sending me an Audiobook Arc
This is the first Christmas Book I have ever read. I am not one for Christmas Hallmark movies; this was a Hallmark movie, which could be a positive for some people.
I am not really a Christmas girlie and wanted to try out a Christmas romance book. I saw Daddy December on Netgalley being sent out and said why not.
This novel is about what you would expect cringy, short, and steamy.
The Audiobook narrators were okay. I had to speed up the audiobook as soon as it started because Noelle's chapters were very monotone and slow.
Do not think I was the right audience for this book.
But hey now I know I am not a Christmas Book type of girl
Edit Review
Shockingly not for me. I didn't care for the narrator, although she was much better at 1.5+ speed. I didn't feel any connection to the FMC and MMc romance and the plot was basic if not there at all. I know it's just a novella but didn't feel worth the time.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for the audio ARC. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.
A spicy little second chance romance that sees a single mother reunited with her first love ten years after the birth of their daughter that he never knew existed. This was the first book for me by this author and I enjoyed this on audio. A fun holiday novella that was a quick, lighthearted read with just the right amount of spice. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
A sweet and spicy second chance Christmas Rom-com. Everything you need for a quick Holiday vibe and some heartfelt moments.
3,5 stars and a thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
Happy Holidays...
This story was cute and a nice little Christmas filler. I really enjoyed the narrators of this book, they embodied the characters well. I would recommend this to anybody in the mood for a Christmas read!
3.5 stars overall
This author is new to me but I will definitely be reading more. I read and listened to this quick Christmas novella in one sitting. This is a best friends brother, second chance romance. I personally love the secret baby/child trope so was instantly drawn to the story. The scene with the Christmas dad pyjamas was my favourite and had me tearing up. The audio is in dual style and Maxine and Scott do a great job bringing the story to life. Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select-Blue Nose Publishing for providing an ALC of this audiobook. I voluntarily listened to it and am sharing my honest review.
Quick Summary: A secret baby, second chance novella
My Review: Daddy December by Linzvonc is a "Spicy Christmas Second Chance Romance."
About the Book: "Ten years ago, Noelle made the hardest decision of her life—she left Winterburg, pregnant with her best friend’s brother’s baby."
In My Own Words: A ten-year disconnect, a secret pregnancy, a family separated due to poor choices and a lack of communication, attitudes everywhere, a pushy ex, a naughty club, immature characters, and a HEA - that is what this book is about in a nutshell.
About the Narration: This book was narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Scott Rose. Great job!
My Final Say: Umm...what was that?! Were they adults or high schoolers? This was a yea but no for me. The more I continued listening to the audiobook, the lower the rating fell. I cannot even.
Nick and Noelle's story started out so strong, then it just piled on everything you can think of. It made me mad. (How is that even possible?) Every character acted younger than their age. It was ridiculous. And some of the sexy times situations were straight up NOs. (Like, really!)
Normally, I am not negative with reviews. This was just ok. It was not the worst thing I have ever come across, but my goodness. The story has potential, but it definitely needs work. Perhaps, it should be longer...or something. It gets a thumbs down from this reader/listener.
Other: A good story is a good story, and a not so good story... Spice in a book does not guarantee solid ratings.
Rating: 1.5/5
Recommend: No
Audience: A
Status/Level: 👎
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Cover: +
Thank you for providing access to this title in exchange for an honest critique. I appreciate the opportunity. The outcome of the review certainly went a bit different than I expected when I requested the book. I wish this author the best.
A quick, light, fun, sweet and cute romance. The narrators were really good.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc
This is a short sweet and a bit spicy Christmas novella set in Winterburg.
After ten year, Noelle returned to town with her daughter Holly, just in time for Christmas.
Nicholas Cristian is also back from England and finds out that he has a daughter.
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook narrated dual style by Maxine Mitchell and Scott Rose. They did a great job with all the characters and managed to transmit the emotions they went through.
The relationship between the main characters rekindled a bit fast, but it is expected in a novella. What I did not enjoy is that there is a bit too much swearing. It usually doesn’t bother me, but here it was unnecessary is some cases.
Overall I would recomend the book if you like short holiday stories with second chance romance, set in a small town.
Thank you Blue Nose Publishing and Netgalley for the ALC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.