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Provoking Saint Nick
God grant me the serenity to not choke the wildcard of rich b*tches... Charlie f*cking McAllister.
My best friend’s little sister and tormentor extraordinaire. Star of my every trauma as a teenager.
And thanks to our mother’s and their matchmaking schemes for our annual Christmas ski week… my savior.
Or ruin.
One week as a couple, putting on a show for our parents while avoiding our exes. How hard could it be?
Until we’re stuck sharing a room. A room with one bed.
And a toy arsenal the spawn brought with her big enough to subdue a small country.
I promised not to f*ck Chance’s baby sister, but who was going to keep her from f*cking me?
My best friend’s little sister and tormentor extraordinaire. Star of my every trauma as a teenager.
And thanks to our mother’s and their matchmaking schemes for our annual Christmas ski week… my savior.
Or ruin.
One week as a couple, putting on a show for our parents while avoiding our exes. How hard could it be?
Until we’re stuck sharing a room. A room with one bed.
And a toy arsenal the spawn brought with her big enough to subdue a small country.
I promised not to f*ck Chance’s baby sister, but who was going to keep her from f*cking me?
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2023
About the author
Echo Grayce
19 books184 followersEcho wields words as a heart-piercing sword cutting through characters' souls. If you want passion-packed small towns and fierce hearts so steamy they’ll grab you by the throat like the ultimate alpha-hole with skillful hands and forearm porn for days, Echo is your girl. Every book promises beautifully brutal romances with a dose of angst, a double shot of romance, followed by a scorchin’ hot sexy times chaser that will leave you panting for more.
Born and raised in New England, she has Ben & Jerry’s in her heart, and real Vermont maple syrup dripping through her veins. She's an unapologetic Swiftie embracing her Fuck-With-Me-and-Find-Out era, and a certified Fall Out Boy groupie who’s low-key addicted to ink and metal–hello tattoos and piercings!
When she's not plotting world domination, she's busy either crafting stories that'll make your heart race faster than a caffeine-induced heart palpitation or designing some of romancelandia’s most coveted covers for fellow authors.
To all you lovely readers out there, Echo has one thing to say: she adores every one of you who read her books, turning her dreams into reality. As for talking about herself in the third person? Well, let's just say she's over it.
Echo out, but her fierce heroines and steamy stories are here to stay!
Born and raised in New England, she has Ben & Jerry’s in her heart, and real Vermont maple syrup dripping through her veins. She's an unapologetic Swiftie embracing her Fuck-With-Me-and-Find-Out era, and a certified Fall Out Boy groupie who’s low-key addicted to ink and metal–hello tattoos and piercings!
When she's not plotting world domination, she's busy either crafting stories that'll make your heart race faster than a caffeine-induced heart palpitation or designing some of romancelandia’s most coveted covers for fellow authors.
To all you lovely readers out there, Echo has one thing to say: she adores every one of you who read her books, turning her dreams into reality. As for talking about herself in the third person? Well, let's just say she's over it.
Echo out, but her fierce heroines and steamy stories are here to stay!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
December 7, 2023
The story itself was 5 ⭐️, but the spicy scenes were 1 ⭐️ for me, so that’s what really brought it down for me.
The spicy scenes were very rough.. and not in a sexy way in my opinion. Also he kept calling her “spawn” like devil’s spawn… yeah that didn’t do it for me & also felt wrong to be in a Christmas book 😂.
The actual plot line besides that was great. Hilarious. Brother’s best friend falling for sister. Meddling mothers. Pranks. I loved all of the rest of it.
The spicy scenes made me that uncomfortable that I had to rate this less. Maybe I am way more vanilla of a person than I thought. 😂 This might appeal more to people who like it.. very rough.
Also the ending was great with hints of another couple getting together. Loved that part.
The spicy scenes were very rough.. and not in a sexy way in my opinion. Also he kept calling her “spawn” like devil’s spawn… yeah that didn’t do it for me & also felt wrong to be in a Christmas book 😂.
The actual plot line besides that was great. Hilarious. Brother’s best friend falling for sister. Meddling mothers. Pranks. I loved all of the rest of it.
The spicy scenes made me that uncomfortable that I had to rate this less. Maybe I am way more vanilla of a person than I thought. 😂 This might appeal more to people who like it.. very rough.
Also the ending was great with hints of another couple getting together. Loved that part.
January 2, 2024
Provoking Saint Nick
“You drive me insane, spawn. Everything you say, everything you do. You are the lightning, and fuck if I can’t resist your strike.”
star rating: 3.85
spice rating: 2.75 🌶️🌶️
Fake Dating
Christmas Novella
Brother’s Best Friend
Slow Burn
Cute, Funny and Spicy. Everything you want for Christmas!
“I’m leaving fully planning to have you drive me out of my mind all day, every day, for a lifetime. This doesn’t end here, Charlie. It’s only the beginning.”
“You drive me insane, spawn. Everything you say, everything you do. You are the lightning, and fuck if I can’t resist your strike.”
star rating: 3.85
spice rating: 2.75 🌶️🌶️
Fake Dating
Christmas Novella
Brother’s Best Friend
Slow Burn
Cute, Funny and Spicy. Everything you want for Christmas!
“I’m leaving fully planning to have you drive me out of my mind all day, every day, for a lifetime. This doesn’t end here, Charlie. It’s only the beginning.”
December 24, 2023
This was my second holiday romance of the year and once again I was NOT disappointed. This was short and spicy with a protective MMC of a badass FMC with a soft shell. Charlie and Nick have known each other for years. Charlie is Nick's best friend's little sister. Charlie has been the ban of his existence for forever. She has been his tormentor and just there. He has never noticed how attractive she is or how much he actually enjoys being with her until Chance (her brother) makes a joke about them not sleeping together. Now Charlie has the idea of pretending they are dating for the family ski trip so that their parents don't try to set them up with their exes who are both there. Nick at first doesn't think there is a problem with this until he realizes that they are sharing a hotel room and Charlie has packed a legit suitcase full of scandalous toys and now ALLLL he can think about is her. What would it be like to sleep with her? Why has he never noticed how her mom treats her? Why is his mom acting like she is disappointed by the fact that they are dating? Now he is being protective of her. They circle around and around the tension including a VERY sexy shaving scene until the end when things just EXPLODE in the best way. I very much enjoyed this short read and am looking forward to reading more of Echo! I also saw that next year is Chance and Holly's (Nick's little sister) story for Christmas!! The banter in this book was great- especially between Chance and Nick LOL.
ENJOY!! Happy Holidays everyone :)
ENJOY!! Happy Holidays everyone :)
December 21, 2023
“Maybe I just have a healthy fear your vagina has teeth and I’m not dumb enough to go anywhere near that nightmare.” “Well, the joke’s on you… I have a fabulous vagina. Very responsive.” “Your parents should have grounded you more,” he muttered next to me.
This was delightful. Like, I have a new and fun author to follow!
Nick is going to a ski resort for the holidays with his family and his best friend’s family. When he arrived he sees his mortal nemesis, Charlie, who is his bff’s sister. She tormented him all through childhood and is now begging him to pretend to be his fake girlfriend because BOTH of their meddling mamas brought dates for them!
Nick promised not to bed his best friend’s baby sister but Charlie doesn’t know that. This steamy man she grew up with is not only handsome with “a beard meant for riding” but he protects her, makes her feel beautiful and cares about her happiness.
No major drama happens, mentioned OM cheating is a quick blip, definite mom issues and some self esteem doubt is the thick of it. This is a slow burn but when it burns…let’s just say that gasoline is thrown upon the flames.
Great holiday read with an actual plot.
💕💕💕💕/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
😂😂😂😂/5
😳😳😳/5
This was delightful. Like, I have a new and fun author to follow!
Nick is going to a ski resort for the holidays with his family and his best friend’s family. When he arrived he sees his mortal nemesis, Charlie, who is his bff’s sister. She tormented him all through childhood and is now begging him to pretend to be his fake girlfriend because BOTH of their meddling mamas brought dates for them!
Nick promised not to bed his best friend’s baby sister but Charlie doesn’t know that. This steamy man she grew up with is not only handsome with “a beard meant for riding” but he protects her, makes her feel beautiful and cares about her happiness.
No major drama happens, mentioned OM cheating is a quick blip, definite mom issues and some self esteem doubt is the thick of it. This is a slow burn but when it burns…let’s just say that gasoline is thrown upon the flames.
Great holiday read with an actual plot.
💕💕💕💕/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
😂😂😂😂/5
😳😳😳/5
December 11, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This was so good! And funny! And sexy!
The MFC is a terror, but in such a good way and I love her so much 😂❤️ There were so many hilarious moments - it definitely leaned into the comedy part of a romcom… but also ended with a spicy chapter! And the epilogue was spicy too. The MMC was great in a normal, non-possive-or-gross-romance-book-guy-mannerisms way.
Really enjoyed it and can’t way for the next ones in the series.
This was so good! And funny! And sexy!
The MFC is a terror, but in such a good way and I love her so much 😂❤️ There were so many hilarious moments - it definitely leaned into the comedy part of a romcom… but also ended with a spicy chapter! And the epilogue was spicy too. The MMC was great in a normal, non-possive-or-gross-romance-book-guy-mannerisms way.
Really enjoyed it and can’t way for the next ones in the series.
December 20, 2023
4.5⭐️ So, I think this is the steamiest book I’ve read this year and I can’t stop thinking about it. I loved this couple and that there wasn’t a breakup (once they knew, they knew). Definitely check out the epilogue/bonus chapters when you’re done. They are a great addition to their story.
December 14, 2023
There was a lot of spice and not really a lot of plot. Which isn't exactly bad, I guess I was just expecting Christmas vibes and there were practically none. Fake dating didn't really work for me here either. I would've loved to see the brother's best friend angle emphasized even more.
**There were lots of typos. It doesn't necessarily affect my rating, but it does affect my ability to stay immersed, which contributes a lot.
**There were lots of typos. It doesn't necessarily affect my rating, but it does affect my ability to stay immersed, which contributes a lot.
December 4, 2023
This was a fun, brother's best friend holiday romance!
What started off as two enemies, becomes something different entirely when the two join forces against a greater evil... their mothers. They decide to fake date each other to avoid being paired with their mother's choices for dating. Both of which are terrible options because one is Charlie's ex (who cheated on her!!!!) and the other is a frilly, rude girl for Nick.
And then whew does it start heating up!! The tension between these two is more than just holly jolly goodness ;) definitely a cute read this holiday season
tropes:
brothers best friend
holiday romance
enemies to lovers
fake dating
forced proximity
only one bed
What started off as two enemies, becomes something different entirely when the two join forces against a greater evil... their mothers. They decide to fake date each other to avoid being paired with their mother's choices for dating. Both of which are terrible options because one is Charlie's ex (who cheated on her!!!!) and the other is a frilly, rude girl for Nick.
And then whew does it start heating up!! The tension between these two is more than just holly jolly goodness ;) definitely a cute read this holiday season
tropes:
brothers best friend
holiday romance
enemies to lovers
fake dating
forced proximity
only one bed
December 22, 2023
I should read novellas more often.
This was brief, cute, hot and with an amazing MMC. Like, I'm dying for Nick's attitude. 🔥🧡
Little note: I went into this convinced it was a Christmas book. Well it's not. No Christmas references aside the fact that they're on winter vacation.
Also, I think my file might be missing the epilogue at this point.
At least I got my HEA for the night. 🤷🏼♀️
This was brief, cute, hot and with an amazing MMC. Like, I'm dying for Nick's attitude. 🔥🧡
Little note: I went into this convinced it was a Christmas book. Well it's not. No Christmas references aside the fact that they're on winter vacation.
Also, I think my file might be missing the epilogue at this point.
At least I got my HEA for the night. 🤷🏼♀️
January 3, 2024
This was a cute holiday read!
Nick really likes those hand necklaces!
Charlie really likes her toys 😉
Can't wait (Literally a year?!?! 😭) for the next one!! 💖
Nick really likes those hand necklaces!
Charlie really likes her toys 😉
Can't wait (Literally a year?!?! 😭) for the next one!! 💖
November 29, 2023
I didn’t know what to expect not having read this author before, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised! Charlie and Nick were so funny and cute together, from her pranks, to him standing up for her.. definitely pick this novella up!
ARC
ARC
November 25, 2023
Throw in the phrase “good girl” and I’m automatically a goner.
Rivals to lovers, brothers best friend, fake dating, one bed - so many great tropes in this novella.
I really enjoyed it, the writing is good. I like the banter and the mmc is a cutie, but also naughty.
Rivals to lovers, brothers best friend, fake dating, one bed - so many great tropes in this novella.
I really enjoyed it, the writing is good. I like the banter and the mmc is a cutie, but also naughty.
December 9, 2023
Rounded to a 3.
Went into this knowing it would be just a short spicy read but the banter was too funny and honestly made me laugh. Their families kind of sucked (moms mainly) but honestly her brother was one of my favorites even though he wasn’t even there and def want to read the next one asap because of the epilogue!
Went into this knowing it would be just a short spicy read but the banter was too funny and honestly made me laugh. Their families kind of sucked (moms mainly) but honestly her brother was one of my favorites even though he wasn’t even there and def want to read the next one asap because of the epilogue!
December 9, 2023
I seriously need hosed down after reading this one! This is my absolute favorite trope to read. And this one was muy caliente. I'm surprised my kindle didn't catch on fire.
December 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️
At 149 pages, this was a quick, fun, spicy read.
At 149 pages, this was a quick, fun, spicy read.
April 8, 2024
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶.5
Trope - novella, brother's best friend, dislike to love, forced proximity, fake relationship, one bed
This was a short 150-page book with hilarious banter, tension, and a good amount of spice.
Nick is Charlie's older brother's best friend, they have always had a hate relationship where she would challenge and prank him. Nick has never seen Charlie as anything more than his friend's sister until he's forced to be in a fake relationship with her to get their mother's meddling ass away from them.
He called her spawn, as in devil's spawn and that was just hilarious and accurate(seeing their relationship) OMG the way Charlie scared the shit out of his mom by calling him a "cuck" was priceless.
I love how Nick was possessive but not overbearing, and that's good. Also, I loved how they understood each other even though they "disliked" each other for most of their lives. Charlie aka Charlotte's character was also perfectly written, where she pretends to be a hard shell but is soft on the inside and is usually helicoptered by her mother.
The spice was not there until the very last chapters but then it hits you hard and damn it was well written for a novella.
The ending couldn't have been better, because honestly, I was skeptical that the book would just end on their sex scene but surprisingly the author had it well planned and executed it well. Though it was short, the end was satisfactory.
I couldn't help but wonder how Chance reacted to it all, would have loved his reaction in this novella. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Overall 4/5
Spice - 🌶.5
Trope - novella, brother's best friend, dislike to love, forced proximity, fake relationship, one bed
This was a short 150-page book with hilarious banter, tension, and a good amount of spice.
Nick is Charlie's older brother's best friend, they have always had a hate relationship where she would challenge and prank him. Nick has never seen Charlie as anything more than his friend's sister until he's forced to be in a fake relationship with her to get their mother's meddling ass away from them.
He called her spawn, as in devil's spawn and that was just hilarious and accurate(seeing their relationship) OMG the way Charlie scared the shit out of his mom by calling him a "cuck" was priceless.
I love how Nick was possessive but not overbearing, and that's good. Also, I loved how they understood each other even though they "disliked" each other for most of their lives. Charlie aka Charlotte's character was also perfectly written, where she pretends to be a hard shell but is soft on the inside and is usually helicoptered by her mother.
The spice was not there until the very last chapters but then it hits you hard and damn it was well written for a novella.
The ending couldn't have been better, because honestly, I was skeptical that the book would just end on their sex scene but surprisingly the author had it well planned and executed it well. Though it was short, the end was satisfactory.
I couldn't help but wonder how Chance reacted to it all, would have loved his reaction in this novella. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Overall 4/5
December 12, 2023
(3.5 ☆)
nick and charlie have known each other since they were children, because nick is chance's (charlie's brother) best friend, but they can't stand each other.
charlie nicknames nick "saint nick" because he's the favorite child, even of charlie's parents, and in their eyes he can do nothing wrong (aside from dating charlie). charlie, on the other hand, does everything she can to go against her mother's expectations and live her life as she pleases.
charlie and nick, when they discover that their mothers have also asked their exes to join them during the annual week they spend in the mountains during the christmas holidays, decide to put the rivalry aside and pretend to be engaged.
this christams novella kept me hooked from the beginning, with the banter between the characters, the slow burn, the fights and the jokes. it's a sweet novella to help you get into the christmas mood!!
nick and charlie have known each other since they were children, because nick is chance's (charlie's brother) best friend, but they can't stand each other.
charlie nicknames nick "saint nick" because he's the favorite child, even of charlie's parents, and in their eyes he can do nothing wrong (aside from dating charlie). charlie, on the other hand, does everything she can to go against her mother's expectations and live her life as she pleases.
charlie and nick, when they discover that their mothers have also asked their exes to join them during the annual week they spend in the mountains during the christmas holidays, decide to put the rivalry aside and pretend to be engaged.
this christams novella kept me hooked from the beginning, with the banter between the characters, the slow burn, the fights and the jokes. it's a sweet novella to help you get into the christmas mood!!
November 25, 2023
At first, I wasn’t entirely sure I liked Charlie. It was easy to adore Nick, but Charlie was a much tougher nut to crack. Her sense of humor borders on the cruel for my tastes, and I was overwhelmingly angered on Nick’s behalf. But, then we started to discover some of what her devil-may-care attitude was hiding and it suddenly made sense why all of Nick’s protective instincts were engaged. I loved these two together and I can’t wait to read about their siblings.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
December 6, 2023
Quick, full of tension, and spicy! I love all these quick Christmas reads. I love it when the grumpy, cool headed men lose their cool. There isn't much to this book with character development with Charlie and Nick, but it was adorable.
December 30, 2023
This was a really fun little winter read! I love an enemies to lovers one bed trope so much. I liked the characters and that he stood up to their moms when they were being toxic towards Charlie. I wished there was some more spice but overall this was a lot of fun to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
Fun quick rom com between Charlotte (Charlie) and Nick. Friends forever and sharing a room at the annual family Christmas getaway to fool their parents and exes turns into a hot sexy clash of wills.
July 30, 2024
⭐️3.5. This was short, sweet, and spicy. Not overly emotional, but had its moments. Typical best-friends-brother rom com, smushed down to 125 pages.
November 26, 2023
-forced proximity
-One bed
-Rival lovers
-Brother's best friend
Nick and Charlie were definitely meant to be, they just needed a little interference from their mothers with terrible matches to see what was right in front of them.
A fast-paced, fun, steamy romance with just the right amount of bickering.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-One bed
-Rival lovers
-Brother's best friend
Nick and Charlie were definitely meant to be, they just needed a little interference from their mothers with terrible matches to see what was right in front of them.
A fast-paced, fun, steamy romance with just the right amount of bickering.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2023
4.5/5
This book was funny, sexy and overall a great quick read!
The MMC, Nick was very easy to like from the beginning with how great of person he seems to be overall, but the FMC, Charlie was a bit harder for me to like at first with all the crazy shit she does/has done to Nick. However, as the story goes on, I start to really like Charlie and feel sympathy for her on how her mother treats her. I loved the how the relationship between Nick and Charlie grew and began real after the book went on.
I loved the interactions with Charlie's siblings, especially Chance being the protective older brother and best friend of Nick's.
Excited to read book 2 in the series after that epilogue!
This book was funny, sexy and overall a great quick read!
The MMC, Nick was very easy to like from the beginning with how great of person he seems to be overall, but the FMC, Charlie was a bit harder for me to like at first with all the crazy shit she does/has done to Nick. However, as the story goes on, I start to really like Charlie and feel sympathy for her on how her mother treats her. I loved the how the relationship between Nick and Charlie grew and began real after the book went on.
I loved the interactions with Charlie's siblings, especially Chance being the protective older brother and best friend of Nick's.
Excited to read book 2 in the series after that epilogue!
December 21, 2023
This is a super cute Christmas short! Nick and Charlie have grown up together, their parents are best friends so naturally Nick and Charlie’s brother Chance are best friends. But Charlie has always felt that Nick was too much of a good boy. So she spent their entire lives attempting to ruffle his feathers. Resulting in Nick typically avoiding her.
Except this Christmas, their moms brought people to set them up with, so they decide to fake it together because being together is better than the recycled people from their pasts.
Honestly, this book was adorable! The banter was cute. Charlie and Nick together were chefs kiss! I will admit that I was expecting a little more spice since the cover has her holding a dildo and the blurb mentions her toy arsenal. There could’ve been some fantastic teasing, or play with me but don’t touch type of scenes. With that being said, when it did happen, it was a big explosion of built up sexual tension which is most likely why the author chose to write it this way! If it was a full length novel I would be disappointed, but as a short, the one massive extremely explosive scene, just works!
Quotes:
I was about to break the code and fuck every bit of wildness right out of my best friend’s little sister.
“A little traditional breeding kink Charlie can’t scare me.”
Her flavor? Bad decisions and mango ChapStick with a hint of my-life-will-never-be-the-same.
I grabbed her collar, hauled her up under my mouth, and dropped another kiss on her lips because apparently, I’m racking them up now.
“It’s complicated.” “It’s really not,” Nick answered with a lift of his brow. “I’m hers.”
His hand drifted to my neck, his fingers tangling in the ends of my ponytail, giving it a firm tug. This was the second time he’d pulled my hair, and Jesus fuck, this was so going to be my new fantasy.
“You drive me insane, spawn. Everything you say, everything you do. You are the lightning, and fuck if I can’t resist your strike.”
This was all Chance’s fault. He’s the one who’d brought up fucking her and inadvertently planted some sort of subliminal spank bank inspiration in my psyche.
“We didn’t like each other either and on the first night, I kissed you, fed you, and called you a ‘good girl.’”
Except this Christmas, their moms brought people to set them up with, so they decide to fake it together because being together is better than the recycled people from their pasts.
Honestly, this book was adorable! The banter was cute. Charlie and Nick together were chefs kiss! I will admit that I was expecting a little more spice since the cover has her holding a dildo and the blurb mentions her toy arsenal. There could’ve been some fantastic teasing, or play with me but don’t touch type of scenes. With that being said, when it did happen, it was a big explosion of built up sexual tension which is most likely why the author chose to write it this way! If it was a full length novel I would be disappointed, but as a short, the one massive extremely explosive scene, just works!
Quotes:
I was about to break the code and fuck every bit of wildness right out of my best friend’s little sister.
“A little traditional breeding kink Charlie can’t scare me.”
Her flavor? Bad decisions and mango ChapStick with a hint of my-life-will-never-be-the-same.
I grabbed her collar, hauled her up under my mouth, and dropped another kiss on her lips because apparently, I’m racking them up now.
“It’s complicated.” “It’s really not,” Nick answered with a lift of his brow. “I’m hers.”
His hand drifted to my neck, his fingers tangling in the ends of my ponytail, giving it a firm tug. This was the second time he’d pulled my hair, and Jesus fuck, this was so going to be my new fantasy.
“You drive me insane, spawn. Everything you say, everything you do. You are the lightning, and fuck if I can’t resist your strike.”
This was all Chance’s fault. He’s the one who’d brought up fucking her and inadvertently planted some sort of subliminal spank bank inspiration in my psyche.
“We didn’t like each other either and on the first night, I kissed you, fed you, and called you a ‘good girl.’”
December 11, 2023
Who was going to keep her from f*cking me was the right question. Only, little did I know, the f*cking came as everything she did except ride my c*ck.
F*cking me was the wounded look she struggled to hide. It was her making light of our sleeping arrangements and making the setup so ridiculous that I slid into a deep sleep without agonizing over it. It came in the way she said f*ck you to the showdown between Daniel and me and beat us both because she didn’t need a man to fight her battles for her.
And it came in the way she studied me when she thought I was sleeping. Curious, soft eyes raking over every inch of my skin. Instead of the predictable heat of attraction, her perusal evoked quiet wonder and affection.
Between the soft and the spunk, I was about to break the code and f*ck every bit of wildness right out of my best friend’s little sister. She better plan on a lifetime because I refuse to be without her, with this memory torturing my every waking moment for forever.
Best friend's little sister meets fake dating, only one bed, and antagonists-to-lovers in this spicy holiday romance that's riotously, cackle-out-loud funny and surprisingly tender, vulnerable, and sweet... and with no third act breakup, hallelujah, thank you baby Jesus.
The friction, tension, and chemistry between Nick and Charlie was like sunlight powered fuel for my soul. Echo Grayce totally knocked this out of the park. I have no notes. This book has officially cracked my "annual holiday romance must-reads" list!
I’d say more, but I’m sitting here, hours later, out of words and with a stupid grin still on my face. I kinda want to abandon my current read and go dive into this one again and I never do that!
Also, side-note: the way he affectionately calls her spawn... I should not be as into that as I am, but there you have it. I love these two together - this novella had no business being this much fun!
November 27, 2023
This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it, especially being a short and fun holiday story, Charlie and Nick's interactions were very entertaining and I loved reading their scenes together and how after years of knowing each other they finally started seeing more of the other and just getting to know a different side of each other.
Nick was Charlie's brother's best friend so they knew each other for years and Charlie loved to tease Nick about different things, she was very sassy and despite seeming like a mouthy girl, she just wanted to be noticed and not judged, especially by her parents. She and Nick needed to get their meddling mothers out of their love lives so Charlie offered Nick to be fake dating so they could spend their holidays without adding some drama.
Nick always knew about Charlie's antics but despite their previous bickering, he knew Charlie was right but he never imagined things would change between them after making their families believe they were a couple. He always saw Charlie as a troublemaker but I loved how his perspective of her started changing and how he finally understood why she acted like that. Their moments together were really funny and captivating, especially when Charlie was upfront about the things she liked and Nick realized his feelings for her.
I loved how at the end Nick stood up to Charlie and how their relationship developed, their steamy scenes weren't much but I loved all their banter and how they eventually explored all the chemistry between them. Charlie was adventurous and it was nice reading how Nick matched her desires and how they realized they were perfect for each other.
Their siblings were interesting too so now I can't wait to read Chance and Holly's story and maybe see more of Charlie, Nick, and their future.
Nick was Charlie's brother's best friend so they knew each other for years and Charlie loved to tease Nick about different things, she was very sassy and despite seeming like a mouthy girl, she just wanted to be noticed and not judged, especially by her parents. She and Nick needed to get their meddling mothers out of their love lives so Charlie offered Nick to be fake dating so they could spend their holidays without adding some drama.
Nick always knew about Charlie's antics but despite their previous bickering, he knew Charlie was right but he never imagined things would change between them after making their families believe they were a couple. He always saw Charlie as a troublemaker but I loved how his perspective of her started changing and how he finally understood why she acted like that. Their moments together were really funny and captivating, especially when Charlie was upfront about the things she liked and Nick realized his feelings for her.
I loved how at the end Nick stood up to Charlie and how their relationship developed, their steamy scenes weren't much but I loved all their banter and how they eventually explored all the chemistry between them. Charlie was adventurous and it was nice reading how Nick matched her desires and how they realized they were perfect for each other.
Their siblings were interesting too so now I can't wait to read Chance and Holly's story and maybe see more of Charlie, Nick, and their future.
December 7, 2023
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
This was my first book by the author but definitely won’t be the last. I read an excerpt in the author’s newsletter and hit the preorder instantly, as I adored the story already. This is the story of Nick, who’s been tortured all his life by his best friend’s evil little sister Charlie. She’s poisoned him with ghost peppers and cut the crotch out of all his clothes and always finds a way to drive Nick crazy. She’s the last person he wants to ever be around but their parents are besties so she’s been a big part of his life, to Nick’s dismay.
He was already less than thrilled for the annual Christmas ski trip since his military career prevents Chance from being there this year, but it just gets worse when he arrives to find his nemesis waiting for him. Their mothers are both trying to set them up with awful people, so Charlie proposes they pretend to be together and Nick reluctantly agrees. It’s not ideal because it’s Charlie, but it’s the lesser of the evils considering the soulless succubus his mother is trying to force on him.
It can’t be that bad, right? That’s what he thinks, until Chance lays down a rule. Do not f*uck my baby sister. Well Nick would never have considered it before, but that one stupid text planted a seed and now everything is wrong. This story is laugh out loud funny and super steamy but also very sweet. I loved everything about it and it’s a book I’m sure I’ll read again because it was just that good.
December 9, 2023
Provoking Saint Nick is a holiday, contemporary romance novella featuring Charlie McAlister and Nick McAdams.
Charlie and Nick have known each other forever. Their mothers are best friends who raised their families together. Charlie's older brother Chance, and Nick, are best friends. They would do everything together, and Charlie, the bratty younger sister, would tag along.
Every Christmas, the two families spend a ski week together. Of the five "kids" only Charlie and Nick are able to attend this year and their respective mothers have invited potential matches for their darling children. Neither Charlie nor Nick are interested so they decide to arrive together, and present themselves as a couple. While their parents are surprised by this turn of events, they're also relieved as it seems they were short a room. So, in addition to fake dating, and sibling's best friend, we have forced proximity/one bed. Definitely a fun collection of tropes!
I don't think I've read anything by Grayce before but I will have to rectify that in the future. This little novella packs a punch. Charlie and Nick have so much chemistry between them, the pages sizzle! I love their "faux" enemies to lovers dynamic, and how they do their best to toe the line while pressing each others buttons.
The writing was engaging and quick paced. After I jumped in, I couldn't put it down. The characters are delightful and the spice was decadent. There were so many fun phrases, like "diddle my skittle", along with witty prose. This is one of my favourites: "My feminism swooned and crumped in a heap between us. When I tried to pick her up, she flitted off like Peter Pan's elusive shadow. The backstabbing little b****."
I'm was very excited to see the note at the end saying there are more of this quirky families' stories forthcoming. I am eager to dive in for more!
Charlie and Nick have known each other forever. Their mothers are best friends who raised their families together. Charlie's older brother Chance, and Nick, are best friends. They would do everything together, and Charlie, the bratty younger sister, would tag along.
Every Christmas, the two families spend a ski week together. Of the five "kids" only Charlie and Nick are able to attend this year and their respective mothers have invited potential matches for their darling children. Neither Charlie nor Nick are interested so they decide to arrive together, and present themselves as a couple. While their parents are surprised by this turn of events, they're also relieved as it seems they were short a room. So, in addition to fake dating, and sibling's best friend, we have forced proximity/one bed. Definitely a fun collection of tropes!
I don't think I've read anything by Grayce before but I will have to rectify that in the future. This little novella packs a punch. Charlie and Nick have so much chemistry between them, the pages sizzle! I love their "faux" enemies to lovers dynamic, and how they do their best to toe the line while pressing each others buttons.
The writing was engaging and quick paced. After I jumped in, I couldn't put it down. The characters are delightful and the spice was decadent. There were so many fun phrases, like "diddle my skittle", along with witty prose. This is one of my favourites: "My feminism swooned and crumped in a heap between us. When I tried to pick her up, she flitted off like Peter Pan's elusive shadow. The backstabbing little b****."
I'm was very excited to see the note at the end saying there are more of this quirky families' stories forthcoming. I am eager to dive in for more!
November 29, 2023
Smutty ski holiday fun!
This book is one of those that feels like it has ALL THE TROPES but actually manages to do it really well. Nick arrives for an annual holiday with his family and his best friend's family. Two slight issues. The best friend Chance isn't there, but Chance's annoying little sister Charlie is. For once, though, she wants to put differences aside and team up to stop both their mothers' horrible matchmaking plans.
So, yes, we have brother's best friend, enemies to lovers (she pranked him basically their whole childhood), fake dating (to avoid matchmaking), forced proximity (made to share a room) and only one bed (because of course there would be).
The sexual tension between them was off the charts. The dual POV worked really well here, as it gave chance to experience bits of the interactions from each side. I loved how Nick went all in with 'proving' to both families that he was serious about Charlie. And once the tension broke, the steam factor was HIGH. Shout out to Charlie's shameless attitude to her toy collection.... and Nick's enjoyment of it too.
Content warning that Charlie has a very bad relationship with her parents, and her mother in particular treats her cruelly. I thought this was handled really well, and was obsessed with Nick's reaction whenever someone was mean to Charlie, but please take care if this is a trigger for you.
This was my first book by this author and I'm excited to read more. Definitely one to try if you want a steamy winter read.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Thank you to the author for the free review copy. All thoughts are my own.
This book is one of those that feels like it has ALL THE TROPES but actually manages to do it really well. Nick arrives for an annual holiday with his family and his best friend's family. Two slight issues. The best friend Chance isn't there, but Chance's annoying little sister Charlie is. For once, though, she wants to put differences aside and team up to stop both their mothers' horrible matchmaking plans.
So, yes, we have brother's best friend, enemies to lovers (she pranked him basically their whole childhood), fake dating (to avoid matchmaking), forced proximity (made to share a room) and only one bed (because of course there would be).
The sexual tension between them was off the charts. The dual POV worked really well here, as it gave chance to experience bits of the interactions from each side. I loved how Nick went all in with 'proving' to both families that he was serious about Charlie. And once the tension broke, the steam factor was HIGH. Shout out to Charlie's shameless attitude to her toy collection.... and Nick's enjoyment of it too.
Content warning that Charlie has a very bad relationship with her parents, and her mother in particular treats her cruelly. I thought this was handled really well, and was obsessed with Nick's reaction whenever someone was mean to Charlie, but please take care if this is a trigger for you.
This was my first book by this author and I'm excited to read more. Definitely one to try if you want a steamy winter read.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Thank you to the author for the free review copy. All thoughts are my own.
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