A Christmas novella where everyone gets their just desserts.
Olive had a major crush on Hank in high school. She was the too-smart, slightly chubby girl who gawked as Hank ran track and made all the cheerleaders swoon. After high school, the two went their separate ways. Olive opened a yoga studio and swore off sweets while Hank traveled the world. No problem, right? At least there wasn’t a problem until Hank moved back to town and opened a candy shop across the street from Olive’s studio. Now, Olive will do everything she can to shut her old crush down. But Hank has other plans, and all of them end with an Olive sundae.

Author’s Note: This is a sweet Christmas treat that will leave you satisfied, yet desperate for a little taste of sugar.

 

Finally a Christmas story that has sugar, spice and everything nice! I have been in such a Christmas book slump and this book was a winner! Hank and Olive were both crushing on each other as teenagers unbeknownst to the heroine. Olive felt she was too chubby and not good enough for Hank. In his eyes she was just right but they still didn’t get together until a few years later. I loved this story and the connection the main characters had with each other. It’s very hard for me to feel the connection in full length novels and even harder in novellas but I didn’t have that problem with this book. I loved the banter, the back and forth. Loved how Hank wore her down. There was something that does happen between the two main characters but it wasn’t too over the top or drawn out. I loved how the author didn’t forget this was a Christmas book and kept the spirit alive. If you are looking for a hot, steamy, low drama Christmas story look no further!

   “So, what’s your poison?” He turns and places the boxes on the counter between us.

  “Just whatever you have is fine.” I try not to look at the swirling lollypops, jars of jellybeans, or rows of frosted cookies. The caramel candy apples with chocolate drizzle almost catch my eye, but I look away before I become ensnared.

    He sidesteps to the candy apple display. “Try one.”

   “No.” I keep my tone level. “Just pack up whatever you want to donate, and I’ll be on my way.”

   He smiles, and butterflies go to war in my stomach. Lightly tanned skin, bright eyes, and dark hair are still my weakness, almost as much as the mouth-watering candy apple he picks up and holds out to me. “Give it a try.

    I just put these out this afternoon. The apples are tart, and I made the caramel myself.”

I glance at the proffered treat. My sweet tooth demands that I take it, but my will is far stronger. “No, thank you.”

   His smile grows, as if he already knew I’d decline. Then he raises the apple to his mouth and takes a bite. The perfectly ripe apple makes a delectably crisp crunch between his teeth. I watch as he licks the stray caramel from his lips, and I wonder just how sweet he’d taste.

   “What was that?” He takes another bite.

   “Hmm?” Lord help me, but I stare. Watch his Adam’s apple bob and follow the movement down into his flannel shirt right where the tan skin disappears behind the fabric.

   He grabs a small plate and sets the rest of the apple down. “You just made a noise is all. Like a high-pitched sigh.”

   My face burns bright red. A sigh? I made a noise? “No. I don’t think so.”

   “Yeah, you did.” He grins. “Almost as if you’d enjoyed that as much as I did.”

Celia Aaron is the self-publishing pseudonym of a published romance and erotica author. She loves to write stories with hot heroes and heroines that are twisty and often dark. Thanks for reading.

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