A Heartbreaker Bay Christmas Novella - Holiday Wishes

This was an amazing short story! Jill Shalvis draws you into the story and you feel like you are right there at the B&B during the storm! Recommend this to anyone who loves snarky and sexy contemporary romances.

Teenage lovers all grown up! Reuniting with the one that got away isn't all it's cracked up to be when they don't want to forgive you for breaking their heart all those years ago! A sweet and satisfying novella brings us Sean's story ... and a glimpse into the lives of some of our favorite couples from Heartbreaker Bay! Short, but more satisfying than your typical novella length story.

Charlotte Hartford never thinks that hosting a bachelor/bachelorette weekend for a group of friends before she leaves on a big vacation is going to change her life ... but that's exactly what happens when the man who broke her teenage heart walks back into her life in the blink of an eye!

Sean O'Riley had no clue that Lotti owned the B & B that Pru & Finn were holding their festivities at, but he couldn't be happier to see her. Yeah, he blew her off when he was a teen and didn't know any better, but with a lifetime of living under his belt now, he can see the advantage to finding the right woman to settle down with ... only problem is, she wants to be footloose and fancy free and only offers up a fling!

Short and sweet novella! It wad much shorter than I thought it would be because of the excerpt in the back.

It was really nice to see Finn and Pru get married (couple from the first book) and it was even nicer to see Sean grow up and fall in love! I always enjoy reading about a man who is done playing around and is ready to get serious.

My only complaint is that I would have liked a small scene from Lottie's point of view when she changed her mind and decided to be with Sean instead of pushing him away. I know that in real life we only see things from our own point of view, but every other scene in the novella showed both characters perspectives so I would have liked that little extra from Lottie's perspective.

Otherwise it was great! I can't wait for Joe and Kylie's book!

Holiday Wishes is a short and sweet novella. Sean is trying his hardest to be the best man for his brother and planned the joint bachelorette/ bachelor party. He happens to book the entire bed and breakfast of Lotti, a girl he went to high school with and he regrets how they ended. He tries hard to reconnect.
Peaches was colorful. The other characters are okay, as well as the writing. I was in the mood for a holiday romance, but that isn't really what this is despite the title and subtitle claiming otherwise. Not a bad book, rather just okay.

Ah, Sean, the adorable and charming little brother of the O'Reilly brothers duo. He's fun and this story was short, sweet, and very romantic. It's your typical second chance romance and I really enjoyed it. I think it's interesting seeing how much Sean has grown up and how amazing he is. I definitely got the irresponsible, devil-may-care vibe from him when I first met him in Sweet Little Lies and you can see the growth and changes in him since then.

Honestly, I just love it when the whole gang is together and they get stuck at this B&B due to weather, so it was fun to get glimpses of each couple while seeing Sean find his HEA as well. Overall, such a fun and sweet read and perfect for the colder, holiday weather where you just want to cozy up by the fire with a good book.

I picked Holiday Wishes up on the recommendation of a friend and enjoyed it so much! It's a sweet, fast story within a story and it was a great Christmas romance. I loved Sean's take charge ways and Lotti's need to be with him even as she fought against those feelings. I would LOVE to read more about their story as this was not nearly enough for me! This is a super fast read, it only took me an hour or so, but you'll be totally lost for that hour, especially that bedroom scene ;)

Like all the other Heartbreaker Bay stories by Jill Shalvis, this one was enjoyable. The author makes sympathetic characters you can relate to in some way. She also knows how to mix humor, drama, romance and lust in equal measures. I only wish this was a full novel instead of a novella.

This was an amazing short story! Jill Shalvis draws you into the story and you feel like you are right there at the B&B during the storm! Recommend this to anyone who loves snarky and sexy contemporary romances.

It’s Christmas time and Sean O’Riley’s older brother is getting married. Growing up Sean’s brother had always been there for him. Now it’s his chance to do something for his older brother. He’s going to make sure he has the perfect wedding. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. The wedding party arrives at the Hartford Bed & Breakfast. He’s shocked to learn that the owner is the woman he slept with ten years ago.

Lotti Hartford is planning to close the B&B for Christmas and go on a vacation. It was supposed to be her honeymoon, but the wedding plans are off and she’s looking to just have some fun. She can’t believe her eyes when Sean shows up. No way she is going to get involved with him again, unless it’s just for a night of fun.

When a storm hits, no one can leave the B&B. Lotti’s plans are canceled and it looks like the wedding for Sean’s brother is too. Lotti and Sean put their heads together to try and salvage the weekend for everyone.

I love my visits to Heartbreaker Bay. It’s always fun to re-visit characters you’ve met previously. Jill Shalvis always knows how to write great stories filled with emotion, humor and romance. This is a novella and gives readers the perfect taste of what this series is about. It’s #4.5 and, although I’ve read a couple of the earlier ones, I don’t think readers will be lost if they only read this one. Still, it’s always fun to start at the beginning. Another good Christmas romance.

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Like all of the stories in the Heartbreaker Bay Series, Holiday Wishes will grab you from the first page and keep you hooked.

This novella is a second chance romance story - but it's also so much more than that. Sean wants to make sure that Finn and Pru's wedding comes off with out a single hitch - it's the least he owes big brother for stepping up for him when they were younger. Sean does not expect to run straight into his past, in the form of Lotti - the girl he lost his virginity too - the girl he hasn't forgotten.

But Lotti isn't as impressed to see Sean again, in fact, it's feels like all she can do to make it through the weekend. Lotti hasn't had things easy for the last year, a lot of hurt and working through pain, but she's finally going to allow herself a break and time to herself - just as soon as this bachelor/bachelorette weekend is over.

With the holiday season in the air, and love surrounding them both, Sean realizes how much he wants what he's never wanted before - a real love like his brother has, like his friends have. And he discovers that he wants that love with Lotti - but can he convince her to give him another chance?

Holiday Wishes delivers a fabulous addition to this series, giving us glimpses at the characters we already knew and loved from previous books, but also shining into the heart of Sean and introducing us to the woman who steals his heart. With only a short amount of time and other obstacles to work through, Can Sean show Lotti he's changed? Will Lotti be willing to set herself up for future heartbreak if he hasn't? Grab yourself a copy of this book and find out how things work out between these two and then prepare yourself for the rest of Heartbreaker Bay.

A Christmas novella set in the Heartbreaker Bay series is not something that I can pass up. To be honest, I knew I was probably going to enjoy this story because it’s a Jill Shalvis holiday read. She does this really well and I liked that she was able to include some good conflict despite the fact that it is a shorter read.

This story is about two past lovers. Lottie and Sean had been together before but years have passed and they have both changed. Once a heartbreaker, Sean is now looking for his own happily ever after. However, he doesn’t expect to find it with someone from his past.

When his best friend is getting married, Sean runs into Lottie again and they rehash their past. Their banter is cute and fun, touching on their conflict well.

If you haven’t read the other books in the series, I wouldn’t suggest starting with this one. Since all of the characters in the series are present in this novella, it might be a little overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with them. I definitely think this story is for the loyal readers who have followed this series. A few times throughout this series, I thought that Shalvis was trying too hard to make the banter work, but this time I do think she found a good balance of cute and fun, without pushing it onto the reader.

If you’re looking for a holiday read to get you into the Christmas spirit, look no further. Jill Shalvis has the answer.

Ten years ago Sean O’Riley and Lotti Hartford shared a blissful night of passion, then she made her feelings for him known, and Sean didn't utter a word, leaving things awkward between them. Which ultimately caused them to part, a Sean has regretted it everyday since. Now he finds himself standing before her, and watching her heartbreak all over again, only this time he isn't the one doing the breaking, and he wants nothing more to be the shoulder she needs right now... but she doesn't seem to want to acknowledge his existence. What is a guy to do?

Lottie Hartford is done with relationships, feelings and anything of the sort, she is tired of going all in only to have her heart broke in the end. So she decides it's time to abandoned her good girl ways, and become the girl who walks on the wild side, and only does strings free when it comes to men. And she has her eye on the perfect playboy to help her embrace her new lifestyle... but the playboy is ready to change his ways and become a one woman kind of man!

Holiday Wishes is a funny, uplifting, charming little novella that's sure to put you in the holiday spirit!! Lottie and Sean had once found love, but then timing wasn't right and they parted ways, now they find themselves reunited, each wanting different things, and love once again coming into play. This was such a fun read, watching these two maneuver through feelings and their complicated past, and finding a way to come out on the other side of it happy and together. The story line was filled with moments that warmed my heart, moments that had me giggling out loud, and moments that had me saying "oh,my". I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, Ms. Shalvis's endearing characters are sure to treat you to a memorable and blissful literary escape!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis is a sweet and sexy romance. Sean O'Riley owes his brother Finn who has had his back through thick and thin over the years since they lost their parents and planning Finn's bachelor/bachelorette party weekend is a way to give back for all Finn has done. Lotti Hartford is ready for a break, from her job at the B&B, from the cold rainy weather, and from failed commitments. Neither Sean or Lotti is expecting to see their "first" right before Lotti's planned vacation or Sean's harried plan to give back to his big brother. At first things seem ok, but when the weather starts knocking out the power and washing out the roads, Lotti can't escape for her vacation, Sean needs to find a solution for his brother's wedding, now that they aren't leaving the B&B, and most of all they can't escape each other.

I liked how each really had never gotten over their High School crush of each other. Each made teenage mistakes which had lasting effects. Sean's dedication to his brother and to Lotti are endearing and Lotti slowly opens up to the new Sean who worms his way back into her life, and her heart.

Overall, I very much enjoyed and recommend Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis. The romantic setting and sweet characters. Sean and Lotti are easy to fall for, fun and passionate.

(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

*recieved an arc in exchange for an honest review**

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Holiday Wishes is a great companion to the Heartbreaker Bay Series. It gives you a peak at all your favorites and still gives you a great story of Sean and Lottie. Jill Shalvis does an amazing job giving you a great back story and laying the ground work of the relationship between Sean and Lottie even though it’s a short story.

Sean is trying to make up for all his brother has done for him over the years by throwing him and his fiancé a bachelor/bachelorette weekend. And when they arrive at the inn, Sean cannot believe that Lottie is the one running the place, but immediately receives the cold shoulder from him.

Of all the people who could end up at her inn, Charlotte can’t believe that her first lover, Sean, is the man who has booked the entire weekend for his family and friends. She has never forgotten their one time together and how it changed how she looked at relationships.

But Sean is proving to be the man that she knew he could be and she is wondering if maybe he has changed. Sean is trying to show Lottie that he has changed and that maybe she could give him another chance because he knows that he made a mistake all of those year ago.

Will they take a chance on each other? Or has Lottie’s past made too much of an impact and not allow her to move forward?

Such a sweet second chance novella!

Holiday Wishes is a short novella, but it packs a punch. If you've read the other books in the series, nearly all of the series characters show up here (I think last year's Christmas novella is the only exception), which is awesome; if you haven't read them, it's still a really cute story and nice intro to the series.

Sean's acting as best man for his older brother (Finn from book one, Sweet Little Lies ), and with Finn and Pru's example and the fact that most of their friends group is pairing up, he's already been thinking that his love 'em and leave 'em lifestyle is growing old. Then he runs into Lotti, the first girl he loved and left (it wasn't totally his fault--they were young and life wasn't doing anything to help them out at the time, but still...) Lotti wants nothing to do with him, but he's a paying customer and Mother Nature has other ideas, so...

Things happen pretty quickly, because this is a short story, but the fact that the two of them have a history makes their relationship feel like less of a stretch. There's a teaser at the end for Joe and Kylie's story that has me counting the days until January 23...

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

My Review:
Aww, a second chance at love story...and one that takes place over the holidays which makes it even better. This was a fun little story, but it is short, so it didn't quite go as deep as I would have liked. But what was there, I loved.

Sean and Lotti were lovers one night when they were both 16. They were one another's firsts, but Lotti was moving and Sean was completely messed up from losing both his parents. So he never contacted her again...something he still regrets. So, it's a complete surprise to find Lotti manning the B&B desk when the bachelor/bachelorette parties check in for the weekend. This is his opportunity for a second chance.

Like I mentioned the story is short, but there is a lot of emotion and chemistry on the page...definitely enough to get immersed in the story and the outcome for these two characters. It was highly entertaining and had the added benefit of getting to see Sean's brother's (Finn) wedding to Pru and glimpses of all the Heartbreaker Bay characters.

Overall, I would definitely recommend it especially if your reading time is limited this time of the year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

This was a totally entertaining story that packed a punch. It was fantastic read with genuine characters, the perfect mix of sweet and sexy with a just the right amount of emotion and playfulness. I loved this and thought it was a great addition to the Heartbreaker Bay series.

Sean and Lotti were such likeable characters and I loved their story. Even though it’s a novella it felt really full with great details and an awesome build. It was fast paced but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I found this to be super fun and couldn't stop smiling. I liked learning Sean and Lotti’s history, the complications in their life, and were they are now. They’ve got got an awesome attraction happening after all these years and I loved their flirty playfulness and electric chemistry. It it was thrilling watching them reconnect.

Holiday Wishes had a great feel to it. It was a totally enjoyable, cute, second chance romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved seeing the other characters from the Heartbreaker Bay series as well, that was a perfect addition that really rounded it all out. So entertaining and sweet with the right mix of sexiness thrown in. The perfect afternoon read!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

Gotta love the holiday time in Heartbreak Bay. However, this time we aren't anywhere near the magic fountain. The gang finds themselves stranded at a B&B. No problem. Hahaha! Sean comes face to face with a blast from the past. Okay, Sean and Lotti use to be a thing in high school, but Sean was stupid and let the best thing get away. Now he's trying to make up for what he did when he was young and stupid. Lotti can't forget Sean, but she wants him to stay in the past, after all he broke her heart. There always seem to be magic in the air whenever true loves comes knocking on the door. Poor Sean he has to prove to Lotti that he's a change man.

We have met Sean in the previous books, I mean he's Finn's brother. However, he's in the background. Now he gets his chance to shine and find love. Jill brings out another sweet quick romance that tides you over until the next Heartbreak Bay books comes out. Sean and Lotti are cute and sweet, but Lotti is hesitant. I mean who wants to get burn twice in one life. So, if you are in need of another sweet, cute read that centers around the holidays, Holiday Wishes might be want you need.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Holiday Wishes is a novella set in the Heartbreaker Bay Series and what a great novella it is!

10 Years ago, Sean and Lotti lost their virginity to each other. Lotti moved away soon after, but not before telling Sean she loved him. With letters and phone calls from Lotti left unanswered by Sean, she eventually moved on. But neither of them ever stopped thinking about each other.

Now Lotti is running her family's B&B in the Napa Valley. When Sean shows up at the B&B with his brother, his brother’s fiancé’ and their friends for a bachelor/bachelorette weekend, he’s shocked when he sees the one woman who got away. He’s had so many regrets about how he handled things back then and now is his chance to make things right between them. Will Lotti be able to forgive him? Will she give him a chance?

Even though it’s a quick read, Jill Shalvis gave us a very enjoyable second-chance romance between Sean and Lotti. A fun, sweet and sexy read!

**I was given an ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review**

Love never goes according to plan. People grow up, drift apart and all that remains is a broken heart. What happens when the one that got away, decides to come back to stay? Trouble! Holiday Wishes is tearfully funny, emotionally stunning and hard to resist like the sweetest of honey. For Sean and Lotti, what if, becomes why me. Ms. Shalvis pulls out the charm on a sleigh ride to happily ever after. Dashing through the snow is Love never goes according to plan. People grow up, drift apart and all that remains is a broken heart. What happens when the one that got away, decides to come back to stay? Trouble! Holiday Wishes is tearfully funny, emotionally stunning and hard to resist like the sweetest of honey. For Sean and Lotti, what if, becomes why me. Ms. Shalvis pulls out the charm on a sleigh ride to happily ever after. Dashing through the snow is an entertaining delight, when the hunks of Heartbreaker Bay are along for the ride.
when the hunks of Heartbreaker Bay are along for the ride.

Ah, Sean, the adorable and charming little brother of the O'Reilly brothers duo. He's fun and this story was short, sweet, and very romantic. It's your typical second chance romance and I really enjoyed it. I think it's interesting seeing how much Sean has grown up and how amazing he is. I definitely got the irresponsible, devil-may-care vibe from him when I first met him in Sweet Little Lies and you can see the growth and changes in him since then.

Honestly, I just love it when the whole gang is together and they get stuck at this B&B due to weather, so it was fun to get glimpses of each couple while seeing Sean find his HEA as well. Overall, such a fun and sweet read and perfect for the colder, holiday weather where you just want to cozy up by the fire with a good book.

Holiday Wishes is a quick, fun, and sexy little read you can get your hands on! I have been waiting to get into this book especially now that the holidays are approaching. There is nothing like losing your first love. Sean and Lotti have experience their loss and living day by day without ever settling down. Now that they are around each other unexpectedly, Sean finds himself doing everything he can to put a smile on Lotti. She tries everything she can to keep Sean away. The wedding of a lifetime happens and the cute B&B and what I love about it the most was having the family and good friends together to celebrate.

Holiday Wishes is a great read that I completely whole heartily recommend! You get the yummy hero in the store that oozes off the sexiness and a heroine that has steel walls built around her heart. The question will be, can they become more than a one night stand?

Sean is responsible for planning the pre-wedding parties for his brother and future sister-in-law, and he wants everything to be perfect. He desperately wants to show his brother and friends he has changed or grown-up. But most of all he wants to show how grateful he is. While the weather is not cooperating, things get interesting at the B&B. The hotel manager ends up being someone from Sean’s past.

Heat, humor and a heartwarming tale soon fall as Lotti and Sean reminisce and discover something more. Closed roads, lack of food and a possible wedding disaster all made this holiday read extra special. Sean is adorable and has come a long way from the rebel of his youth. It was delightful to see him vulnerable and sweet as he showed off his moves. Prepare to swoon ladies. Lotti is sweet and has some commitment issues. I enjoyed their backstory and rekindling.

I loved this Christmas story by Jill Shalvis! It is a second chance romance in her Heartbreaker Bay series.
The last thing Sean O'Riley expected when he stepped through the doors of the Hartford B&B was to find the girl that he pushed away when he was an angry at the world teenager. Making this weekend the best for Finn and Pru was his main priority. Seeing them so happy made him realize just how lonely he was and seeing Lotti again brought up all of those old memories and feelings.
Charlotte Hartford couldn't believe that the guy who broke her heart all of those years ago had just walked through her door. Could this year get any worse? All she needed was to get through the next two days and then she was on vacation for two weeks. A much needed vacation with no strings and no expectations!

4 Heartwarming Stars

Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis is a sweet, hot and feel good second chance romance and I loved it.
I enjoyed watching Sean and Lottie reconnect, they made me smile, they made me swoon and I loved how Sean wasn't going to let Lottie slip away from him again.
Now older, wiser and ready to love unconditionally, this was their time, their second chance at love.

Jill Shalvis has once again delivered with Holiday Wishes, it's a touching and heartwarming second chance romance that will bring out the feels and leave you with a huge smile on your face.
Perfect for the upcoming holidays and I highly recommend it.

This a great holiday installment in the Heartbreaker Bay series. It's a novella that can be reading one sitting. I love when holiday romances lead to second chances. It's a blast from the past for Sean when the group stays at the B&B. Lotti is the one that got away and faced with a second chance Sean won't let her slip through his fingers again. It's going to take a little convincing from Sean because Lotti doesn't trust easy. The way things play out for the crew from Heartbreaker Bay couldn't be more perfect for them.

Sean O'Riley and Lotti Hartford have a history. Ten years have passed since they parted and now their roles are reversed. A nice Christmas story featuring the tension between Sean and Lotti. This time it is Sean who wants happily ever after and Lotti who does not trust Sean to deliver. A great setting and characters. The plot is familiar but enjoyable. If you are looking for a nice Christmas romance this one might be for you.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I’ve been looking forward to Sean’s story for a while now and I finally get to read it. It’s a cute little holiday novella filled with lots of “what’s the worst that can happen?” and a really sweet second chance with the one who got away. Sean has matured so much over the last several books and I loved seeing him man up and take responsibility for being a dumb punk as a kid. Lottie is so cute and feisty. I really enjoyed watching her put Sean in his place.

Jill Shalvis delivers another great and captivating novella in the Heartbreaker Bay Series in Holiday Wishes. We've met Sean O'Riley in the previous novels and it was fun seeing him find his happily ever after in this entertaining and fun novella. Lotti is new to the series, but I totally loved her as well. Holiday Wishes is short, but it is packed from cover to cover with a captivating little romance that readers will thoroughly enjoy.

Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay 4.5

3.5 Stars - This was a super quick novella.. almost too quick. It was nice to visit all the other characters of the series, but I would have liked a bit more time to get to know Charlotte. I am looking forward to the next in the series.

~Paragraphs and Petticoats~

I really enjoyed "Holiday Wishes" by Jill Shalvis. This has been a great series so far and I've been anxiously awaiting Sean's story. This was perfect. Of course, I would have loved it if it was a full length vs. a novella - this was a fun quick read and I look forward to watching these two entertaining us in future books.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

I adored this holiday novella.
Sean and Lotti were each other firsts, then she moved and now 10 years later they meet again.
It was sweet and def spicy..Sean is a charmer but he also has insecurities, just like Lotti.
Lotti is quirky and funny, she has such a big heart.
Loved all the characters and certainly put me in a happy mood!

Sean has a tender ego, "'wasn’t all that great,’” he was echoing to himself. “Yeah, I’m going to need you to explain that.” Lotti isn't one for surprises, "...The last thing she remembered was . . . well, riding Sean like a wild bronco. But she was alone in her bed..." I liked this little novella I loved Sean and Lotti.

Interesting story. Sean is planning his brother's wedding and the group go to a B & B. They check in and the girl Lotti at the front desk is one Sean hurt badly when she was sixteen, ten years ago. He is doing all he can to make it up to her.

Holiday Wishes is a cute, quick, holiday themed story. This is a story of second chances filled with hope, love and forgiveness. Sean and Lotti have to decide if the feelings they have always had for each other will be enough to try a second time.