It's Christmas, the rush is over and it's war, as Franca and Raff fight to keep their place on Ever After Street.

Admans delights with the fourth book in the Ever After Street series, and it's everything I've come to expect and more. It's full on festive, fun and fabulous!

The community spirit on Ever After Street is wonderful as always and there's always a sense of something magical in the air too.

A beautifully written, heartwarming read that sparkles with seasonal joy and romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley, Jaimie Admans and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Christmas Ever After is book 4 in the Ever After Street series.

Franca has won the lottery on Ever After Street to be the woman to kiss the man selected in the lottery under the arch on December the first, which will also be live-streamed. But things done go the way anyone expected as she falls and breaks her fingers and everyone witnessed the drama live! This was all because of her arch-nemesis, Raff Dardenne, but how will she beat him in the competition to keep her shop in January!

This was an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers novel and was just the book I needed. I haven't yet read the other books in the series but I don't think you need to and it can be read as a standalone. Raff was a perfect gentleman and his family was exactly what Franca needed. However, I did think some sections were longer than they needed to be and the "aaw's" were a bit much too.

Christmas Ever After is part of a series but can totally be read as a stand alone.
This is the story of Franca (owner of the nutcracker shop) and Raff (owner of the snowglobe shop), who don't see eye to eye on anything and have to do a little competition to see who's shop must close in the new year. Franca gets injured because of another discussion and breaks a few fingers why she's unable to make any more nutcrackers. Raff, feeling guilty, offers to help Franca to save her shop.

What a fun and lovable story this is! I love the enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes, the festive environment and the fact that both MC's have their own flaws and insecurities.
It's so well written and had me smitten from start to end.

Christmas Ever After by Jaimie Adams is a delightful addition to the Ever After series, perfect for readers looking for a heart-warming festive read. Although this was my first experience with Adams’ writing, I found it easy to dive right into the story without feeling lost. It can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone, making it accessible for new readers while, I'm sure, still holding appeal for long time fans. The book has all the classic ingredients of a cozy Christmas tale, with its themes of romance, community, and the joy of the festive season.

At first, Franca, one of the main characters, felt a bit distant and difficult to connect with. However, as the plot developed, I began to understand her better and appreciate her journey. The relationships between the characters are well-crafted, with plenty of humour, warmth, and festive cheer.

If you're in the mood for a sweet, romantic, and Christmassy read, this book will not disappoint!

Christmas Ever After is the fourth book in the Ever After Street series by Jaimie Admans. This enchanting tale is yet another wonderful addition to this series. The festive atmosphere and the slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance is entertaining, cozy and charming.

This story focuses on Franca, a consummate Christmas lover, and her Nutcracker Shop which is struggling to survive. Raff is her main competitor and despite themselves, the two inspire creativity and Christmas cheer in one another. The banter is priceless and the sweet, sensitive relationship between the two is dreamy. The story is hopeful and magical with a strong family dynamic, community support and a feel-good conclusion. I adore all of Jaimie Admans stories and this one is no different.

Jaimie always delivers the Christmas magic! Her stories are full of whimsical charm and never fail to bring a smile to my face.

Christmas Ever After is a rivals to lovers story full of chemistry and heart. It will leave you wishing you could visit Ever After Street and soak up all of its magic.

Grab a soft blanket, and a warm cup of cocoa and settle in for a good dose of Christmas cheer!

*Thank you to NetGalley for the arc, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A lovely festive book continuing the Ever After series, which has been wonderful. This is a truly magical book, set in the festive season.

Not only does Franca have rather a crush on Jorge the baker – and what a horrible bloke he turns out to be – but she’s rather partial to the baked goods he sells too, to the detriment of her formerly trim waistline. She discovers what he’s really like in the most desperately embarrassing way – but snow globe maker Raff, the man she’s always thought of as her nemesis, also plays a major part in the sequence of events that leaves her unable to make the custom made nutcrackers she sells in her shop. And it couldn’t have happened at a worse time – Christmas is coming, and there are so many orders to fulfil. And there’s the small matter of needing to prove how successful her business is – in a contest of her own making, she’s in direct competition with Raff to keep her place on Ever After Street.

Her dislike for him is deep-seated – her parents were brought together by one of his father’s supposedly magic Dardenne snow globes, now being made by Raff, but their marriage ended in a bitter divorce and Franca is determined to prove that there’s nothing magical about them at all. But when the chips are down, it’s Raff who unexpectedly comes to the rescue – becoming an unlikely friend, offering his support, learning how to make the nutcrackers, helping her complete her orders, although it might mean the end of his time on Ever After Street. And as they grow closer, she realises she might have seriously misjudged him – he’s definitely one of the good guys, and his family is rather lovely too. And if the snow globes really aren’t magical, and she has the means to prove it, does she really want to destroy his business, disappoint his family, and drive him away?

The slow burn romance that runs through the story is absolutely gorgeous – both Franca and Raff are such sympathetic characters, both complex in their different ways, with their past lives playing a part in their developing relationship. I was entirely invested in the possibility of them having their unlikely happy ending, but it’s certainly quite a journey for them both before things start to work out. The whole story is just so beautifully told, and with the most perfect Christmassy touches – emotional at times, filled with uncertainties and difficult decisions, but with plenty of humour and lightness too.

And I just love spending time on Ever After Street – it’s the perfect place to be at the most magical time of the year, wrapped in the warmth of the community who pull together to bring the dream to life for everyone who visits. This really is a book that needs to be on everyone’s Christmas list, and perhaps my favourite in the series so far – completely engaging, very moving, and as beautifully written as always.

I loved this festive romance from its toe-curling cringy but amusing beginning to the uplifting end. Christmas Ever Street After Street consisted of several shops dedicated to Christmas all year round and was an ideal location for the two sparring businesses, Franca’s nutcracker shop and Dardenne Snow Globes. The conflict between often abrupt speaking Franca and Raff Dardenne leapt from the page making this enemies to lovers plot a joy to read. They couldn’t have been more opposite – her as an unbeliever of love and magic, and him who has them at the core of his family and business. Her hatred was palpable so spending time together produced some entertaining, heart-warming results.

Franca wasn’t an easy character to relate to initially until more of her backstory was revealed but gentle and more playful Raff was an instant hit. His adoration and dedication to his Christmas loving family and snow globes had to be admired. When he used his imagination and craftsmanship to help Franca with her failing business, the chemistry between them made it an addictive read. I needed to know whether the lore surrounding the snow globes was true and if they would find their much needed happy ever after when circumstance was pulling them apart.

This novel brimmed with Christmas – not only because of the festive street and shops but also Raff’s family. Their closeness and appreciation of Christmas reminded Rosa of her favourite romcom, While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock. The immersive scenes, made mr long for decorated Christmas trees, mince pies and orange flavoured hot chocolate despite it being a sweltering day when I read it.

Full of romance, humour and community, Christmas Ever After is perfect for readers who need a dash of festive spirit in the upcoming season. Once visited, readers won’t want to leave Christmas Ever Street.

So lovely to visit Ever After once more
With characters there that I adore.
This time there's trouble ahead for two of the stores
As the angst between them no one ignores.

The solution it seems is a competition to stay
The other store will have to go away.
But fate intervenes as a video shows
There argument and fall so everyone knows!

With nutcrackers to make and Christmas so near
Franca is injured, so no reasons left to cheer.
Then Raff comes to her rescue, despite her being rude
Will she accept his help and change her attitude?

A story where assumptions prove to be so wrong
As Franca joins in Christmas festivities, she feels she belongs
As Franca and Raff get to know one another
Maybe there's a possible romance that they'll discover!

A heartwarming enemies first romance
Where an accident gives them a real chance.
A story where family, sharing and caring for each other
Can help them true love to discover.

But what will happen at the end of the year?
Which shop must go - or will it be both they fear?
The whole community are involved and there's surprises galore
In this delightful read, the kind I really adore!

With fantastic characters who feel like they're your friends
This is a lovely story, making me smile as it ends!
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

This was my first read by Jamie Admans and I will certainly look out for more. This is such a lovely Christmassy story and the build up with the characters is vivid and lifelike. I adored all the interactions.

Christmas Ever After by Jaimie Admans

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open... But there’s one man standing in her way - expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.

Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth that Raff continues to exploit, much to Franca’s annoyance! But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn't know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff's magical snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!

Franca’s determined to prove Raff’s business is built on lies. But when disaster strikes, and she’s left unable to make anything, she needs help. It’s just very frustrating that the only person offering is her gorgeous, annoying, nemesis himself!

As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…

But maybe it's not too late for them to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?

My Opinion

Jaimie Admans has done it again!

I simply love this series and I feel that it isn't Christmas without a book by Jaimie Admans - and this was simply delightful. When I started this book I was only able to read the first 10% and I spent the rest of the day eager to return to Ever After Street.

Both Franca and Raff are fighting to save their shops but when France finds herself unable to make her Nutcrackers the pair are forced to work together. Can they overcome their differences and save both shops?

Grab a festive drink and a blanket and settle in for a treat. You will not be disappointed.

A Nutcracker is not usually part of my festive display but now I feel like I need to add one.

Rating 5/5

I’m continuing to enjoy visiting the people on this street. My rating for this reflects how much I enjoyed the previous one.

Although there was more of an overlap between the previous three, this only recalls one or two people previously known. Although set in the same street, this book works almost as a standalone. I do have a problem with the slim lady depicted on the cover which clashes with one part of the plotline.

Franca won the lottery to feature on a livestream of the opening of Christmas festivities. She thinks it’s going to be the start of her happily-ever-after, but it doesn’t exactly go the way she intends it to. Raff begins as her arch- nemesis and to make up for a mistake, Raff starts to help Franca.

The transition into friendship and the progress of the story happens very naturally. Each character works well in their place, and we get in depth looks at several interesting protagonists.

The family members and some friends add entertaining input into the narrative. I really enjoyed this visit. The author has named to create a world with several heartwarming characters and scenes which are not repetitive. Each romance stands on its own, with its own baggage, speed of progression and resolutions.

I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who likes happily-ever-afters with strong central characters.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I was completely swept away to Ever After Street where it’s Christmas 365 days a year and there’s magic all around… and a couple of problematic Grinches in a head-to-head business deathmatch.

Franca is hanging on by a thread this holiday season. When Raff’s shop threatens her livelihood, Franca sets things in motion that could either benefit her nutcracker shop, or shutter its doors for good. When something bad happens leaving Franca unable to work, Raff graciously offers to help. Begrudgingly, Franca accepts. As the two spend time together, Franca begins to realize she may have been wrong about Raff all along.

Life has left its mark on Franca. She has been dealt several bad hands and has had to pick herself up off the ground more than once. She’s a strong woman with a vibrant spirit, but has a quiet fragility that’s not often seen. I could easily relate to her.

Raff is a complete surprise and I am so in love with him. If Franca doesn’t want him, I’ll gladly volunteer as tribute! He’s a wonderful character and I can’t wait for readers to discover it for themselves!

Jaimie’s books always evoke strong emotions. I laugh, I cry, I empathize, I love, and I take these stories into my heart for safekeeping. Franca and Raff’s story is fun, heartfelt, and so beautiful!

Christmas Ever After is the perfect holiday read. I highly recommend it and all of Jaimie’s books!

Loved this as usual. Jaimie Admans writes such cozy Christmas themed tales. Lovely story to curl up with and relax. Franca and Raff made a great story arc and I loved reading about Raff’s family at Christmas time. Looking forward to the next one.

I enjoyed reading Christmas Ever After by Jaimie Admans. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

It took me a few chapters and a couple of says to get into this book... whether that's because it was a slower to start novel or my mood heavily influencing my reading choices I'm not sure... but I kept reading and then eventually gobbled it down. I am a skeptic when enemies to lovers and the enmity seemingly disappears over night and sometimes this series has that unbelievable feel to it.... but in a good way? Like we're reading a modern day fairy tale so I can set aside those niggly little things and just get lost in the magic and escape in the feel good. By the final chapters I had laughed and cried and cheered and hissed because the characters become friends... and of course, one day I'd like to pack my bags and visit Ever After Street for myself. My thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

Literally so amazing!! Felt like I was impressed into the book and It had such big Christmas vibes! This book seriously made me so excited for Christmas!!!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is a first by this author but will not be my last! I read this in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.

Rivals to lovers winter magic style!! My kind of book! I'm a Christmas baby so this book definitely made me feel all the goodness and laughs that comes with this joyous holiday! 🎁

Franca and Raff are a monumental treat! Both of our characters are at risk losing their beloved Christmas shops after the Christmas season ends! This book it mainly caught my attention because not only was it rivals to lovers ! It was a matchmaking, heartwarming and enthralling book latte that I couldn't stop sipping into! ☕

When you get a book we're both characters love Christmas immensely you know it's going to be a literature adventure to remember! Definitely not a lot of drama very little drama and if anything the drama would have me laughing! 📰

Rivals to lovers, meets friendship to something more! And all set around a beautiful Christmas season where the characters come to find a snowflake and tinsel magic of their own!

Bravo!!