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Nashville Fury #2.5

Off the Market at Christmas

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The saying goes that nice guys finish last.
The more accurate statement is that nice guys and nerds finish last.
We don’t get the girl. We don’t get the happily ever after. Even if it is the one thing we’ve asked for from Santa Claus this Christmas.
So when Presley Dawson comes back into my life after twenty years, I don’t even try. What’s the point? As a Nashville Fury cheerleader, she is the fantasy of every man in Tennessee. What would the girl next door from my childhood want with a geek like me?
She’s outgoing. I’d rather stay inside. She’s adventurous. I think adventure comes in the form of a new video game.
We have nothing in common.
Except when we’re together. Then there are enough sparks to guide Santa’s sleigh without Rudolph.
But when she finds out that I never outgrew my geek phase, will she still want me? Or will our story be over before the ball drops at midnight?

Pine-ing for the perfect holiday romance? It’s love at frost sight with The 12 Days of Kissmas! Off the Market at Kissmas is part of a dozen standalone holiday romances so steamy they’re sure to melt that winter chill. From dashing doctors to dirty-talking mountain men, staying off the naughty list just got a whole lot harder.

ebook

Published December 9, 2021

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About the author

Chelle Sloan

20 books941 followers
Known for her witty sense of humor, Chelle Sloan is a former sports reporter who recently completed her master's degree in journalism, and is now putting that to good use — one happily ever after at a time.

An Ohio native, she’s fiercely loyal to Cleveland sports, is the owner of way too many — yet not enough — tumblers and will be a New Kids on the Block fan until the day she dies. She does her best writing at Starbucks, where you can usually find a Pink Drink within reach. Oh, and yes, you probably saw her on TikTok.

As for her own happily every after? Maybe one day...

Follow me!
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5 stars
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176 (30%)
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81 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for RLbooks (sort of on a break).
748 reviews246 followers
February 9, 2024
I liked this novella, it has an adorable mix of Christmas and childhood friends being reunited and falling in love. However it was too quick for me personally and I felt that the romance leaned too heavily on their past, though it had been twenty years ago. Don't get me wrong, the cute recollections of the h and H as kids and how their connection was still so memorable years later was lovely. I just prefer for there to be more of a balance between the past and the present when it comes to these types of romances and some of their reconnection was summarized with telling, rather than showing (ie. they spoke for four hours about XYZ). The H is in finance and the h is a graphic designer who's also a NFL cheerleader. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (it had been a while for H, not sure about h).

I did appreciate that the H was nerdy and the h was more visibly outgoing and confident. Both were hiding parts of their personalities from the other, out of fear, and I did find that to be kind of ridiculous because it ended up being a non-issue with those parts meshing. There's some steam and lots of sweetness with humor. This is a light, quick read with holiday spirit that ends on a HFN and no epilogue. It didn't completely satisfy me, but others might enjoy it more esp during the peak holiday novella reading season.

Profile Image for M.E. Carter.
Author 46 books1,054 followers
Read
December 12, 2021
I have a huge beef with Chelle Sloan.
I had a ton of stuff I had to get done on Friday. A bunch of errands and chores.
Did I get them done? No. No I did not. Because I kept thinking, "Just one more chapter. I just need to know what happens."

In all seriousness, this was exactly what I needed for Christmas. It was fun from the beginning!
Profile Image for Shirley Penick.
Author 47 books446 followers
January 4, 2022
Geeks rule

Loved seeing two people with secret personalities come together in this second chance romance. Best friends in grade school make for comfortable lovers many years later.
Profile Image for Chelle Sloan.
Author 20 books941 followers
Read
December 9, 2021
Off the Market at Christmas is now available! 99 cents on Amazon or free to read with Kindle Unlimited!
Profile Image for Peggy M.
748 reviews8 followers
December 23, 2021
Although this story is part of the ‘Nashville Fury’ series, it can perfectly be read as a standalone Christmas story because the main characters are both ‘new’ characters.

‘Off the market at Christmas’ is a sweet, novella length Christmas story about Gavin and Presley who were best friends during their childhood but then lost contact with each other. And now twenty years later they meet again during a Christmas event at the children hospital, both are there for their work. Presley, as a Nashvile Fury cheerleader and Gavin for the bank he works for. Both are happily surprised to see each other again. A lot has happened in those years apart but their easy connection is still there and Presley is still as outgoing and social with a bubbly personality. And Gavin is still shy, introvert and a nerd. At first glance they are total opposite but both are also lonely, disappointed by past relationships and looking for that one person that will accept every part of them.

In the story you got both POV’s. Both main characters were really wonderful and lovely. Gavin was the total opposite of an alpha guy but he proved in this story that shy guys can be great guys too. I really enjoyed the connection between Gavin and Presley. Presley made Gavin feel more brave and Gavin saw the ‘real’ Presley and not only the ‘cheerleader’ Presley. They just belonged together, both were sweet, caring, supportive and they accepted the other as he/she was. Both were hiding a secret from the outside world and each other but in the end all ended well. The secondary characters were great too. This was a quick, sweet Christmas story.
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,331 reviews19 followers
December 10, 2021
#Holiday #FriendsToLovers #OppositesAttract

This is a perfect quick holiday read and now I want to read all twelve days of Kissmas. This is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.

Gavin is a fantastic nerdy hero. he is intelligent, sexy, a little shy, with the best heart. He wants the dream of a wife and family but has trouble finding women who accept all of his nerdy self. Presley is a cheerleader for thee Nashville Fury who has a side to herself that she doesn't share with very many people. These two childhood friends reunite and it is amazing. I love the awkward moments. I love Gavin's shyness and his doubt as he believes that Presley is out of his league. I love the way Presley opens to Gavin and encourages him to try.

It is rare that a novella this length gives a reader such a moving story filled with memorable and well-developed characters like this one does. There is humor, heat, love, and friendships woven into the story. This is only my second book by this author but now I am absolutely dying to read her Nashville Fury series.
Profile Image for Amy Morgan.
96 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2021
Finally! Gavin's story is told

I have been waiting for this story since I read about his date with Bethany in Off Track. It was well worth the wait! I loved the shy guy with the nerdy side and the outgoing girl taking charge. This may have been a short story/novella, but Chelle packed it full of all kinds of treats, just in time for Christmas, too! I really loved the surprise run in with Bethany and Sadie, his grandpa, all the supporting characters. I just can't say enough about this. Books like this is why Chelle has become one of my favorite authors! She gave me everything I didn't know I wanted and tied it up with a big, beautiful bow!
Profile Image for Tara.
885 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2021
This was the most perfect sweet, nerdy romance between Gavin & Presley! These two will have you swooning so hard! The chemistry between them is explosive! All the time they’ve missed while separated, fades away as they pick up right where they left off. It’s such a beautiful coming together, and the happiness you feel from them while reading their story is contagious! I really hope to see more of them in the future. Grandpa was the BEST! He’s a hilarious old coot, always chasin the ladies!

One thing I always love about Chelle’s books is the characters crossing into other books to remind us they’re still there. It makes me want to do a reread! I happily recommend this book to anyone that loves a nerdy romance with a childhood best friend!
Profile Image for SCBookAddict.
640 reviews49 followers
December 6, 2021
I'm already a fan of Chelle Sloan's Nashville Fury and her short story Off the Market at Christmas has me ready to go back!

This was a such a cute, easy to read story.

Gavin and Presley are opposites and yet they aren't.

They haven't seen each other in 20 years and the connection is just as strong as it was back then. There's just one problem. They both have a secret they fear will ruin their chemistry.

I love Chelle Sloan's writing and can't wait to she what she has up her sleeve next!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,385 reviews202 followers
December 13, 2021




AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL

Gavin cannot believe his eyes - his childhood crush and friend, Presley, is right in front of him, looking even more beautiful than ever. His friend is trying to get him to make a move, but he knows that Presley is far out of his league, just as she was when they were kids. Nashville Fury cheerleaders do not go out with nerdy guys like him. Or do they? Perhaps they do when they have their own nerdy side that they don't tell anyone else. Perhaps this Christmas the nice guy will finally get the girl.



So sweet! Gavin and Presley were a match made in nerd heaven. They had so much chemistry, and both were really lovable. Gavin was sweet, a tad shy and insecure, and Presley was making most of the moves, but once he got her into the bedroom? Whew! I loved this one, I think it's my favorite in the 12 Days of Kissmas series.



ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Deb Schwartz .
511 reviews18 followers
December 21, 2021
I jumped at the chance to read this series, because well there are some of my favorite Authors in it as well as a few new ones that I can promise I will be reading more of. Well thought and put together. Thank you for allowing me to review these wonderful books.

Boy meets girl, they become friends over the summers and now time span twenty years later…

Gavin works in the audit department at Pittman and Dean, he is a great guy. I love his nerdy side. Presley is a graphic designer, and a Fury cheerleader. I love her go gettem' attitude.

Now that their patches cross, sparks fly. Both have secrets that sever past relationships. Can they open up to one another? I absolutely ate up Gavin and Presley's story. It's packed full of witty, steamy moments that just made my toes curl. I enjoyed the banter between their friends. Off The Market At Christmas by Chelle Sloan is a Christmas read no romance reader should miss out on.

Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb! Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,313 reviews167 followers
December 9, 2021
Gavin is the perfect combo of nerd and hot man….plus, the man is just downright swoony! Seriously perfect. Presley is also a closet nerd (which I totally love), but also super caring and sweet. Her and Gavin grew up spending summers together as kids and Presley was always the one wanting to break the rules and get in trouble, where Gavin is the opposite and was the good kid. Now, its been twenty years since they have seen each other…

I loved the instant connection between Gavin and Presley. They had a connection already, but even after twenty years there is still something there. There is so much chemistry between the two of them. I love that they both of the closet nerdy sides they really don’t let anyone see.

Gavin’s grandfather is an amazing secondary character and added plenty of laughs to the story. Plus, he could see the connection between Gavin and Presley from miles away.

If you’re looking for an opposites attract, insta love holiday romance this is one to read!
Profile Image for Neeru Rana.
885 reviews9 followers
November 20, 2021
A Perfect Nerdy Christmas Romance!!!
Presley and Gavin make you swoon with their sweet love which makes you crave for more. A love story which is twenty years in the making.
As they say opposites attract and they couldn't be more opposite and similar at the same time. As they both have secrets of their own. Will their love be able to survive the secrets or it will them stronger??
It's a short fun read.
Gavin might be a shy introvert but he is a perfect nerdy book boyfriend 😁😍.

I received an ARC copy for a honest review.
Profile Image for Angie Schexnaildre NOLA504nerds.
293 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2021
This is an honest review for an arc received.

Nerds Unite! This book was such a sweet surprise. Gavin works in the internal audit department at a bank. He’s got the whole Clark Kent vibe going: tall, dark, and handsome with black framed glasses! Yes, please!

Pressley is the typical girl next door, who just so happens to be a professional cheerleader for the Fury. Both of these characters grew up spending summers together. When, by pure happenstance, they run into each other while bringing Christmas joy to the children at the hospital.

5 hold my Harry Potter Wand stars! I absolutely love these two characters. This is the perfect short story that is light hearted and completely hiliarious. I mean who doesn’t love a nerdy guy????!!!

Profile Image for Tina.
608 reviews19 followers
December 16, 2021
What a great book! Gavin is what I would call an underdog. He underestimates that he has what it takes to be a hit with the ladies. He sees himself as a nerd. Persley is the girl that he has had an eye on since childhood so when she resurfaces he can't help but want to take a chance on her again but will he freeze up again? Or will Presley help him regain the confidence she always thought he had. This book was a great escape from my typical reads and I loved their chemistry from the start. Not to mention grandpa's character he was a hoot!
Profile Image for Biggs_bookshelf.
1,280 reviews27 followers
November 18, 2021
Hello hallmark movie in the making! Seriously this book would make the perfect Christmas movie. An adorably sweet nerd who’s afraid to put himself out there because he’s been rejected one to many times. A professional cheerleader that just wants to be loved for her on the field persona and her off the field persona. I love this story line. It’s so sweet but fun at the same time. And can I just say…. I absolutely adore grandpa.
Profile Image for Bibliophile  Chloe .
1,184 reviews103 followers
November 22, 2021
Oh how I wish this was a full story and not just a novella!

This quick holiday treat is going to grab you and cheer for the underdog!

This story of Gavin and Presley is sweet and steamy and all the things you love in a Chelle Sloan romance story! I loved visiting the world she created with the Nashville Fury!

I love how both Gavin and Presley had sides to themselves that they were afraid to show and they were perfect for each other!

Well done Ms. Sloan!
Profile Image for Holly.
257 reviews14 followers
December 10, 2021
This story is so dang cute.
Presley and Gavin were childhood friends. 20 years later they meet, Presley is a football cheerleader and Gavin is a banker. They are completely opposite but are they? They both have another more dorky side.

I really loved these characters. Presley is a risk taker and Gavin is way more reserved and timid. They are so sweet together. I would love to see these characters in another book.
Profile Image for JudyAnnLovesBooks.
1,757 reviews70 followers
December 10, 2021
I love it when the geeky guy gets the hot girl and they live happily ever after! Gavin is the hot nerd next door. He’s adorably sexy and when he see’s his childhood friend Presley twenty years later, his crush roars back to life. No worries because Presley is feeling it too! An enjoyable, read in one sitting, holiday romance, I’m giving Off The Market At Christmas the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Profile Image for Erin.
513 reviews16 followers
November 17, 2021
Quick little read with some Fury people making an appearance. Gavin and Presley have a history dating back 20 years. They stumble back into each other’s worlds and fall back into the feelings they had all those years ago. Both a still single, for the same exact reason, but are worried to tell each other why that is. Such a cute, fun, and Christmasy read.
107 reviews
December 8, 2021
I am so, so happythat Gavin got his own book! Not only that, but he got his happily-ever-after, AND it was with his childhood best friend. Melt my heart! Humorous, sweet, steamy, and downright page-turning, I devoured every single word of Off the Market at Christmas. My recommendation? Click it now and read it. I bet you will enjoy it just as much as I did.
Profile Image for Michelle Duncan.
451 reviews9 followers
December 10, 2021
Super cute opposites attract

Oh my word I loved this! I LOVED this opposites attract story. The nerdy boy and cheerleader babe was such a fun story. I love how these two didn’t waste time on past hurts and how their friends were pushing them to be truly themselves. It made me giggle, smile and swoon. What more could I want in a quick Christmas novella?!

Amazing job Chelle.
Profile Image for Lorey.
337 reviews26 followers
December 24, 2021
Engaging! This is my first Chelle Sloan book. It won't be my last. This novella was wonderful. A perfect Christmas read. I loved Gavin and Presley's story. Their story is well-written and paced. It's an all-around feel-good story. I enjoyed the dialogue between these two characters back together again after several years. Do yourself a favor and read this charming story.
Profile Image for Katy.
268 reviews66 followers
December 24, 2021
This book (novella? It's only 101 pages) was so freaking cute. I did not see the twist at the end coming at all but oh the cuteness! I can't handle it!
The sex wasn't anything to write home about the actual story was just delightful. I'm absolutely adding it to my annual Christmas reading shelf.
HO HO HO.

Profile Image for Melissa.
44 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2021
This book was amazing! Gavin and Presley were a perfect couple, and I loved how their story came together. The love story was sweet, satisfying and romantic. Each of them has a little secret, and the reveal of those secrets is fantastic! And now I'm going to have to read Off Track again, where Gavin was introduced.
Profile Image for Amanda Owens.
76 reviews
December 3, 2021
This was the CUTEST Christmas 🎄 Novella I've read in a very long time! Presley and Gavin were a match made in "dorky" heaven!
If you're looking for a cute short Christmas 🎄 read, then you won't need disappointed. 🎄🎅🏼🤶🏼
I received an ARC for an honest review. ♥️
Profile Image for Tori Fox.
Author 19 books773 followers
December 3, 2021
The perfect Christmas novella.
Everything about this book was so gosh darn adorable. I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I read. And the ending was just... *chef's kiss*

Don't think about reading this one, just read it!
Profile Image for Desiree Kaslavage.
190 reviews29 followers
December 8, 2021
Another great story by Miss Chelle Sloan. My favorite character was definitely Grandpa.
I love that they were both "geeks".
I really enjoyed the Off The Record cameos also.
Would definitely enjoy more of this couple 😉
108 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2021
Loved this

I found this book off tiktok, and while it was shorter than I liked, I wanted to keep reading about Gavin and Presley. Loved that you could really relate to how the characters were in real life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

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