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My December Darling: A Holiday Novella Kindle Edition
Catalina
Playing the part of my sister’s maid of honor is easy even if she’s marrying my ex.
But playing nice with the best man? An impossible task given our history.
Sure, Luke Darling may be suspiciously kind, incredibly handsome, and stubborn to a fault, but regardless of how hard he tries to make me see otherwise, I’m not interested.
It’s on me to remind him that he’s my ex-boyfriend’s best friend.
And the one I’m secretly starting to wish I met first.
Luke
My job as the best man is a simple one, except for one minor issue.
I’ve spent so much time avoiding my best friend’s ex that I didn’t consider what could happen if I started craving Catalina Martinez’s company instead.
She is only in Lake Wisteria for the winter wedding, but her January departure date won’t stop me from pursuing her.
Getting her to date me would be nothing short of a Christmas miracle, but I’m determined to make her mine.
‘Tis the season to fall in love…even if I’m the only one taking the risk.
My December Darling is a 50,000 word, Christmas-themed romance between a grumpy maid of honor and an outgoing best man who chases after what he wants.
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Product details
- ASIN : B0DF972KTF
- Publication date : November 21, 2024
- Language : English
- File size : 1.1 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 252 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #27,008 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #63 in Christmas Holiday Romance eBooks
- #115 in Holiday Romance (Books)
- #320 in Multicultural & Interracial Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Lauren Asher is a New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, Globe and Mail, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of contemporary romance. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can’t help falling in love with and fictional worlds you wish were real.
Her favorite activities outside of writing include DIY projects, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this holiday novella to be a delightful quick read with perfect banter, featuring a cute story about finding love with just the right amount of romance and spice. The characters are loveable with great chemistry, and the family dynamics add depth to the narrative. Customers describe the book as genuine and heartwarming, with one review noting how it involves new people in old family traditions. The pacing draws readers in quickly, though opinions about the book's length are mixed, with some finding it too short.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read, describing it as a sweet treat and a cozy quick read that excels at writing perfect banter.
"Great book, loved the storyline, the characters, the very real and raw feelings and concerns they go through as well as the tough parts of the..." Read more
"...I highly recommend this book for a sweet treat read in your favorite comfy reading spot...." Read more
"This was s a cute read. Didn't really give much holiday romance...." Read more
"...Luke Darling is a Charismatic, charming, sweet, cinnamon roll Doctor. Who is the best man to Catalina’s Ex & she wants nothing to do with him...." Read more
Customers enjoy this holiday novella, describing it as a cute story about finding love with just the right amount of romance and spice.
"Great book, loved the storyline, the characters, the very real and raw feelings and concerns they go through as well as the tough parts of the..." Read more
"This was such an enjoyable holiday novella. I really enjoyed the story and loved seeing some Latino representation...." Read more
"...Your golden retriever doctor x black cat nurse in this cute story about finding love when you least expect it...." Read more
"...there’s nothing I didn’t absolutely love about this short but super cute story...." Read more
Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer particularly noting the great chemistry between the two main characters, while another mentions the hilarious side characters.
"Great book, loved the storyline, the characters, the very real and raw feelings and concerns they go through as well as the tough parts of the..." Read more
"...This has such a good small town vibe, with relatable characters and situations. Catalina and Luke were such a great couple...." Read more
"...Luke Darling is a Charismatic, charming, sweet, cinnamon roll Doctor. Who is the best man to Catalina’s Ex & she wants nothing to do with him...." Read more
"...I love the other characters and how their backstory were described without dragging the story too much by going on to in depth details...." Read more
Customers find the book heartwarming, appreciating how the family dynamics add interest and depth to the story, with one customer noting how it involves new people in old traditions.
"...This was a heartwarming read that left me wanting more. I won’t look at Lego’s the same ever again and my heart was definitely stolen by Luke...." Read more
"...I love how both the FMC and MMC were able to develop their friendship and turn it into more, especially in such a short amount of time...." Read more
"...moments and “dramatic without being too crazy” family dynamics added interest and depth...." Read more
"...I loved the subtle notes of Christmas time and involving new people in old family traditions...." Read more
Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning how it draws readers in quickly, while another notes the amazing attention to detail.
"...I love how they could relate to one another and be willing to be the one to not give up...." Read more
"...The characters come to life and pull you in so that you feel like you are right there with them...." Read more
"Cute, short holiday romance. Not a lot of substance. Cute story and likable characters. Very predictable but it was a cozy read." Read more
"...Buckle up for an unforgettable ride!" Read more
Customers find the book authentic and relatable.
"Great book, loved the storyline, the characters, the very real and raw feelings and concerns they go through as well as the tough parts of the..." Read more
"...no choice and instantly their stars collide and it’s just so cute and genuine. Watching these two fall in love was a pleasure...." Read more
"...It really felt authentic and realistic to me so that was a bonus...." Read more
"...Plus their mutual enjoyment for legos is so precious yet relatable. I would react the same way Catalina did during the epilogue!..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's emotional content, with one describing it as smooth and another noting it's great for snuggling.
"...Luke was such a quintessential sunshine, suave man that I was instantly in love with...." Read more
"A simple love story with nice people and good family dynamics. Great for a “snuggle by the fire with a book”kind of day." Read more
"...Low angst and all the feels. This was so cute. I wasn’t sure with the “my sister is marrying my ex” situation but this was done so incredibly well." Read more
"...With a black cat golden retriever vibe this book has me feeling all the feels...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the book's length, with several finding it short, while one customer wishes it was longer.
"...If you are looking for a cute, short and sweet novella please please PLEASSSEEE pick this one up!" Read more
"...This was definitely on the longer side for a novella, but it was a great way to get a side story from the Lake Wisteria crew!" Read more
"It was short and sweet. The chemistry between the two characters is great but it lacked the holiday vibe the cover suggested. I needed more from it." Read more
"...I’m glad I did. My only complaint? I wish it was longer! I don’t feel like I had near enough time with Luke and Cata and I’m super bummed about it!" Read more
Reviews with images

Could have been 5!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024Great book, loved the storyline, the characters, the very real and raw feelings and concerns they go through as well as the tough parts of the medical field. However, the death or impending death of a baby should NEVER be included in a Christmas book. Too many readers have close experiences that make this too much for a holiday book. If that was not included, I would have given 5 stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2024This was such an enjoyable holiday novella. I really enjoyed the story and loved seeing some Latino representation. This has such a good small town vibe, with relatable characters and situations. Catalina and Luke were such a great couple. The banter was fun and on point. The tension was thick and I couldn’t wait for their moment to figure out that they were meant to be, because it was time! Luke was a swooney hero and Catalina was a strong and beautiful heroine. Both of these two had baggage they carried and pain they tried to hide from the world, but they couldn’t really hide it from each other. I love how they could relate to one another and be willing to be the one to not give up. I loved their chemistry together and how they were very much equal partners. They were fine alone, but together they made themselves and their lives so much richer.
This was a heartwarming read that left me wanting more. I won’t look at Lego’s the same ever again and my heart was definitely stolen by Luke. I highly recommend this book for a sweet treat read in your favorite comfy reading spot. It will leave you with a happy sigh and all the Holiday romance feels.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024This was a great fast paced holiday romance novella. Your golden retriever doctor x black cat nurse in this cute story about finding love when you least expect it.
Because it is a short novella, the drama with the main FC dating her sisters fiancé is kind of underdeveloped and could have been left out.
I loved the dual POV.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2025This was s a cute read. Didn't really give much holiday romance. It was mainly focused on Luke winning the girl and getting her to fall in love with him. But I definitely recommend it though.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 20245⭐️’s 2🌶️’s
💕He falls first
🏘️Small town
🖤Ex boyfriend-Best Friend
😈Forced proximity
😝Forbidden Love
🩺Doctor/Nurse
🤤CinnamonRoll MMC
🎄Xmas Novella
“Your heart is beating fast.” “Because you make me nervous.” “Nervous?” She cracks a smile. “Me?” “Yeah. You.” “Why?” she asks with a smile in her voice. “Because you’re you.” “And who am I exactly?” The girl I can see myself falling for, even if she has no intention of falling with me. “Someone special,” I answer instead.”
My heart is so full, there’s nothing I didn’t absolutely love about this short but super cute story. Lauren Asher has once again beautifully written a book that will forever stain my memory. She really does create top tier men cause baby Doctor Darling is perfect. I love how patient and understanding he was ,vulnerable but knew exactly what he wanted. I loveeee Catalina she’s a traveling Pediatric Nurse who’s independent , shy, closed off and the maid of honor for her sister’s wedding who just so happens to be marrying her ex boyfriend. Seeing her sister fall in love brings her so many emotions but mostly the belief in falling in love. Luke Darling is a Charismatic, charming, sweet, cinnamon roll Doctor. Who is the best man to Catalina’s Ex & she wants nothing to do with him. Well that is until he gives her no choice and instantly their stars collide and it’s just so cute and genuine. Watching these two fall in love was a pleasure.I wish this book was more spicy because the bed chemistry was chemming!! This book should’ve also been much longer, I would read a whole novel about these love birds. Perfect book with Christmasy feels. 10/10 recommend 😍
5.0 out of 5 stars5⭐️’s 2🌶️’sPerfect Christmas Read:)
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024
💕He falls first
🏘️Small town
🖤Ex boyfriend-Best Friend
😈Forced proximity
😝Forbidden Love
🩺Doctor/Nurse
🤤CinnamonRoll MMC
🎄Xmas Novella
“Your heart is beating fast.” “Because you make me nervous.” “Nervous?” She cracks a smile. “Me?” “Yeah. You.” “Why?” she asks with a smile in her voice. “Because you’re you.” “And who am I exactly?” The girl I can see myself falling for, even if she has no intention of falling with me. “Someone special,” I answer instead.”
My heart is so full, there’s nothing I didn’t absolutely love about this short but super cute story. Lauren Asher has once again beautifully written a book that will forever stain my memory. She really does create top tier men cause baby Doctor Darling is perfect. I love how patient and understanding he was ,vulnerable but knew exactly what he wanted. I loveeee Catalina she’s a traveling Pediatric Nurse who’s independent , shy, closed off and the maid of honor for her sister’s wedding who just so happens to be marrying her ex boyfriend. Seeing her sister fall in love brings her so many emotions but mostly the belief in falling in love. Luke Darling is a Charismatic, charming, sweet, cinnamon roll Doctor. Who is the best man to Catalina’s Ex & she wants nothing to do with him. Well that is until he gives her no choice and instantly their stars collide and it’s just so cute and genuine. Watching these two fall in love was a pleasure.I wish this book was more spicy because the bed chemistry was chemming!! This book should’ve also been much longer, I would read a whole novel about these love birds. Perfect book with Christmasy feels. 10/10 recommend 😍
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025This was a cute & cozy quick read with minimal spice. The fast paced plot felt a little underdeveloped but romance didn't feel force. All in all, a solid 3.25☆
*Small town holiday romance
*Maid of honor + Best Man
*Best friend of the Ex
*Reverse grumpy sunshine
*He falls first
*Doctor + Nurse
*Golden retriever energy
- Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025**spoiler alert** THE LEGO RING BOX ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
I loved My December Darling! It definitely got me in the mood for the holidays. I loved being able to visit Lake Wisteria again, and it made me feel like I was home again. This was a classic grumpy sunshine, but I didn't realize how fun the ex-boyfriend's best friend trope was going to be. Luke was such a quintessential sunshine, suave man that I was instantly in love with. Cata did rub me wrong a little at first, but as I got to know her, I realized it was because she reminded me of me. I loved their love story, and I loved watching Cata grow into knowing she could love and trust someone. The only thing I wanted more of was spice, but I know that wasn't the ultimate goal of this book, so I understand why it wasn't there. I highly recommend if you're trying to get in the spirit!
4.5/5 stars
1.5/5 spice
Top reviews from other countries
- SumaiaReviewed in the United Arab Emirates on December 26, 2024
2.0 out of 5 stars A nice story
A good light read..
-
Henriette K.Reviewed in Germany on December 29, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars Luke & Catalina✨
•My December Darling von Lauren Asher•
Eine ganz andere und doch wieder wundervolle Geschichte von Lauren Asher, für die sie ihr gewohntes Billionaire-Milieu verlassen hat. Mich hat der weihnachtliche Vibe ganz verzaubert und es umso angenehmer gemacht. Catalina und Luke halten einen auf Trab!🩵
Das Cover ist wunderbar winterlich und weihnachtlich gestaltet und passt damit gut zum Titel und zum Inhalt des Buches. Mein Interesse hat es direkt geweckt und mich neugierig gemacht. Außerdem liebe ich Lauren Ashers Schreibstil. Aus Lukes und Catalinas Perspektive zu lesen, macht das Leseerlebnis umso intensiver und emotionaler. Man versinkt richtig in der Geschichte und kann sich nicht mehr lösen.
Ich mochte Catalina sehr, aber tatsächlich habe ich ein wenig gebraucht, um richtig mit ihr warm zu werden. Sie war teils sehr unnahbar und eher verschlossen und hat es dem Leser schwer gemacht, sie zu durchschauen oder zu verstehen. Nichtsdestotrotz ist sie ein wundervoller Charakter, der in sich tief drinnen sehr viel fühlt, es aber wenig zeigt. Catalina braucht Zeit, um sich Menschen zu öffen oder mit ihnen warm zu werden. Aber dann gibt sie auch alles und ist wundervoll. Luke hingegen habe ich von der ersten Seite an direkt ins Herz geschlossen und für seine offene, herausfordernde, humorvolle und neckische Art sehr geliebt. Er ist in vielen Punkten das genaue Gegenteil von Catalina, was ihn so spannend macht. Er geht offen mit seinen Gefühlen um, kämpft für das, was er will, und ist zu 100% loyal, aufmerksam und liebevoll. Luke ist definitiv einer von den Guten, das merkt man sofort und ändert sich nie. Ich liebe es, dass er und Catalina die gleiche Leidenschaft teilen.
Auch die anderen Charaktere mochte ich meistens sehr. Ich hatte zwar gehofft, dass man durch das Setting in Lake Wisteria noch andere bekannte Charaktere trifft, aber das war leider nicht der Fall. Dafür habe ich aber Gabriela, Aiden, Aidens Familie und den Rest von Catalinas Familie sehr ins Herz geschlossen. Man lernt die Charaktere zwar wenig kennen, aber Aiden und Gabriela waren meine Lieblinge. Sie waren so süß zusammen und haben Luke und Catalina als Paar richtig supportet. Der familiäre Zusammenhalt war auch sehr schön.
Auch wenn die Geschichte von Luke und Catalina doch ein wenig anders ist als das, was man von Lauren Asher gewohnt ist, war es eine wundervolle, winterlich-weihnachtliche Geschichte, die für gute Unterhaltung sorgt. Die Rückkehr nach Lake Wisteria als bereits bekanntes Setting aus anderen Büchern von Lauren Asher war wirklich wundervoll und hat direkt für einen Wohlfühlfaktor gesorgt. Außerdem war die Atmosphäre weihnachtlich, winterlich, festlich und gleichzeitig voller Spannung. Catalina und Luke wussten definitiv, wie diese Atmosphäre aufzubauen ist. Ansonsten hat die Thematik rund um Aidens und Gabrielas Hochzeit viel Platz eingenommen, genau wie Lukes und Catalinas Jobs im Krankenhaus, was mir sehr gefallen hat. Man hat ein paar gute Einblicke in ihre Leben bekommen und das, wofür sie stehen und woran sie glauben. Zudem waren Catalina und Luke schon wundervoll. Komplett umgehauen hat mich ihre Liebesgeschichte nicht, aber dennoch war es schön mit den beiden. Sie waren das komplette Gegenteil voneinander und haben doch perfekt zueinander gepasst. An der ein oder anderen Stelle haben mir ein wenig die starken Emotionen gefehlt, aber die beiden waren süß und haben viele schöne Momente miteinander verbracht. Irgendwie war die Chemie da, auch wenn der Weg etwas holprig war. Manchmal etwas zu unnötiges Drama von Catalina, aber irgendwie auch verständlich. Allerdings muss ich sagen, dass mir in der Geschichte etwas die Spannungskurve gefehlt hat. Auch wenn Catalina und Luke einem viel Stoff geliefert haben, war es manchmal etwas eintönig und langweilig. Man hatte das Gefühl, dass die Geschichte extra klein und kurz gehalten wurde, sodass irgendwie etwas gefehlt hat. Der ausschlaggebende Punkt für einen Wow-Moment war irgendwie nicht ganz da. Nichtsdestotrotz eine süße, kurzweilige Geschichte mit einem richtig schönen Ende. Ich bin aus dem Lächeln herausgekommen.
Fazit: abschließend gebe ich der Geschichte von Luke und Catalina 4 von 5 Sternen. Lauren Asher hat da wieder eine wund Geschichte gezaubert, die einem Sehnsucht nach Lake Wisteria macht. Luke und Catalina sind ein tolles Erlebnis.
- Mariam M.Reviewed in India on December 16, 2024
4.0 out of 5 stars “What a heart melting, supremely ,hopelessly romantic & unputdownable of a book this was”
“Choosing to love him for the rest of my life is the easiest decision I’ve ever made—almost as easy as saying one little word. “Yes.”- Catalina Martínez”
A perfect union of the best man & a maid of honour. Catalina is bursting with Joy for her sister Gabriella’s wedding to her ex boyfriend Aiden. Circumstances were shaky at the start between the sisters but as the book progresses things starts to get cool between the sisters. Then comes the Darling doctor Luke who's already head over heels for Catalina. It was a bit awkward for him to date his bestfriend’s ex but he took the chance
Coming to the story I love the character of Catalina who was protective of her sister and family and was mostly in a state of self preservation. She did overcome the shyness and became expressive over the course of the book. I found this trait of hers relatable as personally, I take my time to warm up to people.
I am glad that Luke the golden retriever of a guy didn't give up on Catalina and was tenacious to make her realise her feelings for him.
I Loved Gabriella's character as she loved Catalina and was protective of her as Catalina was for her.
I loved the Spanish references used in this book with added touch of christmas and some drooling tembleque 🎄 🎁 . Also not to forget the LEGO gesture that look made for Catalina.
No spoilers. Please read the book. A refreshing, soul soothing, & festive 💖 read 💕 😍
Also this is my first book from this Author I have read. I have heard of her work but never really read. Glad that DECEMBER DARLING was an amazing read 💞. Also FYI this is the first indie published book of the author and also a short quick paced read.
I hope my review was quite immersive for you to pick this book as your most anticipated holiday read.
Thanks for making it this far 💕 😘
- christine lecuyer-augerReviewed in Canada on January 7, 2025
4.0 out of 5 stars Cozy Christmas Novella
Spice: 🌶️
Topics throughout the book are:
🎄reverse grumpy x sunshine
🤍 small town
🩺 dual POV
🎄enemies to lovers
🤍 cinnamon roll hero
🩺 holiday novella
Summary🎄🤍🩺:
Catalina returns home to Lake Wisteria for the month of December to attend to her duties as her sister Gabriela maid of honour, who is marrying Catalina ex-boyfriend Aiden. Being a travel nurse, the one thing she is not looking forward to when going back home is running into the best man, Luke Darling, Dr. at the hospital she temporarily works at but also Aiden’s best friend. Playing nice with the best man seems impossible given their history but deep down Catalina wishes she had met him first. Trying to keep her distant however Luke wants to date her, she has to remind him that he is her ex-boyfriend best friend. Will Luke get a Christmas miracle and convince Catalina to go on one date? Or will Catalina stay clear of her happiness to keep the peace with her sister? Read to find out!
Lauren Asher's books have been at the top of my TBR list for over a year (I’ve even bought a few of them!), and I’ve been so excited to finally dive into her work. I’m beyond glad I started with this adorable, cozy Christmas novella! The characters are absolutely lovable, and I especially adored their sweet connection over LEGO’s. My husband and I just started working on LEGO sets together last year, so that little detail made the story feel even more personal and relatable! And Dr. Darling… wow, just WOW! He’s everything you could want in a man—literally the dream guy. I’m already looking forward to diving into more of Lauren Asher’s books, especially after getting a taste of her writing!
christine lecuyer-augerCozy Christmas Novella
Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2025
Topics throughout the book are:
🎄reverse grumpy x sunshine
🤍 small town
🩺 dual POV
🎄enemies to lovers
🤍 cinnamon roll hero
🩺 holiday novella
Summary🎄🤍🩺:
Catalina returns home to Lake Wisteria for the month of December to attend to her duties as her sister Gabriela maid of honour, who is marrying Catalina ex-boyfriend Aiden. Being a travel nurse, the one thing she is not looking forward to when going back home is running into the best man, Luke Darling, Dr. at the hospital she temporarily works at but also Aiden’s best friend. Playing nice with the best man seems impossible given their history but deep down Catalina wishes she had met him first. Trying to keep her distant however Luke wants to date her, she has to remind him that he is her ex-boyfriend best friend. Will Luke get a Christmas miracle and convince Catalina to go on one date? Or will Catalina stay clear of her happiness to keep the peace with her sister? Read to find out!
Lauren Asher's books have been at the top of my TBR list for over a year (I’ve even bought a few of them!), and I’ve been so excited to finally dive into her work. I’m beyond glad I started with this adorable, cozy Christmas novella! The characters are absolutely lovable, and I especially adored their sweet connection over LEGO’s. My husband and I just started working on LEGO sets together last year, so that little detail made the story feel even more personal and relatable! And Dr. Darling… wow, just WOW! He’s everything you could want in a man—literally the dream guy. I’m already looking forward to diving into more of Lauren Asher’s books, especially after getting a taste of her writing!
Images in this review
- LetíciaReviewed in Brazil on December 5, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars It was love at the first sight!
Such a heartwarming novel! I read it at the beginning of December, and I couldn’t have chosen a better book to get into the Christmas spirit. I’ve read plenty of books written by her, and this is by far my favorite. What can I say about Luke? He’s the perfect character—the man we’ve all been dreaming about. This book made me believe in love again, made me believe it’s possible for someone to accept us just the way we are, willing to love and embrace our flaws. It’s a book you’ll want to read in one sitting. My only five-star book this year. Luke earned her love in the most thoughtful way I’ve ever seen. For those of you who crave someone who truly sees you, he’s that guy.