All By My Elf

by Olivia Dade

"Stranded in a snowstorm, but the sparks barely sizzle."

RATING: 2/5

SPICE: 2/5

All By My Elf promises a cozy, festive romance with a unique premise—two university teachers moonlighting for a schnitzel company, stranded overnight in a van during a snowstorm. Unfortunately, the execution falls flat.

The characters, Nina and William, come across as bland and one-dimensional, with a childlike quality that feels out of place for adult protagonists. Their dialogue and interactions lack the charm and depth needed to make their romance believable or engaging. Instead of endearing quirks, their personalities feel underdeveloped, as though written by someone still finding their voice.

While the novella includes some spicy scenes that could have been enjoyable, the choice of language—particularly the word "vulva"—takes away from the intended sensuality, making these moments more awkward than alluring.

The best thing about All By My Elf is its brevity. At least its short length made finishing it bearable, though without the hint of spice, I might not have pushed through. Overall, this is a skippable read, even for die-hard holiday romance fans.

* Received this book for free from NetGalley in return for an honest review*

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