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Singletree #3

Shaking the Sleigh

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I’ll just admit it right up front—I don’t love the holidays.

In fact, Christmas makes me downright cranky.

Call me the Grinch if you must, but if your dad chose that day to decide he was wrong about that whole wanting a family thing, you’d grow up miffed about mistletoe too. Every candy cane, ugly sweater, and falalalala reminds me of the worst day of my life.

So when my uncle—a bigwig network executive—gives me one last shot to salvage my disastrous TV production career on a show called Holiday Homes, I’ve got no choice but to suck it up, head to the small town of Singletree, and fake festive.

The problem?

Callan Whitewood. The sexy, sullen former pro-soccer player might be the one person on earth who hates the holidays more than I do. After a devastating injury ended his career, he’s left with a limp, no idea what to do with his future, and a cheerless attitude worthy of Ebenezer Scrooge. But I’ve got a TIME LIMIT to convince the gorgeous grump to allow his home to be featured as the pinnacle of the Christmas episode of the show that’s going to save my career.

That is, if I can keep my hands off him… but I’m having a bit of trouble sticking to the task.

SHAKING THE SLEIGH is a standalone holiday romantic comedy with a satisfying happily ever after, plenty of festive chuckles, some sexy times and a few chinchillas. Maybe a cat. (And there might be a wombat because wombats really do fit into almost any story.)

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2019

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About the author

Delancey Stewart

88 books848 followers
I'm USA Today Bestselling author Delancey Stewart. My contemporary romances run the gamut of settings and setups, but they always deliver humor, heart and heat. It's a guarantee.

I write from my home in Denver, CO, where I manage a household full of boys and men. Okay, only one man. The hubs. But two boys. I mean, three if you count the hubs. (You see why I do words and not numbers. I was told there'd be no math in this bio. Someone lied.)

I grew up in California and have had more jobs than anyone on earth (personal trainer, pharmaceutical rep, copywriter, tech writer, marketing director, wine seller, elementary school teacher... I'm not kidding. The list. It goes on.) But the one I love the most is writing, in part because I get to meet people who love books and stories as much as I do! Please don't hesitate to get in touch to say hello, and don't forget to join my newsletter!

Get a free story from me by joining my weekly email here: https://www.subscribepage.com/delance...

Find me at www.delanceystewart.com
Facebook: www.facebook/DelanceyWrites.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa (Two Bookish Brits).
811 reviews165 followers
November 9, 2019
Oh my gosh it’s been a while since I’ve read a Christmas story and I absolutely adored this one.

Callan and April’s story was beautiful.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

Callan is an ex sports star, after an accident that took him out of the game he’s bitter and alone. Choosing to push everyone away he’s now out of the spotlight and living in a different place where his brother is at. Callan likes his peace but what he doesn’t expect is a woman to come barrelling into his life.

April is on her last chance with her work. After her last job blew up in her face her uncle has given her one last chance. She gets offered a job she’s not into because she’s not a fan of the holiday but she takes it anyway. She doesn’t expect to start liking the thing she dislikes the most or finding someone that’ll change everything for her.

I absolutely adored these two, I liked how they could help each other out. I loved how similar they are and how much fun they could have together. Their story is super adorable.

This is my first read form this author and definitely won’t be my last.

Shaking The Sleigh is a fun holiday novel filled with a smidge of sadness and a whole bunch more of happiness. It’s funny and adorable and will have you falling in love with these characters.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews356 followers
November 25, 2019
-Shy, 5 stars

This is exactly the type of book I like to read during the Christmas season. Not only because it's chalked so full of Christmas goodness that it gets me excited about my own decorating and holiday plans but also because there is just something so special about finding love and romance at Christmas.

Delancey Stewart is an author that I'm a huge fan of, and this book is a great example of why. She's really good at writing small town romance. The kind of towns where everyone knows and looks out for everyone. The kind of towns where people will come together in times of need and help out. All of that was featured in this story. And with the added bonus of Christmas flare.

There were also so many great characters both primary and secondary. I am glad this is just the beginning of this series because I have high hopes of what's to come. If it's anywhere near as heartwarming and easy a read as this one it will also be a must read for me.
Profile Image for Delancey.
Author 88 books848 followers
November 4, 2019
PRE-ORDER ALERT!

Hey Fancies! This title comes out November 21st for your holiday enjoyment. It's sexy, sweet and a little bit silly, with an ex-pro soccer hero and a determined heroine who needs some holiday cheer. Neither one of them is big on celebrating the holidays, but they've both landed in Singletree -- the small town that literally changes its name to "Christmas Tree" for the month of December.

To get the best price, pre-order! The pre-order price is $2.99, but this title will go up to $3.99 after that (though it's FREE in Kindle Unlimited!)

Amazon: Get it Here

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Profile Image for She's a Lip Biter.
1,336 reviews29 followers
November 20, 2019
Singletree, Maryland is a far different place from Los Angeles and a place that does Christmas in a huge way-unlike April Hall who is only going there to produce an episode for a show, ‘Holiday Homes’. Callan Whitewood is an ex-soccer star who arrives in Singletree from San Diego looking forward to complete anonymity. Meeting up creates an interesting situation for the two characters.

There are some darker elements that are sadder more than dark. These are handled well and show a realistic touch, especially the family-based ones. To balance this out there is a lighter side with some great humour. The banter between the characters at times had me outright laughing as well as some scenes too-the sick lizard one comes to mind immediately. 😂

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its great characters, detailed descriptions and fast-paced storyline that leaves you feeling fantastic. This is the first book by this author I have read however I can definitely say it won’t be the last!

Reviewed by Robyn
Profile Image for GeekyBookMama.
752 reviews18 followers
November 7, 2019
I freaking loved Christmas stories and this one is seriously up there. I absolutely loved Callan and April together, they had so much chemistry it was so adorable!
Profile Image for Diana.
374 reviews22 followers
January 19, 2021
3-1/2 stars!

Something about holiday time always makes me turn toward the romance genre. This year I was a little late but I still got my holiday romance book in!

Shaking the Sleigh was a good choice and provided just the right amount of humor. It was a fun book with chapter titles such as "Frosty is a Smug Bastard" and "Ghost of Christmas Glitter" to name a couple. Entertaining love story!
246 reviews3 followers
November 5, 2019
I’m definitely a grinch but it’s not a big issue for me to enjoy a Christmas themed book as long as it’s done with so much silliness, romance and hilarious characters. Some we already have had the pleasure of getting to know in previous books by this author.

April don’t celebrate Christmas since her father left when she was young. Getting a new job producing a Christmas show is clearly not a dream come true. She’s not in a position to decline and she reluctantly travels to Singletree determined to get the job done.

Callan bought a new home in his brothers town, fleeing from the spotlight as he no longer can play soccer. Only to realize that someone wants to put his house in the spotlight.

It’s a combustible situation, mixed with instant attraction and a couple adorable little girls. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I love the amount of details, the drama, the very lovable people, Santa, snow and sleigh. May you all have a wonderful Christmas.
Profile Image for Annette.
2,985 reviews7 followers
July 23, 2023
Excellent!!! This truly defines what I call a romantic story because it has feeling and prompts tears of joy. In addition to the romance being on point, the characters commonly are in need of the happiness of the Christmas atmosphere. Two grinches for the price of one, lol, aside from their lack of holiday cheer, I like them & think they make a great couple. Their attraction and this town really opens their hearts, helping them to see that a chance to love again is a risk worth taking if they are willing to dig deeper and be brave enough to go for it, instead of settling for the lonely life that they think they prefer, they can rekindle the joy of Christmas surrounded by love & supportive family and friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marika Ray.
Author 79 books1,340 followers
November 9, 2019
Delancey always delivers consistently wonderful books and Shaking the Sleigh is no different! April is a modern Scrooge with a solid reason for hating the holidays. Callan, the brooding hunk of a soccer player sweeps right in and helps her warm up to the idea of the holidays, small towns, and family. This book puts you in the mood for glitter bombs, sleigh rides, Santa visits, and a nice glass of Half Cat whiskey to warm up your winter nights. LOVE this book!!! 5 Stars!!
Profile Image for Jacki.
1,044 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2020
3.5☆
Cute

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: Seasons in Singletree
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Booksprout.
Profile Image for Ash Lovesbooks.
169 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2019
I was blessed with an ARC copy of this book. I am not usually a fan of holiday/Christmas time books but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are realistic, have personalities that stand out and are dealing with issues in their lives. It has a little bit of sexy romance but not a lot. The romance focuses mostly on the characters connecting and deciding if they’re going to allow themselves to fall in love.

Delancey Stewart, the author, created a unique and quirky setting for this storyline and it is perfect! It even touched my Grinchy heart and made me smile. I highly recommend reading this book and all of the books by this author.
1,139 reviews17 followers
March 1, 2023
Wow! Shaking the Sleigh is incredible. I loved it! The characters are wonderful and relatable. April and Callan are so perfect together. I love the small town setting and the quirky people of the town. This is the most perfect Christmas romance! It is full of Christmas cheer, romance, humor, and fantastic, lovable characters. This book will fill you with Christmas cheer. It is amazing! I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,826 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2019
2.5 stars.

Let's start with what I liked:
1) The dual povs (even though I think that there were some pronoun errors- e.g. switching between "he" and "I" while referring to the same person in that person's monologue)
2) This was a safe story. No OP drama at all.
3) The H might've had some wild days, but they were all left behind him for a couple of years now. He was with his last gf for a couple of years, and while I didn't love that they lived together, he didn't have any wistful or happy memories of her.
4) The h wasn't some shy wallflower.

Overall, I didn't mind this story much, but the H spent too much of it being a pity-party-throwing, whiny, woe-is me, baby. The black moment was more of a grey moment that was completely blown out of proportion, first by the H and then by the h. It was nice to see Helen and Ryan from Happily Ever His: A fake relationship/in love with the wrong sister romantic comedy, and I'm never not surprised by how much I enjoy MCs from books I didn't enjoy appearing in other books. Strange, I know.

I like Delancey Stewart's writing (despite the first person pov), but I'm tired of the characters who have absolutely no idea of what appropriate reactions are to things. And of heroines who have no idea what a loving family looks like. We never ever see the h's mother, but her uncle was not a nice person. I keep thinking that I might just like this/ story of Delancey Stewart's, but I'm usually disappointed. Maybe I'm just too old. Or lack the patience for characters with low EQ. I'm not sure.
Profile Image for Cee Cee Houston.
1,341 reviews27 followers
November 15, 2019
Shaking the Sleigh is the first book in a new series by Delancey Stewart. It’s also slightly connected to the ‘Movie Stars in Maryland’ series as characters from that appear here. It’s not necessary to read it first though as these are complete standalones.
This is April and Callan’s story.
April is a TV producer on her last chance with her uncle’s company, she’s been forced to produce a holiday show and is less than keen.
Callan is a retired soccer player, forced to give up what he loved due to a devastating injury. Neither is looking for love but it finds them nonetheless.
I loved how these two came together, their banter and chemistry was spot on and I was rooting for them from the start.
Preparing the show while falling back under the spell of Christmas was part of April’s charm and Callan, well, he tried to hide his soft heart but love proved more than he could battle.
This was a sweet and sexy story with just a tiny bit of angst. You’ll fall in love with all the characters, not just then main ones but the secondary ones too. Cormac and his two young daughters Maddie and Taylor almost stole the show. I hope their story is next.
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,390 reviews26 followers
November 22, 2019
I love Christmas, but I usually only love Christmas the actually week of Christmas. Every other week leading up to it, I am TOTALLY the one that is the Scrooge and yelling to 'Turn that ruckus down' and shaking my cane (non-existent one as well- just painting a picture here!). So imagine my surprise when this gem fell into my lap. I love Delancey Stewart and her Mr. Match series so I signed up right away to help promote this book and y'all and I so glad I put my Scrooge-ness away because this book is freaking DELIGHTFUL!

I enjoyed the characters and the story line. There is humor and there are other feels, but it all rounds out as a nice package. All in all, if you are looking for a nice Holiday romance to cozy up next to the fire with and have a nice laugh, you should check out Shaking the Sleigh! I am excited to see what comes next in the series- keep it up girl!!

PS: Thank you to Delancey Stewart and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review!!
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,236 reviews23 followers
November 24, 2019
This was a really nice holiday read that I really enjoyed. April hates Christmas and wants nothing to do with the holiday. Working for her Uncle on a Christmas Home Decorating show is not what she wants to do, but it is her last chance to work as a producer after her last major mistake she made. The last thing she needs is to become involved with Callan. Callan is a gruff, wounded, retired soccer player that just wants to wallow in self pity over the loss of his career and unfaithful ex-girlfriend. The last thing he needs is a woman with a camera crew, honing in on his sanctuary. But then, there is just something about April that Callan just can not resist.

Strong story line with fantastic characters. Good detailed descriptions and engaging dialogue.


Written as a 3rd person, multi pov with a HFN ending.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mona Shroff.
Author 38 books124 followers
November 11, 2019
Shaking the Sleigh by Delancey Stewart

Even if you don’t love a good Christmas Romance, you’ll love this one! Between injured ex-Sharks player Callen Whitewood and holiday hating TV producer April Hall, there’s plenty of bah-humbug to go around. Their dislike of all things glittery and festive is no match for the Christmas spirit in the small town of Singletree, which actually changes its name to Christmas Tree in December. Hot and romantic and laugh out loud funny, you’ll want to read this book slowly so you can savor every moment. Delancey Stewart never fails to entertain. If you haven’t read her before, start now!
Profile Image for Amanda Rozell.
784 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2019

What a fun and festive read! You have the small town, Christmastime, and two lonely people that fall in love with the town, it’s people, and each other. I really feel the need to start decorating now. And get a chinchilla...


~ I was given this book ahead of time and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
Profile Image for Lori.
281 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2019
This was a nice and fast read. The story was well written with great characters. The story moved by quickly and I had it read in one sitting. I would recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,601 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The town of Singletree is full of quirky, funny people. This book is a funny, sexy, Christmas read. April and Callan were funny not and enjoyable characters. This was my first book from this author, but it definitely isn’t my last. I’ve already added several books to my kindle, and I can’t wait to read more books in the Singletree series.

April meets Callan when she’s sent to Singletree to get the contracts squared away for the houses that will be featured on Holiday Homes. This is her last chance to prove herself or she’s out of a job. Callan has just bought the house that will be the centerpiece for April’s show, but he doesn’t want to be in the limelight anymore. His soccer career is over and he’s trying to start over again in the town his brother is raising his girls in. Now April has to convince Callan to sign the contract so she can keep her job. To make matters worse April hates Christmas and all things Christmas related. Facing doing a show about Christmas decorated homes in a town that is decorated to the gills for Christmas is pretty much her worse nightmare.

Callan and April are attracted to each other. Callan helps April feel a little less hatred for Christmas and April helps Callan feel more like himself and less like the drunken hermit was becoming. Misunderstandings happen and it threatens their relationship. Can they work through their problems and stay together?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,405 reviews52 followers
November 14, 2019
Oh my gosh what a wonderful Holiday Romance. The author has written a funny, sexy, romantic Christmas romance that has me loving the holiday season even more than I already do, even if the main characters don’t exactly agree with me. I mean who doesn’t love Christmas? Well I guess if you had a traumatic event happen at Christmas, like April’s had or if your life has taken a major turn for the worse, like Callan’s, it would put a damper on the season. But when these two come together, in a town that changes its name from Singletree to Christmas Tree during the month of December and the entire town is all about the holidays, all bets are off.

The storyline had me laughing and hoping for some type of HEA, for not only the two main characters but the secondary ones as well. The quaint little town of Singletree is almost like living in a storybook world. The people are loving and neighborly, ok maybe more like zany and eccentric, but you can’t help but fall in love them.. Cats, chinchillas, wombats and tipsy townsfolk included.

Callan and April’s story will warm your heart like a “Punch Bowl” and “Old Bay” from Sam’s Shack or maybe like the “Half Cat Distillery’s Moonshine (once you read the book, you’ll get what I mean). It left me smiling and feeling happy. I highly recommend grabbing up Shaking the Sleigh and curling up in your easy chair and simply enjoying. 2 Thumb Up and 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
18.9k reviews320 followers
November 22, 2019
April Hall’s network executive uncle came to her rescue when she lost her job, but the TV program he wanted her to work on in her TV producer role was “Holiday Homes" -- and she was not one who was enthused about Christmas in the least! She begged him for something else. She really hated Christmas due to painful family memories. But this was the job she was needed for. She decides to feature the home of an injured ex-soccer player, Callen Whitewood, whose attitude toward the holidays is equally grouchy – convincing him will be crucial to saving her career. So she heads to the town of Singletree whose inhabitants are so enthusiastic about the season that they actually rename their town to “Christmas Tree” for the month of December! Will she convince the Grinch that he should let her barge into his privacy for the sake of her TV production? Will time together prove to each of them that being alone is not what they really need – and holidays shared with someone you can love makes all the difference?

This is a really enjoyable holiday romantic comedy with two likable – or at least amusing – characters who will win the reader over very quickly. The story is well-written in a very fun way that will put a smile on your face and an out-loud laugh now and then to make you happy to have shared their story with them! Callen and April are a perfect combination – grab your copy and see if they can realize that as well! (And I love the book's cover!)
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews14 followers
November 21, 2019
Sometimes a Christmas romance isn't about the love of all things Christmas with the lovely snow covered lawns, cheery decorated quaint building and shops, with charming characters that make you want to move to their little village. NO, sometimes a Christmas romance is all about the "bah-humbug" feelings of the lead characters and how that quaint little village works its charms on them and all of the funny things that will have you laughing and their dilemmas and dialog. This is Singletree, aka Christmas Tree in the month of December, and Callen Whitewood and April Hall are your lead characters. Callen is an injured ex-hockey player and April is a TV producer who really does hate all things Christmas because of her life growing up.

What more could you want in a Christmas read, besides maybe a little heat to go with your outdoor snow! This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I recommend this book for those how do really love a Christmas romance that doesn't come off that way, at first.

575 reviews6 followers
November 28, 2019
I have read many of this author’s other books and liked them - this one does not disappoint either! And if you are a fan of her other books, some of those characters make an appearance in this one.

Callan is a former soccer player who suffered a career ending injury. He moves across the country to a small town in Maryland where his recently windowed brother and two young nieces live. He is lost, unsure how to rebuild his life.

April is a TV producer who is working on a Christmas home decorating show for her uncle. After her last disastrous job, this is her last chance in TV and she has to make it a success. And she is stuck in an over-the-top Christmas town when she hates Christmas.

Callan owns the house that she absolutely needs to be on her show. What starts as a stand-off becomes a friendship, then a romance. Both of them are lost in their own way, trying to figure out what comes next. The small town embraces them and shows them what they are missing by keeping to themselves.

This is a well-written holiday story.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews24 followers
November 19, 2019
This was a really fantastic holiday story! I loved the characters, especially Annabelle.

April Hall, hates Christmas because he father left them at that time. She asks her uncle for a chance to produce another TV show. He gives her Holiday Homes. She travels to a small town in Maryland to film the series of homes. Callan Whitewood has recently moved into the small town to be near his recently widowed brother and nieces and to hide from the press after his career ending accident on the soccer field. His plantation home is one of the chosen homes for the series. He initially does not want anything to do with the show, but gives in when she tells him she will lose her job. They end up starting a relationship. When her uncle asks her to do something she knows Caplan will not approve, they have a falling out. He gets the whole town to help him get her back and they have a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura.
399 reviews
November 5, 2019
I loved Shaking The Sleigh the first book in a new series by Delancey! I mean in my book you can never go wrong with a Christmas story and Shaking The Sleigh was fantastic. April, a TV procedure is sent to the small town of Singletree where she meets Callan, a retired pro soccer player who used to play for the “San Diego Sharks” and has moved to the small town of Singletree to be closer to his brother who is a single dad to two adorable little girls! I really loved April and Callan’s story. It’s full of romance, humour and wonderful characters. It’s the perfect holiday read! I would highly recommend it.
715 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2019
To be completely honest I pick this book because I usually love the story wrote by delancey. I was happily surprised she kind of fusion the mr match universe with the town where her 2 last book happen. It work brilliantly. My only negative is it’s too Christmassy but it’s expected

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
534 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2019
Loved the story of April and Callan!! Book filled with plenty of humor and heat with a bit of angst thrown in for good measure. Great read!
2,129 reviews81 followers
November 19, 2019
Reviewed for She’s a Lip Biter Blog

Singletree, Maryland is a far different place from Los Angeles and a place that does Christmas in a huge way-unlike April Hall who is only going there to produce an episode for a show, ‘Holiday Homes’. Callan Whitewood is an ex-soccer star who arrives in Singletree from San Diego looking forward to complete anonymity. Meeting up creates an interesting situation for the two characters.

There are some darker elements that are sadder more than dark. These are handled well and show a realistic touch, especially the family based ones. To balance this out there is a lighter side with some great humour. The banter between the characters at times had me outright laughing as well as some scenes too-the sick lizard one comes to mind immediately. 😂

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its great characters, detailed descriptions and fast paced storyline that leaves you feeling fantastic. This is the first book by this author I have read however I can definitely say it won’t be the last!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews

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