A review by jjfey
Not So Silent Night by Charlie Cochet

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This series of novellas was everything I wanted in a Christmas read and more. A perfect blend of schmaltzy Hallmark vibes, adorable romances, small-town charm, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic - all wrapped up with Charlie Cochet’s trademark wit and warmth. 

 
Each novella adds to the story, switching POVs between couples and offering all the romance and humour you’d expect from the Kings with an added cosy Christmas vibe. The tension comes from the crew trying to save Winterhaven’s Christmas after disaster strikes their famous ice castle, but there’s none of the action or drama from the main series—this is all about love, laughter, and holiday joy. 

 
Highlights: 

Merry’s awkward but endearing crush on Noel had me giggling and swooning, especially when he blurted out that line about not thinking about sex. 

 
Ace & Colton’s sleigh ride was pure romance perfection. 

 
Leo’s secret scheming with Santa was so much fun - and the reveal? O-M-G, I cried. 

 
All the little hints of Christmas magic added a delightful sparkle to the story. 

 
And Ace… well, he got up to all the shenanigans! 

 
Each novella brought something special: 

 
Not So Silent Night – The crew head to Winterhaven for a snowed in Christmas. Ace does Acey things, Colton plays Christmas saviour.  Leo secretly schemes with Santa. 

 
Sleigh It Ain’t So – Jack is a workaholic butthead even on Christmas holidays (don’t worry, he redeems himself), Fitz plays match-maker, and Gio works his magic to save Christmas like a boss. 

 
Home for the Howlidays – Nobody has figured out what Leo is up to yet! Ace breaks Joker. Joker buys a gorgeous gift for Gio. We finally find out what Leo was up to and O-M-G! Love! It's a cliffhanger, but it's okay, we get the rest in the next novella. 

 
Rebel Without a Clause – We go back to the beginning of the Winterhaven Christmas to see it through Leo & King’s POV. I loved the opening scene from Leo's POV, he's so adorable. Leo obsesses over fish-shaped sweets. Chef's kiss! 

 
I read this a couple of  weeks ago, and writing this review made me cry because I loved it so much and it was nice to relive my favourite moments. If you’re a fan of Charlie Cochet’s Kings, this is an absolute must-read. And if you’re new to her books, what are you waiting for? Go dive into the Kings or THIRDS - you won’t regret it! 

 
What to expect: 

4 Christmas novellas: Ace & Colton, Jack & Fitz, Joker & Gio, Leo & King 
The novellas are 4 parts of the same story, told from the POV of different couples 
The Kings & Wildcards crew with the boyfriend collective 
Snowed in 
Small-town 
Hallmark Christmas vibes 
A little Christmas magic 
3rd person POV 
Doggos! 
Ace shenanigans 
Christmas match-making - Merry & Noel 
“Chocolate Chip Cookie”