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Very Holiday #4

A Very No Strings Halloween

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Halloween: it’s a holiday where people shed their boring everyday personalities and become fantastic beings ready for an epic party. Well, guess what? That’s Billy Boston 24/7, 365, baby! It’s who I was before I became a millionaire and it’s who I’ll always be.
My beautiful next door neighbor, Donna, is a hardworking nurse who takes her job seriously and her fun even more so. All she wants is a no-strings arrangement and that’s fine by me. It’s Halloween for us every time we’re together because she likes to role play. There’s no way to get attached if we’re both pretending to be someone else, right?
It’s all smooth as a good whiskey until my married cousins bet me that I can’t get a serious girlfriend by November.
So, Donna and I make a deal: She’ll help fix me up to be a proper boyfriend and I’ll help fix up the farmhouse she inherited.
The one she thinks is haunted.
And that’s not the scary part.
Because I realize I’m falling wicked hard for Donna. For real. She’s spooked by the ghost, but I’m afraid I’ll spook her if I tell her how I really feel. We made a pact when we started this no-strings thing: If either of us gets serious, we have to end it.
I have to trick Donna into thinking she’s teaching me how to date, when really I’m treating her to dates with me.
But if I screw this up, I’ll lose the woman I’m in love with.
And that’ll haunt me forever.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

194 people are currently reading
466 people want to read

About the author

Kayley Loring

43books1,578followers

Amazon Top 25 and USA Today bestselling author Kayley Loring spent many years as a screenwriter (under a different name) in Los Angeles before moving to the Pacific Northwest to live out her childhood dream of being a Disney heroine who talks and sings to woodland creatures. When not trying to keep animals alive, she’s writing steamy romantic comedy novels, obviously. She’s breathing cleaner air, writing dirtier words, and staring at her computer screen until her eyeballs dry out instead of prancing around Southern California in miniskirts and going to the hair salon. Still waiting for the woodland creatures to clean her house, though.
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want to laugh, warm your heart, and enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines who need to be chased, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life, and swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends.

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5 stars
355 (45%)
4 stars
245 (31%)
3 stars
144 (18%)
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27 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,651 reviews725 followers
October 29, 2024
Spicy fun

Not sure what to say about this exactly, lol. It was SUPER quirky with a lot of humor and a spooky feel - probably too quirky, yeah. Loring is still getting back into her groove after struggling with burnout, so there were some moments that I loved (it has such personality and is genuinely funny at times) and also some things that had me scratching my head (like that random chapter “written by� the hero’s niece). The first book in this series remains my favorite holiday romance EVER, so it’s impossible not to notice the decline in quality, but it still makes a quick, fun, festive read.

The story follows Billy and Donna, two neighbors who have been f-buddies for the last year. Neither was in the right headspace for a relationship when they started banging, so they’ve kept things light and focused on sex ever since. But something is starting to feel a little different for them both, and their relationship begins to shift. When Billy comes over to the house Donna recently inherited and the two discover that it’s haunted, well, things get even more complicated.

This is longer than a novella but a lot shorter than most of the books out there these days, so it was easy to binge and it definitely gave me the Halloween vibes I was looking for. The whole haunted house storyline is kinda ridiculous, but it also added plenty of humor to the story. I actually didn’t mind that we jumped right into Billy and Donna’s f-buddy situation after a year, because things were just starting to change between them. It’s a very fast burn with spice throughout, and I thought their role-playing was kinda funny but also insanely over-the-top. That might just be Billy’s personality though - he’s a lot, and this is his story. That did make it difficult to treat this as a love story to root for though, considering they were rarely ever serious or open with each other. It was entertaining at times, and certainly one-of-a-kind.
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews940 followers
October 3, 2024
description

Well, we dropped everything when we saw Billy -big bollox- Boston shoot onto our kindles! Because, you know it’s …BILLY!!! We’ve been addicted to this resourceful, fun loving, kind, and crazy arsed lovable rogue since day one of meeting him. If you’re in as much love with this series as we are, you’ll know what we mean, and you probably agree.

“Here I thought you were a wiseass, but you are, in fact, a wise soul. With a good heart.�

The first book in the Very Holiday series will ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts. You never forget your first love, right?! Declan & Maddie are like family after the number of times we’ve revisited their story in A Very Bossy Christmas. Well, it looks like Billy and Donna just gave them a run for their money, because we loved their story just as much.

A Very No Strings Halloween is stuffed full of all the trick and treats we crave; the hilarious banter we’ve come to love, on point situational comedy and heat…oh the sexual chemistry between Billy and Donna was off the charts, but in an almost self-deprecating way. Because no strings, right?! It wasn’t just hot flirty fun though; it had real depth and emotion too. And before any doubters ask, yes, this is entirely possible because Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have the perfect formula in this story. We all love our spicy romantic comedies, but we love them even better when the characters ‘find� themselves -amongst the role plays in this case- on the road to love and happiness.

’I need to get back to being Billy. Billy is fun. He’s a party. He’s not a guy you date. And certainly not a guy you marry.�

There’s family cameos galore -we missed you Declan!- and a couple of special treats from the infamous Piper. Oh, and an otherworldly storyline running through it, which brought some epic scenes, one that involved a Ouija board, a body possession and a bemused and laidback Billy who just goes with the flow. Honestly, this man! We were crying laughing.

”Oh my God. You thought I did all that for a scene?�

“Donna, we could put on a Broadway show with all the costumes we’ve collected over the past couple of years. What’s a bag of salt?�


Oh Billy, you wonderful, wonderful man. We love him SO much! And Billy, well he loves with his whole entire heart! We want to party with him and experience one of those nights where anything can happen because Billy ‘knows a guy.� But we also want to put Billy in our pocket and bring him out for funsies. Billy deserved someone as special and incredible as Donna. Donna kicked arse and it could only ever be Donna for our Billy.

”I think Donna and I might be pretending not to be in love with each other.�

Is it too early to re-read already?
Profile Image for Hope .
316 reviews1 follower
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 4, 2024
I'm all for a halloween fwb but paranormal aspects scare me. So I'm out


It was waiting for you,� the woman says. Her voice echoes in a strange way, the opposite of the thudding in this room. “For us?� I ask. Donna is next to me, but I can’t see her. Only feel her

For a few seconds, I panic because it feels like something’s holding me down. Not Donna’s body, but some force is keeping me on this bed. I try to move my fingers, but I can’t

Nope. Can't do ghosts. Dnf at 28%
Profile Image for Monica (The Accidental Romance Blogger) Barbosa.
788 reviews34 followers
September 23, 2024
You know when there's that favorite character in a series but you are not really sure how his own story would be? That was Billy Boston for me. Why? Because he's wicked awesome! But so are Kayley and Connor and they came up with a fun, Halloween-y, a teeny bit spooky, fantastic story for the larger than life Billy. They gave him the perfect match in Donna, his neighbor, with whom he finds himself in a "situationship" with zero strings attached. Oh, we all knew that Billy and his big heart would fall hard and he did!

I loved everything about this book but here's what I loved most:

Donna and her full acceptance of Billy.

Billy and his humble "I know a guy" take on life.

Piper and her short (but important) appearance and her touching epilogue.

The ghosts! They gave the Halloween vibe to the book and tied the story perfectly!

The appearance of all the cousins throughout the story because I love these characters so much!

The role playing... ah the role playing....

A true and swoony "he falls first"... and hard.

The chapter names!

The hilarious moments that Kayley and Connor always provide.

If you are looking for a lighthearted, spooky read, give Billy and Donna a chance. You'll love them like I did!

I can't wait for the audio! I actually read this with "voices in my head".

SO FUN!

Thank you, Kayley and Connor for the opportunity to read this early. I had a blast!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
5,698 reviews206 followers
October 7, 2024
5 Star Review A Very No Strings Halloween (Very Holiday #5) by Kayley Loring & Connor Crais

Having read and loved the previous books in the Very Holiday series I was excited to read A Very No Strings Halloween.

From the first chapter to the last I was hooked on this story. The characters were easy to relate too and I quickly found myself invested in and
Donna’s story.

The humour and witty banter throughout had me laughing out loud at times and simply put this book left me with a smile on my face.

It may not be a long book but it was a wonderful read that I cannot wait to listen to in audio.
Profile Image for Shannon.
7,150 reviews393 followers
October 28, 2024
A spicy friends with benefits, haunted house, dual POV romance that sees Boston playboy Billy falling for his nurse neighbor, Donna as he tries to help her fix up her house while not falling in love. I really enjoyed this latest romcom in the Holiday romance series authored by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. These books are fun, full of heart and heat and quick entertaining reads. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Piper Lawson and Lauren Layne.
Profile Image for Amanda Berrey.
383 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2024
I literally am obsessed with every book this duo puts out that I’ve read and I can’t say enough good things about their work. Billy use to be my least favorite in the family but of course after reading this he’s quickly raised through the ranks (not above Nolan though🖤) I recommend not only this book but this whole series to anyone who loves kicking their feet like a giddy child at romance novels
Profile Image for Bree_BooksNsweets.
263 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2024
I had no idea Connor Crais was an author as well as a narrator, but I did know there was not another narrator I would listen to a full blown Boston accent for. This was an adorable, giggle worthy, spooky season story that I adored from start to finish. I’ll be looking for anything else he and Kayley Loring write when I need Some fluffy, funny stories to listen to.
Profile Image for AJ.
3,170 reviews1,051 followers
October 3, 2024
3.5 stars

A fun, funny and heartfelt love story for fan fave Billy Boston, in this neighbors-with-benefits-to-lovers romance.

Billy has been a standout character in the Very Holiday books who, though distant, became a beacon of partying and wild times. He is a fun, wild, larger-than-life party boy, he loves his family dearly, and he lives life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity and relishing every moment. He even keeps his love life free and easy. He has a committed, no-strings arrangement with his neighbor, Donna, where they role play and enjoy wildly steamy sexy time but don’t talk about anything personal whatsoever, and it suits him just fine� until it doesn’t.

You see, all of Billy’s cousins are now happily married, and they bet him that he can’t get a serious girlfriend. He turns to Donna as the obvious choice to show him how to be the perfect boyfriend, and in return he offers to help her renovate an old, decrepit house that she has recently inherited. He thinks it’s a simple arrangement, but it is far from that, with the two f**k-buddies finally spending actual time together and discovering a whole new side to each other.

I don’t even know how there could be so much tension between two people who’ve had sex as many times as we have. But it’s there.

I loved the dynamic between Billy and Donna. Their sexual chemistry is crazy, and though they act all blasé over the idea of spending time together, Billy is already feeling more for Donna than he ever expected to, and he jumps on the opportunity to show her that there’s more to him than just his mad sex skills. She’s obliviously keeping their relationship exactly as it is, and Billy has a tough job on his hands to convince her otherwise.

“I think Donna and I might be pretending not to be in love with each other.�

It’s a fun set-up and I loved watching Billy and Donna’s story progress. They have this wild passion for each other that is demonstrated over and over (hot!!!), we get to see their fun and playful side when Donna joins Billy and his cousins on a wild night out, and the development of their romance is a sweet journey as Billy goes all out to win his girl.

I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t play the role of the guy who still has nothing to lose. I have everything to lose � the most amazing person I have ever met in my life.

This all unfolds while renovations on Donna’s house are complicated by an actual ghost haunting the property, and while it gives Billy the opportunity to shine as the super sweet and supportive guy that he is, I could have done without the ghosty aspects to the story. It did lead to some funny moments (séance� hehehe), but to me it escalated to be over the top and it detracted from the pure awesome that was Billy and Donna together.

But I did enjoy this book. It’s fun and lighthearted, and I loved seeing Billy get his HEA. And can I just say that the cover for this book is pure perfection. It’s so Billy Boston � from the shirt to the pose to the hair and the smirk� be still my heart!

Such a fun read. 3.5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.


Profile Image for Michaela Roland.
141 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
A Very No Strings Halloween by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais is the perfect treat! This is a delightfully haunted ride of a romance with ghostly mischief and really sexy mischief. Fans of The Very Holiday Series will not be disappointed!

Billy is a cocky and irresistible, fun-time guy, some might say wrongfully mislabeled as a troublemaker. Donna is his super hot red-head neighbor and a HELLO NURSE! Somewhat distressed but definitely not a damsel—she’s fierce, caring, and more than ready to match his energy. Can you imagine a woman that can match Billy’s energy?! Here’s Donna! Their chemistry? Off the charts! Think steamy Fall nights and banter that’ll make you laugh out loud.

“I’m gonna have a relationship so stable you could keep horses in it.� - Billy Boston

To win a bet, Billy asks for dating lessons from the smartest, super hawt lady he knows, his no-strings fling Donna. Billy is making all the A’s and O’s and completely falling for her. With his “I know a guy� spirit, Billy offers to help Donna fix up the possibly haunted farmhouse she inherited from one of her patients. Between their dating lessons, role play sessions, and as the spooky and romantic mystery unfolds, Donna struggles to figure out what is real, what is play, and if Billy always has handcuffs on him. (SPOILER: HE DOES) Kayley and Connor always nail that balance of heart and heat, making this a must-read for anyone looking for a fun, flirty Halloween escape.
Profile Image for Chrissy HappilyEverAfterBookshelf.
244 reviews39 followers
October 5, 2024
I absolutely love this series so much. It is filled with holiday fun, so many laughs, witty chapter titles, super sweet moments and plenty of fabulous spice!! I’ve been eagerly awaiting Billy’s story and it did not disappoint! Billy and his neighbor Donna have a long time no strings, sexual relationship that is all fun and games. When Donna asks Billy to help her fix up a house that she has inherited and thinks is haunted in exchange for helping Billy learn to date, the lines are blurred and they soon realize there is so much more to them than all fun.

This is the perfect romance for Halloween!! It’s got a spooky house, possible ghosts, an Ouija board, autumn in Boston and the swooniest love story in Billy and Donna. One thing Kayley and Connor do great is bring so much heart to an already fun story. And I loved getting to the heart of Billy. I adore him so much!!

🎧I read this last week and then listened to the audio first thing this morning at release. The audio for this series is what sets it apart from other series. Mackenzie is great as Donna and my favorite character in all the books, Piper. She is witty, sexy and her comedic timing is spot on. And Connor in this series can do no wrong. His Boston accent, Irish accent, German accent..my goodness. He does it all. He sings, his dirty talk, his humor..I think these roles are my very favorite thing that Connor does. If you are looking for an audiobook series that is just pure fun with lots of laughs and spice don’t sleep on this one!!
154 reviews12 followers
October 5, 2024
Billy Boston is a banger!

I loved this so much, I can’t even tell you. Billy is a character I have loved from book one and he did not disappoint! Kayco did a fantastic job bringing his story to life! Donna is his perfect match. I laughed so hard so many times! This was everything I wanted and more.

Billy is that obnoxious guy that you go out drinking with and assume he’s just a good time. He has been a wonderful source of comedic relief in the other books in this series. But there is so much more to this character than you first assume. He had me rooting for him so hard. He has such a big heart and I loved his HEA.

The banter is fantastic! Donna gives it right back to Billy and it’s hilarious! And the banter between the cousins is top notch!

The narration was perfection! Mack and Connor nailed every single accent. Their acting choices were spot on. You know a book is good when you are cackling in public without a care in the world what people think of you because you are sucked in to the point that it consumes you. I don’t care if I am laughing too loud and you are staring, it’s Billy! What else am I supposed to do? Have I been speaking with a Boston accent all day? Yes, cocksuckah, I have. Wanna fight about it?
Profile Image for Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea).
833 reviews58 followers
October 5, 2024
My friends, 𝙺𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚎𝚢 𝙻𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 & 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚛 𝙲𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚜 have done it once again! They brought us another fun, quick holiday story just in time for spooky season! And, let me tell you. It's one you'll want to grab up today! Billy Boston finally gets his story!!!

Billy quickly became a new favorite book boyfriend for me! I love his cockiness. He was so fun! And his nurse neighbor Donna is just as sassy and fun as he is. They have a no strings attached agreement and it's so fun watching them together!

The chemistry between Billy and Donna is undeniable. When Billy offers an "I know a guy" offer to help Donna fix up her farmhouse, the fun really begins. From spooky, ghostly happenings to role playing and handcuffs, this story is perfectly chiseled by the hands of two of my favorite author collabs! I couldn't get enough!

This is the perfect spooky romcom to read this Halloween season. From start to finish you'll find yourself chuckling, fanning yourself and wanting to be right in the center of the fun between Billy & Donna.

If you've never read a 𝙺𝚊𝚢𝚕𝚎𝚢/𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚛 collaboration story, grab this one. You'll fall head over heels for these quirky, fun characters and the banter and spice between them! Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,068 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2024
Oh Billy Boston, you were worth the wait! “A Very No Strings Halloween� is a flirty, steamy and laugh out loud rom-com that I have been waiting for and I loved every chapter!

Billy is always down for a good time, 24/7. He’s the life of the party and will always be the first to help someone who needs it. But when his cousins make a bet he can’t find a serious girlfriend by November, he knows who to turn to for help. Donna is his next door neighbor and his no strings attached hook up. Donna works hard as a nurse and relaxes with Billy whenever she can. So the two strike a deal. Donna will help him with his dating techniques and Billy will help her fix up a house she’s inherited. But as they work on their projects, lines start to blur between fake and real.

From the first chapter and throughout the whole story, I was smiling and loving Billy so much. He was always so much fun in the previous books and I’m glad he got his story. That man loves his family and will do anything for them without hesitation. He’s the carefree cousin who won a lot of money but is using it the correct way for his business and his future. Donna was amazing too, I loved her career choice and how she was unapologetic on wanting a no strings relationship. Her heart is as big as Billy’s and I loved how they were with each other. The chemistry and connection they had was undeniable and only got hotter as the story went on. The two weren’t afraid to have some fun in the bedroom. The story had me laughing out loud so many times and then swooning the next. And our girl, Piper, makes an appearance and the story wouldn’t have been the same without her. This book was great and I can’t wait to listen to it when the audiobook comes out.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,049 reviews44 followers
October 9, 2024
3.0 stars. Cute read. Love Billy Boston's antics, especially with Nolan and Declan.
Profile Image for Bianca.
37 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2024
Connor and Kayley- a duo to be reconned with. But this one- was my absolute fav out of the series!
Profile Image for Jessi.
661 reviews18 followers
October 2, 2024
This was a delightfully fun read with the one and only Billy Boston, the firecracker he falls for, and a haunted house!

There's so much more to Billy than just the fun loving, crazy bringing, love of the party bachelor. He has an amazing heart and truly loves his family. Donna is so perfect for him! She doesn't try to change him, she loves every part of him. They role play (sexy) and have a no strings agreement but that changes as they get to know one another. Their story is of course hilarious but also so sweet. I really liked the haunted house aspect too! Loved it!

ARC review.
Profile Image for Sherri.
76 reviews4 followers
October 10, 2024
This book was very hard to read. It’s supposed to be a Rom-Com, but I didn’t find it that funny.

The beginning is very hard to follow. It felt as if the author dropped you in the middle of a book instead of building the scene. Then there is a weird couple of chapters in the middle - diary entries from a secondary character.

I finished it, but came close to giving up. I will say the latter half of the book is so much better than the first half.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
2,990 reviews59 followers
December 22, 2024
Nothing will put you in the Halloween spirit quite like inheriting a haunted house from a deceased patient. That is the situation Donna finds herself in. And the only person she can think of that may bring some levity to this spooky situation is the one and only Billy Boston. Billy, with his crazy shenanigans and devil may care attitude, is the best thing that Donna didn’t realize she needed in her life.
1,267 reviews
November 29, 2024
This was a steamy fun read that I enjoyed and had me smiling the entire time. I really enjoyed the banter, witty dialogue and humor throughout this book and of course the sexy times between Billy and Donna. Loved seeing Piper and can’t wait to read her story next.
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,907 reviews2,056 followers
October 4, 2024
description

Well, we dropped everything when we saw Billy -big bollox- Boston shoot onto our Kindles! Because you know, it’s �BILLY!!! We’ve been addicted to this resourceful, fun-loving, kind, and crazy-arsed lovable rogue since day one of meeting him. If you’re in as much love with this series as we are, you’ll know what we mean, and you probably agree.

“Here I thought you were a wiseass, but you are, in fact, a wise soul. With a good heart.�

The first book in the Very Holiday series will ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts. You never forget your first love, right?! Declan & Maddie are like family after the number of times we’ve revisited their story in A Very Bossy Christmas. Well, it looks like Billy and Donna just gave them a run for their money, because we loved their story just as much.

A Very No Strings Halloween is stuffed full of all the trick and treats we crave; the hilarious banter we’ve come to love, on-point situational comedy, and heat…oh the sexual chemistry between Billy and Donna was off the charts, but in an almost self-deprecating way. Because no strings, right?!

It wasn’t just hot flirty fun though; it had real depth and emotion too. And before any doubters ask, yes, this is entirely possible because Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have the perfect formula in this story. We all love our spicy romantic comedies, but we love them even better when the characters ‘find� themselves -amongst the role plays in this case- on the road to love and happiness.

’I need to get back to being Billy. Billy is fun. He’s a party. He’s not a guy you date. And certainly not a guy you marry.�

There's family cameos galore -we missed you Declan!- and a couple of special treats from the infamous Piper. Oh, and an otherworldly storyline running through it, which brought some epic scenes, one that involved a Ouija board, a body possession, and a bemused and laidback Billy who just goes with the flow. Honestly, this man! We were crying laughing.

”Oh my God. You thought I did all that for a scene?�

“Donna, we could put on a Broadway show with all the costumes we’ve collected over the past couple of years. What’s a bag of salt?�


Oh Billy, you wonderful, wonderful man. We love him SO much! And Billy, well he loves with his entire heart! We want to party with him and experience one of those nights where anything can happen because Billy ‘knows a guy.� But we also want to put Billy in our pocket and bring him out for funsies. Billy deserved someone as special and incredible as Donna. Donna kicked arse and it could only ever be Donna for our Billy.

”I think Donna and I might be pretending not to be in love with each other.�

Is it too early to re-read already?

Come and say hi, at:
description





Profile Image for Kim Nicole.
606 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
It’s been a while since I’ve been in this world but one introduction brought most of it back. I remember loving this family and their antics. Plus, the Irish influence is amazing. Who I don’t remember is Donna, and she is the heroine in this book. I can’t forget Billy Boston, he’s definitely a character. I just forgot how Bostonian they made him. With this in mind, I thought I would love this book as I have with the others before it but either my taste changed or there was something missing. I spent the majority of the book just getting by in the story, not really feeling it but not completely turned off from it either so I settled for a 3.5 but will round off to a 4. There were parts of this that was creative and really well written. The authors took the Halloween theme seriously and they definitely delivered with that aspect. Unfortunately, I feel like I missed out on a crucial part in previous books where Billy meets Donna because this book just jumped into their arrangement. I have no idea how they met, what made them decide to do this no strings relationship and what their first impressions were of each other. I feel like this is a whole other part of the book that’s missing and it was hard to follow which is why I wanted to give this a 3-3.5. It took me a while to get on board with Billy and Donna just because I didn’t know how they started. The book opens as if we should already know who Donna is but I needed a refresher, or even a flashback. This would have helped immensely and set the stage for how I would understand this book and go through it. I would have enjoyed it more too. Regardless, I liked how the authors implemented Halloween and gave it somewhat of an excitement or thriller aspect. Donna’s house is haunted, and instead of making it creepy haunted, it was more like, unfinished business haunted. The authors take their time with Donna and Billy, having them figure out what is causing the unexplained noises, flickering lights and slamming of doors with random singing involved. Plus, they used the weather to its potential with sending a message and the way they have Billy and Donna relate to the lost souls that can’t move on in death. I liked this aspect of the book very much and I thought this was creative. I’m just glad they didn’t make it darker or else I may not have been able to sleep. Yet, in between all this you get parts where Donna and Billy role play in the bedroom. While I’m not opposed to role playing, I didn’t like how that’s basically how Donna and Billy expressed themselves with each other, avoiding feelings and emotions. I wanted to read a real intimacy scene, something that makes me swoon and my heart flutter. A moment in time where Donna and Billy are one and just themselves, none of the bells and whistles of stereotypical porn scenes with extra cheesiness. I think adding this to their intimate scenes cheapened this book up a little. It felt like too much and didn’t have any substance. This is also a big part of why I wanted to put this book in the 3-3.5 range but the haunted storyline and the way it ended made up for that. I’m still a fan of these authors and will support them by reading their books if anything comes up that pulls my interest. This one just didn’t impress me like I thought it would.
Profile Image for Shanna Ferris.
499 reviews36 followers
December 10, 2024
🎧Audiobook review🎧



“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.�

� Witty chapter names
� Amazing Harry Potter references
� Friends with Benefits
� Spicy Role Playing
� Halloween fun
� Neighbors to Lovers
� Opposites attract

“Learning is an adventure. That’s the kind of fun I’m talking about. Learning what life can be. Learning who you are."

WHY DID I WAIT THIS LONG TO LISTEN TO THIS AUDIOBOOK? The Billy Boston hype is real! And now I understand why! This hilariously cocky, dirty-talking, fun-time man was so much fun to read about. I'm honestly blown away by the audiobook! But more importantly, I'm so in love with the way that Kayley and Connor brought together Donna and Billy's HEA!

“I think maybe you bring out the best in me, Red.�

I've read a few of Kayley and Connor's books that they have co-written together, and every time I read them, I'm so impressed. They're always so witty and never fail to have me laughing out loud. But this one takes the spot for my favorite of theirs. There was just something about Billy and Donna's relationship that stole my heart! What started as no-strings-attached fun with role-playing and fake dating inevitably turned into so much more! Especially as these two learned more and more about each other. Donna was equal parts sweet and feisty. There couldn't have been a better match for Billy! She truly did bring out the best in him!

"Oh, Donna. Poor Donna. Forced to wear panties and a tank top that’s now property of the Billy Boston Department of Erections."

As funny as this book was, it's the vulnerable moments that truly had me wanting more and more from these two! And getting to truly get to know Billy, not just fun-time Billy, but the Billy through Donna's eyes.

"I’ve been inside this woman so many times, but I never feel like I can get inside her head."

🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧
Duet Narration
Narrated by Connor Crais and Emma Wilder

This audiobook was so much more than your average audiobook. The performance that these two gave didn't just seem like I was listening. I felt like I was watching a movie! Between Kayley and Connor's writing and Connor and Emma's performance, it really felt like so much more. There is so much talent packed into this book! Connor blew me away with his many accents and ability to bounce from one accent to another. It didn't feel like only one person was narrating these moments; it felt like different people! His accent for Billy was perfect! And now I understand why everyone is hyping so hard about it. Bravo!! Truly! Emma played Donna, but we also got a chapter in Piper's POV that she absolutely nailed! Emma brought Donna to life so well! Not just Donna's sweet side, but also her bratty side! Donna, the prisoner, had me cracking up! 👏 I seriously could go on and on about this audiobook. And if you haven't listened to it and you're a fan of Kayley, Connor, or Emma's, then you absolutely are missing out and should dive in! Because you won't regret it! Plus that's wicked uncool of you if you haven't! 😉

Profile Image for Val.
671 reviews8 followers
December 11, 2024
What can I say about this particular love story?!!! Billy Boston has always been a mysterious figure in the series, and finally getting to know him even more into his story was truly captivating. While his friends and cousins have settled down, Billy's bachelor lifestyle takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself drawn to his neighbor, Donna.

A hospice nurse, Donna, had a lovely friendship with one of her patients and managed to inherit from a patient, a house. Well, this house however is quite haunted, which adds an intriguing element to the story. The dynamic between Billy and Donna as they fix up the house and engage in role play is both entertaining and heartwarming.

Connor Crais did an exceptional job in portraying Billy's character through his audio performance. His ability to capture the essence of Billy - his genuine nature and understated charm - truly brought the character to life. In a society where authenticity is often overshadowed by self-promotion, Connor's portrayal of Billy stands out as a refreshing and endearing depiction of human connection. Billy's ability to relate to individuals from all backgrounds without pretense is a testament to the depth of his character, and Connor's portrayal beautifully encapsulates this aspect of Billy's persona.

The audio recording of Emma Wilder as Donna truly encapsulates her character, portraying her as an incredibly fun, friendly, and curious cat. Donna stands out as my favorite character in all the books, alongside Piper, who exudes wit, charm, and impeccable comedic timing. Their dynamic personalities add depth and entertainment to the stories, making them truly unforgettable.

Donna's new home is absolutely captivating with its eerie, ghostly vibes! The mystery surrounding why the spirits are reaching out to Donna and Billy is truly enthralling. It's got me hooked, and I'm usually not one to easily believe in the supernatural, especially when it comes to ghosts. Are they seeking revenge, or could there be friendly spirits like Casper in the mix? As a reader or audiobook listener, you're in for a wild ride alongside Donna and Billy. Buckle up, because it seems like this adventure is going to be one for the books!
90 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2024
I love a great surprise, and Billy Boston is just that! It turns out that the ultimate mischief maker is a charming, wise soul with a good heart who’s always around when you need him. He also just happens to love life and live it to the fullest, which may lead to adventures that no one can ever fully remember the next day � or for years to come. I was beyond excited for Billy’s story because he has been the side character in any recent books (not just the Very Holiday series) that I was most looking forward to having their own story. (Count Piper in that description too!!) He was always so colorful, and I had a feeling he would be full of the best surprises.

While he has always been a Grade A adventurer, Billy wants to become a Grade A boyfriend in order to win a bet with his Very Holiday cousins. He turns to Donna, the gorgeous redhead next door, for help since they already have a no-strings arrangement going. In return for her dating lessons, he helps renovate the old house that she inherited. Their super steamy role-play is as hot as their haunted house encounters are spooky. The lines between pretending soon start to blur, and their feelings can’t be denied. I honestly didn’t expect Billy to be this thoughtful and sweet man who could love so deeply. Donna is the perfect woman for our boy with the great Boston accent. She’s fun, funny, bright and beautiful � and she thoroughly captures Billy’s heart.

This story completely captured my heart too. It was impossible to resist Billy’s charms because he quickly became more than the sum of his legendary stories. Speaking of legendary, it was so much fun to have Declan, Eddie and Nolan along for the ride. I was counting on seeing them again and was so excited when they showed up on page one � and with an Irish blessing, no less. Piper and Ma Cannavale show up too, and I couldn’t love them more! This book is filled with the trademark humor, heart and wonderful storytelling that these authors give us every single time. Not to worry, there is some serious steam too! They give us all that you could want in a romcom, and more (case in point � the cleverest chapter titles ever).
Profile Image for LuvStoryAddicts- Ash & Em.
77 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2024
“I love you so friggin� much, Donna Fischer. I’m so crazy in love with you, and I don’t want anyone else. Just you. Only ever you.� - Billy Boston


Y’all! It’s finally Octobah 4th! We fell wicked “hahd� for Billy Boston in this fun rom-com that definitely got us into the Halloween spirit with its spooky, paranormal vibe.
Billy Boston has always been known as the guy to do all the crazy things and drag his family and friends into his shenanigans. Unfortunately for Billy, they all still see him that way, even though our lovable guy has grown up a lot. A bet with his Irish and Manhattan cousins says he can’t have a serious girlfriend by November. Who better to teach him to date than the hot redhead next door he can’t stop thinking about?

As neighbors, Donna and Billy build a relationship based on fun, spontaneity and most importantly, no strings. And holy hot role playing! 🔥 Will fixing up the creaky old house that Donna inherited bring them together and help them realize that they are more than just one another’s good time?

A few things we absolutely loved were:

-The Boston Tomcats mentions. Hey Hannah! Go Tommies! 🏈

-All our favorite Very Holiday couples and relatives make an appearance

-a long-ago love story that ended too soon, but seems to mirror Billy & Donna in the present

-Piper’s cameo…and her amazing fan fiction!

We were dying “ovah heah� for the audio, so we started listening immediately! The first chapter alone showcases Connor’s incredible talent and man, all of the accents. Such deliciousness!

A Very No Strings Halloween is the 5th book in the Very Holiday series. As always, we recommend that you start at the beginning. Piper’s book is up next and is the highly anticipated finale of the Very Holiday series. Piper has been a highlight and our favorite character throughout the books, so we cannot wait to see who she falls for. One thing we know for sure is that he will have a cute butt! 😉🍑

luvstoryaddicts out 🎤

PS - Don't miss the "Thriller" of an Epilogue!!

PPS - @andrew.biernat is the PERFECT
Billy Boston. Couldn't picture anyone else as this lovable, goofy guy!
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,216 reviews153 followers
October 7, 2024
As soon as I found out that we were getting more from the Very Holiday world I couldn't wait! I immediately started looking forward to this fifth installment. It always makes me happy whenever I get to dive back into another one of this duo's books. I picked it up and back to the Very Holiday world I went! I really enjoyed this story so much!

Billy and Donna's journey pulled me in right from the get go! These two are neighbors and are in a no strings arrangement with role playing. A bet from Billy's family shakes things up for him and Donna. Billy is going to help fix up Donna's house and Donna is going to help Billy dating wise. Could it lead them to the realest treat of all, Their hearts?

Billy and Donna both drew me right into their story! I so enjoyed the fact that they were neighbors. had fun arrangement between them, and the different way they were brought closer together. I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold for Donna and Billy with the house, dating help, their arrangement / role playing, and their feelings for one another.

I was so glad I got to dig deeper with Billy and Donna as well! These two kept me grinning and glued to my kindle, waiting to see what all was going to happen next. Donna and Billy had me feeling so much with them throughout! These two had such undeniable and blushworthy chemistry! I loved getting to see them help each other out and the sides they brought out in one another. Billy and Donna were fantastic together!

I was so glad to be back in the Very Holiday world! I so enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story. I could picture this story so clearly in my mind while reading. Also, Halloween is my absolute favorite and I adored what Donna's house brought to the story!

With A Very No Strings Halloween, Ms.Loring and Mr.Crais have created an original and entertaining read that brought priceless moments, steam, Halloween goodness, and feels! This duo always brings such joy to my day with their books and did they ever with Billy and Donna's story! I can't wait to read what these two are bringing our way next! Be sure to check this book out during October! 🧡🎃🍂👻


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the authors*
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