Never Underestimate the Power of Yule.

Bianca Monroe has a plan: this Yule will be special. It has to be.

With her mother gone and her father consumed by his responsibilities as High Priest, Bianca is determined to bring a little yule magic into their lives. All she needs is a perfect celebration, a few cherished traditions, and . . . perhaps a miracle.

What she doesn't need is Merrick making everything more complicated.

Especially when his infuriating teasing, unexpected kindness, and inconveniently handsome smile keep distracting her from the task at hand.

But as Yule approaches and Bianca's carefully laid plans begin to unravel, Merrick might be the one person who understands what she really needs.

Return to the magical world of Alkarra for a cozy, romantic Yule short story featuring Bianca and Merrick in the early days of their relationship.

Filled with winter magic, playful banter, cherished traditions, and a little holiday romance, First Yule is a heartwarming addition to the Network Series.

Perfect For Readers Who Love

• YA fantasy companion novellas
• Clean fantasy with no spice
• The Network Series
• Miss Mabel’s School for Girls
• Bianca and Merrick romance
• Magical forests and wild places
• Sweet and sweet romance
• Alkarra history and worldbuilding
• Witch fantasy
• Emotional fantasy
• Standalone fantasy stories

Format Options

This product is available in multiple formats, depending on the edition selected:

• Ebook
• Audiobook

Please choose your preferred format before checkout.

Series Placement

Hazel is a standalone companion novella in the world of The Network Series.

It can be read on its own, but readers of Miss Mabel’s School for Girls and The Network Series will especially enjoy the deeper context behind Hazel Monroe, Miss Mabel, May, Chatham Castle, and the moment that shaped Bianca Monroe’s story.

The Short Stories

The Short Stories are standalone companion stories set throughout the world of Alkarra. They take place across different points in the timeline and can be read independently, depending on the book.

FAQ

Is Hazel part of The Network Series?

Yes. Hazel is a standalone companion novella in the world of The Network Series by Katie Cross.

When should I read Hazel?

Hazel can be read as a standalone companion story, but readers who already know Miss Mabel’s School for Girls will get the strongest emotional payoff from its connection to Bianca Monroe’s story.

Is Hazel connected to Miss Mabel’s School for Girls?

Yes. Hazel reveals the exact moment that helped launch the beloved story of Bianca Monroe and connects directly to Miss Mabel, May, Chatham Castle, and the deeper history behind The Network Series.

Is Hazel appropriate for young adult readers?

Yes. Hazel is clean YA fantasy written for young adult readers and adult readers who enjoy witches, magical forests, Resistance stories, character backstories, and no-spice fantasy.

Does Hazel have romance?

Hazel is primarily focused on Hazel Monroe, her dream of becoming a gardener, the Resistance, Chatham Castle, Miss Mabel, May, and the events that shape Bianca Monroe’s future. It is clean YA fantasy with emotional stakes and no spice.

Is there spice?

No. Hazel is clean YA fantasy with no spice.

What tropes are in Hazel?

This novella includes magical forest, Resistance danger, hidden motives, family legacy, character backstory, Alkarra history, companion novella, found family, emotional fantasy, witch fantasy, standalone fantasy, and deeper Network Series worldbuilding.

What formats are available?

Depending on the edition selected, Hazel may be available as an ebook, audiobook, or paperback.