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Klaus Brothers #1

Sweet Inspiration

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Nicholas Klaus is a master pastry chef, a strict disciplinarian, and the eldest son of the legendary Santa Claus. One look at café owner Lucy Brewster sends him into an unexpected tailspin of lusty desires. When Lucy is injured, Nicholas makes a decision that catapults both of their lives into turmoil ....

Lucy Brewster, the free-spirited proprietor of Sweet Inspiration, has a flair for concocting sugary confections but no time for adventure. She gets more than she bargained for when she awakens in the North Pole...rambunctious elves, a fitness-obsessed Santa, and the man of her dreams. Does she have what it takes to become the next Mrs. Klaus?

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2009

16 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read

About the author

Penny Watson

12 books510 followers
PENNY WATSON is a dachshund-lover, botanist, and award-winning author of quirky fiction. Titles include THE KLAUS BROTHERS SERIES, LUMBERJACK IN LOVE, APPLES SHOULD BE RED (finalist for the CoRWA Award of Excellence), and A TASTE OF HEAVEN (winner of 2016 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award).

She lives in Rhode Island with her Filipino-American family.

See updates at www.pennyromance.com.


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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,034 reviews25.3k followers
December 19, 2015
RATING 4.5 STARS

Penny Watson:

Sweet Inspiration is book one in the Klaus Brothers series by Penny Watson. I have only read one of Penny’s books previous to this, Apples Should Be Red, and I loved it, so I went in to this one pretty sure I would love it as well and I really did. This is such a sweet Christmas tale with an adult twist as we get to know the oldest of Santa Claus’s sons.

 photo Chasing Multicolored Christmas Lights GIF_zpsqps8xrfq.gif

Nicholas Sebastian Klaus is the oldest of the five sons of St. Nick. Nicholas has taken a vacation and is in Eston, New York where he found a little bakery, Sweet Inspiration, where they have the best sugar cookies he has ever tasted. And once he saw the owner of the shop and the baker of these scrumptious cookies, he was smitten. After two weeks, though, it’s almost time to go home and he still hasn’t spoken to her. He wants to find out what her secret ingredient is for the cookies but more than that, he wants to see if she tastes as good as the cookies she bakes.

North Pole:

Nicholas is a baker and works in his own shop in the village at the North Pole. He loves what he does but as the oldest son of St. Nick, he is expected to transition into his father’s role when his father is ready to retire. He can’t imagine not being able to work in his kitchen, but it’s his legacy, his responsibility, to be the future Santa.

Christmas:

Lucy Anne Brewster is living her dream owning her own shop. But with her parents gone and no siblings, she wished she had someone to share it with. When her assistant unexpectedly has to take time off during her busiest time of year, and the oh so sexy Nicholas steps in to help her out, she is at first hesitant, but is quickly bewitched by this handsome giant of a man. Maybe this Christmas won’t be so lonely.

When circumstances arise that force Nick to take Lucy to his home at the North Pole, he has to reveal who he really is and who his father is. But Lucy is a hit and is quickly adored by the elves and by his family. But by bringing her here, Nick broke one of the most important rules of the village, never bring a human to their village without prior authorization and divulge their secrets.

affection

This was such an adorable and also sexy story as we met the first of the Klaus brothers. Lucy was so sweet and I loved the influence she had on Nicholas. This book was so much fun and I loved meeting the other brothers. I can’t wait to start the second book in this series, Sweet Magik, where we will meet the youngest of the sons, Oskar. This book was a perfect addition to my Christmas reading this year!

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Profile Image for Kathleen.
691 reviews89 followers
January 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was a magical Christmas read that I will never forget.
Profile Image for Pam.
1,093 reviews1,071 followers
December 25, 2014
3.5 magical stars
“Ich liebe dich von ganzem Herzen. I love you with all my heart.”



Sweet Inspiration is a sweet sexy tale of the eldest son of Santa Claus and how Lucy's sweet treats and unique style drew him in changing the course of his path forever. Nicholas is a Master Baker and Lucy's delectable sugar cookies fired up his tastebuds as well as his lusty desires. Lucy and Nicholas are both dedicated to their work, putting everything into their business. While Lucy is happy with where she is today, she longs to be held in someone's arms. Nicholas knows his fate from day one, the eldest of the brothers is set to take on the family tradition when the time comes, and while he knows it's his duty his heart is in his culinary creations. When Nicholas pampers and takes care of Lucy's every need she opens his eyes in loosening up and going with the flow...



But is this a fantasy come to life and not meant to be, his destiny is bigger than them and who are they to stand in the way of family tradition. While Nicholas isn't willing to let go, he may not have a choice...
“So tell me, did I find the secret recipe to make you stay? What will it take, my sweet?” He nuzzled the side of her neck. “Take a chance on us. I’m offering you a life of passion and adventure. Don’t throw it away.”

Sweet Inspiration was a sweet holiday treat, you kind of have to move your mind past the fact that this is Santa's son to be able to enjoy it. Everything we know Santa and the elves to be is somewhat challenged in this having us accept another version of a tale we all know so well. It was as magical as I expected and hotter than I imagined (not that I am complaining). A fine holiday treat, there are more brothers to read through and I can't wait to see which lady will bag the elusive Klaus brothers; they like their women feisty and able to handle a house full of men.
Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,760 followers
January 10, 2015
4 'he can kiss all my freckles' stars!

This is such a fun, romantic, steamy take on the legend of Santa Claus and Christmas, and anyone looking for a feel good holiday read need look no further.

Blurb...

What if the legend of Santa Claus is in fact, true? What if Santa has five big strapping sons who help him run his empire? Five single, sexy sons looking for romance... Nicholas Klaus is a master pastry chef, a strict disciplinarian, and the eldest son of the legendary Santa Claus. One look at café owner Lucy Brewster sends him into an unexpected tailspin of lusty desires. When Lucy is injured, Nicholas makes a decision that catapults both of their lives into turmoil. Lucy Brewster, the free-spirited proprietor of Sweet Inspiration, has a flair for concocting sugary confections but no time for adventure. She gets more than she bargained for when she awakens in the North Pole...rambunctious elves, a fitness-obsessed Santa, and the man of her dreams. Does she have what it takes to become the next Mrs. Klaus?

I soooo can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for ♡Karlyn P♡.
604 reviews1,282 followers
December 19, 2010
A great romantic holiday fantasy story! This is a magic filled make believe tale of destined lovers getting a little help by Santa's elves. A great combination of both naughty and nice made for an enjoyable holiday read. Can't wait for the rest of the brothers to get their own books, cause I want to party some more with the naughty elves at Dags bar!
Profile Image for K..
96 reviews16 followers
January 9, 2010
3.5+*- "Sweet Inspiration" by Penny Watson - Very good showing for a first book. :)

This was a pretty cute Christmas story with a twist on the whole life and legend of Santa Claus. Nicholas Klaus is the oldest son of . . . yup - Santa and Mrs. Klaus. As the oldest of five sons, Nicholas is set to take over the job of Santa upon his retirement. Only problem is, he's more keen on running the fabulous "Glasdorf" (a/k/a North Pole) bakery (more like a factory than a small town shop) than becoming the world's next Santa. While out scouting for the best cookie recipes, he meets and falls head over heels for the owner of the Sweet Inspiration Cafe, Lucy Brewster. Their meeting is everything they've both dreamed of until an unexpected life threatening accident takes them both by surprise, and Nicholas is forced to make some tough choices to save the woman he loves. By spiriting Lucy away to Glasdorf and insisting the head of the Elf Council use elfen magic to save Lucy's life, Nicholas has broken numerous laws. Although nothing would make him apologize for his actions, he'll soon face the entire Elf Council, and as the heir to Santa, the future of Glasdorf's continuation and well-being is at stake.

This was a good attempt for this author's firt book. It contained a lot of imagination and heart, although the execution could use some polish and a bit less predictability.

THE VERY LIKEABLE STUFF: I felt Lucy and Nicholas' chemistry strongly by just short of the halfway mark. This might sound like a negative, but it's actually a real positive because many writers fail to bring any real emotional chemistry to their lovers at all. Being able to find that spark and set up that connection for the reader is probably the most important aspect of a love story, afterall. I really believed these two were in love by story end.

I also thought the author did a great job of setting the scene, especially in Glasdorf, which was supposed to be a magical town. It certainly was. Everything from Nicholas bakery factory to the town bar was vivid in my mind, and unique to what most of us would imagine the magical North Pole to be like.

Whew - Penny writes a nice, steamy love scene! Her sexy scenarios were right up my alley - sweet without the too-kinky "ick" factor," but graphic enough to get the temperature rising, and peppered throughout. The elfen magical elements added a nice, imaginative touch to the rising events as well! ;) Reminded me a little bit of making love while the "Illuminations" display at Epcot is going on around one! LOL!

WHAT COULD USE SOME WORK: I like a bit slower balance of when the characters commit to each other outwardly. Although I enjoy the "thoughts" they may have of having "love at first sight" in a story, I don't want the characters demonstrating that too quickly - it takes all the mystery and tension out of the love aspects too quickly. Big declarations or quickly succombing to falling in bed comes off phoney and too clingy for my taste. Love the internal pining, just don't like them waxing poetic immediately on how in love they are and jumping into bed immediately. By that I mean the first couple of weeks, and it's all too often the reader remembers, "Hey, why do these two seem so deep when they've only known each other for two days?!?" There just wasn't enough background for the reader, in my opinion, to feel comfortable with how quickly these two hopped in the sack!

Like a many first books, there's a lot to be worked on in connecting the story in a smoother story arc, and polishing of the writing itself. It started out pretty choppy, and the nature of the story all around could send the reader off on sugary-sweet overload. Striking a balance in this type of story is pretty difficult. I could tell by midway through the book that the author's skills were improving, and she was finding her stride with the story, as the beginning of the story is pretty "blocky" in story flow and feel. Fortunately, it got tighter and more succinct by the halfway mark.

Neither a negative nor a positive necessarily, but I can't help adding that Nicholas and his five brothers had a bit of "BDB" spark to them in their interaction on a couple of occasions. One scene around the pool table in particular popped the BDB into my mind immediately . . . then I remembered that I think Penny is a big Ward fan. Not implying anything in any way but a "tribute" feel here, but I sure "felt" it for a moment. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought! ;)

I'll admit that even though the ending was pretty predictable in story plot, if not setting, it still got me a little teary eyed when our H/h found their way back to one another. Nice final love scene and didn't wrap the story up too quickly -- we got a bit more lovin' to satisfy the need for reassurance of the HEA, and it even felt well-placed, not just thrown in. Always important for me.

Overall, I give this story a thumbs up, and will read the next installment of her series. If it's out . . . probably at Christmas time next year. Without a doubt this story evokes the Christmas mood and spirit.
K.






Profile Image for Katie(babs).
1,867 reviews530 followers
December 18, 2010
Penny Watson’s Sweet Inspiration is chock full of Christmas cheer. This is an adorable, sexy story that should be wrapped in a big red bow and given to any reader as a present. Penny takes the Santa Claus myth and gives is a nice sexy twist where Santa is jolly, but not with a belly that looks like it’s filled with jelly. Nick Sr. has five strapping sons who would make any woman swoon. The first in what looks to be an annual holiday series showcases Santa’s eldest son, Nicholas, last name Klaus, who loves to bake. Poor Nick Jr. is expected to take over to role of Santa, one he doesn’t want since he feels his calling is making sweet treats for children and adults alike.

Nick is taking some time off before he returns to the North Pole, better known as Glasdorf. While in the “charming little town of Easton, New York”, a woman catches his eye. Lucy Anne Brewster owns a bakery/cafe in Easton called Sweet Inspirations, and the moment he tastes this freckled, blushing redhead’s sugar cookies, Nick is lost. He wouldn’t mind tasting Lucy (you know I just had to throw that in there) and plans to seduce the adorable baker. Nick isn’t too thrilled with his attraction to Lucy. He’s the type who sees most things cut and dry, and doesn’t like surprises. But Lucy has gotten under his skin and he must fix this before his lust becomes too hard to control.

Lucy has noticed the huge, towering bearded aloof Nick. Oh, and he wears wire-rimmed glasses as well. At first she thinks he may be a food critic from the way he analyzes everything he buys and eats from her. Finally they talk, and Nick decides to go out of his way to help Lucy after her Goth wearing assistant, who loves to listen to Celine Dion, ups and leaves her to and elope with her boyfriend. With Lucy in a bind from all her holiday orders, Nick and her team up to bake together. That’s when the sparkles really fly between the two. After a night of baking, and where Nick makes her a romantic dinner, they engage in some TLC. This is where we find out how much of a giver Nick is. Lucy can’t get enough of his beard… mouth… hands.

Nick is full blown in awe of Lucy, and he comes to the conclusion that he never wants to let her go. And then an unspeakable tragedy occurs where Lucy will be introduced to the top secret world where Santa and his elves are a reality. Now Nick has to figure out a way to keep Lucy with him in Glasdorf, and find a way for someone else to take over the Santa Claus role because his heart and soul is in baking.

Sweet Inspiration is a delightful read, and one of the best holiday romances in my recent memory. Penny sure can write steamy love scenes with Nicholas and Lucy. Both are complete opposites, except for baking. Through their love of cooking and eating, these two come to the conclusion they are each other’s soul mates. Lucy has so much love to give since she has no family. Nick gives her the best present ever by taking her back to his home and welcoming her into a world where everyone is always happy and very accepting of anyone.

I also enjoyed Penny’s elfin vocabulary such as the word- Sudlanders, to denote the people not born in Glasdorf, and Sundwelt for the outside realm. The story really shines when Lucy meets Nickolas’s family and elfin community. The elves will give you a good laugh, including Nick’s brothers who are all very different with their unique personalities. Watching Lucy sneak into the hearts of the elves, and the way they admire her in return, brings out the true meaning of Christmas. The way the stoic and straight-laced Nick falls hard for Lucy makes for even better reading. These two really steam things up, and I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed with Penny’s writing skills in regards to what goes on in the bedroom (and on a sled) between these two.

Sweet Inspiration exceeded my expectations. It gave me the warm fuzzies. You can’t go wrong with a dark, semi-brooding bearded baking hero and his sugary sweet pixie heroine who has enough love and cheer for everyone she comes in contact with.

Looking for a holiday romance that will leave you with a big smile on your face and have you salivating for gingerbread and sugar cookies? Sweet Inspiration is one I heartily recommend in slaking your appetite.
Profile Image for Patricia.
110 reviews
December 18, 2025

This was definitely a different read. I mean that in a good way. It's a Christmas romance so it's got a little of the cutesy, cheesy stuff. What blew me away was this whole world this author creates. The North Pole, the elves, Santa, the body builder, Mrs Klaus, the boho chick. The brothers and the roles everyone plays to keep this whole production/corporation running smoothly. Yeah, I was impressed. Of course there's magic throw in. I wouldn't recommend this for everyone but, if you don't mind a quirky Christmas read this one was good.
Profile Image for Maria.
717 reviews38 followers
January 1, 2021
There is much to love here. Fantastic world building. Elves with attitude. A health conscious Santa. Sugar cookies galore. Five brothers with distinct personalities. Hot sex. Tears of joy. 🙄

A very, very sweet love story. Be forewarned, the love blossoms as fast as Santa's deliveries on Christmas Eve. Eye rolling fast.

Whoosh! What a sugar rush! Can we bring it down a notch or two in future installments? Wishful thinking? We'll see.
🍭🍪🍬🍫🧁🍰🍦
Profile Image for ALPHAreader.
1,271 reviews
December 19, 2010
‘Sweet Inspiration’ is the first e-book in a Christmas romance series from Penny Watson. The series is contemporary romance and based around the sons of St. Nicholas. . . Santa! There are five sons in the rambunctious Klaus family, and ‘Inspiration’ is the story of Nicholas Klaus, Jr.

Nicholas is the North Pole’s master baker – he runs a very efficient bakery called Klaus Küche, with the help of his elfin employees. But Nicholas is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and don the red-suit. As the eldest of the Klaus boys, it’s up to Nicholas to give his parents the retirement they deserve and take over the sleigh-handles. . .

But one day Nicholas is side-tracked by a cute little baker and her sugar cookies. Lucy Brewster owns the bakery Sweet Inspiration, and her cookies have caught the eye of Nicholas Jr. . . to the point that Nicholas is willing to risk the secret of Glasdorf (the North Pole) and jeopardize his Santa-suit.

I've got to hand it to Penny Watson; she has some seriously big baubles. It’s not easy making a sexy contemporary romance out of pop culture’s most un-sexy man. And let’s be honest, between the obesity, glaring red suit and ancient-age, Santa Claus really aint’ all that smokin. Of course, Watson isn’t writing about *the* Santa (who just so happens to be a marathon-runner with a six-pack!), she’s focused her series on the offspring of the fat man. But still, Christmas isn’t generally associated with ‘sexiness’ and I certainly wouldn’t have thought such steamy sex scenes could go down in the North Pole. Penny Watson has done the seemingly impossible and made Santa sexy.

Of course, Watson keeps some of her writing tongue-in-cheek. It’s expected when you subject matter’s catch-call is ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’:

“You understand that no one is supposed to know that Glasdorf exists. My brothers and I are very careful not to reveal its existence to anyone in the Sudenwelt.”
“I can understand that, but I thought you trusted me more than the average person.”
“I do. Eventually I would have gotten around to telling you, but we were just getting to know each other. I wasn’t going to screw up my chances with the most incredible woman I've ever met by telling her Santa is alive and well and living in the North Pole. And he’s my dad!”


Be warned, this is still a Christmas story. . . so it’s filled with the requisite mush and sugarplums – there are even freakin elves, for cryin out loud! The romance is very dramatic and a little bit rushed, heightened by the Christmas spirit to become something very gushy and sweet. But that’s okay. This is Christmas romance, after all.

I was impressed that Penny Watson committed and delivered on the Sexy-Claus promise of ‘Sweet Inspiration’. I tip my red-felt hat to her sexy Christmas tale, and look forward to more Klaus-brother antics in Christmas 2011.
Profile Image for kari.
861 reviews
February 1, 2010
In a word---delicious!
Okay, I really just had to say that and reading this made me hungry!!!
This first installment about Santa's five sexy bearded sons was a treat to read. I really will stop now with the edible words.
The relationship between Nicholas and Lucy takes off from the moment he rescues her gingerbread cookies and takes many turns along the way. Both characters are well-drawn and I hoped they would each get their happily ever after. I liked the twists on the legend of Santa Claus and his elves, their history, etc.
The interactions among the brothers and the elves as well were fun to read.
The German expressions added a lot to the story.
I don't want to give the plot away and ruin it for other readers, but if you like a happy romance with wonderful characters and descriptions so clear that you imagine you're there, pick this one up. It's Christmas and romance with swirling snowflakes and romance and touches of twinkling magic. You won't be disappointed.
Oh, one more thing. Anyone who's hesitating because this is the beginning of a series, don't worry. This book is a complete story, doesn't end on a cliffhanger or leave you feeling that you didn't get a whole story. Yes, you'll likely want to read the next one, but that will only be because you really enjoyed it and liked all the characters, not because you are dissatisfied with the ending. Dig in!(Sorry, had to get in one more food giggle)

Profile Image for Kate.
584 reviews18 followers
November 29, 2012
I don't usually give up on books, but this was just so awful. The writing was bad, the plot was bad, the characters were idiots... need I go on?

I can get over crappy writing if the store is good (Wicked, anyone?), but this only had an interesting summary going for it. I also don't like it when books will make a big reveal to the reader first (IE Santa/North Pole are real), and then make the main character play dumb for half the novel until they realize what is going on (Lucy). It is like, yeah, duh, those are elves, this is the North Pole, we got over it 100 pages ago.

I also didn't like how the author would name a food or desert, even a flavor, but then not describe it. I don't care that someone made green beans with some sort of dressing, tell me what it all looks like, describe how decadent it is, don't just rattle off a list of what was sitting on the damn table.

Lastly, Lucy and Nicolas were freaking idiots. If you meet someone named Nicolas Klaus who's family is in the toy business, your first reaction should be to point out the irony, and then Nick would probably also act a bit self-deprecating because it's a "coincidence" but not really. Then Lucy gets mad at Nicolas for not telling her that he is the real deal? They only had a relationship of two days, and she was unconscious for one of the two days! Ugh, that is where I gave up on this giant load of crap.

I can't believe a publisher actually picked this up, it's worse than bad fan fiction.
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,555 reviews274 followers
November 25, 2014
This was surprisingly good to me. I actually loved it. This is a nice spin on the Santa Clause and North pole legends. This story is about Nicholas, Santa's eldest son and his heir apparent. Only Nicholas isn't all that thrilled with becoming Santa. He is a master chef and loves to cook. He is also extremely disciplined with himself. And even though he's not looking forward to becoming Santa, he knows it is duty to do so. He meets Lucy when he goes to her shop in a small town in New York to try out her sugar cookies. They have some instant chemistry and the son of Santa is surprisingly naughty. That's enough details for now... Anyway, if you're in to mood for some holiday romance check this one out. Happy reading!!
Profile Image for Keri.
2,103 reviews121 followers
June 4, 2015
I guess every once in awhile you need to read a book that can induce cavities because it is just so darn stick-to-the-roof-of-your mouth sweet and that is this book for me. Nick Jr. is the son of the big man himself, Santa, Nick Sr. Nick Jr. is a master baker and currently dodging his duty to learn his role of becoming Santa. He has heard of a sugar cookies recipe that is to die for in a little town in New York. He finds himself facing the owner, a cute red-head with a big heart. He is convinced that she shall be his Mrs. Klaus. Now if he can get the pesky elves to cooperate. Oh did I mention he has four other yummy brothers? They are all pulling for Nick to get his HEA.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
November 2, 2015
I found this one to be an interesting take on the whole "Santa" mythology. I really liked that Lucy and Nick bonded over cooking, especially as their styles were so different. Each learned so much form the other.

Lucy's introduction to Nick's world was great! I liked seeing her wonder at this special place. It's just too bad that some bad apples ruined things for her causing her to run. I loved how Nick's family rallied around him so that he could have what he wanted most in life, Lucy and cooking.
Profile Image for Mrs. Missive.
284 reviews
December 27, 2012
Okay, this book is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays. This book is the definition of sweet. (Both in cookies and story) We are given a really cool look at the author's take on the "real" Mr. and Mrs. Klaus.

The eldest Klaus son is a fabu chef. He is traveling the globe to study his craft. He hears of the cookies that are raved about in New York as being the best sugar cookies ever. So he goes to taste the cookies and finds the red-headed chef to be much more appealing than anything she sells over the counter. A freak accident has him dragging the petite cookie maker to the North Pole to be healed.

Of course he is breaking all the rules by bringing her into the fold. Because what love isn't more fun when someone tells you it's a big No-No? I have never found facial hair and glasses more sexy than in this book. *snort*

The scenes are steamy and sexy without killing the sweet mood of the novel. I love reading about uptight rigid men who are forced to rethink their ways after falling for free-spirited powerhouse women. And I got that here.

There were some spots that were romance novel predictable, like the epilogue which I totally had called about halfway through the novel, but I got a wonderfully sweet happy ending. The xmas tree scene...LOVED. And the upbeat feeling of the novel, and watching the elfin magic unfold more than made up for it.

I didn't feel like I got to know the brother's all that well for them to have such a large role in the final resolution, but I understand that they are going to be featured in future reads, that I will sooo be taking part in. I also was a little overwhelmed by the german terminology. Anything that I feel the need to google, kills the flow of the book for me a little.

Group it all together and I give this one a solid 4 stars, because I really got into the world at the North Pole. I am also really intrigued by Mr. and Mrs. Klaus, and would really, really be interested in their story if it is ever published. (Hint, Hint Penny Watson!)
Profile Image for LAKristy.
253 reviews39 followers
May 10, 2017
Very well written and edited stand-alone story with no cliffhanger.

This is the third book I've read from Penny Watson, and I'm officially a fan. Not many people, maybe no one else, could write about retirees, a lumberjack, and now the future Santa, with such earthy eroticism and make these tales sweet and utterly charming.

This story is filled with magic, fantasy and the spirit of Christmas in a way that's sentimental and respectful, but for me, wasn't cloying or saccharine -- I guess the sweet balanced with the spicy is her secret sauce. The ending was predictable, but the originality of the characters and the entertaining banter along the way makes the trip worth while.

Strongly recommend for anyone who enjoys fairy tales, romance, alpha males and Santa Claus.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,278 reviews356 followers
January 23, 2016
Santa Klaus is real. Yeppers I'm not frigging joking he has 5 strapping, huge sons who are all looking for love. Klaus Enterprises is run by the family each have their own job to do. The brothers are Nicholas, Gregor, Sven, Wolfgang and Oscar.

Nicholas loves to bake and it is his passion unfortunately he is to take over for his father, ah not really a good idea has he is a bit of a stickler. He is obsessed with Lucy Anne's cookies. They meet, he whisks her away to Glasdorf and the North Pole and the fun begins.

I will most certainly continue the series.
Profile Image for Barbara.
424 reviews29 followers
November 13, 2010
What a great story! I laughed and cried from the sweetness of these characters. I'm a sucker for a good holiday romance and this is it. Nicholas is charming, loyal, sexy and knows his way around a kitchen... the perfect Mr. Right!

I fell in love with the entire Klaus family. I can't wait to read the rest of the series about the Klaus brothers.

"Sweet Inspiration" is a really good holiday read! Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Jamie *Gypsy Smut-a-teer*.
484 reviews265 followers
December 22, 2016
I was looking for Christmas story and it's exactly what I got. Weirdly though, it made me uncomfortable, hahahahaha. Just hard to imagine Santa (even though it was his son) and sex together. It was definitely a different type of read for me though. Elves, and the North Pole, and magic. I liked it enough. I don't know, sometimes, I'd be reading a hot scene though and I would think, this is going on in the North Pole? Rofl.....
Profile Image for Heather in FL.
2,063 reviews
December 3, 2010
This was such a great holiday story. I loved the concept that Santa is real and he has five sons. And I loved the solution everyone came up with. I don't want to give anything away, but there's an HEA and that always makes me very happy. Especially in this case. Such a cute couple. I want them as best friends so they'll cook me whatever I want, lol!
Profile Image for Notorious Book Tease.
174 reviews14 followers
November 11, 2018
Sweet Holiday Romance

Santa is real! Lucy gets the shock of her life in the instalove, tooth achingly sweet book. Since I love those things in a romance novel, this was perfect for me. It’s November so I’m ready to get in the Christi spirit and this book helped!
Profile Image for Shanna Matheo.
372 reviews39 followers
October 7, 2016
It was alright. Sweet, cute and sometimes even kind of funny. I'm pretty sure I would have rated this with 4 stars had I read it during the holiday season. Tricksy Penny Watsonses...
Profile Image for Christine.
167 reviews
December 31, 2012
This was a cute, quick read. It's just the kind of story of which your enjoyment is highly dependent upon your mood at the time you read it. If you're looking for some light fluff, something sweet and relatively simple, this will fit the bill perfectly. If you're looking for intricate world building with character development that evolves as the story progresses, you should probably look elsewhere.

For what it is, it's pretty well done. Sure, there were moments of eye-roll inducing dialogue and manufactured tension. Enough that I debated a two-star rating. But where some of the romance was just too corny for me, I have to give credit for the novelty of some of the author's ideas. From the time were are little we are bombarded with images of Santa and Elves and the North Pole. But this is not your typical depiction. This Santa is not you're average, jovial old toymaker. He's an athletic, goateed, ponytailed, tattooed CEO of a major modern empire. A business empire he runs with the aid of his wife and five gorgeous sons.

And the elves, that are so often depicted as being at Santa's beck and call, in this instance seem to hold as much power as Santa (if not more) in determining how their town is run. It is their Elven magic that makes Santa's work even possible. And the history between Santa, the Elves, and the founding of the North Pole was a stroke of genius.

Other than those bits of creative flair, it's a very standard fluffy romance. An eldest sone set to follow in his father's footsteps when there is another job dearer to his heart and to which he is clearly more well-suited. Talented, orphaned woman loved by all she meets who captures his attention and make him a better person. Declarations of undying love and passion after knowing each other all of 48 (or was it 72?) hours. A brief interlude in which our couple is foolishly parted only to be reunited as we know they will be.

If you like the standard romance cliches, you'll probably like this. And if you want to see Santa and the elves in a new like, it might be worth checking out. But if you're in the mood for something thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, look elsewhere.
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482 reviews132 followers
January 13, 2011
From the moment I read the premise I was intrigued. I mean who doesn't want to read about a sporty hunk Santa and his 5 grown up gorgeous sons? I was instantly curious about Penny Watson's original approach to the holiday legend and I can say it was utterly charming. As soon as I started reading the novel the festive athmosphere enveloped me: I could smell baking cinnamon cookies, see the snowy streets lit with Christmas lights and feel the holiday spirit.

I didn't find Lucy a heroine I could understand: she teared up every 3 minutes then sometimes became so fierce and feisty I wondered if she had a weepy twin. She is a sweet and kind character, but for me the highlight of the novel were the supporting characters: all the adorable funny elves, some cute, some grumpy but all so unique and entertaining. The North Pole village created by Penny Watson is a wonderful place where everything is permeated by the magic of Christmas.

I love the idea that each son of Santa is in charge of something to make Christmas the success it is: Nicholas is the pastry chef (and expected to take over as CEO of Klaus Enterprises), Sven is Chief Toy Designer and Woodworker, Wolfie is Director of Chraitable Donations for Klaus Enterprises, Gregor is Director of Finances for Klaus Enterprises, Oskar is Director of Elfin Resources. :-D I can't wait to read about the other brothers and get to know them better!

Verdict: Sweet Inspiration is a fluffy, cozy, cookies and latte Christmas romance. Don't expect much angst and dilemma, Sweet Inspiration is the ultimate light romantic reading for a Christmas afternoon. I would have prefered a bit more depth, "meat" added to the romance of the hero/heroine, but Penny Watson's world building and unique universe is completely spellbinding! Best enjoyed with some crunchy dessert and hot cocoa :-)

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Ending: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Cover: 9/10
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