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Hot Under the Mistletoe #3
My Not-So-Secret Santa:
I’ve got a secret.
The new girl at work? The one I’ve got a crush on?
She’s got a crush too—on the stripper who’s dressing like Santa every weekend in December.
And that’s my secret. I’m him. The Saturday night Santa stripper.
Liv has no idea it’s her new work buddy under the fake white beard and tiny red hot pants, and every time she blushes when she talks about him, I burn with jealousy over myself.
But Liv’s also starting to get close to me—the real me—and seems interested in Christmas Eve activities that’ll put us both on the so-naughty-it's-nice list. I just hope she’ll still want to sit on Santa's lap after I tell her the truth.
My Not-So-Secret Santa is a standalone holiday novella that'll heat you up like a mug of hot cocoa and make you melt like the swirl of whipped cream on top. Unwrap a laugh-out-loud romance this Christmas!
The new girl at work? The one I’ve got a crush on?
She’s got a crush too—on the stripper who’s dressing like Santa every weekend in December.
And that’s my secret. I’m him. The Saturday night Santa stripper.
Liv has no idea it’s her new work buddy under the fake white beard and tiny red hot pants, and every time she blushes when she talks about him, I burn with jealousy over myself.
But Liv’s also starting to get close to me—the real me—and seems interested in Christmas Eve activities that’ll put us both on the so-naughty-it's-nice list. I just hope she’ll still want to sit on Santa's lap after I tell her the truth.
My Not-So-Secret Santa is a standalone holiday novella that'll heat you up like a mug of hot cocoa and make you melt like the swirl of whipped cream on top. Unwrap a laugh-out-loud romance this Christmas!
274 pages, ebook
Published December 18, 2023
34 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Sara Whitney
22 books283 followersSara Whitney writes sexy, sunny contemporary romance that's unforgettable and unputdownable. She worked as a journalist and film critic before she earned her Ph.D. and entered academia. She divides her time between professoring, authoring, and entertainment reporting, and she almost certainly has an opinion about your favorite TV show.
Sara lives in Illinois, where she's surrounded by books, cats, half-full coffee cups, and practically empty bags of Swedish Fish. Keep up with the latest by subscribing to Sara's mailing list at http://www.sarawhitney.com/subscribe
Sara lives in Illinois, where she's surrounded by books, cats, half-full coffee cups, and practically empty bags of Swedish Fish. Keep up with the latest by subscribing to Sara's mailing list at http://www.sarawhitney.com/subscribe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 30, 2023
The drama! The angst! The heart-wrenching sweetness of it all! Jonesy absolutely killed me. We have this incredible guy who’s had a terrible crisis of self-confidence in his day-to-day life. And that made my heart just ache. Then, there’s his alter ego that’s everything Jonesy isn’t during the daytime. Into the middle of this confusion walks Liv. She’s drawn to these two different personalities, not knowing they’re the same person. Will Jonesy own up to his alter ego and will Liv forgive him if and when he does? I adored these two. Watching Jonesy waffle over when and how to tell Liv his secret made me feel a bit like a dog chasing its own tail, but I was so invested in seeing them get their Happy Ending that I wasn’t stopping for anything. I particularly love that we’re introduced to the leading couple for the next book and, personally, I can’t wait to read how that’s going to go down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
December 25, 2023
Was recommended this through Eva Moore's newsletter. I really enjoyed it! Funny and spicy and I teared up at the end. The miscommunication/misunderstandings were believable due to both characters inner monologues.
December 28, 2023
This book was so much fun. The premise is just outlandish enough to make you laugh. The characters are just sweet enough to make you smile. And the sexy bits are just spicy enough to make you swoon and think you’re having a hot flash.
Olivia was taken advantage of, humiliatingly taken advantage of, in business by someone she thought was an old friend from college. She spent some time on the most-wanted list in Canada and was not-too-politely asked to leave. She’s come to spend some time in Illinois with her best friend CJ to try and recoup, recover, restart her career. She needs some downtime, a temporary job, and according to CJ some fun. Fun they can find at the Crimson Lounge, a strip club a town over. What Liv doesn’t need or want is any kind of relationship with the hot, handsome, friendly, smiley guy who’s their waiter at lunch, but she finally agrees that maybe the strip club would be a fun diversion. Turns out she’s so diverted she develops a crush on the sexy Santa in the hat, beard and sunglasses – and not much else.
Jonesy is that easy-on-the-eyes waiter. Friendly, talkative, but with a lot on his mind. He has taken on the responsibility of making Christmas perfect for his family and blames himself for a lot of things that are not his fault. And here is where this fun but unremarkable meet-cute gets really interesting.
Jonesy needs extra money for all those presents he has to buy so he takes on a second job. Charming waiter by day, and – wait for it – scorching hot stripper by night. And for the holidays: sexy Santa! Yep, that same Santa Liv is obsessed with. Still no big deal, right? Except now Liv is working at the restaurant with Jonesy. The longer they work together the more feelings he develops for her. But the more return trips she makes to the Crimson Lounge the more he can’t figure out how to tell her, what to tell her, if to tell her.
Their attempts to keep work in the friend zone are hilarious. His attempts to keep home-work-work separate are poignant, sweet and more than a little funny. We have more insight into Liv’s thoughts than Jonesy does and we see she is developing feelings as well – Jonesy is real, Santa is a fantasy – but he treats her like such a work buddy she can’t stand it.
My Not-So-Secret Santa is a delightful holiday read. At novella length it’s a quick read, but actually it would be a quick read whatever length since you wouldn’t be able to put it down. It’s described on the author’s website as “Hallmark after dark when it doesn’t fade to black.” Spot on description. You get the Hallmark lightness but you get to go behind that closed door. Sigh, swoon, heart going pitter-patter. Sara Whitney was a new-to-me author but won’t be for long. There is a long backlist I intend to catch up on and she’ll be on my TBR-at-once list from now on. Thanks to Home Cooked Books and the author for providing a copy of My Not-So-Secret Santa. I loved it. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Olivia was taken advantage of, humiliatingly taken advantage of, in business by someone she thought was an old friend from college. She spent some time on the most-wanted list in Canada and was not-too-politely asked to leave. She’s come to spend some time in Illinois with her best friend CJ to try and recoup, recover, restart her career. She needs some downtime, a temporary job, and according to CJ some fun. Fun they can find at the Crimson Lounge, a strip club a town over. What Liv doesn’t need or want is any kind of relationship with the hot, handsome, friendly, smiley guy who’s their waiter at lunch, but she finally agrees that maybe the strip club would be a fun diversion. Turns out she’s so diverted she develops a crush on the sexy Santa in the hat, beard and sunglasses – and not much else.
Jonesy is that easy-on-the-eyes waiter. Friendly, talkative, but with a lot on his mind. He has taken on the responsibility of making Christmas perfect for his family and blames himself for a lot of things that are not his fault. And here is where this fun but unremarkable meet-cute gets really interesting.
Jonesy needs extra money for all those presents he has to buy so he takes on a second job. Charming waiter by day, and – wait for it – scorching hot stripper by night. And for the holidays: sexy Santa! Yep, that same Santa Liv is obsessed with. Still no big deal, right? Except now Liv is working at the restaurant with Jonesy. The longer they work together the more feelings he develops for her. But the more return trips she makes to the Crimson Lounge the more he can’t figure out how to tell her, what to tell her, if to tell her.
Their attempts to keep work in the friend zone are hilarious. His attempts to keep home-work-work separate are poignant, sweet and more than a little funny. We have more insight into Liv’s thoughts than Jonesy does and we see she is developing feelings as well – Jonesy is real, Santa is a fantasy – but he treats her like such a work buddy she can’t stand it.
My Not-So-Secret Santa is a delightful holiday read. At novella length it’s a quick read, but actually it would be a quick read whatever length since you wouldn’t be able to put it down. It’s described on the author’s website as “Hallmark after dark when it doesn’t fade to black.” Spot on description. You get the Hallmark lightness but you get to go behind that closed door. Sigh, swoon, heart going pitter-patter. Sara Whitney was a new-to-me author but won’t be for long. There is a long backlist I intend to catch up on and she’ll be on my TBR-at-once list from now on. Thanks to Home Cooked Books and the author for providing a copy of My Not-So-Secret Santa. I loved it. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
December 25, 2023
4.25 stars. Jonesy, the male lead, is working two jobs so he can support his family whilst his mother recovers from a liver transplant and his brother recovers from donating part of his liver. He’s keeping his stripping job secret from his restaurant waiter job, and has serious self esteem issues.
Liv, the female lead, is recovering from being framed as a white collar criminal by an ex-friend from college. Staying with a friend whilst she pulls herself together and locates a new job, she’s intrigued by Jonesy as her new work colleague and “Snake-hips Santa” Luke Lawless, the stripper at the club her best friend takes her to.
Jonesy is sure she’ll regard him differently if she knows he’s the stripper. He wants her to think well of him. But he also knows he can’t act on their attraction if he’s not willing to tell her the truth. But she’s leaving town once she finds a new job anyway…right?
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a steamy, contemporary Christmas romance. I haven’t read the rest of the series but found that this story stood entirely alone. I enjoyed Liv’s resilience and future focus. I empathised with Jonesy’s self esteem issues and feelings of inadequacy. I enjoyed the building attraction between them in both Jonesy’s presentations. I enjoyed the intimate moments. I enjoyed the secondary characters and chuckled along with the rollicking plot. I’m really looking forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liv, the female lead, is recovering from being framed as a white collar criminal by an ex-friend from college. Staying with a friend whilst she pulls herself together and locates a new job, she’s intrigued by Jonesy as her new work colleague and “Snake-hips Santa” Luke Lawless, the stripper at the club her best friend takes her to.
Jonesy is sure she’ll regard him differently if she knows he’s the stripper. He wants her to think well of him. But he also knows he can’t act on their attraction if he’s not willing to tell her the truth. But she’s leaving town once she finds a new job anyway…right?
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a steamy, contemporary Christmas romance. I haven’t read the rest of the series but found that this story stood entirely alone. I enjoyed Liv’s resilience and future focus. I empathised with Jonesy’s self esteem issues and feelings of inadequacy. I enjoyed the building attraction between them in both Jonesy’s presentations. I enjoyed the intimate moments. I enjoyed the secondary characters and chuckled along with the rollicking plot. I’m really looking forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2023
“HE'S THE CLASS CLOWN AND THE HOMECOMING KING AND THE BAD BOY ALL ROLLED INTO ONE.”
The first thing I read when I opened this book was this dedication: “To the flirty waiter with the knowing smirk who started it all. And to Dana, Holly, and Missy who...agreed he'd make a great hero.” I couldn't agree with you more Sara Whitney!
This author does good research and her descriptive ability is really impressive. In multiple scenes did she blow me away with the pictures she paints. I really feel the moods she wants to communicate and see what she wants me to see in my mind's eye. After just the first chapter I already feel how charismatic Jonesy is, and I see what he sees in Livvie's allure. More than once did I witness his exceptional stripper dancing from a front row seat thanks to Ms. Whitney's depiction. I understand why he doesn't want to reveal who he is to Livvie, and I understand why that's confusing her. I get why he's so confident at times and at other times so insecure. Add to that a scene in which Livvie offers a well-schooled critique of the lion painting and you have a really entertaining story.
I liked this story a lot. Two more likable characters you won't find and their chemistry is off the charts. The premise is great, the execution is really good, and the research is top notch. (Extensive “research” on male strippers must come at great personal sacrifice. *wink, wink*) This goes right onto my Christmas TBR list to re-read every year. This is my honest review of an ARC and the opinions are my own.
The first thing I read when I opened this book was this dedication: “To the flirty waiter with the knowing smirk who started it all. And to Dana, Holly, and Missy who...agreed he'd make a great hero.” I couldn't agree with you more Sara Whitney!
This author does good research and her descriptive ability is really impressive. In multiple scenes did she blow me away with the pictures she paints. I really feel the moods she wants to communicate and see what she wants me to see in my mind's eye. After just the first chapter I already feel how charismatic Jonesy is, and I see what he sees in Livvie's allure. More than once did I witness his exceptional stripper dancing from a front row seat thanks to Ms. Whitney's depiction. I understand why he doesn't want to reveal who he is to Livvie, and I understand why that's confusing her. I get why he's so confident at times and at other times so insecure. Add to that a scene in which Livvie offers a well-schooled critique of the lion painting and you have a really entertaining story.
I liked this story a lot. Two more likable characters you won't find and their chemistry is off the charts. The premise is great, the execution is really good, and the research is top notch. (Extensive “research” on male strippers must come at great personal sacrifice. *wink, wink*) This goes right onto my Christmas TBR list to re-read every year. This is my honest review of an ARC and the opinions are my own.
December 31, 2023
I have read quite a few Sara Whitney books and they do not disappoint. This was a fun, hot, holiday romance that was very well done. It has your attraction, humor and of course a situation that is just to crazy to be anything other than bad timing.
So Liv is new in town after basically being kicked out of Canada. So she ends up needing a job though the holidays to get her through until she can get a new job in her background. So she applies to be a hostess where Jonesy works. Now Jonesy has some secrets that Liv is unaware of. First off, he served her the first day she was back in town and definitely had an attraction to her. He thought nothing of it seeing as he would never see her again. Then when she showed up at his second job...where he is a stripper...things got interesting. Especially since Liv doesn't recognize him since he is wearing a Santa beard, Santa hat and sunglasses. So when she turns up to the restaurant the next day, Jonesy is panicked she'll out him. Now Liv technically has a bit of a relationship with two men, her secret crush on "Santa Snake Hips" the stripper and her co-worker Jonesy, without realizing they're the same person. And Jonesy knows he needs to tell her but doesn't want to hurt her especially since she plans to leave once she gets a job. Even though he feels like he could love her. Needless to say it is a mess.
This is a hilariously good rom-com book that is very well done.
So Liv is new in town after basically being kicked out of Canada. So she ends up needing a job though the holidays to get her through until she can get a new job in her background. So she applies to be a hostess where Jonesy works. Now Jonesy has some secrets that Liv is unaware of. First off, he served her the first day she was back in town and definitely had an attraction to her. He thought nothing of it seeing as he would never see her again. Then when she showed up at his second job...where he is a stripper...things got interesting. Especially since Liv doesn't recognize him since he is wearing a Santa beard, Santa hat and sunglasses. So when she turns up to the restaurant the next day, Jonesy is panicked she'll out him. Now Liv technically has a bit of a relationship with two men, her secret crush on "Santa Snake Hips" the stripper and her co-worker Jonesy, without realizing they're the same person. And Jonesy knows he needs to tell her but doesn't want to hurt her especially since she plans to leave once she gets a job. Even though he feels like he could love her. Needless to say it is a mess.
This is a hilariously good rom-com book that is very well done.
December 26, 2023
Cute & sexy holiday read
This was my first Sara Whitney read & I can honestly say it won’t be my last. I’ve already loaded up the other two books in this series & trying to slyly talk her into writing the next story. I loved this quick read.
Liv has been handed a rough go as of late, and in an attempt to get back on her feet, she’s living with her best friend & willing to take on any job at all. But In channeling her inner 20’s she finds herself at a strip club on a night out then working as a hostess at a restaurant. But her job at The Verdant is one that comes with an expiration date.
Jonesy is working hard at 2 jobs to help make the money needed to bring an amazing Christmas to his family. And maybe a little bit to make himself feel worthy. He’s one of those people that’s good at everything, so it’s easy for him to be a “stand out” at both jobs. And a “stand out” that has gained the attention of Liv…at both jobs.
I loved watching these two navigate their new found friendship & their unannounced feelings. I loved how easily these two fell into a regular routine & their personalities just meshed so well. Everyone around them could tell how perfect they were for each other. But they were both holding back.
Does Liv discover the truth? Does Jonesy knock down walls to make Liv want to stay? I highly recommend you to read & find out for yourself!
This was my first Sara Whitney read & I can honestly say it won’t be my last. I’ve already loaded up the other two books in this series & trying to slyly talk her into writing the next story. I loved this quick read.
Liv has been handed a rough go as of late, and in an attempt to get back on her feet, she’s living with her best friend & willing to take on any job at all. But In channeling her inner 20’s she finds herself at a strip club on a night out then working as a hostess at a restaurant. But her job at The Verdant is one that comes with an expiration date.
Jonesy is working hard at 2 jobs to help make the money needed to bring an amazing Christmas to his family. And maybe a little bit to make himself feel worthy. He’s one of those people that’s good at everything, so it’s easy for him to be a “stand out” at both jobs. And a “stand out” that has gained the attention of Liv…at both jobs.
I loved watching these two navigate their new found friendship & their unannounced feelings. I loved how easily these two fell into a regular routine & their personalities just meshed so well. Everyone around them could tell how perfect they were for each other. But they were both holding back.
Does Liv discover the truth? Does Jonesy knock down walls to make Liv want to stay? I highly recommend you to read & find out for yourself!
December 21, 2023
Ahhhhh, this was so, so, SO cute!!! 🥹 10/10 would recommend! 🤩
Everything I want to say will lead to spoilers and I don’t want to do that so I’ll try to keep this brief:
Jonesy is a flawed MMC but he’s also great, amazing, and thoughtful – he just can’t see himself the way Liv, the FMC, does. He puts himself down a lot and has some self-esteem issues but there’s a lot of character growth that happens throughout the book as he works on himself.
Liv was kind, caring, and forgiving once she understood why Jonesy kept his secret from her. I loved how she fit in with his friends and how she was so sweet to his mom and siblings! 🥰 Her Christmas gifts made me tear up and the note on the painting at the end?! STAHHHHHPPP IT 😭
This was a bit of a slow burn with a lot of build up until they got down to business at the 91% mark. I wish things had happened sooner but there’s the whole secret thing that was holding Jonesy back and honestly? Good for him for not taking advantage of the situation when he had the upper hand and knew how Liv felt about Luke.
Now that I’ve read books 1 and 3 in this series, I should probably go back and read book 2 while I wait on book 4 😂
Everything I want to say will lead to spoilers and I don’t want to do that so I’ll try to keep this brief:
Jonesy is a flawed MMC but he’s also great, amazing, and thoughtful – he just can’t see himself the way Liv, the FMC, does. He puts himself down a lot and has some self-esteem issues but there’s a lot of character growth that happens throughout the book as he works on himself.
Liv was kind, caring, and forgiving once she understood why Jonesy kept his secret from her. I loved how she fit in with his friends and how she was so sweet to his mom and siblings! 🥰 Her Christmas gifts made me tear up and the note on the painting at the end?! STAHHHHHPPP IT 😭
This was a bit of a slow burn with a lot of build up until they got down to business at the 91% mark. I wish things had happened sooner but there’s the whole secret thing that was holding Jonesy back and honestly? Good for him for not taking advantage of the situation when he had the upper hand and knew how Liv felt about Luke.
Now that I’ve read books 1 and 3 in this series, I should probably go back and read book 2 while I wait on book 4 😂
December 29, 2023
I have an unexpected amount of feelings about Jonesy, the stripper/waiter/brother/landscaper, and Liv, the ad exec picking up the pieces of her life. This series has been great, but this is the definitely the best one. It has plenty of fun and charm and so damn much chemistry, all mixed together with angst, insecurity, and all the complexity of an unknown timeline. I had a huge grin on my face for most of the book, while I wasn't swooning or biting my nails waiting to see when the other shoe was going to drop. This is miscommunication and secrecy done perfectly, and I never thought less of either of them for the choices they made, even when they were stupid. They made total sense for both of them, and I just wanted them to be happy together already! The building friend/family group through this series is fantastic, it's great to see previous couples happily building lives, while getting teased new couples for future books, and I already can't wait for next Christmas, because the next book is gonna be a doozy. This was practically perfect, no notes. Also, this wins the award for best fight during a public dance at a strip club.
December 25, 2023
Liv is going through a rough patch, so she heads for her bestie CJ's house to figure out where she goes next. CJ is all fun and adventurous while Liv is a bit more reserved. Liv first meets Jonesy when he waits on the ladies having lunch. During a shopping trip they discover a strip club and decide to check it out. Santa Luke becomes a secret fantasy for Liv. In the meantime, she decides to look for a job to make a bit of money while she sends her resume out. Just so happens, the restaurant needs a temporary hostess, which seems perfect. Liv and Jonesy spend all their working hours together and the girls make a few more trips to the club. What Liv hasn't figured out yet is that Santa Luke and Jonesy are the same person (although there are a few clues). While they are attracted to each other, Jonesy feels like he isn't good enough for Liv and she's planning to leave anyway so he doesn't tell her about his double life. Afterall, how will she take it? I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 19, 2023
I absolutely love this series and have been intrigued by Jonesy from his appearance in the first book. He is just the ultimate golden retriever of a hero but with a fully realistic and grounded self confidence issue that makes the 'keeping a secret' trope work. It would be so easy for the reader to roll their eyes at either Liv not making the connection or Jonesy having dumb reasons for keeping the secret but the author addresses both and does the character work to make it believable. I could have used a little more background on Liv (jonesy was soooo well developed) but I still connected with her and believed her motivations and thought processes. While this is longer than a novella, it's still fairly short and did so much with the main characters while having a colorful range of background characters that added great depth. And now I'm impatiently waiting for the next book....
December 21, 2023
I always enjoy a Sara Whitney book, and this one is no exception. Liv, an unemployed marketing specialist, takes a job in a restaurant where she starts to fall for her funny, caring coworker. At the same time, she falls in lust with "snake-hips Santa," the stripper at the local club. Guess what? They're the same man, but he lets the secret go on so long that when real feelings develop, he can't figure out how to tell her the truth. This book has great banter, lovable characters, and so many shenanigans. I loved this fun, hot Christmas-themed romance.
If you don't like the hidden identity trope, this book isn't for you, so scroll on by. But if you like the delicious tension of a character with a secret he just can't bring himself to tell the person he loves, this is the book you're looking for!
If you don't like the hidden identity trope, this book isn't for you, so scroll on by. But if you like the delicious tension of a character with a secret he just can't bring himself to tell the person he loves, this is the book you're looking for!
December 24, 2023
4.5 stars really.
I thought I was done signing up or reading holiday stories this year and then one of the blog tour groups asked for some more reviews for this book. Since I had a few days left before Christmas and was off work for the rest of the year, AND I’d been wanting to read this author, I decided to give it a try. And I was so glad that I did! It was a unique twist to have the male MC be the one with so much of the insecurity instead of the woman. And just like it does with the other way around, it got frustrating! Also, he needed to tell her the secret so much sooner! But of course since that was the whole drama part, the main one anyway, I had to give it a little bit of a pass. I do know that I’ll be for sure trying to read more by this author in the future. Especially will have to go back next holiday season and read about the other couples in this series since this is the third book.
I thought I was done signing up or reading holiday stories this year and then one of the blog tour groups asked for some more reviews for this book. Since I had a few days left before Christmas and was off work for the rest of the year, AND I’d been wanting to read this author, I decided to give it a try. And I was so glad that I did! It was a unique twist to have the male MC be the one with so much of the insecurity instead of the woman. And just like it does with the other way around, it got frustrating! Also, he needed to tell her the secret so much sooner! But of course since that was the whole drama part, the main one anyway, I had to give it a little bit of a pass. I do know that I’ll be for sure trying to read more by this author in the future. Especially will have to go back next holiday season and read about the other couples in this series since this is the third book.
February 4, 2024
To be there for his family Jonesy finds himself living a double life where he works as a waiter by day and an exotic dancer at night. He was able to keep the two lives separate until Liv starts working at the restaurant and he begins to develop feelings for her but that is only the beginning when she becomes a regular at the club where he moonlights.
Liv has just endured a betrayal both personally and professionally that destroyed the life she was building. She has come to town so that her friend can help her get through this difficult time but now she finds herself conflicted between her co-worker Jonesy and the exotic dancer she can’t stop thinking about. Let the fun begin!
Fun and flirty, Jonesy and Liv meet each other at the perfect time in their lives as they take us on entertaining journey that will have you believing in the magic of the holiday season and love.
Liv has just endured a betrayal both personally and professionally that destroyed the life she was building. She has come to town so that her friend can help her get through this difficult time but now she finds herself conflicted between her co-worker Jonesy and the exotic dancer she can’t stop thinking about. Let the fun begin!
Fun and flirty, Jonesy and Liv meet each other at the perfect time in their lives as they take us on entertaining journey that will have you believing in the magic of the holiday season and love.
December 27, 2023
This is a fun and delightful holiday read. I love the hidden identity trope.
Jonesy is at a bit of a crossroads with what to do with his career. He’s a greet guy, hard worker but is holding onto a secret that could damage a new relationship.
Liv is in town temporarily, is trying to recover from a work incident and is def not looking for love. I absolutely love the way she comes out of her shell with “Santa” and is open and honest with Jonesy.
The conversations and banter between these two (and supporting characters) is great. They have great chemistry, trust with one another other and a pull towards each other that’s undeniable.
A fantastic holiday read that will give you all the feels and some giggles.
Jonesy is at a bit of a crossroads with what to do with his career. He’s a greet guy, hard worker but is holding onto a secret that could damage a new relationship.
Liv is in town temporarily, is trying to recover from a work incident and is def not looking for love. I absolutely love the way she comes out of her shell with “Santa” and is open and honest with Jonesy.
The conversations and banter between these two (and supporting characters) is great. They have great chemistry, trust with one another other and a pull towards each other that’s undeniable.
A fantastic holiday read that will give you all the feels and some giggles.
January 1, 2024
Oh. My. Santa!!!!! 😱 Sara Whitney ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I mean, there was nothing wrong with your cinnamon roll heroes but this...THIS is like you got all the cheat codes together and leveled up X10000000!!!!
My Not So Secret Santa, despite its cheesy cover, is the sleeper hit of my 2023 reads. It's fun, it's sweet, it's christmasy and it's 🔥🥵🔥. This book is so unbelievably well written that even when the usually vibe-killing insta-love pops up, you won't care! You'll be so in love with the characters (from the main characters down to every side character you're introduced to) that you'll be cheering like these are your besties. 4.5 Santa hats for what is easily my favorite holiday rom-com ever! What a high note to end my 2023 reads with. 🙌
My Not So Secret Santa, despite its cheesy cover, is the sleeper hit of my 2023 reads. It's fun, it's sweet, it's christmasy and it's 🔥🥵🔥. This book is so unbelievably well written that even when the usually vibe-killing insta-love pops up, you won't care! You'll be so in love with the characters (from the main characters down to every side character you're introduced to) that you'll be cheering like these are your besties. 4.5 Santa hats for what is easily my favorite holiday rom-com ever! What a high note to end my 2023 reads with. 🙌
December 23, 2023
I hot the warm fuzzies from this book!
Sara Whitney’s Christmas trilogy, Hot Under the Mistletoe. My Not So Secret Santa is about as much fun as you can have in a book… and it’s pretty dang hawt too!
Jonesy and Liv are beautiful together and just like all the other books, there’s a huge capacity for getting on the naughty list.
I haven’t read book two yet, but the make main characters tend towards the sweet and sexy side , which is perfect for Christmas. They’re also very self-deprecating, which leads to some very imaginative shenanigans!
Well done Sara Whitney! Now I HAVE to read book two… well played!
Sara Whitney’s Christmas trilogy, Hot Under the Mistletoe. My Not So Secret Santa is about as much fun as you can have in a book… and it’s pretty dang hawt too!
Jonesy and Liv are beautiful together and just like all the other books, there’s a huge capacity for getting on the naughty list.
I haven’t read book two yet, but the make main characters tend towards the sweet and sexy side , which is perfect for Christmas. They’re also very self-deprecating, which leads to some very imaginative shenanigans!
Well done Sara Whitney! Now I HAVE to read book two… well played!
December 24, 2023
The angsty vibes that Liv and Jonesy were giving each other was so steamy. Yet, it only got hotter with each new interaction they had with one another with Jonesy's other persona aka "Snake hips Santa."
Every time that Liv and Jonesy would speak to each other. It really was like to different men, Live was talking to. To be honest, I actually was not mad at Jonesy for not telling Liv sooner about his secret. I understood where he was coming from. However, when Liv did find out...make up s#x anyone!
I look forward to reading Wyatt and CJ's story. I need to know what their deal is. All I do know is that from their interaction with each other, things are sure to heat up and be hot.
Every time that Liv and Jonesy would speak to each other. It really was like to different men, Live was talking to. To be honest, I actually was not mad at Jonesy for not telling Liv sooner about his secret. I understood where he was coming from. However, when Liv did find out...make up s#x anyone!
I look forward to reading Wyatt and CJ's story. I need to know what their deal is. All I do know is that from their interaction with each other, things are sure to heat up and be hot.
December 27, 2023
Absolutely brilliant
Loved this third book in the Hot Under the Mistletoe series.
Jonesy is brilliant. A hot, cocky, thoughtful flirt with low self esteem and a massive crush on Liv.
Liv is a sweet, untrusting, kind, thoughtful hottie and she has a crush on Jonesy….and Luke (snake-hips Santa) Lawless.
But what happens when she finds out they’re the same person?
This is a great story, with hot stripper scenes, great boy banter, and wonderful girl friendships. And it’s set at Christmas….what more could you want?!
Erm…..to find out what the heck the history is between Liv’s bestie CJ and Jonesy’s brother Wyatt. We have to wait til next Christmas WWHHHAAAAATTTT, no fair!!
Loved this third book in the Hot Under the Mistletoe series.
Jonesy is brilliant. A hot, cocky, thoughtful flirt with low self esteem and a massive crush on Liv.
Liv is a sweet, untrusting, kind, thoughtful hottie and she has a crush on Jonesy….and Luke (snake-hips Santa) Lawless.
But what happens when she finds out they’re the same person?
This is a great story, with hot stripper scenes, great boy banter, and wonderful girl friendships. And it’s set at Christmas….what more could you want?!
Erm…..to find out what the heck the history is between Liv’s bestie CJ and Jonesy’s brother Wyatt. We have to wait til next Christmas WWHHHAAAAATTTT, no fair!!
January 14, 2024
3.5*
A cute, fun holiday romance. Olivia is a woman who just came back from Canada after her friend/boss tried to use her as the fall guy to steal money from his company ends up part time hostess at a restaurant. Jonesy is a waiter by day/ Santa stripper by night really nice guy with a little self-esteem. If your looking for a short insta-love holiday romance this is it. Love the interaction and banter between the two, I just think the whole I'm a stripper at night that she has a crush on but doesn't know and he is afraid to tell her was a little over the top for me but other than that it was a good story.
I received a copy and read it through BookFunnel.
A cute, fun holiday romance. Olivia is a woman who just came back from Canada after her friend/boss tried to use her as the fall guy to steal money from his company ends up part time hostess at a restaurant. Jonesy is a waiter by day/ Santa stripper by night really nice guy with a little self-esteem. If your looking for a short insta-love holiday romance this is it. Love the interaction and banter between the two, I just think the whole I'm a stripper at night that she has a crush on but doesn't know and he is afraid to tell her was a little over the top for me but other than that it was a good story.
I received a copy and read it through BookFunnel.
December 14, 2023
Hollis Jonesy is my new book boyfriend! Whitney wrote such a sweet, charming golden retriever hero that everyone loves and gave him a panty-melting, snake-hip-swiveling, Santa stripper alter ego. Imagine discovering your new workplace (inappropriate) crush is also the hot dancer you're also (inappropriately) crushing on. With a great cast of side characters, including guest appearances from the previous couples in the Hot Under the Mistletoe series, I laughed a lot. Great holiday fun, stripper pole optional!
I received an early copy of this book and adore all of Sara Whitney's works.
I received an early copy of this book and adore all of Sara Whitney's works.
December 22, 2023
This is a very funny, sexy Christmas romcom. Jonesy is living a double life as a waiter and an exotic dancer, and only a handful of people know that. He can't believe it when the beautiful and interesting woman he waited on at the restaurant shows up at the strip club. The problem is that Liv is wildly attracted to both versions of Jonesy without realizing they are the same man. The situation gets very complicated as Jonesy tries to keep Liv in the friend zone but can't. It is a wild ride with tons of laughs and some very tender moments.
December 23, 2023
Wow! This wonderful, funny and romantic book was just what I needed in the dreary days before Christmas. I had to laugh and grin so many times, it made me feel good all over. Jonesy/Luke was an adorable guy, so sweet and so recognizable in the way he went about his secret. Can't stay mad at him. And it was so much fun to read about the world of male strippers.
It was my first book by ms Whitney, but definitely not my last! And I will probably read it again. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was my first book by ms Whitney, but definitely not my last! And I will probably read it again. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2023
Such a sweet and spicy read. This is a fun holiday story but I'd definitely recommend this one year round. I love Liv's character and how confident she is even in the face of all she is dealing with in her professional life. Jonesy, though, stole this show 1000 percent!! A sexy Santa stripper?!?! What more needs to be said. There is a fair amount of angst in this one that really elevates the story. The side characters are so interesting and I can't wait to find out what happens next with CJ and Wyatt.
December 29, 2023
Such a fun, FUN, story! Jonesy and Liv are great together. The sexual tension is off the charts, but what I loved most about them is how much they liked each other.
I snort-laughed at several lines.
"This is the inclusivity my people have been dreaming of." (one of Liv's friends, after watching a male stripper in a dreidel costume)
"In my head, her name is Harley, and she's pierced in places I'm too scared to even pinch too hard."
It's never the wrong time of year to read a Sara Whitney's Christmas story!
I snort-laughed at several lines.
"This is the inclusivity my people have been dreaming of." (one of Liv's friends, after watching a male stripper in a dreidel costume)
"In my head, her name is Harley, and she's pierced in places I'm too scared to even pinch too hard."
It's never the wrong time of year to read a Sara Whitney's Christmas story!
March 31, 2025
Liv gets a new job and likes her friendly co-worker Jonesy a lot. She's also visited a local strip club and there was a sexy dancing Santa that she finds very hot. But what she doesn't know is that Jonesy and Santa are the same person. And that makes things awkward. Both for her, and for Jonesy who took too long to realise he should have told her, and the longer it takes the harder it becomes for him. Jonesy has some self-esteem issues going on and can't really believe that Liv would be attracted to him in his real persona.
I don't know, this book just made me happy.
I don't know, this book just made me happy.
January 4, 2024
Fantastic read for the holiday season. The characters were colorful and the storyline kept you interested from beginning to end. Enjoyed the easy flow between the main characters as they played well off each other, also the many different ways to they connected was great. Loved how you get a small tidbit of what’s to come for Jonesy’s brother Wyatt.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2024
A fun and quirky romance holiday read. Great characters, well written, an interesting story and relatable moments.
Liv is new in town after being betrayed by a college friend and takes a job as a hostess at a restaurant. Jonesy is trying to keep his family afloat with two jobs while keeping one of them a secret.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liv is new in town after being betrayed by a college friend and takes a job as a hostess at a restaurant. Jonesy is trying to keep his family afloat with two jobs while keeping one of them a secret.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2024
Jonesy is sweet and caring and kind and loving and oh my gosh filled with self-esteem issues. I love him. It takes so long but I love that he finally starts to believe more of himself. Liv is so easy to like and to want to be friends with. Their secondary characters are meaningful and such a big part of the story. This book is just plain fun. I love that he falls first. The writing is nicely done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2023
Jonesy is the best man Liv has ever met but he is also always downplaying himself. They work together but he is keeping a secret from her than can destroy their friendship and their future together. Will he be brave enough to revel his tru identity or will Liv still crush on an snake-hip Santa stripper? Funny, sweet, and adorable Christmas romance.
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