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Saving St. Nicolas: Christmas Party Shared World Novella
Best Friend’s brother…Military Romance…Firefighter Romance In the cozy town of Largo, Maine, the holiday season brings everyone together for a Christmas party and wedding like no other. Riley Winters is a firefighter. When a traumatic incident happens, she finds her best friend’s brother watching over her, leaving her with conflicted feelings and naughty thoughts. Captain Mike Stone is the protector of his family. After years of hidden feelings, he finds his sister’s best friend lying in the hospital. His possessive nature takes over, though he knows he needs to walk away. With a festive Christmas Party in full swing, the gathering turns into a delightful chaos, filled with laughter, love, and holiday cheer. Yet, amidst the celebration, danger rears its head, putting Mike's life in jeopardy. This time it is Riley who rushes to his rescue. As the twinkle of Christmas lights surrounds them, will these two finally admit their long-kept emotions and embrace the magic of the season? Can they find love in the most unexpected place and celebrate a Christmas that will forever be etched in their hearts?
- GenresContemporaryHoliday
ebook
Published December 19, 2023
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Bella Lane
31 books805 followersI'm write steamy romance suspense novellas and novels. I have always loved the idea of happy endings, but with real life drama.
I'm live in North Carolina and have always loved the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies as it helps to clear my mind and allow my imagination to roam freely. I'm an avid reader of all genres. I love traveling, especially to small communities, as the people are always so nice and welcoming, with hidden gems in their sweet little towns.
I'm live in North Carolina and have always loved the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies as it helps to clear my mind and allow my imagination to roam freely. I'm an avid reader of all genres. I love traveling, especially to small communities, as the people are always so nice and welcoming, with hidden gems in their sweet little towns.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 16, 2023
Riley is a firefighter, Mike is her best friend's brother. When Riley is hospitalized, Mike is there...and he keeps reappearing. There are some storylines that link other books and some of this story feels disjointed but it's still a good read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2023
Riley and Mike's Story . . .
Riley Winters is a firefighter, exhausted as she heads home after a long shift. Her best friend Leia is safe at the cabin, but Riley is sure that Josh will be coming to confront her to find out where Leia is. But she will deal with that later after she gets some sleep. She never notices the fist coming at her in the dark as Josh demands to know where Leia is. He steps on her wrist, kicks her side, and punches her repeatedly, blaming Riley for Leia leaving him. Then he begins to choke her until her neighbors chase him off. She wakes 2 weeks later in the hospital with Leia and Mike, Leia’s brother, watching over her.
Captain Mike Stone has always been the protector of his family and he will care for Riley as well. She is still tired, so he tells her to sleep, assuring her he would be there to keep her safe. The military has changed him, but she still finds him attractive, even though he wouldn’t tell her what he did to Josh. He just reassured her that she and his sister were safe. And when she was finally released from the hospital, he drove her home, pulled her close and kissed her, telling her he will always protect what is his!
A year later, Leia and Noah are planning on a Christmas wedding. Mike was stationed overseas, but Riley has not stopped thinking of him and that kiss he gave her in the car. Leia arranges with Mike to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. And to be Santa at the hospital Christmas Party. He isn’t happy about that part, but he agrees and will be home the day before the party. But during the Santa part of the evening, a loud pop sounds and the tree catches on fire. He gets the children safely out of the way, but the tree topples onto Mike and knocks him down, pinning him to the floor. He passes out as Riley, thankfully an experienced firefighter, comes to his rescue. Are the two of them ready to reveal how they feel about each other? Or will they continue to deny the possibility and lose out on the love they could have shared?
Riley Winters is a firefighter, exhausted as she heads home after a long shift. Her best friend Leia is safe at the cabin, but Riley is sure that Josh will be coming to confront her to find out where Leia is. But she will deal with that later after she gets some sleep. She never notices the fist coming at her in the dark as Josh demands to know where Leia is. He steps on her wrist, kicks her side, and punches her repeatedly, blaming Riley for Leia leaving him. Then he begins to choke her until her neighbors chase him off. She wakes 2 weeks later in the hospital with Leia and Mike, Leia’s brother, watching over her.
Captain Mike Stone has always been the protector of his family and he will care for Riley as well. She is still tired, so he tells her to sleep, assuring her he would be there to keep her safe. The military has changed him, but she still finds him attractive, even though he wouldn’t tell her what he did to Josh. He just reassured her that she and his sister were safe. And when she was finally released from the hospital, he drove her home, pulled her close and kissed her, telling her he will always protect what is his!
A year later, Leia and Noah are planning on a Christmas wedding. Mike was stationed overseas, but Riley has not stopped thinking of him and that kiss he gave her in the car. Leia arranges with Mike to walk her down the aisle at her wedding. And to be Santa at the hospital Christmas Party. He isn’t happy about that part, but he agrees and will be home the day before the party. But during the Santa part of the evening, a loud pop sounds and the tree catches on fire. He gets the children safely out of the way, but the tree topples onto Mike and knocks him down, pinning him to the floor. He passes out as Riley, thankfully an experienced firefighter, comes to his rescue. Are the two of them ready to reveal how they feel about each other? Or will they continue to deny the possibility and lose out on the love they could have shared?
December 6, 2023
Saving St. Nicolas is a standalone romance by Bella Lane, and is the fifth book of the Heroes of Maine series. The story itself spans a couple years, and a couple Christmases, but at heart it is definitely a holiday book and is a relatively short read.
This is a great book that charts the unconventional courtship between a firefighter, Riley Winters, and Army captain, Mike Stone. I love the dynamic of these two because of their careers, they are both protectors by nature and have a great strength that allows them to succeed in their chosen careers.
Riley is best friends with Mike's little sister, Leia. The book starts out with Riley being sent to hospital and Mike, while visiting his little sister, adamant that he had to watch over Riley during her recovery. Then we skip ahead and two are being brought together thanks to Leia's wedding. Fate seems to be throwing them together. It also seems to be through both characters into hospital as well, which appears to be part of the odd courtship that I mentioned.
The passion that these characters have really shone through. They have an intense chemistry that the two work together to ignore at first. It's a rocky path to love and a HEA but it felt real.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great book that charts the unconventional courtship between a firefighter, Riley Winters, and Army captain, Mike Stone. I love the dynamic of these two because of their careers, they are both protectors by nature and have a great strength that allows them to succeed in their chosen careers.
Riley is best friends with Mike's little sister, Leia. The book starts out with Riley being sent to hospital and Mike, while visiting his little sister, adamant that he had to watch over Riley during her recovery. Then we skip ahead and two are being brought together thanks to Leia's wedding. Fate seems to be throwing them together. It also seems to be through both characters into hospital as well, which appears to be part of the odd courtship that I mentioned.
The passion that these characters have really shone through. They have an intense chemistry that the two work together to ignore at first. It's a rocky path to love and a HEA but it felt real.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2024
Setting a fire to the Christmas tree and then to the sheets
Saving St. Nicolas by Bella Lane is part of the multi-author Christmas Party Shared World series. It is also very closely tied into several other books by the author, as the characters and some of the story-lines are crossing over. As I have not read all of the other books I will admit that at times I was a bit puzzled until I figured out what was happening, as events and details are brought up or referenced in this story. Once I understood what the heck was happening I just glanced past these and carried on reading. I personally think the book could have been written a bit better and instead of just referencing or mentioning something really quickly, but that really is tied into this story, then it should have been better explained and included. Aside from this though I did enjoy this story about Riley Winters and Mike Stone. They have known each other for years as Riley grew up with and is best friends with Mike's younger sister, Leia. They have both been attracted to each other for years but both know it is off-limits. But as we all know what the heart wants it will eventually find a way to get and Mike definitely gets Riley in the end. But will it be forever?
Saving St. Nicolas by Bella Lane is part of the multi-author Christmas Party Shared World series. It is also very closely tied into several other books by the author, as the characters and some of the story-lines are crossing over. As I have not read all of the other books I will admit that at times I was a bit puzzled until I figured out what was happening, as events and details are brought up or referenced in this story. Once I understood what the heck was happening I just glanced past these and carried on reading. I personally think the book could have been written a bit better and instead of just referencing or mentioning something really quickly, but that really is tied into this story, then it should have been better explained and included. Aside from this though I did enjoy this story about Riley Winters and Mike Stone. They have known each other for years as Riley grew up with and is best friends with Mike's younger sister, Leia. They have both been attracted to each other for years but both know it is off-limits. But as we all know what the heart wants it will eventually find a way to get and Mike definitely gets Riley in the end. But will it be forever?
December 15, 2023
4.5 ⭐s Their attraction finally hits the boiling point.
Riley Winters is a firefighter in Largo, Maine. She's best friends with Mike's sister, Leia. After a long day of fighting two major fires, she's blindsided and attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Josh, as she arrives home. He threatened to kill her, and although he failed to do so, he has inflicted major damage, including a broken wrist and ribs. Josh's girlfriend, Leia, left him and he blames Riley. It's two weeks later before she comes out of her coma in the hospital.
Army Captain Mike Stone is the one who always protects his family. He's been protecting Leia since they were both youngsters. His mother made him promise to do so and to keep a family secret. Since Riley was always with Leia, he's been protecting her, too. Now that she's been hurt, why wouldn't he tend to her needs? Who knows, almost family could become family, right?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Riley Winters is a firefighter in Largo, Maine. She's best friends with Mike's sister, Leia. After a long day of fighting two major fires, she's blindsided and attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Josh, as she arrives home. He threatened to kill her, and although he failed to do so, he has inflicted major damage, including a broken wrist and ribs. Josh's girlfriend, Leia, left him and he blames Riley. It's two weeks later before she comes out of her coma in the hospital.
Army Captain Mike Stone is the one who always protects his family. He's been protecting Leia since they were both youngsters. His mother made him promise to do so and to keep a family secret. Since Riley was always with Leia, he's been protecting her, too. Now that she's been hurt, why wouldn't he tend to her needs? Who knows, almost family could become family, right?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 18, 2023
Saving St. Nicolas is the story of Riley, a female firefighter and Mike, a Captain in the Military. Riley is best friends with Mike's sister so they have known each other a while. While it seems they both have feelings for each other it take a couple of traumatic incidents to make them finally confront their feelings. This is a quick read but I wouldn't call it a stand alone as its not only part of a series but several events that set up the story are somewhat rushed through to get to the couple getting together. I was able to keep up but I feel like the story would have been a lot richer had I read the previous stories in the series in order.
Overall, it's a pretty straightforward love story that checks in or other characters from the previous stories. I wish it was just a bit longer so the background didn't have to be so rushed and that we had more time with the characters as a couple. I'll likely read other stories in the series and then do a re-read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall, it's a pretty straightforward love story that checks in or other characters from the previous stories. I wish it was just a bit longer so the background didn't have to be so rushed and that we had more time with the characters as a couple. I'll likely read other stories in the series and then do a re-read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2023
A physical assault leaves firefighter Riley (h) recovering in the hospital where she awakens to Mike (H), her best friend’s brother, watching protectively over her. The two have feelings for one another but neither admit so to the other. Mike returns overseas with his army unit and worries that his past actions will color Riley’s views of him. Over a year later he returns in time for his sister’s wedding and to play Santa for her stay children’s charity event only for accident to occur which will see Riley saving him. It takes a while for the heat to build between Riley and Mike, but when it does, it’s rough and steamy. Some of the relationships and background were a little lacking due to this being the fifth story in the “Heroes of Maine” – not having read the other stories, some things felt a bit disjointed. Hot and steamy romance spanning multiple years/Christmases with some violence, danger, and angst.
December 31, 2023
Saving St. Nicolas is a short and super-steamy, Christmas themed girl gets her brother's best friend romance. Riley is a sassy firefighter and Leia's best friend (Read Protecting Leia if you haven't yet 😀 ). Mike is a hunky military man with a bit of a kinky side and Leia's older brother. The story opens with Riley being injured and Mike protecting her, only for the opposite to happen to Mike a bit later when he is playing Santa and Riley saves him. As they prepare for Leia and Noah's wedding, the two grow closer until the night of the wedding when they go to Mike's hotel room and it gets hot 🔥🥵. The chemistry between these two is pure fire. Holy hotness 🔥🥵. Will Leia be ok with their relationship? I was waiting for them to officially be together after the last book and loved seeing Leia and Noah, it's like visiting old friends. I love this whole series so much.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2023
I loved Saving St. Nicolas Book 5 of Heroes of Maine. When Riley is attacked Mike won’t leave her side until she wakes up. He took care of the problem and he will walk away from Riley because he is too dark and she deserves better. Riley can’t get over one fiery kiss with Mike. It doesn’t matter, he’s gone since he’s her best friends brother she shouldn’t want him. When she saves him fekm a fire and won’t leave his hospital room, Mike knows he needs to claim his woman. This is a great storyline and I loved the characters. I loved how all of the friends intertwined into the story. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2023
Riley is a firefighter and is attacked by her best friend’s ex Josh, he blames her for Leia leaving him. He beats her really badly, she ends up in the hospital with Leia’s brother, Mike at her side, he intends to watch over her. Riley and Mike both have feelings for each other but have never admitted or acted on them.
Mike believes he is not what is best for Riley, he returns to his Army unit. They do not see each other until a year later when his sister is getting married. The tables have turned, Riley has now saved Mike from an accident and is not leaving his hospital room.
Will he continue to deny them both what they want? Or will he give to his feelings?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mike believes he is not what is best for Riley, he returns to his Army unit. They do not see each other until a year later when his sister is getting married. The tables have turned, Riley has now saved Mike from an accident and is not leaving his hospital room.
Will he continue to deny them both what they want? Or will he give to his feelings?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2023
Mike is Special Ops and Riles, his sister's best friend, is a firefighter. One night she comes home exhausted after dealing with two large fires to get beaten to a pulp by her friend's ex who blames her for their separation. Mike is on leave and as he has watched over both girls over his life, he also does now. Terrific characters and the storyline scans several years as the chemistry gets stronger. Another event occurs but this time she rescues him from a Santa tree situation. No holding back anymore and the ending sends them on their way.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2023
Mike and Riley have both had feelings for each other for a long time. Mike is in the army and feels his life is too dark for Riley. When she is attacked he stays by her side protecting her. They have a passionate kiss but he leaves. Neither can forget it or move on. A year later he’s back for his sister’s wedding. A fire leaves Mike injured this time and Riley can’t leave his side. They both realise their feelings can’t be hidden any longer. Hot, steamy story with amazing chemistry, danger, suspense and a wonderful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2023
The best friend of his little sister is always a fun trope and then add some Christmas to it which gives it little something extra. The story of Mike and Riley is good, a bit over the top with the sex and dirty talk, but their dance around each other and eventual hook up is entertaining.
You can tell this is book 5 in this series. There are so many references of people and events that have already happened in the book that the story has gaps of understanding. It didn't flow smoothly for me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You can tell this is book 5 in this series. There are so many references of people and events that have already happened in the book that the story has gaps of understanding. It didn't flow smoothly for me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2023
Beautiful romance story with flames of desire and hearts afire for firefighter Riley and her Captain Mike…. After an accident where she was hospitalised, Mike kept appearing for her, he’s her best friend’s brother and highly protective . When it comes down to being on the other side though it’s Riley who is the rescuer… The magic of Christmas can show them the way. Perfect holiday angst romance. Feel- good , compelling story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2023
I lived this storyline and loved the characters. Mike and Riley were both characters that had so much depth and layers to them.
When Riley is attacked by her best friend’s ex, Mike doesn’t leave her side while she is in the hospital. Once she is awake, he returns to his Army unit.
They don’t see each other until his sister’s wedding, where she ends up saving his life in a fire. Now she is the one not to leave his side.
These two had amazing chemistry and I loved how he realized he couldn’t let Riley go.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Riley is attacked by her best friend’s ex, Mike doesn’t leave her side while she is in the hospital. Once she is awake, he returns to his Army unit.
They don’t see each other until his sister’s wedding, where she ends up saving his life in a fire. Now she is the one not to leave his side.
These two had amazing chemistry and I loved how he realized he couldn’t let Riley go.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2023
I must have missed a few books because there is information that is given makes it confusing. BUT Firefighter vs Army man i believe Special Forces? The story seems to continue from the previous book and Riley is put in the hospital from being attacked. ANyway Mike never leaves her side once he finds out who is her best friend's brother. A lot going on. a wedding, a charity event. action in so many scenes. Realistic. Scorching talk and sheets. good read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2024
Mike started noticing his sister’s best friend Riley when she was fifteen. Since then he’s been able to keep his distance by being in the military. He’s home for his sister’s wedding to his bet friend and the feeling h has for Riley are about to explode. Riley has always had a thing for Mike but it’s not until she lands in the hospital ones she see something different in his eyes. A quick flirty read with some suspense that even though it is a standalone, it is interwoven with previous characters and stories. I received an arc copy of this book.
December 8, 2023
Riley gets attacked protecting her Liea's location, when Mike her brother finds out what happened he takes matters into his own hands. He also realizes his feelings for Riley is not just as his sister's best friend. When he comes back her wedding, he gets volunteer to play Santa. Only things get a little hot and Riley has to save him. Now he is back to claim what is his.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2023
This was a wonderful story, we follow Mike and Riley, both feel the chemistry and attraction between each other but neither have yet taken the step to something more. It was fun to read how they dealt with it until they could no longer deny what they felt for each other, and with the Christmas touch it is a wonderful story to read, also for the holidays. What a wonderful book this was to read.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2024
Riley is a firefighter who is beaten up by her best friends ex. She ends up in the hospital and encounters her froe ds brother sitting by her bedside. Why is he there? Later at the hospital party for the pediatric wing Mike, her best friends brother gets in a fire and Riley rescues him. When he awakes she is at his bedside. Theu finally gove into their feelings. What will happen? Read to see what becomes of the two.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2023
Riley got beat to heck and back by Leia‘s ex and ended up in the hospital for weeks. Mike, Leia’s brother, happened to be on leave from the military and came into town just in time to watch over Riley in the hospital. A year later, Riley gets to return the favor by saving Mike from an unfortunate incident involving a Christmas tree, a Santa outfit, and a fire. The holiday romance is on from there. Will they fizzle out when the holiday season is over?
December 22, 2023
Saving St. Nicolas was a fantastic book by Bella Lane. It's a companion book to the previous story in the series. Riley is a firefighter and is best friends with Leia, Mike's sister. Mike and Leia have an intense connection that Mike refuses to ignore. Can he convince Riley they belong together?
December 5, 2023
Heat, steam & a bit of excitement brings in so much love & happiness. You can’t help but smile as you read this sweet steamy story that sees wonderful men & women come together. Enjoyable!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2023
I wish this book had been longer because I loved Mike and Riley! This was such a good short holiday romance. Mike had me melting with his dirty mouth! And the sex was very steamy! I thought it was a nice touch that Riley and Leia had their babies together.
December 16, 2023
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Riley and Mike. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, realization and steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2023
I totally loved reading this book. It grabs you right from the start and won't let go to the very end. It has wonderful characters, and the chemistry is awesome. By the way, you are so going to love how it ends. So good.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2023
My kindle is still smoking. Mike has always felt protective of his sister's best friend Riley. The more they try to stay away from each other the harder it became. Loved their story. Received a free copy.
December 26, 2023
Sweet short read
Gorgeous sweet read but what happens at closing?
Will everything be ok can Christmas be good for the 2 of them even though she's been stood up.
Sweet Christmas read.
Gorgeous sweet read but what happens at closing?
Will everything be ok can Christmas be good for the 2 of them even though she's been stood up.
Sweet Christmas read.
December 30, 2023
I enjoyed Mike and Riley’s story. I thought it was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 18, 2023
I have really enjoyed this series although each book can be read as a standalone. I love reading about each individual couple but also like getting to know the other couples more as well. I loved Riley and Mike. Mike is definitely an alpha protector and will do anything to protect what's his. Riley has been through so much and when she really needs help Mike is there. They both felt an attraction to the other but denied it until they no longer could. I really enjoyed this book, it was so good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews