A Very Grumpy Christmas

Wolf Valley: A Very Grumpy Holiday #4

by Shaw Hart

I have a secret admirer…


When I got the first letter from my secret admirer, I was flattered.
With the second, I grew intrigued.
By the third, I’m starting to fall in love with him.
I wish that I could meet him in person, but I don’t know how to arrange that.


I’ve wanted Ginger Baker since the moment that I saw her.
She’s so beautiful, so full of light.
I need that in my life, but I know that she would never be interested in me.
So, I do the only thing that I can to be close to her and start writing her letters.
When she writes back, demanding to meet, I know that I have a choice to make.
I can do as she asks and meet her under the mistletoe at the towns party, or I can stay in the shadows, loving Ginger from a distance.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Novella, Contemporary Romance

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2024

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author Shaw Hart writes short, sweet, and steamy romances. Looking for some flirty, feel good reads? Then check out her books on Amazon!

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Email: contact@shawhart.com

Reviews

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 4 of the Wolf Valley: A Very Grumpy Holiday series and focuses on Kip and Ginger. Kip fell for Ginger when he first met her but didn’t feel like he was good enough for her. He had been injured while serving in the military and felt very insecure about the scars he carried with him. He loves her but is afraid to fully put himself out there right out the gate so he begins giving her secret admirer letters. Through those letters, he had been able to show Ginger a side of him that only she brings out. For months these letters were enough but when Ginger decides she’s finally ready to meet the man she’s been falling for through the letters. This leads to Kip having to decide if he is able to overcome his fears and be brave by going after his woman. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kip and Ginger's story was a beautiful holiday read. It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside its what is on the inside that matters. Kip and Ginger exchanged letters for a bit until Ginger decides she wants to meet Kip face to face. Kip is self conscious of his his scares. To Ginger they just make him look like the warrior he is. Great story with a great HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas treat
4 stars

We’re back in Shaw Hart’s Wolf Creek for the Christmas story in her Very Grumpy Holiday Series. I’ve read a few of Ms Hart’s other books set in Wolf Creek and despite several cameos (including the other Baker sisters) this book stands completely alone and has its own happily ever after.

Ginger has been receiving love notes. On her car, at her work, at her house. But she’s not concerned - the letters instead make her feel seen and give her a thrill. But she’s getting a little fed up. If this man seriously wants to know her - he has to make himself known. So she gives him an ultimatum.

I’m not sure how old Ginger was supposed to be but she didn’t come over as shy or inexperienced. She loved getting the letters and was seriously thinking the author was someone she could fall in love with. But I also loved that she couldn’t imagine it to be Kip - the one man in town that she fancied. A bit of unrequited love where they feel they have no chance - it’s my jam. Ginger decided to take her life by the horns and go get her man - so she was really easy to like and root for.

Kit is older, a reclusive grump and a little bit shy. Part of that is his personality and part of it due to the scar on his face. Despite instantly falling for curvy Ginger, he just doesn’t feel he’s good enough for her. But he can’t resist writing her love notes to let her know how he feels. Even if she’ll never know it’s him. He’s in a real dilemma when she forces him to reveal himself - and it felt real. I didn’t know what he would do.

But all is well and our pair meet in real life and immediately get those sparks flying. I wondered if perhaps it would be less sexy since our couple aren’t together for the start of the book. Nope - it’s all as you would hope and expect - it’s Shaw Hart after all.

I loved Ginger and Kit as a couple. They were a good match of personalities and it was lovely to see them meeting under the mistletoe and beyond. The whole book is set over the Christmas period as the town gets ready for the Christmas fair. There’s a nice, festive sparkle to the story that does give it a nice vibe.

Overall this is a short, fun and sweet Christmas treat that’s perfect for fans of Shaw Hart, her Wolf Creek Grumps or just anyone that wants a happily ever after with a festive touch. 4 stars.

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

After months of receiving sweet, anonymous notes tucked under her windshield wiper, on her doorstep, and even at the places where she helps out, Ginger is anxious to find out who the author happens to be. Plagued with doubt and insecurity, she desperately wants it to be the scarred but hunky wounded warrior who’s been haunting her dreams, but she’s worried it’s not him. Encouraged by her sisters and friends, she apprehensively writes a note back asking the note leaver to meet her.

Sidelined by a disfiguring explosion while on deployment, veteran helicopter pilot Kip has been admiring Ginger from afar since he returned to their small town. While he’d love to boldly approach her and ask her out, he’s worried she won’t be interested in a man like him with scars outside and in, so he began leaving notes for her revealing his feelings without having to risk rejection.

As the Christmas festival Ginger has been working on is approaching, Kip’s bestie and business partner implores him to stop hiding behind the writing and connect with her in person. Before he gathers the courage to do so, however, Ginger turns the tables and asks him to meet up.

Will Kip be brave and tell Ginger he’s the one behind the mystery notes?

This is a charming, quick holiday read with some spice centering around two people who don’t see themselves the way those around them do.

I was furnished an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Christmas is Book 4 in the A Very Grumpy Holiday series, and it is one of my favorites by Shaw so far. It's a short and steamy Instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, age-gap, grumpy-sunshine, curvy girl gets her hunk Christmas romance.

Ginger is a sweet and sassy curvy girl new to town and working with her sisters. Kip is a hunky, grumpy, somewhat reclusive ex-military man who has some scars from his service days. He has been crushing on Ginger from afar but thinks he's not good enough for her. So he becomes her secret admirer, leaving letters all around and secretly taking care of her car. Ginger has secretly been crushing on him, too, but doesn't feel he would want her either. She falls in love via the letters and demands to meet under the mistletoe. Will Kip confess??

OMG, I loved this one so much. Kip is just a big old cinnomon roll. Their chemistry was hot, the drama was low, and the ending was super happy. I loved it!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Ginger’s turn!!

“I kiss him back with everything I have, pouring months of longing into every movement, every touch.”

““I love your body. You look like a warrior. You are a warrior,” I tell him as I continue to trail kisses across the scars.”

Get ready to swoon hard for Kip!! Ginger is new to town and works for her three sisters but has a small problem-she has a secret admirer! Kip is all kinds of yummy(though silly him thinks his scars matters-no way Mr. Henry Cavill look-alike). He owns a tourist helicopter business but also works diligently in secret on her older car, keeping it safe for her to drive(totally cinnamon roll 🥰). Ginger has a secret crush on Kip also and hopes Kip is her admirer. Things come to a head and Kip is to meet her under the mistletoe or else at the Christmas Festival🎄. Sweet and all so sexy - a wonderful read!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great edition into Wolf Valley.

Kip might be a rather new edition, but he loves it there. He's loved it even more since they day he saw Ginger come into town. She is the light to his perceived dark.

Its so old school, but precious to see Kip leaving Ginger secret admirer notes. Everyone around town can pick up on it, but Ginger seems rather blind to it. Its so beautiful to see people fall in love in a way thats a rather lost art in the age of technology.

It makes your heart happy to see how Ginger has fallen in love with Kip over the letters, but also really wants him to be the one. I love Kips upbeat bestie, Huxley, who isn't afraid to give Kip the push to finally admit it.

The Christmas event makes it all come together, and Ginger is nothing if not fierce and strong like her older sisters. Its nice to see such heart, self consciousness, acceptance, spice, and Love....real love.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Wolf Valley:A Very Grumpy Holiday series featuring the sweet and spicy holiday secret admirer romance between Kip and Ginger. Kip was injured while serving in the military so he doesn't think that he's good enough for a special girl like Ginger so he starts writing her anonymous notes. Ginger is flattered when she first receives a letter then when the next one comes it peaks her interest by the 3rd letter she's starting to fall for her admirer. Ginger decides to write back and tell her admirer that she wants to meet at the town party under the mistletoe. Will Kip finally be brave enough to step out of the shadows and reveal himself to Ginger? You really need to read this sweet and spicy holiday, secret admirer romance to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in the Wolf Valley series and is about Kip and Ginger..
Ginger has had a crush on Kip since she first noticed him so when she starts receiving letters from a secret admirer, she wishes it was him but she doesnt have high hopes cause she doesn't think he would ever like her like that.
Kip has been in love with Ginger since he first saw her but being injured and having scars makes him think that Ginger wouldn't ever see him as someone she could be interested in.. So he does the only thing he can think of....write her letters expressing how he feels without actually telling her to her face...
Ginger decides its time to meet or she's moving on..she can't keep wishing that Kip would be her admirer..
Will Kip finally come out of the shadows and tell Ginger how he really feels about her? Will they get their Christmas miracles??
5⭐
2.5🌶

[Anna-Marie Buchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this book gets 5*. I loved Kip and Ginger's Love story. OMG for months he was sending her love letters. He was her secret admirer. Little did he know she had a crush on him and actually fell in love with him over his letters. At first she didn't know for sure who it was and she hoped it was Kip. Her friends and sisters all thought it was Kip and she could only hope.

Kip was hurt while in the military and was very self conscious of his scars, but they didn't bother Ginger one bit. She thought they made him look badass and she let him know that. Even though this story was similar to the others this one had something special, different to it's tone. I seriously enjoyed it.

Now onto the last book of this series.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger has been receiving little love notes anonymously and has been trying to figure out from who. She’s hoping it’s Kip, the one man in town she’s been crushing on. But she’s frustrated too and finally demands they meet. Kip has loved Ginger since he first saw her. He’s actually obsessed but how can someone as beautiful as Ginger love a scarred up ex soldier. I absolutely loved this feel good love story. Kip and Ginger are so good together. This story is sweet with a bit of steam, well written with great characters. It’s the perfect feel wonderful holiday read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think shorts are ok, some I enjoy more than others. Some I really like and other I think are a bit too flimsy. I really like this story and enjoyed it..probably to say one of the best of the shorts that I have read.
I like the two main characters as they each have their individual charm, strength and weakness. The characters on the peripheral also contribute to the storyline. It is well developed, a slow burn and intriguing introduction as to the blossoming relationship between the couple, covers all aspects without being rushed and is altogether an engaging read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Christmas is filled with so much joy, a bit of angst, a pinch of mystery, and so much love! Kip is shy and self-conscious of his battle scars, and along with that comes hesitation to tell Ginger how he feels, so he does so in secret admirer fashion! Ginger is a courageous and sweet woman who does so much for others—I just love her giving and caring personality. These two are perfect for each other, and their story is such a delight! Sexual tension and steam, sweetness and light, a bit of drama, and some great friends and family round out this lovely one hour read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Wolf Valley with the Baker sisters. Ginger is the youngest Baker sister. She has a secret admirer who leaves her the sweetest letters. She is slowly falling in love with him. She only wishes he would reveal himself to her.
Kip is a military vet. He was injured during his deployment and has scars that mark his face. He is in love with Ginger and admires her from
afar. When he is hand is forced will he face his fears and face Ginger or lose her forever.
This entire series is full of cinnamon roll heros.
I love how when other men start flirting with Ginger that Kip steps up and shows a jealous streak.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the sweetest plot! Kip has loved GInger from afar since he first saw her a year ago. So he leaves her anonymous letters in random places, telling her what he thinks. Ginger can't help but fall in love with him even though she doesn't know who it is. Those two are such great characters. Kip fights insecurities because of war scars, so he stays away. I will be rereading this book! It is a fantastic book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt sad for Kip because he was so unsure to let Ginger know how he felt. He has loved her for months but was too shy to tell her. Ginger had a crush on Kip and was falling in love with her secret admirer. It was frustrating that for half of the book both of them wouldn't confront the other with their feelings. Too much of, I'll think about it. I like my H's a little more bold! The second half I really liked after they both confessed their love. Hot!!!

Ages ???

DOUBLE V!!!

Safe read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ginger got her first letter she thought it might have been a mistake but then they keep coming. She starts to fall for the guy in the letters but he will not come out of hiding and into the light.

Kip has wanted Ginger since he first saw her, her presence just lights up his life. He feels she would never be interested him and keeps himself hidden until she demands they meet.

This is a sweet and steamy read with a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in Wolf Valley A Very Grumpy Holiday series. This is a sweet story with a secret admirer who's afraid to reveal himself. Ginger and Kip are good characters. It was easy to feel howKip felt about Ginger and his fear of rejection due to his scars. Ginger was also vulnerable questioning why her secret admirer didn't want to meet her face to face. Enjoyable short read with adorable characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger is very sweet. And maybe she has some self confidence issues. She is receiving letters from a secret admirer and assumes initially that they aren’t meant for her. But the letters keep coming. Kip is shy and also lacking some self confidence. Hence the secret notes instead of talking to Ginger. And then they meet! Of course they already know each other but still! Sigh. I love their happily ever after! Short, sweet and a little steamy! 💜.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kip is Ginger’s secret admirer and he has been leaving her notes in random places and watching over since he knew she was his one. He was shy and didn’t know if she would ever want to be with him. Ginger is shy and once she realized she had a secret admirer her life got brighter but she didn’t know who it was. Boldly she declared that they meet and together they found a sinfully sweet HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Keilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet secret admirer story. I do wish it had been a little longer to allow their story to develop more. It felt a bit rushed in the middle when she kinda put him on the spot by giving him an ultimatum. But overall it was good. This is part of a series and you don’t have to read them all but personally I liked the other books better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Drea Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Christmas is a quick, cozy novella that delivers a sweet holiday romance in just 75 pages—so don’t blink, because it moves fast! The story follows a curvy heroine and a shy hero who secretly admires her, writing anonymous letters and watching from afar before fate brings them together. Their dynamic is adorable, and the Christmas setting adds an extra layer of charm. It’s a cute, feel-good read that’s perfect for a short holiday break. My review is honest and voluntary.

[BookReadingJenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story. Lovable characters. I love the relationships between the sisters in this story. In this whole series. And the friendships as well. This story starts with a little bit of mystery with notes from a secret admirer. Then you get to read both sides of this love story. A wonderful, short, holiday read.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming and romantic holiday romance that really brings out the sweet and steamy for Kip and Ginger. He's been sending her love notes and she's been VERY curious as to whom the author is, but is hoping it's Kip, the veteran she's been crushing on... Neither of them saw themselves as others did and it was great to see these wonderful characters come together :D

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great secret admirer romance. It was a short story that was well paced. I loved the whole story and the idea of a secret admirer leaving notes. Ginger and Kip were great together and I really enjoyed the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

These two were so right for each other but neither would do anything about it at the start, thank goodness for the support they got from their friends. I thought this short moved along well and I felt a connection to the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming Christmas Themed story that pulls us into the lives of Ginger and Kip. The story keeps us turning the pages with a secret admirer, hope, insecurities, revelations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining holiday of romance book that captivates your attention, holding it from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with strong chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kirsten Heidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kip has been in love with Ginger since he first saw her, so he starts writing her letters , next thing he knows she wants to meet him but he doesnt know weather to meet her under the mistletoe or stay in the shadows.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[dianna fifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!

Loved this story ! Love notes secretly found in the oddest places! Alpha male a little shy and damaged in spots from the war! Cute plus size gal he wants her but continues to just leave her notes as he feels he is too damaged physically but all comes to a point when she demands to meet her secret admirer will it happen? Or will he only love her from afar?