My Secret Snowflake

New York Spark #3

by Kathy Strobos

Burned by love, Sebastian has sworn to remain single, but he may have just met his match.

Sebastian: Being single is under-rated. No inexplicable mystery of love for me.

I admit I’m attracted to my co-worker Iris—and not just because she was wearing glowing cat paw underwear. But even though she’s breached my first line of defense, I’m set in my Grinch ways.

Iris is the Secret Snowflake for her perfect man—who is definitely not Sebastian.

Iris: No more naughty heartthrobs for me. Catching my rock star ex cheating cured me. All I’m asking Santa for is my work bonus and a nice—dare I say boring?—guy. And that’s my Secret Snowflake Ernest. He gave me a calculator.

But now our company has been hacked, and secrets abound. I’m working around the clock to figure out who and why—with our aloof, but oh-so-attractive company counsel, Sebastian—before I get a stocking filled with coal for the holidays.
The last thing I should also be trying to decipher is him.

But then I get blamed.

I know I can trust Sebastian to help me. It’s trusting my heart that’s the problem.

When things are definitely not what they seem, sometimes it takes the light of the holidays to reveal the clues to love.

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Slow Burn

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

About the author

Kathy Strobos is a writer living in New York City with her husband and two children, amid a growing collection of books, toys and dollhouses. Born and raised in Manhattan, she loves writing about New York City and her smart heroines who live and fall in love there, amidst its vibrant energy and the aroma of homemade chocolate chip cookies. She is the award-winning author of: A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts, Partner Pursuit, Is This for Real?, Caper Crush, My Book Boyfriend, Love Is an Art, My Secret Snowflake, and My Rock Star Neighbor. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Genre ~ romantic comedy
Series ~ New York Spark #3
Others in the series ~ My Book Boyfriend, Love Is an Art
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ September 12, 2024
Publisher ~ Strawbundle Publishing
Est Page Count ~ 310 (37 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ workplace drama, cybersecurity, lawyer, slow burn, no steamage
Author Content Warning: She has an ex who cheated on her, but that’s not on page

Iris & Sebastian are coworkers in different departments at the company Dream. Both are fresh off of a bad breakup and not looking to jump into a relationship and want to remain single. Since their best friends are in a relationship they run into each other quite frequently when not in the office, so their attraction towards each other grows.

There is much more on the workplace drama front as a company then there is on workplace romance. The romance is pretty slow burn, but not so slow that we don’t have a dreaded conflict. Both characters frustrated me at times, but they were cute together. I enjoyed it when they did the scavenger hunt because there was a perfect balance of who knew what in order to complete it. There are a great group of side characters, and some not so great, of course, that do a good job of rounding out the story.

All in all, I enjoyed it, I just wish it wasn’t the first book I’ve read in the series.

Series notes:
Book 1 and 2 characters make quite a few appearances, so I’m not happy that I didn’t read them first because now I know what’s up with how their lives play out. Also wondering if Iris and Sebastian were in the previous books with their exes.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed the first two books in this series, so was excited for this next one. And I think, even though one of the other books had a librarian character, that this one is my favorite so far!

Once again both characters had an ex that had made them swear off dating, swearing to be forever single. But they were connected through both their friend and family groups as well as working together. In a way they had a fun meet cute, Iris hanging out a window, and Sebastian happening along and helping her get through it, also catching a glance at her cat paw underwear underneath her skirt in the process. Their friends in common also wanted to get them both together, even though the two of them fought it for so many reasons. Mainly that Sebastian had sworn he was just going to be single forever.

Both of them had wonderful families, even with the little disagreement that Sebastian always had with his dad about his job. I loved the work dynamics and the whole intrigue going on at their workplace with hackers and will the new buyers of the company shut them down, etc. Even more that that though were fun co-workers, both annoying/hateful people as well as work besties. And this company had such a great thing they did with the Big Brothers and Sisters program, I loved that whole aspect of the story as well.

I always join into the Secret Santa fun at the places I work when they have it. I love the way they called it Secret Snowflake instead. The gifts and finding out what to give someone else led to many crazy escapades, including a scavenger hunt at a baby store, with Iris pretending to be pregnant.

In the end the little breakup that started made sense as the two of them really had only been dating for a few days. But the way the author had them work that out was so realistic for me. Made so much sense. As I said at the beginning of this review, this is definitely my favorite in the series so far. And I can’t wait for the next one!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up: My Secret Snowflake is a workplace romance to a degree, but also a story of friends and matchmaking. Iris is a cybersecurity expert and Sebastian is a lawyer for the same company. They also have many of the same friends, so find themselves at a lot of the same activities. Both have had a bad breakup, and both have sworn off dating and getting serious. When the company that bought them out has an employees retreat in France, they have a hilarious meet cute. Because they are thrown together at work activities and outside activities their relationship changes, for the good. Of course there are going to be roadblocks and situations that cause problems, but will they be able to overcome them to become a couple in time for Christmas?

I've not read anything by Kathy Strobos, in fact I had not heard of this author before, but I love Christmas romance, so decided to give this book a try and I am so glad I did. I loved everything about it. The two main characters, Iris and Sebastian stole my heart. I wanted to meet them, to get to know them, and spend time doing all the wonderful things they did over the festive season. The characters are all wonderful, especially the friends group and their families. There is mega chemistry between these two and I loved their banter. One thing I love about Christmas stories is the festive activities and there were a lot in this book. I also loved the plug for Big Sisters and Big Brothers, a wonderful organization. I would easily have given this one 5 stars, but I had one niggle. If they had the same friends group, how did they not know each other before? This was a closed door romance, which I also appreciate. I know I will read more books by Kathy Strobos, especially the others in the New York Spark series.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book. I have loved this series. Characters in this book are in the first two so I recommend reading them in order. Sebastian and Iris have both sworn off dating. But their friends think they’d be perfect for each other. One problem, they work together. Which means that just adds another reason for them to not be a good match. But every time they are near each other, sparks fly. How long can Iris and Sebastian ignore their feelings? You will be routing for Iris and Sebastian to realize how good they are for each other! I didn’t want to stop turning the pages.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully romantic story with adorable characters, wonderful twists, lots of humour, and a lovely ending.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Secret Snowflake by Kathy Strobos

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Burned by love, Sebastian has sworn to remain single, but he may have just met his match.

Sebastian: Being single is under-rated. No inexplicable mystery of love for me.

I admit I’m attracted to my co-worker Iris—and not just because she was wearing glowing cat paw underwear. But even though she’s breached my first line of defense, I’m set in my Grinch ways.

Iris is the Secret Snowflake for her perfect man—who is definitely not Sebastian.

Iris: No more naughty heartthrobs for me. Catching my rock star ex cheating cured me. All I’m asking Santa for is my work bonus and a nice—dare I say boring?—guy. And that’s my Secret Snowflake Ernest. He gave me a calculator.

But now our company has been hacked, and secrets abound. I’m working around the clock to figure out who and why—with our aloof, but oh-so-attractive company counsel, Sebastian—before I get a stocking filled with coal for the holidays.

The last thing I should also be trying to decipher is him.

My Opinion

My Secret Snowflake is the third book in a series but I have read it as a standalone. Iris is a very strong female character who knows what she wants but both of our main characters were great. Whilst this is obviously a romance book there is so much more packed into the book.

A cute read for the festive season.

Rating 4/5

[Giulia Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story full of lovely, delightful characters. I loved Sebastian, a quiet guy who's got his flaws and issues to overcome but is still super lovely with it and reasonable. The same for Iris, who is clever and strong, cute and funny. It's refreshing to read a romcom where the hero and heroine act like grown ups, don't bicker over stupid things, and are just generally nice to each other. This is a really cute romance to get you in to the Christmas spirit and I highly recommend it.

[Ineta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful characters - Sebastian and Iris, both are after bad breakups and not looking for relationship - so what can go wrong? Except, their friends are playing matchmakers and they are cute together.

I love good workplace slow burning drama - lawyers, cybersecurity. And all covered in layers of humor and twists.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris & Sebastian ❤️

🐾Iris works in cybersecurity for a New York film company that’s been taken over by a French organisation. When she first meets legal guy Sebastian, she’s trying to scale a window at the hotel they are staying at since her friend and colleague left it in her room.

💻Back in the office, there are shenanigans between the two brothers who started the company, trying to one up each other, which starts affecting the staff.

❄️With the backdrop of the holiday season, the Secret Snowflake exchange, and working with underprivileged kids, Iris and Sebastian get to know each other better. When things really hit the fan, the pair decide to stop denying their feelings and make a go for it.

📚I have been reading Kathy Strobos’ stories since discovering her debut a few years ago. This latest is an ode to Christmas, the difficulties of office romance and balancing work and play and it’s a really fun read. I enjoyed how family and friends were an important part of each of the character’s world, how the parents supported their adult children. The author describes the city in such detail, you feel like New York is a pivotal character in the story ❤️

Read a copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub date 7 September 2024

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of slow-burn tension, reluctant grumps falling for chaotic sunshine, and just a hint of holiday magic, this book is going to be your next cozy read.

Sebastian has sworn off love—and honestly, he wears his cynicism like a badge of honor. He’s prickly, guarded, and pretty convinced that being single is the way to go. Iris, on the other hand, is done with drama. After catching her rock star ex cheating, she’s ready for a quiet, dependable guy. Her sights are set on “Ernest,” her Secret Snowflake recipient at work, who seems boring in the best possible way.

Of course, nothing is that simple.

As the office gets tangled in a mysterious hack and everyone’s secrets start surfacing, Iris and Sebastian find themselves working closely together. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it’s the emotional vulnerability underneath their banter that really drives the story. Both are burned by love in their own ways, and watching them navigate trust, fear, and attraction makes for a compelling (and adorable) ride.

There’s so much to love here: Iris is vibrant without being over-the-top, and Sebastian’s gradual thaw is satisfying to witness. The holiday setting adds just enough sparkle, and the pacing is just right, with a mystery subplot that keeps the tension high while letting the romance breathe.

This is a romance that understands both the messiness and the magic of falling for someone unexpected. It left me smiling and a little misty-eyed, which is exactly what I want from a holiday rom-com.

Highly recommended for readers who like their love stories with humor, heart, and a dash of holiday intrigue.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Secret Snowflake is book three in Kathy Strobos’ New York Spark romantic comedy series. It’s a closed-door holiday workplace romance told in dual POV. It can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more if read after My Book Boyfriend and Love Is an Art.
Iris is looking for a relationship with a boring guy after catching her previous boyfriend, a rock star, cheating with another woman. She works in cybersecurity at her company, and they are having multiple holiday activities, including their version of Secret Santa. When she is chosen as Ernest’s Secret Snowflake, she concocts a plan to befriend Sebastian, his colleague, to figure out the perfect gift for Ernest to spark his interest.
Attorney Sebastian is secretly attracted to his co-worker, Iris, but knows it’s a bad idea to date someone from work. He’s also planning on staying single after being burned in the past. As he gets to know Iris better after working closely with her during a hacking investigation, he decides that she might be worth it.
My Secret Snowflake is my favorite story so far in the New York Spark series. I enjoyed the earlier stories, but this one is special because it occurs in the workplace during December amidst the holiday celebrations. The hacking and company upheaval add some suspense to the storyline. I love that Iris has a nontraditional job but is a strong and cool female. I enjoyed seeing the cameos from familiar characters, and the workplace shenanigans really add to the story. This book could easily be turned into a Hallmark Christmas movie.
I received an Advance Review Copy (ARC) from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is book 3 in the New York Spark Series and can be read as a standalone, though characters from the previous books appear so I think the reader experience will be better if you've read those. This is the first book of the author's that I've read and I'm interested in reading more from the series. My Secret Snowflake is told through Iris and Sebastian's pov.

Since this was my first time reading anything written by the author, I didn't know what to expect but the first chapter got my attention. Iris and Sebastian had both been burned by past relationships and, though neither was looking for a relationship, they couldn't help but to feel drawn to each other. They were honest with each other so that and the fact that they were both career oriented helped them to form a fast connection, though their romance was a slow burn. There's plenty of flirting, innuendo, and lead up to fade to black scenes so this is a closed door romance with heat. Aside from the romance, the workplace drama took up a lot of the plot and there was a slight mystery feel to it as readers will also be wondering what is going on in the company that Iris and Sebastian work in. Overall, I think readers of the series will be satisfied with this book and those who love workplace romance, where the workplace conflict is a focus, should give this book a try.

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

This is the third book in the "New York Spark" series. While the book can be read as a stand-alone there are numerous reappearing characters from the first books so you will enjoy it more if have read those first.
This book tells the story of Iris, a cyber-security specialist, and her work colleague Sebastian. They know each other from work but since they have several friends in common they keep meeting up in their free time. There is chemistry between them but both have been hurt by past relationships so they decide to just be friends for now. And so the story unfolds...
I enjoyed reading this book but it took me a while to get into the story. I found the whole hacking plot a bit confusing at times. Even though I thought both main characters were relatable I thought the development from friends to lovers at the christmas party was a bit sudden.
All in all an enjoyable book but I liked the other books in the series better.

I received an ARC via booksirens.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Burn, Closed Door, Workplace Romance with Side of Intrigue - So Much Fun

This book had so much going on the pages turned themselves and I could not put it down. Iris who works in cybersecurity and Sebastian in legal work at the same company, have best friends dating in common, generate major sparks and are both "not dating" because they were completely burned in their last relationships. Then come events with their friends, Secret Snowflake gifts, Big Brother/Sister activities, a corporate hack with threats of downsizing and not only are they thrown together, but are forced to work together to solve the mystery. The story is told via dual POV so the reader always understands the characters thinking, and the side characters are well written and also fun. This is the third book in the series and although many of the characters do repeat it is easily read as a standalone - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Aika Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Secret Snowflake

I honestly didn’t expect to pick up a holiday book this month, but here we are! My Secret Snowflake was a delightful surprise, and while it’s never too late for a holiday read, this one is a cozy mix of office drama, Secret Snowflake (or Secret Santa), andromance.

At the start, Iris and Sebastian have very different perspectives on love, but as you can probably guess, things take a turn.

While I loved the premise, I found the pacing to be a bit uneven. I feel like I am reading one scene to another without connection. At the about 15 to 20% of the book, a lot are squeezed in, then there's the part where they are asked to separate because of their work positions.

That said, I really enjoyed the scavenger hunt scene, where they are playing husband and wife to win gifts for the mmc's pregnant friend.

I am still rating this 3.5! While there were a few issues with the flow of the narrative, I love the characters of the main leads. :)

[AlexGa · Rating 3 out of 5]

6%
Reads like all the other books in this genre.

I fear the contemporary romance is suffering overall even though I love the genre. Sometimes a novel gets published and it's magical and beautiful and entertaining. But most often than not we get a mediocre book with fmcs who struggle with something, be it career, past relationship, their self-worth - you name it. Then they meet a guy who they are instantly attracted to and their world does complete 180. I have enjoyed such stories in the past and still enjoy them. But this predictability is not what makes them mediocre. It's the fact that they are all written the same way, with the same phrases. It's as if contemporary romance authors have a pinned list in their collective group chat with words that must be used in the book.

My Secret Snowflake is exactly like that.

[Annette Megaughin-Helder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one go!

I loved this book about 2 co-workers resisting dating, as both have sworn to stay single. Iris has been cheated on, and Sebastian was dumped by his ex because she wanted to go back to being friends instead of lovers.

After unwillingly flashing her white with pink cat pawprints knickers at him, Iris is on Sebastian’s radar and a few more unfortunate run-ins make sure she stay on it.

When things unravel at work, they work together to solve the crime and then finally get it on. Company policy throws a spanner in the works though, forcing a break-up unless one of them quits.

So Iris calls it off.

But that’s not the end. And spoiler: they live happily ever after. Yay!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series that I've picked up, and while I haven’t read the first one, I’d definitely recommend reading them in order. The characters in this book were introduced earlier in the series, and their stories really build on each other. In this installment, Sebastian and Iris have both sworn off dating, but their friends are convinced they’d be perfect together. The catch? They’re coworkers, which adds an extra layer of complication. Despite their efforts to stay apart, their undeniable chemistry makes it impossible to ignore their growing feelings. You’ll be rooting for them to finally see how perfect they are for each other. I couldn’t stop flipping the pages!

[N.L. Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris has recently split from her long-term boyfriend and has sworn off dating. 

Sebastian has sworn to stay single. 

But when the two work colleagues have mutual friends and more in common than they realise, it may be that their sworn single status might be coming to an end. 

I love these two characters and how it was written as a 'will they, won't they' situation when they saw each other. I was itching for them to get together. 

I also love the close friendship these characters have, especially with Iris and her sisters. 

This was a great novel with themes such as friendship and heartache and was a great book to get lost in 

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, although it can be read as a standalone I'm glad I've read previous books, as characters from previous books make appearances. The chemistry between Iris and Sebastian is unmistakable, even their meet cute is especially cute. Although both have had ex's who have made them swear off relationships it doesn't take long to see that won't last. This series certainly doesn't disappoint and I loved how the story makes the festive season even more festive. The changing of secret Santa to secret snowflake is perfect. If you love Christmas romances curl up andcread this it won't disappoint ❤️📖🎄☃️❤️

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both characters had an ex that had made them swear off dating, swearing to be forever single. But they were connected through both their friend and family groups as well as working together. In a way they had a fun meet cute, Iris hanging out a window, and Sebastian happening along and helping her get through it, also catching a glance at her cat paw underwear underneath her skirt in the process. Their friends in common also wanted to get them both together, even though the two of them fought it for so many reasons. Iris and Sebastian are a super cute couple and I’m glad after everything they went through that in the end they got their HEA.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! As soon as I saw it come out as an ARC I applied to be an ARC reader. I can’t wait for the next book to come out and I wish this story just kept going. Such a great series 🥰 Each love story told through these books is so fun to experience through the characters and the added intensity of the hurdles they go through makes it all the more exciting.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Edan · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐️

I don’t even know where to begin. They weren’t even each other’s secret snowflake so what’s the point. You can argue that’s how they started talking but their best friends are dating each other wouldn’t that be a better connection? What was with all the drama and the way Sebastian pulled a Ted Mosby and asked her to move in like two days into the relationship and got upset when she said they were moving too fast 😭

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Secret Snowflake is the third in the. New York Spark series by Strobos.

As with most books in a series there are recurring characters, so it's always nice to reconnect with old faces and to acquaint with new. The characters were charming, very likeable and their friendships infinite.

As slow burning romances go it's an enjoyable, addictive read and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the book, the series and the author.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris & Sebastian are work mates. Both have sworn off relationships, due to past break ups. They need to work together to solve a company problem. What is different about this book is the main character act like grown up (yeah), which means no drama. This is a great Christmas read
I received this book for free and am happy to leave a review

[Jessi Avila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one! The whole series is a good one. I have enjoyed reading about each person finding their person. Loved the female power of this one and how she is in cybersecurity, a field of mainly men. This was a cute, funny read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Secret Snowflake is an easy read, with funny parts and also with many descriptions of what you shouldn't do as a business owner/manager and it could surely be used as an example in leadership courses. It's also romantic, with well developed and likeable main characters. Recommended.
I thank the author, her publisher, and BookSirens for the free copy of this book.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Sebastian and Iris have to work together but they cannot get involved with each other. As they work to solve the work breach, they get closer and closer. I really enjoyed reading their journey to love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean holiday romance. There is a bit of suspense thrown in as well. I enjoyed the characters and the detailed descriptions of the scenes made it feel very real.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

miracle needed
I understand their reasons for refusing a relationship but can´t they see they are the ones that get hurt most by their stubbornness? For Iris and Sebastian a christmas miracle is really necessary to make them see they are perfect for each other.