Blame It on the Carols

Sugarplum Falls #6

by Samantha Baca

When my music career took off six years ago, I had to leave my small-town life and the man I was in love with behind.

But when my mom called, asking for my help, I couldn't say no. Singing was what I loved, and helping the Sugarplum Sweethearts win the local caroling competition would be an honor. I could sneak in, spend some time with my mother, then get back to LA to prepare for my upcoming world tour.

What I didn't expect was to have an obsessed fan show up. Safety was the number one priority, and everyone assured me that I would be safer staying with Aiden—the former love of my life and current object of my heart’s affection. But just because I would be physically safe didn’t mean my heart wasn’t in danger. It was clinging to old memories and holding onto hope for a future that wasn’t an option for us.

With each day that passed, I felt myself falling more and more. I was on a steep and slippery slope that I couldn’t afford to go down. Loving and losing Aiden once was enough to break my heart. Allowing it to happen again would shatter me completely.

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Samantha lives in the southwest with her husband and two children, where she enjoys writing, drinking iced coffee, and watching the greatest show of all time—Friends. With over 30 books published, Samantha enjoys writing across several different genres, from steamy romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedies. She also has a sweet spot for holiday stories, so grab a blanket and get ready to binge some of the sweetest—yet spicy—holiday romance your heart can handle!

Samantha loves connecting with her readers, so here’s a list of where you can find her:

Facebook Reader Group:
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Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamant...

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/author_samantha...

Webpage:
www.samanthabaca.com

Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/authorsamant...

Books2Read:
https://books2read.com/ap/RQAYK9/Sama...

Reviews

[claire - clairesbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makayla’s music career took off six years ago and she left small town Sugarplum Falls for California. Now she's back to help her mom, and discovers Aiden, the guy she left behind is still there. There's some tension at first, but that is set aside when Makayla's stalker tracks her down to her hometown. Aiden steps in to keep Makayla safe until a security team can get there, but there's still one part of her in danger - her heart. Aiden's going to steal it again.

I loved how everyone in the town was basically doing everything to get Aiden and Makayla alone together. Especially the older ladies. I also loved that we got a little suspenseful vibe from this one. It was so nice having everyone back and we even got to see a couple characters from previous books we haven't seen in a while. This book will give you spicy Hallmark vibes for sure. Sugarplum Falls is seriously a place I'd love to visit in real life!

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You love quick holiday stores with some spice and a little suspense!

[Torey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Sugarplum Falls sounds like such an amazing place to live, it's no wonder Makayla came back to help her Mom and Aiden never left. I am so happy to see more of the past characters show up in this book and I just adore Sam. I really hope he gets his own story.

I enjoyed the stalker story line and Aiden's protective side. It was nice that he reminded her of all the good parts of a small town and was a total green flag guy.

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice 3/5 🌶️
eARC

A great small town holiday novella of Makayla and Aiden. Makayla left her heart and home town making it big as a award-winning singer. When Makayla returns home to help her mom try to win a local choir competition, she runs into Aiden. Their love for one another is rediscovered as they navigate protecting Makayla from a stalker that has followed her home. A must read!

Favorites from the book:

"You bring me happiness. Knowing that you're safe brings me happiness,"

"I'm telling you, Andi, there's a whole market you're missing with adult-only cookie decorating classes,"

"Now I would love to knock you up and have you carry my child. Just the thought of you pregnant with my baby makes my 🍆 hard."

[Rileyreads11_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha always brings the Christmas cheer with her stories!

Every book I read by her I feel like I’m part of the small town and fall more and more in love with small town!!


Aiden and Makayla’s story was so cute I felt like I was there friend watching it all play out!!


If you are looking for a series or Christmas reads Samantha is your author to read!

5/5✨

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makayla is home for the festive season, being back in Sugarplum Falls brings with it so many memories especially Aiden. Six years ago she left to pursue her life's dream of becoming a famous singer. Yes she'd done that travelling to far off countries on tour, but not coning back to her hometown. Aiden enjoyed this time of night closing up the bar and then heading home. His life was busy with running the bar but he loved the small town and its residents. Shocked hearing the door open and close he turns to tell whoever it was they knew he was closed. Except what was she doing standing there still as beautiful as she was when she turned and walked out of the town, her mom and their relationship for fame. Is there ever a right time to stop back into a life you previously had. Can the past be forgive and forgot. That's what's facing Aiden and Makayla. This story has everything you expect and more. Sugarplum Falls goes all out to celebrate but can it mend hearts that broke six years ago. Between Carol singing contests, frost fest, a stalker and the hot energy between them. Can Makayla and Aiden finally find a happy ending or will the call of New York and fame still keep them apart. This is the sixth book but can be read without reading the others, but they're just as brilliant as this. So sit back with a candy cane and hot chocolate and enjoy the story❤️

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cute Christmas novella!
What to expect:
🎄Christmas novella
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄Second chance
🎄Cinnamon roll hero
🎄Small town
🎄Touch of suspense
🎄He falls first
🎄Spicy

Who wouldn't want to read a book about a famous singer returning to her hometown to help her mom win a caroling contest? Throw in a stalker and you have the perfect mix of suspense in with this hallmark style book!

We have already met Aiden from previous books in the Sugarplum Falls series but now we get his story. He stayed home and built a life for himself while Makayla followed her dreams and sings for audiences across the globe. Traveling that much means she hasn't had time for Christmas traditions. Aiden wants to show her what she has been missing, both with Christmas activities and the love she left behind.

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

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! I read this book in about 3 hrs!

This book has it all!

Tropes:
• He falls first
• Small Town
• Forced Proximity
• Second Chances
• Steamy

Makayla and Aiden stole my heart in this book! Makayla left her small town to chase her dream as a singer and succeeded but when her mom needed her to come home to help with a Christmas concert, she dropped everything to help, even knowing the heartache that was waiting on her.

Aiden didn’t see her coming but she left 6 years ago and took his heart with her. How can he handle seeing her constantly while she is in town? Finding out that Mak has a stalker chasing her, Aiden demands she move in with him so she is safe, then wonders what in the h*ll was he thinking putting them in close quarters with one another.

You will not be disappointed in this one. Grab the book, cuddle on the couch and dive into one of the best stories I have read in a while.

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome home to Sugarplum Falls. Makayla is back home and takes break from her rock star world tour and finding coming home is easier than she expected. Aiden is floored when he looks up from his bar and see Makayla walk back into his life and bar. It’s been six years since she left to pursue her music career. His heart practically jumps out of his chest proving their fire definitely did not fizzled during their time apart but his not sure there is a path forward. Fate has also brought Makayla’s stalker to town which requires her to move in with Aiden for protection. Close proximity is their undoing but can it last? I enjoyed this book. It is well written full of interesting characters. Great holiday reading! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blame It On The Carols is book #6 in the Sugarplum Falls series. This magical town that LOVES Christmas seems to bring all the couples together. Aiden owns the town bar, Sugar Faced, and is a VERY eligible bachelor. However, his heart was broken by his high school sweetheart, Makayla, when she left to pursue a singing career. Now she's back to help her mom's choir win the Christmas Carol Competition. This town screams Hallmark, but the spice is definitely Passionflix! The author gives us some intrigue as well as Makayla has a stalker that has tracked her down. This is a second chance, small town holiday novella filled with romance and all the spice! This is a standalone, but it is a small town, so you are going to have characters from the previous stories mixed in there. And Sam… the town romantic… he's up next for his HEA. I can't wait for his story!

[Donna Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of a cutesy romance in a cosy little Christmas town, especially at this time of year. I enjoyed the story but I felt it was a bit rushed at times. Really from the first interaction between Aiden and Makayla.

I felt there could've been more of a slow burn between the two. And the resolution of the main antagonist was a bit quick and disappointing. The character came out of no where with no background or prior mention. It felt a bit like an after thought to close out a storyline.

I loved the small town feel with everyone looking out for each other and the huge investment they made in Christmas.

Overall it was a good story, I just would've liked a little more content and a little less rush.

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

[Tamara Fruge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me some Sugar Plum Falls and this book just made me so happy. Aiden was always this stoic chip on his shoulder character and this book let me know why. Navigating his backstory and introducing the one that cause the rift. What bar owner doesn’t have a bit of a broken heart? Makayla is such a dynamic character that I couldn’t box if I tried. I enjoyed seeing her grow and develop into the character you wanted to put your faith in. Now put them together with a sprinkle of fan stalker and you got one heck of a story. Samantha had me binging this book to see what would happen and who would be hurt. Seriously love Sugar Plum Falls and so glad this book got added!

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of the Sugarplum Falls series that i have read, and I finished it in 1 day! I really enjoyed the story and couldn't put it down..

Makayla returns to Sugarplum Falls to help her mum in a christmas carol competition. Whilst in town, she gets reminded of what Christmas is all about.

Whist falling into a bit of trouble with a stalker Aiden, her high-school sweetheart jumped into protective mode. Their romance was soon rekindled.

I love some of the supporting charaters.. Jackie and Sam seem like amazing friends to have. Sugarplum Falls sounds like the best place to be at christmas.

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

[JoyeVN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love switching up my reading list and adding in quick novellas for the holidays. This series is one that I have enjoyed before and I liked this one as well. Sugarplum Falls is a cute, quirky town full of great characters.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review. 🫶📚

My rating scale:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A 4-star book is one that I really liked. It’s a very enjoyable story, but just short of epic. Certain areas may not be as fulfilling as they could have been. I’m not quite as captivated or blown away, but still had a great experience. I’d recommend this book to others and continue reading from this author. 

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in Baca's Sugarplum Falls series and can be read as a standalone but a wonderful addition to the series. Short and captivating and full of all the holiday fun you would come to expect in this small town. Our main characters are Makayla and Aiden who have some history. Makayla is back in her hometown to help her mom win a carol competition and Aiden is the very single, local bar owner and is shocked when Makayla comes back to town. A holiday romance read that is sure to delight with its sweet and steam balance that will carry you away to a HEA!

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW this was a great story. It was a page turner and the suspense was funny and romance. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down.

Aiden and Makayla romance was sweet and sugar candy cane of passion as they meet each other the sparks were sparkling in their heart. There feeling was mature and they wanted to spend time with each other in a beautiful moment. This drama is going to be very emotions of feelings and pain with a joy of passion and madness.

I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed at all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Kayla T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the Sugarplum Falls series. This book follows Makayla and Aiden who had been together six years earlier. I am so glad that Aiden came back into her life and helped to protect her from Kevin. During the carol competition, I am glad Makayla was able to have her spotlight moment which made her mom cry. It was such a sweet scene to listen to. I am glad that Makayla and Aiden were able to get their HEA. I was definitely laughing when Aiden talked about wanting to get her pregnant. I am also happy that Makayla didn’t have to deal with Kevin again. Overall, this was a great addition to the series.

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I absolutely love going back to Sugarplum Falls and catching up with its residents. This time, Makayla is home to help her mom win the caroling competition. She is a world famous singer who left home six years ago, breaking Aidens' heart. He still isn't over her, and her surprise visit home is shocking to him. With a bit of scheming from the town, these two are thrust back together. Throw in a sprinkle of a stalker hunting Makayla, and you get a dose of forced proximity that is delicious. A fantastic addition to Sugarplum Falls.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blame It On the Carols by Samantha Baca is a very cute holiday story that has just a bit of suspense in it. You will totally enjoy this visit to Sugarplum Falls!

Makayla and Aiden were high school sweethearts, but Makayla had to leave to follow her dreams years ago. When Makayla stops by to see Aiden on her way home, they both realize the feelings they have are still very real. Everyone is trying to throw them together to see what can be rekindled. It only takes the threat of a stalker to get the job done.

Get into the holiday spirit with this fun story!

[Debbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, suspenseful, sweet, and steamy story! I love revisiting Sugarplum Falls and all of its residents! It’s such a wonderful small town, especially how all out everyone goes around Christmas, and it’s great seeing the same residents pop up. When Makayla comes back to town to help her mom win the caroling competition, Makayla and Aiden immediately pick back up right where they had left off. They have amazing chemistry together, even though they hadn’t been together in years. So many sexy moments in this book!

[Rebekah Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book had a little bit of everything! There’s the cute, small town feel, it’s Christmas time, there’s a second chance romance blooming, oh and a scary stalker on the loose to bring in suspense and danger.

One of my favorite things was the meddling mom and her choir friends. They were perfectly adorable in the best Hallmark sort of way.

This fun novella had me wanting to put up my Christmas decorations while singing Christmas carol karaoke.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blame It On The Carols Sugarplum Falls book six by Samantha Bacca is a fun and spicy novella. Mak, a successful singer, discovers she has a stalker in LA so she comes back home to Sugarplum Falls to seek refuge and ends up sparking a fire with her high school flame, Aiden. This story has some mystery and a lot of spice! I love all the Christmas traditions that the town has and I recommend for a spicy second chance romance with a HEA!

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Meddling

What can be more enticing than a little holiday meddling. Well add in some intense emotional decisions and a stalker for some added tension sure to keep you captivated. This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I could not get enough of Aiden and Makayla as their chemistry was off-charts exciting.

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

[greenapplemojito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice and decent book, but I just couldn't connect with the characters, understand their personalities, and I also felt there was little to no tension, even with the whole stalker thing involved, which made the story feel "safe" but not exciting. Would have loved it if there were more story to the book and I could connect with the characters better and also feel more engaged to the story.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have enjoyed reading the Sugarplum Falls books. In this book, Makayla left home to chase her dream career as a singer. When she did so, she broke Aiden's heart. When she comes home to help her mom they find themselves back together. Will they get a second chance at an HEA? A very enjoyable read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit different than the other books in the series but I loved it. Mikayla is reunited with Aiden while she is trying to accomplish her singing dreams but things don't always go as planned. This book includes a little bit of suspense that kept us on our toes while also a bit of love. What would this story be with the romance? Such a good read!

[Jill Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, the story flowed so well and was so easy to read that I couldn’t put it down. Makayla and Aidan were such a lovely couple and it was great they were given a second chance at love.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.

[Natasha Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha out did herself again on this spicy sweet book . She pulls you in and grabs you with her small town romance that captures you heart and soul . The spicy scenes are out of this world and the storyline is a perfect read for anytime of year but makes for a fantastic holiday story as well!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Sugarplum Falls story make me want to live there. Makayla comes back to her hometown after leaving 6 years ago. Aiden is not sure if he can let her back into his life after she broke his heart. The town has a magical way to heal and find love again.

[Kristen Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the town of Sugarplum Falls so much! Samantha's holiday novellas always get me in the Christmas spirit! It's hard to pick which couples in this town are my favorites but I love that we get glimpses of them all in all the stories. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small town, second chance, holiday romance was sweet, yet spicy! I loved Makayla and Aiden so much! Aiden was such a green flag guy and I loved his dirty mouth! I loved returning to Sugarplum Falls and I can't wait for future books!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️