A Christmas Call of Duty

by Ava Wakefield

When I asked Santa for a Christmas miracle, dropping my ex’s hunky brother on my doorstep wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.

After my last breakup, I swore off dating military men once and for all.

So when a dreamy K-9 handler for the U.S. Army came into my clinic with an injured dog and bedroom eyes, you better believe I was sending him packing as soon as my work was done.

It's not like I planned we’d get stuck together… Stupid blizzard.

Colt Ralston is the reason I missed spending Christmas Eve with my family,
but now that our local animal shelter is in trouble, avoiding him is easier said than done.

Colt’s mission is Help save the shelter and infiltrate the fortress around my heart.

Even if he’s the enemy's brother, denying my feelings for him is tough.
And as fast as our small-town romance can blossom,
Colt gets a call that could change everything.

Will Colt’s and Shay’s love go beyond the call of duty? In Snowberry Creek, Christmas miracles come in furry packages... and sometimes, love is the greatest mission of all.

Note to This standalone is part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series , only contains sweet kisses, is free from profanity, and has a heartwarming happily ever after ending.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

WELCOME to the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series!

Experience the enchantment of these twelve standalone kisses-only romance novels, where love sparkles brighter than holiday lights.

Each tale is filled with heartwarming swoony moments, festive cheer, and joyous holiday miracles. Let these happily ever afters make your Christmas season unforgettable!

We hope you enjoy each one!

Jingle Bells Rock and Roll by Evie Sterling
A Doctor’s Snowed In Christmas Wish by Daisy Flynn
Love Rekindled at Evergreen Inn by Willa Lyons
Stuck with My Christmas Crush by Francesca Spencer
A Not So Merry Ex-Mas by Abby Greyson
A Christmas Call of Duty by Ava Wakefield
Finding Me In The Storm by Hazel Belle
Snowbound With My Grumpy Ex by Lily Waters
Sleighed by The Farmer's Daughter by Deanna Lilly
Cabin Fever With My First Flame by Madison Love
Faking It with My Bossy Ex by Leah Blair
A Holly Jolly Mix-Up by Bella Greene

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Holiday, Forced Proximity, Military Romance

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2024

About the author

Ava Wakefield is a native Texan, living in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a serious sweet tooth for small-town romances.

In her free time, she enjoys all the great outdoors has to offer. From car camping to hiking and fishing, you can usually find her daydreaming of adventures that include hunky mountain men with dad bods.

When she's not out exploring, she loves curling up on the couch with her laptop and a hot cup of herbal tea while listening to Cozy Hobbit Coffee Shop music on YouTube and working on her next book.

Want a read one of my ebooks for free?

Snag your copy of My Best Friend's Grumpy Brother: An Enemies to Lovers Romance here --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/pvj6jzicye

Reviews

[Mara Miniaci · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A christmas call of duty" by Ava Wakefield is the perfect cozy, small-town romance to get you in the holiday spirit. Set in the charming town of Snowberry Creek, the snowy landscape, cozy fireplaces & festive winter fairs create a magical atmosphere - the kind of setting that makes you want to grab a blanket and settle in for #cuffingseason! 😍✨❄️

Shay, the main character, has sworn off dating military men after some bad experiences. While her decision might feel a bit extreme, it’s something quite common - we've all likely avoided certain types of people after a bad situation or break-up. Over time, it becomes clear that her resistance isn’t just about avoiding the "wrong type"— it's tied to her fear of getting hurt again, making her emotional journey all the more compelling. The fact that Colt is also her ex’s brother adds complexity to the budding romance, but in the end, it’s about Shay learning to trust herself & take a chance on love again.

The local animal shelter, along with Colt’s injured dog, Jack, plays a key role in bringing Shay and Colt together. Without Jack needing treatment & the community’s efforts to save the shelter, their paths might have never crossed. It’s during their work at the shelter that they realize their mutual love for animals - this helps Shay see beyond all the seemingly negative aspects surrounding them. It’s a sweet & natural way to develop their bond, giving depth to their relationship.

The themes of Christmas miracles & second chances works wonderfully for the story. The holiday season provides the perfect backdrop for Shay & Colt, offering them a chance to start anew, forgive past hurts & embrace new beginnings. It’s heartwarming & the festive atmosphere adds all the right vibes to make their love story feel even more magical.

By the time the story wraps up, I was fully invested in this couple. The ending is satisfying & of course, everything works out in a way that feels just right for the characters. If you love small-town Christmas romances with a mix of heartfelt emotion & true holiday charm, this is a must-read. It’s a cute, engaging story that will leave a smile on your face. 🫶🏻✨🌨️🎄

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest story in this wonderful series of stories meant for the Christmas season but can be read anytime of the year to give a person the lift they need
when the world gets them down.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for an early review of the book prior to its release.

Shay Mason is a veterinarian who was just closing the clinic on Christmas Eve when a man comes in with an injured dog. When she finishes treating it a blizzard is raging outside so they’re stuck inside on
Christmas Eve together. Turns out he’s the brother of an ex boyfriend of hers and she’s not too happy about that plus the fact that he’s also in the military as well!

Colt is attracted to Shay but with her animosity towards him because of her brother and him being in the military he doesn’t think he has a chance.

However, he wants to help the K-9 dogs when they retire as he works with them in the Army and goes to the local animal shelter and sees Shay there. Learning of their need for funding he decides to help if he can and slowly she starts to change her opinion of him as she sees how much he cares about animals.

Through fundraisers they almost reach their goal and then a unexpected source appears which puts them over the top and saves the shelter and assures a place for the retired dogs when they leave the service. Needless to say Shay and Colt also seem destined to a happily ever after themselves after a rocky beginning!

I loved this story as much as I have loved this entire series and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you pick up this entire series to read and enjoy again and again! These stories will delight and fill you with joy and hope during this Christmas season as they should and throughout the year as well whenever you reread them again!

They inspire you and make you believe that there is good in the world and in people despite what the media constantly is telling you! These books show what can happen if people work together for a common cause.

I love these books and I know you will love them them as well! Read this book and I know you’ll want to read the others in the series! They are all keepers believe me! Tell your family and friends that they need to read these books this Christmas season to make their season brighter and more meaningful!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Ava Wakefield for the gifted eARC.

🔔 A Christmas Call of Duty 🔔
Ava Wakefield
Publishing Date: October 9, 2024

This is the sixth installment of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Romance Novella Series. I fell behind on doing these in real time in October and November, because life, but I’m back and going to get through the rest!!

Shay is a veterinarian and is closing up for the night when Colt rushes in with his injured dog. And what do ya know?! There is a blizzard and they get stuck together overnight! I do love a good snowed in trope.

Shay has sworn off dating military men after being hurt one to many times. Colt is not only military, but is also her ex’s brother! They both pitch in to help raise money to save their local animal shelter, and this creates a forced proximity vibe between them, and the whole town really.

This was a cute he-falls-first romance. Colt is the sunshine and Shay is more the grump. I like that she is portrayed as a strong female physically and emotionally, but that her walls also need to be broken down gently and with patience, and Colt is willing to do just that. And there are so many puppies and a puppy kissing booth at that!

Tropes:
🔔 Dual POV
🔔 Ex-Boyfriends Brother
🔔 Military K9 Handler MMC
🔔 Strong FMC
🔔 Small Town
🔔 Kisses Only
🔔 Puppies!!

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Call of Duty by Ava Wakefield, part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses Series, is both an inspiring story of a community coming together for good and a sweet love story.

On Christmas Eve, Colt brings his German Shepherd, Jack in to see Dr. Shay Mason after a sudden injury, unaware that a blizzard was approaching the area. While snowed in Shay and Colt got to know each other and Shay told him about a local dog shelter in need of funding. After the blizzard, the whole community got involved in fundraising and Colt took the reins in organizing, knowing it was near and dear to Shay’s heart.

This was a well written story with lovable characters. Shay was a bit standoffish and prickly at times but she had her reasons. Colt was an absolute sweetheart. I always love the addition of pet characters like Jack and Brandon. I loved that the town came together to fundraise. And finally I love that the Ralston’s accepted Shay so willingly into their family, it was heartwarming.

I recommend this military hero, she’s a Doctor, reverse grumpy/sunshine, brother’s ex, snowed in sweet kisses romance with a HEA!.

[Reading Brew | Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming characters and a supportive, backing, small town community? Count me in!

I loved Colt. He was such a good fit for Shay because he took the time to meet her where she needed him. He was perfect in terms of "actions speak louder than words" to prove his worth to Shay without being pushy and over the top.

I adored the plot line of the time and effort spent to work towards saving the shelter.
Also, can we get a Zane story? 👀 totally surprised me there!

Lastly, I can't forget about the epilogue. Shay's Christmas gift??? THE CUTEST, OMG. SO freakin swoony. 🥹

Add this cute holiday read to your TBR! 💚 It's also a standalone in a multi-author series, Sweet Christmas Kisses.

🐾 reverse grumpy / sunshine
🪖 military
🐾 ex's brother
🪖 cinnamon roll MMC
🐾 forced proximity
🪖 he falls first

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* - Rounded up to 5...

I absolutely adored Shay and Colt's story. From their meet cute, to their HEA... I loved their characters, and their tenacity with regards the project in the story. I loved their town, and the various side characters. I also loved Colt's parents!

There was good character growth, and for me it triggered some introspection and a consideration of my motivations. I enjoy stories like this that are more than just pure entertainment, and actually make me think...

So many fun elements in this book, and it just adds to the Christmas spirit...

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

[Courtney Guest · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

ARC review:

This is a sweet dual POV, Christmas romance, small town, military, hallmark-ish short novel that I read in one sitting!

This was a really cute story centred around a down to earth MFC who has just suffered a break up that has her swearing off dating! The MMC a dreamy “everything she swore she’d never date” type. They get stuck in a blizzard .. and you’ll have to read the book to know the rest!!

Perfect quick read to get you ready for the holidays.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book as part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses series. If you like Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this book. Shay is a Vet in her hometown near a military base. Most of her exes are military and she has sworn them off. But when she gets trapped at the clinic in a blizzard with one she starts to change her mind…until she learns that he’s a younger brother of her most recent breakup. Colt is nothing like his older brother and very interested. This cute story will have you turning the pages routing for Shay to let down her walls to Colt. Oh, and throw in that they are trying to save the community animal shelter as well. Like I said, Hallmark movie!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a little HEA pick me up this feel good romance is just for you. Colt and Shay are so sweet together it makes putting this book down hard to do. Everything comes together smooth and doesn’t feel rushed in this short and sweet book. Makes for a great beach read or snuggle by the fireplace kind of read.

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

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

happiness

When the unexpected encounter meets personal growth, you know good times are ahead. You’ll like these two and enjoy their romance.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. This was my first small town sweet contemporary romance book and I was pleasantly surprised. It was a fast paced story and I was intrigued the whole way. I was wanting a little more "Christmas" themed storylines since it was a Christmas themed book and maybe a little more insight into Shay and Colt's romance but still really liked the way the author Ava Wakefield wrote the story. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book in return for an early review prior to the books release.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I really liked Colt, the MMC. He seemed sweet and genuine, though I wish the author delved deeper into his anxiety. Was it about being back home after his deployment or did he always have anxiety and his service make it worse?? I thought that was going to be fleshed out more as the story progressed, but it wasn't. Shay was a strong FMC, but wish we saw more of her with her grandparents, especially since they raised her. Loved her banter with Colt and her fierce independence. I received an ARC of this book.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well here she was asking Santa for a Christmas Miracle. Brandon , is her rescue Teddy Bear Persian Cat , who her ex Zane Ralston despised. She had sworn off men like him, military type , all hype ,and not nice. Her home town of Snowberry Creek has all of them , unfortunately. Why did she ever come back again? Ahem…
Chatting with Dr. Weber , Gladys and Shay discover bigger problems than their outdated filing cabinets system . Dr Harold Weber just got an email from Margo Hendricks down at the animal shelter where Shay volunteers , she’s seen it all , the hardships and the tears. But this one sounds serious . Margot has one month to come up with an extortionate amount of money or Snowberry Creek’s only animal shelter must close its doors for good. Her good friend Tyler works there too whats he going to do? They all of them do good work and all too. They must come up with three hundred and fifty thousand… wow ! What are they going to do now? Mayor Donovan is consulted over possible fundraising opportunities and the know how. And of course they’re all showing that they’re optimistic , but Shay feels they have to be realistic. It’s Christmas Eve and they all want to go to the Christmas Eve Festival , a town tradition. Feeling that paperwork can wait and no one is going to be coming to the practice on this night so late.. waving her friends goodbye , with a sigh she checks her Cupid’s Hub . There’s two since she last looked , maybe the one non army could be a hooking….Nope that’s for definite a hard pass , still looking… it’s snowing as Shay looks outside ,when she gets a text from Grandpa checking that she’s joining them to check she was joining them for dinner when she is putting her phone away she gets a text…Festival cancelled . Blizzard warning issued . Close up ASAP and head home, from Dr. Weber so with final checks before heading home to change Shay is readying to leave when this happened next in her veterinary clinic. An injured K9 and its handler for the U.S. Army ,call her a cynic but those eyes sent her balmy with wanton need…Colt Ralston , has rushed to the vets when his dad’s retired military K9 Jack was injured somehow on their run. No not happening she’s not going there again no sir indeed! No matter how lush, he’s out the door. Ne’er to be seen no more ever ,out on his tush. Especially as he’s her ex’s brother! Sent to wait in the lobby after her rebuttal of his listening ear and says no thanks , he quips “ as you wish” and her pulse yanks at the Princess Bride reference. Santa , this is not funny! Well here’s the thing . Now they’re both stuck because of the Blizzard… at least the animals have plenty of food and can be bedded down for the night. Well Santa knew what he was doing and Colt is heaven sent . Because that animal shelter is going to be saved and so is she .. Colt saw an opportunity to not only do good at the town meeting as he took the reins on the fundraising but also strived for her heart too. SWOON! This was a beautiful book to read , so dreamy and inspiring and full of heart. Loved the whole storytelling from,start to finish . Ava Wakefield knows her business. Bravo,! Way to go , I loved this story so.

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

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay is the local vet in Strawberry Creek and has a rescue cat, Brandon, who she nursed back to health after finding him near a dumpster while she was in college. Her last boyfriend didn’t care for Brandon at all, and Shay thought he was incapable of being empathetic. Maybe it was due to him being military, but soldiers were a dime a dozen since Strawberry Creek has a military base.
There are bigger problems in Strawberry Creek, the local animal shelter is having financial difficulties. The economy is down, and some people are having trouble affording groceries. They have one month to come up with the funds or they’ll be forced to close their doors. Margo, the director of the shelter has been meeting with the mayor in hopes of raising funds. Unfortunately, the amount of money needed to keep the shelter open is three hundred fifty thousand dollars. There’s a festival in town and the office decides to go check everything out, all except for Shay. She worms her way through excuses of needing to catch up on paperwork. The truth is she’s afraid of running into Zane. Their relationship wasn’t a good one and she has no desire to see him.
Colt is home on leave from the service and is really trying hard to ease up on being on alert 24/7 due to his deployments. He’s slowly becoming less tense and not being suspicious of everyone he sees on the street, every noise he hears, or every movement he sees. Each visit home is allowing him to make more progress. His Mom is all excited about the Christmas Eve Festival and wants him to go with them. Unfortunately, Colt’s brother, Zane is arrogant and enjoys nothing more than aggravating Colt. Zane is egging Colt on about being ignored by all the ladies with Zane being around, along with other jabs. Colt feels himself tensing up, but Jack (his Dad’s retired military K-9) wanders in and is on alert that something is wrong. Jack has a calming effect on Colt. Colt really doesn’t want to be around a crowd of people, so his Dad tells him he could give Jack a good run. So, Colt takes Jack on a run and things are going well until he hears Jack yelp in pain. He needs medical attention, and they head to the local vet to have him checked out.
Will Colt stay in Strawberry Creek? Will there be problems with problems when Shay realizes that Colt’s brother is Zane (who she had a horrible experience with)? What other surprises show up while Colt is in town? Get your copy of A Christmas Call of Duty today to find out the answers to these questions and oh, so much more. You won’t be disappointed!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️

Ava has provided a cozy, holiday romance book! Grab your favorite hot beverage, cozy up in your favorite reading spot, and snuggle in with a blanket, as this book will have your ready for this holiday season. Christmas miracles abound throughout this read as Ava reminds us of anything happening during this magical time of the year.

Shay is our FMC who has sworn off military men. We come to find this is due to being hurt in the past and not wanting history to repeat itself. The last thing she needs though is to feel something towards her ex’ brother when his dog finds his way into her animal hospital.

When Colt is in need of a vet he is thrilled to find one open on Christmas Eve. What he wasn’t prepared for was to find the vet on duty his brother’s ex. An ex that he has always had a bit of attraction towards. He knows being his brother’s ex and swearing off military men, make it next to impossible for anything to happen between them, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

Due to the weather going from bad to worse quickly, they find themselves sheltering in Shay’s vet office caring for Jack, Colt’s dog. As they wait out the storm they get to know each other again and their sweet romance begins. Colt want so help Shay’s clinic, as he comes to find out it needs funding to stay open, and slowly Shay’s opinion of him begins to change.

Ava delivers a story that again, has you believing in the magic of the Christmas season and seeing the good in people. Her story is exactly why I love reading so much. Heartwarming characters, community coming together to help each other out, and past hurts being healed while finding love is the perfect recipe to lift your spirits. A quick read you will not regret enjoying!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🎄Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🐶Enemies to More
🎄Ex’s Brothers
🐶Small Town
🎄Alpha Male MMC
🐶Veterinarian FMC

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable story. Had to make myself put it down to go to bed and do the things needing to be done. Loved the characters human and animal. The h is a veterinarian who has given up on Christmas and the celebrations that go with it. She stays behind for any late needs for a veterinarian. Before she closes the H comes with the family dog who was injured while they were out for a run. The h treats the dog and informed the H that it is a sprain and tells the H how to care for the dog. But before the H leaves they realize that the snow has turned into a blizzard and they need to stay until it is over. They spend the night together talking and then fall asleep. The H wakes up and decides to leave without waking the h and when she wakes she is disturbed that he didn’t wake her. When she notices that he cleaned up after the pie they had eaten she locks up and leaves. She finds a sweet note from the H on her windshield but doesn’t expect to see him again. To the surprise of both they meet again at a a meeting called to raise money needed to keep the animal shelter open. They end up on the same team formed to formulate means to raise money and carry out the plans. Thus begins their development of a friendship, even though the H is the brother of one of h’s previous boyfriends. As they meet various new developments that put obstacles in their path they manage to find their HEA. Recommend this sweet Christmas story to everyone who loves to read them. Enjoy!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Call of Duty is the first book I have read written by Ava Wakefield and I look forward to reading more. It was an easy read, and once I started, I could not put it down. The perfect hallmark like book to put you in the Christmas spirit.

The character development was good. I enjoyed getting to Shay and Colt. Peeling back the layers to Shay really helped understand some of her reasons behind her actions. Colt and his hard work behind saving the animal shelter was very nice.

The storyline and setting were cute. Stuck in a snowstorm in a vet clinic with an ex-boyfriend’s brother. Then trying to raise lots of money to save the town’s animal shelter. Just screams hallmark. If you are not a fan of hallmark-sweet, cheesy, predictable then this might not be your cup of tea.

The budding relationship between Colt and Shay is perfect. Shay having to deal with her past to be able to open her heart to Colt. The romance is sweet and closed door. Which I appreciate when things are clean and not over the top. Just some kisses, nothing more.

This is not a Christian book, so there is no faith element. Though it is super clean. I feel ok recommending this to my fellow Christian readers if you are looking for a clean Christmas romance heavy on the hallmark.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Dawn Marie Hedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Holiday Romance with Depth and Christmas Spirit

"A Christmas Call Of Duty" is a heartwarming and touching holiday romance that hits all the right emotional notes. Ava Wakefield masterfully weaves together themes of love, family, and the sacrifices made by those who serve, creating a story that resonates long after the final page.
The chemistry between the characters feels authentic, and their emotional journey is beautifully portrayed. The blend of Christmas spirit with the challenges of military life adds depth to the story, making it not just a romance but also a testament to resilience and the strength of human connection.
What stands out is Wakefield’s ability to bring warmth and hope to the forefront, even amidst moments of uncertainty and heartache. It's the perfect blend of festive joy and emotional depth that will leave you rooting for the characters and wrapped up in the Christmas magic.
If you're looking for a feel-good holiday read with substance, "A Christmas Call Of Duty" will not disappoint. It’s a perfect book to curl up with during the holiday season, guaranteed to leave you with a smile.

I received a complimentary copy of the ebook, "A Christmas Call of Duty." My review is voluntary, honest, and solely based off of my interpretation of the storyline, the characters, and the enjoyment I experienced while reading the book. The review is my own opinion. Neither the author nor the publisher have had any input or influence in my review.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Call of Duty is part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses series. This is a multi-author series, with each book being able to be enjoyed as a standalone and in any order.

This was such a sweet holiday romance. Right from the start, Colt and Shay drew me in. Of course, as a military wife, I love a good military hero, and I actually really appreciated the acknowledgement of that post deployment transition/anxiety. It didn't go super deep into it (which I also appreciated), but definitely added a touch of realness to their story while stick keeping it a more lighthearted Christmas read. Shay is a veterinarian who not only has no desire to date a military man ever again... but one who also dated Colt's older brother. Talk about awkward! The two connect when they get snowed in at her clinic and then find themselves thrown together to help save the town's animal shelter. It was definitely a bit of a slow burn, but I really enjoyed their sweet connection grow throughout the story. If you love military heroes, cute animals and all the Hallmark-type vibes, this one will definitely be right up your alley. It's a short and sweet read, perfect for the busy holiday season.

A Christmas Call of Duty is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another really sweet Christmas story in the Sweet Christmas Kisses multi-author series. They are all stand-alones & can be read in any order.

I enjoyed this enemies to lovers, dual pov, military love story between the main characters Shay & Colt. Shay is the small town's veterinarian. After making a Christmas wish to Santa to bring some romance back into her life, she realizes that Santa must definitely have a sense of humor! Enter Colt Ralston...her ex-boyfriend's brother & he's looking really good! They meet when he brings his dad's dog to her clinic after an accident & they end up snowed in for the night. Nothing like a little forced proximity in a snowstorm to heat things up!

This is a love story between the main characters but it's also more than that. It's a story about how a loving community comes together to help out one of their own in their desperate time of need. In the process, Shay & Colt are forced to work together for this common goal. The banter is fun, the tensions run high & the clock is ticking! Can they pull off the fundraisers of the century to help out their community in time? Can Shay put aside her assumptions about how "all military men" are the same to give Cole a fighting chance to win her heart? You'll have to read it to find out!

This was a new to me author & looking forward to reading more.

*HONEST ARC REVIEW*

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really cute love story between Colt Ralston and Shay Mason. Shay is one of the local veterinarians and she is on duty right now when Colt brings Jack, his German shepherd in to be checked out. While Shay is treating the dog they are unaware that there is a blizzard headed their way.

In talking she realizes that Colt is her ex-boyfriends younger brother and he is a dog handler for the US Army. After her last break up she has sworn off dating anyone from the military. When Jack is all patched up they realize that no one is going anywhere for a while. So here it is Christmas Eve and they are at the shelter trying to round up everything they will need if the power goes out and what food there is to eat. Being a vets office they have food for Jack and her cat Brandon.

During the night they talk for a long time with nothing else to do. Shay volunteers at the animal shelter as she loves all animals. Right now the shelter needs a miracle fund raiser to keep the shelter open after the first of the year. After the blizzard they have a committee meeting about ideas for the fund raiser and Colt joins in to lend a hand hoping it will bring him and Shay closer.

I got this book from Book Sprout and will be happy to leave my review.

[Giovanna Fernandes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ★
***SPOILERS***















































































































I liked it, but it felt very rushed, I didn’t really feel the connection between Colt and Shay.
They didn’t have very relly cute moments with each other, and the problems in the book were not actual problems.
Colt was a really nice guy, his PTSD was weird, it was selective. But I liked his character and how much he wanted to help the shelter and Shay.
Shay was a bit too dramatic. She got angry at Zane for doing his job, even though he was a bit of an asshole to Colt. She was mean to Colt at the beggining for no reason at all. And at the ending she was ready to call it quits with Colt just because he had to travel for work for two days. She was a bit crazy.
But the whole story felt rushed, I think my favorite part was them on the cafe trying pies, it was more moments like that that were missing from the story, where they got to know each other better and we could actually feel them falling for wach other.
But it was a very cute and quick read to get in the Christmas mood.

[Kell X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shay is a woman who dreams of being in love. She believes that love is missing in her life and wants to connect with another person - her person. But her experiences haven't been good and she starts to think it just won't come for her. She is a vet in a small town, and on a snowy christmas she gets a visit on her clinic of a dog and his owner, and the atraction is so there. 
Colt is an military man, who has returns home for the holidays. He loves christmas time and the only thing he dosn't want is being around lots of people. His dog gets hurt and he has to get him to the vet , and thats when they end up locked together.
Whey they get snowed in they have no choice but to start to get to know one another and then the attraction is not only physical and feelings start to grow. 
They realise that they have several things in common, including the want and need to help the animal shelter and several furry friends, and become each day something more to each other. But can all their effort help the shelter? Can all her fears about relationships be erased? Will he stay or be deployed again? 

It was a sweet and dreamy romance, to get us the perfect holiday vibe from the beggining. 

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay is a vet at the local animal shelter. As she is preparing to leave the shelter, an emergency arises and in comes Colt with the family dog, Jack. As she treats Jack, a blizzard is over powering the town and they are stuck at the shelter. She realizes that Colt looks like his brother, Zane. She once dated him but is now the enemy. She has bigger problems when she and her co-workers are told that the shelter is having financial difficulties and will be closing at the end of the month unless they come up with the money. Colt, being in the military, wants to help the shelter. So, Shay, the mayor and volunteers, come up with a plan to hold a fundraiser. As Shay and Colt work together, they develop feelings for each other. Will they be able to save the shelter and will their feelings develop into a relationship? The camaraderie of the characters was fantastic. What a great story and a nice addition to the series.

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

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another marvelous standalone addition to the multi-author Sweet Christmas Kisses series involving the local hometown veterinarian, Dr. Shay Mason, and Army K-9 handler Colt Ralston, who just happens to be the younger brother of her ex-boyfriend, Zane Ralston. Shay broke up with Zane because she felt she took a backseat to his military career and she was tired of military men loving and leaving so when Colt tried to get close she pulled away very quickly but he wasn’t like his brother and set out to prove it to her.
I loved how Colt was determined to do something and went about doing it using his military training to carry it all out. Great surprise at the end wrapped up the story nicely. A very timely and realistic story with many local animal shelters fighting to find funding to continue to stay open.
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.

[Jean Katchmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shay is a vet working at a clinic in Snowberry Creek. Colt is a 6-year Army sergeant working as a K-9 handler stationed at nearby Fort Drum. He came to Snowberry Creek to spend Christmas with his family. Jake, the family dog, gets hurt on his run with Colt so Colt takes him to the clinic where Shay is working. Meanwhile a blizzard moves in and Shay and Colt become snowbound at the clinic. When Shay learns that Colt is Zane's brother she loses it. She had dated Zane and it ended badly. They end up sharing pie together and sleeping in the waiting room overnight. Colt puts another blanket on Shea before leaving for his parents' home in the morning. Colt wishes to know Shay better as he is nothing like his brother. Colt starts volunteering at the Animal Shelter where Shay also spends her free time. The Animal Shelter needs $ 350,000 to save it so Colt steps up to help with the fundraising. Shay and Colt find a way to get along and make the fundraiser a success. Other groups start finding additional funds and Colt hopes that he can save the shelter and win over Shay.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a Grinch to a Cindy Lou Who!

I loved this book! It was so sweet and happy! Even when the characters were having sad moments you just knew it wasn’t going to be long before they were happy again.

I really liked all the characters and how they interacted with each other. I have to say Dang Grandpa! Way to hurt a girls feelings with a sentence like Did you ever think that maybe you’re the reason?! I mean sheesh! I know that Shay’s character was going to be the one that needed to grow but way to hit her in the face with it! Even Zane and Colt grew a little closer by the end!

I think the only thing I wished there was more of was Colts parents and Shay’s grandparents. They are obviously very important people to them but they aren’t very prominent throughout the book and maybe they don’t need to be but Colt was never introduced to Shay’s grandparents and I think that needs to be rectified.

Please tell me there is going to be a book 2 for Zane!!

5 stars

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun addition to the Sweet Christmas Kisses series this one by Ava Wakefield.
Shay is a veterinarian in her small town that isn’t far from an Army base. She briefly dated Zane from the base but the relationship ends badly and she swears off ALL military men.
Colt is Zane’s younger brother who is also Army but recently returned from Afghanistan where he lost his best friend. While home for the holidays, his dog injures his foot so he brings him into the vet clinic. A blizzard arrives during the exam and they are stuck at the clinic overnight.
The local shelter needs big money fast and Shay and Colt are on a team to try to raise money. The attraction grows stronger the longer they work together, but then the call comes. Do they have a chance if the military orders get in the way of their budding relationship?.

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

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you combine an animal shelter, a veterinarian, a military guy with a sweet heart, and romance? A great book is what you get!!! I Loved Colt and Shay's story. It starts off with an icy start, quite literally, when they get snowed in at the vet clinic on Christmas Eve! While there is an instant connection, Shay immediately puts up barriers when she finds out Colt is military. Following his dad's advice, he volunteers to help the local animal shelter raise money so they won't have to close their doors. Everything from this point on is a constant push and pull between these two. Can they get their act together to save the shelter? Will they find love with each other, or will someone else step in? This was a great book with a wonderful flow. I felt connected to these two and was sad to see their story come to an end. It's a must-read for a lazy afternoon!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful what you wish for as you may get more than you bargained for. Everything about this book will put you in the Christmas spirit from the town's name, snow everywhere and a Christmas festival. The cover alone is enough to make you want to cuddle under a blanket and binge watch Christmas movies. The story behind this beautiful book cover was what made this one so special. The main characters both had their issues, but they also both loved animals which will help them bond.

If this one doesn't cause your Christmas spirit meter to go green and red, you may need to check your heart because this one is all heart. Rescuing an animal shelter at Christmas is exactly what Santa would want. Heartwarming and charming are two words that I think of when I think of this book.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.