My Secret Santa Clayton

by Emma Blake

I came back to Silver Ridge to disappear and escape a very real threat.
When I run right into the man that shattered my heart, icy doesn't begin to describe the reunion.

Clayton Hall.
My first love.
My ex.
And the hottest ex-marine I have ever laid my eyes on.
He really...grew up.

It's Christmas in Silver Ridge and guess who my Secret Santa is...
Yep. Clay.
Annoying.

Not as annoying as seeing each other at all of the charmingly cozy small town holiday festivities.
And definitely not as annoying as getting stranded in a cabin during a snow storm.

His biceps flexing as he stokes the fire.
Memories flooding back to me from our young love.
A feeling of warmth and desire pooling between my...
Absolutely not.

He promises to keep me safe, but I can't trust the man who once left me out in the cold.

The danger is closing in, and when it finds me, even my Secret Santa might not be able to gift me the one thing I need most...
Survival.


In the small town of Silver Ridge, secret Santa surprises and rugged mountain men lead to steamy holiday romances. Six standalone tales by Olivia Reign, Blaire Wilde, Emma Blake, Lisa Ryan, Raven Blaire, and Josie Hart will warm your heart and heat up your holidays!

Genres: Christmas

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2024

Reviews

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, these two - and their lies!

This was an easy read, that flowed nicely, and I enjoyed my time within these pages. Both of these characters have good reason for leaving their hometown (and each other), even if the basis for one of the reasons was based in a misunderstanding/lie.
There are many things that brought Clay back home, but he never expected to find Grace back too. Only Grace's reason for returning isn't going to stay a secret forever, and it puts everyone she loves at risk.

I enjoyed the energy and chemistry between these two, and loved the anticipatory feeling of danger... it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat! The reconciliation between these two was steamy and just what I wanted for them. I was surprised (a bit) by who brought the danger to her actual town, but then - I loved how it was resolved.

I recommend this read, and I enjoyed it. I look forward to my next read from this author.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rekindling A Lost Love -
Grace hadn’t gotten over the heartbreak Clay left her with when he disappeared, which led to an antagonistic encounter every time they met on his return. However, Clay persevered to be around her, as her behaviour made his protective instincts kick in. Nevertheless, Mother Nature put them in a situation where their intense attraction was reignited and they ended up spending a wild and wonderful night together.

Unfortunately, the reason for Grace’s return to their hometown arrived and wreaked havoc on her family, but she stood up to them, which caused a near fatal incident. However, Clay did everything possible to not only rescue Grace, but also ensure her captors were no longer a threat to her safety. As luck would it, everything that happened made Grace and Clay realise they wanted a future together. I found myself glued to the pages from page one and didn’t take a break until I read the final word. Grab a copy of this book and you won’t be disappointed.

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

[Lauren Wulf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Santa for the win!

This story about Clay and Grace’s second chance at love tugged at my heart strings from the start. Grace, an investigative reporter, heads home to hide out from the people who would do anything to kill her latest story, including actual murder. Clay, is the local marine, back home as the town handy man and still butt hurt (in his case it’s true) about something he was told about Grace back when the were dating in high school. That event ripped them apart, bringing the antagonistic pair together as they clashed around the small town, one not knowing why the other was so mad at them, and feeling angry themselves because of what they had lost together. Once they actually talked (because who honestly does that nowadays) they catch the misunderstanding and decide to explore the chemistry problem they seem to still have. I don’t want to give too much away, but when our girl is in trouble and her knight rides in to save her, swoon. You don’t want to miss Clay and Grace’s reunion in this sweet, twisted tale from Emma Blake.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the Holiday's are about more then presents and Christmas Lights for Grace it's about forgiveness and love but it's also about danger. Grace thought going home would keep her safe instead she was confronted by her past love and a danger that will stop at nothing to make sure all her secrets stay in the dark. Clayton came home after serving in the military first the Army then the Marines he stays to himself and avoids Christmas cheer but his friends won't leave him out of all that Merry brouhaha he would rather spend time alone with his dog Bear in the woods he's never gotten over his past the one with Grace and the one with his father some pain goes to deep. I loved the mystery of this book and the healing that Clay and his father did as well as his relationship with Grace and that added element of danger has me turning the pages and the romance was 🔥.

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

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars. Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. I enjoyed the second chance romance angle, as both Clay and Grace had to work through past hurts, misunderstanding, regrets, lost shared dreams because of a tragedy that fractured their happiness and basically imploded their lives. The element of dealing with death of a loved one and grief and guilt was heavy but it was really emotional to read when what had to be said was said so the healing can begin. The part I thought was a little awkward and stilted was the suspense and Grace being in danger. For me, I felt some parts to be unbelievable so my questioning parts of the plot pulled me out of the story. But that said, it was an enjoyable read, with heart and steam and a cute and cheeky HFN/HEA.

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

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Secret Santa Clayton is beautifully written, well-balanced, and fantastically executed by Author Emma Blake. This author is becoming one of my new favorite authors that I absolutely enjoy reading. My Secret Santa Clayton is a fantastic holiday romance that is charming, suspenseful and a definite page-turning holiday romance. When I first read the overview for this book, I knew right away that I had to read the book to see what was going to happen between Clayton and Grace. I adore the fact that these two amazing characters have a happily ever after with them being together and happy. I would definitely recommend this amazing holiday romance book for anyone to read. I can’t wait to see what else Emma Blake will write for her next book.

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

[Claire Purkis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Grace and Clayton, who we met in Protected By The Mountain Man. Grace returns to town after going into hiding after gathering evidence of corruption that would shock where she lives. She runs into Clay believing she is being followed. Clay broke her heart years ago and she initially hates the sight of him. Clay is returning home when Grace literally runs into him. She claims she is being followed but then shrugs it off but he can see she has been spooked. She broke his heart years ago and he holds some hostility towards her.

As luck would have it these two become each others secret santa. As they grow closer again secrets and lies are exposed and Grace finds herself kidnapped by someone she never saw coming while Clay goes all military protector trying to find her and end her kidnappers.

This is a plesent easy to read story that has you hooked from the start. The characters are likeable and easy to understand. The plot is well developed and flows. In fact its one of those books you dont realise you are over halfway through before you put it down! There are several spicy scenes and I love how certain towns people are rooting for them to get together and how Clay and his fathers shattered relationship starts to mend itself.
Great book and characters

I received this as an ARC and am leaving my own review

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG 😱 this was the best Christmas story ever. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. It was sweet and addictive. Clayton and Grace meet again as she had to coming back to her home town only to wind up with her high school sweetheart her now secret Santa. They couldn’t fight the temptation any longer between them of this sexual tension and desire of passion and forbidden love. They couldn’t deny that they still have feelings for each other again after all these years. Could they rekindle their relationship again with a fresh start of love. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming home again

My Secret Santa Clayton by Emma Blake is part of the multi-author Silver Ridge Christmas series. I found this to be an interesting read with a blend of holidays, danger, secrets, home town and some hot and steamy passion. The story finds Grace coming back to her home town to hide out for a while. She is a reporter who is in danger after the informants for a story she is working on have been killed. Clayton has come back home after discharging from the Marines. He is now living alone in a cabin up on the mountain. These two have a past together but there are still some hard feelings about things. Will they be able to get past the past and make a fresh start with some Christmas magic this season.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this is one exciting danger filled ebook this truly talented author has written that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grace goes back to her hometown to stay under radar from people after her. One of the first faces she sees is her HS ex Clayton. Though the anger is there so is their fiery chemistry. Now that Grace and Clayton have found each other again will they stay together forever? Can Grace forget the pain of their separation and let Clayton back in her heart? Does Clayton get Grace to forgive him for his misunderstanding and does he protect her when danger is right around the corner? I really do encourage you to get this exciting 5 ⭐️ winner. You will love it.i sure did.

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

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has it all Danger, Humor, Suspense, Spicy Scenes, and overall Love. Clayton is just living his life after getting out of the military. He definitely isn't expecting to run into the girl who broke his heart. Grace is just coming back to town to hide out. She definitely isn't expecting to run into the boy (man) who broke her heart. With lots of "helpful" townsfolk Clayton and Grace can't stay away from each other. The book is well written to pull you in and also keep you sucked in. I couldn't put it down I read it all in one day (not my normal MO). It has a great HEA also.

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

[Meg Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Blake has written another story with great characters and a suspenseful story. Grace and Clay were HS sweethearts until they weren’t. Overcome with grief and believed lies, they spilt. Clay to the Marines and Grace to become an investigating reporter.
Grace is investigating a story and her informants are killed and her life is threatened. She has no where to hide except home to Silver Ridge.

It’s been 10 years since HS and Grace and Clay spit fire every time they cross paths. But not all that fire is hate. Their feelings still run deep. This is a wonderful story of survival and healing.

[Heather Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love a suspenseful romance!
Emma is fantastic at choosing the best way to lead you through a mystery, while not being shy at including the love scenes. There is just enough description to get all your senses involved without overdoing it. So many feelings from the past, present and future to dive into, with danger also lurking around the corner, kept me involved from start to finish. Short chapters made me constantly want to read 'just one more' until way past my bedtime, especially near the end of the book. This was not my first book from this author and will definitely not be my last!

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clayton has been through hell. He lost his mother, his brother, the love of his life and in some ways his father too. Grace has been through her own hell running from the danger her latest expose will bring and faced with the man who broke her heart in a town where everyone knows everything is rough. The two are forced into being around each other and while they still feel for each other it’s hard to get over the hurt. As truths are revealed and secrets shared they rekindle their bond and the possibility of a future together if they can survive the people after Grace. Love the journey to their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness and Protection! This is about Clay and Grace. Grace is hiding out due to a story she is writing that will uncover some shady business with someone important. She doesn't realize that the one person she never thought to run into is precisely who she runs into while escaping whoever is following her which is Clay's dog. They both have hurt feelings all due to a loss they endured when they were younger and someone blaming them two for what happened. Clay's father is also involved in the hurt, but the one person that makes this story so funny is Betty from the diner.

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

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clayton has been discharged from the Marines and has returned to his hometown and is living on his own in a cabin in the woods. Grace has come home to hide, she was working on a story and her informants were killed and now she is in danger. Clayton and Grace have a history together that didn't end well and old wounds are now exposed and have to be dealt with. This is a sweet, second chance romance with some steam and a non-stop plot.

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

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a second chance romance and enemies to lovers taboo that will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end .it's a romantic suspense as well. Grace is hiding back in her hometown when she runs into her ex Clay but when someone wants her dead can he protect her and keep her safe? It's a great story that will have you sitting on the edge of your sea. I throughly enjoyed this book.

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

[Lulu Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good book with engaging characters who have to confront their past. It offers a great mix of action, drama, and romance with two inspiring main characters. Clay struggles with his past and brother, while Grace is determined to finish her project as a journalist and expose the corruption in Boston. It's nice to see how they slowly reconnect and realizing their feelings for each other never faded. The story is well-constructed and has a satisfying ending.

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

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love rekindled.

Clay and Grace were high school sweethearts until the unthinkable happened. Clays twin was killed in an accident and Clay felt responsible. Other people played a role in continuing his guilt and in separating him and Grace. After he went off to war and she left town to pursue dream as a photographer they lost touch. But Grace returned years later and danger followed her. Clay will do anything to protect her. After a rocky beginning, protection is just what she needs from him.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay and Grace were high school sweethearts until they allowed lies and miscommunication come between them sending in different directions. Now they are both back in town and have the opportunity to rekindle their past. Will be stranded in a cabin together do the job and lead them along the path to happiness.

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

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

CLAY AND GRACE

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

This story carries the genres of second chance love and cinnamon roll hero. I liked the way Clay never got over Grace and that Grace realized that she still loved Clay. The torment that Clay went through and the fact that Grace wanted to do what was right and the way she went through a great betrayal. A true story of family love and undying love.

[Molly H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review
I had the pleasure of reading this book as an arc. Clay and Grace's story was amazing! Love there story, and it was a hint of Christmas to it as well, it was a good book to kick off my holiday reading tbr! I always love Emma Blake's books she always is on point with her spice and has a little bit of suspense to her books. I love all of Emma Blake's book every time she asked me to do an arc. I read it every time.

[Valerie Charron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love suspenseful romances!
There are so many feelings from the past, present or future that draw us into this story and on top of that there is the danger that drives the plot and kept me involved from start to finish. I just wanted to read one more chapter, especially towards the end of the book. I happily recommend this Christmas book. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
This booked had me hooked from the very first sentence. I love that she was being chased/stalked. The suspense had me eagerly flipping through the pages until the wee hours of the morning in my attempt to see how it was all going to play out. Emma delivers time and again with captivating reads that grab your attention and hold it. This book was everything I have come to expect from this author.

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

She knew she was in deep but didn't know what to do about it. When she ran into Clay all of her memories came crashing back in. He left her long ago and she never knew why. He walked away from her and his home town looking for a fresh start. Now their both back in town and thrown together at every turn. Once they finally talk and open up about the past the future seems bright. She is keeping her distance because she is in the middle of a dangerous story and doesn't want any more people hurt. But when the story comes to town every thing changes. I would love to see what the future holds for them.

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

[Kelly Viccars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allowing yourself some grace

Forgiveness is hard fought in this one. Childhood trauma, and not being able to communicate our fears. It takes Grace and Clay moving home to sort their demons putting them in Christmas purgatory in a town that celebrates hard. They’re expected to embrace the Christmas spirit and survive the emery that lurks in the shadows - one very real threat, the other the ghosts of our past.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay has returned to his hometown after the marines and has been living a quiet life when Grace returns as well. They were high school sweethearts but both feel they did each other wrong. Grace is in trouble, can Clay forgive and forget and help her? Great novel.

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

[judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger has followed Grace to her hometown. She is running from the mob right into Clays arms. They have a confusing past that still haunts them. This story is about finding their balance between the past and the future.

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

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance book filled with suspense, danger, broken dreams, it is an absolutely amazing story, we follow Grace’s path through her ups and downs, you will fall in love with her and Clay and the charming village they live in.

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

[Cindy Kriek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Grace and Clay's story. A sweet spicy romance, enemies to lovers and second chance with some trigger. The death of a sibling, lies, broken hearts and betrayal. It's the type of story that has you on your toes. Very gripping with strong MMC & FMC. I recommend this book to suspense contemporary romance lovers.