The Ghost of Christmas Present

by S.C. Principale

Mortimer Ashfield is a ghost in need of a Christmas miracle. He was the first librarian in Pine Ridge. He still helps organize the shelves, haunts the attic, and carries a torch for the current librarian, the beautiful Louisa. But even though he’s watched over her for four years in hopes one day she would see his spectral form, she’s never even given him a glance.

When Louisa's family can't fly in for the holidays, she retreats to her secret hideaway in the library attic to escape into a good (and steamy) book. When things start getting hot, Louisa begins to sense someone is near—and they have a voice straight out of her most heated dreams! When mysterious signs lead her to the library attic on Christmas Eve, Louisa gets a surprising gift—her very own Ghost of Christmas Present!

But will he fade away after one magical night, or will their unlikely holiday romance be the gift that keeps on giving?

The Ghost of Christmas Present is a short, steamy standalone romance set in the Pine Ridge Universe.

Genres: Christmas, Short Stories

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

About the author

Author of romance with bite.
Especially fond of monster and paranormal romance, but she'll write some all-human romances, too!

Reviews

[Racy_Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this short story. Mortimer was a poet and cinnamon bun! I would have loved a 100 more pages from his sweet tongue!

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: In this story we get to see two librarians fall in love; which for me is just **chefs kiss**. In a way this story reminds me of a grown up version of Casper but with a library as the haunted location. They're both such darling dorks I almost can't stand it. "Mortimer Ashfield, Pine Ridge’s first librarian from the time of the library’s creation in the 1890s, smoothed down his trim waistcoat and jacket. His translucent skin stayed a flat, misty white, but he could still feel heat rushing to his cheeks. He had carried a torch for his short, pleasantly plump, many times removed successor since the moment he met her. Over the years, some of Pine Ridge’s paranormal residents had learned of his foolish affection, but no one ever encouraged him to act on it. Except Jakob. The elegant vampire smiled as snow settled on his dark frock coat and silvery locks. “If I know Louisa—and thanks to your pining sonnets, I feel as though I do, I would not be surprised if she spends Christmas Eve in the library. Make your move tomorrow night. She’s an intelligent woman with an open mind.” “If I talk to Louisa, she’ll leave. She’ll never come back if she thinks the place is haunted!” Mortimer hissed. Watching Louisa was one of the greatest joys of his afterlife. “The place is haunted, and very capably, too. The shelves are always immaculate, the windows sparkle, and the brass bell in the cupola is a masterpiece. Louisa loves her job. She loves books. You two have such a lot in common. You’re both quite lonely, though you try to hide it,” Minegold said with an arching eyebrow. “Mm. Maybe.”

I felt So Seen by Louisa and her comments about having to go into the afterlife to finish her TBR (and how that definitely relates to Mortimer!) and looking through reviews as a way to narrow down what to read next: “Oooh. A Countess of Bleakmoore Manor. That sounds nice and miserable. And...” She scrolled through the reviews and sighed in satisfaction. The five-star reviews raved about the spice overload and the dark, brooding vampire love interest. The one-star reviews were ranting about the same thing. “‘This book was pure debauchery.’ Sold! Thank you, Lady-Who-Clearly-Didn’t-Read-The-Blurb-Before-Buying.” Louisa settled into her nest, snuggling down until her hips wiggled the perfect deep indent and her legs floated out as if elevated by a recliner’s footrest. She sprawled shamelessly, comfortable with her privacy and consoling herself that she got a secret rush from having this little attic hideaway. It didn’t do anyone any harm, and it always gave her strength to go home and face her apartment, which seemed far too empty most nights." I basically felt like if I was a librarian I could be Louisa, in the very best way. The love story between Louisa and Mortimer is delish pining to the point it feels like a modern update to regency romance. I absolutely devoured this book and I highly recommend you do the same. 5/5 Stars

[thatbeccagirl_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mortimer Ashfield, a ghost who's been silently pining for Louisa, the current librarian, gives off major "just a little bit tragic" vibes.
Louisa, though, has no clue about his existence—until one magical Christmas Eve when things heat up in the attic, and suddenly, Mortimer's not so invisible anymore.

Their chemistry is fire, and the mix of sweet, spooky, and steamy is an absolute vibe.
I loved the way Louisa and Mortimer's connection builds, from their librarian vibes to that magical night. It's got all the festive feels with a side of passion, making it the perfect cozy, quick romance for the season.
Plus, who doesn’t love a little bookish holiday magic? Highly recommend it if you're in the mood for something fun and fast!
3.5⭐

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

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, short Christmas paranormal romance. It’s part of the Pine Ridge Universe series, but it works as a standalone.

MMC ghost Mortimer has been pining after librarian FMC Louisa for years. When she finds herself alone for the holidays, he decides to finally get her attention, and she’s VERY receptive to his tactics.

This was a quick, enjoyable read. It’s a low-stakes, cozy Christmas story with a bit of spice. It’s the first book I’ve read in the Pine Ridge Universe, but I’m now curious about some of the other monsters in town and plan to pick up more books in the series.

Spice 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A naughty librarian and her super cute admirer.
🔸️Loved the atmosphere of truly magical winter nights. ❤️❤️❤️
🔸️The pair is adorable. Both MCs are introverts, book loverd and in a deep need of companionship.
🔸️Spice is right on spot. Mort is a V one and he is very eager to learn. I liked his old fashioned way of speaking to Lousia.
🔸️Warm, cozy, low angst.
P.S. I hope Jakob Minegold will finally get his own story!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short, but steamy Christmas themed story. Perfect for a quick holiday read.

I loved Mortimer and Louisa. They were just the cutest characters, with both being librarians. Their story was both sweet and steamy, making for a great read.

Ghost romance is new for me, but of course S.C. Principale did it well.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute and sweet Christmas read! I love every book I have read in the Pine Ridge Universe! The paranormal characters differ in a wide range making each and every book unique. A ghost from the past falling for the woman of his dreams in the future and her falling right back for him is the best Christmas present!

[MeaganRyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A librarian and a victorian era ghost! Sounded like a great read to me... and it was! I mean who else hasn't wished for a historical ghost to give you everything you've ever fantasized and more??? (Maybe just me... but no shame here!) Such a sweet and charming story... filled with the right amount of steam! I highly recommend this short and spicy Christmas read!

[Mrs McN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy, male female, 3rd person dual point of view, paranormal (ghost!), contemporary romance. I loved this couple! Instalust/love; though our male main character has pined after the female main character for years. Engaging scenarios; the poetry and reading excerpts from books was fantastic. A really fun, cozy, sexy novella.

[Jennifer Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the arc, all opinions are my own.

Librarian Louisa sequesters herself up in the attic to read steamy romance and catches the attention of a long-dead ghost of the first librarian. This book steams up quickly as virgin Mortimer discovers her body. Just a fun quick peek into Pine Ridge.

[Grace Leonora Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christmas themed novella. I think I love an old fashioned gentleman with a passion for books. Louisa and Mortimer's story is like an old fashioned romance, they learn to love despite the differences in age and the fact he's a ghost.
A lovely way to begin the Christmas reading

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5⭐️)

[Baby Got Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, hot Christmas ghost librarian virgin. I do love visiting Pine Ridge

[Escapist Romantic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ cute story with great characters but it ended too abruptly. With a little more character/story depth and an epilogue it would’ve earned 4⭐️

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Short and sweet ghost romance!

[Victória · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virgin H
Hfn

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was Ok, steamy and sweet, though the ending was a bit dissapointing for me. I wish we had more, just a little bit, to wrap things up.