The Santa of the Mountain

by Tessa Klein

He’s big and grumpy. A dirty-talking Santa with muscles galore.
And now I’m snowed in with him for Christmas.

I love Christmas, but after my sister stole my dream winter wedding and my ex, it’s proving difficult to be festive this year.

I’m swallowing my pride, along with copious amounts of ‘nog and toddies, playing the part of a good little elf to make sure she gets the wedding of her (my?) dreams.

But there’s only so much faux cheer a girl can muster. And the holly berry on top of it all is the surprise plus-one my family throws at me. Good grief. I love Christmas, but this man loves Christmas.

After he becomes violently ill from his homemade eggnog during our “romantic” one-horse open sleigh ride, Rudolph the geriatric Clydesdale spooks, galloping into the forest with me in tow.

Just when I think it can’t get any worse, it does.

The sled collides with a log, sending me airborne. Rudolph abandons me. And the skies unleash a white Christmas not even Bing Crosby could dream of.

It will be a Christmas miracle if I make it out alive.

Fortunately, I find a cabin before frostbite sets in. But it comes with one big, grumpy, tattooed A mountain man dressed like Saint Nick. And he’s looking at me like he’s picked a spot on the naughty list just for me.

I like it more than I should. I like him more than I should. I never thought I’d say this…

But I want Cole for Christmas.

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2024

About the author

Tessa loves writing about over-the-top obsessive heroes and the sassy women that bring them to their knees. Age gaps, instalove, and forbidden romances are her jam.

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Reviews

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love everything I have ever read by Tessa Klein. Her story’s are short, steamy and extremely funny.
Cole’s family owns the local Christmas Tree
farm. Each year one of the men in his family plays Santa. This years happens to be his year.
Kate is a wedding planner. She is in town planning the wedding of her sister and her ex boyfriend.
When her sister sets her up with an over the top Christmas fanatic the chaos begin.
Cole knows instantly that Kate is it for him. He makes her feel seen and loved I love how Kate
Seems to settle the grump.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Santa of the Mountain: Mountain Men of Whispering Winds. Kate was on the worst date ever when she found Santa Claus, but it’s really Cole. Now she’s never wants to leave him or his cabin. Cole saw Kate earlier in the day and tried to find her. When she drops in on his doorstep he knows he’s not going ti let her go. This is a short and sweet story, and I loved the characters. Kate brings a little bit of the Christmas spirit back into Cole’s life. I would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole
'There’s something about her that’s setting off a chain reaction like I’ve never experienced before.'

Kate
'But watching my dream wedding morph into someone else’s feels like a sharpened candy cane straight to the heart.'

I loved this book. It was such a fun holiday mountain man romance. I loved both Cole and Kate. It was pretty funny from the start. Cole's... situation was amusing. Watching him knock himself out on the ice in a mad dash for a woman he falls in love with at first sight probably shouldn't have made me laugh.. so hard. Poor Kate is such a big-hearted woman. I would have lost my mind if I were in her situation- and that's before the sleigh ride incident. The thought of someone that obsessed with Christmas is scary to me. lol Evan made me cringe so much, even though he's not a bad guy, just very enthusiastic and.. a lot.

Cole and Kate were so cute together. Kind of a slow burn- a rarity in the mountain man romances I've read, but I liked the pacing. I like the banter between them and the mutual pining was steamy.

'I’ll never recover from this. My diagnosis is terminal. I’m in love with Kate, and there’s no going back.'

I absolutely loved Cole's family. His mother and brothers definitely made me smile!

The only thing I felt was missing was a later scene with Kate's family. She manages to leave them a voice mail that she's okay after the runaway sleigh ride, but I kind of wanted that reunion to show that they were worried about her. To find out if Evan did anything to help find his lost date in the snowstorm. And you know, for Kate to show off her new boyfriend at her sister's wedding.

5 stars

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the story 'The Santa of the Mountain' by Tessa Klein very much. It is a very romantic story and it's so nice when two people feel that romantic lust for each other. Kate had been in town planning her sister's wedding when her sister had surprised her by getting a matchmaker to pair Kate up with a Christmas date. Kate's mother and sister were always trying to find a man for Kate but this year they really missed the mark when Kate was paired up with a man who not only owned a year-round Christmas store, but he was so into Christmas that Kate silently named him 'Mr. Christmas'. On their one and only disastrous date Kate finds herself stranded alone in a snowstorm and happens upon a cabin occupied by a man that had seen Kate in town and coveted her. But on the way towards Kate, he had slipped on ice and knocked himself out. When Cole woke up, the beautiful girl was gone, and he thought he would never see her again. Imagine his surprise when he opened his cabin door and found the same beautiful girl shivering from the cold on his doorstep! He decided he had better woo her fast because he was never going to let her go.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really funny, fast paced Christmas tale with so many twists and turns.

The Mountain Men of Whispering Winds have a differnt kind of charm that leads them right to their soulmate. Even if it arrives half frozen covered in snow, and a singing sweater to lead the way.

I love how Cole complains having to play Santa, as a family obligation, but he loves it. Maybe not the weird White beard and eyes, but it makes it work. He saw the woman he couldn't resist, but first knocks himself out on the ice (funny).

Then Kate takes a break from planning her sisters wedding (aka her dream wedding) to be forced on a date with Mr Christmas. Things have hilarious, epically bad, and she winds up at Cole's cabin.

You feel the humor, sassy, lust, attraction, and whisps of connection between the two. You really can appreciate being snowed in. You really couldn't help but get behind these two as they fought their attraction, and its a delicious break when they finally give in!

You get the insta-love, attraction, felt heard and seen, wit, sass, and real connection they develop in a short amount of time. Its a great gritty ready as the holidays are upon on, and wish we all had a Santas lap like Cole's to sit on!!

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh me oh my this is one sizzling hot ebook you won't be able to put down. I sure couldn't. I loved it. Kate is a wedding planner and is planning her sister's wedding. She springs an unwelcome surprise on her. Cole has unfortunately drawn the short candy cane and has to play Santa at the Christmas tree farm. He catches a glimpse of a beautiful young woman and is hit by an instant attraction that's so intense. All kinds of shenanigans happen and Kate is left stranded during a blizzard. She finds her way to a cabin where she meets Cole a mountain man who looks like Santa but is oh so hot. They have such undeniable chemistry and intense passion. Will Kate and Cole come to believe that christmas miracles do exist when they're stuck together and unable to leave? Can Kate stay with Cole forever or does she go back to the city? Does Cole show Kate how much he feels for her and get her to agree that fate brought them together? This is truly an amazingly talented author. She has you laughing at so many events. So if you're interested in reading stories with sizzling fiery passion, loving funny families, and fate helping out then this is one 5⭐️ winner that you don't want to miss. You'll love it.

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

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole had been able avoid being the 'Santa' in the Kringle family in years;now, his sister had dyed beard,eyebrows and hair all white from his dark with gray areas. Christmas was touchy with his birthday being the same day. Kate was dealing with her sister marrying her ex and her being her sister's wedding planner. Then her sister set her up with a matchmaker with a guy,Evan, from CA being over zealous for the holiday. He was planning all kinds of activities without giving her options. Sweater with lights and music! A horse-drawn sleigh driven by him with no real experience and him drinking spoiled home-made eggnog with him getting sick on sleigh-ride. Plus heavy snowing with Kate getting separated from Evan. Kate had been seen by Cole at the ice-skating rink; so you can you imagine his shock when who thought was his 'dream girl' shows up at his cabin nearly frozen to death. How will things go as they are snow-bounded in his cabin? Follow their story.

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

[Patti Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate is set up on a blind date with someone who likes Christmas a little to much. When he takes her one a sleigh ride with none other then rudolph, the horse's name. While on the ride her date drinks some egg nog he made. He starts getting sick, rudolph starts chasing some critters and Kate is thrown from the sleigh. She starts walking in the snow, freezing cold she stumbles upon a cabin in the woods. She knocks and she sees Santa. She must be seeing things. He takes her in and warms her up. She still thinks she is seeing Santa but he tells her it's just the costume and that his name is Cole.
Cole gets her warmed up and once she's warmed up they talk and realize that they belong together.
She has to get through her sisters wedding as she is a wedding planner. Cole is afraid she will leave after the wedding but he makes sure Kate knows, that she belongs to him, FOREVER.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The naughtier Kate is, the more “Cole” she’ll get for Christmas. Be naughty Katie, be very, very naughty. Kate is a wonderful character, and she endeared herself to me by putting up with her family’s criticism and matchmaking.
Cole was a good sport to take on the role of Santa. The chemistry between Kate and Cole is incredible, it could melt the icicles from the roof.
This book was different for me because it had a “supporting” character, Evan, who was a hoot.
If Holiday stress is getting to you and you need a couple hours to unwind and relax with a hot steamy read on a cold winter’s night, please grab this book. It will warm you up and make you feel good.
This is a standalone with no cliffhanger, and it has a lovely ending.

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

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate- age ??? Mid 20's? Virgin

Cole- pushing 40, not much said about past relationships

No OW/OM drama

Safe read

At first I was hoping Kate would give her sister a piece of her mind. Not much was said about the sister marrying her ex, she seemed to be fine with it. The sister made me mad, she was pushy and could tell Kate did not want to be set up with this guy who she was supposed to spend the week with, in the same cabin. What??? Who would do that to their sister. Anyways, reading about Kate's date was really funny. I'm glad she found Cole during the blizzard, he was amazing. Nothing steamy happened until chapter 8, which was fine because it was an engaging and humorous read. However, I was really annoyed with the use of the word snort. She snorted, I snorted. Overused!!!.

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

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santa of the Mountain is hilarious, sweet, and so delectable. OCD wedding planner Kate has her entire world spun upside down when she spends Christmas in a mountain town planning her sister’s wedding. I absolutely adore Kate’s inner monologues and the way she responds to her sister’s antics and the surprise she plans for her. Talk about a hot mess express! Cole is sweet, caring, empathic, and kind—albeit grumpy—and the way he reacts when he first sees Kate is priceless. I loved how they randomly met and the beautiful bond that ensues. Kate and Cole are sexy as sin together, and watching their sexual tension build as the book progresses was so delectable. This one checked all the boxes for me!

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mountain man story. Cole has to take his turn to be Santa for the town as his brothers cheated to make sure it wasn't them this year. His sister dyes his beard and eyebrows white for realism. On his last day playing Santa he sees Kate on the ice rink and after jumping over the fence falls and knocks himself out. Kate is in town for her sister's wedding to Kate's ex boyfriend, as a wedding planner she is making it her dream winter wedding. After a blind date from hell with Evan she ends up nearly frozen on Cole's cabin doorstep. Their highly entertaining HEA is a must-read.

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hilarious beginning to a fun read. Kate loved Christmas until her sister stole her dream wedding and the man she loved. But she is set-up with family matchmaking her with Evan and he is a handful with the antics he pulls. Kate is able to escape from him and ends up walking in a blizzard to find shelter. She comes upon Cole’s cabinet and first meet it is instalove. Will this instalove between Kate and Cole develop into a HEA? The plot and chemistry between the characters were well-written. I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Mountain Men of Whispering Winds series and focuses on Cole and Kate. Kate is just trying to make it through the holiday season and her sister's wedding to her ex. She just wants to get the wedding over with when her sister arranges for Kate to be set up on a date. The date ended up being an absolute disaster but it did end up leading her to Cole. Cole knew that Kate was the one for him immediately and was determined to win her over and make her his. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

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

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is planning her sister's wedding, even though Kate is using her ideas for her own dream wedding. When Kate's sister hires a matchmaker to find Kate's perfect match, the date ends in disaster, and she's lost in a blizzard.
Cole just wants to spend time alone in his cabin after a hectic time before Christmas plating Santa. What he was not expecting was his soulmate knocking on his door during a blizzard.

A lovely, steamy hot, Christmas story. Fate steps in to bring true love together.

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

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 10 in The Mountain Men of Whispering Winds Book Series has an entertaining romance story, a well-crafted world, interesting characters. These characters have unique personalities, believable interactions and complicated histories. This story has a Mountain Man Santa who knocked himself out when he sees her by falling and hitting his head, an Ex who cheated with her sister, a wedding, a disasterous date, an accident leaving her stranded, a snowstorm, trapped in his cabin with Santa from town, twists, turns, instant attraction and love.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never laughed so hard during a reading that was holiday themed! It was like Kate's version of the Griswald's holiday. As a wedding planner everything she endured was not of her profession! I laughed so hard, it was hard no to drop your head back and laugh until tears. I re-read some parts because they were that surreally good! Forget about Cole is issues were not comparison, not even the slight concussion. I will have to get a hard copy for my library! ABsolutely loved the read!.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate does everything for her family but when her sister sets her up with a matchmaker and her match is so not anyone she would choose for herself. This is the start of her train wreck of a day that ends with meeting Cole this years town Santa. He saves her and together they find a connection written in the stars. So sweet and steamy this books melts your heart. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic holiday read. Loved the characters and how they interact with each other, the sleigh ride is priceless, all I can say is poor Evan. Hopefully he will get his own HEA. Enjoyed the instant chemistry between Cole and Kate. Liked how playing Santa takes on a whole new meaning for this couple.

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

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Men of Whispering Winds

It is Coles turn to be Santa Claus. All his brothers take turns, they do this in Memory of thier Santa Father. But, when Cole see,s Kate the first time he doesnt mind being Santa. Then during a Blizzard, Kate shows up at his door almost a popcycle. Both Kate and Cole had a rough day, but things are looking Cozy with them both. Such a very sweet Christmas story filled with family, weddings, and Christmas. And lots of laughs.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book right here is the perfect read on a cold winter's night. Cole and Kate are going to deliver romance, heat and an ending that puts a smile on your face. I love when a book has a romantic ending like this one. So, for your next HOT and FABULOUS read Tessa has the book right here for you to gobble up. Just be prepared to have a few hot flashes along the way.

[Amanda Ricchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The holidays are fraught with well intention relatives, but Kate's may take the prize. While planning her sister's wedding over Christmas they 'gift' her with a blind date and the suffering that ensues. Thankfully Santa is handy for a rescue.

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

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining holiday mountain man Insta love romance book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with Steam chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole and Kate are both having an I hate Christmas moment when fate throws them together in a snow storm.

Both smitten the instant they set eyes on each other, now they just have to let go of their control and follow their urges.

A thoroughly enjoyable hot Christmas instalove.

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

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santa Savior

What a different cute meet. He sees her leaving and runs to the ice rink only to fall on the ice, only for her to show up on his doorstep in a blizzard. He thaws her out and cares for her. Love the mishap with the stew, tea and an icicle. Once they declare their love, they get their HEA.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute forced proximity romance. It was a short story with a good flow and a lot of humor. It was entertaining from the beginning and I liked Cole and Kate.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming Christmas Themed story that pulls us into the lives of Cole and Kate. The story keeps us turning the pages with humor, instant connection, realization and steam.

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

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so funny. I forgot how hard it is to muffle laughter at one in the morning. Oops.
As this is a new to me author, I will definitely need to seek out some of her other books, because this one is fantastic. Happy holidays, and best wishes for a mountain man Santa of your own!

[Laurie Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This one so fun, I might have nightmares about eggnog tho @_@. Almost felt bad for laughing after Cole's first signing of Kate but he def ahem fell hard. Poor Kate and her traumatizing date, thankfully she ended just where she needed to be.

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually not a fan of Christmas books, but this one was great. Kate and Cole were amazing together. They had spice and were adorable together. You get everything in this book.