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Unexpected Christmas with the SEAL
Can the sunshine SEAL melt the ice chip on the city girl’s shoulder?
Hannah Harris just wants to be left alone for Christmas. Nobody invited her to join them anywhere. Not her parents, not her brothers. She knows when she’s not wanted, and is fine with it. Or at least that’s what she tells herself. She’s made peace with the fact that she’s “too much” for most people. So she’s going to ranch-sit for her uncles—alone—while they attend a winter wedding in Canada. The goats, horses and chickens don’t think she’s “too much.”
But Pete “Cal” Callahan doesn’t agree with Hannah. He believes nobody should be alone on Christmas. Even though he knows she’s capable of taking care of the ranch herself, he wants to help. And he definitely doesn’t think Hannah is “too much.” He finds her captivating, quick-witted and beautiful. To Cal, Hannah is “just the right amount.”
Can the sunshine SEAL with the helicopter and heart of gold, convince the grumpy, stubborn city girl to give him a chance? Or are they both destined to spend Christmas alone because Hannah can’t see past her pain to all the handsome holiday goodness standing right in front of her?
***While this can be read as a standalone novella, it follows characters that we were introduced to in Snowed in with the Rancher and Second Chance with the Rancher.
Hannah Harris just wants to be left alone for Christmas. Nobody invited her to join them anywhere. Not her parents, not her brothers. She knows when she’s not wanted, and is fine with it. Or at least that’s what she tells herself. She’s made peace with the fact that she’s “too much” for most people. So she’s going to ranch-sit for her uncles—alone—while they attend a winter wedding in Canada. The goats, horses and chickens don’t think she’s “too much.”
But Pete “Cal” Callahan doesn’t agree with Hannah. He believes nobody should be alone on Christmas. Even though he knows she’s capable of taking care of the ranch herself, he wants to help. And he definitely doesn’t think Hannah is “too much.” He finds her captivating, quick-witted and beautiful. To Cal, Hannah is “just the right amount.”
Can the sunshine SEAL with the helicopter and heart of gold, convince the grumpy, stubborn city girl to give him a chance? Or are they both destined to spend Christmas alone because Hannah can’t see past her pain to all the handsome holiday goodness standing right in front of her?
***While this can be read as a standalone novella, it follows characters that we were introduced to in Snowed in with the Rancher and Second Chance with the Rancher.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2025
19 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Whitley Cox
157 books981 followersA Canadian West Coast baby born and raised, Whitley is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have two beautiful daughters and a fluffy dog. She spends her days making food that gets thrown on the floor, vacuuming Cheerios out from under the couch and making sure that the dog food doesn't end up in the air conditioner. But when the kids are at school and it's not quite wine o'clock, Whitley sits down, avoids the pile of laundry on the couch, and writes.
A lover of all things decadent; wine, cheese, chocolate and spicy erotic romance, Whitley brings the humorous side of sex, the ridiculous side of relationships and the suspense of everyday life into her stories. With single dads, firefighters, Navy SEALs, mommy wars, body issues, threesomes, bondage and role-playing, Whitley’s books have all the funny and fabulously filthy words you could hope for.
For all foreign translation rights and audiobook rights inquiries please contact literary agent Ena Burnette with SBR Media: ena@sbrmedia.com
A lover of all things decadent; wine, cheese, chocolate and spicy erotic romance, Whitley brings the humorous side of sex, the ridiculous side of relationships and the suspense of everyday life into her stories. With single dads, firefighters, Navy SEALs, mommy wars, body issues, threesomes, bondage and role-playing, Whitley’s books have all the funny and fabulously filthy words you could hope for.
For all foreign translation rights and audiobook rights inquiries please contact literary agent Ena Burnette with SBR Media: ena@sbrmedia.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 16, 2025
Great short story about another military man and niece- Hannah related to Asher and another uncle. Hannah feels like her immediate family has no use having her around during the Christmas holidays. So she is helping out couple of her uncles on their ranch, yet feels like they don't trust her either. Join in when she meets Cal, a great friend 🧡. With even better intentions.
January 28, 2025
I loved Hannah and Cal’s story. It’s a quick fun read that gives you a Quick look into Hannah and Cal’s life. Hannah feels left out of her families life and just wants to belong and when Cal shows up to help out while she’s watching the ranch for her uncles and he doesn’t get a real warm welcome. All it takes is some home made pizza a bottle of wine and real conversation between them lights a spark between them that can’t be denied. I’m excited for the novella to keep these Seals coming.
December 9, 2025
This book drew me in with the promise of a heroine who has been labeled “too much” all her life, something many of us can relate to, spending Christmas alone on her uncles’ farm. Hannah’s inner conflict between feeling like she overwhelms people and feeling “not enough” was compelling, and emotional, but I found myself wanting more concrete, beyond a few mentions from childhood and some sharpness with Cal initially, the story didn’t really show the traits that the narrative kept telling us she had. Nothing about her screamed "too much" to me.
Cal, the Uncles' Navy SEAL friend who checks in on her, is persistent to the point that the romance has a bit of a rushed feel. I'm not opposed to insta-love but something about this didn't click for me. It’s framed as caring and protective, and many readers will find that dreamy, but at times his refusal to give Hannah space gave me a slight “ick.” I understood what the story was going for, but I personally struggled to fully root for him.
That said, the setting was lovely. The cozy farm atmosphere and the assortment of animals were genuinely charming and added warmth to the story.
Overall, I had mixed feelings, some elements really worked for me, others not as much, but readers who enjoy a short, Christmas-y, protective-hero romance might still find it a comforting read.
Cal, the Uncles' Navy SEAL friend who checks in on her, is persistent to the point that the romance has a bit of a rushed feel. I'm not opposed to insta-love but something about this didn't click for me. It’s framed as caring and protective, and many readers will find that dreamy, but at times his refusal to give Hannah space gave me a slight “ick.” I understood what the story was going for, but I personally struggled to fully root for him.
That said, the setting was lovely. The cozy farm atmosphere and the assortment of animals were genuinely charming and added warmth to the story.
Overall, I had mixed feelings, some elements really worked for me, others not as much, but readers who enjoy a short, Christmas-y, protective-hero romance might still find it a comforting read.
March 3, 2025
This is a quick holiday novella easily read in one sitting.
No one should be alone at Christmas, not Hannah who is dismissed and overlooked by her family during the holidays and not Cal an ex seal who lives near to where Hannah is looking after her uncles' ranch while they attend a wedding in Canada.
To her family, Hannah is seen as "too much", until spending time with Cal, makes her realize it's them that aren't enough...he however, won't make that mistake.
While Cal helps Hannah with the ranch, she comes to realize that she is perfect just the way she is and what they both thought would be a sad, lonely Christmas turns into something more for both of them. They slowly open up to one another about their past and in doing so become closer and soon the holiday is filled with their own holiday memories.
This was a cute story with a dash of spice. I enjoyed it and I thought the pacing was great for the length of it. It's a great read if one wants to get into the holiday season or really any time at all.
I enjoy Whitley's writing a lot and I found this one to be heartwarming and sweet.
December 2, 2025
5 Star Review Unexpected Christmas With The Seal by Whitley Cox
Audio/eBook:
What’s better than a story set around the holidays? Nothing in my opinion, it’s a magical time of the year and when it’s written by the very talented Whitley Cox, then I am all in.
I love her style of writing, her characters are human, often flawed and so easy to relate to.
This was an at times emotional story and my heart broke for Hannah Harris.
However, what she didn’t count on was Seal Pete “Cal” Callahan who is determined to that no one should be alone at Christmas. I fell hard and fast for him, such a caring, swoon worthy man and one I adored.
From start to finish I was cheering these two on to their happily ever after.
The narration by Mollie Stark and Liam DiCosimo brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and angst to their performances. The narration did justice to the story and characters that the author created.
Audio/eBook:
What’s better than a story set around the holidays? Nothing in my opinion, it’s a magical time of the year and when it’s written by the very talented Whitley Cox, then I am all in.
I love her style of writing, her characters are human, often flawed and so easy to relate to.
This was an at times emotional story and my heart broke for Hannah Harris.
However, what she didn’t count on was Seal Pete “Cal” Callahan who is determined to that no one should be alone at Christmas. I fell hard and fast for him, such a caring, swoon worthy man and one I adored.
From start to finish I was cheering these two on to their happily ever after.
The narration by Mollie Stark and Liam DiCosimo brought the characters to life for me. Their voices were easy to listen too and they brought all the passion, drama, romance and angst to their performances. The narration did justice to the story and characters that the author created.
February 1, 2025
What was not unexpected about this, was the fact that it was a cute and quick read! Whitley always has a way of pulling you in to the suspense, and the emotions of her characters. Both Hannah and Cals mini backstories do resonate and think that adds to drawing you in.
All it took was two lonely souls, some home made pizza, some wine and an in depth chat and the 'connections' and spice that Whitley is renowned for, hits.
I do wish this had been drawn out into a full length novel in order to allow for the sparks and feelings between the two characters to fully develop in a more natural way.
Can I also mention, Whitley always has a way of bringing side characters to life in her novels and this novella was no different - Who'd have thunk that chickens would be the stars of the show. Their names? Absolute perfection!
All it took was two lonely souls, some home made pizza, some wine and an in depth chat and the 'connections' and spice that Whitley is renowned for, hits.
I do wish this had been drawn out into a full length novel in order to allow for the sparks and feelings between the two characters to fully develop in a more natural way.
Can I also mention, Whitley always has a way of bringing side characters to life in her novels and this novella was no different - Who'd have thunk that chickens would be the stars of the show. Their names? Absolute perfection!
February 13, 2025
Lovely story.
Hannah & Cal's story had me smiling, chuckling & tearing up at the same time I didn't want it to end.
When her Uncle's ask her to look after their farm whilst they are away for Christmas leaving her totally alone. Any boyfriend sees her as too much to handle & she feels like her family do not want her involved in their lives.
Cal is her Uncle's friend & asked him to keep a look out for her & when she finds out she is really angry & tells him she does not need him or his help but he isn't put off by her anger.
Even though she doesn't need help he wants to so keeps going to the farm & eventually he understands how she's feeling about her life seeing them get closer. I love the crossover of characters from the other book series especially.
I can guarantee that once you start reading this you won't they want to put it down.
Hannah & Cal's story had me smiling, chuckling & tearing up at the same time I didn't want it to end.
When her Uncle's ask her to look after their farm whilst they are away for Christmas leaving her totally alone. Any boyfriend sees her as too much to handle & she feels like her family do not want her involved in their lives.
Cal is her Uncle's friend & asked him to keep a look out for her & when she finds out she is really angry & tells him she does not need him or his help but he isn't put off by her anger.
Even though she doesn't need help he wants to so keeps going to the farm & eventually he understands how she's feeling about her life seeing them get closer. I love the crossover of characters from the other book series especially.
I can guarantee that once you start reading this you won't they want to put it down.
February 1, 2025
A cute quick read.
A very quick Christmas based story of two lonely souls, Cal is an ex seal who lives alone but near two of his teammates, Hannah is the teammates niece.
Hannah was sad to be alone at Christmas, all her family see her as too much so didn’t invite her to be included in their Christmas celebration s instead she was looking after her uncles animals whilst they attend a wedding but they asked Cal to check in on her which she doesn’t appreciate but Cal persists after seeing sadness within her.
Although he’s a little older they hit it off and became an item.
It was a quick read so lacked the details that a full novel consists of, it ended too soon for me but I always say that on quick reads.
I did enjoy the story.
A very quick Christmas based story of two lonely souls, Cal is an ex seal who lives alone but near two of his teammates, Hannah is the teammates niece.
Hannah was sad to be alone at Christmas, all her family see her as too much so didn’t invite her to be included in their Christmas celebration s instead she was looking after her uncles animals whilst they attend a wedding but they asked Cal to check in on her which she doesn’t appreciate but Cal persists after seeing sadness within her.
Although he’s a little older they hit it off and became an item.
It was a quick read so lacked the details that a full novel consists of, it ended too soon for me but I always say that on quick reads.
I did enjoy the story.
February 16, 2025
With no plans for Christmas and no one to spend it with Hannah agrees to look after her uncle’s ranch so that they can get away. She doesn’t think she needs the help of her neighbor and is quick to tell him so until he shows her that he isn’t there because he doesn’t think she is capable but because he wants to be with her.
After his career as a Navy SEAL ended, Cal is trying to find what comes next. As a favor to his neighbors, he agrees to check in on Hannah and is intrigued by her feisty personality. He isn’t about to be deterred by their interactions and is determined to show her she is no longer alone.
Hannah has been told that her strong personality doesn’t mix well with romance until Cal shows that with the right man she is perfect just the way she is.
After his career as a Navy SEAL ended, Cal is trying to find what comes next. As a favor to his neighbors, he agrees to check in on Hannah and is intrigued by her feisty personality. He isn’t about to be deterred by their interactions and is determined to show her she is no longer alone.
Hannah has been told that her strong personality doesn’t mix well with romance until Cal shows that with the right man she is perfect just the way she is.
May 14, 2025
Hannah Harris decide pasar la Navidad en la casa de sus tíos; sola en la casa de sus tíos, mientras ellos van a un casamiento. Hannah es feliz estando sola, al cuidado de la granja; su familia siempre realizan planes sin ella. Lo que ella no sabe es que sus tíos le dejan una especie de niñero en su vecino.
Y entra Pete “Cal” Callahan en acción. Cal es un ex-soldado con un pasado complejo que no está acostumbrado a dejar a la gente de lado como tanto quiere Hannah. Cal, al inicio se presenta en caso de que Hannah necesite ayuda que tenga una cara conocida pero descubre a una mujer sola que le intriga y no está dispuesto a dejarla sola en Navidad.
Es una historia corta, entretenida con dos personajes adorables y con el contexto justo para comprender sus reacción en la breve narración de la historia. Hannah es una mujer independiente acostumbrada a que se la deje sola porque se ha las ha tenido que ingeniar sola toda su vida pero Cal no deja que eso pase y deja su presencia muy clara sin forzarla. Ambos descubren que si bien se puede estar solo también uno elige compartir la vida con la persona adecuada.
Como siempre estas historia cortas son una adicción y una gran oportunidad para conocer historias y autores nuevos.
February 13, 2025
I love the magical holiday season and I loved Unexpected Christmas With The Seal. This is Seal Pete “Cal” Callahan and Hannah Harris’s magical, entertaining and at times emotional story.
Looking after the family ranch for Christmas leaves Hannah alone with the animals while the family are off attending a winter wedding in Canada. No one should be alone at Christmas and even though her family are not with her they have arranged a few visits from the hot neighbour and that’s where Cal comes in……
I fell hard and fast for this caring man and at times my heart broke for Hannah but this was a magical read and I loved every word.
Looking after the family ranch for Christmas leaves Hannah alone with the animals while the family are off attending a winter wedding in Canada. No one should be alone at Christmas and even though her family are not with her they have arranged a few visits from the hot neighbour and that’s where Cal comes in……
I fell hard and fast for this caring man and at times my heart broke for Hannah but this was a magical read and I loved every word.
December 18, 2025
ALC Review:
Dual Narration by Mollie Stark and Liam DiCosimo
Tropes:
Military Hero
Grumpy FMC / Sunshine MMC
Forced Proximity
Small Town
Animals with Funny Names
Hannah is prepared to spend Christmas alone on a ranch with only animals for company—until Cal shows up with good intentions and a heart of gold. What follows is a tender, slow-building holiday romance centered on healing, connection, and being seen for who you truly are.
This was such a comforting listen. Mollie Stark and Liam DiCosimo portrayed Hannah and Cal beautifully, capturing both the humor and emotional vulnerability with ease.
Huge thanks to Pinup Audio and Whitley Cox for the ALC!
Dual Narration by Mollie Stark and Liam DiCosimo
Tropes:
Military Hero
Grumpy FMC / Sunshine MMC
Forced Proximity
Small Town
Animals with Funny Names
Hannah is prepared to spend Christmas alone on a ranch with only animals for company—until Cal shows up with good intentions and a heart of gold. What follows is a tender, slow-building holiday romance centered on healing, connection, and being seen for who you truly are.
This was such a comforting listen. Mollie Stark and Liam DiCosimo portrayed Hannah and Cal beautifully, capturing both the humor and emotional vulnerability with ease.
Huge thanks to Pinup Audio and Whitley Cox for the ALC!
February 14, 2025
Nobody should be alone during the Christmas season and thank God for persistent Cal who integrates himself into Hannah’s solitary celebration at her uncles’ ranch. I loved those simple moments where they bonded over ranch chores, food and movies. Ooh, and the ride on Bella sounds magnificent too, especially with the Colorado mountains in view.
This was a quick read as it is a novella. The basis of the story is a simple one, set beautifully during my favourite season. There are some meaningful lessons weaved in here as well so do check out the trigger.
This was a quick read as it is a novella. The basis of the story is a simple one, set beautifully during my favourite season. There are some meaningful lessons weaved in here as well so do check out the trigger.
February 15, 2025
What great holiday novella such a quick read and so sweet.
Hannah is at her uncle farm to tend to the animals, since they went to a wedding in Canada, during Christmas. And no one asked her to spend Christmas with them so she is alone for the holidays.
Pete "Cal" Callahan is a former Seal and helicopter pilot that is friends with her uncles. And when her uncles ask him to look in on Hannah, that doesn't go over very well with Hannah.
But when Cal gets Hannah to realize that having someone on your team is very beneficial.
Quick, heart warning sweet read
Hannah is at her uncle farm to tend to the animals, since they went to a wedding in Canada, during Christmas. And no one asked her to spend Christmas with them so she is alone for the holidays.
Pete "Cal" Callahan is a former Seal and helicopter pilot that is friends with her uncles. And when her uncles ask him to look in on Hannah, that doesn't go over very well with Hannah.
But when Cal gets Hannah to realize that having someone on your team is very beneficial.
Quick, heart warning sweet read
February 16, 2025
Whitley touched on topics such as suicide (mentioned, but didn't happen in story), being alone during holidays, not wanting to ask for help, but it being available, and men serving their country.
That is a lot of topics packed into a novella, but she did it with grace and threw in some snazzy chickens at the same time. I love Whitley's writing style and how the world's all intertwine, so we can see our favorite characters again later.
The only thing I wish was for it to be a full-size novel so I could get more of their story!
That is a lot of topics packed into a novella, but she did it with grace and threw in some snazzy chickens at the same time. I love Whitley's writing style and how the world's all intertwine, so we can see our favorite characters again later.
The only thing I wish was for it to be a full-size novel so I could get more of their story!
February 23, 2025
📚🌶🌶
Unexpected Christmas With The Seal was a perfect novella!! Whitley Cox does a great job of putting a lot of detail and story into a short Christmas themed novella!
Hannah has always been told she is too much or just not included in things. She goes to help watch over her uncles ranch while they go to a wedding over Christmas. When her uncles neighbor, Cal, comes over Hannah realize it is to babysit her and make sure nothing is falling apart. The more Cal comes over the more Hannah realizes he might be coming over to see her and not just as a neighborly obligation.
Unexpected Christmas With The Seal was a perfect novella!! Whitley Cox does a great job of putting a lot of detail and story into a short Christmas themed novella!
Hannah has always been told she is too much or just not included in things. She goes to help watch over her uncles ranch while they go to a wedding over Christmas. When her uncles neighbor, Cal, comes over Hannah realize it is to babysit her and make sure nothing is falling apart. The more Cal comes over the more Hannah realizes he might be coming over to see her and not just as a neighborly obligation.
January 30, 2025
Being alone for the holiday has a whole new meaning for Hannah when she needs to take care of the animals while her uncles are away. Cal might start out as just being there to make sure everything runs okay, but when instant sparks fly being alone together takes the holiday to the next level. Whitley Cox once again gives her readers a heartwarming story filled with great characters and a storyline that will put a smile on their faces.
February 1, 2025
I love Hannah and Cal! Hannah is house/animal sitting for her uncles when she meets Cal, who was asked by her uncle to check on her. I love how Whitley Cox can pull you in and make you feel the emotions of her characters. I couldn't help but tear up reading this wonderful, short (wish it was longer) read. Don't get me wrong, this story was perfect as is but I was enjoying it so much that I didn't want it to end. Also, the names for the chickens!!! 🤣🤣 Abso-freaking-lutely genius!!
February 1, 2025
I loved Hannah and Cal’s story! It is a quick, wonderful Christmas romance! Hannah is taking care of her uncle’s animals while he’s away at a wedding. Cal is a friend of her uncle that comes over to check on her. He didn’t get a very warm welcome. Cal doesn’t give up on her and she slowly warms up to him. I enjoyed watching the couple come together! Unexpected Christmas with the Seal is a wonderful Christmas romance!
February 4, 2025
Unexpected Christmas with the SEAL is a quick read connected to the Young Sisters series, although it can be read as a standalone. I loved Cal and how he turned Hannah's lonely Christmas into the beginning of an enduring relationship, but the story was simply too short for me to actually believe the transition from one night to forever. Would have loved to have seen more of the in-between.
I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
February 13, 2025
This was such a sweet book to read and I finished in a couple hours. I really felt for Hannah, the fact that she was determined to prove to everyone that she can handle things. Cal is just an amazing character and his continual support of her despite her constantly pushing him away made this just a touching novella to read. Just a great read to have for a break from the world. I definitely recommend reading it. It's short and sweet and worth the evening I spent reading it.
January 30, 2025
This was a really cute novella. Hannah was so used to being on her own and doing everything on her own, when Cal showed up she just thought it was because her uncles didn't think she could handle things. Cal knew she was something special from the moment he saw her.. I love how he was patient with her and showed her having a team was a good thing.
February 5, 2025
This novella was so cute! There were enough details to drag you in, want more of the story, but also be okay with the ending. Which is SO hard to do with a novella!Hannah has her tough black cat exterior and Call is the perfect golden retriever man. If you’re wanting a quick read with a cute story and some spice, this should be your next read!
February 9, 2025
Hannah and Cal's story may be short, but's it full of emotion. Her absolute certainty that she is unwelcome and unloved hits the brick wall that is Cal's positivity of her complete lovability. Over Pizza and wine, honest and heartfelt communication, and the willingness to take a chance, their chemistry ignites. For those who believe in Christmas miracles, this story is one for you.
February 12, 2025
I received this as an arc from the author an I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a good age gap romance. It was a short story and it had a good flow. I liked that it was connected to other stories by this author but could still be read as a standalone. Hannah and Cal had a bit of a rocky start but somehow they still just fit.
This was a good age gap romance. It was a short story and it had a good flow. I liked that it was connected to other stories by this author but could still be read as a standalone. Hannah and Cal had a bit of a rocky start but somehow they still just fit.
February 15, 2025
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Hannah is too much for so many and left alone by her family of Christmas juts seals the deal. They didn’t even ask what she wanted just assumed she would be ok alone. Cal does not want to be alone for the holiday so he is happy to make sure Ann ah isn’t either. And when the sparks fly they both enjoy each other. But will it last longer than the holiday…
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Hannah is too much for so many and left alone by her family of Christmas juts seals the deal. They didn’t even ask what she wanted just assumed she would be ok alone. Cal does not want to be alone for the holiday so he is happy to make sure Ann ah isn’t either. And when the sparks fly they both enjoy each other. But will it last longer than the holiday…
March 17, 2025
This another fast paced read but a wonderful story. I love the characters! It takes them a bit to click but not too long. Once they click, the chemistry ignites. You will have all the feels with this one. I love the banter, chemistry, their communication, and willingness to take a chance. This is a wonderful holiday story.
April 1, 2025
This was a quick read that still had lots of emotion, steam, and sass. Loved Call and Hannah's story. Loved how they went from not getting along to connecting to love and even though it's a novella, we understood their backstories and why they acted as they did. This was a great steamy holiday read!
February 5, 2025
Cal and Hanna's story is short sweet and needs a full story. Hannah is alone at Christmas and one of her uncle's friends come along to make the holidays a but brighter for her. Their slow developing attraction is fast and hot. Loved this short story.
February 16, 2025
Absolutely adored Hannah and Cal’s story. This was a quick read that had all the feels. I know a lot of us can relate to Hannah’s feelings and I’m so happy Cal helped show her that she’s worth it all and that she is enough. Loved this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews