Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Smuggler's Hideaway #2.5

When It Snows: eine Weihnachtsromanze (Smuggler Hideaway-Reihe)

Rate this book
Scarlett kann sich kaum etwas Schlimmeres vorstellen, als über Weihnachten nach Hause zurückzukehren – bis sie plötzlich mit Weston in einer Blockhütte festsitzt. Dem Polizisten, der sich nicht einmal mehr an sie aus der Highschool erinnert. Und als wäre das nicht schon genug, gibt es in der Hütte nur ein Bett.

Als ich dem Polizisten die Tür öffne und erkenne, dass es Weston Milton ist – der Typ, der mich damals in der Highschool verspottet hat – will ich ihm am liebsten die Tür direkt wieder vor der Nase zuschlagen.

Aber dann landet Westons Streifenwagen im Graben, die Funkmasten fallen aus, und er kann nicht weg. Jetzt stecken wir fest – mitten im Schneesturm, ohne Strom, ohne Heizung. Und ohne Ausweg.

Statt sich zu beschweren, hackt Weston Holz und entfacht ein Feuer, damit wir es warm haben.

Vielleicht ist er doch nicht der Idiot, für den ich ihn damals gehalten habe.

Vielleicht bin ich bereit herauszufinden, wie hilfreich er inzwischen sein kann.

Vielleicht ist ein einziges Bett gar nicht mal so schlimm.

Diese Kleinstadt-Weihnachtsromanze über zweite Chancen erzählt von einer Frau, die eigentlich nie wieder zurück auf die Insel wollte, weil sie dort nie ernst genommen wurde –und einem Mann, der ihr beweisen will, dass er sich nicht nur verändert hat, sondern sich dieses Mal wirklich für sie interessiert.

When It Snows ist eine eigenständige Weihnachtsnovelle, die in der Welt von Smuggler’s Hideaway spielt.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2025

72 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

D.E. Haggerty

110 books980 followers
D.E. Haggerty is actually just plain old Dena, but she thinks using initials makes her sound like one of the cool kids. She was born and raised in the U.S. but has spent the majority of her adult life abroad living in cool-sounding places like Istanbul, Heidelberg, and The Hague. She has job hopped from military policewoman to lawyer to B&B owner. She finally jumped off the job hopping bandwagon a few years ago when she decided to turn her addiction to romance novels into a career. If anyone has ideas on how to turn a love of wine into a job, she's all ears.

Join her newsletter and get a FREE small town romantic comedy ➡️ https://dehaggerty.com/subscribe/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
91 (47%)
4 stars
56 (29%)
3 stars
35 (18%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
776 reviews15 followers
December 2, 2024
Scarlett is finally going back to Smugglers Hideaway for the holidays. Although she's rented a cabin she couldn't stay back on the family farm. She couldn't get away from here fast enough. But that's the past, she'd spend the holidays see her brother's and sisters then leaves. That's if she can find her cabin in all this snow. Weston is on patrol although with this weather everything lwas shut or cancelled. When he gets a call out to attend a visitor needing help, he's hoping for a gorgeous single woman. Yes ok Weston is definitely a player, he's sworn of romance. What he doesn't expect is a fiesty gorgeous woman who knows him, but he can't place her. Spend an afternoon finding out how these two know each other. It's a brilliant story which if I'm honest I thought Westons story would be, the way he calls Scarlet "My Precious" instead of "Darlin"
is perfect for him. I love the Smugglers Hideaway series and this makes a great addition, can wait for the next book
1,229 reviews
December 3, 2024
Scarlett Harris didn't want to be back on Smuggler's Hideaway, and island with only three small towns, an island that Scarlet couldn't wait to escape from as soon as she was able.
Scarlett had bowed to family pressure and returned to the small town of Smugglers Rest for Christmas and she was already counting the days to when she could return to Florida, the place that she now called home, she couldn't stand to stay at the cramped family home with her parents and four siblings, instead she had hired an isolated cabin, high in the forest.
The snow is falling fast but Scarlett eventually reaches her destination, the cabin is lovely.........until it isn't, the lights go out, there is no electricity and Scarlet can't reach the letting agent, she had no option, Scarlett needed to phone the police to see if the power was down all over the island, what she didn't want was the tall, gorgeous hunk of a police officer standing on her doorstep, the same hunk that she had crushed on at school, the same hunk who had made her schooldays miserable because of the bullying and taunting.
Scarlett, now an eminent Japanese translator had been a swat at school, her parents never gave her any praise, in fact quite the opposite. Weston Milton, now a police officer had been the boy that all the girls had drooled over and listening to his cheesy chat up line, things hadn't changed.
This story follows Scarlett and Weston's incarceration in the snow bound cabin, the witty banter, the magnetic attraction, their getting to know the real characters instead of the characters they show to the rest of the world but is this unfolding romance enough to make Scarlett return to the home that she couldn't wait to leave.
Another great short story in the Smugglers Hideaway series, full of laughter and passion
857 reviews8 followers
February 27, 2025
The player stops playing

There is one thing demonstrably true about Smugglers Hideaway. Everybody knows every other person. Or rather they know about the other people's reputation. The individuals may be quirky, but they are right there for each other when needed.
It was interesting to watch Scarlett and Weston learn the adult people they are behind the high school facades they remember. The intimacy of being snowed in allowed them to open up with each other about the pasts that shaped them. No interruptions. No distractions.
I also liked that both main characters were willing to be flexible when unavoidable circumstances arose. It made them look like they are in it for the long haul. That is, in my eyes, the test of a HEA.

I bought a copy of this story and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Profile Image for An.
420 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2024
While reading "After the Vows" I was very curious about Weston Milton and why he was the way he was. Well, this book answers some of my questions as he meets his match.

Scarlett Harris left Smugglers Hideaway and never looked back. This was her first trip home in many years and she was counting the minutes until she could leave again.

When Weston and Scarlett meet again it's far from love at first sight as Scarlett recalls Weston's treatment of her many years ago.

Weston, however, is immediately attracted to the gorgeous woman he doesn't recognize. What will happen when she reminds him who she is?

With so much bad blood between them, is there any chance for a future relationship between them?

This was novella length, but a lot goes on!
Can be read as a standalone.
49 reviews
December 11, 2024
Classic case of miscommunication! Scarlett and Weston went to high school together, but she didn’t have the best experience. Weston thought that because he didn’t actively participate, he didn’t do anything wrong. Boy was he wrong! When they reunite, accidentally, sparks fly between the two. Seeing Weston change his wild ways was a real treat, but Scarlett is reluctant to be on the island. Who wouldn’t want to stay on Smuggler’s Island?

This is another great addition to the series, but I’m not at all surprised. The world-building is fantastic, making me come back for more right away. I couldn’t even put the book down! Now, I’m wondering who is going to be the next one to fall? Looking forward to reading more asap!
1,156 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2024
Scarlett returns to Smuggler's Hideaway to spend time with her family at Christmas. But she stays in a cabin near to her family as she has always had a strained relationship with her parents. When heavy snow falls the power fails so Scarlett calls the police to find out if everyone is without power. Weston responds to the call but she sends him away insisting she can manage on her own. However, he is soon back when his vehicle gets stuck in a ditch. Weston then develops a fever and as Scarlett takes care of him they both learn things about each other as they give in to the chemistry between them. She also mends bridges with her family as the two of them work out how to have a future together.
142 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2024
Sweet short story

This was my first book by this author. I saw it advertised and was drawn by the storyline and the fact that it was a short story.
I really loved Weston and Scarlett, he is a policeman and she is a translator. Scarlett knew Weston at college, she liked him from afar but she was bullied and he didn’t stick up for her, Scarlett left her hometown for many reasons and bumped into Weston on a long overdue trip home.
I loved the way the author built the story, although it was short I was hooked from the start. I loved the HEA.
I recommend this story and will be looking for the next book by this author ❤️
Profile Image for Jennifer.
880 reviews8 followers
December 6, 2024
This is a delightful, short and sweet romance set in Smuggler’s Hideaway.
Scarlett grew up on the island, and after being bullied at school couldn’t wait to get away, this is her first Christmas visit in over a decade.
Weston, the island’s player and local cop, gets snowed in with Scarlett after the patrol car gets stuck in a ditch and he gets sick. Little did he know the “nerd” from high school would be everything he wanted in a woman and life partner.
I loved it! It’s light and happy, with great banter from these two very likeable characters.
Profile Image for Heather Kelley.
397 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2024
Haggerty is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She pulls you in from page one and you don’t want to stop turning. I read this novella in under two hours. Scarlett didn’t enjoy growing up on the small island for multiple reasons, but she’s home for Christmas she’s rented a small cabin because she can’t bear staying with her family. When the power goes out and the policeman who shows up at her door is a guy she went to high school with, she’s not excited. But what happens when they get stuck together for a couple days. You’ll have to read to find out!
1,696 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2024
This is a fun, entertaining, quick read. Weston and Scarlette are interesting, intriguing, wounded, strong, relatable, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. I love getting to see Weston fall and get his own story. These two are fun to spend time with and I hope we get to see more of them in the remaining books in the series. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
1,268 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2025
Smugglers Hideaway Weston & Scarlett

This book was a big Surprise. It is short, sweet, sexy and i could not put it down.
Weston was a police officer in Smugglers Hideaway an island town. He prided himself on being a womans man, but he never wanted to settle down. Until a young girl he used to laugh at with his friends from school shows up at Christmas in a snow storm. Fun reading and i am looking forward to more laughs with the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Angi Everett.
695 reviews
August 8, 2025
Extremely repetitive especially for a novella. Not only do the characters repeat themselves in their inner monologs but they will also give us a rundown of what we already saw transpired beforehand. My first time with this author and if she's repetitive and gives us too many unnecessary words in a novella then I don't see hope for her longer books and this series is a way newer series than her other books. Yikes

In Sophia's book, she drinks her coffee with only milk. I this book it's milk and sugar


I upped my rating for this book because Weston ended up being the least wishy washy man of them all and Scarlett wasn't dumb as a box of nails lol
Profile Image for Delacey.
1,190 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2025
An entertaining novella. While it's a standalone, I think you get a lot better perspective of Weston's personality if you read book 1 &2 of Smuggler's Hideaway. I like the story and the characters, but wish the book was a bit longer, as I would have liked to have had some things developed a bit more. That being said, it was still a good novella.
Profile Image for D.E..
Author 110 books980 followers
Currently reading
December 5, 2024
It's release day! When it Snows is now available 🥳

The last person Scarlett expects to see at her door is the policeman who doesn’t remember her from high school. And now they’re snowed in together. With one bed. This is not the Christmas Scarlett was hoping for.
Profile Image for Kandiemarie.
2,128 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2024
This series is so much fun. This is a sweet and cozy holiday romance. Weston and Scarlett are wonderful and likable characters. Their chemistry is a scorcher for sure. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it. I'm ready for the next book in the series. Bring on the fun!!!
Profile Image for Kerry Kennedy.
Author 16 books193 followers
April 5, 2025
Loved this book, it's a novella but honestly I could have read it again.
Scarlett and Weston are so much fun and she's adorable like you'd imagine a best friend.
I'm currently really enjoying this author's books and working my way through the books.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Profile Image for CAH - malphrusc.
695 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2024
I love this angsty forced proximity romance! Told with the unique brand of humor my favorite author is known for, this storyline will grab a hold on ya and won’t let go ! I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Tanya Wright.
203 reviews
December 28, 2024
Sweet read

Scarlett and Weston was a sweet read, perfect pallete cleanser and a quick read. Good plot, witty FMC. Spice , dual Pov and HEA
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
720 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2025
Great little novella to kick off the Smuggler's Hideaway series.
I enjoyed reading Weston and Scarlett's story!
158 reviews
January 20, 2025
It was a good book

I loved the book. I loved the story line! I lived the characters. I would recommend this book to anybody.
Profile Image for Cheryl Carpenter.
306 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2024
Another charming Smuggler's Hideaway story. Scarlett, a Japanese translator really didn't want to return to the island where she had been mercilessly teased and bullied, but she has familial obligations. Her relationship with her parents is also very strained.

Weston is a cop and an incorrigible playboy. He was popular in school and a crush of Scarlett's.

When the snow gets heavy and the power cuts out, Weston is sent to Scarlett's cabin to help her.

This forced proximity story is about how you can learn a lot about a person if you have to spend all of your time with them.

It is a delightful small town story.

Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,017 reviews38 followers
December 5, 2024
Oh, if you've read books one and two in the Smuggler's Hideaway series, you are going to LOVE this novella!

Weston is a police officer on the island, has quite the reputation as a ladies man, and has no plans to settle down any time soon. Little does he know, all it's going to take to change his mind is a distress call, reconnecting with a sweet woman, and a whole lot of snow.

Scarlett doesn't really want to be on the island for the holidays, so she's staying in a remote cabin, hoping to stay away from town. When a snowstorm cuts off her power, she calls the police station for information, and that starts this connection.

The pages turned themselves as they waited for the storm to pass, and enjoyed their uninterrupted time. I appreciated the resolution Scarlett had with her family, and how willing Weston was to make Scarlett his new priority.

This can be a stand-alone, as it won't really spoil anything, if you haven't read the others.
Once done with this quick read, I encourage you to enjoy others from this talented author. Worth your time to do so.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.