Christmas Surprise

by Natalie Arthur

Callum
Years ago, I thought I found my person. What we had was good, but I never truly had her whole heart. Never did I dream that when she reunited with her true love, that I would also find mine. Moira is my everything. She was the ray of sunshine in a dark time, and the love we share now makes every hardship easier. And I needed that because this year, there’s been more than one surprise that turned our lives upside down. I’m so thankful for the chosen family I was thrown into and their willingness to help those they love.

Moira
Lake Renegade has been my family since I started university. The size of my new family was a shock at first because I only ever had my grandparents before they were killed in a car accident. I wasn’t looking for love on vacation, but he found me anyway. He’s my best friend and our love makes bad days better. But this year, we both have had to deal with things from our past. Hard things. Life changing things. I hope that when the dust settles, we can both get the closure we need.


Series
Find romance in the Days of Christmas from some of your favorite romance authors.
From secret babies, instalove, enemies-to-lovers, brother’s best friend, motorcycle clubs, forced proximity, and more, look no further to find your perfect Christmas boyfriend.

Genres: Novella

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2025

About the author

My name is Natalie. I published my first book, Aftermath in August 2021. I've been lucky enough to find my own insta-love-at-first-sight person. We have a daughter who drives us crazy and a corgi who adds to the chaos. I love hockey (Chicago Blackhawks), MotoGP (Motorcycle Racing), and baseball (Chicago Cubs). When I'm not writing, you can find me studying or crafting. Or crafting when I should be studying.

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was her safe place. She was his home. Together, they face it all.

Callum never expects heartbreak to lead him to something better. What starts as comfort during a dark time becomes something real with Moira, steady, grounding, and quietly intense. But just as they begin building a future together, the past returns with secrets that shake everything he thought he knew about his family, his identity, and where he truly belongs.

Moira builds a life from nothing after losing everyone she has ever loved. Her world is anchored in loyalty and chosen family, but when someone from her past resurfaces twisted by obsession, the peace she has fought for begins to crack. She stands her ground and faces the fear head-on, with Callum at her side through every hard moment. Together, they learn that love can be a safe place, even when nothing else is.

As danger closes in and truths come to light, Callum and Moira hold tighter to each other. Their bond does not just survive, it deepens and becomes the foundation for something lasting. Some family is chosen, some is inherited, and some is uncovered when you least expect it.

Callum grows from a man weighed down by what is missing to someone who faces the truth and steps fully into who he is. Moira moves from guarded to open, finding healing in forgiveness and strength in being seen. Their relationship shifts from something strong to something unshakable, built on trust, loyalty, and love that refuses to break when things get hard.

A steamy, small town, MC, protective hero, second chance, holiday romance, exploring trauma, identity, forgiveness, emotional resilience, family legacy, healing, loyalty, closure, and unconditional love. It's about uncovering buried truths, finding strength in chosen family, holding steady through every twist, standing firm in the face of the past, and building a love that never lets go.

The Elevator Pitch: A gritty, emotionally layered holiday romance where love holds steady through chaos, trauma, and buried truths. With a protective hero, a resilient woman, and a bond that deepens in the face of danger, their story blends heat, heart, and high stakes. It's a powerful journey through found family, forgiveness, and a love that doesn't let go.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. We are back with my favorite family. Lake Renegade is thriving and still keeping the area safe. This book is about friends that became family. Moira Cooper was "adopted" into the Lake Renegade family after going to school with Isabella and Luciana Bastianini. They accepted her and quickly made her a part of the family. Moira knows about everything. Moira is dating Callum McGregor. While in Chicago, Callum started prospecting for the Cimaruta MC. Business took Callum back to Scotland. He is determined to get back to Moira even if that means he has to close his cafe.

Callum finally makes it back to Chicago and decides to start dancing at Luminescence. Yes, Callum is now a part of what they dubbed as Magic Nights. Moira is going to have to get used to seeing Callum dance. Everything is going good until Moira's ex makes an appearance. You know the Lake Renegade family is all about protection. Their priority is to keep Moira safe. That's not all. Cillian McGregor is also in the Cimaruta MC. Cillian has decided to look into finding his father. They uncover of story to that is unbelievable. Lake Renegade is there to backup Cillian, Callum and their mothers. I don't know how Ms. Arthur comes up with these stories but I am here for it. The stuff that goes on is crazy. The Lake Renegade family always comes out on top.

[Kimberly Rahr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one. It was cute and different from what I’ve read before. Callum and Moria already have an established relationship which is different than any book I’ve read. I just felt that some of the twists and turns fell flat a bit, almost like I expected them. And at times it felt a little rushed. Overall, I did like this one.

[Mary Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt for Callum in Maeve's previous book. He was a good guy, but they weren't meant to be. So now we get to see him find his meant to be, Moira! And he still gets to keep Maeve and her daughter Saoirse in his life in a different kind of familial way. There wasn't much Christmas theme to be found here, but there was a low-angst, sweet story of what love and family is supposed to be. <3

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Callum and Moira’s story. It is already an established relationship but I love getting to know their full stories. Being Brolesque dancer, exes showing up and a couple of surprises! I love the Lake Renegade family and can’t wait for more stories

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The multi-family Lake Renegade world that the author created is really well built. But it has become increasingly cumbersome. So much of the book is explaining how the families fit together, what they do, who they are, and introducing various characters, both new and old, that the book becomes bloated. It should be a short story, as regards to plot. And there’s definitely not much hot. There’s very little sexytime. There are two short plots, neither of which have enough page time to create suspense or to go much of anywhere. One is not resolved, and I was left nonplussed by both. The hero, Callum, and the heroine, Moira, are already in love, so there’s not much of a love story, either. The result is a book that is bloated and dissatisfying. Time to start creating a new world rather than dragging around past characters to the detriment of the story.

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

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

MC romance.
Callum was born in Ireland and raised solely by his mother. Now he has met the love of his life, Moira, and is trying everything he can to live in the United States with her. The only obstacle is his bar.
Moira is a young woman who was raised by her grandparents, who were killed in a car accident, but now she has found a new family in Lake Renegade with Callum. While she waits for Callum's return so they can finally live their life together, she has to deal with her ex-boyfriend, who has become dangerous.
Will Moira and Callum be able to live their life together, or will the possessive ex and Callum's bar come between them….

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

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different love story than the ones we are used to. Callum and Moira are already a couple as the book starts. She is an orphan adopted to the Lake Renegade family, and Callum is a prospect. But he has to leave to settle his affairs overseas, He will do the impossible to return to his soulmate. As they reunite, her past ex comes to the town and starts harrasing her, Callum will show the world that nobody messes with what is his. Slowly Moria & Callum will start to fill each other spaces and together they will make some discoveries that will surprise them and connect them further to the Lake Renegade family

A great love story!.

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

[JJ Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful first look into Natalie Arthur’s world!

If you’re seeking a heartwarming tale filled with love, family bonds and a guaranteed happy ending, Christmas Surprise is the perfect choice. It may be a quick read but don’t let its brevity fool you – Arthur packs it with depth and heart.

You’re instantly transported to Lake Renegade becoming an honorary member of the Mancini family as a delightful surprise connection blossoms between Callum and Cillian.

Meanwhile Callum’s also falling head over heels for his true love Moira. The chemistry between them is just right – sizzling yet sweet – making it a perfect, bite-sized holiday treat.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moira and Callum have been dating for a while and they are very happy. As Callum learns more about his father and the family he never knew Moira is targeted by her ex. It’s a little danger, secrets that are revealed and connections they never knew. All in all they realize how special their connection is and embrace their love and welcome their HEA.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callum and Moira's story is one of finding love and family. These two have both been through a lot, and their journey of love had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. This is a well written, holiday romance with believable characters, ex-drama, and a happily ever after. Christmas Surprise is a great addition to the multi-author Days of Christmas - Season 2 series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days of Christmas - Season 2 story of Callum and Moira. OMG this one was amazing, turning this books pages found more adventure and drama but the love story was delicious to read. The way Callum gets a couple of surprises in his life was incredible, the ex of Moira was wild I can’t wait for more.

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

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual gift, a betrayal and closure

The surprises just keep coming for Callum and Moira this Christmas, some are good, some are not, but they all bring home just how important their "found family" are and how strong their love is.
Another great visit to Lake Renegade, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised how many tropes this book included were so easily interwoven. This love story takes the characters through so much individually. Moira and Callum have histories that are touching, revealing, and sometimes heartbreaking. The importance of family, biological or chosen is engrained throughout this book. Enjoy!

This Booksprout ARC is an amazing book.

[Sandy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the supportive, very big family by blood and by choice in this short story. There are some new surprises, a bit of danger, and strong relationships.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Callum and Moira. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with secrets, danger and found family.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm glad Callum and Moira found love with each other. They both had issues with their pasts that had to be dealt with. There was some good that came from this as well. I liked Callum's proposal.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read!

The characters were well written and developed. World building was solidly drawn. Plot was interesting and well paced. Recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum and Moira are great characters, I enjoyed their story from the beginning. It pulls you in, Has danger, secrets and romance, a great read,.

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

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Surprise book 4 of Days of Christmas- Season 2 series by Natalie Arthur is a fast-paced and heartwarming holiday story that I really enjoyed reading.

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

[The Bookworm Hermit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute novella. Callum and Moira get reunited and learn more about family in this story. I look forward to more of them in the Lake Renegade series

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely done read. Well-written storyline and easy-to-read story.
Christmas Surprise: Days of Christmas - Season 2.

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

[La Taye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another happy ending and it’s something to see two of the characters found out they had more in common then they realized! Reading this makes you want to go host Scotland so bad!