Secret Santa's Fated Mate

A Mate for Christmas #1

by Hope Bennett

Paulo just wants to give the best Christmas gifts

As a janitor, Paulo can go anywhere in the building and be almost invisible. It means he can leave little Secret Santa presents for people without anyone knowing who they’re from.

James has scented his fated mate

When he catches his mate’s scent on a Secret Santa gift, James is determined to track him down. However, finding who left that gift is harder than it appears, even with his wolf’s heightened senses. He’ll need the support of his whole pack.

They’ll get what their heart desires this Christmas

Paulo might like to give people the perfect Christmas present but he doesn’t have anybody to choose one for him. This year, Fate will give him what he really A found family.

A candy-cane sweet and seriously steamy m/m romance. It features a protective wolf shifter, a man with the most generous heart, pack loyalty, Christmas spirit, fated mates and an HEA.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Paranormal

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2026

About the author

Hope is a MM Romance author, writing paranormal and shifter romance with romantic comedy vibes. She is an absolute believer in true love and lives for those HEAs.

You can expect a big helping of Body Positivity from Hope’s stories. Every body is beautiful and Hope loves writing about men who learn that they are sexy and worthy… and find just the right person to prove it to them.

When writing alpha/omega gay romance, she likes to play with stereotypes and gender expectations. She loves a soft-hearted alpha and a bossy omega.

In her fantasy romances, Hope can’t help but write about shifters, magic, fated mates and found families. Her stories have lots of heat and lots of heart.

If that's your jam, sign up to Hope’s newsletter on her website to get updates on her latest releases.

Reviews

[Sandy Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally sweet adorable steamy good fun. Low-angst apart from a moment of violence that kinda didn’t fit the rest of the story, but does the shifter world. I had a great time and smiled for most of this little holiday story.

I love fated mates! Yes, it is insta-“I must have him NOWNOWNOWNOW.” Sue me I loved that.

Paulo is the janitor of the company. Unseen, unnoticed, sneaking around doing his duties…including leaving secret gifts for employees at the holidays because he gets a strange notion, a tingle, a something that says…this person needs…THIS in their life. And he’s always right. They don’t know him, but, people are starting to realize that along with the company-wide Secret Santa exchange, they have a real, live secret Santa also giving gifts to a few people. No one knows why or how he gets it so right.

James is the CEO, and the pack-second to his fellow exec and wolf-shifter-pack alpha. And when his PA receives a gift wrapped in paper with the most INCREDIBLE scent, James devotes every hour of the next days to finding out who it belongs to.

It was hilariously cute and adorable. Paulo, though not a wolf, has long…longed for…noticed…thirsted after the unattainable CEO. Guy’s gotta dream, right? So having that man stand in front of him and sweeping him off his feet for what Paulo assumes is one unforgettable night is surely all he can dream of and ask for.

Heh heh.

Love it how GONE shifters are for their mates. And it didn’t feel like insta love, more, insta…I must be around you all the time and get to know you and just want you so much etc etc.

Paula can’t believe it. Jame can’t believe it. And they feel right together, everything about cute chunky Paulo lighting James up, everything about James making Paulo swoon, it’s sweet and sexy and positive. I ate it up. More please!

There is a moment of violence from another pack, note that if it’s a trigger for you. There’s also a moment of severe unkindness from fellow employees commenting about Paulo not being good enough for James that sends that into motion. Don’t worry. This is a happy book overall!

It’s short, there isn’t a lot of depth, I totally forgot if Paulo even has family, and I wanted to hear how Paulo’s fellow janitor did on his unexpected vacation. But the shortness of it all kept it hopping, so, worked fine.

HEA, fated mates, secret Santa, fun sneaking around, janitor-CEO opposites attract. Seriously cute. No OM action or drama whatsoever. Office bullies moment, violence, but that’s a small part of it all. Recommended.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[ʟᴀᴜʀᴀ · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

3.25 🌟

Cute!

Shy janitor with a knack for getting perfect presents x CEO who's sensed his fated mate nearby and is willing to do anything to make him his… after he finds him, that is.

A very quick read - though I wish some things hadn't happened quite so fast. Best not to take it too seriously if you want to really enjoy it. I think this book would be a good choice for a cozy read after Christmas dinner when you don't want anything heavy.

Also, the entire series has lovely cover art ☺️



Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions and ramblings are entirely my own.

[MM Bookwrecked · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

_Safety info included_

3.5 ⭐️
This was cute but I feel like they didn't get to know eachother much or at all really, they were just wrapped up in being fated.

*Safety info (potential spoilers)*
- No OP drama
- Not really a third act breakup but Paulo does run away, James catches up to him quickly though.
- HFN

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I’ve decided to use the same review for both books, as they’re linked, feature the same group of characters, and centre around a wolf pack and the individuals within it finding their fated mates.

Both stories were so cute! There’s minimal drama, and despite the Secret Santa theme running through both books, they aren’t overly festive, which I actually really liked.

There’s a lovely mix of humour and vulnerability, along with a really endearing atmosphere that makes both books such enjoyable reads. I’d happily continue with this series if it carries on, and I really hope it does because I need some resolution when it comes to the Parker pack!



……………………………………………………….
I received an ARC from GRR, and here is my honest review.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just the cutest holiday + fated mates story! I just breezed right through it because I didn't want to stop reading :) Paulo is a janitor but really, he is much more than that! He likes to stay in the background and loves to make other people happy by determining the BEST gift to give them - a life changing gift! The way his intuition works is just adorable and the way his recipients' happiness makes *him* happy is just...lovely. Luckily this year his own wish gets fulfilled in the shape of James...swoon! James is so sweet and protective of Paulo! I enjoyed this so much I signed up right away for the bonus novella - you'll want to do so as well since there's a hint of it in this book.

What to Expect:
*Secret Santa janitor + CEO wolf shifter
*MM holiday romance
*lonely MC + MC with family
*class differences
*boss/employee
*scenting
*marking/claiming
*protective MC
*magical MC
*pack is family
*gifts, gift giving
*light spice
*HEA

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secret Santa’s Fated Mate by Hope Bennett was so sweet and just what I needed. Paulo is a janitor at a large business. He’s lost his mother, his family kicked him out, and he mostly goes unnoticed by the workers in the building. He is unaware that the building and business are owned and run by wolf shifters with many of the pack working there.

Paulo loves Christmas and buying gifts for people. He has a knack for finding the best gift for people and he spends his own money picking out the right gifts. I love the little reveal about him near the end.

This was such a sweet story and I love Paulo and James together. The pack was wonderful, caring and I just really enjoyed everything about it. I’m looking forward to the next one!


I received an ARC from the author and GRR for my honest review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Awwww this was sweet. Paulo was the sweetest character I have read in awhile. Most giving and thinking of others than himself. Maybe its the holiday season but mainly it is all him. Thank fate that his mate James...who happens to be a shifter, scented him and gave him a found family that will accept and love him. I really enjoyed this holiday romance...now it did have one instance of craziness with a little violence but that's the shifter world...James rode in like a white knight and save Paulo from the bad guys...so accepting...this truly was a low angst romance in which I was definitely loving. Nice ending. Since I'm loving this I can't wait to read the next one in this series.

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

[D]

I made it halfway through, but I'm calling it quits. The writing, pacing, and characters just aren't doing it for me. James seems to fall for Paulo solely because of the whole fated-mate thing, rather than because he's actually gotten to know him. They barely interact, so I'm not really feeling the connection.

Maybe James eventually falls for Paulo's personality, but I won't be finding out because I've already DNF'd this one.

[Sarah (missrelena) · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Adorable and full of holiday cheer! Paulo loves Christmas. He loves giving the perfect gifts. But since his family disowned him, he doesn't have anyone to give to. So he takes on the challenge of the 200+ people that work for the same company he does. And he has the perfect undercover job to learn everyone's gift needs because no one ever notices the janitor. But despite his fantastic success as the building's secret santa, he's starting to feel lonely this Christmas season. If only he could get his own deepest desire. . . the sexy boss to notice him and like what he sees. But the gorgeous CEO is way out of his league.

James is a shifter without a mate. The lack of mate has just recently started to frustrate him. Then his PA gets an amazing and touching gift from the company's ellusive Santa (so elusive, James didn't even know he was a thing until the gift popped up on their desk) and he scents his fated mate on the wrapping paper. How has his mate been working in the same building and for his own company for three or more years and James has never run across his scent before now?

James is a great ML! He is determined, doesn't mind looking a little foolish if the cause is the right one, and oh so tender and sweet to Paulo. He cares nothing about social class structure and never looks down on anyone who is doing their best and working hard, from janitor to his pack alpha. He can be protective, but is mindful not to become overbearing over his little mate.

The chemistry between the two is instant (fated mate) and deep. They actually try to get to know each other beyond the shifter bond to each other. The story is fast paced - almost too fast paced. Not really rushed, but having a chance to explore more or Paulo's background would have been nice. The descriptions of the holiday decorations, lovingly wrapped gifts, even the slight dreariness of the office building basement and Paulo's cramped apartment are vivid and easy to imagine. This quick slice of holiday spice leaves you eager for the next installment in this new series.

Recommended for fans of Gigi Rivers, Taylor Rylan, and Minerva Howe

* I received an eARC through GRR in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and written without compensation. *

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

SECRET SANTA'S FATED MATE is the first book in the A Mate for Christmas series. We begin with James, the CEO of Wolfe Insurance Ltd, and Paolo, the janitor who is able to pass people by without them noticing. He thinks it's because he's 'just' a janitor, but it may be more than that!

Even though they're both he's in this story, if you like 'he falls first', then you will probably (absolutely) like this one. James smells his fated mate and is instantly ga-ga. The scenes of him wandering around trying to find out who his mate was, were incredible and I loved every moment.

Paolo and James are so cute together. Yes, there's steam, too, but James is proud of his mate and doesn't care who knows it. Paolo is head over heels for James, but wonders how it will work when they are from two very different worlds. I think that is a very good point, as we all know people can be cruel. I would have liked a little more about that dynamic and other people, but maybe that will show in future books.

Paolo is a cutie that I adored just as much as I adored James. This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I've also signed up for the newsletter, although I got a Wish from the Heart instead of Joe's story.

4 out of 5 great stars and definitely recommended by me.

*I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
**The same worded review will appear elsewhere.**

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian
Nov 5, 2026

[Dalegendaryreader]

"Clearly he didn’t mind being outed. And clearly he didn’t mind everyone knowing he was on a date with a janitor."

Paulo's been the secret santa in the company for years now. His work as a janitor made him very discreet, and when the CEO, James, smelled his mate, he scoured the building until they found each other.

Is it too early to read a christmas book in October? Asking for a friend.

I am not a beginner in the whole werewolf-shifter or fated mates trope, and every single time, I ate it up. This book is no different.

I started this as my bedtime read, but jokes' on me because I finished it in one hour and 30 minutes, basically past my bed time. I only slept 4 hours because of this book. It got me hooked. No regrets.

Anyways, it's very predicable book in a good way. It got all the Christmas vibes with some fantasy elements. It's very fast-paced, quick and fun read that gave all the feels.

The whole romance was a tad quick considering it's a fated mates but it was so endearing to read, especially James being down bad.

After I finished the book, I immediately downloaded the next one and read it in the morning.

I will be reading book 2 asap, and be on the lookout for future works of this author.

[Rochelle Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet (and steamy!) holiday romance. I don't always like the fated mates trope because it too often results in a lack of tension between the main characters, but that's definitely not a problem with this series!

James is the CEO of (...I actually don't remember what the company was called or what they do, but it's led by wolf shifters, okay?) and Paulo is the janitor. I adore Paulo's beautiful, generous spirit, and just want to wrap him up in bubble wrap (and shiny wrapping paper) and hug him tightly - he's such a treasure. Paulo watching other employees open his gifts from the shadows and taking joy in seeing their smiles while also feeling rather sad and alone when he feels like "nobody" absolutely broke my heart, and if anyone deserves a hot CEO wolf shifter to sweep them off their feet, it's Paulo! Lucky for him... ;)

This is the first book in the A Mate for Christmas series, and can be read as a standalone. That being said, you really need to read book 2, Alpha Wolf's Secret Santa, to find out what happens with Tony's "perfect" Secret Santa gift. Also at the end of this book, there's a link to sign up for Hope Bennett's newsletter get the short story Christmas Elf's Fated Mate and find out what happens when Joe get his perfect Christmas gift.

[Ema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute book. Paulo is a “human” who has been secretly finding and handing out perfect secret santa gifts for random people in the building. James is a wolf shifter who’s receptionist receives a gift from Paulo and once he scents the wrapping paper he immediately recognizes his mate but nobody knows who the secret Santa is so he goes on the hint to find him. Once he does he doesn’t want to overwhelm Paulo with mates and shifters so he decides to take it slow but Paulo thinks that their night together is a one and done and it takes some convincing from James to make him realize that he actually wants him in his life permenately.

[Yvonne · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

An engaging, fast-paced story with delightful characters and solid world-building. I felt it lacked a bit of depth in the relationships between the main characters, but it does a great job of showing that you should never lose sight of the spirit of Christmas, regardless of your age.

💞Thank you to the Author and GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖

[Bere Peltier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series, and I obviously spoiled myself because I read the second book first haha Even so, I’m happy I discovered this MM author! His writing style is fun and entertaining.

This book is more settled than the second one. There isn’t an emotional roller coaster, but there are some absolutely precious mates! It’s a kind of workplace romance featuring a janitor Santa x wolf shifter. Such an entertaining read!

And now I hate fox shifters so much !

This book was provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paulo & James

This was so cute and entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading this a lot. I really appreciated their ending.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Holly Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the cutest thing I've read.🥹

Paulo absolutely stole my heart with this one. He's such a sweetheart, quietly going about his job as a janitor while using the fact that he can slip around the building unnoticed to leave little Secret Santa presents for everyone. He puts so much thought into making other people happy, choosing gifts he knows they'll love, never asking for anything in return. But underneath all that Christmas cheer is someone who doesn't really have anyone of his own. And honestly, I just wanted to wrap him up in a big hug.

Then there's James, who catches his fated mate's scent on one of Paulo's gifts. Naturally, his wolf isn't about to let that little discovery go and the search for the mystery gift giver begins! I loved watching James become determined to find the man Fate had chosen for him. Even with his heightened senses, tracking Paulo down isn't quite as straightforward as he'd hoped, so getting the whole pack involved adds another lovely element to the story.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Paulo and James. There's something particularly special about watching Paulo go from being someone who spends Christmas making everyone else's wishes come true to finally having someone who wants to make his own wishes come true. He deserves to be loved, wanted and surrounded by people who genuinely care about him.

The found family aspect was one of my favourite parts. The pack brings so much warmth to the story and seeing Paulo find his place among them makes the whole festive romance even more satisfying. Add in fated mates, wolf shifters, Christmas traditions and plenty of heart and you've got a lovely seasonal MM romance.

Hope Bennett has given us a sweet, feel good Christmas read with a lovely central couple and a reminder that sometimes the best presents aren't wrapped in pretty paper. Sometimes they're the people who come into your life and make it feel like home.

I absolutely loved this one. Paulo and James were a joy to read and I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas gift than seeing Paulo finally get his own happily ever after. ❤️🎄

[Beth King · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute little love story.

All Paulo wants is to find everyone in the office their perfect Christmas gift. His track record is outstanding and the whole office building is amazed by their secret Santa. How does he always know what they want? How does he deliver the presents so secretly?

It doesn't matter to him that there isn't anybody to deliver his perfect gift, or even any gift. If his co-workers are happy he's happy. Until one delivery catches the nose of the hottest boss alive and now Paulo might want more than what he thinks he can have.

James is a CEO. Hes an Alpha. Hes smart and driven and reliable. Living his best life, until he catches the scent of his fated mate and now ghe hunt is on.

Will James ever find Paulo, when the man has perfected being invisible? Will Paulo be able to overcome the gap in their status and feel comfortable by James size? Is this the Christmas Paulo finally gets everything hes been wishing for?

Im in love. Paulo is just the sweetest little angel Ive ever read about and probably the most deserving person of a HEA Ive read this month.

I love these sweet little holiday stories, where the angst is low and the love is big. There isn't a while lot of wondering. The story just unfold seamlessly and lovely.

Secret Santas Fated Mate checks all those boxes for me. A quick read to reset after books of drama and mayhem. Love for loves sake with a whole lot of Christmas 🎄

Happy reading.

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story and a great start to the series. Paulo was just heartbreaking: he liked the people around him so much and worked hard to find everyone their best present ever because he wanted them all to be happy and no one even knew he was there. I just wanted to give him a giant hug. Luckily James stepped up to provide all the hugs and love and family that Paulo was missing. James was a bit of a dumbass initially as he was more focused on finding/claiming Paulo than actually talking to him and so he stumbled a bit as a result. This did make sense as his wolf instincts were riding him hard, and at least he was in control enough to clearly establish consent before he pounced. He did eventually figure out how to use his words and ended up being a great match for Paulo. There is a bit of danger from outside the pack, but it’s not a huge focus and ovarall this was a sweet story that just left me feeling happy. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with Tony (the main character of the next book) and Joe (who’s story was offered with a newsletter sign up).

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

I’m stubbornly sticking to whole stars... here’s my rating system:
5 stars – loved it, will definitely read again (and again)
4 stars – great, will probably read again
3 stars – good, may or may not read again
2 stars – meh, definitely won’t read again
1 star – not good, regret reading even once

[rosdoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute, sweet, and fun story. Paulo completely stole my heart. He was adorable, kind-hearted, and just an all-around lovable character. I also appreciated that the characters felt more realistic instead of everyone being described as perfect models.

Shifter stories are some of my favorites, and I loved the big pack family dynamic in this one. Seeing everyone take care of and look out for each other always makes a story more enjoyable for me. James and Paulo were perfect together, and I really loved them as mates.

I enjoyed several of the side characters as well, and I'm especially looking forward to seeing how things develop for the two characters who weren't happy with the gifts Paulo chose for them. Considering his gift always seems to know exactly what someone needs, I can't wait to see how those choices end up being perfect for them after all.

Maybe it's not very festive of me, but I do wish some of the mean-spirited characters had faced at least a little accountability for their behavior. That said, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.

Overall, this was a sweet, heartwarming read with lovable characters, great pack dynamics, and a wonderful romance. Definitely an enjoyable read for shifter romance fans.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Bennett's "Secret Santa's Fated Mate" was the perfect choice for the First Book of Christmas (yes, yes I do watch Polar Express every year!). This is the story of Paulo, a lonely janitor who celebrates the season by giving people the perfect gift. It's instinctive, he gets a sparkly feeling in his belly. He's been Wolfe Industry's Secret Santa for three years. He has a talent for going unnoticed and he gets great joy secretly seeing the recipients' faces when they open their gifts. When alpha wolf James, the company's CEO's PA gets a gift, he scents his mate on the gift wrapping. The story is adorable. James goes floor to floor searching, terrorizing his employees and worrying his pack Alpha. Meanwhile, Paulo is going his own magical way matching gifts to people. Without knowing about the shifter world, Paulo has a crush on the CEO. In his imagination, a naked James wrapped in a bow, would be his perfect gift. The latter part of the book is sweetly steamy. It also introduces two pack members who will get books of their own. The wolf pack is one extended family, so lovingly supportive of each other.
This was a quick read, enjoyable. Read it in one go. I can't wait for the other two books.
I received an advanced readers copy of this ebook and this is my review.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first book in the A Mate for Christmas series. Each book is a standalone read and features a different couple. This is the story of Paulo and James. Paulo is a Human janitor who celebrates Christmas by becoming a secret Santa for people who work in his building. He has a innate sense of what someone needs and manages to select the perfect gift for them. He enjoys making people happy but he wishes he has someone to pamper him as well. James is an alpha wolf shifter. When the company's CEO PA gets a secret Santa gift from Paulo, James immediately scents his fated mate on the gift wrap. As a wolf shifter James can usually track a scent down. But as a janitor, Paulo's scent is saturated throughout the building. Now the search becomes more challenging. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advance review copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. James and Paulo made the sweetest couple. As with most fated mates, they complimented each other perfectly. This a low angst read. It is a sweet holiday romance. Another great book by this author. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from Hope Bennett and it will definitely not be my last. Secret Santa's Fated Mate is a cozy, shifter, holiday story. This is a sweet story to kick off holiday romance reading season. Paulo loves the holidays but since his mom died, he is always alone. He makes up for the loneliness by giving his coworkers their perfect Secret Santa gifts Paulo is a janitor at a large corporation and is basically invisible so no one ever notices him coming or going, let a lone leaving people gifts. Until the day he leaves a gift in the executive offices and CEO, James, recognizes the scent of his fated mate on the wrapping paper. Paulo has no idea shifter exists or that he is the fated mate to one. Until James tracks him down and Paulo’s finds he is no longer invisible and alone.
This is such a great story with opposites attract, love at first sight, and acceptance of all. I love the different characters we were introduced to and I am looking forward to the other books in the series. This book had the perfect blend of sweet and heat that I like in a holiday romance.
I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I received this ARC copy from GGR, and I am glad I was given the opportunity to read it. I was looking for something easy and quick to read, and this book check all the boxes. I am not one for starting my holiday reading this early in the year but this was perfect timing as I said.
A company run by shifters that has it's very own secret Santa, one that no-one sees and yet everyone knows that their Santa exists and if he gives you a present, then it is your perfect present.
When the CEO scents his mate on a present for his exec assistant it starts and lovely Christmas love story that is fun to read with a whole pack of wolves waiting to find their Mates, and as a bonus if you join the authors newsletter you gain access to a bonus read one that is just as sweet. I will be reading this again as more from this series is released and I am now going to read the 2nd book in the series as well as the bonus.

[Flick · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Cute and fun read

James and Paulo were a cute couple. This is very much what I think of as a candy book - it’s sweet, low angst and relatively limited character development and a great little treat. Could I read 20 in a row, probably not but that’s not what these kinds of books are great for. They’re fun and a break from heavy issues or angst. They put a lovely smile on your face and problems which do arise are solved easily. The characters might not develop much but that’s what makes it great - they are sweetly predictable and there’s an amazing comfort in that. You know there will be a quick resolution and a very happy ending with a lovely HEA. James and Paulo are that to a tee. There’s some general problems initially but those are sorted very quickly and there is no real angst (these guys know they can trust each other quickly and are happy to do so). I’m looking forward to reading the next one!

[Julie Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author and GRR

Secret Santa’s Fated Mate by Hope Bennett
Book 1 one A Mate for Christmas series

Tropes
Fated mates
Secret Santa
CEO / Janitor
Found family

Paulo is a janitor at a company that loves Christmas and giving gifts. His family is no linger in his life so he decides to start being a secret Santa to all the employees in the building that he works at. He loves making people feel special but he longs for someone to think he is special. The CEO of the company didn’t know that there was someone acting as a secret Santa until his PA gets a gift. James is the CEO and he is a shifter. The moment he smells the wrapping paper sitting there he scents his fated mate. James goes on the hunt of his mate. This book was so cute and sweet watching James and Paulo learning about each other. Reading how Paulo is finally loved and cherished was so special.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super sweet, (slightly shorter) story about the magic of Christmas - or more accurately the magic of "Secret Santa".

Paulo just had the biggest heart ever and was so happy to spread joy for the simple reason of making others happy. He was an angel and absolutely deserved the HEA he got!
And James was soooo adorably obsessed with Paulo and the protective side he kept displaying was really hot!
Their mutual attraction was on fire, with each being the perfect match for the other.
Pack family played such an important role in the story and many of the side characters ensured many humorous moments as well, mostly at James' cost. But there was no cost that was too high for him to pay to see Paulo smiling.
There was also a bit of action and some slightly angsty moments, but any fears were promptly soothed.

[Laura Quevedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice short read...

It was cozy and had a full of Christmas-sy feel...
I loved how Paulo could choose what gifts to give people and how much joy it brought him... And how he could sneak around so no one new made the whole thing really magical for everyone...
Now, James was a bit silly... I guess it could be because of his intense feelings of finding his mate but his common sense flew out the window... Luckily, no misunderstanding held for long and every small thing was solved quickly.

Overall a nice cozy read for the season, I want to know more about the other gifts and how it all tirns out...

POV: dual
Tropes: wolf shifter/human, fated mates, insta-love, found family, giving gifts as love language.
Spice: medium (detailed scenes)
CW: mentions of past death of loved ones, violence.

ARC copy thanks to GayRomanceReviews

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨May contain spoilers✨

I love me a fated mates story and when you make it MM, I’m all in for it. I just knew that this story was going to be the cutest holiday story the moment I opened the first page.

I loved Paulo because he’s all about gift giving because he loves seeing people so happy.

I do wish we got more about Paulo’s story of how he could figure out the perfect gift for everyone since he was the one that would leave gifts for everyone the last few years.

I loved the beginning when James smelled his mates scent and poor guy was losing his mind. The buildup to meeting him was great.

I loved how the pack completely accepts Paulo versus his coworkers. James would do just about anything for his mate. Protection at its finest.

This story was super adorable and I cannot wait to read more of these lovely characters.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Paulo's generous nature and the care he puts into choosing little Christmas gifts for people made him such a lovely character, especially when he’s so used to going unnoticed himself. I felt for him knowing how little he had in the way of family or people looking out for him, and it was wonderful seeing James come into his life. Their fated-mate connection was sweet, and I really enjoyed watching James set out to find the mystery person behind the gifts.

The pack were a real highlight, too. I loved their loyalty and the way they rallied around Paulo, giving him the sense of belonging he deserved. There’s plenty of Christmas spirit, sweetness and heat, and the story left me with a big smile. A cosy, feel-good shifter romance about finding family and getting exactly the gift you need.

I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.