Tempting Santa: An Age Gap, Snowed In, Holiday Novella

by Ashley Cade, Silla Webb (Editor)

One Night.

Snowed in with my brother-in-law’s best friend.

Scratching an itch ten years in the making. 


That’s all this was supposed to be. But once wasn’t enough. So we agreed to spend one month together, no more no less, because he’s moving back to Boston for his dream job. 


Now I’m staring at two pink lines and suddenly I have to figure out how to tell a man nearly twelve years older than me he’s going to be a dad as he prepares to move six hundred miles away. 


I’m certain he’ll choose his career over me, but when my apartment catches on fire, he offers to let me move in with him until it’s restored. And now he’s giving me the wifey treatment, taking care of all my needs, while still claiming he can’t turn down his big promotion.


Can I convince him that being a family with me and our baby will make him happier than any job ever could or will he choose his career over a chance at true love?




Tempting Santa is a small town, age gap, brother-in-law's best friend, snowed in, holiday romance with a protective MMC, found family, and accidental pregnancy. It is a complete standalone with an HEA.

Genres: Holiday, Surprise Pregnancy, Christmas

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Ashley is a USA Today Bestselling author who likes her small town romance extra spicy with a touch of angst and a splash of humor. Her swoon worthy heroes will melt your kindles (along with your undergarments). She resides in Ohio with her husband and two sons where she pens emotionally gripping love stories about imperfect people who find their happily ever after.

Connect with her on all platforms

Website: www.authorashleycade.com

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TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ashleycade_writes

Amazon: bit.ly/Amazon-AshleyCade

Reviews

[Jessica Modica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick spicy holiday read. It follows Emily and Donovan’s friendship, that evolves into extreme attraction, which leads to real feelings. There are a lot of steamy open door encounters with holiday suggestive dirty talk. “She smelled like a sugar cookie, and I was dying to take a bite.” “ I had to spend the next hour pretending like I didn’t want her bouncing up and down on my North Pole.” 🤣🤣 They made me giggle, it was fun! I didn’t realize this book was part of an established series already, Willow Brooks Falls. If I would have know that I would have read the other books first. It wouldn’t have added or taken away from Donovan’s or Emily’s story but definitely more insight to the secondary characters. Sometimes I was like… wow that’s is a random intense backstory comment out of no where… but it all makes sense now. If this wasn’t connected to a series I would have given it a 3 because of the random side stuff I knew nothing about…. But since that was me putting myself in that situation it gets a 4. I would recommend reading the other books first to fully appreciate this book, but it is not needed.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to this story! I picked it up and jumped right back into the Willow Brook Falls world. I so enjoyed it!

Emily and Donovan's journey captured my attention from the start! These two have been in each other's lives since Donovan is best friends with Emily's brother-in-law. When snow brings these two closer than ever, it forever shakes up both of their lives.

Both Donovan and Emily got me into their story. I so enjoyed how these two got snowed in together and how they gave into how they felt for one another. From their new reality, Donovan's job, and everything between them, I wanted to see how it'd all play out for Emily and Donovan!

Emily and Donovan were so blushworthy and good together! I enjoyed getting to see these two navigate things. Donovan and Emily had me feeling so much with them!

With Tempting Santa, Ms.Cade has created a good holiday romance that brought snowed in goodness, brother-in-law’s best friend, realness, spice, and accidental pregnancy! Check it out! ❤❄

Check out the author's note about the content warnings.


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donovan is Emily's brother in law best friend, she has crushed on him for awhile. Now they come to face to he is playing Santa and she is playing an elf for her family. I liked how she and Donovan finally gave into the attraction even if he messed up after their one stand. Her brother in law Vance was protective but Donovan should have been upfront with him. He didn't communicate well at all until it was almost too late. Nice ending to their story.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily & Donovan are genuine and their emotions are real, absolutely loved the connection. They were quirky, with a magnetic chemistry & are unapologetic in their beliefs. I felt all of their emotions; the happiness, the heartache, the fear and excitement, the longing and their love for each other. This is a great holiday read.

[Tracey Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Holiday Read!! 🎄🎄

I absolutely loved Emily and Donovan’s story! From the moment I started reading, I was completely hooked and couldn’t put it down. Their chemistry, their journey, and the heartfelt moments throughout made this such a wonderful holiday read. If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic story to get you into the festive spirit, this one is a must-read! 💜💙

[Cindy Coker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Cute! 🥰

Love a good holiday read and Ashley Cade nailed it with her first holiday novella!
Donovan and Emily were a great pair, loved that the story was written so well that you didnt feel like you were missing anything. Its a short read buy I felt like you got a feel for the characters and their story which kept you invested in this happily ever after.

[Rebecca Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa's Baby!!

Ashley did it again! This book draws you in from the first page. I cannot help but finish this book in one sitting. Her characters draw you in and she knows how to make you feel like you're there!! 💕

[Lyndsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempting Santa

❄️Age Gap
❄️Brother (in-law)’s Best friend
❄️Forced Proximity


This is a quick holiday romance that is a standalone novella in the Willow Brook Falls series.

As expected, things happen quickly in this (124 pages). It was a fun little read!

[Wacee Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cute and quick read. Was confused about Hs reluctance to fully commit to staying with h after finding out she was pregnant, but it also felt like he never would have stayed with her if she hadn’t been pregnant. I feel like he would have taken the Boston job and left her behind

[Lexi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a placeholder review for More Than One Night:

Grown man with the name Gavin ✔️
He's an elementary school assistant principal ✔️
I'm an idiot for reading this ✔️

This was a bit aimless. There's not much motivation, we skip past the main relationship stuff, and nothing plays out.

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily and Donovan make a fantastic Santa and Elf duo, coming to life as charming, steamy, and captivating characters. The storyline is a delightful ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish without disappointment.

[Donna ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
An age gap holiday novella that is a fast paced read. Emily and Donovan have feelings for one another that being snowed in together ignites the spark.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance and Christmas

Great novella to continue the Willow Brook Falls series. Feels so cozy to sit down and read a book with HEA at Christmas time.

[Lina K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I realized that it’s difficult to read when paragraphs are too long 🫠

But I like storyline and characters were goood.