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Santa Undercover
Two career-driven workaholics find true love in this clean and wholesome, small-town holiday romance where Secret Santa meets Undercover Boss.
Nick Seabrook has spent the better part of the last ten years working on the west coast of his family’s global business. As its CFO, he keeps one eye on the bottom line while also looking for high yield investment opportunities. When his father suffers a health scare, Nick returns to the home office in Boston, where he thinks he is going to be asked to defend his suggestions to sell off a number of underperforming assets in their commercial real estate portfolio. Instead, he learns that his father is sending him undercover in one of the businesses whose building Nick has recommended to sell. The last thing he expected was to spend the weeks ramping up to Christmas working as an inexperienced assistant at a busy bakery, with a baker whose sweet offerings far surpass her delicious baked goods.
Katerina Stevens just barely makes the rent on her bakery and keeps her employees paid. The industrial ovens are not reliable, but the cheap landlord won’t invest in any upgrades and her lease forbids her from making any changes. The Christmas season is her busiest time, where her profits help sustain her for the rest of the year. She could double her production and meet demand if she had the capacity so she creates a business proposal that includes an appeal to rent-to-own the building, if only she could get a meeting with the landlord to plead her case. With a dismal credit rating, she wouldn’t qualify for a business loan, so this plea is the only chance she’s got. She has no idea that her new seasonal employee is the one person who holds her fate in his hands, and the one man who could tempt this focused businesswoman to open her eyes and her heart to what she’s been missing. But when she learns of his true identity and purpose, she could lose the life she’s built and everything she’s worked so hard to protect.
Will the magic of Christmas bring her the miracle she needs and give her the life she has only dreamed about?
Don’t miss this family saga set in the idyllic coastal town of Northburyport, Massachusetts where two unsuspecting hearts find true love in this fun and festive series starter.
Nick Seabrook has spent the better part of the last ten years working on the west coast of his family’s global business. As its CFO, he keeps one eye on the bottom line while also looking for high yield investment opportunities. When his father suffers a health scare, Nick returns to the home office in Boston, where he thinks he is going to be asked to defend his suggestions to sell off a number of underperforming assets in their commercial real estate portfolio. Instead, he learns that his father is sending him undercover in one of the businesses whose building Nick has recommended to sell. The last thing he expected was to spend the weeks ramping up to Christmas working as an inexperienced assistant at a busy bakery, with a baker whose sweet offerings far surpass her delicious baked goods.
Katerina Stevens just barely makes the rent on her bakery and keeps her employees paid. The industrial ovens are not reliable, but the cheap landlord won’t invest in any upgrades and her lease forbids her from making any changes. The Christmas season is her busiest time, where her profits help sustain her for the rest of the year. She could double her production and meet demand if she had the capacity so she creates a business proposal that includes an appeal to rent-to-own the building, if only she could get a meeting with the landlord to plead her case. With a dismal credit rating, she wouldn’t qualify for a business loan, so this plea is the only chance she’s got. She has no idea that her new seasonal employee is the one person who holds her fate in his hands, and the one man who could tempt this focused businesswoman to open her eyes and her heart to what she’s been missing. But when she learns of his true identity and purpose, she could lose the life she’s built and everything she’s worked so hard to protect.
Will the magic of Christmas bring her the miracle she needs and give her the life she has only dreamed about?
Don’t miss this family saga set in the idyllic coastal town of Northburyport, Massachusetts where two unsuspecting hearts find true love in this fun and festive series starter.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
9 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 5, 2025
⭐ 4 Stars
Nick Seabrook goes undercover at one of his family’s businesses—his parents hoping the experience will teach him a much-needed lesson. Katerina Stevens, the small-town bakery owner with big dreams, has no idea her new employee is actually a wealthy heir in disguise.
This was a fast, cozy read with that classic Hallmark charm I love in a holiday romance. The bakery setting adds tons of warmth (and delicious vibes), and the slow-burn connection between Nick and Katerina feels genuine and sweet. The dual POV works beautifully, especially with the secret identity twist and forced proximity moments.
It’s a story full of holiday magic, laughter, and heart—perfect for anyone who wants a festive small-town romance sprinkled with family, forgiveness, and fresh-baked joy.
Genre: Holiday Romance
Tropes: Secret Identity,
Small Town, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Holiday + Family Focused, Dual POV
Thank you to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing this book for me to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nick Seabrook goes undercover at one of his family’s businesses—his parents hoping the experience will teach him a much-needed lesson. Katerina Stevens, the small-town bakery owner with big dreams, has no idea her new employee is actually a wealthy heir in disguise.
This was a fast, cozy read with that classic Hallmark charm I love in a holiday romance. The bakery setting adds tons of warmth (and delicious vibes), and the slow-burn connection between Nick and Katerina feels genuine and sweet. The dual POV works beautifully, especially with the secret identity twist and forced proximity moments.
It’s a story full of holiday magic, laughter, and heart—perfect for anyone who wants a festive small-town romance sprinkled with family, forgiveness, and fresh-baked joy.
Genre: Holiday Romance
Tropes: Secret Identity,
Small Town, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Holiday + Family Focused, Dual POV
Thank you to Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing this book for me to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 26, 2025
Super cute book with all of the Hallmark feels! I loved the characters, especially Rosalie, and all the cozy holiday feels I got while reading this book.
December 2, 2025
This is like a cozy Hallmark Christmas book that gives all the feels. It was such a cute book that didn’t contain spice so it is for all readers.
This is the sweet story of Kat, her beloved bakery, and Nick, her ogre landlord who is working undercover at her bakery. When Kat found out about who Nick really was I started crying and cried all the way to the end. I got so invested in these two.
This book captured me early and kept me captivated. I highly recommend this book. It was such a cute, cozy read and I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jessica August for an advanced readers copy. I feel privileged to have been given such permission.
This is the sweet story of Kat, her beloved bakery, and Nick, her ogre landlord who is working undercover at her bakery. When Kat found out about who Nick really was I started crying and cried all the way to the end. I got so invested in these two.
This book captured me early and kept me captivated. I highly recommend this book. It was such a cute, cozy read and I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Jessica August for an advanced readers copy. I feel privileged to have been given such permission.
December 22, 2025
Great storyline. Couldn't stop reading, wondering what would happen next. Looking forward to reading more books about the Seabrook family.
December 12, 2025
I really LOVED this book. Start to finish the banter was there. The deceit and mystery was there. The conflict was there. The characters were well built throughout the story. I was very pleased how this ended, as I predicted something more cheesy and really happy that I was wrong. The author did a much better job. This was the authors debut novel and i cannot wait to read more from her!!!! Will def recommend!
November 27, 2025
This book gives you all the Hallmark feels! New England setting, small town romance, big family in the mix!
The story of Nick and Kat makes me want to dive into the warm and cozy bakery and join in the Christmas spirit! I loved watching their romance bloom.
We are also introduced to some wonderful supporting characters. I can’t wait to read more about the lives of the Seabrooks!
The story of Nick and Kat makes me want to dive into the warm and cozy bakery and join in the Christmas spirit! I loved watching their romance bloom.
We are also introduced to some wonderful supporting characters. I can’t wait to read more about the lives of the Seabrooks!
December 10, 2025
Imagine a cozy holiday romance that effortlessly blends small-town holiday vibes with a heartwarming Christmas love story. This books perfect encapsulated the magic of the holiday season. It features Nick & Katerina that you’ll find your self rooting for them entire story.
January 9, 2026
4.5 stars
Loved the characters, the setting, and the premise. The story moved at a good pace, and the subplot will surely fuel another book in the new series! I don't read as much straight romance as I do mysteries, but this book was fun. I'll be looking for the next one from this author!
Loved the characters, the setting, and the premise. The story moved at a good pace, and the subplot will surely fuel another book in the new series! I don't read as much straight romance as I do mysteries, but this book was fun. I'll be looking for the next one from this author!
November 23, 2025
Genre: Holiday Romance
Rating: 3.95 (4) ⭐️ & 1 🌶️
This book is exactly the kind of cozy holiday read that gives you all the warmth, charm, and feel-good moments you want in a small-town romance. With a setup that blends Undercover Boss energy with festive New England vibes, this story follows two hardworking characters whose lives collide at the busiest, most magical time of year.
Nick, a numbers-driven executive from a powerful family business, is suddenly pulled back home and pushed into unfamiliar territory. Instead of boardrooms and spreadsheets, he finds himself in a bustling bakery during the holiday rush — and the experience forces him to rethink what success, responsibility, and connection truly mean.
On the other side is Kat, a determined and passionate baker fighting tooth and nail to keep her small business alive. She’s resourceful, warm, and driven by love for her community and staff, especially during the season that keeps her afloat. Her world is full of early mornings, gingerbread chaos, and the kind of resilience that instantly makes you root for her.
Their unlikely partnership is sweet, wholesome, and full of gentle tension as the story unfolds. I really enjoyed the contrast between their personalities — big-picture logic meets everyday heart — and how the book uses the holiday season to highlight generosity, second chances, and the beauty of slowing down long enough to truly see someone.
The small-town setting feels charming and atmospheric, complete with cozy bakery vibes, festive crowds, and that touch of community magic you expect from a holiday romance. The themes of family legacy, personal growth, and finding balance between ambition and joy add emotional depth without ever weighing the story down.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
✨ Secret-identity meets small-town charm
✨ holiday coziness and bakery settings
✨ family–centered stories
✨ slow-building connection
🗓️ Pub Date: Dec 9, 2025!
Thanks to NetGalley @netgalley & Jessica August for the ARC!
Rating: 3.95 (4) ⭐️ & 1 🌶️
This book is exactly the kind of cozy holiday read that gives you all the warmth, charm, and feel-good moments you want in a small-town romance. With a setup that blends Undercover Boss energy with festive New England vibes, this story follows two hardworking characters whose lives collide at the busiest, most magical time of year.
Nick, a numbers-driven executive from a powerful family business, is suddenly pulled back home and pushed into unfamiliar territory. Instead of boardrooms and spreadsheets, he finds himself in a bustling bakery during the holiday rush — and the experience forces him to rethink what success, responsibility, and connection truly mean.
On the other side is Kat, a determined and passionate baker fighting tooth and nail to keep her small business alive. She’s resourceful, warm, and driven by love for her community and staff, especially during the season that keeps her afloat. Her world is full of early mornings, gingerbread chaos, and the kind of resilience that instantly makes you root for her.
Their unlikely partnership is sweet, wholesome, and full of gentle tension as the story unfolds. I really enjoyed the contrast between their personalities — big-picture logic meets everyday heart — and how the book uses the holiday season to highlight generosity, second chances, and the beauty of slowing down long enough to truly see someone.
The small-town setting feels charming and atmospheric, complete with cozy bakery vibes, festive crowds, and that touch of community magic you expect from a holiday romance. The themes of family legacy, personal growth, and finding balance between ambition and joy add emotional depth without ever weighing the story down.
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
✨ Secret-identity meets small-town charm
✨ holiday coziness and bakery settings
✨ family–centered stories
✨ slow-building connection
🗓️ Pub Date: Dec 9, 2025!
Thanks to NetGalley @netgalley & Jessica August for the ARC!
November 27, 2025
Santa Undercover is the kind of holiday romance that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a mug of hot chocolate, and just sink into the magic of the season. Jessica August brings together two characters who couldn’t be more different on the surface — Nick, the polished CFO suddenly thrust into small-town life, and Katerina, the hardworking baker whose dreams are bigger than her unreliable ovens.
What makes this story shine is the gentle humor and warmth woven through every page. The bakery setting is deliciously cozy, full of sugar, spice, and the bustle of Christmas, while the romance itself feels tender and genuine. There’s a lovely balance of festive sparkle and heartfelt emotion, reminding us that sometimes the best gifts are the ones we never expected.
It’s a tale about second chances, hidden identities, and the courage to open your heart — all wrapped up in the glow of holiday lights. Sweet, wholesome, and full of charm, Santa Undercover is the perfect seasonal read for anyone who loves small-town romance with a dash of Christmas magic.
With thanks to Jessica August, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What makes this story shine is the gentle humor and warmth woven through every page. The bakery setting is deliciously cozy, full of sugar, spice, and the bustle of Christmas, while the romance itself feels tender and genuine. There’s a lovely balance of festive sparkle and heartfelt emotion, reminding us that sometimes the best gifts are the ones we never expected.
It’s a tale about second chances, hidden identities, and the courage to open your heart — all wrapped up in the glow of holiday lights. Sweet, wholesome, and full of charm, Santa Undercover is the perfect seasonal read for anyone who loves small-town romance with a dash of Christmas magic.
With thanks to Jessica August, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
November 28, 2025
This was a fun holiday read. It's the first in a new series and I'm excited to read more - I"d love to see the brothers and cousins stories, too.
CFO Nick goes undercover at a small town bakery at his parent's request. He's supposed to learn a lesson, but he's not sure what it is yet. Kat runs a successful bakery, but has plans for bigger things and she needs the landlord's help. There are smaller storylines within this romance - Nick's brother and Shelia, Kat's relationship with her mother and more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
CFO Nick goes undercover at a small town bakery at his parent's request. He's supposed to learn a lesson, but he's not sure what it is yet. Kat runs a successful bakery, but has plans for bigger things and she needs the landlord's help. There are smaller storylines within this romance - Nick's brother and Shelia, Kat's relationship with her mother and more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
December 9, 2025
What fun book to read I am a huge fan of the show Undercover Boss. Nick is just what the story needs and to have Katerina as part of the story made for a good mix.
The Undercover Boss theme made me cheer for the romance to turn out how it did.
I had a heartfelt sweet hug feeling as I read. Thank you for the story and good holiday feel.
I highly recommend reading this book. It is also book one in Northburyport series.
The cover was adorable.
Thank you NetGalley and #Jessica August for the copy of Santa Undercover. This is my personal review.
The Undercover Boss theme made me cheer for the romance to turn out how it did.
I had a heartfelt sweet hug feeling as I read. Thank you for the story and good holiday feel.
I highly recommend reading this book. It is also book one in Northburyport series.
The cover was adorable.
Thank you NetGalley and #Jessica August for the copy of Santa Undercover. This is my personal review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews