Oh My Secret Christmas Lovers

New Hope #2

by Lucy Darling

I don’t care if she’s my best friend’s little sister or if this will put me on the naughty list… Come Christmas, I’ll have her tied up with a bow under my Christmas tree.

Sheriff Hudson

Mundane—that's what my life was before Kindred Cane came bursting into it, full of sweetness and a whole lot of glitter. I'd taken the job as sheriff of New Hope, retiring from being a ranger to be near her. I needed her warmth in ways I couldn't begin to fathom.

I lived in a world full of darkness for so long; now it’s like seeing light every time I lay eyes on her. I wake up and go to bed thinking about a future with her. She drives me nuts but in the best possible way.

Too bad I don't know anything about the opposite sex. I went from military school straight into the Army. Now I'm the sheriff of a small town she all but runs. My words come out in grunts and growls, always ticking her off in one way or another. But I find that I rather enjoy riling her up.

Kindred may think her antics deter me, but I only see it as foreplay.

Kindred

Growing up in a town full of love, I've been waiting for the day when I'd find mine. Lucky for me, my big brother brought him right to my doorstep. As soon as I saw him, all of me lit up like a Christmas tree, and I knew the giant, surly man was mine. But when he opened his mouth, only grunts and growls tumbled out. I seem to be the only one on the receiving end of them.

He chats up the librarians and all the ladies in the knitting club just fine. Women almost slip on the ice turning to check him out when he walks by. Trust me, I’ve seen it with my own eyes; how could I not when every time I turn around, he’s always there?

If I didn’t know better, I would think he was stalking me. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I know he’s only looking out for me out of duty.

But when a real stalker or maybe two show up, Hudson turns into more than my shadow. He’s demanding I sleep in his bed, and those grunts and growls have turned into dirty talk. This man's filthy mouth is the best hidden treasure I have ever found in my life.

Now I’m not sure which one of us is going to end up on the naughty list, but I’m going to enjoy finding out.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Novella, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Holiday

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2025

Reviews

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh, these two made my head spin, and I mean that in the most ridiculous and funny way! 🤣

I can't keep up with them, especially Kindred. 😂 She's truly a brat—feisty, crazy, jealous, and possessive too. How Hudson/Cash put up with her, I'll never understand. She's definitely a handful, but he loves her anyway, quirks and all. 😂

I really had fun with it! 🤭 They were such a cute couple, and it’s so good to see them still happily married with their three girls all these years later. 🥰

As usual, it's safe, sweet, hot (Hudson's mouth was something else 🥵), most importantly, it's dual v! 🥳😍

[MerReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

DUAL VIRGINS! Each others first, last and only EVERYTHING! The BEST part...they know that about each other and they love it!

Quote,(Cash tells Kindred he never dated, never did anything with a woman, never was interested or even looked at a woman in that way, she is his first everything),
Woman, we're going in circles here. I'm not dating anyone but you. I haven't dated anyone else. Why would I? I don't, nor have I ever had, interest in someone else, and I'd be a dumbshit to date when I've spent years trying to get your attention." “Oh, well. Umm. That’s a lot for me to process, and I’m already on overload.” I take a minute to mull over his words.
“Cat got your tongue, Cupcake?”
He thinks he’s shocked me. Which he totally has, but I’m not going to admit it. Cause how the hell has that man never dated nor been interested in a woman before me? I know he said those words, but I can’t wrap my mind around them.
end quote.

Quote (Cash tells her he is a virgin like her),
"What did I just tell you?"
"When do I ever do what you tell me?" I tease him. "Besides, we have exited the holiday movies and entered into the Halloween movie. I must tell you these things before we die."
"Kindred." He growls my name, and damn is it hot. "It's okay. I'm a virgin, so I'll make it out alive. Sorry for you and my brother’s luck." He does that normal slow shake of his head at me. Once upon a time, I thought he was annoying. Now not so much.
"Then I should be all right too." If Cash was trying to take my mind off the crap done at my house, this would do it. “I was thinking about putting in a gate here,” he says, pulling down the road that leads to his house. I suppose it’s a driveway, but the house is really far back. Is he seriously talking about putting in a gate when he just dropped a huge bomb on me?
“You okay?”
“I’m stuck back at you being a virgin. That’s what you meant, right?” How that’s even possible is beyond me.
“Told you, I don’t care to be touched.” But I can touch him.
end quote.

Quote (Kindred claims her man reminding him he is all hers),
"See, this is what I'm saying. All these girls are always fawning all over you." She rolls her eyes. "Too bad for them, you're mine, and I popped your cherry last night." Kindred's cheeks flush. "See, I can be crude too." Her cheeks are getting redder by the second.
"You're not wrong, Cupcake." She pulls her shoulder in, leaning toward me like she has a secret to tell me.
"I kind of love that you're all mine."
"I more than love that I'm all yours."
end quote.

Quote (Kindred tells Cash she has no experience with men and he is her first...this is the scene when the mystery antagonist wrote "whore" on her living room walls; it is Cash's POV and he is seething mad),
My blood is boiling. Who the fuck would do this?
“Whore? Really. I mean, at least be creative.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m a virginal whore.” Kindred's eyes widen, and she slams her hand over her own mouth, not meaning to say that last part. I would smile, but right now is not the time.
I thought she might be. I have never seen her date in the time I’ve been here. There also aren't any old stories about it, and this town loves to talk. I don’t care either way. That’s the past.
Doesn’t mean I wouldn't bash one of their faces in, but it doesn’t change that from this moment on, she’s mine and mine alone. That's what matters.
end quote.

Safe
No cheating
No OM
Unwanted OW (the Sheriff's deputy flirts with him and he is having NONE of it! Also a couple of girls offer for him to join them in their room, but he doesn't understand why, is annoyed by their presence and dismisses them!)
No OP comparisons
No separation (our hero upended and moved to this quaint small town because he wanted to be near his cupcake and didn't do anything but be near her for years before he finally acted on his feelings for her)
No gross condom use
No stupid third act break up
Sweet Christmas rom com
HEA

Here I am singing my praises to Lucy Darling! What a wonderful holly jolly, Christmas present this love story is! I am smiling ear to ear, my soul filled with holiday cheer and my heart filled with romance!
This is the story of Sheriff Cash Hudson who for years is deeply in love with the town's sweetheart, Kindred. She is feisty, fun, funny, full of mischief, a real people person, but with the Sheriff, she doesn't know where she stands and can be endearingly shy. He grunts his responses to her, but with everyone else he can hold a conversation. She thinks that it's because she can cause trouble and the whole town will defend her even defend her from the sheriff but also she thinks that he isn't interested in her in the same way she is. She is confused and huffs her frustration as she knows nothing about men so she doesn't know how to read him same as he doesn't know anything about women, so they kind of do this tip toe dance around each other. It sometimes involves glitter. *smirk* The only man she loved and made her heart beat faster and raised her blood pressure is this broody giant Sheriff. She pranks him and gets into shenanigans, but he loves every bit of it even if he pretends to be stoic.
Sheriff Cash Hudson is direct, knows nothing about women because he never cared to (just how I like my heroes), is so oblivious when women flirt with him and hates to be touched. He is smart, observant when it comes to people and if they are trouble, he is protective as he is imposing. He never lets anyone close and it's because of his very difficult childhood. He has scars on the inside and out, a reminder of how he once was but is no longer a victim of abuse. It did make him a good Sheriff and a good man. He is protective of this town and it's folks, but he is especially possessive and obsessed with one feisty beauty, the only woman who has ever gained his attention. He wanted to learn about women, so he went to the library to learn by reading romance novels. *big grin* That made me chuckle! He wanted to know how to woo Kindred, so he learned how to by imagining himself as the hero and her as his heroine in the romance books the librarian suggested to him! He was brooding and grunting thinking it was a trope in one of the heroes he read about, but it wasn't working. It is so cute and endearing! He is kinky and direct when he talks dirty, but that is something that is all Kindred. Only she can get that out of him.
Kindred thinks that because there are tons of women vying for his attention that he must be experienced, but the many times he tells her that he never dated, never was interested in women and never touched one, made her possessive of him! I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOOOOVE IT! There are so many quotes about how they are each others first last and only EVERYTHING! As I always say, that is the heartbeat of romance!! The scene when they first kiss and his inner monologue made me swoon audibly. It was one of the sweetest kisses in recent memory. They are incredibly well tuned to each others body when they get intimate. Hot and steamy would be putting it mildly. The sex is raw, carnal, erotic with him talking dirty and loving control yet it is still sweet with him peppering her face with closed mouth kisses after they are both sated. Many sequences of events occur that had me glued to the pages.
It was nice to see Hollis and his Candy, great secondary characters. They are hero and heroine in the first book in the series a DV I highly recommend, "Oh, My Secret Christmas Baby" if you haven't read it already, and of course Tinsley (I think she gets her love story next and I am excited for it)! There is a kinda sorta mystery to solve, but it is obvious who the culprit is. This is just holiday shenanigans, witty funny banter, a hero finally out of his shell ready to claim his one true love, and a woman blinking up in amazement that this handsome giant belongs and has always, belonged to her and her alone in all ways. *sigh swoon* This hit all the right beats and I will be rereading this again and again! Lucy Darling really is my top favorite author.
I whole heartedly recommend it and the first book as well!
Happy reading everyone!

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute (and spicy!) read. Omg, I loved it. Their banter was great too. Dual virgins, no cheating, they’re both utterly obsessed with each other. Super sweet epilogue as well! 🖤

[TTP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much, they both are so amazing.

I wouldn’t call this owd, BUT there is a deputy who starts working with the H, who flirts and tries to sabotage the h, but the H see right through her, never once is he interested.
H is madly in love with h, and ow gets her punishment, so just an easy read for me.

[*CJ* · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Oh my Secret Christmas Lovers” is the story of Kindred and Cash.

Really enjoyable medium sized novel with a crazy, chaotic, manic pixie dream girl heroine and a smitten, devoted, madly in love hero. They go on many adventures while she ragebaits him, they eventually confess their feelings and some drama occurs, after which we get their hea.

Safe
4/5

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Hope is that kind of quirky town you'd love to visit again and again. Kindred is such an amazingly funny character that I was eager to read her story. Here, she's in full bloom of her antics and strategies to dominate the world, aka, her hometown, and drive the Sheriff crazy along the way. I'm here for the action, baby.

So Kindred recruits an accomplice in Candy, that innocent girl whose story I loved in the previous book, to go on a covert mission. What they don't know is that there's danger lurking and conspiring. Thankfully, the whole town is there to protect their adorable troublemaker, especially this Sheriff in love.

I enjoyed the banter that Kindred shares with Candy, Tinsel and her sheriff. With him, of course, it ended up turning naughty. Besides the hot times, my favourite part was the sense of community, the way Kindred takes care of everyone in town and the cute epilogue. Pure fun from start to finish!

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindred and Cash

This book is chaotic in a good way. I liked that we got to see some of the characters from the first book in the series.
I was really curious about Kindred and Cash and how their relationship would develop here. Their story is quirky and fun. The man wanted to make her happy but didn't know how to talk to her. It was adorable. I had fun reading their story. It's steamy and fun! I really need to read the next book.

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I haven’t read anything by Lucy Darling before, but this was so much fun!

I really enjoyed the small-town shenanigans, and how the main characters were obsessively scheming to get with the other person. So cute. 😅

Also, Cash’s mouth. Oh, my. 🥵🤣

In case it’s a hard line for anyone, the MMC is a sheriff.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindred and Cash

I love both Kindred and Cash.
Kindred is so fun and unruly but Cash can't get enough of her.
Their easy acceptance of each other snd tgeur feelings it was refreshing. There was not misunderstandings or miscommunication between them.
Highly recommended

[Callie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked:
-dual v
-they don’t hesitate when they finally give in and get together

Not so good:
-I wasn’t that interested in the plot
-We’re plopped in the middle of them knowing each other so there wasn’t much tension or reason why they had feelings known to us
-the villain was predictable

[dayy ᥫ᭡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. ⭐️
Entretenido.

[Kellyythoralabatalla · Rating 3 out of 5]

estuvo entretenido de leer.

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

’Estoy empezando a ver sus ataques de brillantina como su marca personal. Es su forma de reclamarme. Estoy aquí para ello. Puede empaparme de ella día y noche si esa es su forma de hacerme suyo.’




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



Oh My Secret Christmas Lovers de Lucy Darling Serie New Hope libro 2

Argumento:

No me importa si es la hermana pequeña de mi mejor amigo o si esto me pondrá en la lista de los malos... Cuando llegue la Navidad, la tendré atada con un lazo debajo de mi árbol de Navidad.

Sheriff Hudson

Mundana: así era mi vida antes de que Kindred Cane irrumpiera en ella, llena de dulzura y un montón de brillo.

Acepté el trabajo como sheriff de New Hope, retirándome de ser guardabosques para estar cerca de ella. Necesitaba su calor de maneras que no podía ni empezar a imaginar. Viví en un mundo lleno de oscuridad durante tanto tiempo; ahora es como ver la luz cada vez que la veo. Me despierto y me acuesto pensando en un futuro con ella. Me vuelve loco, pero en el mejor sentido posible. Lástima que no sepa nada sobre el sexo opuesto. Pasé de la escuela militar directamente al ejército. Ahora soy el sheriff de un pequeño pueblo que ella prácticamente dirige. Mis palabras salen en gruñidos y rugidos, siempre molestándola de una forma u otra.

Pero descubro que disfruto bastante irritándola.

Kindred puede pensar que sus travesuras me disuaden, pero yo solo lo veo como un juego previo.

Kindred

Creciendo en un pueblo lleno de amor, he estado esperando el día en que encontraría el mío.
Por suerte para mí, mi hermano mayor lo trajo directamente a mi puerta.

Tan pronto como lo vi, todo mi ser se iluminó como un árbol de Navidad, y supe que el hombre gigante y hosco era mío. Pero cuando abrió la boca, solo gruñidos y rugidos salieron de ella.

Parece que soy la única en el lado receptor de ellos. Él habla con las bibliotecarias y todas las mujeres en el club de tejido sin problemas. Las mujeres casi se resbalan en el hielo al girarse para mirarlo cuando pasa. Créeme, lo he visto con mis propios ojos; ¿cómo no iba a verlo cuando cada vez que me doy la vuelta, él siempre está ahí? Si no lo supiera, pensaría que me está acosando. Desafortunadamente, ese no es el caso. Sé que solo me cuida por obligación.

Pero cuando aparecen uno o dos acosadores de verdad, Hudson se convierte en algo más que mi sombra. Me exige dormir en su cama, y esos gruñidos y gruñidos se han convertido en palabras sucias. La boca sucia de este hombre es el mejor tesoro escondido que he encontrado en mi vida. Ahora no estoy segura de cuál de los dos acabará en la lista de los malos, pero disfrutaré descubriéndolo.


Mi humilde opinión:

Romance con atracción instantánea, vírgenes duales, hermana del mejor amigo, OTT, pueblo pequeño.

La historia de Kindred y Hudson fue muy divertida. Los celos de los dos eran ridículos, los chistes y las situaciones desopilantes! Cuando Kindred dijo que quería quemar la biblioteca porque él iba seguido a retirar libros para ver a la bibliotecaria no podía mas de la risa. Pobre Shelly, si la mujer tenia 60 pero para Kindred eran los nuevo 40?¡ Pero Hudson, que no sabia como hablarle al amor de su vida, solo iba porque pensaba que leer libros de romances lo ayudaría a conquistar a Kindred.

Hudson siempre quiso a Kindred y todo lo que tenia que hacer era hablarle sobre lo que sentía directamente. Una vez que dejan las suposiciones de lado y confiesan que sienten lo mismo todo se puso candente entre ellos! En medio de todo hay alguien que odia a Kindred y sospechan que es la nueva ayudante del sheriff, Hudson.

La lectura me mantuvo riendo y sonriendo, me gusto el spicy y el estilo romcom, las vibras navideñas y el misterio, también me gusto ver de nuevo a Hollis y Candy haciendo equipo con los protagonistas, no podía mas de la risa!

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read 😄 Kindred is the right hand of the town mayor and everyone loves and adores the sweet and caring woman. She is in love with Cash the sheriff and her brothers best friend. what she doesn't know is , that Cash only moved to town to be near her. The man that never desired a woman finally found his One and nothing can stop him from finally claiming his woman after pining for years. But someone threatens the town sweetheart and Cash won't stop until he finds out who that is and until he brings them to justice.
Instalove, brothers best friend, fun to read, awesome banter, a totally obsessed MMC, sweet, romantic,steamy and totally safe ( they were both virgins- my kryptonite 😏) with an awesome HEA and a bit of action too 😍😍😍😍 Can't wait for the next story 👍🏻

[Vii ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solo diré que todo se resolvió demasiado rápido, me gusta que hayan metido un misterio a media navidad pero creo que todo fue muy sencillo y rápido, se veía venir y falto que le pusieran un poco de fondo a la historia

En el primer libro conocimos a todos los personajes y las historias estan conectadas asi que es bello seguir la historia. aquí tenemos:

✨️ Smal Town
✨️ Grumpy x sunshine
✨️ Christmas story
✨️ Spicy

Él es el Sheriff del pueblo que se enamora de la fav de todo el pueblo, lee novelas para enamorarla y no puede ser mas bello .
Es una historia rápida que yo creo si necesita primero ser leido "Oh mu secret Baby" para tomarle el hilo pero definitivamente es bonita y rápida.

[Chrystal_K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindred and Sheriff Cash … oh my. This story was a holiday delight. I loved everything about it!! Cash took the job as sheriff of New Hope just to be near Kindred. So sweet! Kindred on the other hand, thinks that he’s keeping an eye on her for her brother. Nothing could be further from the truth. But reading about her glitter attacks and customized stickers … such a hoot. And the Sheriff sees them as foreplay. Love it! Lucy Darling makes my heart happy with her stories and they are the best Christmas present anyone could ask for.

[Rmqbookqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I could’ve wanted in a small town romance where everyone knows your business. It wasn’t about if with Cash and Kindred getting together, it was when they would finally catch each other, and that was so great to read.

The town’s vibes were immaculate so we know that if there are more romance to come out of it they’re going to be great if they’re anything like this one. Kindred and Cash hook you from the start and keep you on your toes through out every chapter. They were so in love , but it sure wasn’t a secret.😍

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Kindred and all her shenanigans. She keeps Sheriff Cash Hudson on his toes. Cash has eyes only for Kindred and his oblivion of other women flirting with him is funny. This book had humor, spice, a dirty talking MMC, and some drama. The whole town people of New Hope made me laugh especially Tinsley ( I would love to see a book for her). I laughed, swoon, and fanned myself through the book. Another 5 stars for Lucy Darling.

[Kirstie Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

bad editing or writing?

The text jumped a lot randomly, for example they’re in the town hall talking of going to the station then suddenly they’re outside of it with no mention of actually going and random bits of speech without context of who said it or just not fitting into the conversation they’re having. Not sure if it’s just a case of bad editing as I usually really enjoy this author or if it’s just a bit of a botch job on this occasion.

[Dacia Hawkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindred and Cash both want the same thing but neither one knows what to do. Cash the brothers best friend thought he needed to give her time but she thought he was just there to watch out for her while her brother was away. Doesn't help that both are oblivious about the others'feelings until a few drinks and jealousy gives Cash the kick he needs to just take what he wants.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cash and Kindred have known each other for years and have been dancing around the idea of becoming something more. Cash saw her and instantly knew she was his, but he’s taking years to set everything up. Kindred has a giant crush on the sheriff but believes he’s only interested in her for her brother’s sake. Little does she know….
Cute love story!!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I loved Kindred and Cash's story. I was anxiously waiting for it to come out because I fell in love with Kindred in Oh My Secret Christmas Baby! The story was funny, light hearted and (of course) a happily ever after. It is one of my favorite christmas stories I have read this year. I will definitely read it again.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved Kindred and Cash

In New Hop everyone loves Kindred. But Kindred thinks cash, the sheriff can’t stand her. She is so wrong, every time he gets near her he ends up putting his foot in his mouth. But that’s not going to stop him from getting the girl. Loved this fast paced steamy read. It’s a fun story, absolutely loved Kindred and Cash together. A must read.

[Heather Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I liked this. The banter was so good. I loved how obsessed Cash was with Kindred. Even a little bit of stalker vibes.

“She’s mine. End of story.”

Things to know:
Enemies to lovers
Obsessive/possessive MMC
Brother’s bff
Both virgins
No third act breakup
Tiny bit of suspense

[SpadesQueenTLF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance with a mystery on the side

Interesting premise. Ends up being a bit of mystery book too. Along with being a romance we get a murder plot on the side! Making this a uniquely different plot all together. We see more of the town we liked from book 1 and the couples and people. Hope you enjoy!

[bookend.besties · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Candy and Hollis but was so excited to get to Cash and Kindred and it was even better than I was expecting!!! Cash is like a top 5 MMC for me this year bc that mouth boy 🫠 I also loved kindred as an FMC. She was spicy and sassy but sweet and nurturing and it was just so fun to read.

[Sil Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Hudson!

Sheriff Hudson, Cash, and Kindred finally get together. This one had action from a crazy lady, a super cute love story and a warm cabin in a great little town. All in all a darn good book by Lucy Darling. 10/10🤩🤩

[Leslie Anne Choomngern · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very entertaining to read! The banter between Sheriff Hudson and Kindred was so funny. I found myself smiling a lot while reading this book. It had a good balance of humor and spice. Definitely a recommended read

[Christina Astorga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.8 stars. Cash and Kinder are an amazing couple. They blew book 1 out of the water. Cash is an awesome man and Kinder fits him to a tee. The couples interactions had me chuckling and swooning.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with this book!!!!

Wow…. Once Cash got comfortable around Kindred, he did have game!!! I absolutely loved this couple, they really adored one another. And Cash really let Kindred shine. The ending was amazing