Silent Night, Holy Secret: A Christmas Secret Baby Romance

by Paula Dombrowiak

My ex is a world-famous rockstar.
And this Christmas… he’s about to discover he’s a father.

Phoenix Sterling was once my everything—late-night melodies, tangled sheets, and a future I was foolish enough to believe in. Then he left, choosing a record deal over me.
I thought I could move on… until two pink lines changed everything. I tried to tell him, but my calls went unanswered. For four years I’ve raised our daughter alone. Then my editor sends me to Chicago—days before Christmas—to interview the man who walked away.
When a blizzard shuts down the airport and leaves us snowed in together, my only way home is squeezing onto a tiny tour bus with my rockstar ex.
But when it breaks down in a storybook small town decked out for the holidays, hot chocolate turns into a snowball fight… and a slow dance under falling snow makes it impossible to keep my walls up.
Phoenix wants a second chance.
But when he learns the truth…
Will he choose the family he never knew he had—
or let the music carry him away again?

For readers who

🎄 A rockstar who never stopped counting the days since he lost her

🎄 A single mom protecting her daughter from the past that broke her

🎄 Snowed-in tension on a busted tour bus and a too-cozy B&B

🎄 Firelight confessions, stolen touches, and chemistry that never died

🎄 A heart-stopping “that’s my daughter?” reveal

🎄 Chaotic cinnamon-roll bandmates and found-family warmth

🎄 And a Christmas second chance that ends exactly where it should — with a forever they both fought for

Silent Night, Holy Secret is a Cross the Line Spin-Off Holiday Novella. A steamy, second chance, secret baby rockstar romance that can be read as a standalone with a happily ever after.

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. Music is what inspires her storytelling.

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Reviews

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Christmassy Rock Romance

Wow! I absolutely love this second chance rock romance and throw in the Christmas theme and it’s a five-star book for me. Phoenix and Elle were together until he walked away from her for is music. She wasn’t the only thing he left behind then. Now years later Phoenix and Elle come face to face again for her job.

With all flights cancelled Elle hitches a ride on their bus trying to make it home for Christmas to be with her little girl. When they have to stop in a little town Phoenix finally admits that he still love her. Now Elle is faced with the idea of telling Phoenix about Melody.

This was an awesome book that gave me the HEA I was hoping for.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance, rockstar romance packs an emotional. Phoenix and Elle were once engaged until he chose his career over her. He walked away, never knowing that she was pregnant. Phoenix didn’t want to be tied down while he was working to achieve his dream. Now almost five years later, he and Elle come face-to-face as she conducts an interview for an article she’s writing for magazine. The tension between them is palpable, especially to his bandmates, who are accompanying them on their improvised bus trip after their flights are cancelled due to a snowstorm. Elle is desperate to get back to Nashville, to her adorable, four year-old daughter, in time for Christmas. She has no intention of telling Phoenix about their daughter. A forced stop over in a small town leads to time alone, a chance to reconnect and rehash their split. Phoenix gets a chance to express his regret for his actions to tell Elle that he still loves her. They reconnect on several levels, but what will happen when Phoenix learns he has a daughter?

There is intense chemistry between Elle and Phoenix. Both are still in love with the other and are haunted by regrets. She is trying to protect her and her daughter’s hearts, but resisting him is impossible. I like the banter, the tension and the chaotic emotions between this couple. They aren’t over each other at all, and yes Phoenix is mad that Elle didn’t tell him about their daughter, but in the end he grateful to have his daughter and to have another tie to Elle. I must also mention Phoenix‘s bandmates, who definitely bring the humour to this story with their goofiness and shenanigans. They are also great sounding boards for Phoenix.

I am happy to recommend this very engaging book.

[Maddy Matos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoenix and Elle have history—messy, unfinished, unforgettable history. She hasn’t seen him since their breakup years ago, and she’s built a whole new life… one that absolutely does not include falling apart over her ex. Now she’s been assigned to interview him, and the second she walks into that green room, she has to hold herself together like her career depends on it—because it does.
Phoenix, meanwhile, is anxious and exhausted. The tour is finally over, and all he wants is to get through one last interview and go home. But the moment he sees Elle? Everything stops. The tour, the music, the band—none of it matters. It’s just her. The girl he never got over. The girl who feels like home.
I love love love a second chance romance, and this novella nails it. Phoenix is off-the-charts adorable—a rockstar with just the right mix of swagger and vulnerability. Elle is gorgeous, strong, and exactly the kind of heroine I love to root for. Their tension, their history, their sparks—it’s everything.
This book delivers a fantastic happy ending, the kind that leaves you grinning and hugging your Kindle. I’m also obsessed with the rest of the band and seriously hoping each of them gets a novella, because I’m already attached.
Five stars, easily. Highly recommend if you love second chances, rockstars with heart, and heroines who know their worth. 💙

[Cindie Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow

Wow, just wow! Phoenix made a lasting impression… her name is Melody. Elle gave him his freedom to follow his dreams and took care of Melody on her own. Their relationship resumes during a blizzard with a bus ride home. It is a roller coaster of emotion and heartache. Phoenix steps up when he learns about Melody. I truly enjoy all the side characters. Can’t wait to see what happens next in this series.

[Anita Salonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What else could I ask for, my favorite genre, rockstar romance, this novella had everything including some spice. This is a definite worthwhile read. The relationship between Elle and Phoenix is one to be jealous of. Thank you BookSirens for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas holiday short story. Add in my favorite genre, second-chance rockstar romance, and this couldn't be better. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stevie D Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances ✅ Rockstar Romance ✅ Slow Burn ✅ Secret Baby ✅ This was a cute, fun, fast read that will get you into the holiday spirit. Did I mention the paperback is in color?! Nice touch to make it festive! If Paula Dombrowiak writes it, I read it!