What do you think?
Black Hills Rendezvous #6
Black Hills Secret Santa
Man up and come out of hiding—or the dream dies.
Rufus Miller traded New York fame and glamour for the peace and silence of the Black Hills. Knocked off his pinnacle of success by a diagnosis of skin cancer, he's found purpose crafting Dream Houses—rustic forest cottages where people tuck their wishes down tiny chimneys. But he's not making them for himself.
Every sale brings him closer to keeping his promise of building a home-away-from-home for families with children being treated at the hospital where his brother died. Thanks to a greedy money manager, Rufus is racing against time and a dwindling bank account. Accessing the global Christmas market could save everything—if he can find someone to help him sell his art without exposing the identity he's worked so hard to bury.
Enter Rachel Grey, starting over after a soul-crushing divorce from her charismatic pro golfer husband. She's walked away from a high-finance career she despised, and is desperate to prove she can rebuild herself on her own terms.
Is her new client a living, breathing Sasquatch—or Santa Claus in the making?
When Rachel discovers Rufus's handcrafted Dream Houses, she sees her golden ticket to a splashy marketing win. There's just one problem: the hirsute, monosyllabic artist behind them would rather stay hidden than step into any spotlight.
As they begin to work together, Rachel finds herself drawn to the quiet strength behind his walls. And Rufus, who swore he'd never let anyone close again, discovers that Rachel sees him for who he is…or, rather, the man she thinks he is. With a holiday gala looming, Rufus must choose: protect his secret and lose everything, or risk his heart and his identity for the legacy that matters most—and the woman who's shown him that healing isn't the same as hiding and second chances come in unexpected packages.
Savor this sweet holiday romance where a bit of Christmas magic reminds two lost souls that love is the reason for the season.
Rufus Miller traded New York fame and glamour for the peace and silence of the Black Hills. Knocked off his pinnacle of success by a diagnosis of skin cancer, he's found purpose crafting Dream Houses—rustic forest cottages where people tuck their wishes down tiny chimneys. But he's not making them for himself.
Every sale brings him closer to keeping his promise of building a home-away-from-home for families with children being treated at the hospital where his brother died. Thanks to a greedy money manager, Rufus is racing against time and a dwindling bank account. Accessing the global Christmas market could save everything—if he can find someone to help him sell his art without exposing the identity he's worked so hard to bury.
Enter Rachel Grey, starting over after a soul-crushing divorce from her charismatic pro golfer husband. She's walked away from a high-finance career she despised, and is desperate to prove she can rebuild herself on her own terms.
Is her new client a living, breathing Sasquatch—or Santa Claus in the making?
When Rachel discovers Rufus's handcrafted Dream Houses, she sees her golden ticket to a splashy marketing win. There's just one problem: the hirsute, monosyllabic artist behind them would rather stay hidden than step into any spotlight.
As they begin to work together, Rachel finds herself drawn to the quiet strength behind his walls. And Rufus, who swore he'd never let anyone close again, discovers that Rachel sees him for who he is…or, rather, the man she thinks he is. With a holiday gala looming, Rufus must choose: protect his secret and lose everything, or risk his heart and his identity for the legacy that matters most—and the woman who's shown him that healing isn't the same as hiding and second chances come in unexpected packages.
Savor this sweet holiday romance where a bit of Christmas magic reminds two lost souls that love is the reason for the season.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Debra Salonen
98 books211 followers- Born and raised in Brookings, South Dakota. Youngest of five (much youngest). A Baby Boomer who married her high school sweetheart (our lockers were side-by-side). Mother of two, grandmother of three darling princesses, dog mother of 2.5 mutts.
- Graduate of South Dakota State University with a Master’s degree in Geography and History.
- Job history: taxi driver, flax seed counter, cartographer, rural mail carrier, substitute teacher, secretary/community liaison for Merced College’s Child Development Center, bookkeeper, journalist, author.
- First sale story: June, 1999, to Harlequin Superromance. Total number of books sold to Harlequin =27.
- Honors and awards: Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 2006 Series Storyteller of the Year. Winner: Best Superromance of 2010: Until He Met Rachel. Nominated for Desert Quill in 2008.
- First book published by Tule Press, summer 2014: Cowgirl Come Home. The Big Sky Mavericks series opens Aug. 2014 with: Nobody's Cowboy.
- Graduate of South Dakota State University with a Master’s degree in Geography and History.
- Job history: taxi driver, flax seed counter, cartographer, rural mail carrier, substitute teacher, secretary/community liaison for Merced College’s Child Development Center, bookkeeper, journalist, author.
- First sale story: June, 1999, to Harlequin Superromance. Total number of books sold to Harlequin =27.
- Honors and awards: Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 2006 Series Storyteller of the Year. Winner: Best Superromance of 2010: Until He Met Rachel. Nominated for Desert Quill in 2008.
- First book published by Tule Press, summer 2014: Cowgirl Come Home. The Big Sky Mavericks series opens Aug. 2014 with: Nobody's Cowboy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 18, 2016
It's no secret that I love Debra Salonen's books And Black Hills Outcast is no exception. Offering a beautiful balance of humour and romance, this book was a real page turner for me. There were rolling on the floor funny moments (imagine dumping a box of sex toys at the feet of a man you've just met), some nice touches of passion and also a backstory dealing with the difficult issues of death and cancer. I thought these were handled with grace and dignity.
Guilt can do awful things to a person and Rufus Miller, hero of Black Hills Outcast, is dealing with a bucketload of it over the death of his brother Stephen. This is not recent death but rather one that occurred while both boys were teenagers, but that hasn't stopped Rufus from feeling responsible. He and his guilt are hiding out in the Black Hills after a cancer scare ended his modelling career..
Rachel Grey has always been the model daughter, living up to her mother's expectations with regard to both her career and her marriage until the moment she finds her husband cheating on her. Her divorce acts as the catalyst for Rachel to spread her wings and launch herself into a new career, much to her mother's horror.
I loved the interaction between Rachel, bursting with creative ideas designed to promote Rufus and his wonderful Dreamhouses, and Rufus, keen to sell as many Dreamhouses as possible while preserving his privacy and anonymity. You could just tell that there was going to be friction there!
Black Hills Outcast is the latest book in the Black Hills Rendezvous series and if you've read the other books you'll quickly feel at home in the quirky town of Sentinal Pass, however if you haven't, don't worry. This book stands alone very well. I loved reading it and have no qualms about recommending it.
Guilt can do awful things to a person and Rufus Miller, hero of Black Hills Outcast, is dealing with a bucketload of it over the death of his brother Stephen. This is not recent death but rather one that occurred while both boys were teenagers, but that hasn't stopped Rufus from feeling responsible. He and his guilt are hiding out in the Black Hills after a cancer scare ended his modelling career..
Rachel Grey has always been the model daughter, living up to her mother's expectations with regard to both her career and her marriage until the moment she finds her husband cheating on her. Her divorce acts as the catalyst for Rachel to spread her wings and launch herself into a new career, much to her mother's horror.
I loved the interaction between Rachel, bursting with creative ideas designed to promote Rufus and his wonderful Dreamhouses, and Rufus, keen to sell as many Dreamhouses as possible while preserving his privacy and anonymity. You could just tell that there was going to be friction there!
Black Hills Outcast is the latest book in the Black Hills Rendezvous series and if you've read the other books you'll quickly feel at home in the quirky town of Sentinal Pass, however if you haven't, don't worry. This book stands alone very well. I loved reading it and have no qualms about recommending it.
February 20, 2011
My grade: A-. I ADORED Rufus. I loved his dogs and Rachel was delightful. Of the two, Rachel and Rufus, Rufus is the more complicated character. He's different. He's intriguing. Several ideas in the book were original and creative--the Dreamhouses that Rufus makes, for instance. I want one. And his website, I adored the talking dogs. I loved the ending--won't give a spoiler here, so no details, but it's fabulous.
Several weeks after reading and writing my review, I just had to add to my impressions. One of the scenes I loved was Rufus's bath scene, which features an old-fashoined copper bathtub. That scene just keeps replaying in my mind. It was the sexiest scene..........
Would you believe I just had to edit my review a second time? Lately I've been reading more superromances and this one stands up as one of the best. Memorable characters. So I've changed my grade to an A.
Several weeks after reading and writing my review, I just had to add to my impressions. One of the scenes I loved was Rufus's bath scene, which features an old-fashoined copper bathtub. That scene just keeps replaying in my mind. It was the sexiest scene..........
Would you believe I just had to edit my review a second time? Lately I've been reading more superromances and this one stands up as one of the best. Memorable characters. So I've changed my grade to an A.
May 20, 2016
I think this is my favourite of the series...it's both touching and funny.
Rachel's honesty and frank responses made me laugh. Rufus's insightful, whimsical creativity touched me - plus I like a man who steps up for his girl.
The vein of wishes and aspirations, hope and second chances runs through the book in many different situations and the reason for Rufus's solitude is the grit within the pearl of this book.
It wouldn't be Black Hills without family, dogs, gossip, relationships, fun and some hot Tomane - plus a magical ending!
This is part of a series but you don't have to read them in sequence, Black Hills Outcast more than delivers on its own.
Rachel's honesty and frank responses made me laugh. Rufus's insightful, whimsical creativity touched me - plus I like a man who steps up for his girl.
The vein of wishes and aspirations, hope and second chances runs through the book in many different situations and the reason for Rufus's solitude is the grit within the pearl of this book.
It wouldn't be Black Hills without family, dogs, gossip, relationships, fun and some hot Tomane - plus a magical ending!
This is part of a series but you don't have to read them in sequence, Black Hills Outcast more than delivers on its own.
August 22, 2016
Rachel has been the perfect daughter but in so doing has left her dreams behind. With a recent divorce, the loss of her accounting job and a dream she heads to Sentinel Pass to create her future. With Rufus Miller her first web design customer, if she can hook him, she is sure she will succeed in achieving her goals. Rufus has been burned in the past and is a bit unwilling to let Rachel take over. The two definitely have chemistry and are interested in one another but a big secret Rufus is keeping might undo the progress they have made into relationship potential unless the situation can be made right.
I liked both character and rooted for them to get their happily ever after. I have not read any other books in this series and did not need to for this book to be a wonderful standalone story. I will be looking for other books in the series because this new-to-me author impressed me with her character development, storyline and writing abilities.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars
I liked both character and rooted for them to get their happily ever after. I have not read any other books in this series and did not need to for this book to be a wonderful standalone story. I will be looking for other books in the series because this new-to-me author impressed me with her character development, storyline and writing abilities.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Read
May 1, 2010"I thought this was a great book. I loved the characters and the whole plot. I especially loved the part where all of Rachel's sex toys just popped out of their box and onto the ground." from a review by an eHarlequin.com member, read more HERE>
March 14, 2026
Black Hills Secret Santa by Debra Salonen is fun and enjoyable book. Rachel and Rufus make a very good couple together.
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were a few minor misspellings. But more noticeable was the observance an entire paragraph was missing due to the sudden topic change. The paragraph read as if in the "missing" paragraph Rufus & Rachel had been discussing breakfast, and Rachel was surprised at what Rufus was fixing. Hence the 4 star rating.
Overall, this book will leave the reader happy and feeling good for having read it. I enjoyed this book and will read more of Ms. Salonen's books!
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were a few minor misspellings. But more noticeable was the observance an entire paragraph was missing due to the sudden topic change. The paragraph read as if in the "missing" paragraph Rufus & Rachel had been discussing breakfast, and Rachel was surprised at what Rufus was fixing. Hence the 4 star rating.
Overall, this book will leave the reader happy and feeling good for having read it. I enjoyed this book and will read more of Ms. Salonen's books!
March 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!!! I was confused that she wrote this book in 2016 and then appeared to change the title to "Black Hills Secret Santa" recently. The new book does not appear in Goodreads, but it does in Amazon, with the earlier 2016 reviews. I know this is confusing, but I am glad I read the book. Thanks Ms. Salonen!!!
December 24, 2025
heartwarming
I absolutely loved this book! The story was fantastic and the characters were so well developed. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend.
I absolutely loved this book! The story was fantastic and the characters were so well developed. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend.
December 27, 2025
Black Hills Secret Santa by Debra Salonen
The story was a delight to read. The characters were interesting and fun. Rob had so many names that he used to be called by.
The story was a delight to read. The characters were interesting and fun. Rob had so many names that he used to be called by.
December 25, 2025
I found some of the plot points a bit contrived (and some reactions a little too over the top), and felt there were too many extra characters to keep track of, but ultimately this was a satisfying read. Both characters had flaws and interesting backstories and though their chemistry didn’t light up the pages, it had a nice HEA. It's probably a 3.5 for me.
September 8, 2016
Another excellent entry into the Black Hills series by Debra Salonen.
Rufus Miller has moved to Sentinel Pass and become a recluse. He only comes to town on occasion and spends most of his time at his cabin in the hills building environmentally friendly birdhouses and such. Ex-accountant and hopeful marketing professional Rachel Grey hopes to make a name for herself by creating a website and a marketing strategy for Rufus, whose creations speak to her. She is instantly drawn to Rufus even though he is not like the men she has typically been attracted to, or maybe that is the reason.
As they spend more and more time together working on Rufus’ online presence, they begin to see that there is more beneath each other’s surface and start to forge more than a business relationship. Navigating the bumps in the road and more than one or two issues, these two will need to have strength and trust to be able to reach their HEA.
I loved everything from the characters to the cover. It has the perfect blend of humor, heat and romance.
Rufus Miller has moved to Sentinel Pass and become a recluse. He only comes to town on occasion and spends most of his time at his cabin in the hills building environmentally friendly birdhouses and such. Ex-accountant and hopeful marketing professional Rachel Grey hopes to make a name for herself by creating a website and a marketing strategy for Rufus, whose creations speak to her. She is instantly drawn to Rufus even though he is not like the men she has typically been attracted to, or maybe that is the reason.
As they spend more and more time together working on Rufus’ online presence, they begin to see that there is more beneath each other’s surface and start to forge more than a business relationship. Navigating the bumps in the road and more than one or two issues, these two will need to have strength and trust to be able to reach their HEA.
I loved everything from the characters to the cover. It has the perfect blend of humor, heat and romance.
September 28, 2016
Rachel and Rufus are living in the Black Hills of South Dakota. She left Denver and an ex-husband behind to find a new life in a town where her brother now lives with his fiancee. Rachel strikes me as an extremely optimistic, bouncy character. Rufus is the town hermit and no one knows why he is hiding up in the hills with his 3 excitable dogs.
In the past, I haven't been too inspired by the Harlequin SuperRomance series. Either the series has grown up or I have, but I thought this book was a little better than the others I read a couple decades ago. It's set in a contemporary setting, but still lacks some of the passion and deep emotions that I tend to crave in fiction novels. But the story moved along pretty well.
In the past, I haven't been too inspired by the Harlequin SuperRomance series. Either the series has grown up or I have, but I thought this book was a little better than the others I read a couple decades ago. It's set in a contemporary setting, but still lacks some of the passion and deep emotions that I tend to crave in fiction novels. But the story moved along pretty well.
August 12, 2016
A very fine book indeed. Not at all what I expected! I think I've just found another new favorite series with an author--Debra Salonen-- who is also new to me.
This book is a hoot! From a box of sex toys being dumped at the feet of a prospective client, to the transformation of Rufus Miller to a super-hot-hunk as a "paid" date for Rachel to a Christmas party, this book is filled with humor, romance, and learning to live with the difficulties associated with cancer and death.
I loved every page of this book. Didn't even put it down to earth! Too bad we can't all take a trip to Sentinel Pass and find our own "happily ever after."
This book is a hoot! From a box of sex toys being dumped at the feet of a prospective client, to the transformation of Rufus Miller to a super-hot-hunk as a "paid" date for Rachel to a Christmas party, this book is filled with humor, romance, and learning to live with the difficulties associated with cancer and death.
I loved every page of this book. Didn't even put it down to earth! Too bad we can't all take a trip to Sentinel Pass and find our own "happily ever after."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2016
Rachel moves to another state after circumstances leave her without a partner or a job. There she meets Rufus, a craftsman whose work she admires, and whom she thinks she can promote online. As they get to know each other, they feel a greater attraction. Both have emotional baggage, but together they manage to heal, and fall in love. (This ebook was given to me by eBook discovery in return for an honest review.)
Read
May 1, 2010"I thought this was a great book. I loved the characters and the whole plot. I especially loved the part where all of Rachel's sex toys just popped out of their box and onto the ground." from a review by an eHarlequin.com member, read more HERE>
November 6, 2016
This was a witty and touching story. Rufus has a great sense of humor for a reclusive yeti-man. Rachel was wonderful in how she struggled with discovering her true self - out from under her controlling mother and cheating ex. All of the secondary characters added to the story and made me wish that Sentinel Pass was a real town I could visit - or move to.
August 18, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is my first time reading a story from this author. It started of slow but keep you going, I have put her on my amazon favorite. Both the main characters were very well written.
Read
April 14, 2011This book was named Best Superromance of 2010 by RT BOOK Reviews Reviewer's Choice.
June 23, 2013
This was good light romance story.
October 2, 2013
It's a great book
August 4, 2016
I received this book from eBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a while to finger out the characters but once I got the hang of the story it was an enjoyable read.
It took me a while to finger out the characters but once I got the hang of the story it was an enjoyable read.
March 13, 2017
This was a typical harlequin romance. While doing taxes and stressing out I needed just a bite of something a little more trivial than my normal reads. So this took that spot. ;-)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews