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Holly, NC #3

The Spy Who Came For Christmas

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Heat up your holiday with some sexy suspense...Everyone in town thinks that Jemma White is as sweet as the delicious treats she makes at her chocolate shop—but they’re wrong. Jemma is ready to let her wild side out, and she’s just found the perfect man to make all of her fantasies come true. Grayson Cole is a too-sexy-to-be-true stranger who has escaped to Holly for the holidays. He is her perfect temptation, and Jemma can’t wait to steam up the cold winter nights with him. But when danger from Grayson’s past follows him to town, she realizes that the man she is falling for has been keeping some very dark secrets…secrets that may just get them both killed.

Author's Note: THE SPY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS is a sexy holiday anthology with a touch of suspense. It was originally published in the ALL HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS collection back in 2015, but it is now available as a stand-alone title.

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2015

137 people are currently reading
261 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Eden

311 books6,813 followers
Award-winning author Cynthia Eden writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. She is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.


Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

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5 stars
164 (35%)
4 stars
157 (34%)
3 stars
113 (24%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,070 reviews25.3k followers
December 7, 2019
RATING 4.5 STARS

The Spy Who Came For Christmas by Cynthia Eden is book three in the Holly, NC series which is a series of holiday shorts by an assortment of amazing authors. This is a smexy holiday story complete with a swoony hero with secrets, a heroine with a gift for making chocolate, an adorable little Christmas town and of course, a bad guy who wants revenge.

christmas town - Google Search

Jemma White has lived in the quiet little town of Holly, NC for several years now. Jemma first came to Holly to escape, to start over. She found she had a talent for making chocolate and now owns Holly Jolly Chocolatier. Jemma is known around town for being quiet, sweet, reserved. But inside, she yearns for more. Then one night, HE walked into her shop!

“Maybe I’m tired of being so good all the time. This stranger was the perfect man to help her wild side come out, she could feel it.”

chocolate shop at christmas - Google Search

Grayson Cole came to Holly to visit his friend and to try to figure out what he was going to do with his life. When he walked into the chocolate shop, he couldn’t look away. She was beautiful. His mind raced to imagine all sorts of things he never thought could be in his future.

“If I could have anything I wanted for Christmas…I would want her.”

ice skating couple fall - Google Search

That immediate spark between Jemma and Gray proved to be more, so much more. But it’s a funny thing, trying to leave your past behind. It comes back to haunt you. And that’s exactly what happened. Suddenly Jemma and Gray find themselves in the crosshairs of danger. Now, if they could just stay alive long enough to try and see what is happening between them.

“As she stood before him, Jemma didn’t feel so lost. She actually felt as if she’d just found something that had been missing from her life for too long. Someone.”

I loved this. It’s pretty short but not too short. I fell in love with both of these characters. The added suspense kept me flipping the pages as fast as I could. I have always wanted to visit a Christmas town like this. It sounds so quaint. This was a perfect addition to my holiday reading this year. I can’t wait to read more by this author!

For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Alp.
763 reviews469 followers
November 7, 2017
4.5 stars

Another enjoyable short story by Cynthia Eden. This one was a nice blend of romance, suspense, and thriller, with sexy, swoon-worthy hero and sweet scarred heroine. If insta-love is your thing, then you're in luck. This one is for you!
Profile Image for Somia.
2,076 reviews171 followers
November 30, 2019
A short little novella, this focuses on small town darling Jemma White, who is as sweet as the delicious chocolate treats she makes at her shop and Grayson Cole - a spy who has found his life shrouded by shadows and death. When Grayson comes for some rest in his friend's small town, he finds himself drawn to Jemma, and when danger comes he's determined to keep her safe and close.

After the flop the last Eden book I read was, this book had me smiling. An entertaining little morsel it's staying on my kindle.

A lovely freebie on Amazon.
Profile Image for  Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers).
1,148 reviews91 followers
September 4, 2017
I was looking through this author's books since I haven't read some of her books.
And I love Christmas I mean I really really love it I can't wait until it gets here, the bug starts really early for me and I even put up the Christmas tree in November that is how much I love it. My girls usually laugh at me calling me weirdo but what can I said I just love it and this novella was just perfect for that bug. 😍

Anyway...
I loved the hero, he was the usual Cynthia Eden's heroes who are bada**s and crazy for their heroines.
The heroine wasn't her usual heroine she was skittish, she has a good reason and I'm not complaining I'm just stating it I still liked her.

“I love you.” He needed her to know that. Because, hell, yes, he was ready to take a bullet for her. Ready to die for her and kill for her. Whatever it takes”

“I want to build a life…with you. Because when I think about my future, you’re all I see.”




Safety:

Now onto A Vampire's Christmas Carol
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,421 followers
December 13, 2019
Grayson was insanely hot while Jemma was super sweet. I loved their meet-cute and reading their story started getting me into the Christmas-y vibe. Gray, a former CIA operative, had come to Holly to take a break. He wandered into Jemma's chocolate shop and found a very good reason to stay. With a bit of suspense to break up the cheesy bits, the author created an almost tender suspense novel that made me want to get to know the people of Holly, NC. Christmas with a Spy was a steamy little holiday read that could get anyone through the cold winter nights!
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,387 reviews901 followers
December 2, 2021
What a wonderful story! I absolutely loved Gray and Jemma.

For years Jemma has been the good girl in town, rarely dating and even then, freezing them out so there were no future dates. But when Gray walks into her shop she suddenly wants something she hasn’t ever wanted.


Фотографии Дарьи Алдониной – 34 альбома


Gray has a past that he’s glad to be out of. Looking for a safe place to spend a few days, he visits Holly where meets Jemma. She’s everything he wants but someone is out to scare her and he senses she has been hurt in the past. That’s not going to fly on his watch and he will be watching, and protecting Jemma, even as he hopes for more.


Image result for couple ice skating


Usually, I’m all about the hero but Jemma won my heart in no time at all. Her past left its mark on her but she wanted out from under that shadow. While she is sweet and a bit innocent, there was more to her than what was on the surface.

Of course, this author always writes the most perfect heroes and Gray was the very definition of perfection. He is fierce in his protection of Jemma even as he cares for her with tenderness. I loved seeing how being with her affected him in such a positive way.


[Kolaborasi] Keseharian 3 putra Mikoto yang bisa dilihat dari beberap… #fiksipenggemar # Fiksi penggemar # amreading # books # wattpad


This is a novella that carries a lot of steam, romance, as well as danger and suspense. Novellas don’t always win me over due to the lack of storyline in such a short page count, but this one had everything I look for and love in a full length book. This is a wonderful read, perfect for when you have just a short amount of time to indulge.

Multi POV
Safe
Triggers

Profile Image for Sarah.
3,360 reviews1,236 followers
January 2, 2017
I read this novella as part of the All He Wants for Christmas anthology. I don't think the anthology is on sale any more (I bought it back in 2015) but this story can now be purchased separately.

Jemma is the owner of Holly's chocolate store and she's well known for the delicious treats she creates. The locals consider her as sweet as her creations but most of them don't realise she has a wild side that she's been desperate to let out for a long time. A wild side that she is able to let loose when Grayson comes to town looking for a fresh start. Grayson spent years working undercover as a spy for the CIA and is desperate for some normality but he may just have brought danger with him to Holly and it could cost Jemma her life.

This story was originally titled The Spy who came for Christmas in the anthology but was renamed Christmas with a Spy when it was rereleased as a standalone title. Jemma and Grayson's relationship develops quite quickly but that is expected when you're reading a novella and I still found it completely believable. This was sugary sweet but also hot and spicy and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,220 reviews74 followers
November 14, 2019
This was a quick holiday read! Jemma and Gray’s romance was heavy on the insta lust side, but oh what fun they had! Steamy chemistry just fogging up those windows:) The suspense was also well done and added some extra spice to the story.
Profile Image for Jamsu.
863 reviews38 followers
December 15, 2019
I don't read many holiday books but I saw few good ones that were free on kindle, including Christmas with a Spy but I didn't expect to really like it. This has been a good reading month for me (in quality not in quantity) but I haven't really felt like reading anything but after I woke up at four am and couldn't get back to sleep I decided to start one of holiday novellas in my kindle app.

“How about you apologize before I decide to teach you some manners? Because no one is going to talk to Jemma that way, especially not right the fuck in front of me.”

Christmas with a Spy happens in a small town called Holly, North Carolina. It's a big tourist town and full Christmas town twenty-four seven, three-hundred sixty-five days a year.

Our heroine Jemma owns a chocolate shop and that's where she meets Grayson Cole. Jemma rarely dates and it has been a year since she went on a date with someone but she can't help but stare when she makes eye contact with drop-dead gorgeous man in her shop.

Jemma is a good girl and she played by the rules. She's the one who never takes chances after what happened in her past. Jemma doesn't trust men who are interested in her but she knows she can trust Grayson because he's friends with Brad.

“Look, Super Spy, you aren’t bullet proof. No one is. And we can find the person who is doing this—we will find him, but I want you safe. I want us safe.”

Grayson wanted Jemma the moment he went to chocolate shop to meet with Brad. He's retired spy, so instead of having relationships he slept around but he wants to keep Jemma safe and happy instead of just thinking about how beautiful she is. There are men who don't understand the word no but Grayson isn't one of them. 

I liked the fact that Grayson respects Jemma. He'd always do what she wanted and he's ready to fight anyone who scared her or hurt her in the past. This romance made Jemma move on from her nightmare and Grayson to find his home.

It's a short novella but it didn't feel too short. My favorite part of the book was when they went ice skating. It was cliche but it was so cute. I didn't mind suspense part of the book at all. I didn't really care about his POV but the book was more focused on romance and it brought Grayson and Gemma closer.
Profile Image for Liz Sergent.
1,361 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2019
This book is really short. A quick read only 78 pages.....I read this book in about 2 hours. Jemma runs a Chocolate shop in Holly, NC. While at work a sexy stranger Grayson walks into her shop and sparks fly. Danger is lurking in the shadows, someone who wants to hurt Grayson by hurting Jemma. Great read!
Profile Image for Speed.
997 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2020
Short and sweet

Great read, by a great author. This is Jemma and Grayson's Christmas story with a spy. Gray is a former CIA operative coming to the town of Holly to seek some refuge with his friend, Brad the town sheriff. Little does he know but trouble has come to Holly, and it is gunning for Jemma. Filled with action, some suspense , hot sex and chocolate, make for a terrific story. Loved it! 4 solid stats
Profile Image for Kat.
780 reviews48 followers
December 8, 2025
wow this was a really good book with a lot of Action, Steamy bits, Romance, Friendships, Dark parts, Mystery and i would say that this book is for over 18+

I liked that the main character Jemma owns a shop and makes all different types of chocolates.. Jenna is a strong character but she does not show it to everyone in her home town..

Grayson is Ex-CIA spy, He is sassy, fun, kind, caring and knows what he wants, He has a dark past and his last mission did not go well so he left to go and relax in a small town that his friend Brad was telling him about, He meets Jenna and falls hard for her

Jenna has her own chocolate shop in her small town and makes all different kinds of chocolates, She has a dark past and has been hurt so she came back to her small town to be safe, She has kept herself from getting close to anyone until she meets Grayson, She wants to live a little so she hangs out with Grayson and starts to fall hard for him

This book is packed full of:
⦁ Awesome characters
⦁ Strangers to Lovers
⦁ Chocolate shop owner/Ex-Spy
⦁ One Bed Trope
⦁ Some steam
⦁ Contents: Dark themes and Drama
⦁ Heroine has scars
⦁ Protective Hero
⦁ Forced Proximity
⦁ Touch her and you die trope
⦁ Romantic Suspense
⦁ Christmas themed
⦁ Sweet Romance
⦁ Love at Frist Sight
⦁ Hero would do anything for the Heroine
⦁ Small Town Romance
⦁ Sweet hero/Sassy Heroine
⦁ Fast Read

I liked the relationship between Grayson and Jenna.. I am glad that everything worked out and they got a happy ending

My fav characters are:
Jenna
Grayson
Brad
Profile Image for Leagh.
134 reviews19 followers
November 1, 2016
This book was fantastic! If you've ever read anything by Cynthia Eden then you'll understand why I snatched this book up as soon as possible. Cynthia just has a way with words that is unparalleled.

Hot, sweet, sexy, great story; that is what sums this book up. The plot is cute with just a touch of suspense to keep you on your toes and the chemistry between Holly and Grayson is combustible. I loved both these characters and thought they were well written. The secondary characters added the perfect touch to the story and I'm hoping maybe we can hear their stories in the future.

All and all this was a great read that I would recommend. If I had to pick one thing to change, I'd make it longer, I just didn't get enough of Grayson and Holly.

Profile Image for Melissa.
769 reviews8 followers
December 16, 2020
A little on the short side and with insta-love so be forewarned if that is not your thing. It was a fun, fast paced romp though and I definitely enjoyed it as a nice little holiday read.
Profile Image for ⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven•.
1,607 reviews300 followers
December 13, 2019
This was a sweet & hot read that's perfect for the holiday fun!


Christmas with a spy was exactly as it sounds like.
Grayson Cole😍 came to Holly for refuge after leaving CIA, knew seeing Jemma in her chocolate shop that he'll enjoy the holidays a helluva lot.

Jemma was the good girl, hiding from her dark past, never taking risks.

She wanted to take risk with Gray, though..

It was pretty good too, until the attacks started.

He thought he was safe but a ghost from his past has came back, ready to hunt him.
Now he has to keep her safe, as the stakes? They're much higher this time...
Profile Image for Amanda.
691 reviews
January 2, 2020
I loved this cute, and somewhat suspenseful, insta-love holiday story! I thought the Christmas themed town that Jemma lives in was well done without being like a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie. Insta-love stories can be really great if done right, and this one definitely was. I also loved how Cynthia Eden took the time to make this story steamy even though it was short. Grayson and Jemma have such great chemistry throughout the entire story! The suspense of an unknown stalker gave this story added excitement. This is definitely a must-read if you like short standalone holiday stories!
Profile Image for Anne - Books of My Heart.
3,883 reviews225 followers
January 2, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 



 

 
The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book  which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie November 4, 2019

 (currently $2.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as of writing this post.)

3.5 hearts

I could have had some of the same unrealistic issues I have with other titles but I really enjoyed Christmas with a Spy.  It's only natural a lot of shorter reads have more insta-lust and insta-love.  This couple did have a lot more issues though.  Jemma had other men who had dated her briefly and an overprotective friend.  Grayson had his past career to leave and start a new life. Some big secrets hid in these issues.  I didn't feel like they kept secrets; it just took a few days to know and feel at ease enough to share them.

As with other romantic suspense, they were together enough, as Grayson protected Jemma, they got to know each other well.  We do see them talk and learn about each other.  Gradually, they share the parts of their pasts they most fear will bring judgement.  But there are some hot, sexy times regularly.

The setting of Holly NC is the title of the series.  I have not read the other books and didn't feel like I was lost.  Several authors have contributed to the series.  It looks like I have read other books in the series, all out of order.

#HoHoHoRAT

 
Profile Image for Cassy.
1,473 reviews57 followers
December 6, 2023
I liked it. It was short and sweet with a little suspense and danger built in.

They fell for each other quickly, but there were no baby declarations or marriage proposals after only knowing each other four days. Which I appreciate.

Adorable ice skating scene. And I always appreciate an Alpha Male who protects but doesn’t trample (Cynthia Eden is good for that. I never feel like her men are stomping on the freedom or wishes of their women.)
665 reviews6 followers
December 4, 2019
Light, quick read. Jemma is in Holly not really living life due to some,thing bad in her past. Gray is looking for a place to decompress and figure out his next move.

Through in some insta-lust and a bad guy and you’ve got this novel. Jemma and Gray get together quickly. I think the entire book maybe spans a week.
1,257 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2019
Spy in Holly

I enjoyed the character's in this fast pace spy and hidden past of a small town of Holly . It's picture perfect Christmas wonderland . You can almost see the festive event going on and smell the chocolate . Now a dangerous man hides in the darkness ... what's next in store for Jemma and Grayson...
Profile Image for Lynsey A.
1,978 reviews
December 24, 2023
I didn't hate this book and I didn't love it. I was just kind of ambivalent about the story. To be honest, I'm not really a Christmas book kinda gal but I don't think that was it. I've had this on my Kindle for a while to read. I just wanted something quick.

I do enjoy Cynthia's books. This one was just so so for me. It did have a protective hero, which I love. It just didn't speak to me.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,214 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2019
Holly

Who doesn’t love a town with the name Holly? Great story filled with love ad suspense. Both Jemma and Gray have secrets. Their love sees them through and you have a wonderful story full of holiday cheer.
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2019
Christmas With A Spy

Enjoyable Christmas story. Gray and Jemma had that infant spark when they met. But he wasn't staying and she tended to freeze men out. When danger comes to Holly all bets are off.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,467 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2019
This was a fast moving short story! Jemma and Grayson meet and an old enemy of Grayson's decides to go after Jemma. Jemma is a strong woman and kept a level head when things got crazy. Really enjoyed this!
700 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2019
Sexy holiday romance.

This is a wonderful holiday romance. It is a sweet and sexy read with great characters. Gray and Jemma were made for each other. Throw in a little suspense and this is a holiday read that you can't put down. I would definitely recommend this sexy holiday romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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