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Shifter's Christmas #3

The Snow Leopard's Christmas Surprise

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Ellie was just looking for a normal holiday. She had planned to spend it with her family. Her mother, father and her baby boy, Casper. When Nolan showed up, things took a turn for the worst. She couldn't believe him. Why would he return after all these years? She didn't need him then, and she doesn't need him now. Though, she had to admit. Casper and Nolan seemed to get along together really well...

Warning: This standalone contains lots of sexy shifter action and steamy love scenes. Tons of mouth watering Paranormal Romance bonus content included!

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2017

226 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Emilia Hartley

117 books461 followers
Reading wasn't always Emilia's passion, but over the years she developed an irreplaceable love for books. She writes about large, protective alpha males and their strong, sexy female mates.
If you enjoy steamy shifters and fated mates, then you'll LOVE Emilia's books!

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5 stars
176 (55%)
4 stars
84 (26%)
3 stars
39 (12%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
December 14, 2017
I really liked the idea of this book because I'm all about big cat shifters, especially the kind that are a little more elusive in real life. And the fated mate plus a baby surprise are also tropes I enjoy. The way this came together was not exactly my favorite. There were stellar moments, like the protectiveness with the middle of the night scare, the playfulness in the snow, the discovery of the son's first shift, the moment of declaring the claim...all of those were moments that made me have faith in the couple and their future happiness. Unfortunately, all of those moments were short and the predominant feel of the book was that of Ellie never being supported or understood or even respected. Sure at the very end Nolan did something that made her think he knew her and her goals but that was a little out of left field because his comments and actions up to this point didn't speak to that at all. The disconnect was unfortunate.

The romance was kind of there but because I didn't see them connecting and coming to any kind of satisfying equality or understanding of one another I din't really believe in their romance. I felt like there was lust and a draw toward one another, but love and anything else wasn't being built. Especially because Ellie was constantly undermining Nolan's efforts, talking herself away from him, being prideful to the point of pig-headed and inflexible rather than just stubborn. Nolan did a lot of work to show his commitment but there's only about a week of time passing so while I don't actually doubt his commitment to sticking around, I do doubt their relationship and the veracity of their feelings.

Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews26 followers
December 11, 2021
Finding a way home for Christmas

What a sweet and cozy holiday story! The characters were amazing and so easy to connect with. There just seemed to be a thread that drew them together over time and space until they were ready to make the leap. This book is full of emotional ups and downs that made for a heart warming HEA. The author didn’t make this just a sappy holiday romance though, she brought action and danger and so much more along with the meddling family members. I truly enjoyed this fast-paced read and can’t wait to see what she brings to us next.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
December 4, 2017
The precision and predictability of baking was very calming to Ellie, unlike daily life with her 4-year-old wild child! He let out a screech and she found him dangling upside down from an open cabinet door! Before she could reach him, he scampered up to the space between the cabinet and ceiling. Her mother, who had come up for Christmas, coaxed Casper down and he rang off laughing into the other room. It was clear her mother did not approve of her lack of control over the rambunctious child. When he started kindergarten next year, he would create a bad history for himself if he didn’t turn it down a notch! But Ellie had to finish this cake for a wedding and her babysitter had just quit. A knock at the door brought a bigger surprise – Nolan McCaffery was standing there.

Nolan was confused when Ellie snapped angrily at him about why he was there. She was not happy to see him, but he was sure they had left on good terms? Ellie gripped the door knob as if she wanted to keep him away from someone. Was someone hurting her? A boyfriend? But she faced him without fear and he turned to leave, until a “keening laughter” erupted and Ellie took off down the porch steps. When she turned around, he saw a barefoot child who didn’t seem to mind the snow. He realized she was married – that’s why she tried to turn him away. Then another voice spoke up, and Ellie’s mother looked at the child and the man -- then rebuked Ellie for trying to turn away the father of her child right before Christmas!! But he now knew what Ellie didn’t – the child was a shifter, and Ellie needed him.

This is a nice, warm Christmas story. After a one-night stand, Nolan left and had no idea Ellie was pregnant. She had no way to find him, so she raised their child without help. Something was pulling Nolan back to that small town – and he was very surprised. He had never had a real family, so he didn’t know how to respond. Would Ellie forgive him and let the three of them have the family they deserve? Could she give him a Christmas miracle that would change their lives? I definitely recommend this book. It warms the heart and reminds us what is really important.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
December 8, 2017
Over four years ago Ellie had a one night stand, the most passionate one that she has ever had. Then Nolan left her without a word or a note. Nolan also left her with a baby in her belly. Now Ellie is trying to raise her son on her own. Her son is so hyperactive that she has problems keeping a sitter. The one day she opens the door for a big surprise. Nolan is back because he can't get Ellie out of his mind.
Nolan is shocked to realize that he is a father. Ellie is his mate and he shouldn't have left her. Now he wants back into the family but Ellie is still angry at his departure. She lets him meet his son but is unsure about letting Nolan back in her life. Nolan knows he has a lot of explaining to do. His son's very high energy is a signal that he is nearing his first change. Nolan has his hands full with telling Ellie about shifters and guiding his son through his first change. He also wants to chase away the man Ellie has started to date.
This is a great story about second chances. I voluntarily received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
663 reviews7 followers
December 11, 2017
Ellie is a gifted baker and in high demand, but being a single mother to Casper has its own demands that keeps her from working outside of the house. Ellie's parents come to visit for the holidays and to help Ellie with Casper as much as they can. Ellie met Nolan one time, but one time was enough to produce Casper, which she loves dearly!! But a little help with Casper would be wonderful.

Nolan is back in town and drawn to search out Ellie again. His body and soul are telling him that Ellie is his mate. Nolan is a shifter and did not share that with Ellie during the night of passion. But when he returns to her house and sees Casper and all of his energy, he knows he is the father and they need him more than anything. But will Ellie accept his help and his love? Will she believe he is around for the long haul?

This is a wonderful book of love, lust, romance, a wonderful sense of family, and a HEA. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,746 reviews43 followers
December 14, 2017
Between 4 and 5 stars, this enjoyable story of second chance romance during the holidays features Casper, an adorable overactive 4 year-old, and Ellie, his frustrated single mother. Ellie wears herself out trying to run her business from home while keeping her son from injuring himself or wrecking the house, unaware that his boundless energy is linked to his paternity. When Nolan, his father, returns to town, Ellie must cope with old feelings resurfacing and Nolan's revelation he's a shifter! Complete with a villain and a dangerous snowstorm, the plot remained interesting throughout and the MCs likable.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
891 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2017
Ellie just wanted a normal Christmas, Her plans had been to spend it with her Parents and her son Casper. Ah but Nolan showed up, and things did not turn the way she had wanted.
She was having a hard time trusting him and believing him, why did he return after all those years, but she could not help how he and her little boy got along, and she was in for a lot more, things that Nolan had not told her, so now she has to deal with her hyper active son, a mother who is meddling and Nolan who is falling in love with her.
Nolan wonders if she is his mate, and is longing for what she has the Family and the home. Will they survive whats to come.
Oh and there are more books after that one to read, just as good and interesting as the first one
3,070 reviews19 followers
December 5, 2017
Nolan met Ellie 4 years ago and the had a one nightstand
and Ellie was left with a little bundle nine months later call Casper.
Nolan showed up on her doorstep and Ellie dose not want anything
to do with him. Nolan spotted Casper and he couldn't believe he was
not careful 4 years ago a left Ellie with a child.
He could see Casper was like him and Ellie had no clue Nolan was a
shapeshifter and there son was one as well. Will Ellie give Nolan a second chance
or not. Nolan had no attention of going anywhere because he wanted to be around
when there son made his first shift and help him.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
843 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2017
Emilia Hartley has written another marvelous story. Ellie a beautiful single mother is trying to raise her rambunctious son while attempting to earn a living as a baker. Nolan a gorgeous snow leopard shifter has come back to town after 4 years to see Ellie. He hasn't been able to forget about her after their one night stand. Little does he know he is the father of her son. Will Ellie welcome Nolan back into her life? This emotional well-developed story is suspenseful, romantic, sexy and heartwarming. A book worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,201 reviews34 followers
December 6, 2017
A very fun and heartwarming romantic shifter story. A loving single mother of a sweet and very energetic four year old boy, is trying to keep her sanity. She is a pastry chef that works out of her home kitchen. Add in a four year old, parents visiting for Christmas and baking a wedding cake and life is not easy for her. But a surprise knock at her door will stir things up so much more.

The main characters are great. The woman is so loving of her child and the man will do anything to prove she can depend on him. A great Christmas paranormal romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.
142 reviews
December 2, 2018
My Opinion

I didn't like this story. The story was about a guy who can't get a one night stand he had about four years ago off his mind so he decides to look her up. When he gets there he's surprised to find out he has a son. Anyway I felt that the heroine was bitter and faulted the hero for leaving . She went out of her way to stop every attempt he made to do the right thing for the child and for her. I liked the hero. He kept trying to be better for his family even though she fought him every step of the way. Even though it was her that seduced him. It takes two to make a baby . She didn't even know his last name when she slept with him. I can't recommend this story.
Profile Image for Shannon Patterson.
927 reviews9 followers
December 3, 2019
Ellie is a single mother, after a one night stand she found out she was pregnant. She’s got the support of her parents when they’re around but her son Casper has endless energy.

Nolan hasn’t stopped thinking about that night for the last five years. Something is calling him back, like a fish trapped on a line. He soon finds out what that is when he sees Casper, the little boy he didn’t know existed.

This second chance love story is a bit emotional. Ellie is still bitter that Nolan was able to walk away but once he learns about his son she can’t get him to leave. Having not really had a family life it’s nice to see how they find a way to build their family together.
2,074 reviews13 followers
December 4, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lovely warm-hearted Christmas story of love and hope. Ellie and Nolan are two lovers whom circumstances kept apart. Nolan has been a drifter, not stopping anywhere for long. When he meets Ellie again and finds out what happened after he left her, he decides that his drifting days are done. Will Ellie take him back? Will there be a Christmas miracle for Nolan and Casper? I really enjoyed the ending to this story. Thank you Emilia.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,643 reviews25 followers
December 4, 2017
Ellie and Nolan had a night together that resulted in a pregnancy. He disappeared for years but has now returned. Something was making him want to come back but he didn't expect a child. Can he win back her heart or is it too late?

It is a good paranormal romance. They had instant chemistry but he didn't know he was leaving his mate. She really had to struggle without his help. The attraction is still strong. I liked the characters and the author delivered a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,006 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Great story Nolan and Ellie had a one night stand. He left and was not heard from for four years not knowing that he left Ellie pregnant. Now he is back in the area and wants a second chance with Ellie. Ellie is hurt and wants nothing to do with him. She is dating a guy named Adam whom ends up being a crazy stalker.
Can Ellie find it in her heart to forgive Nolan and can she accept his animal side. A must read for me,

Xoxo,
Meme Chanell Book Corner
Profile Image for Nancy Bodie.
1,125 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2017
Nice story.

This was a well written Christmas story. I loved the characters. They are the type that you want to go back and keep visiting as their story continues. The storyline was just a nice afternoon escape. It was easy to slip into and just spend time as the characters come together. Highly recommend. I was given an advanced reader copy but chose to purchase my own copy in support of this author continuing to bring us more great stories! Lots of bonus material included also.
2,535 reviews87 followers
December 6, 2017
When Nolan left for years ago, he never expected to be leaving something behind. A one night stand led to the best present Ellie could ask for, but she never expected the complications. Nolan has a secret: he is a shifter. Will Nolan be able to allow his heart to fall? Will Ellie let down her walls to have a happy ever after?

Both characters in this book were relatable. I didn't blame Ellie for her feelings when it came to his return because it had been four years and she had been doing it all on her own. I was proud of Nolan as little by little you see him change and open up. Good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rickie.
457 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2017
As a second chance romance I found this heartwarming. Nolan was basically a nomad since he didn't know what it was like to have a home nor a family to come home to. The one thing that stayed with him was the memory of Elle and the night they spent together. He finally found himself back in the small town where he left her, and .... surprise. Loved the characters here and loved the story even more. I was lucky enough to get this direct from the author who is fast becoming a favorite of mine and a keeper on my bookshelf.
38 reviews
November 26, 2018
Loved it

This is a heartwarming tale of second chances with a twist. Ellie was a one woman show with a dream of owning her own bakery one day only to have that dream dashed by an unexpected pregnancy and the father pulling a disappearance act. Fast forward 4 years and guess who shows up for dinner? You guessed it daddy dearest. Surprise surprise it’s a boy!! Add grandparents that are more hindrance than help, a rambunctious little boy, a crazy wannabe boyfriend, baby daddy is really a shifter, and things really get interesting. This is a great read!
Profile Image for Brittany Grantham.
165 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2019
It was a really good book. Ellie and Nolan are both looking for love. Ellie has this idea of what love she wants and is so set on getting exactly what she has pictured. Nolan a one night stand of her’s that left her with a gift pops back up. He thinks it’s just for the girl he can’t get out of his mind. They are both blind and stubborn to what is right in front of them. It’s a fast paced, hearts and warm fuzzies love story. I enjoyed it and would recommend anyone into shifter romance to read it.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,608 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nolan is a Snow Leopard shifter. Ellie is human and doesn't know about the supernatural. They have a one night stand that results in a child that is hyper. Nolan travels around and goes back to see Ellie and discovers he has a son and she discovers he is a shifter and her son is also. These two have a lot to work through. She has a stalker. He doesn't believe in love.

I enjoyed this book. Well done. Can't wait for Emelia's next book.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
December 5, 2017
What a beautiful story about second chances. Nolan left five years ago after one night with Ellie but what he did not know was that night had left her with their son Casper. Ellie did not know something about Nolan that is now going to affect Casper, will everything turn out alright? It is Christmas will they all get to be together as a family?I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,024 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2017
Ellie was baking when she got a knock on her door that changes everything for her and Casper her four year old son. Nolan isn't what Ellie wanted to see for Christmas. Nolan could feel a pull to something. That brought him back to Adirondack mountains of New York. Nolan didn't know that he was a father. Nolan wants to be there for Casper and Ellie. This was a great shifter book. I loved the storyline.
2,321 reviews8 followers
December 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. Four years after a one-night stand, Nolan, a snow leopard shifter, and Ellie see each other again. Ellie isn't happy to see him and Nolan didn't know she had gotten pregnant and they had a son who should be about to go through his first shift. Nolan wants to take care of them but Ellie isn't just going to give in. Can he convince her that he won't leave again?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,530 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2018
This story had such promise - adorable child, great family, second chance romance with a guy who finally realizes what he wants, but then? A heroine who is too stupid to live. And frankly, if I was Nolan, I'd have sued For custody and stayed far away from Ellie! If you don't mind the same drama over and over and over, with some extra self delusion thrown in, go for it - it does have a (finally) HEA, and a happy Christmas. Sorry Emilia - I've liked other books of yours!
Profile Image for Chantal-Lise Mirman.
61 reviews
February 5, 2018
Daddy’s Home!

Robust Holiday Tale, Sweet without being saccharine. Ellie and shifter Nolan’s night of drunken bliss 4 years ago produced the mischievous Casper, unknown to him. Now, the small family tentatively reunites and only Casper, who is unaware of the circumstances, forged ahead without trepidation. Nice character development and satisfying conclusion... it would be great to see more of how life played out for the happy family...
Profile Image for Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez.
1,184 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2019
I have missed you Emilia ...time for another binge reading session!

A great ending!
Would have lpved an extended epilogue, but im smiling silly without it.
After everything that ellie went through in the years leading up to Nolans reappearance, she handled it quite well. Nolan didnt do too bad himself.
I loved the story. The struggle. The chrmistry and the love.
Iwould recommend.
Happy reafing!
Rating 5 stars
464 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2025
Casper wants a dad for Christmas

Casper was four years old, his mom Ellie did everything she could to keep a roof over their head. Nolan appeared at her front door after having walked away because he didn't know how to tell her he was a shifter. Once he know her son looked just like him he knew he had to find a way.
The storyline fills in all the details with a touch of whimsy and understanding.
110 reviews
December 4, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was very cute. I wasn't really a fan of Grace, but her heart was in the right place. I loved how protective Nolan was. It definitely required a suspension of disbelief, but it being a shifter story, that was expected.
2,453 reviews
December 5, 2017
What a great story. All about Ellie and Nolan. She is a struggling single mum and he came back into her life and caused chaos. Plus he had a huge secret. Loved the characters, especially little Casper.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book which was provided by BOOKSPROUT.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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