Making Merry

by Serenity Woods

A 3-in-1 collection of holiday romances about gorgeous rich guys and single moms brought together with Christmas magic by USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods.

My Christmas Fiancé (Love Comes Later Book 1)

If you send your best friend an email stating how you dream of covering your gorgeous boss in whipped cream and then licking it all off, don’t send it to All Staff. Poor Meg!

My Christmas Fiancé is the first in a series of holiday romances featuring hot rich guys and single moms. The box set of this series was an Amazon bestseller (No. 1 in Holiday romance in Feb 2018).

The Perfect Gift (Three Wise Men Book 1)

A single mom who can barely afford to put food on the table, Erin isn’t looking forward to Christmas. Then the gorgeous Brock offers to whisk her away for a wicked weekend. Should she say yes?

The Perfect Gift is the first in a series of holiday billionaire romances also featuring hot rich guys and single moms (what can I say – I like hot rich guys!). The box set of this series was a USA Today bestseller (November 2016).

Santa’s Secret (Book 1 of Christmas Wishes)

Having long since lost his Christmas spirit, Rudi comes to Santa’s Secret Village looking to sell the resort. His seven-year-old daughter already knows the truth about Santa, and neither of them is particularly in the mood for the festive season. Then they meet Eva, who’s there with her young son, both of whom melt Rudi’s icy heart. But will the magic still be there when they wake on Christmas morning?

Santa’s Secret is the first in a collection of standalone holiday romances that can be read in any order.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Anthologies, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Christmas

682 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes small-town romances about strong, capable men who work harder and love harder. Most of her stories are set in Aotearoa New Zealand, where she lives.

Reviews

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 was a 4.5 star quick romance holiday read with all the right elements. I loved the pacing, the characters were likable, honest, realistic people who you wanted to be together.
Books 2 and 3, while very good didn't connect with me the same way as book one. I'm not sure why, I think it was just the life stages the characters were at.
I tried this author after a recommendation from another author LH Cosway, a favorite. I am so glad I listened, I really enjoyed Ms. Woods style and have already bought a couple more of her books. They have happy endings but they are believable and earned. bravo Ms. Woods

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Christmas Fiancé by Serenity Woods - Love Comes Later #1

Eager to read this new series by Serenity Woods I was thankful to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Katoa, a flourishing tech company, is making big money and has an emphasis on creating devices for the visually impaired. One of the owners is blind and this has created impetus for their focus. The story mentions medical issues such as retinoblastoma, heterochromia and pulmonary embolism - all three have impacted people in the story.

In this, the first book of the series, we meet Stratton Parker and Meg Brown. Meg has a 13 year old son, has been working for Katoa as a PA for 4 months and has a crush on Stratton – and he has one on her. One fateful day an e-mail is sent out that changes their status and begins the journey to a potentially HEA ending.

There are two exes to deal with, bonding to be done between Oscar (the son) and Strat, warm suggestive chats in the evening, a gala to attend and some getting to know one another to be done before their instant attraction – delayed four months – can come to fruition.

Stratton was a wonderful book boyfriend. Meg was a woman with the strength to make a move that needed to be made. The two of them together were interesting enough to make me smile and care about them and their story made for a wonderful day of reading. I look forward to continuing the series with book two about Rich and book three about Teddi – the other co-owners of Katoa – hopefully they will be released soon. (4.5 Stars)

The Perfect Gift by Serenity Woods - Three Wise Men #1

This entertaining first book in a Christmas trilogy featuring three billionaire brothers starts out with the story of widowed Dr. Brock King and single mother Erin Bloom. Erin and Brock have gotten to know one another online through an asthma chat forum, are intrigued by one another and entranced when they finally meet. Erin has had a lot to learn and cope with over the years and is a bit leery of starting a relationship. Brock has been grieving for his wife, Fleur, and is not sure he is absolutely ready to move on. Brock is a hunk, genuinely nice, great in bed, affirming, giving and just about everything any woman in her right mind would want. Erin’s son Ryan is a sweetie. Brock’s brothers are given enough character development and input in this book for me to want to read their stories, too. (4 Stars)

Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods
Christmas Wishes #1

Is anyone ever too old for magic at Christmas? Well, if you think you are then pick up this book up and find out you are wrong! What is more magical than a Christmas village in Finland with everything a child and parent might need to make memories that will last a lifetime!

Eva and her son Oscar are at Santa’s Village for a few days to experience a joyful Christmas. At three Oscar knows what he wants and hopes to get it. He is a bit of a terror but oh so sweet and Eva a wonderful warm and caring single mom and widow. When Eva sees Rudi on the duplex porch when she arrives she is very aware of just how gorgeous he is. Rudi is there with his very mature perfectly behaved seven year old daughter, Isabel. Rudi’s mother hopes this trip to Santa’s Village will provide her son and granddaughter the opportunity to reconnect that they desperately need. The two families spend time and have fun together BUT this is just a short trip so how can there be more than a fling at best? Well, with the spirit of Christmas in the air and magic at hand there just might be a HEA for everyone.

I loved this story! I have a strong feeling you will, too!

Thank you to the author for copies of her work – this is my honest review. (5 Stars)

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review of Making Merry by Serenity Woods

I love holiday romances and having read a few books from Serenity Woods to me this was a win/win situation for me.

My Christmas Fiancé (Love Comes Later Book 1):
There was so much humour in this book that I had a never ending smile on my face whilst reading. When Meg accidentally copies all staff in on her email stating what she would like to do with and to her boss she is mortified. Meg has feelings for Stratton but has no intention of moving on them. Unbeknownst to her Stratton also has feelings for Meg too but as he believes she is married and she works for him as his Pa he also has no intention of acting on his feelings. It really can be a complicated world when we make it so.

Stratton asks Meg to act as his fake fiancee and when she agrees. Neither of them realise how the decision will change their lives. Told from both Stratton and Meg’s point of views this is a great read to get us into mood for the holidays.

The Perfect Gift (Three Wise Men Book 1):
This is the first book in a series of stories about 3 billionaires who give back to the community. Erin Bloom is a single mother doing it tough and Dr. Brock King is a widower who Erin “meets” on line at the blog he has. Erin’s son Ryan has asthma and he is admitted to hospital where she finally meets Brock in person. Erin and Brock come from the opposite ends of the social spectrum but that doesn't stop the spark from flying and the air between them from sizzling. Brock is not sure he is ready to dive in to the dating pool again after losing his wife to cancer a couple of years ago. This was a sweet romance, full of hopes and dreams and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Santa’s Secret (Christmas Wishes #1):
I so believe in the magic of Christmas and this book was absolutely great. Set in a Christmas village in Finland it had all the magic and wonder that one could ask for. Eva is a young widow and together with her 3 year old son Oscar they visit the Santa Village . Oscar knows what he wants for Christmas and intends to ask for it. Rudi is also there with his daughter Isabel, pushed to visit by Rudi’s mother in the hope that Rudi and Isabel will re connect. As Eva, Rudi and the children spend time together the magic of Christmas weaves a spell around them. Can it last or will it end up as just a holiday fling? Oscar and Isabel almost steal this book, they were great characters and this was a realistic read.

[Susan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

These three books are all Christmas stories from three different book series. They are all delightful, and filled with believable characters. Serenity writes emotions well, and you soon become engrossed in the story. The children in the books are particularly well written.

My Christmas Fiance is the story the relationship between Stratton, the CEO of a very successful gaming company, and Meg, his PA. Stratton is still getting over breaking up with his previous girlfriend Natalie. From the moment Meg walks into his office for her job interview Stratton is attracted to her, but as he believes her to be married he does not act on his attraction. When he discovers that she is not married, and ran away from an abusive relationship he is determined to protect her, and comes up with a badly thought out plan which should finally make their previous partners realise their relationships are over. It works, but causes as many problems as it solves.

Their story is told by both their points of view, each speaking in alternate chapters, and in this story it works very well, they speak from completely different viewpoints, and Serenity Woods has woven their stories together very well. She writes real people very well, you can imagine everything happening, the story is never over the top. They are both lovely characters, and Meg's son Oscar, ages thirteen is very well written as a young man determined to protect his mother.

The Perfect Gift is delightful. Brock King is a paediatrician, one of three brothers. They are known as the Three Wise Men because, as a result of their sister dying from an asthma attack when they were all young they have devoted themselves to making life better for sick children. Brock became a doctor and is a specialist in respiratory disease, he and Charlie, one of his brothers design medical equipment to help children be less afraid of hospitals and improve their care, and their brother Matt writes children's books about characters that they use on the medical equipment devised by his brothers. They have become seriously rich through their endeavours, but give away a great deal of their time and money to charitable causes. As the Three Kings, Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar they participate in blogs set up for parents to find help and support when their children are ill in hospital. Despite the fact that most people know who they are they continue using the names of the wise men when they participate in the blogs, and all of them regularly visit children in hospitals throughout New Zealand, dressed in the animal costumes that Matt uses as characters in his stories, like Dixon the dog. Brock has been married, but his wife Fleur died two years before the story begins, after a lengthy illness. He has had no interest in finding another soulmate and leads a lonely existence outside his work and charity endeavours. Erin is a single mother, her partner having deserted her when he discovered she was pregnant, and she has struggled to bring her son up on a very low income.

He first 'meets' Erin on the blog, when her son Ryan is in hospital with an asthma attack. She sparks his interest, and they converse on line on a fairly regular basis for more than a year, getting to know about each other. When her son is hospitalised for his birthday, after another asthma attack he makes the decision to see her, swapping one of the regular hospital visits with his brother to visit Ryan, dressed as Dixon the dog and taking him a birthday gift and a soft toy Dixon. The tentative romance begins after this, and it is sweetly written. Erin is frightened that she will be seen as a gold digger trapping a billionaire, and she is embarrassed for him to discover how poor she is. He also doesn't want to flaunt his wealth, realising it will dismay her. Their thoughts and feelings are well written, real and emotional. For me, it is this element of a book that is important, it is the difference between a good book and a mediocre one. The interaction between Brock and Ryan is well written too, it feels very real.

Santa's Secret is very sweet, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Yes, it is a bit cheesy, but it's about Christmas, we are all a bit sweet and sentimental at Christmas aren't we? The story is well sculpted, and the characters well drawn, particularly the children. Oscar is a lovely little boy, and the way Eva deals with his screaming fit in the shop was just right. I am sure we have all experienced this behaviour from our own children when they were tiny, or just when out shopping, and know how it feels. Isabel is a lovely girl who is growing up a bit too fast, and she has been well observed by the author. Her mutiny against her mother when she telephones feels just right, she is acting her age again. Rudi is well drawn as a man who since his divorce has chosen to let his business take over his life, and has been forced by his mother to spend some quality time with his daughter at Christmas; whereas Eva is a widow who wants to give her young son a magical Christmas. A gentle story like this is very heartwarming.

All are quite short, but once you start reading they seem much longer, because they involve you in their world. A lovely boxed set.

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and spicy Christmas romance that tugs at your heart!
This is a boxed set of 3 Christmas-themed first-in-series romance books. I have read 2 of them so far, with overall 5 stars from me.

“The Perfect Gift” – 5 stars - After I finished reading it, my heart swelled with love for this sweet couple and the heroine’s adorable little boy. It was a thoroughly satisfying romance and an awesome start to a trilogy. The author shows her adeptness with flowing conversation, warm characters, beautiful settings in New Zealand, some steamy love scenes that add to the relationship development, and great pacing.
Erin is a single mother with an asthmatic toddler. She has been hurt by men in the past and hasn't dated for over three years. Then she meets the pediatrician that she has been chatting with for a year in an online support group for parents of kids with asthma. Brock is a doctor whose beloved wife died two years ago of cancer, and he has been dealing with his grief. He and his brothers happen to have a very successful company that has made them into billionaires, but the money has not changed them negatively. Brock is about the only billionaire in a book that I actually like: he is kind, respectful, modest, generous, and has the right amount of sensitivity! Well, Brock meets Erin, and she makes him feel ready for a new relationship with her. Awww! I like how Erin has doubts and insecurities that would be reasonable in her situation. I also love how Brock's affection grows for Erin's son Ryan. So sweet!
There is a happy ending, but I can tell that we will see a little more of Brock and Erin's relationship in the next two books in the trilogy about Brock's brothers. It also has a cozy Christmasy feel that is perfect for this time of year. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes contemporary romance.

“My Christmas Fiance” – 4 stars - I like the cute plot and the characters. Meg has been through a lot, but she is mentally tough and admirable. She works as a PA and is the single mother of a 13-year-old boy, Oscar. Oscar is adorable in how he wants to protect his mother but approves of Stratton dating her. Stratton is Meg's boss and happens to be a billionaire. However, he is a regular-type, respectful, good guy. He is also sexy and charming.
I admire Serenity Woods for trying something new with this book. However, for me I didn't like it very much. In all of her previous books that I have read, she always uses past tense third person alternating perspective. In this book, she tries out using present tense first person alternating perspective. For the first 6.5 chapters, for me, the flow of words seems choppy and a little awkward and did not convey Serenity's usual wonderful prose in which I can immediately get inside the character's head from the very first page. Only in the 6th chapter when Meg sent her embarrassing accidental email did I get immersed in the story. It seems like the author got more comfortable with this new type of perspective by that chapter. I liked the rest of the story, but I hope that the next book in this series is better. One thing that I especially liked was the reference the "Pretty Woman", the movie, when Meg bought her dress for the ball. Oh, and I can never resist reading about a fancy ball with all gowns! The spicy love scenes are very good, too. Overall, people who are accustomed to the present tense first person perspective might really like this book and might totally disagree with my complaint.
I received a free advanced reading copy from the author, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Christmas Fiancé
This book is funnier than previous books I have read by this author and I loved it. The banter between the characters was great and Im looking forward to more in the series.
Meg is Stratton's PA and he has always had feelings for her but she wears a wedding ring and as she works for him so that makes her off limits. What he doesn't know is the feelings are mutual and the wedding ring is not real she uses it to protect her and her son after running from a abusive relationship. When Stratton decides he needs a fake fiancé to get his ex off his back he also decides this will work for Meg as well, what neither bargained for was the love and feelings that would follow.
The story is told in both POV and it really works. This author has a nack of making you love her characters that feel so much like real people going through real life issues. You also get snippets of characters from previous books and it's great to see what they are up too.
The Perfect Gift
This is book one in the new trilogy Three Wise Men who happen to be three billionaires giving presents at Christmas but it certainly can be read as a stand-alone.
Brock and his two brothers have a range of toys and books that they designed to help sick children in hospital having treatment. Brock is also a doctor and he has a website where he talks to the parents.
Erin' little boy Ryan has Asthma and she talks to Brock online but has never met him until he springs a surprise visit to the hospital Ryan has been admitted to after a asthma attack.
These two come from very different worlds Brock is a billionaire that lost his wife to cancer and Erin is a single mum who needs ever penny she can get. Sparks fly but they both have a few reservations Brock thinking is it to soon after his wife and Erin thinking she is not used to money ad will people think she is with him for his money......
I loved this Christmas romance and I love how Serenity makes you feel like you are visiting New Zealand with her books.
Santa’s Secret
Christmas is my favourite time of year and and for me this love story ticks every box in a holiday romance, it’s based in Santa’s Village in Finland and the author does an amazing job of describing the scenery and adventures that happens in this very magical place. Santa and his reindeer as well as the Northern Lights all have a part to play in this holiday novella.
Eva and her son Oscar are spending a few days over Christmas at the village she finds herself sharing a duplex with Rudi and his daughter Isabel. What follows is two adults and two children getting to know each other whilst experiencing the magic of Christmas. A love story set in a winter wonderland sorrounded by the magic and Spirit of Christmas but is this just a holiday fling ........
I loved the storyline, I loved the characters and I loved how Serenity Woods described the village and the Northern Lights it made me feel like I was experiencing the wonders that happen in this magical place. This book may be a quick read but that doesn’t take anything away from the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Christmas Fiance 5 stars

This is a great start to a new series. Stratton and Meg both find that using the pretense of a fake fiance will help with the problem they have with their ex's.

They had great chemistry, and their conversations were witty and fun. I liked the way Stratton and Meg's son, Oscar interacted. 

There was just enough about the crazy ex-partners, Natalie and Bruce, to make the book interesting without having to deal with ongoing angst. 

I'm looking forward to other books in the series. Hopefully one for his best friend, Rich, and another for his sister, Teddi.

A really enjoyable read. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


The Perfect Gift 5 stars

I'm a sucker for a romance involving a good guy who is willing to have a relationship with a woman with a child or children. This book was sweet, heartwarming, and sexy. Although children's health issues were involved, they didn't weigh the book down with sadness. It took a very optimistic, proactive view.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Santa's Secret 4.5 stars

This is such a sweet holiday tale. Rudi and Eva have great chemistry. There is an instant attraction between them. The kids are sweet and get along with each other, and there is no resentment about their parents spending time together.

Santa's Secret is an excellent holiday read. It's about Christmas magic and gives you the warm fuzzies. It is also a sweet, sexy romance that may seem a bit chessy, but is thoroughly enjoyable.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

All three of the stories in this box set were sweet and steamy!!

My Christmas Fiance
This story starts out as a boss lusting after his PA, and it turns into a beautiful love story of friendship, and protecting the ones we love. Stratton is a thoughtful, sexy hero, and Meg is a strong heroine, and wonderful mother. I love the depth of relationships in this steamy story, not only the romantic relationships, but also between siblings, parent/child, and friends. An added bonus was the representation of a person with vision loss, and access to gaming for people with disabilities.

The Perfect Gift
Brock is feeling torn about moving on from grieving his wife’s death. His connection to Erin is what finally pushes him to try and move on. Both of them are trying to grow and move on, and this tension sets up their romance to be sweet and intense. Brock was intense and determined to make Erin feel worthy of his love, attention, and money. Their love story really was a great gift!

Santa’s Secret
Get ready for a North Pole romance!! Serenity Woods sets this magical story in Finland, at Santa’s Village, and steam is all over the place for Rudi and Eva! It is interesting seeing them navigate their relationship amongst their kids adventures. Lots of holiday magic and Christmas miracles in this super sweet story.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Merry

I’ve read all three books, and I’ve enjoyed all of them! I only have a review for one, though. Here are my thoughts.

My Christmas Fiancé
I loved this book! At first glance, the story is a classic: a billionaire in search of a fake fiancée and his smart, beautiful, single mother PA. Serenity Woods brings in her own interpretation of the theme, and suddenly the narration is enriched with original and beautiful characters, each with their own interesting personas, a little suspence, a touch of real life and a new, fresh version of the romantic content. Serenity has been able to create an evocative atmosphere, made of glances, thoughts and emotions, which make the book stand out and confirms her as a gifted and creative writer.
The narration is also very well structured, with Stratton’s and Meg’s story developing gradually, without loose ends, and with just the right amount of attention dedicated to each situation. Nothing is cut short or drawn out, and the end leaves the reader happy and satisfied.
The secondary characters are very well developed. I can’t wait to read more about them in the next books of this series!
BRAVO!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three complete books included with this set are first books for 3 different collections. I enjoyed all three and have purchased many more of Serenity Woods' creations. The books are though provoking, have complicated but lovable characters. Bravo!!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun compilation of Christmas-themed romances. "My Christmas Fiance" and "The Perfect Gift" are both the first book in separate series. Having read both series, I think they give you an idea of how the rest of the series will feel.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet sexy love stories for the holidays

This collection of holiday themed stories is heart warming and sweet. Spicey hot meets love at first sight! Well drawn Characters - sweet, smart ladies and hunky, sexy heroes! What more can I ask for?

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.

[Devika Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely brings some Christmas magic into your home, carrying the author's beloved style of sweetness, sizzling chemistry and relatable characters.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are second chances

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and enjoyed the characters. I wanted to jump ahead, and at the same time read every word.

[Carol Tietsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a bad Serenity Woods and Christmas ones are just better.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

The book was light hearted and sexy. I enjoyed all the stories. I may get the next in the series for all. I highly recommend for light holiday reading.

[Patty Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

just what the Christmas season ordered. Three delightful stories with sweet characters and fun children.

[Trudy Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed all the stories. Love the holiday spirit

[Cassey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and steamy collection from a winner author.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are well done and the stories were entertaining.

[Donna Peake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not my cup of tea.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Christmas Stories 4.5*

My Christmas Fiancé - 4.5* - I was hooked from the very first page. I liked the working relationship between the H and H and how the sexual tension grew, once they admitted they were attracted to each other. Each chapter is told from the others POV and this really worked well in moving the story along. This is only the 2nd book I have read told from a dual perspective and it was far superior in that it didn't feel jarring when you switched to the other POV. It was also good to have a story where both individuals are over 30. I found their back stories interesting and I loved Meg's 13 year old son and his relationship with her. In addition I was introduced to the musician John Mayer's music. (Note: Strong language.)

The Perfect Gift - 5* Romance - Brock was such a gentleman and oh, so swoon worthy! Brock is rich, generous with his time, money and medical skills, handsome, loyal (having mourned his wife for the past 2 years), kind to children and animals. In fact too perfect to be true, but then he is a book hero so is allowed to be! Erin is a young, strap-cashed, beautiful single mother with an adorable three year old, who suffers from asthma. Although they have chatted online through The Three Kings Foundation website (set up by the three King brothers to grant the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses and to provide a 24hr helpline to parents) they don't meet in person until they have been corresponding for a year. Within 24 hours of knowing her in person, Brock knows he wants to marry her and spend the remainder of his life with her but he knows that Erin has been hurt in the past, has trust issues and that his wealth is a huge barrier; and so he sets out to woo her through the month of December.

Santa’s Secret - 4* - A steamy Christmas story set in Finnish Lapland.
Eva, a young widow and her three year old son, Oscar are spending the Christmas holidays in Santa’s Secret Village. She worries that being a single Mum with lots of families around maybe lonely. She doesn’t expect to be living next door to hunky Viking, Rudi and his seven year old daughter Isabel. Will this just be a holiday romance? Lovely feel good story with a delightful epilogue. I adored Oscar and Isabel.

I received a free copy of this boxset from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review.