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The Holiday Gamble
alternate cover edition of ASIN B08222NSNS
Edridge Holiday basked in his reputation as an international playboy, traveling to exotic lands and notching his bedpost without a care in the world, funded by his father’s black card and his trust fund. Life was sublime… until his father had enough.
When JD Holiday insisted Ridge return for Thanksgiving to the family home outside Philadelphia for a come-to-father meeting, Ridge had the feeling his perfect world was about to shatter, and JD didn’t disappoint. Take a job at one of the family toy stores as a photography elf for thirty days. No credit cards. Little cash. A dingy studio apartment. None of the privileges he’d grown so fond of growing up.
Ridge’s older brother didn’t believe the spoiled brat of the family could handle it, so Elliot threw in a sweetener… Ridge would win Elliot’s mint condition Porsche if he pulled it off without any help from the family.
Ridge took the bet, thinking it would be a walk through a winter wonderland. Little did he know, his life would never be the same.
***
Cristian Gamble worked hard to support his sister after their parents were killed. Cris worked as a mechanic, but from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, he was Santa Claus at a toy store in West Philadelphia. Cris enjoyed the break in his routine, the joy on the faces of the kids when they told him their Christmas wishes, and the extra money he made didn’t hurt either.
When his sister was invited to the Winter Formal at her prestigious private school, Cris had a big problem… buying a party dress wasn’t in the budget. From out of nowhere, the guy who played Santa for one month a year met someone he believed could be his biggest Christmas wish ever. Was Cris willing to make a holiday gamble with his heart?
Please Note: This M/M romantic novel contains material which may be offensive to some readers. It includes graphic language, adult situations, and descriptions of sexual activity between two, consenting adult males. This fictional story is intended for adults over 18 and is approximately 61,000 words in length. The Holiday Gamble is a standalone H-E-A and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. I hope you enjoy it.
Edridge Holiday basked in his reputation as an international playboy, traveling to exotic lands and notching his bedpost without a care in the world, funded by his father’s black card and his trust fund. Life was sublime… until his father had enough.
When JD Holiday insisted Ridge return for Thanksgiving to the family home outside Philadelphia for a come-to-father meeting, Ridge had the feeling his perfect world was about to shatter, and JD didn’t disappoint. Take a job at one of the family toy stores as a photography elf for thirty days. No credit cards. Little cash. A dingy studio apartment. None of the privileges he’d grown so fond of growing up.
Ridge’s older brother didn’t believe the spoiled brat of the family could handle it, so Elliot threw in a sweetener… Ridge would win Elliot’s mint condition Porsche if he pulled it off without any help from the family.
Ridge took the bet, thinking it would be a walk through a winter wonderland. Little did he know, his life would never be the same.
***
Cristian Gamble worked hard to support his sister after their parents were killed. Cris worked as a mechanic, but from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, he was Santa Claus at a toy store in West Philadelphia. Cris enjoyed the break in his routine, the joy on the faces of the kids when they told him their Christmas wishes, and the extra money he made didn’t hurt either.
When his sister was invited to the Winter Formal at her prestigious private school, Cris had a big problem… buying a party dress wasn’t in the budget. From out of nowhere, the guy who played Santa for one month a year met someone he believed could be his biggest Christmas wish ever. Was Cris willing to make a holiday gamble with his heart?
Please Note: This M/M romantic novel contains material which may be offensive to some readers. It includes graphic language, adult situations, and descriptions of sexual activity between two, consenting adult males. This fictional story is intended for adults over 18 and is approximately 61,000 words in length. The Holiday Gamble is a standalone H-E-A and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. I hope you enjoy it.
175 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2019
6 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Sam E. Kraemer
88 books227 followersI grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we've now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in "Love is Love" regardless of how it presents itself, and I'm a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 2, 2021
4.5 Stars
Sam E. Kraemer’s The Holiday Gamble is a pure joy.
As with any novel there are things one could criticize such as its repetitiveness, and Cris’s uncanny ability to misread the motivations of others - particularly Ridge, but don’t waste time on such an exercise.
Simply enjoy this terrific feel-good holiday read.
Sam E. Kraemer’s The Holiday Gamble is a pure joy.
As with any novel there are things one could criticize such as its repetitiveness, and Cris’s uncanny ability to misread the motivations of others - particularly Ridge, but don’t waste time on such an exercise.
Simply enjoy this terrific feel-good holiday read.
October 25, 2025
The theme of this story really is, family is at the heart of Christmas. Whether you are rich or poor, your family and your traditions make up that warm and cozy feeling. Cris had it with his sister Hannah, and even though Ridhe's family is weird, they still had that family bond. This is a sweet story for the time of year we're coming into.
January 10, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
For the most part, this was a very sweet rich man/poor man themed story. When I started reading the opening chapter, I really thought I was going to hate Ridge, but I was pleasantly surprised by him and he turned out to be my favorite character. Cris, on the other hand, was very hard to warm up to. I believe the author’s intent was for him to come across as this poor-boy-does-good character, but I found him to be a self-righteous, rigid, stick-in-the-mud. If there was a way to misconstrue a conversation or situation, he did it. After almost losing Ridge a second time, he perfectly self-owned when he referred to himself as a “sanctimonious ass.”
The writing style made for a somewhat choppy read with all of italisiced flashbacks and character thoughts and accompanying data dumps. There were some timeline issues and situations that made no sense such as where Frosty, the drunk photographer, attacks Ridge. We’re told an innocent bystander witnessed the whole thing and called the cops, who got there in time to prevent a second whack in the head. Really? That fast…in Philadelphia…in a snowstorm (that only seemed to happen on the block Ridge was at the time)? Go figure!
For the most part, this was a very sweet rich man/poor man themed story. When I started reading the opening chapter, I really thought I was going to hate Ridge, but I was pleasantly surprised by him and he turned out to be my favorite character. Cris, on the other hand, was very hard to warm up to. I believe the author’s intent was for him to come across as this poor-boy-does-good character, but I found him to be a self-righteous, rigid, stick-in-the-mud. If there was a way to misconstrue a conversation or situation, he did it. After almost losing Ridge a second time, he perfectly self-owned when he referred to himself as a “sanctimonious ass.”
The writing style made for a somewhat choppy read with all of italisiced flashbacks and character thoughts and accompanying data dumps. There were some timeline issues and situations that made no sense such as where Frosty, the drunk photographer, attacks Ridge. We’re told an innocent bystander witnessed the whole thing and called the cops, who got there in time to prevent a second whack in the head. Really? That fast…in Philadelphia…in a snowstorm (that only seemed to happen on the block Ridge was at the time)? Go figure!
December 8, 2021
Contains: rich-poor/hard worker romance, Santa and elf, great values, learning humility and giving back to the poor.
This book also contains a lot of problems that have to do with miscommunication or rushing to judgment without reason. I don't usually like it, but it's so well written that it doesn't fall into the cliché of "that's stupid, omg, let's talk about it and get it over with", but rather into the questioning of why, is there another reason, why did he do it, etc.
In this book, a photographer elf apprentice who must maintain a job within the family hold in order to affirm to his father that he is a spoily brat. He hides his identity from his co-workers, but everything changes when he falls in love with Santa , a mechanic who works two jobs in order to raise his sister and send her to a private school. Find the magic of Christmas that will make the idiot rich a little family value, but also community value.
This book also contains a lot of problems that have to do with miscommunication or rushing to judgment without reason. I don't usually like it, but it's so well written that it doesn't fall into the cliché of "that's stupid, omg, let's talk about it and get it over with", but rather into the questioning of why, is there another reason, why did he do it, etc.
In this book, a photographer elf apprentice who must maintain a job within the family hold in order to affirm to his father that he is a spoily brat. He hides his identity from his co-workers, but everything changes when he falls in love with Santa , a mechanic who works two jobs in order to raise his sister and send her to a private school. Find the magic of Christmas that will make the idiot rich a little family value, but also community value.
December 15, 2019
The Holiday Gamble by Sam E. Kraemer. This is Ridge Holiday and Cris Gamble’s story.
I loved this heartwarming and steamy story. Ridge and Cris’ story was so much fun. The connection between Ridge and Cris felt so real. I loved their characters and the supporting characters were a great addition to the story too. I loved how the author incorporated a great reminder that there many ways we can help others that are going through a time of need. Also, another good reminder is that if we don’t feel good about ourselves that we can change the path we are on to one that will make us a better person.
Received and read through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I loved this heartwarming and steamy story. Ridge and Cris’ story was so much fun. The connection between Ridge and Cris felt so real. I loved their characters and the supporting characters were a great addition to the story too. I loved how the author incorporated a great reminder that there many ways we can help others that are going through a time of need. Also, another good reminder is that if we don’t feel good about ourselves that we can change the path we are on to one that will make us a better person.
Received and read through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
January 23, 2022
Oh, wow, the feels! This story should have trigger warnings for sibling dynamics and the relationship changes between parents and children as the children become adults.
The romance trope used is the wealthy spoiled MC lives as a normal, falls in love and gets outed. Then the other MC has the "you lied!" reaction. But this story stands out for having so much family drama, especially in the wealthy family. I really enjoyed these real-feeling relationships that rounded out and filled in the story.
The romance trope used is the wealthy spoiled MC lives as a normal, falls in love and gets outed. Then the other MC has the "you lied!" reaction. But this story stands out for having so much family drama, especially in the wealthy family. I really enjoyed these real-feeling relationships that rounded out and filled in the story.
August 3, 2022
Nice holiday story
This was a nice holiday story. Cris works two jobs to take care of his younger sister. Rich party boy Ridge is given the holiday season to shape up or he is cut off. Sparks fly when the two meet. Cris is determined to do everything on his own but his pride could cost him a chance at love. Ridge discovers he can be an asset to the family business when he truly puts his heart into it. There were a few misunderstandings and a little bit of action sprinkled throughout this sweet holiday romance.
This was a nice holiday story. Cris works two jobs to take care of his younger sister. Rich party boy Ridge is given the holiday season to shape up or he is cut off. Sparks fly when the two meet. Cris is determined to do everything on his own but his pride could cost him a chance at love. Ridge discovers he can be an asset to the family business when he truly puts his heart into it. There were a few misunderstandings and a little bit of action sprinkled throughout this sweet holiday romance.
December 17, 2020
A nice holiday story with its fair share of angst, Cristian and Ridge come from completely opposite worlds but have an instant attraction. Trouble is Ridge is keeping secrets from Cris as to who he actually is, secrets that can blow their relationship to smithereens. A really enjoyable story, very Christmassy, great supporting characters, it's a bit like 'A Christmas Carol' as in bringing a person to realize their selfishness and of the need of others less fortunate.
December 6, 2021
SEXY SANTA AND A HOT ELF
This is a FANTASTIC fast paced Book that's going to be a classic one day. I really enjoyed this Book. Cris loves playing Santa at the local toy store. This year, Ridge is the new photographer Elf and he's stunning. Christmas vibes are in the air and happy feelings are everywhere. These two are both covered in warm fuzzies. Hopefully these two can make it to the New Year together. They have a lot of situations to tackle first. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
This is a FANTASTIC fast paced Book that's going to be a classic one day. I really enjoyed this Book. Cris loves playing Santa at the local toy store. This year, Ridge is the new photographer Elf and he's stunning. Christmas vibes are in the air and happy feelings are everywhere. These two are both covered in warm fuzzies. Hopefully these two can make it to the New Year together. They have a lot of situations to tackle first. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!
January 9, 2022
I enjoyed this story of someone who gets by on charm and money confronted with someone who gets by on hard work and honesty.
Secondary characters were developed so that I knew them - Hannah, Evie, Elliot, Patsy, Tuttle, Ginny. I wasn't sure about Ridge's mother. We learn that his father fell in love quickly. The mother's interactions with Ridge and with Ginny sound negative or not there, so I don't see what there was to fall in love with.
Secondary characters were developed so that I knew them - Hannah, Evie, Elliot, Patsy, Tuttle, Ginny. I wasn't sure about Ridge's mother. We learn that his father fell in love quickly. The mother's interactions with Ridge and with Ginny sound negative or not there, so I don't see what there was to fall in love with.
February 26, 2022
I received this book as a gift and I loved it. Cristian and Ridge come from different backgrounds, but work together to make Christmas even more special for kids. But they also have some bumps in the road along the way towards what they really want...each other. Some of the scenes between them are quite steamy. This was so great, that I read it in 3 days. If you want to read a great Christmas story with a great love story and a little bit of heat, this is the book for you!
October 28, 2022
This was a sweet holiday story, no angst, no real drama just a nice easy read.
QUICK THOUGHTS
** Holiday/Christmas
** Rich playboy part time elf/Blue collar part time Santa pairing
** Very sweet
** Instant attraction
** Misunderstandings
** Made me smile
** Some great aww moments
** Great family (but what's with Ridge's Mother?)
** Really likeable MCs... Ridge & Cris
** Great secondary characters
** Heat level... low (amount of on page sex)
** Satisfying enough ending
January 16, 2022
An enjoyable Christmas read. Spoilt rich playboy is forced to take a job in family store and meets his santa. The sparks fly and in record time they are hooked. With usual mix of passion, mixed messages both men fund their way to each other. A bit rushed in some places but managed to bring a lump to my throat at key times. Read and enjoy.
December 5, 2021
Spoiled playboy grows up
Fairly angst free, a couple of hiccups and misunderstandings. A wealthy work-shy wastrel is forced to live the life of someone without any advantages, and meets his HEA partner in the process. It’s so sweet it should give you toothache.
Fairly angst free, a couple of hiccups and misunderstandings. A wealthy work-shy wastrel is forced to live the life of someone without any advantages, and meets his HEA partner in the process. It’s so sweet it should give you toothache.
December 28, 2019
A great holiday story!
A great holiday story. It drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. Loved it!
A great holiday story. It drew me in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. Loved it!
January 9, 2022
This one was a little too sweet and unrealistic for me. It had a nice premise, but it was too idealistic, and I hoped for just a little challenge to their lives.
Read
January 9, 2025DNF at 24%
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews