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Coal for Kiera
From award winning author E.M. Shue comes a modern take on a classic Christmas story.
Coal
Going back to the town I grew up in near Christmas wasn’t what I wanted to do. Santa Claus, Indiana celebrated the holiday year around but was worse at this time of the year. Only one reason could make me go back there and I hated him.
But the angel that served me had me thinking I could give the town another chance. I had one taste of her, and I was willing to sacrifice everything to protect her, even my freedom.
Keira
I hated this town and couldn’t wait to get out of it. I hated the man that made me regret being born. Every day he made sure I knew I was unloved and unwanted. I only needed one more week of work before I had enough money to get away.
But then a stranger sat in my section and I my world changed. He made me feel things like staying and after one night with him I’d sacrifice everything to save him, even my future.
This holiday they will learn what a real gift is.
Coal
Going back to the town I grew up in near Christmas wasn’t what I wanted to do. Santa Claus, Indiana celebrated the holiday year around but was worse at this time of the year. Only one reason could make me go back there and I hated him.
But the angel that served me had me thinking I could give the town another chance. I had one taste of her, and I was willing to sacrifice everything to protect her, even my freedom.
Keira
I hated this town and couldn’t wait to get out of it. I hated the man that made me regret being born. Every day he made sure I knew I was unloved and unwanted. I only needed one more week of work before I had enough money to get away.
But then a stranger sat in my section and I my world changed. He made me feel things like staying and after one night with him I’d sacrifice everything to save him, even my future.
This holiday they will learn what a real gift is.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
23 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Shue
105 books1,495 followers E.M. Shue is an Alaskan award-winning romance author. She writes in many different sub-genres but always features badass heroines in gritty situations. As the mother to three grown daughters and two granddaughters she wants readers to be able to see that tough girls can have happy endings too. She is married to the love of her life of over twenty years who she married within months of starting to date, instalove is real.
She published her first book in 2017 after having a dream that later became the Beverley Award winning, Sniper’s Kiss. Since her debut, she has gone on to win this award three more times with different books and has published over forty titles.
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She published her first book in 2017 after having a dream that later became the Beverley Award winning, Sniper’s Kiss. Since her debut, she has gone on to win this award three more times with different books and has published over forty titles.
Join Surprises from E.M. to be kept up to date on all her new releases and appearances.
https://bit.ly/SurprisesfromEM
Website: www.authoremshue.com
All Author: https://allauthor.com/profile/emshue/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emshue_ak
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EMShue
E.M. Surprises - fun, games, excerpts and more...– https://www.facebook.com/groups/17984...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/E.M.-Shue/e/B0...
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/e.m.shue/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/e-m-shue
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
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November 4, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (8/1/2021)!🎁
December 1, 2020
Kiera is 18 and lives in the town Santa Claus. She wants nothing more than to escape and study art. Her father seriously hates her and she’s never felt loved. Coal is returning home after years away to deal with his father’s death. Coal and Kiera meet his first night in town and the sparks fly between them. I loved Coal and Keira’s insta-love story and highly recommend it.
November 29, 2025
Loved it
If you are looking for a Christmas quickie you should give this novella a try. It was really good now I need to read the next one in the series.
If you are looking for a Christmas quickie you should give this novella a try. It was really good now I need to read the next one in the series.
December 3, 2020
A really nice Christmas romance from a town where it is Christmas all year round; Santa Claus.
Kiera, just 18 years old, takes whatever jobs she can to earn enough money and leave town forever. Her father does not want to know about her, he holds her responsible for the death of her mother.
She dreams of a career in art, just like her mother, a painter and her own studio where she can sell her art.
Coal has left Santa Claus. Disappointed in his father who cheated on his mother until she died, he went into the army. Now he is back to take care of all matters now that his father has passed away.
From the moment Coal meets Kiera he is attracted to her. But Kiera is not the easy girl who goes with every man until she sees him spinning on his legs from the drink. She brings him home and then stays longer, actually forever.
Kiera is clearly a young adult looking for her own identity. After years of being insulted and ignored by her father, she finds a man in Coal who wants to protect and love her. She never had that and she doesn't know how long it will last. Uncertainty about her worth is what she suffers from. Coal is convinced she is the one for him. His father was an influential man in Santa Claus and he doesn't accept it when others treat Kiera like a pariah. He protects her by word and deed.
An easy to read Christmas novel with a HEA as it should be. But the path of love is also difficult during Christmas
Kiera, just 18 years old, takes whatever jobs she can to earn enough money and leave town forever. Her father does not want to know about her, he holds her responsible for the death of her mother.
She dreams of a career in art, just like her mother, a painter and her own studio where she can sell her art.
Coal has left Santa Claus. Disappointed in his father who cheated on his mother until she died, he went into the army. Now he is back to take care of all matters now that his father has passed away.
From the moment Coal meets Kiera he is attracted to her. But Kiera is not the easy girl who goes with every man until she sees him spinning on his legs from the drink. She brings him home and then stays longer, actually forever.
Kiera is clearly a young adult looking for her own identity. After years of being insulted and ignored by her father, she finds a man in Coal who wants to protect and love her. She never had that and she doesn't know how long it will last. Uncertainty about her worth is what she suffers from. Coal is convinced she is the one for him. His father was an influential man in Santa Claus and he doesn't accept it when others treat Kiera like a pariah. He protects her by word and deed.
An easy to read Christmas novel with a HEA as it should be. But the path of love is also difficult during Christmas
December 21, 2020
Okay, as the blurb say that this book was "a modern take on a classic Christmas story" though I had to say myself that it was more a dramatic adaptation. The h's life was really depressing; (presumably) being hated by the whole town, homeless (stayed on dad's tool shack or something without him knowing), financially struggling, and innocent and bit naive for her own good. No wonder when the H came, he swept her off her feet in all sense. H was your typical small-town golden boy with abandonment issue. Came back with misguided hate but turned for the better after meeting h.
The story was actually well written with a thorough back story for each character and even enough explanation of how their life actually entangled one and another. I just bit reluctant on the heavy depressing drama around the story. I wish it was a bit lighter and infused with something warm; I don't know, something like family or generosity of a small town.
Virgin h, celibate H
No condoms
instalove
No cheating
Safe read, HEA, Epilogue
Overall score: 3 safe read stars
The story was actually well written with a thorough back story for each character and even enough explanation of how their life actually entangled one and another. I just bit reluctant on the heavy depressing drama around the story. I wish it was a bit lighter and infused with something warm; I don't know, something like family or generosity of a small town.
Virgin h, celibate H
No condoms
instalove
No cheating
Safe read, HEA, Epilogue
Overall score: 3 safe read stars
November 29, 2020
Kiera Joyner is a 18 year old girl living in the quaint town of Santa Claus, IL. All Keira wants to do is escape this little town life to study art in Chicago like her mother. However, Keira is plaqued by a dark past and is known as the town "freak" because of her father.
Coal Bridger is a parajumper with the Air Force that left town many years ago. Sadly, Coal's mother passed away before his 18th birthday and he has always blamed his father for her death. Now, Coal must return to the Santa Claus when his father passes away.
Coal and Keira meet one Coal's first night back in town and the sparks burn hot. Can two individuals find love in the middle of such heartache? What happens when two world collides? Coal and Keira are determined to find out.
E.M. Shue is a wonderful story teller. I love Coal and Keira with a passion. Their story is a great addition to the Christmas of Love Collection. I would highly recommend this wonderful novella.
Coal Bridger is a parajumper with the Air Force that left town many years ago. Sadly, Coal's mother passed away before his 18th birthday and he has always blamed his father for her death. Now, Coal must return to the Santa Claus when his father passes away.
Coal and Keira meet one Coal's first night back in town and the sparks burn hot. Can two individuals find love in the middle of such heartache? What happens when two world collides? Coal and Keira are determined to find out.
E.M. Shue is a wonderful story teller. I love Coal and Keira with a passion. Their story is a great addition to the Christmas of Love Collection. I would highly recommend this wonderful novella.
December 5, 2020
Kiera Joyner is living a miserable life in Santa Claus, Illinois. She lost her mother when she was a baby. Her father Leon, physically abused her because he claimed she killed her mom. She ended up living with an aunt. When the aunt died, she had no place to go. Her father would not allow her on the property, so she ended up sleeping in the shed in his property, and working two jobs. The people of the town call Kiera names and treat her very badly, nicknaming her Freak.
Coal Bridger is a parajumper who grew up in the town , but left when his mother died, blaming his father for neglecting his mother.
Coal Meets Kiera on his first night home when he reruns to town after his father dies, as he’s eating dinner at the club where Kiera works, and is instantly attracted to her. Kiera is wary of Coal and not used to people paying attention to her or treating her kindly. Will they be able to help each other heal from so much pain in their lives, or will outside influences keep them apart?
Coal Bridger is a parajumper who grew up in the town , but left when his mother died, blaming his father for neglecting his mother.
Coal Meets Kiera on his first night home when he reruns to town after his father dies, as he’s eating dinner at the club where Kiera works, and is instantly attracted to her. Kiera is wary of Coal and not used to people paying attention to her or treating her kindly. Will they be able to help each other heal from so much pain in their lives, or will outside influences keep them apart?
December 2, 2020
“He’s made my holidays perfect, and I know he’ll keep doing that for years to come.”
Love Love Love E.M. Shue! This is one of my favorites from this Christmas collection. This book unlike the others that I’ve read so far did have some drama, not much but a little.
Kiera is a girl who has been abused by her father, because of his own jealously aimed at his daughter. He has made Keira’s life a living hell causing her to seek comfort in her own pain. Coal is a young man who has hated his father for years from a misunderstanding. When Coal is forced to come home he finds Kiera in Santa Claus, IN. A town he had no desire to ever come back to, only when he does he meets Kiera. Kiera intrigues him and sets his world off kilter. With Coal having no desire to stay in Santa Claus, and Kiera running off to Chicago, only a Christmas miracle will keep them together....
Love Love Love E.M. Shue! This is one of my favorites from this Christmas collection. This book unlike the others that I’ve read so far did have some drama, not much but a little.
Kiera is a girl who has been abused by her father, because of his own jealously aimed at his daughter. He has made Keira’s life a living hell causing her to seek comfort in her own pain. Coal is a young man who has hated his father for years from a misunderstanding. When Coal is forced to come home he finds Kiera in Santa Claus, IN. A town he had no desire to ever come back to, only when he does he meets Kiera. Kiera intrigues him and sets his world off kilter. With Coal having no desire to stay in Santa Claus, and Kiera running off to Chicago, only a Christmas miracle will keep them together....
November 22, 2020
Pixie, that's the name that Coal gives to the small young woman he sees on the street. He meets her again when she serves him his meal at a restaurant and he doesn't let go. It's an instant connection that he doesn't understand but it willing to act on it. Kiera is down on her luck and can't wait to get out the of the small town of Santa Clause, she's been bullied all her life and she lives in a shack outside of where her father lives as he hates her. Coal is dedicated to helping Kiera and also being her main partner, things happen quickly and Coal is taken away, but will do anything to get back to her. I loved this short story and it's a "make you feel good story" for sure.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
November 29, 2020
Kiera loves to paint and wants to own a studio someday so she can sell her paintings along with other artists. Her father hates her and writes "not at this address" on all her mail. Her mother died when she was one week old. He kicked her out when she turned eighteen but she sleeps in the shed on his property. Coal is a para-jumper in the Air Force stationed in Nevada. He hasn't returned to his hometown in eight years. His mother owned an art gallery Christmas with Eloise Art Studio that sold local artists work. Amazing storyline that will have you feeling every emotion along with the characters.
December 1, 2020
A heartbreaking short romance read
Kiera, the town pariah, sees Coal, estranged son of her boss, in front of the old art gallery in town. As the story progresses a fortuitous meeting occurs, an instant connection is formed, and delving into the past could heal them both enough to have a shot at a future. E.M. Shue’s Coal for Kiera is a heartbreaking short romance read full of darkness and light. I will definitely have to check and see if the Sherriff Kullen is included in any of the other Christmas of Love stories.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Kiera, the town pariah, sees Coal, estranged son of her boss, in front of the old art gallery in town. As the story progresses a fortuitous meeting occurs, an instant connection is formed, and delving into the past could heal them both enough to have a shot at a future. E.M. Shue’s Coal for Kiera is a heartbreaking short romance read full of darkness and light. I will definitely have to check and see if the Sherriff Kullen is included in any of the other Christmas of Love stories.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
November 23, 2020
This is a cute little insta-love story that demonstrates the power words can have on a person’s mental health. The female character gives a glimpse of some of the struggles people who are bullied can go through. This story also drives home the fact that the wholehearted belief of just one person can make a majorly positive impact on a person, especially one who has been bullied often. I always enjoy E.M. Shue’s ability to tell a story and bring her characters to life. I recommend this very quick read.
*Trigger Warning - self-harm practices are addressed in this story.
*Trigger Warning - self-harm practices are addressed in this story.
November 24, 2020
Coal is returning to his home town after having been gone for years. He is in the military and joined just as soon as he could. But now he is back, to close up his past and then to reup for another four years.
Kiera has been picked on her whole entire life. She has never felt love and has never felt cared for. She is determined to leave her small town life behind and go to school so that she may find where she is meant to be.
When Coal and Kiera meet, each find something in each other that they have needed their entire lives. I loved their little story. It was beautiful.
Kiera has been picked on her whole entire life. She has never felt love and has never felt cared for. She is determined to leave her small town life behind and go to school so that she may find where she is meant to be.
When Coal and Kiera meet, each find something in each other that they have needed their entire lives. I loved their little story. It was beautiful.
December 2, 2020
I went back and forth on this review and decided to go with four stars as the story itself pulled me in. Kiera, having a horrible upbringing, has worked hard to move on from her past. My heart twisted and broke for her. Coal is an OTT alpha, protective from the start and pulled right to Kiera. I enjoyed the heart of their story. I was pushed a bit on how OTT he was in regards to certain things. If you enjoy those alpha men then this will be great for you!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 3, 2020
Known as the "town freak" all Kiera wants to do is leave and start her own journey in life. With Coal's dad known as "Mr. Bah Humbug" with money leaving all property and money to him. He just wants to get rid of it all and get the heck back to his life in Nevada. But then their lives collide and he knows she's the one. The girl he must protect at all costs. He wants to make her his for life. When her tragic past comes crashing down, will Coal be able to handle the truth? Curl up by a warm fire and get comfy with a Christmas love story you don't want to miss.
December 5, 2020
Kiera has had a rough 18 years of life. Everyone in her town thinks she’s a murderer due to her abusive dad. Coal hated his dad and what he thought happened to his mom. When their worlds collide sparks fly and what they thought they knew about their pasts wasn’t true at all. I love that Coal wanted to take care of Kiera from the get go. Kiera was so sweet and did not deserve the town’s bullying. This was the first book by EM Shue that I’ve read and it did not disappoint. I loved it! A cute and heartwarming holiday story.
November 25, 2020
This is a quick heart felt read perfect for the holidays. E.M. Shue is an author I have read many times and adore her writing. This book is no exception. There are so many dynamics this book takes on for being a short read. Holidays are not always a joyous occasion. Bullying can take on many forms and happen from anyone. Things are not always as they seem. However, this book also shows us that love can conquer many, many things.
November 27, 2020
A short, fast paced insta love romance. Christmas themed Shue provides a heartwarming romance with some steamy character chemistry. Kiara has had an abusive father and the whole town has mistreated her. Coal come back to town after years away to deal with his father's death. Kiara needs saving and Coal is just the man for the job?!?
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
December 1, 2020
I so enjoyed this holiday short from a wonderful writer. Different, of course, from her normal genre, which makes this all the more special! Coal and Keira will quickly jump into your heart and you'll be begging the author for their happy ending with each page you turn! Beautiful holiday story!
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an advanced reader copy, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 2, 2020
A cute, hot, short, insta-love, age gap story. Coal is back into his hometown years later after he joined the military. Kiera is just counting the days until she can leave this town and get away from her abusive father and everyone who is mean to her. When they meet there is an instant connection and Coal wants to love and protect Kiera. An enjoyable quick read.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
December 2, 2020
Kiera has been emotional abused by her father all her life and can not wait to leave her small town. Years ago Coal left his small town to join the Air Force and never looked back but now that his father has passed he has to return to take care of things. He meets the cute quirky Kiera his first night home and they have an instant chemistry that makes him want to step up to help her. Lovely romance with somewhat flawed characters but they are perfect for each other.
December 2, 2020
The people of the town of Santa Claus are strangely unforgiving. Kiera is their victim. And Coal is her savior. But not everything happens at Christmas including the unreasonable military decisions.
Easy-to-read. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.
Easy-to-read. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author. This is my honest review.
December 3, 2020
I absolutely loved this wonderful Christmas book by EM Shue. I love an alpha hero and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with Coal. In this Insta love story Coal and Kiera are perfect for each other warts and all. This book had all the feels and that first chapter with Kiera oh my I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug. I love EM’s books and so far I am loving this series of books set in Santa Claus Indiana.
December 3, 2020
Super sweet insta-love story!
Coal and Kiera’s story is a super sweet insta-love story that will captivate you and keep you entertained right to the end. These two characters were the perfect match!
With some suspense, some mystery and a whole lot of wonderfully steamy moments, Coal and Kiera will have you falling head over heels for them and begging for more of their wonderful story.
I loved every second of it.
Coal and Kiera’s story is a super sweet insta-love story that will captivate you and keep you entertained right to the end. These two characters were the perfect match!
With some suspense, some mystery and a whole lot of wonderfully steamy moments, Coal and Kiera will have you falling head over heels for them and begging for more of their wonderful story.
I loved every second of it.
December 22, 2020
The first chapter had my heart breaking. 18 year old Keira is unloved by her father, who blames her for her mothers death. And is an outcast in her hometown of Santa Claus. Living in her fathers shed and working 2 jobs, she is desperately trying to save up to leave.
Coal is an OTT alpha male who has come home to deal with his estranged fathers affairs, after his death.
They meet, there's instant attraction and, of course, drama ensues.
I really enjoyed this different take on a Christmas story.
Coal is an OTT alpha male who has come home to deal with his estranged fathers affairs, after his death.
They meet, there's instant attraction and, of course, drama ensues.
I really enjoyed this different take on a Christmas story.
August 6, 2021
Christmas in August!
Christmas in August?! Why yes, please and thank you.
I am bot sure how I missed this last year but I one clicked yesterday and it was just what I needed!
Keira can't wait to leave Santa Claus, she has known nothing but pain and heartache. Coal hasn't been near the place in years, having left after losing his mum.
When Coal first lays his eyes on Keira his protective instincts came out and the connection is instant. My heart!!!
What a fantastic read!
Christmas in August?! Why yes, please and thank you.
I am bot sure how I missed this last year but I one clicked yesterday and it was just what I needed!
Keira can't wait to leave Santa Claus, she has known nothing but pain and heartache. Coal hasn't been near the place in years, having left after losing his mum.
When Coal first lays his eyes on Keira his protective instincts came out and the connection is instant. My heart!!!
What a fantastic read!
November 22, 2020
Loved this whole thing so much. I was captivated with this story straight away and I can't even be disappointed that I read this start to finish in one go. I couldn't get enough of these characters or their story. Although it is a short story it definetly packs everything you want into it and more. A perfect, heartfelt story.
December 1, 2020
Oh the title of this story is perfect and you’ll know once you read it. The characters are just amazing and I love Coal’s cavemen ways from the very beginning. This would be a Shue story without some action and suspense so we also get that. But I’m glad it doesn’t drag and gets resolved pretty quickly. Of course now I’m left wanting more and hoping for Hugh's story.
December 2, 2020
The book started out strong and held my attention. But as the story continued, it felt like someone else was writing it. It felt like the characters were younger and acting like kids fighting. I loved the idea of the book, but it wasn't executed well in the second half of the book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.
December 1, 2020
If you want a steamy read for Christmas, then Coal for Kiera us just for you. This book made me feel all sorts of things while reading it. Coal and Kiera a kindered spirits that I enjoyed getting to know. This book is the perfect Christmas read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews