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When bookstore owner Caron Avery dresses up as Marilyn Monroe for a charity ball, she decides that for once in her life she'll let her inhibitions go. Before she knows it, Caron is living a night of fantasy with sexy millionaire Baxter Remington in hot pursuit.

And what a night it is. Sizzling, red-hot and sensual, Baxter can't believe he's fallen under the adorable blonde's...er...brunette's spell. But with the scandal going on in his life, he knows he should let her go before she gets caught up in it, too. Then again - maybe one more night (or eight!) of mind-blowing passion will help them both forget!

Previously published with another cover

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

53 people are currently reading
649 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Renee Jones

372 books14.6k followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

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5 stars
133 (33%)
4 stars
122 (30%)
3 stars
96 (24%)
2 stars
36 (9%)
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8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Jones.
Author 372 books14.6k followers
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October 20, 2016
Santa Baby is coming November 14th! Only $2.99!

A sexy Cinderella style holiday story with a happily ever after ending and a millionaire hero!

PRE-ORDER:
http://bit.ly/SantaBabyAmazon
http://bit.ly/SantaBabyAmazonCA
http://bit.ly/SantaBabyAmazonUK
http://bit.ly/SantaBabyBN
http://bit.ly/SantaBabyKobo

Sometimes a good girl needs to be naughty. When bookshop owner Caron Avery dresses up as Marilyn Monroe for a charity ball, she decides that for once in her life she'll let her inhibitions go. Before she knows it, Caron is living a night of fantasy with sexy millionaire Baxter Remington in hot pursuit.And what a night it is.
Sizzling, red-hot, and sensual, Baxter can't believe he's fallen under the adorable blonde's...er...brunette's spell. But with the scandal going on in his life, he knows he should let her go before she gets caught up in it, too. Then again - maybe one more night (or eight!) of mind-blowing passion will help them both forget

This was previously released with Harlequin as part of their BLAZE line. Same title. This is a re-issue.
Profile Image for Mojca.
2,132 reviews169 followers
November 2, 2009
A pretty solid finale for this four-book miniseries, just not as good as it could've been. And the pacing had much to do with that little hiccup.

Shy, "sincere and pure" bookstore owner Caron agrees to play Audrey Hepburn at a charity ball, but thanks to a toilet malfunction at her store ends up two hours late and without a costume. Lucky for her, another woman is unable to perform and Caron find herself strutting the stage as Marilyn Monroe and catching the eye of millionaire and playboy Baxter Remington.

Their attraction was explosive, the sexy scenes scorching hot (yep, it was a Blaze alright), and they were pretty well-developped and nicely-rounded characters (without, gasp, emotional baggage). Yet the embezzlement-ploy (or something like that) in his company - he had nothing to do with it besides believing in his VP - and the subplot of a female FBI agent with a huge chip on her shoulder determined to find some dirt on Baxter and her apparent female-hating partner (there was so much tension between the it could've been cut with a knife) kept intruding on the sexual buzz the main story provided, and severely messed with the the pacing.

3 ½ stars
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,559 reviews274 followers
November 15, 2016
3 "Blond Bombshell Fantasy" Stars!

Well... First off, I have to say, this story had practically nothing to do with Christmas. The story all happen close to Christmas, but that's pretty much all. I was disappointed in that because I was expecting a Christmas romance.

With that being said, I liked this story. I liked both Baxter and Caron. They were both "nice" ;-) You'll get that if you read the book. This was a kind of sweet, cute, very easy low angst read. Good, not great. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Bree Hill.
1,033 reviews580 followers
October 15, 2022
Read for an upcoming podcast crossover episode. It’ll be an interesting chat. Gag me with a spoon! This was awful.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,384 reviews897 followers
October 20, 2019
This was included at the end of Tangled Up in Christmas, also by Lisa Renee Jones. This was a sexy, low angst read that had a bit of a Cinderella feel to it.


description


When Caron is persuaded to partake in a charity event, she finds that dressing up as Marilyn Monroe opens a side of her she never knew she had. With daring, she flirts and ultimately, spends the night with Baxter, a man who lives a completely different life than her own. One night becomes more, but Caron wonders how much of what Baxter sees in her is the bombshell persona or herself.

I loved how this relationship develops and evolves from lust and passion to something greater. Caron slowly comes to realize some truths about herself as she gains in confidence, not only sexually, but in her personal life. Baxter was the type of hero that never dates twice and always has a different blonde on his arm. He initially thinks Caron will be a one and done thing but quickly changes his mind the more he gets to know her.


description


This is a fast read with a great pace, filled with lots of steamy moments as well as some angst due to an investigation into Baxter’s business. The hero and heroine are very well developed and the emotions ring true to the circumstances they face. Overall, I very nice treat even if light on the Christmas theme.

Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Profile Image for Becky Rendon.
3,859 reviews81 followers
November 2, 2019
This naughty like Christmas treat is an adventure of a different kind. Santa, Baby is a whirlwind romance started by a meet cute that definitely gets brownie points for it's normal yet completely unusual circumstances. Roleplay maybe the start of something beautiful in this book but it isn't everything.

Once she finds her self confidence, this little Marilyn rocks it in the sexiest way possible.
Profile Image for Vettech.
529 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2013
Since it's the holidays I thought I'd read all Christmas romances for the month of December. This cute little Christmas story of love found then almost lost then found again!!...after they both came to their senses~~

The story centers around new bookstore owner Caron Avery and coffee mogul Baxter Remington. I so love this incredibly hunky guys name!! These two really heat up the pages, even though I'm reading it on my Kindle.

This is a really sweet holiday treat and written to perfection by Lisa Renee Jones, who is a fabulous author and writes some of the hottest love scenes ever!!

Profile Image for Jo Reads Romance.
945 reviews66 followers
January 23, 2021


Slightly boring and lacklustre romance
2 stars

I originally bought this book because I like a sexy Christmas romance. That was the first let down as despite the title and the cover there isn't even a smidgen of festive content in the book.

Putting that aside, the story itself was a huge disappointment. The first third of a book was Caron and Baxter meeting, flirting and then having sex. It may sound sexy but it got really tiresome and I had to force myself to pick up the book and keep reading.

It was also so obvious where the big misunderstanding was going to come from but when it finally arrived, it was so ridiculous and could easily have been wrapped up with a decent conversation. There was a brief and pointless secondary romance included which was baffling in its lack of relevance to the story.

I had to give the book two stars because the writing wasn't terrible and although it took me ages to finish it, at least I got there in the end. Disappointing and not a book I would recommend, I'm afraid.


Profile Image for MountainKat.
2,340 reviews107 followers
January 5, 2011
I listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator was just OK, the story was nice though.
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,555 reviews34 followers
December 8, 2019
I should preface this review by stating that I would not have picked up "Santa, Baby" if it hadn't been included as a freebie in the back of Lisa Renee Jones's 2019 release, "Tangled up in Christmas" (which, for the record, I very much enjoyed). Based on the back cover description, "Santa, Baby" did not seem like it would be my cup of tea, and unfortunately, I was correct. I am not a fan of insta-lust/insta-love plots, which is exactly what this story turned out to be. I had a hard time finding any real emotional connection between the main characters, Baxter and Caron. All of the emotions were overshadowed by the steam, which will certainly appeal to some readers, but not to me.

For some reason, this book felt really dated to me even though the characters used cell phones and other modern technology. (Baxter did use a phone booth at one point, though, which was kind of funny.) I can't really explain it, but this book felt more like something that would have come out of the 1980s than something published in 2009. Maybe because it was originally a Harlequin title? Whatever the reason, it added something of a cheese factor to what IMO was already a relatively weak plot.

In addition, it really bothered me that so many women in this book were described as "blonde bombshells." I understand the origin of the term, but it seemed like it was being used in a derogatory sense here. In other words, the women Baxter had dated in the past were all nothing more than stereotypical "dumb blondes," as opposed to the "shy and pure" brunette Caron, who was essentially perfect in every way, which was why Baxter fell in love with her.

Finally, I hated the subplot with the female FBI agent, Sarah, who came across as a total witch. Her relationship with her partner made no sense to me for a lot of reasons, but particularly the fact that based on his initial description, I thought he was at least twice her age. What exactly did she find so attractive about him, and after the chauvinistic way he treated her, why would she hook up with him at the end of the book? Did she just feel bad for him because of the sob story he told her about his sister?

I've read a lot of holiday-themed stories this year and it's safe to say that this one was not my favorite. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer Ritter.
1,145 reviews31 followers
October 29, 2019
Santa, Baby is a rerelease of Lisa Renee Jones’ 2009 publication. Bookseller Caron Avery is a bit of a wallflower. When her bookstore associate Kasey signs Caron up to participate in a charity celebrity fashion show, Caron is none too pleased until Kasey explains the amount of free publicity Caron can obtain for her store as the holiday season approaches.

Of course shy Caron can pull off a sedate Audrey Hepburn. But when a series of events lands Caron to the hair and makeup session late, she ends up as a flamboyant Marilyn Monroe. Like Cinderella, Caron decides to enjoy her anonymous persona when Remington coffee CEO Baxter Remington becomes part of her fantasy. When the fantasy transfers to reality and Caron becomes embroiled in the scandal that has just hit Baxter, something in her wants to help him not walk away.

This is a very sensual story with deep personal connection. This story involves scandal, FBI investigation, and some fantasies come to life. An enjoyable read, I do recommend this adult book.
Profile Image for Lourdes.
1,061 reviews12 followers
November 4, 2019
An over fantasized bookstore owner has the opportunity to be someone else for one night while getting free promotion for her business and meets a sexy man in the process. She decides to embrace her runway persona and live her fantasy with this man for this one night.
This story started really well and I found myself invested in it until it started tangling into the issues the hero was having with his company, the authorities and the press, not to mention the constant deviation to the couple of agents stalking him out.
At the end of it all, it felt like a discombobulated jumble of pieces put together into the one story and didn't really do it for me.
1,599 reviews19 followers
October 24, 2019
“Santa Baby” by Lisa Renee Jones
My ARC copy of “Tangled Up In Christmas” included a second story “Santa Baby” also by Lisa Renee Jones. I was surprised as I was only expecting one story. This second story is another spicy contemporary romance. A playboy and a good girl whose lives “bump” into each other and well… that is the story. It was a fun read, too. I will just say… Check both stories out for yourself. Happy Reading ! !
Profile Image for Meredith Kennedy.
227 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2020
This was a bonus story included in the paperback copy of Tangled Up in Christmas. It was a good read, I liked the characters Caron and Baxter. Their chemistry was awesome even though they are very opposite. Baxter is so sweet and Caron comes off as shy but knows what she wants. Would love to read more about these two. I was just a bit confused with the story jumping to the FBI agent in parts and who is Josie in the epilogue?? And also the title Santa baby, don't get that.
Profile Image for Lizzie the Book Hoarder.
2,184 reviews39 followers
November 28, 2020
To help promote her new bookstore, Caron agrees to participate in a runway show of classic Hollywood stars. Little did she know she would don a blonde wig that would lead to a whirlwind romance with Baxter. Things do not run smoothly and Caron always wonders if it is her or the wig Baxter desires. But with each encounter Baxter tries to show Caron it is her he wants and not the wig. Will Caron risk her heart and go all in?

Cute story.
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,617 reviews147 followers
October 29, 2019
3.5 stars. Quickie review- There was a bonus book included in the last 43% of Tangled Up in Christmas. Santa, Baby is a Cinderella-like story between a millionaire businessman and a reserved book store owner. I found it to be a cute, steamy, sweet and sexy read. There was a little added angst from an FBI investigation too. This was a fun bonus story.
325 reviews
December 5, 2020
I have been reading various other authors, and they are good, but they are just not quite as good as Lisa Renee Jones. I know this did not have a lot of Christmas in it but to me that was more real so I really enjoyed this book. It is supposed to be a romance after all and Lisa definitely fulfilled that. It was quite refreshing to read one of Lisa's books after reading so many others.
1,024 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2020
Too many consent issues. Yes, it's written that this is what the heroine wants, but gets nervous. However "No" "wait" and "stop" always mean no; not kiss me and pet me until I forget that I said no. It happens over and over again in this book. What had some cute ideas for characters and a story became a story for me to just stare at and think she needed to knee the hero in his jewels.
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,141 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2025
Caron who runs a bookstore happens to get to dress as Audrey Hepburn but instead ends in a Marilyn Monroe.

While running into to get fixed up she runs into Baxter!

Ultra rich, gets who and what he wants. Is trying to figure out why his VP has messed with his company!

He is an alpha male to the max. He could have brought me tome knees like he does Caron.

A fast fun flirty hot read.
Profile Image for Veronica LaRoche.
4,627 reviews69 followers
October 12, 2019
This was a good story but hardly had anything too do with Christmas but I did enjoy Caron & Baxter’s story. Caron & Baxter were perfect together and a very low angst story. Great read with enjoyable characters.
Profile Image for Anna-Marie Buchner.
933 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2021
Baxter and Caron what a interesting couple. I really liked the read and I loved their chemistry. Caron was a straight shooter and even though she may have had her insecurities she came off strong and confident and landed her man without even trying. This is worth the read.
Profile Image for Buffyanna.
989 reviews43 followers
Read
December 15, 2022
Sorry! The third person narrative and cheesy love-at-first-sight premise isn’t working for me. I usually try to avoid DNFs, but at this time of year I just don’t have the patience or fortitude to push through. This feels thin, formulaic, and I keep putting in down.
Profile Image for Molly.
1,138 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2020
From the title, I was expecting a Christmas story. Instead I got a romance with shy Caron and bold Baxter and a FBI investigation. Although not what I was expect, I wasn’t disappointed.
374 reviews
November 27, 2020
Great Christmas Story

Always love your books. This one was perfect. Passion, drama, live, it had it all. Loved Baxter and Caron. Thank you.
1,000 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2020
Really Assume

5 stars for a really good book. I loved the characters and the story line. I'm hooked on this author now and, will probably be buying more of her books.
Profile Image for Stacy Sabala.
1,056 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2020
Book Review- Santa Baby by Lisa Renee Jones

This novella centers around Caron, who owns her own business called the Book Nook. She is just a regular person. However, in this book she gets a chance to be someone else for a little while. She gets to be Marilyn Monroe for a night. Nothing like being Marilyn to give a girl some confidence.
Hmmm… Baxter Remington doesn’t give a good first impression. He is on the hunt and finds Caron in his sights. Ugh! Not an attractive picture in my mind. He does start to grow on me as things evolve in the story. He is caught in a major issue concerning his company. Caron is a mess herself. Her luck is not always the best as she struggles to live her dream. She however is a genuine character. You like her instantly as she deals with her daily struggles. I do wish her self-esteem would have been better. Why wouldn’t Baxter want a relationship with her. She is shocked that he actually likes her. It is truly crazy.
This story had a lot of hurdles both characters had to overcome to make things work. Caron showed how smart she was. It was a good read. It brought Baxter into the light as a normal person and created more excitement for Caron’s safe life. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Profile Image for PepsiGirl.
478 reviews
January 6, 2014
Another quicker read, sometimes I'm just in the mood for this type of story. Starts off with an unexpected meeting of Caron and Baxter, while she's not at her best and he definitely is. Had George Clooney visual in my head the whole time, I like him. Anyway, he is smitten by her and there's something real about her that he is so attracted to. He pursues her and the game is on well because she's not taking any of this serious, I mean, knowing who he is being attracted to her, well she's not buying it but she's not turning it down either. Thinking it's only a one night stand but not really wanting it to be, she ducks out and leaves him wondering. He doesn't give up on her and is not letting her go that easily. There is the side drama that is threatening Baxter's livliehood and their fledgling relationship. Always on the outside but the secret that she keeps is the one he can't forgive. I liked this story. I really liked how these two just went at it when they saw each other, she would be worried about him and he would finally show and she opened the door and he's all over her and said I'll be all right when I'm in you. Wow, I liked that. He kept telling her to walk away so she wouldn't get bogged down in his drama and she would try but she'd find herself back in his arms and she would say I wouldn't want to be any where else. He never treated her bad, so sick of stories like that. They both fell hard and fast for each other even though the timing was wrong, so they thought. Christmas takes place at the very end of this story. Strange that the name is Santa Baby.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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