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The Christmas Thief

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An Enemies to Lovers Billionaire Boss Standalone Holiday Romance

It was supposed to be just one little lie, one small deceit that should've helped me get the job of my dreams. I didn't know it would cost me my pride, my principles, and my Christmas.

Jack Harden is a demanding, stubborn, and arrogant devil who stole my favorite holiday from me, and now I have to spend Christmas with him in New York.

Did I mention that he is also hot as hell? Well, it doesn't really matter, because no way am I gonna let myself be attracted to a cold, merciless man, who loves nothing but money and power.

And no matter how many challenges he has prepared for me, I'll handle it. What can go wrong if we spend a couple of nights working in his Penthouse, right?

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

32 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Kate J. Blake

70 books140 followers
Kate J. Blake writes spicy romance novellas for naughty readers who love hot heroes and happily-ever-afters.

Originally from Ukraine, Kate currently resides in Southern California, enjoying the warm weather all year round.

Kate used to work as a stylist, and loves everything about fashion. She's a fan of online shopping, and buys tons of useless stuff, trying to convince her husband that she possibly can't live without all of that.

Kate reads 100+ books a year, but still orders many more titles than she could ever possibly read. She loves binge-watching romance TV shows and always misses her writing deadlines.

Kate has visited 30+ countries, and is not planning to stop travelling any time soon. You can find out more about her trips through her social media accounts.

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5 stars
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38 (21%)
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14 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews103 followers
February 13, 2021
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy.

Crystal has worked for Jack Harden for over a year, and she has watched woman after woman be passed over for promotion more time than she cares to think about. Crystal wants her chance to show the world what she can do. But in order to do that she needs to fudge the truth a little, so when there is a competition she submits a fake resume, and finally gets her chance when she’s picked from all the other applicants. But now she is faced with having to explain her lies to her very intimidating and very hot boss. To say he isn’t pleased with the deception is an understatement, so when he tests her she knows that there is nothing that she isn’t willing to do in order to make him see she’s perfect for the job. But as she spends time with Jack she sees beneath his polished veneer to the man he really is but will he put her trust in her or will she constantly be made to jump through hoops? Love wasn’t on the agenda with but her heart went it’s own way, could he be her happy ending or her destruction?

Jack Harden inherited his company from his father and had worked hard to get the company where it is today, but there is always room for improvement, so sets up a challenge for his staff to increase sales, after Crys Aguas turns out to not be anything he was expecting, for a start he is a she, a very attractive she but Jack abhors being lied to. So when she calls him out and not only implies that he is sexist, he is annoyed and impressed. There is only one way to deal with this situation, get her to walk away. But at every turn she shows him exactly what’s she’s made of and his heart suddenly decides she is his reason for living, he has one final test for her but will she pass with flying colours or will this last challenge shatter her love for him and will he be able to glue them back together?

Both Jack and Crystal are single parents and have seen betrayal from the very people that were meant to love them. The chemistry between them is spot on, the characters are easily relatable too and it’s a great little read. I have read a few books by this author now and each are insta love at its most entertaining. I’m guessing you know know I’m going to recommend this as fantastic read. 4* easily given.
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,422 reviews137 followers
December 13, 2020
Sweet story. Crystal works for Jack, not that he knows that, but she applies for a higher position, leading them to believe she’s a guy. When she gets the job...surprise...she’s a woman. I love that Crystal really goes after what she wants, and holds her own. Jack is a cutthroat business man, and a bit of a handful. These two are older, so for me this was a second chance for both of them to get the hea they both deserve.

Safe read, with some serious heat. A little pushing away, but I understood the reasoning behind it. A heart warming grovel...gotta love those, a sweet epilogue and a well deserved hea.
Profile Image for Love-Leigh Book Reviews.
320 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2020
This was a very quick enjoyable Christmas romance. Jack and Crystal are fantastic and bring the friction, chemistry and heat right from the start. I really love that Crystal is a strong go-getter of a heroine and isn’t afraid to challenge Jack no matter how intimidating he is. Their differences and personal revelations make for an eager build up and impassioned conclusion.

Something that always stands out to me is an authors pacing and the pacing in this book is one of the smoothest and well written that I’ve read. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Kate J. Blake.
11 reviews
December 5, 2020
I was waiting for a new book from this author from the moment I finished the "Tuscany Nights" series. And I wasn't disappointed at all!!! "The Christmas Thief" is an amazing novella, so hot I had to go to the shower after, haha)
Anyway, I'm waiting for more books from this incredible new author, and I hope to see them very soon.
Profile Image for Bookjunkie_Anne.
1,206 reviews
January 18, 2021
4⭐️

This was a fun, short read. Read it right after I finished an ARC.

I love how Crystal was a no-holds-barred kind of woman. How she went after what she wants despite the hurdles in her way. Jack was... I loved his grumpiness. I enjoyed the boom!

I wish this was a full length novel. I would've wanted to read more.
Profile Image for Jen  C.
430 reviews15 followers
January 6, 2021
I absolutely loved The Christmas Thief, is a dual POV, quick Christmas romance.

Jack is a ball-crushing businesses man, Crystal is at the top of her game in marketing.
She wants a promotion, but he's definitely not prepared for the little surprise he gets at the interview.

Crystal is everything Jack never knew he wanted and more!
Profile Image for KKEC Reads.
1,107 reviews71 followers
December 8, 2020
Published: November 29, 2020
Amazon Digital Services
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kate J. Blake is an avid traveler who loves to read. She tried to incorporate her travels into her writing. She writes about strong females and alpha males, and she is a fan of a steamy scene. A self-proclaimed coffee addict, she loves her real-life superhero and their chubby kitty.

“He kisses me, and I feel like the whole world stops for a moment; I feel like there are only two people left in the entire universe, and nothing else matters.”

Jack Harden is a wealthy, powerful man who is used to getting his way. He is driven, direct, and does not like a distraction. Crystal is ambitious, smart, and brave. She wants to be seen as the force she is. She wants to move up in the company because she deserves it, but she hasn’t been given the opportunity. So she takes matters into her own hands.

This was a deliciously steamy romance. I have never read Kate Blake before, but I will have to add her to my reading repertoire. This is the story of a power couple, finally realizing what they want and what they deserve.

I love that Crystal is so outspoken. She is not afraid to go after the things she wants and the things she knows she deserves. Sure, she’s attracted to her boss. But she also knows he is a workaholic who doesn’t have time for strong women.

Jack is authoritative and bold, but he also values honesty. He has kept everyone at arm's length for his protection and has hidden behind a rocky exterior to prevent any risk of heartbreak.

The physical attraction is immediate. The mental and emotional appeal follows quickly. I very much enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. I love how Jack was written to be a billionaire, to have everything, and yet he was missing something so fundamental: love.

Crystal rocks his world when she calls him out for his lack of female marketing assistants. And again, when she smiles at him. Their relationship has a quick build and a whirlwind finish.

Not your typical Christmas time love story, this will make you forget it’s holiday themes at all. A super steamy, charming, quick, and easy read. Who doesn’t love a man who goes after what he wants? And who doesn’t love a woman who refuses to settle for less?
Profile Image for Come_read_with_me_.
896 reviews21 followers
December 4, 2020
This book is not your typical Christmas romance book. No, this is passionate, powerful and forbidden.

Crystal wants a promotion, she deserves the promotion however her boss, Jack, doesn't even know she exists. When the opportunity comes around, Crystal does anything in her power to ensure she is heard and be taken seriously. If that includes going on a business trip to New York with Jack, so be it.

This book is HOT!! About 70% of this Novella is steam, FYI. Is it inappropriate, unprofessional and forbidden? Definitely.
At the very start, Jack is rude, arrogant and just plain horrible however the character development is massive. By the end of the book, I genuinely thought I was reading about a different character. Crystal is determined and she knows what she wants. She is hardworking and I admire her passion.

The time frame is quick, it wasn't very realistic however I had to remind myself, this is a novella. This book could easily be made into a series or even a longer book. There were so many things I wanted to know more about. I would love to have seen Crystal and Jack in other settings, and maybe we will?

I think with a little bit of editing, this book could easily get 5 stars. The storyline is strong and the characters are likeable.

I enjoyed this read and I would like to thank the author for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christine F..
277 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2020
“The Christmas Thief”— Kate Blake [4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️] This was a fun, quick, and sexy holiday novella that’s an enemies to lovers story involving a billionaire boss. Crystal has been working really hard at her job and wants this new promotion, but her boss Jack doesn’t even know she exists. She alters her resume to be able to land a meeting with her boss and he’s quite demanding and stubborn as she thought. Jack makes her attend a business trip with him that he has in New York, and now she has to spend a couple days and Christmas with this frustrating man. Crystal is extremely dedicated and hardworking and determined to prove to Jack and this investor that she’s the right person for the job, given the obstacles she’s about to face. In the beginning Jack’s character was very unlikeable, but as the story progresses his character evolves so much and we learn the reasonings as to why he has been the way he has. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, and although the timeline of events was not very realistic, I have to remember that it is a novella and we had to get a lot in, in a short amount of pages. I really enjoyed this book, I just wish it may have been a little longer, but overall it was super fun and I highly recommend checking it out! 👍🏼📚
Profile Image for Babel.
2,359 reviews198 followers
December 6, 2020
I'm always in favour of a hot, stern boss who finds love unexpectedly. And this seasonal novella is a good gift to treat my romantic cravings.

Fast-paced, passionate, and satisfyingly wrapped up with a redeemed man. The plot has a little of everything to spice it up. Smart woman fighting for her rights, a powerful boss who realizes how deserving and undervalued his employee is, luxurious and sensual business trips, love put to the test, ardent lovemaking to heat up any winter holiday, and characters with broken dreams who make them true in time to save happiness together.

I liked the way Crystal explains and proves Jack Harden's weak points, how she exposes her marketing ideas, and how honest she always is. And even though Jack is hard-hearted, he has redeeming qualities and also earns his second chance. Lovely and engaging.
423 reviews16 followers
December 10, 2020
“"𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏'𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅?" 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆. "𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆." ”—𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇, 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑱.𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒌𝒆

Another amazing billionaire romance novella from Kate, with all the Christmas-y feels.
I didn't know what to expect as I began reading, but all I found was a magic.
They seemed like opposites but, boy, did they click!
Without giving too much away about Jake and Crystal, ‘The Christmas Thief’is a short, hot (extremely steamy! ) and beautiful office romance, you'll no doubt enjoy!

(𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦��� 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳.)
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,676 reviews6 followers
December 16, 2020
A very cute and fast paced short story about Crystal who has been trying to get a promotion for the company that she has worked for a long time, but the boss Jack never makes the time to see anyone. Crystal goes to extremes to gain his attention and once she has it she doesn't hold back what she thinks about him or the way he conducts business and Jack finds this refreshing because he is use to others sucking up to him. Jack and Crystal have quite a bit in common but Jack finds trust in others a hard thing to come by so can he let go and learn to trust Crystal or is he doomed to be alone forever? A very cute read that I enjoyed with plenty of steam to keep you warm!
Profile Image for Summerlynn83_reads.
767 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2020
Shew, this book was definitely a whirlwind of a holiday novella. So many topics were covered. So many emotions were evoked. I wasn’t sure if it was Jack or Crystal that needed some sense shaken into them at certain points. Some things were clear along the way...both Jack and Crystal had pasts that they were still struggling with, they both had insecurities they were hiding from themselves and others. Although I’m not a big fan of instalove I feel like this book was somewhat different and that’s what kept my attention. Their chemistry and snarky banter definitely didn’t hurt either. Overall I really enjoyed this story and would definitely read more from Kate J. Blake.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,406 reviews20 followers
December 8, 2020
This book was HOT HOT HOT. Quick holiday read. Jack and Crystal work together, he wants to pretty much crush her spirit in the work department, test her but as he spends time with her, he catches ALLLL the feelings. He is sooooo swoony with his declaration!! Will definitely read more from this author!
Profile Image for colelovesreading_nz.
247 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2020
4.5 stars.
I love me a hot billionaire Christmas romance.
Pushing to further her career, Crystal thinks of a way to get an appointment with her hot and arrogant boss. Never did she think her life would flip at the hand of someone she detests.
This is a great novella sized read. Powerful and smart women, a hot and possessive alpha with a great story inside.
I wish this there was more!
This comes recommended.
Profile Image for Danielle Melo .
318 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between the characters was there. The story building was great. Who doesn't love a short holiday read with a billionaire and a headstrong female who knows she deserves more than what she has. I can't wait to read more books by Kate!!
1,018 reviews13 followers
December 7, 2020
The Christmas Thief was a fantastic little novella! I enjoyed Jack and Crystal's journey! My only wish is l would have loved more, to see what may have come after that epilogue!
4 reviews
December 7, 2020
Every single book I read by this author makes me. incredibly happy) It always seems that I got into a fairytale, and I don't want it to end! Waiting for more books from this author!
Profile Image for Carla.
656 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2020
Review


This is not your average Christmas story but you will cheer Crystal on as the story progresses. Crystal is a single mom of an older teenager who is looking for a promotion at her job. One small change to her resume and she finds herself in the running for the promotion but at what cost? Deception and trust on her boss’s side leads to him seeing exactly how strong Crystal.

Overall, this book was great. This was my first time reading this author but she has made a fan out of me.
Profile Image for Rebecca Green.
19 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2020
Excellent read

Thank you for an awesome read I love your work and can't wait to read more books you write next
Profile Image for Just Love books.
638 reviews16 followers
December 23, 2020
~4.5⭐Rating~

Crystal loves her job, she is good at it and she works hard. So when a promotion she has been eyeing comes open Crystal is prepared to do just about anything to get the spot and if a small fib is needed to get her there then so be it. She just didn't think she would have to actually spend Christmas with her total alpha boss Jack in New York alone in his penthouse. What's the worst that could happen, right?

••

This was a super fast steamy read about a strong female clashing with a strong male only to end in explosive passion. I absolutely loved Crystal! She was a strong outspoken woman that knew what she wanted and went for it. I loved that she called Jack out on not having any female marketing assistants, this just added to their amazing dynamic and steamy chemistry. Where as Jack is our typical good looking, closed off rich hero. I liked that it was Crystal's honesty that opened Jack up.

••

This was a fast paced read that checked a lot of boxes in the office romance/arrogant boss trope. It wasn't so much a Christmas story more than that it happened at that time of the year, the story truly focuses on Crystal and Jack's dynamic.

••

This was a great book and a first from this author for me but it definitely wont be the last.
Profile Image for Vanessa Lawford.
1,176 reviews10 followers
December 31, 2020
WOW!!! This book was really good. I loved this story and couldn't put it down.

An ARC was kindly provided in exchange for a honest and voluntary review by Sweet Treats Book Blog.
Profile Image for Jamanda.
410 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2021
Brilliant read

Another great story from Kate j blake. If you like , raunchy, fast paced love stories. This one is for you. Jack and crystals road to love is instant from the beginning. They have this attraction to each other that they know that shouldn't act on but when they do its pantie soaking. Add this to your must read list.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
February 1, 2021
Jack Harden is a demanding, stubborn, and arrogant work-a-holic. Crystal wants to be recognized for her professional skills. She wants a promotion and feels she has rightly earned it. Now she will be spending Christmas with him in New York. Will things go as she planned?

I love a story with humor and banter, and watching Jack and Crystal together was fun and made reading their story worthwhile. Grab your copy and enjoy this fun read where both of them are challenged to become better and to share trust. Can they do it? Can they rise above their insecurities and become the person they aspire to be?
3,553 reviews52 followers
January 11, 2022
This story is just plain fun! Crystal and Jack's first meeting was truly entertaining, and as is the rest of the story. I love how bold and firm Crystal is as she tries to show how capable she is. I love how romantic and sweet Jack turns out to be as he falls for Crystal. This was a great story.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Heather Nichole White.
45 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2021
Thank you Kate J Blake for giving the world this book. And what a perfect time of year for it to be released also! A sweet, thrilling short novel that will have your heart strings pulled.
Profile Image for Jo Reads Romance.
945 reviews65 followers
January 6, 2021


Enjoyable billionaire romance
3 stars

There’s something of an insta-love vibe about this short, Christmassy book, the first story I’ve read by Kate J. Blake.

All in all, I liked Ms Blake’s writing style and it was never a chore to pick up and continue this short story. It’s fairly short at 99 pages so will take you little over an hour from beginning to end.

Crystal tells a tiny little lie in order to get a chance at her dream job. A job with billionaire Jack Harden. With one look, Jack is smitten - but he’s also been burned before, so he lives up to his terrible reputation and hires Crystal for the job only to resolve to get her to quit. Sounds like some superb male logic right there!

There is a lot of talk about Crystal being too young to be taken seriously in her new role as a marketing assistant. Or maybe it’s head of marketing. But by my calculations, she’s about 34 years old, which is quite old to be just starting out in the field.

I liked both Crystal and Jack both individually and together. I just felt that the balance of power in the relationship was always in Jack’s favour. There’s a lot of talk about the reason Jack doesn’t employ women, and about others people in the field being misogynist, racist, ageist etc. For some reason that whole story arc gave me 80s power suit, corporate America vibes. I’m still not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.

The first sex scene - and incidentally our couple’s first kiss - made me a little uncomfortable. Crystal attempts to push Jack away. She even says “no” out loud. We, as readers, hear her internal monologue where she realises she *does* want this and want to be with Jack…but all Jack really know is that she tried to push him away and she said no. And yet he doesn't stop. Iffy.

But as a whole, the relationship builds nicely and is hot and sexy enough to keep me happy.

There are a smattering of bad word choices and swapping between past and present tenses. Nothing a good editor wouldn’t spot but bothersome none the less.

I genuinely battled between giving this book 3 or 4 stars. I settled on a high 3 stars as I liked the story but there were a few issues that niggled at me. I look forward to reading more from Kate J. Blake and I would recommend this story to you if you enjoy a fun and quick billionaire romance.


Profile Image for Brittnie Becker.
244 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2020
I really got lost in this short read crystal changes her name on an resume to prove that she is capable of heading a cosmetic project and proving her boss is sexist and racist.

But jack harden proves he is no such thing by still taking a risk on crystal in business and a relationship but will the two make it through the holidays or will crystal take her business else where knowing she is a hard working woman.
Profile Image for Innergoddess_Booklover.
603 reviews
December 17, 2020
I love Kate J Blake’s books . The Christmas Thief is what I needed to read today. Loved everything about this Xmas Novella . Makes want to take a trip to nyc 🎄.
Profile Image for Lizacskaa.
228 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2023
they got married after knowing eachother for 3 days. 3. DAYS.
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