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Stocking Stuffer
When Bailey Willis plays Santa's elf for her company's Christmas party, she never expects the man playing the role of Santa to be the childhood crush who broke her heart at sixteen.
Montgomery "Mack" Macholan realizes he made a mistake when he let Bailey go home on prom night without kissing her. Now ten years later he's playing Santa to her sexy elf and he can't keep his hands off her.
Montgomery "Mack" Macholan realizes he made a mistake when he let Bailey go home on prom night without kissing her. Now ten years later he's playing Santa to her sexy elf and he can't keep his hands off her.
184 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2021
75 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Smith
142 books2,203 followersLauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 19, 2022
So bad it’s good???? Counted 10+ times it said “sexy” in the first 2 chapters. The melodrama was 12/10, the smut was lacking though.
August 6, 2022
An interesting Christmas story. Loved reading this sexy romance. 4☆
November 14, 2022
This is our book clubs “sisterhood of the traveling book” pick and let me TELL YOU, I will never get this time of my life back 😂 I can say that I laughed OUT LOUD and that I have never been happier to be in a committed QUEER marriage 😂😂😂 ugh, I guess it was worth the laughs but the second hand embarrassment was CRINGEY.
December 2, 2022
My book club’s “Sisterhood of the Traveling Book”. Easily the worst book I ever have/will read. I will never get this time back and I need to go read a slasher/horror novel now. Even reading this out of pure satire was incredibly painful. The end.
December 29, 2021
Bailey and Mack were best friends, neighbors, and 1/2 of a whole for the first 16 & 18 years of their lives. That is until Mack decided that it was better to not kiss the girl he actually cared for and allowed her to walk away. For 10 years, avoidance was the game they played every though their parents were still neighbors and still very close. When Bailey is tasked to play an elf for her new company holiday party she is floored when Mack waltzes into the cottage looking like an entire meal and she hasn't eaten in months! Can she resist the boy, now man who broke her heart or will the full body pulsing that's going on win?? What a cute read about second chances, family conspirators, and spicy seegsy times!
December 26, 2021
Tender second chance
It's a pretty cute and loving story between Mack and Bailey who were neighbors as children. Their story is predictable, and I found Bailey's character to make a big deal out of a situation that from the start might have been straightforward, just like her choices.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
It's a pretty cute and loving story between Mack and Bailey who were neighbors as children. Their story is predictable, and I found Bailey's character to make a big deal out of a situation that from the start might have been straightforward, just like her choices.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
December 6, 2024
I was looking for a fun, short story, so when I was offered this one, I said yes!
This was a cute story! Not everything was "cute" (if you know what I mean), but the concept of being in love with each other since childhood? Adorable! Who knew that getting forced to play Santa could work out so well?
This was a cute story! Not everything was "cute" (if you know what I mean), but the concept of being in love with each other since childhood? Adorable! Who knew that getting forced to play Santa could work out so well?
December 21, 2021
If you're looking for a short, second chance, Christmas romance story with plenty of steam, the Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith is the book for you.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
March 12, 2022
The storyline grabbed and kept my attention throughout the pages. The characters are engaging and entertaining throughout the pages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 24, 2021
Stocking Stuffer by Lauren Smith is a wonderful romantic Christmas novella; as I have said this before, anything written by this author is always going to be fun, romantic and sexy.
Bailey Willis, our heroine, is attending her first holiday retreat for the company she works for, and has been picked to be an elf at the fundraiser event; she wasn’t thrilled, especially with her costume a bit revealing. While waiting for Santa to show up, Bailey is shocked to see someone from her school days (10 years ago) is playing Santa.
Mack Macholan, our hero, is also shocked to see Bailey, and enthralled how she has grown up, and is beautiful, not to mention sexy. Mack remembers when he walked away from her during the prom, and regrets his mistake; and goes out of his way to make amends, using all his charm. Bailey is hesitant, since she has not forgotten Mack had hurt her, but she still finds herself attracted to him.
What follows is an awesome fun steamy romance, with Mack doing everything in his power to win Bailey over. The relationship between Mack and Bailey heats up quickly (it is a novella 😊), with the chemistry between them sizzling. They were great together, as friends and romantically. Will Mack allow himself to fall in love with Bailey, since he doesn’t believe in permanent relationships?
Stocking Stuffer was a fantastic fun steamy story, which was so very well written by Lauren Smith. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and prayed they would find a way to stay together, as they were so awesome. Stocking Stuffer was an uplifting story and just in time for the holidays!
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Bailey Willis, our heroine, is attending her first holiday retreat for the company she works for, and has been picked to be an elf at the fundraiser event; she wasn’t thrilled, especially with her costume a bit revealing. While waiting for Santa to show up, Bailey is shocked to see someone from her school days (10 years ago) is playing Santa.
Mack Macholan, our hero, is also shocked to see Bailey, and enthralled how she has grown up, and is beautiful, not to mention sexy. Mack remembers when he walked away from her during the prom, and regrets his mistake; and goes out of his way to make amends, using all his charm. Bailey is hesitant, since she has not forgotten Mack had hurt her, but she still finds herself attracted to him.
What follows is an awesome fun steamy romance, with Mack doing everything in his power to win Bailey over. The relationship between Mack and Bailey heats up quickly (it is a novella 😊), with the chemistry between them sizzling. They were great together, as friends and romantically. Will Mack allow himself to fall in love with Bailey, since he doesn’t believe in permanent relationships?
Stocking Stuffer was a fantastic fun steamy story, which was so very well written by Lauren Smith. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and prayed they would find a way to stay together, as they were so awesome. Stocking Stuffer was an uplifting story and just in time for the holidays!
Barb
The Reading Cafe
March 15, 2022
What a sweet yet steamy romance!!
Bailey Willis hasn't spoken to Montgomery "Mack" Macholan in the ten years since the night of his senior prom, when he broke her heart. Even though they grew up next door to each other and had always been a huge part of each other's lives, that one moment brought their friendship to a screeching halt. Somehow they avoided being home at the same time for the holidays once they were both in college.
But sometimes life and fate have a way of bringing two people back together! That's the case here when Bailey is volunteered to play the elf at her company's Christmas party and comes face to face with Mack, who lost a bet and is playing Santa. Who knew that both of them were working at the same company, just in different divisions!
Bailey is not happy to discover that Mack still has her heart and Mack discovers that the little girl next door has grown up in the ten years since they've spoken! Hmmmm
I LOVED this story! Mack is everything that a teenage girl and a 26 year old woman dreams of. He's hot and funny and he loves with all that he's got and goes after what he wants with a vengeance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I look forward to reading more by Lauren Smith!
Bailey Willis hasn't spoken to Montgomery "Mack" Macholan in the ten years since the night of his senior prom, when he broke her heart. Even though they grew up next door to each other and had always been a huge part of each other's lives, that one moment brought their friendship to a screeching halt. Somehow they avoided being home at the same time for the holidays once they were both in college.
But sometimes life and fate have a way of bringing two people back together! That's the case here when Bailey is volunteered to play the elf at her company's Christmas party and comes face to face with Mack, who lost a bet and is playing Santa. Who knew that both of them were working at the same company, just in different divisions!
Bailey is not happy to discover that Mack still has her heart and Mack discovers that the little girl next door has grown up in the ten years since they've spoken! Hmmmm
I LOVED this story! Mack is everything that a teenage girl and a 26 year old woman dreams of. He's hot and funny and he loves with all that he's got and goes after what he wants with a vengeance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I look forward to reading more by Lauren Smith!
February 8, 2023
Bailey Willis & Montgomery Macholan, aka Mach, lived next door to each other all their young lives, but went their own ways after graduating.
Ten years on, they unknowingly, both now work for the same company - different departments and different floors - and are thrown together at the company’s Christmas party when they are persuaded into the roles of Santa and Santa’s helper just two days before Christmas, when they are due to travel home to be with their families.
A heavy snowstorm and a power outage across the region puts paid to their immediate travel plans, and forces them to spend more time together.
They have a lot to catch up on, but past hurts stop both from being open and honest with each other.
Will they be able to resolve the issues from their past, and move forward together? Or continue to mistrust themselves and each other?
I loved this book, which is well written, with a believable plot and characters, and recommend it if you like to read steamy romances with some laughs along the way.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Ten years on, they unknowingly, both now work for the same company - different departments and different floors - and are thrown together at the company’s Christmas party when they are persuaded into the roles of Santa and Santa’s helper just two days before Christmas, when they are due to travel home to be with their families.
A heavy snowstorm and a power outage across the region puts paid to their immediate travel plans, and forces them to spend more time together.
They have a lot to catch up on, but past hurts stop both from being open and honest with each other.
Will they be able to resolve the issues from their past, and move forward together? Or continue to mistrust themselves and each other?
I loved this book, which is well written, with a believable plot and characters, and recommend it if you like to read steamy romances with some laughs along the way.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 25, 2021
I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving a free copy. This was an amazing second chance romance short story with a happily ever after. Although I prefer books written in first person POV, this book was amazing. It brought the spirit of love and Christmas magic.
Bailey has loved the boy next door for as long as she could remember. But when he broke her heart at age 16, she never thought she would be able to fill that hole, until she was volunteered to play the elf at her work Christmas party that reignited her belief in Christmas magic.
Mack has always loved the girl next door, but because of their age difference he talked himself into thinking they couldn’t be. He never thought he would get another chance with her until he lost a bet at work. Now he has a chance to make things right and with the help of a little Christmas magic, his dreams may possibly come true.
I would definitely recommend this book. Both of their parents were enjoyable, their chemistry was off the charts. I loved their banter and I loved this short story!
Bailey has loved the boy next door for as long as she could remember. But when he broke her heart at age 16, she never thought she would be able to fill that hole, until she was volunteered to play the elf at her work Christmas party that reignited her belief in Christmas magic.
Mack has always loved the girl next door, but because of their age difference he talked himself into thinking they couldn’t be. He never thought he would get another chance with her until he lost a bet at work. Now he has a chance to make things right and with the help of a little Christmas magic, his dreams may possibly come true.
I would definitely recommend this book. Both of their parents were enjoyable, their chemistry was off the charts. I loved their banter and I loved this short story!
December 21, 2021
I received a copy from Hidden Gems; this is my honest review.
TRIGGER: Attempted rape of an underage girl (not too many details, but you know it's happening).
-Loved the chemistry between the elf and Santa. Loved how Santa Mack got quite a surprise going into his cottage. Such a great pair of parents too (some parents just know). I really liked Rob too.
-The perfect definition of faith: "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to".
-I really liked how the magic of Christmas was included with the bell.
-No drama. Bailey and Mack talk to each other and are straight to the point.
-I had to laugh when Bailey was cold to the point of chattering her teeth after just one hour. It takes much more time than that to get to that point. It's not like the hotel room is ice cold the second there's no electricity.
-I didn't understand when Bailey needed time - she had 10 years to think all the possibilities that could have been or wouldn't.
TRIGGER: Attempted rape of an underage girl (not too many details, but you know it's happening).
-Loved the chemistry between the elf and Santa. Loved how Santa Mack got quite a surprise going into his cottage. Such a great pair of parents too (some parents just know). I really liked Rob too.
-The perfect definition of faith: "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to".
-I really liked how the magic of Christmas was included with the bell.
-No drama. Bailey and Mack talk to each other and are straight to the point.
-I had to laugh when Bailey was cold to the point of chattering her teeth after just one hour. It takes much more time than that to get to that point. It's not like the hotel room is ice cold the second there's no electricity.
-I didn't understand when Bailey needed time - she had 10 years to think all the possibilities that could have been or wouldn't.
December 24, 2021
Girl next door, unrequited love, second chance hot and magical holiday romance
Stocking Stuffer: A Steamy Holiday Romance by Lauren Smith is a wonderful holiday romance that holds so much promise. Bailey and Mack‘s story is magical through and through. Separated by a decade, Bailey and Mack both believe any chance of love between them is long past. Little do they know, timing or fate bring them together at the most magical time of the year.
Bailey’s heartbreak is felt deeply and Mack comes to the realization that forever with Bailey is the only acceptable outcome. The only question, is Bailey brave enough to believe in the power of the magic of the season and their love?
Overall, the magic of the season along with Mack’s determination and persistence rules this Christmas second chance romance to it’s ultimate HEA conclusion. A heartfelt, sweet and steamy Christmas romance must read.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Stocking Stuffer: A Steamy Holiday Romance by Lauren Smith is a wonderful holiday romance that holds so much promise. Bailey and Mack‘s story is magical through and through. Separated by a decade, Bailey and Mack both believe any chance of love between them is long past. Little do they know, timing or fate bring them together at the most magical time of the year.
Bailey’s heartbreak is felt deeply and Mack comes to the realization that forever with Bailey is the only acceptable outcome. The only question, is Bailey brave enough to believe in the power of the magic of the season and their love?
Overall, the magic of the season along with Mack’s determination and persistence rules this Christmas second chance romance to it’s ultimate HEA conclusion. A heartfelt, sweet and steamy Christmas romance must read.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
December 28, 2021
I absolutely loved this story. It was the perfect book to cuddle up next to the fireplace and read. A little Christmas magic is always a welcoming sight. Bailey just started a new job at Trouble, Inc. So; therefore, she was conned into being the Christmas elf that would be Santa's sidekick handing out presents to Make-a-Wish foundation. Bailey is expecting a nerdy engineer to play Santa, but she is in for a surprise when her childhood crush ends up being the sexy, hot engineer that lost a bet to be Santa. Mack is two years older than Bailey, and even though they grew up next door to each other, Mack has always kept his distance. Especially in the last ten years. Mack's problem is that he makes two years of age into sounding like twenty years instead. But through the niggling of a couple of mothers, true love, strong feelings, and a little magic, Bailey and Mack find their happy ending. This was a sweet, quick read that I could reread at Christmas time to get me in the holiday spirit!
December 29, 2021
This was an adorable girl/boy next door holiday romance.
Bailey Willis was volunteered by her boss Cheryl to play the sexy elf at the company's Christmas party. She has only worked as a graphic designer at Trouble, Inc for a few months and does not feel she can say no.
Montgomery Mack Macholan has been an engineer with the company for several years. He loses a bet with his boss and had to play Santa at the party. He also happens to abe the boy who grew up next door to Bailey that she had a gigantic crush on until he broke her heart on prom night. They are snowed in after the party and end up spending the night together when the power goes out. Bailey panics the next morning and goes home before Mack wakes up. Their parents and families have always thought they belonged together and push them together. Mack is thrilled he wants more time with Bailey but she fears he will break her heart again. Through their own Christmas miracle they fall in love and get their HEA.
Bailey Willis was volunteered by her boss Cheryl to play the sexy elf at the company's Christmas party. She has only worked as a graphic designer at Trouble, Inc for a few months and does not feel she can say no.
Montgomery Mack Macholan has been an engineer with the company for several years. He loses a bet with his boss and had to play Santa at the party. He also happens to abe the boy who grew up next door to Bailey that she had a gigantic crush on until he broke her heart on prom night. They are snowed in after the party and end up spending the night together when the power goes out. Bailey panics the next morning and goes home before Mack wakes up. Their parents and families have always thought they belonged together and push them together. Mack is thrilled he wants more time with Bailey but she fears he will break her heart again. Through their own Christmas miracle they fall in love and get their HEA.
March 1, 2022
Sometimes when I’m in a reading rut and nothing looks good book sites to find something. The cover and title of this book made me laugh so I went for it. This is a childhood sweethearts, second-chance romance. Mack broke Bailey’s heart by rejecting her as teenagers and they have spent a decade avoiding each other. Then by some Christmas magical happenstance, they end up working at the same company and being chosen by their respective departments to play Santa and his elf during a holiday party. Of course, they get snowed in and have to spend the night reconnecting and keeping each other warm *wink wink.* Mack makes one dirty talking Santa. Overall it was great. There was some magic of Christmas stuff in there that kind of lost me but I think that’s probably more my cynical nature and less an actual issue with the story. I received a free copy of this book but the thoughts and opinions are mine.
December 13, 2024
Short, sassy and steamy childhood friends become enemies to lovers
I am so accustomed to reading this author’s historical novels that I was pleasantly surprised that she could bring just as much excitement to a contemporary fiction novel. Bailey Willis and Mack Macholan have been next door neighbors for their entire lives. As children they were inseparable even as Mack got older and saw Bailey as a nuisance; later he found her cute; and as he approached 18yo, he found her dangerous. She was only 16yo to his 18yo. An event on prom night when Bailey was 16yo changed their relationship forever. Or did it? Ten years later they get a second chance. This book will help you get back the magic of the season and you might even begin to believe in Santa again. A few surprises toward the ending. Several touching moments throughout. Very funny beginning. So many magical moments or wonderful coincidences that help our couple along. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
I am so accustomed to reading this author’s historical novels that I was pleasantly surprised that she could bring just as much excitement to a contemporary fiction novel. Bailey Willis and Mack Macholan have been next door neighbors for their entire lives. As children they were inseparable even as Mack got older and saw Bailey as a nuisance; later he found her cute; and as he approached 18yo, he found her dangerous. She was only 16yo to his 18yo. An event on prom night when Bailey was 16yo changed their relationship forever. Or did it? Ten years later they get a second chance. This book will help you get back the magic of the season and you might even begin to believe in Santa again. A few surprises toward the ending. Several touching moments throughout. Very funny beginning. So many magical moments or wonderful coincidences that help our couple along. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
December 23, 2021
Sometimes second chances are everything Bailey and Mack lived next door, went to school together friends (sort of kept her at arms distance) even though he was two years older. Mack sexy as all get out boy who lived next door to the girl, he crushed on but always kept he distance from Bailey so when prom came, she asked him for a kiss of course he ran the other way leaving her breaking her heart in the process. Fast forward it is nearly Christmas and she is his elf, and he is her Santa, and the attraction is just as intense as it was years ago although this time Mack isn’t letting her go this time around. He has been given a second chance and he is a boy, and he isn’t letting his girl avoid him and throw a couple of good intention parents in the mix and you have Bailey and Mack with a second chance at happiness?
June 21, 2023
Stocking Stuffers is a modern, contemporary romance by Lauren Smith. I have only read her historical romances before this. They always brighten my day and make me smile, so it was no surprise how much enjoyment I would receive from reading this story. Mack and Bailey were childhood friends who lived next door to each other. Bailey loved Mack but he was 2 years older and thought he was doing what was right by turning her down. 10 years later they run into each other again and he realizes that he has always loved her and she has always loved him. But she is afraid to get her heart broken once more. He has to woo her and get her to accept him forever. He comes to realize that there really is Christmas Magic. I highly recommend this to all romance readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2023
Bailey and Mack were next door neighbours as kids, always together, each other’s ‘other half’. They were never a couple in spite of their secret desires. But when he was 18 and she was 16, Mack broke her heart by rejecting her, thinking he was doing the right thing - she was too young then. That was 10 years ago and they haven’t seen each other since that night.
Now thrown together at a work function, they didn’t even know they worked at the same company. Sparks fly, hearts hurt and feelings are remembered. Can Mack get Bailey to forgive him so they can finally be together like they both always wanted?
Sweet, steamy, some angst, lovable characters, a heartwarming story and a magical HEA.
Believe in the magic of Christmas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now thrown together at a work function, they didn’t even know they worked at the same company. Sparks fly, hearts hurt and feelings are remembered. Can Mack get Bailey to forgive him so they can finally be together like they both always wanted?
Sweet, steamy, some angst, lovable characters, a heartwarming story and a magical HEA.
Believe in the magic of Christmas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
November 28, 2022Bailey and Mack were the best childhood friends and only two years apart, the two were inseparable. However, Bailey always had a crush on Mack. Desperately wanting more, Bailey set off to try an woo Mack, but he ended up breaking her heart.
Flash forward to 10 years later, Bailey finally has her dream job. Stuck playing Elf for the company Christmas party, she is struck speechless when the man playing Santa is none other than Mack himself.
The two end up staying right next door at the hotel and when the feeling can no longer suppress, they burst out.
“Have you been naughty or nice this year?”
“You want to be my dirty little secret..?”
This is a super quick, feel good, Holiday romance with some steam.
Flash forward to 10 years later, Bailey finally has her dream job. Stuck playing Elf for the company Christmas party, she is struck speechless when the man playing Santa is none other than Mack himself.
The two end up staying right next door at the hotel and when the feeling can no longer suppress, they burst out.
“Have you been naughty or nice this year?”
“You want to be my dirty little secret..?”
This is a super quick, feel good, Holiday romance with some steam.
November 4, 2023
Beautiful Bells
Awe, I love a good second chance romance. Mack & Bailey have been in love with each other since they were children. Too bad he broke her heart ten yrs ago, leaving her to head off to college. A chance meeting at the holiday work party, gives Mack the chance to rewrite his future. A future that included Bailey Willis, now he just needed to bring her mind on board with her heart. This was such a beautiful story, Mack made my heart sing, he was so wonderful to Bailey. Along side that, Mack had a dirty side that made you melt into the cushions of your favorite chair. This story has a spice level ao hot & sexy, I didn't want the story to end. Check out this Christmas short story, it's a hot one for sure! Enjoy!
Awe, I love a good second chance romance. Mack & Bailey have been in love with each other since they were children. Too bad he broke her heart ten yrs ago, leaving her to head off to college. A chance meeting at the holiday work party, gives Mack the chance to rewrite his future. A future that included Bailey Willis, now he just needed to bring her mind on board with her heart. This was such a beautiful story, Mack made my heart sing, he was so wonderful to Bailey. Along side that, Mack had a dirty side that made you melt into the cushions of your favorite chair. This story has a spice level ao hot & sexy, I didn't want the story to end. Check out this Christmas short story, it's a hot one for sure! Enjoy!
November 30, 2023
I’m so happy that I got this book on stuff your kindle day! I ate this book up so quickly it’s a short novella and I always say this but it should be longer! lol.
This is a second chance romance with spice and a HEA.
Mack and Bailey are neighbors who grew up together and once Mack turned 18 Bailey turned 16, Mack walked away from Bailey and left her heartbroken. Years later they end up working together and are forced to do Christmas together but all their feelings resurface (they never truly went away either). Add spice to the mix and you got yourself a cute love story with Mack and Bailey.
I love how it was spicy but it also had a storyline. Some spicy books don’t have that.
This was easily 5 stars for me.
This is a second chance romance with spice and a HEA.
Mack and Bailey are neighbors who grew up together and once Mack turned 18 Bailey turned 16, Mack walked away from Bailey and left her heartbroken. Years later they end up working together and are forced to do Christmas together but all their feelings resurface (they never truly went away either). Add spice to the mix and you got yourself a cute love story with Mack and Bailey.
I love how it was spicy but it also had a storyline. Some spicy books don’t have that.
This was easily 5 stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
So Cute - Bailey and Mack lived next door to each other but he was 2 years older so he kept his distance even though he was attracted to her. When prom came and she asked him to kiss her, he fled and they didn't see each other for 10 years. When they had to play Santa and his elf, things really heated up. Of course, Bailey thought it was a one time thing and avoided him as much as she could, but he wasn't letting her go this time. I loved that the parents knew they should be together and Mr Ginty. what a sweetheart and a surprise
I got this book from HiddenGems and am voluntarily leaving a review
I got this book from HiddenGems and am voluntarily leaving a review
December 23, 2021
Bailey had a crush on Mack way back when but it didn't work out because she was a minor and he was not. They've been studiously avoiding each other ever since. Now they find out they work at the same company. Bailey needs to play elf to Mack's Santa for a work thingy, and their families expect them to play nice at Christmas dinner. Steam level: Sex happens. I liked what happened to the ladder. There's a nice bit of Christmas magic about a bell that stopped ringing. One sexual coercion scene might be triggering for some readers (the hero saved the day). I'm not going to reread. but it was okay for a bit of pastime. I received a Hidden gems copy and this is a voluntary review.
December 25, 2021
A quick, cute holiday romance full of steam! The couple grew up together, two years apart in age, as next door neighbors. While she was always special to him, as a kid he didn't want to date someone younger. As an adult, they didn't see each other for 10 years, avoiding each other completely because he thought he was doing the right thing one night but it broke her heart. With a chance meeting at a work event, and then both of them being home for Christmas for the first time since he left for college. Christmas magic was back for both of them. Seriously loved this story!
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an arc.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an arc.
December 26, 2021
"Stocking Stuffer" by Lauren Smith provides Bailey and Mack with the second chance they both have been avoiding for 10 years. They are thrown back together as Santa and his elf at a work function. There is no denying the heat generated by these two. The problem is the feelings Mack left Bailey with when he left.
I adored getting to see them with their families for Christmas. It gives another dynamic to their relationship. There is a great tie in to Polar Express and enough magic to make this romance a Christmas miracle.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I adored getting to see them with their families for Christmas. It gives another dynamic to their relationship. There is a great tie in to Polar Express and enough magic to make this romance a Christmas miracle.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 9, 2023
When Bailey Willis got talked into dressing up as Santa's elf to hand out gifts to kids at her work Christmas party the last person she expected to see dressed as Santa was the guy that broke her heart ten years ago.
Mack hasn't seen Bailey in years and it's quickly obvious that she hasn't let go of the hurt over how he handled things back then. Bailey isn't the sweet sixteen year old he remembered. Now she's an accomplished, stunning woman, and Mack wants her every bit as much as he did ten years ago.
But Bailey is struggling with the old emotions and hurt she can't shake and she knows if Mack changed his mind about her now she may never recover from the devastation.
Mack hasn't seen Bailey in years and it's quickly obvious that she hasn't let go of the hurt over how he handled things back then. Bailey isn't the sweet sixteen year old he remembered. Now she's an accomplished, stunning woman, and Mack wants her every bit as much as he did ten years ago.
But Bailey is struggling with the old emotions and hurt she can't shake and she knows if Mack changed his mind about her now she may never recover from the devastation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews