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Welcome to Kissing Springs #2
Secret Santa
What happens when her Secret Santa is revealed? Will she return the gifts or will she wrap herself?
At thirty-six, Axel Chase is relieved when the judge sentenced him to community service until he hears the word—Santa.
Axel is the owner of the local automobile repair shop. He just moved back to take care of his grandfather, Pop. So, on top of the business, checking in on Pop, he now has to go "Ho Ho Hoing" and it’s not the kind of hoing he wants to do.
He’s dreading the assignment, especially because Christmas hasn’t been an enjoyable time of late—his kids are with his ex-wife and mega-successful stepdad. So when his first gig as Santa ends in a kiss sure to earn himself a place on the naughty list, his feelings for Christmas and the much younger woman next door, make land him in Christmas heaven.
Alice Gardner is a dental assistant and barely remembers the office Christmas party. Her boss has always been more about fireball shots than cookie exchanges. The year, she surprised the all-female crew with a Sexy Santa. A few shots in and Alice is sitting on his lap, telling him everything she wants for Christmas, including a little silver bullet. Before she leaves, she gives the sexy Santa a bone chilling kiss, for extra incentive.
She is determined to make this the best Christmas ever. Christmas has always consisted of one batch of homemade cookies with Nana and a couple of presents under the tree. Other than a silver bullet, all Alice wants is a family.
When someone starts giving her everything off her wish list, Alice begins to believe that in Kissing Springs, Santa is real.
Tropes: Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Single Dad, Grumpy Sunshine
At thirty-six, Axel Chase is relieved when the judge sentenced him to community service until he hears the word—Santa.
Axel is the owner of the local automobile repair shop. He just moved back to take care of his grandfather, Pop. So, on top of the business, checking in on Pop, he now has to go "Ho Ho Hoing" and it’s not the kind of hoing he wants to do.
He’s dreading the assignment, especially because Christmas hasn’t been an enjoyable time of late—his kids are with his ex-wife and mega-successful stepdad. So when his first gig as Santa ends in a kiss sure to earn himself a place on the naughty list, his feelings for Christmas and the much younger woman next door, make land him in Christmas heaven.
Alice Gardner is a dental assistant and barely remembers the office Christmas party. Her boss has always been more about fireball shots than cookie exchanges. The year, she surprised the all-female crew with a Sexy Santa. A few shots in and Alice is sitting on his lap, telling him everything she wants for Christmas, including a little silver bullet. Before she leaves, she gives the sexy Santa a bone chilling kiss, for extra incentive.
She is determined to make this the best Christmas ever. Christmas has always consisted of one batch of homemade cookies with Nana and a couple of presents under the tree. Other than a silver bullet, all Alice wants is a family.
When someone starts giving her everything off her wish list, Alice begins to believe that in Kissing Springs, Santa is real.
Tropes: Age Gap, Forced Proximity, Single Dad, Grumpy Sunshine
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
80 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 17, 2022
I loved this age-gap, single-father romance. Alice was amazing, and I immediately wanted to be her friend. She's strong, yet has an underneath vulnerability that struck a chord with me. Axel was hot and sexy. His love for his children shone through, and I loved him, although there were some things I wanted to smack him about. This was cute, sexy, and heartfelt, and I will definitely read this author again.
December 21, 2023
I always love Kristin’s books! Now I’m off to see if my husband will dress up as Santa….
Book was fun and I love a curvy MFC. I fell in love with both characters and want to know them IRL.
Book was fun and I love a curvy MFC. I fell in love with both characters and want to know them IRL.
November 6, 2022
I needed this book to get me in the mood for Christmas.
It was absolutely adorable. Axel and Alice seemed so different on paper. But they had more in common than we all expected.
After both of them were burned in the past by those who were supposed to value them, all they wanted was to feel secure in their love and feelings.
"Not one time in my life have I ever been so captivated by someone. I'm so thankful that bad decisions led me to you."
Alice was the light Axel needed in his life. On the other hand, he brought the strength she yearned to feel surrounding her.
They both had insecurities to overcome, but they also had people in their lives that nudged them in the right direction.
Secret Santa was sweet and jolly. Just like Christmas.
It was absolutely adorable. Axel and Alice seemed so different on paper. But they had more in common than we all expected.
After both of them were burned in the past by those who were supposed to value them, all they wanted was to feel secure in their love and feelings.
"Not one time in my life have I ever been so captivated by someone. I'm so thankful that bad decisions led me to you."
Alice was the light Axel needed in his life. On the other hand, he brought the strength she yearned to feel surrounding her.
They both had insecurities to overcome, but they also had people in their lives that nudged them in the right direction.
Secret Santa was sweet and jolly. Just like Christmas.
November 3, 2022
Axel is having a bit of a rough patch. He is divorced, hasn’t seen his kids in a while, his grandfather has cancer, and now a DUI gets him thrown into Santa’s World. Everything seems to get brighter when Ali his grandfather’s neighbor, attends a Christmas party where Axel is Santa. When Ali sits on Santa’s lap they know exactly what they want Santa to bring them.
Axel and Ali have both been hurt in their past by people who should have been the ones that love them most. This is a steamy but sweet love strong. Their attraction to one another gets a little hot at times but the develop a wonderful relationship by just hanging out and getting to know one another. One of my favorite quotes was from Axle when Ali asked him why he called her Sunbeam. “I call her Sunbeam because she lights up the space that surrounding her. She looks on the bright side of everything.” I like this quote because Alex is beginning to see Ali for who she is not just the attraction. Of course not every is a winter wonderland there is a bump and curves along Santa’s Way to bring Ali her Christmas wish.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
Axel and Ali have both been hurt in their past by people who should have been the ones that love them most. This is a steamy but sweet love strong. Their attraction to one another gets a little hot at times but the develop a wonderful relationship by just hanging out and getting to know one another. One of my favorite quotes was from Axle when Ali asked him why he called her Sunbeam. “I call her Sunbeam because she lights up the space that surrounding her. She looks on the bright side of everything.” I like this quote because Alex is beginning to see Ali for who she is not just the attraction. Of course not every is a winter wonderland there is a bump and curves along Santa’s Way to bring Ali her Christmas wish.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
December 9, 2022
Is he just another "I don't want you anymore" person?
Axel Chase is a 36 year old divorced father of 2. His kids moved with the ex and her new husband to Arizona. Since they moved the kids, according to her, are too involved with their activities for them to come to see him or for him to go there. He sees his children slipping away from him and that's not what he wants.
Axel is now in Kissing Springs, his hometown, to care for his grandfather, Pops. Pops is battling cancer. On the way home from a night out with a buddy, Axel is ticketed for a DUI. Besides a fine, he's sentenced to 8 weeks of Santa community service. Even worse than that, the ex is now suing for full custody of Lincoln and Aspen citing his DUI among other things.
April is the 24 year old dental assistant who lives with her grandmother, Nana, next door to Pops. When she was 10, her drug addict parents dumped her at Nana's because they didn't want her. Being the new kid at school, and kids being the monsters they can be, she was bullied. She's determined to live her life as a happy, positive person. In this new life, she's Ali, Alice gone.
Axel's 1st Santa gig is at an early Christmas party for the dental office where Ali works. She not only tells Santa what she wants but gives him a lap dance, too. He recognizes her but she has no idea who he is.
As he sets out to make her wishes come true, Alice, as he calls her, begins to bring light and joy back into his life. But, then Charity, the ex-wife is getting a divorce and thinks they should get back together.
As Axel pulls back to think things over, Alice thinks he's just one more person saying, "I don't want you anymore."
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Axel Chase is a 36 year old divorced father of 2. His kids moved with the ex and her new husband to Arizona. Since they moved the kids, according to her, are too involved with their activities for them to come to see him or for him to go there. He sees his children slipping away from him and that's not what he wants.
Axel is now in Kissing Springs, his hometown, to care for his grandfather, Pops. Pops is battling cancer. On the way home from a night out with a buddy, Axel is ticketed for a DUI. Besides a fine, he's sentenced to 8 weeks of Santa community service. Even worse than that, the ex is now suing for full custody of Lincoln and Aspen citing his DUI among other things.
April is the 24 year old dental assistant who lives with her grandmother, Nana, next door to Pops. When she was 10, her drug addict parents dumped her at Nana's because they didn't want her. Being the new kid at school, and kids being the monsters they can be, she was bullied. She's determined to live her life as a happy, positive person. In this new life, she's Ali, Alice gone.
Axel's 1st Santa gig is at an early Christmas party for the dental office where Ali works. She not only tells Santa what she wants but gives him a lap dance, too. He recognizes her but she has no idea who he is.
As he sets out to make her wishes come true, Alice, as he calls her, begins to bring light and joy back into his life. But, then Charity, the ex-wife is getting a divorce and thinks they should get back together.
As Axel pulls back to think things over, Alice thinks he's just one more person saying, "I don't want you anymore."
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
October 28, 2022
“Wanting to have sex with Santa is probably a criminal offense punishable by twenty years of wearing an elf suit”.
This spicy holiday romance features a grumpy-sunshine, age-gap love affair between Ali and her new neighbor Axel. While she is a fun-loving dental assistant searching for the right guy to fit into her life, he is a single-dad, fighting for the custody of his kids and serving community service by playing Santa. While the initial spark is lustful and intense, Axel is sure that a relationship with a twenty-something is not in the cards. But when Ali asks oh so nicely for what she really wants for Christmas, her Secret Santa just might make it happen.
This was really fun! Under 200 pages, I read it in almost one sitting and loved it! Axel is the perfect grump, desperately trying to do right by the people in his life. Ali’s complex backstory but great outlook on life made me instantly want to be her friend! I was so impressed with the author’s ability to create a compelling backstory for each character while letting the story move along at a great pace.
This story is one of several in the Kissing Springs collection avialable on Kindle Unlimited on November 1st!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
This spicy holiday romance features a grumpy-sunshine, age-gap love affair between Ali and her new neighbor Axel. While she is a fun-loving dental assistant searching for the right guy to fit into her life, he is a single-dad, fighting for the custody of his kids and serving community service by playing Santa. While the initial spark is lustful and intense, Axel is sure that a relationship with a twenty-something is not in the cards. But when Ali asks oh so nicely for what she really wants for Christmas, her Secret Santa just might make it happen.
This was really fun! Under 200 pages, I read it in almost one sitting and loved it! Axel is the perfect grump, desperately trying to do right by the people in his life. Ali’s complex backstory but great outlook on life made me instantly want to be her friend! I was so impressed with the author’s ability to create a compelling backstory for each character while letting the story move along at a great pace.
This story is one of several in the Kissing Springs collection avialable on Kindle Unlimited on November 1st!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
November 2, 2022
4.5 stars! A small town romance that gave me all the Hallmark feels with the extra spice.
Favorite quotes:
"Who knew Santa delivered before Christmas?"
"I don't just want this. I need this like Santa needs his sleigh."
"You've loved and been loved. I would never regret loving someone even if it didn't work out."
There is so much Alice wants for Christmas and hopefully Santa can deliver.
Axel is trouble and Alice can see I a mile away. But that doesn't stop her from engaging with him. Axel feels he isn't good enough for Alice especially learning she's 12 years younger than him. He comes with baggage and doesn't want to lay that all on her. Plus he has 2 kids But love is no respecter of persons.
I loved that the main female character was spunky, sassy, and curvy. I also loved that she was written as someone who turned into an amazing stepmother. I don't think step parents get the credit thy deserve. Axel was moody and vulnerable which I loved as well.
Favorite quotes:
"Who knew Santa delivered before Christmas?"
"I don't just want this. I need this like Santa needs his sleigh."
"You've loved and been loved. I would never regret loving someone even if it didn't work out."
There is so much Alice wants for Christmas and hopefully Santa can deliver.
Axel is trouble and Alice can see I a mile away. But that doesn't stop her from engaging with him. Axel feels he isn't good enough for Alice especially learning she's 12 years younger than him. He comes with baggage and doesn't want to lay that all on her. Plus he has 2 kids But love is no respecter of persons.
I loved that the main female character was spunky, sassy, and curvy. I also loved that she was written as someone who turned into an amazing stepmother. I don't think step parents get the credit thy deserve. Axel was moody and vulnerable which I loved as well.
November 7, 2022
⭐️4.5
📚Reseña sin spoilers
Ali conoce a su vecino Axel y no puede evitar enamorarse poco a poco de él. Es un hombre fuerte, guapo, bondadoso y ama a su familia. ¿El único problema? Axel no está seguro de que su corazón está listo para iniciar una nueva relación. ¿Podrán los dos superar los baches del camino y permitirse ser felices?
💭Mi opinión.
Estoy enamorada de Ali y de Nana. Se me hicieron los personajes más bellos del mundo. Axel se la baña como todos los vatos porque no platican sus sentimientos y terminan metiendo la pata. Lo bueno es que se da cuenta al final de que la está regando y el wey regresa a sus cinco sentidos. Amé los sobrenombres que se ponen 💕
Te lo recomiendo si buscas un libro que tenga:
💕age gap
☀️grumpy/sunshine
👨👧👦single dad
🎄romance de navidad
📚Reseña sin spoilers
Ali conoce a su vecino Axel y no puede evitar enamorarse poco a poco de él. Es un hombre fuerte, guapo, bondadoso y ama a su familia. ¿El único problema? Axel no está seguro de que su corazón está listo para iniciar una nueva relación. ¿Podrán los dos superar los baches del camino y permitirse ser felices?
💭Mi opinión.
Estoy enamorada de Ali y de Nana. Se me hicieron los personajes más bellos del mundo. Axel se la baña como todos los vatos porque no platican sus sentimientos y terminan metiendo la pata. Lo bueno es que se da cuenta al final de que la está regando y el wey regresa a sus cinco sentidos. Amé los sobrenombres que se ponen 💕
Te lo recomiendo si buscas un libro que tenga:
💕age gap
☀️grumpy/sunshine
👨👧👦single dad
🎄romance de navidad
December 9, 2022
Welcome to Kissing Springs where all you need is a sweet Christmas story to pass the time while waiting for Santa to show up. And he certainly brings what Alice asks for when she sits on his lap and drunkenly whispers in his ear that she wants a man to love her as she is. Secret Santa wants to deliver in the best of ways. What she gets is Axel, her grandmother's neighbour from next door who is taking care of his ailing grandfather. Never mind that he is twelve years older than her. Age doesn't matter to the heart according to Ali. Axel soon comes to realize that his Sunbeam is just what he needs in his life until he goofs up and she isn't there any more. What will it take to bring her back into his life? A secret Santa with some accomplices who all have the same end in mind, that's who.
November 2, 2022
Kristin Lee did it again, with this spicy holiday romance!! I loved everything about it, and couldn't put it down.
Secret Santa was fun, charismatic and sexy all in one. This is an amazing Holiday age gap, single Dad romance, with a girl next door twist. Ali and Axel had immediate chemistry and instant attraction to each other. The SPICEY SCENES!!
All the characters in Secret Santa were so fun and easy to connect with. Especially, Ali's grandma Nana, and Axel's grandpa Pop. Nana was hysterical with her "oh lawdy, and "Honey dont call a man like that nice. A man that rugged and handsome should be dirty in all kind of ways." Pop was the sweetest.
"I always considered myself a boob guy, but Ali's legs and ass are making me reconsider."
Thank you Kristin for another amazing romance read.
Secret Santa was fun, charismatic and sexy all in one. This is an amazing Holiday age gap, single Dad romance, with a girl next door twist. Ali and Axel had immediate chemistry and instant attraction to each other. The SPICEY SCENES!!
All the characters in Secret Santa were so fun and easy to connect with. Especially, Ali's grandma Nana, and Axel's grandpa Pop. Nana was hysterical with her "oh lawdy, and "Honey dont call a man like that nice. A man that rugged and handsome should be dirty in all kind of ways." Pop was the sweetest.
"I always considered myself a boob guy, but Ali's legs and ass are making me reconsider."
Thank you Kristin for another amazing romance read.
January 20, 2026
Age-gap ✔️
Neighbors-next-door ✔️
Friends-to-lovers ✔️
This story takes two people who never expected to connect and throws them into something messy, emotional, and real. What starts as neighbors slowly turns into friendship… and then into something deeper they both try way too hard to complicate.
It’s fast-paced, engaging, and full of those moments that remind you that you don’t always get to choose who you connect with — sometimes it just happens. The chemistry feels natural, the emotions hit, and the story proves that unexpected connections can be the hardest to ignore.
Neighbors-next-door ✔️
Friends-to-lovers ✔️
This story takes two people who never expected to connect and throws them into something messy, emotional, and real. What starts as neighbors slowly turns into friendship… and then into something deeper they both try way too hard to complicate.
It’s fast-paced, engaging, and full of those moments that remind you that you don’t always get to choose who you connect with — sometimes it just happens. The chemistry feels natural, the emotions hit, and the story proves that unexpected connections can be the hardest to ignore.
December 18, 2024
Cute & Fun
This book was solidly cute, a little angsty, a little I have my secrets and will reveal them in a fun way and really just a lot of fun to read.
I liked how she helped him heal from a funk he didn’t realize had gotten so bad and he just let her be her while showing her that was wonderful.
This is a feel good book that I did not want to sit reading!
This book was solidly cute, a little angsty, a little I have my secrets and will reveal them in a fun way and really just a lot of fun to read.
I liked how she helped him heal from a funk he didn’t realize had gotten so bad and he just let her be her while showing her that was wonderful.
This is a feel good book that I did not want to sit reading!
December 1, 2022
Kristin Lee is a new author to me & this was my first book ever by her. Want a christmas book with angst, humor, & age gap well this one has it all! It a xmas book i'll be spreading word about throughout this holiday season. Axel & Ali are neighbors who end up finding some holiday enjoy in each other and it all started with a holiday party.
November 15, 2022
I just finished Secret Santa and I'm actually sad that its done, even though the HEA was perfect. Axel & Alice were just so perfect! Perfectly flawed in their baggage, but I love when character who've been hurt in the past heal each other.
When their relationship was up in the air (I won't give away details), Kristin did such an amazing job of making me cry and feel everything Alice felt. Alice's choice not to push, because she wants what we all want, to be loved and chosen was mature, strong, and proved she was perfect for Axel!
When their relationship was up in the air (I won't give away details), Kristin did such an amazing job of making me cry and feel everything Alice felt. Alice's choice not to push, because she wants what we all want, to be loved and chosen was mature, strong, and proved she was perfect for Axel!
January 3, 2023
I loved reading about Alice & Axel. The story was great & the characters were even better! Deff recommend reading this book! It’s a perfect book to read around the holidays! I loved Alice’s happy go lucky attitude & Axel’s love for his children. & I loved this book was age-gap. It was such a good book!!
March 28, 2025
Alice “Ali” Gardner The always cheery, curvy dental assistant is the one woman; you would never think that her parents were cowardly enough to say that they couldn’t raise a child, not any child, but their child, little Alice. So, they dropped her off at her Nana’s for her to raise. Not that either one would begrudge the other their time together. But as a young girl, she thought they would be back. Fourteen years later, she’s appreciating every day she has with her Nana. But as her friends are slowly but surely finding their Mr. Rights, she’s wondering if she’ll ever find him. She’s always looking at the brightest side; she does have a new job opportunity as well as a new, older neighbor with chiseled abs to keep her mind off being alone during the holidays, which is always good.
Enter Axel Chase. Ali’s soon-to-be new man. However, he has fallen on tough times. His marriage fell apart when his wife cheated, served him with divorce papers, married her gigolo, and then moved with him and their kids across the country for her husband's job. After going to a bourbon tasting on an empty stomach, he gets picked up for DUI for just barely being over the limit. This seems odd since he is a big guy, and at those things, they don't usually give you very much. Sentenced to community service as a sexy Santa.
It's when Ali’s boss hires the Sexy Santa for their office Christmas party that things get shady. At least for the neighbor/sexy Santa. Yup! Did I fail to mention that even though this millionaire lives in Lexington, his granddad’s friend, the judge, has him serving his community service in Kissing Springs? Well, yes, he is, and in part, he believes it's because the judge wanted to make sure Axel was there to take his Pop to chemo for his cancer treatment. As if Axel wasn’t there three times a week checking on him anyway.
When Axel and Ali had noticed each other across the driveway, they were both attracted, but for Axel, there was the age gap that worried him. His ex had been the love of his life, his everything, but he had no clue who she was anymore. He could never trust her anymore, at least not with his heart. It was hard enough trusting her with his children. So when Alice and he finally do try to become a couple and things become clear for them, Pop has a heart attack, and Axel tries to pull back. Alice doesn't give up on him.
It's when his Pop might not make it that he calls the ex to say he is flying the kids out to visit with Pops just in case. And their mom wanted to come too. And he neglected to tell Alice, and he tried to play both sides of the coin because his wife wanted him back, and it was his daughter who mentioned it to Alice. Imagine how that went over? She gave him pretty much the her or me talk, and he pretty much asked for time. Saying he had his kids to think about so he needed time. So she made it easier for him; she walked away. Basically, she chose herself since no one else ever did.
Not her parents and sure as hell not any of the guys she’s dated, including Axel, and since he had kids, she was content with second. But he blew that out of the water. See where they can go from here and if they even want to.
Enter Axel Chase. Ali’s soon-to-be new man. However, he has fallen on tough times. His marriage fell apart when his wife cheated, served him with divorce papers, married her gigolo, and then moved with him and their kids across the country for her husband's job. After going to a bourbon tasting on an empty stomach, he gets picked up for DUI for just barely being over the limit. This seems odd since he is a big guy, and at those things, they don't usually give you very much. Sentenced to community service as a sexy Santa.
It's when Ali’s boss hires the Sexy Santa for their office Christmas party that things get shady. At least for the neighbor/sexy Santa. Yup! Did I fail to mention that even though this millionaire lives in Lexington, his granddad’s friend, the judge, has him serving his community service in Kissing Springs? Well, yes, he is, and in part, he believes it's because the judge wanted to make sure Axel was there to take his Pop to chemo for his cancer treatment. As if Axel wasn’t there three times a week checking on him anyway.
When Axel and Ali had noticed each other across the driveway, they were both attracted, but for Axel, there was the age gap that worried him. His ex had been the love of his life, his everything, but he had no clue who she was anymore. He could never trust her anymore, at least not with his heart. It was hard enough trusting her with his children. So when Alice and he finally do try to become a couple and things become clear for them, Pop has a heart attack, and Axel tries to pull back. Alice doesn't give up on him.
It's when his Pop might not make it that he calls the ex to say he is flying the kids out to visit with Pops just in case. And their mom wanted to come too. And he neglected to tell Alice, and he tried to play both sides of the coin because his wife wanted him back, and it was his daughter who mentioned it to Alice. Imagine how that went over? She gave him pretty much the her or me talk, and he pretty much asked for time. Saying he had his kids to think about so he needed time. So she made it easier for him; she walked away. Basically, she chose herself since no one else ever did.
Not her parents and sure as hell not any of the guys she’s dated, including Axel, and since he had kids, she was content with second. But he blew that out of the water. See where they can go from here and if they even want to.
October 31, 2024
Axel Chase is not feeling Ho,Ho, as he goes to his assignment. His kids are with his ex wife and mega successful step daddy . His grandfather is ill with cancer and needs his care , he could’ve been sent to serve his community service anywhere but, here he is in Kissing Springs . Kick in the teeth he’s gotta act all jolly and not melancholy. So he goes a Ho,Ho, Ho-ing. Yup he’s playing Santa ,could it be any more cruel? But what he shows is Hercule and he has those women all a drool .Hot as heck and he’s in the flow and it’s Alice/ Ali with her whispering a Christmas list that includes a silver bullet , in his ear that has him feeling horny and hot to trot , but no Santa you can’t pull that cracker in here…. She’s having fun and he’s only just begun but oh Alice hun , it has ME undone! Alice Gardener , dental assistant can barely remember the Christmas party. Her boss hired a sexy Santa and she had a few shots , that’s all she’s got and can remember. Pity she can’t recall that hot dance on his member while whispering that a silver bullet is top of heavenly Christmas wish-list .. what you say when you’re …pissed… Alice starts to believe in Santa. She keeps receiving gifts that are on her wish list …. and isn’t that just romantic ,well when she finds out it’s Axel this has her feeling frantic. A vulnerable miss sunshine is just out for a good time and when she’s introduced to Axel he feels familiar ,somehow it’s sublime. She lives with her Nana , has since she’s was ten. When the old girl throws her keys to tease the hottie next door. Ali gets more than she bargained for on her way to work.“It’s a different day, and I had a chance encounter with an extremely sexy man.” It gets better planning her work Christmas party , yes it falls four before Christmas but hey , party! ‘ The Slutty Sleigh of Smiles’ The Santa is wearing a suit alright but it’s not off the rack , it’s hot as sin and hugs his skin on HIS magnificent rack…“legs.
“I haven’t sat on Santa’s lap for a long time. Am I supposed to tell you that I want a new skillet for my grandma or a luxury appliance like a dishwasher?” “Tell me what you really want, Sunbeam?”“I want that silver bullet back. Oh, and I want a man—not a boy.” Oh boy! Sunshine and trouble make a good double act . Should they make a love pact…“Say you want this.” Our chests almost touch on every inhale, we’re breathing so heavy. I nod my head while inhaling his woodsy cologne. He cups my chin as his thumb traces my lips. “I need words, Alice.” “I don’t just want this. I need this like Santa needs a sleigh.” Way hey! Way to go Romeo! “Who knew Santa delivered before Christmas?” But then she needs to go back and revisit Santa’s sack because Axel is by the wayside and she needs a firm rack to appease and tease her senses.
“I haven’t sat on Santa’s lap for a long time. Am I supposed to tell you that I want a new skillet for my grandma or a luxury appliance like a dishwasher?” “Tell me what you really want, Sunbeam?”“I want that silver bullet back. Oh, and I want a man—not a boy.” Oh boy! Sunshine and trouble make a good double act . Should they make a love pact…“Say you want this.” Our chests almost touch on every inhale, we’re breathing so heavy. I nod my head while inhaling his woodsy cologne. He cups my chin as his thumb traces my lips. “I need words, Alice.” “I don’t just want this. I need this like Santa needs a sleigh.” Way hey! Way to go Romeo! “Who knew Santa delivered before Christmas?” But then she needs to go back and revisit Santa’s sack because Axel is by the wayside and she needs a firm rack to appease and tease her senses.
February 21, 2023
Secret Santa, Book 2 of the Welcome to Kissing Springs series, was about 24-year-old Alice Gardner, a dental assistant, and 36-year-old Axel Chase, owner/manager of an auto shop.
Axel's grandfather lived next door to Alice's grandmother. Axel, although originally from Kissing Springs, lived in Louisville full-time. His ex-wife had remarried and taken his kids to live in Arizona, and she was constantly messing with his relationship and visitation with them. To make matters worse, he had gotten a DUI and was sentenced to 8 weeks of community service in his old hometown, which gave his ex and her mother the opportunity to take away all of his custody from him. Things weren't going well for him, and he was in a dark mood. Alice seemed to be a chipper, constantly sunny type of person, and both she and Axel kept giving each other the once-over whenever they were near each other.
These two played cat-n-mouse games for most of the first six chapters, barely speaking to each other, but definitely having wild thoughts about doing the horizontal tango. Other than that, it.was.boring.as.hell. Even the spice was hit-or-miss. By Chapter 17, it was still a slow burn...or should that be a no-burn? Let's just say it was an all-around blah story.
While the book had some good points, the bad truly outweighed them. There were quite a few grammatical errors, the steam level was...almost non-existent, and the storyline did not flow well. The main characters were badly written. The MMC was a step shy of being a wimp, easily swayed like a blade of grass tossed about in the wind. The FMC, even though she was 12 years younger, was much more mature than the MMC...10 times more mature. She had a level head on her shoulders, while the MMC was...well, he couldn't even be considered a Beta male. He was more like...a 16-year-old stunted boy in the body of a 36-year-old man. He lived in the past and let everyone control his present...and possibly his future. Was he redeemed? Not really, but I cut him some slack in the end and decided he wasn't to be written off.
Other than that, there was so much inner dialogue it overwhelmed the story. There was no easy flow to the book, and even the events in the blurb were almost missed. It just wasn't written very well. I can't give this novel more than a 2.5-star rating, rounded up to 3 just because the FMC was that good. It was nice to see she wasn't a wallflower, a pawn, not a doormat, and definitely not a pushover. I would have loved to see her hold out longer and make the MMC sweat more than she did. He really needed to suffer and grovel more.
Axel's grandfather lived next door to Alice's grandmother. Axel, although originally from Kissing Springs, lived in Louisville full-time. His ex-wife had remarried and taken his kids to live in Arizona, and she was constantly messing with his relationship and visitation with them. To make matters worse, he had gotten a DUI and was sentenced to 8 weeks of community service in his old hometown, which gave his ex and her mother the opportunity to take away all of his custody from him. Things weren't going well for him, and he was in a dark mood. Alice seemed to be a chipper, constantly sunny type of person, and both she and Axel kept giving each other the once-over whenever they were near each other.
These two played cat-n-mouse games for most of the first six chapters, barely speaking to each other, but definitely having wild thoughts about doing the horizontal tango. Other than that, it.was.boring.as.hell. Even the spice was hit-or-miss. By Chapter 17, it was still a slow burn...or should that be a no-burn? Let's just say it was an all-around blah story.
While the book had some good points, the bad truly outweighed them. There were quite a few grammatical errors, the steam level was...almost non-existent, and the storyline did not flow well. The main characters were badly written. The MMC was a step shy of being a wimp, easily swayed like a blade of grass tossed about in the wind. The FMC, even though she was 12 years younger, was much more mature than the MMC...10 times more mature. She had a level head on her shoulders, while the MMC was...well, he couldn't even be considered a Beta male. He was more like...a 16-year-old stunted boy in the body of a 36-year-old man. He lived in the past and let everyone control his present...and possibly his future. Was he redeemed? Not really, but I cut him some slack in the end and decided he wasn't to be written off.
Other than that, there was so much inner dialogue it overwhelmed the story. There was no easy flow to the book, and even the events in the blurb were almost missed. It just wasn't written very well. I can't give this novel more than a 2.5-star rating, rounded up to 3 just because the FMC was that good. It was nice to see she wasn't a wallflower, a pawn, not a doormat, and definitely not a pushover. I would have loved to see her hold out longer and make the MMC sweat more than she did. He really needed to suffer and grovel more.
November 7, 2022
Alice's Nana called her over to the window as she peeked out the sheer curtains saying 'Well, look what the cat dragged in'...
Next door there is a man under the hood of Mr. Warner's Cadillac and she understands what caught her Nana's attention. The man was breathtakingly gorgeous. When her Nana goes to take out the trash Alice tells her that she'll take it out.
She is just putting the garbage in the can when her Nana yells out the door that there is a gift for her in the car and throws out the car keys...in the wrong direction and right at the car next door.
Axel was back in his hometown to look after his grandfather who was going through cancer treatments. If his life wasn't bad enough with his ex-wife suing for full custody of their children he now has to do community service because of a DUI charge.
He was barely over the legal limit after he had met his friends at a bourbon tasting at a local brewery, but the judge decided to have some fun with him. He didn't have just any community service...no, he had to play Santa Claus for the next eight weeks.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable! Secret Santa is an age-gap romance that will keep you laughing. Although not part of the Sarasota Sharks Series there are references to that series in this story.
I love Alice and Axel. Alice has abandonment issues and when she finally finds the perfect man circumstances may take him away from her. Axel has trust issues from a cheating ex-wife who is trying her best to make his life even more miserable when he starts falling for a woman who is twelve years his junior.
This book is action-packed from page one and has all the feels. You will laugh and cry. Kristin gives another wonderful story packed with emotion and smoking-hot sexual chemistry! Highly recommend this book and anything by Kristin Lee!
Next door there is a man under the hood of Mr. Warner's Cadillac and she understands what caught her Nana's attention. The man was breathtakingly gorgeous. When her Nana goes to take out the trash Alice tells her that she'll take it out.
She is just putting the garbage in the can when her Nana yells out the door that there is a gift for her in the car and throws out the car keys...in the wrong direction and right at the car next door.
Axel was back in his hometown to look after his grandfather who was going through cancer treatments. If his life wasn't bad enough with his ex-wife suing for full custody of their children he now has to do community service because of a DUI charge.
He was barely over the legal limit after he had met his friends at a bourbon tasting at a local brewery, but the judge decided to have some fun with him. He didn't have just any community service...no, he had to play Santa Claus for the next eight weeks.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable! Secret Santa is an age-gap romance that will keep you laughing. Although not part of the Sarasota Sharks Series there are references to that series in this story.
I love Alice and Axel. Alice has abandonment issues and when she finally finds the perfect man circumstances may take him away from her. Axel has trust issues from a cheating ex-wife who is trying her best to make his life even more miserable when he starts falling for a woman who is twelve years his junior.
This book is action-packed from page one and has all the feels. You will laugh and cry. Kristin gives another wonderful story packed with emotion and smoking-hot sexual chemistry! Highly recommend this book and anything by Kristin Lee!
November 6, 2022
✅Age gap
✅Grumpy/ Sunshine
✅Single dad
✅Small town romance
Ali is a dental assistant living with her grandmother in Kissing springs. For Christmas all she wants is for someone to love her unconditionally. Axel is currently sentenced to community service in Kissing Springs after receiving a DUI. Alice’s and Axels grandparents just so happen to be neighbours. What do we think of a Christmas miracle?!
This reminds me of a hallmark movie but make it steamy! I loved the banter between Ali and Axel! This book is everything I would want in a Christmas movie!
***********Potential Spoilers**************
Parts that made me laugh:
“Pay a fine and choose a Santa service to work with. Are Santa’s in such short supply that people in handcuffs have to be used?”
“Wanting to have sex with Santa is probably a criminal offense punishable by twenty years of wearing an elf suit.”
“No, Willa took that one. Said she came into tell me that Mary was shot gunning a beer but found me straddling Santa. And kissing Santa like I was sucking on a candy cane.”
Parts that made me think:
“Love is like a chain link fence. Every link leads you to your next love. Charity led you to Lincoln then Aspen. Sometimes the metal weakens from the elements, but the fence only needs mending. The person that can mend your fence is out there.”
“Age doesn’t make you compatible. Age doesn’t make your heart pound or leave a lasting mark on your heart—chemistry does.”
✅Grumpy/ Sunshine
✅Single dad
✅Small town romance
Ali is a dental assistant living with her grandmother in Kissing springs. For Christmas all she wants is for someone to love her unconditionally. Axel is currently sentenced to community service in Kissing Springs after receiving a DUI. Alice’s and Axels grandparents just so happen to be neighbours. What do we think of a Christmas miracle?!
This reminds me of a hallmark movie but make it steamy! I loved the banter between Ali and Axel! This book is everything I would want in a Christmas movie!
***********Potential Spoilers**************
Parts that made me laugh:
“Pay a fine and choose a Santa service to work with. Are Santa’s in such short supply that people in handcuffs have to be used?”
“Wanting to have sex with Santa is probably a criminal offense punishable by twenty years of wearing an elf suit.”
“No, Willa took that one. Said she came into tell me that Mary was shot gunning a beer but found me straddling Santa. And kissing Santa like I was sucking on a candy cane.”
Parts that made me think:
“Love is like a chain link fence. Every link leads you to your next love. Charity led you to Lincoln then Aspen. Sometimes the metal weakens from the elements, but the fence only needs mending. The person that can mend your fence is out there.”
“Age doesn’t make you compatible. Age doesn’t make your heart pound or leave a lasting mark on your heart—chemistry does.”
November 14, 2022
From the moment Axel is first introduced, I could see him so clearly, I felt like I knew him personally. Never mind that he reminded me of someone I know, although that probably made me even more invested in his happiness!
Kristin Lee’s books have all the feels, and Secret Santa, Book 2 in the Welcome to Kissing Springs series, does not disappoint! While Axel and Alice have some deeply emotional scenes—together and separately—there’s also a fair share of lighthearted, fun scenes, too, not to mention the steamy stuff!
Both Axel and Alice are three dimensional characters with interesting, solid back stories. I loved how they were opposites, but even more so, I appreciated that Ms. Lee took the time to show us why they had different outlooks on life. Axel was a much deeper character than I expected, and I liked that he felt as if he’d made mistakes with his kids and wanted to make things right.
Alice—Axel calls her Sunbeam, and that’s perfect—is one of those happy-go-lucky people that really isn’t always happy. And I loved that beneath her sunshiny attitude, she was vulnerable and had her self-doubts. Even with those doubts, she was a selfless woman who wanted to make things easier for others.
Secret Santa is a swoony Christmas romance with all the steam I’ve come to expect from a Kristin Lee book. And Secret Santa delivered me a new book boyfriend—Axel in those jeans and aviators! ~ Tracy Broemmer, author of the contemporary romance, Holiday Fling
Kristin Lee’s books have all the feels, and Secret Santa, Book 2 in the Welcome to Kissing Springs series, does not disappoint! While Axel and Alice have some deeply emotional scenes—together and separately—there’s also a fair share of lighthearted, fun scenes, too, not to mention the steamy stuff!
Both Axel and Alice are three dimensional characters with interesting, solid back stories. I loved how they were opposites, but even more so, I appreciated that Ms. Lee took the time to show us why they had different outlooks on life. Axel was a much deeper character than I expected, and I liked that he felt as if he’d made mistakes with his kids and wanted to make things right.
Alice—Axel calls her Sunbeam, and that’s perfect—is one of those happy-go-lucky people that really isn’t always happy. And I loved that beneath her sunshiny attitude, she was vulnerable and had her self-doubts. Even with those doubts, she was a selfless woman who wanted to make things easier for others.
Secret Santa is a swoony Christmas romance with all the steam I’ve come to expect from a Kristin Lee book. And Secret Santa delivered me a new book boyfriend—Axel in those jeans and aviators! ~ Tracy Broemmer, author of the contemporary romance, Holiday Fling
November 1, 2022
Get yourself ready to go on this magic sleigh ride. Alice comes to live with her Nana but when it comes to love, she wanted someone who is confident and worthwhile. While, Axel’s heart was wounded before letting in love, he wanted to be healed. He is managing auto shop, taking care of pop and separated from rest of his family. Yet, love and destiny are strange, they both needed to be healed first. Like every person experiences pain in different way. Alice never opened her heart to anyone but she was seeking love and Axel’s has been through a lot, he wasn’t knowing that becoming a secret Santa will change his life completely.
Kissing Spring brought them together yet Alice needs to open her heart and Axel need to open up about his past. Will he break Alice’s heart? Are they meant to be? Will this secret santa fulfil Alice’s wishes? Will secret Santa suffer for granting her wish?
The moment completely changed their odyssey when Alice sat on Santa’s lap and shared her wishes with him. And he was her secret Santa, so he was bound to give her everything she wished for. Also the baseball game at Sarasota Shark and bringing back the characters from author’s Sarasota Sharks series were so intriguing. I loved their chemistry and character development. The emotions each character portrayed and how pain connected them was something only Kristin can do so well.
Kissing Spring brought them together yet Alice needs to open her heart and Axel need to open up about his past. Will he break Alice’s heart? Are they meant to be? Will this secret santa fulfil Alice’s wishes? Will secret Santa suffer for granting her wish?
The moment completely changed their odyssey when Alice sat on Santa’s lap and shared her wishes with him. And he was her secret Santa, so he was bound to give her everything she wished for. Also the baseball game at Sarasota Shark and bringing back the characters from author’s Sarasota Sharks series were so intriguing. I loved their chemistry and character development. The emotions each character portrayed and how pain connected them was something only Kristin can do so well.
November 26, 2022
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.
This has got to be the angstiest of all the Kissing Springs books. God, my heart ached when I read this. Alice and Axel's love was rocky from the beginning, yet I thought he was completely sure of his decision to chase her. I love the sunshine/grumpy trope the author used in this story, and I was even more delighted that Axel was the one who decided to go after Alice. It's my inner romantic that wants, no, needs the man to chase after the woman he loves. Don't get me wrong, I love a strong female lead, but when the man takes care of her, my heart melts like ice cream on a hot summer day.
Because the author said to share our favourite lines and narration, here are all my favs (4/5 lines are Axel's because his mental ramblings are hilarious):
The only two people you can grind on are Santa and me because we’re one in the same.
Should I stand in the front of the door, beat my chest, and tell her there’s no reason to go out with Darren?
Looking at her legs is my dream job. They’re full, toned, and proportionate. Application submitted.
Wanting to have sex with Santa is probably a criminal offense punishable by twenty years of wearing an elf suit.
She asks, clutching my ass like it’s the last Kate Spade bag at the outlet mall.
This has got to be the angstiest of all the Kissing Springs books. God, my heart ached when I read this. Alice and Axel's love was rocky from the beginning, yet I thought he was completely sure of his decision to chase her. I love the sunshine/grumpy trope the author used in this story, and I was even more delighted that Axel was the one who decided to go after Alice. It's my inner romantic that wants, no, needs the man to chase after the woman he loves. Don't get me wrong, I love a strong female lead, but when the man takes care of her, my heart melts like ice cream on a hot summer day.
Because the author said to share our favourite lines and narration, here are all my favs (4/5 lines are Axel's because his mental ramblings are hilarious):
The only two people you can grind on are Santa and me because we’re one in the same.
Should I stand in the front of the door, beat my chest, and tell her there’s no reason to go out with Darren?
Looking at her legs is my dream job. They’re full, toned, and proportionate. Application submitted.
Wanting to have sex with Santa is probably a criminal offense punishable by twenty years of wearing an elf suit.
She asks, clutching my ass like it’s the last Kate Spade bag at the outlet mall.
November 1, 2022
Back in Kissing Springs with Alice & Axel ❤️🎅
Hot Single Dad & he's a sexy Santa!
I was hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved this age gap secret Santa romance!! Kristin you never fail us!! 5⭐️ read for sure!!
Axel is a total grump. But with the cards he's been dealt I can totally understand. Divorced, his kids are growing and are thousands of miles away, his grandfather is dying and he's just landed himself a DUI which has landed him back in his hometown, a place that holds so much pain for him.
But there's a bright spot... or a Sunbeam if you will for our brooding hottie! His pretty, younger next door neighbor, Ali or to him Alice. She's super sweet, always caring for others and like Axel says, she's sunshine. And with what she's been through, some would find that impossible to do!
There's an immediate push and pull. The tension and chemistry is 🔥🥵🤤!! There's an instant attraction and connection despite their age! & I freaking love it!!
I also loved how Ali was able to connect with his kids, and how despite her broken heart was able to still be able to be there for them.
The ending was perfect!!! 👌
Ohhhh and special appearance for some of my fav Sarasota Sharks! 😍 I've missed them! ❤️❤️
Hot Single Dad & he's a sexy Santa!
I was hooked from the beginning. I absolutely loved this age gap secret Santa romance!! Kristin you never fail us!! 5⭐️ read for sure!!
Axel is a total grump. But with the cards he's been dealt I can totally understand. Divorced, his kids are growing and are thousands of miles away, his grandfather is dying and he's just landed himself a DUI which has landed him back in his hometown, a place that holds so much pain for him.
But there's a bright spot... or a Sunbeam if you will for our brooding hottie! His pretty, younger next door neighbor, Ali or to him Alice. She's super sweet, always caring for others and like Axel says, she's sunshine. And with what she's been through, some would find that impossible to do!
There's an immediate push and pull. The tension and chemistry is 🔥🥵🤤!! There's an instant attraction and connection despite their age! & I freaking love it!!
I also loved how Ali was able to connect with his kids, and how despite her broken heart was able to still be able to be there for them.
The ending was perfect!!! 👌
Ohhhh and special appearance for some of my fav Sarasota Sharks! 😍 I've missed them! ❤️❤️
December 12, 2022
This is another Kissing Springs book with the Santa theme. Axel is serving his “sentence” for a DUI by being a Santa for Derby Nights, a ‘full service’ entertainment company, in the weeks leading up to Christmas. He is staying with his grandfather to care for him as he goes through cancer treatments.
Ali (Alice) lives with her grandmother next door to Axel’s grandfather. She sees Axel and is intrigued by him, and the feeling is mutual for Ali by Axel.
One of Axel’s Santa gigs is a Christmas party for where Ali works. Ali gets a little drunk and when her turn comes to sit on Santa’s lap and tell what she wants for Christmas, she asks for a man, not a boy, then kisses Santa. Ali has no idea that Axel is her Secret Santa.
The two explore their attraction in the coming weeks, becoming closer, but as often happens, complications and miscommunication happen, and the relationship is threatened. How the two work through their problems will decide if their HEA is possible.
Light-hearted holiday tale.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ali (Alice) lives with her grandmother next door to Axel’s grandfather. She sees Axel and is intrigued by him, and the feeling is mutual for Ali by Axel.
One of Axel’s Santa gigs is a Christmas party for where Ali works. Ali gets a little drunk and when her turn comes to sit on Santa’s lap and tell what she wants for Christmas, she asks for a man, not a boy, then kisses Santa. Ali has no idea that Axel is her Secret Santa.
The two explore their attraction in the coming weeks, becoming closer, but as often happens, complications and miscommunication happen, and the relationship is threatened. How the two work through their problems will decide if their HEA is possible.
Light-hearted holiday tale.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2022
It's not every day that your nana throws your car keys in front of your deliciously attractive neighbor. The neighbor you haven't seen before. The neighbor with very......nice jeans.. (or maybe this is an everyday occurrence for you and you've been trying to figure out next steps, if so, here is your manual).
Axel is most delicious. A single dad, stuck with community service, taking care of his grandfather with cancer, trying to get his kids back from his ex-wife, working on cars, walking around looking like a whole meal and throwing out recommendations on which gym in Kissing Springs is the best gym in Kissing Springs.
Ali/Alice is adorable. It's made clear from the beginning that the woman's got curves. Abundant ones. She's also got a meddling nana and a less than great sense of self-worth.
This was a great, quick read (it's not overly short, just a page-turner), perfect for someone who wants to enjoy some less than innocent Santa thoughts without drowning in CHRISTMAS.
Axel is most delicious. A single dad, stuck with community service, taking care of his grandfather with cancer, trying to get his kids back from his ex-wife, working on cars, walking around looking like a whole meal and throwing out recommendations on which gym in Kissing Springs is the best gym in Kissing Springs.
Ali/Alice is adorable. It's made clear from the beginning that the woman's got curves. Abundant ones. She's also got a meddling nana and a less than great sense of self-worth.
This was a great, quick read (it's not overly short, just a page-turner), perfect for someone who wants to enjoy some less than innocent Santa thoughts without drowning in CHRISTMAS.
January 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. I love the chemistry between Alice and Axel. If you like sunshine girl and grumpy guy plus age gap then I highly recommend this book.
Alice is a happy go lucky girl that works at a dentists office. Her boss throws a Christmas party and brings one of the Derby Nights Santa to the party. Alice, after having a few drinks, tells Santa everything she needs including a man. Santa ends up bringing her home because she doesn't know that he is her next door neighbor that she was drooling over.
Axel is back in Kissing Springs to take care of his grandfather. He is trying to keep the auto shop running while helping Pops and his kids are in another state. He starts developing a friendly relationship with Alice and when things go to the next level, his ex-wife shows up with a bombshell.
Alice is a happy go lucky girl that works at a dentists office. Her boss throws a Christmas party and brings one of the Derby Nights Santa to the party. Alice, after having a few drinks, tells Santa everything she needs including a man. Santa ends up bringing her home because she doesn't know that he is her next door neighbor that she was drooling over.
Axel is back in Kissing Springs to take care of his grandfather. He is trying to keep the auto shop running while helping Pops and his kids are in another state. He starts developing a friendly relationship with Alice and when things go to the next level, his ex-wife shows up with a bombshell.
November 3, 2022
Thank you Kristin for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book. Grumpy/sunshine, age gap, curvy heroine, opposites attract and a single dad.
Ali always has a smile, she’s upbeat even though she’s felt with a lot in her past. She confident, has style and a heart of gold.
Axel he’s Trouble! Staying next door to Ali while caring for his grandpa. He’s been divorced and doesn’t have a great relationship with his kids since they live out of state and he doesn’t like it. He’s also doing community service for a DUI… his punishment? Being a sexy Santa!!
The attraction and chemistry between these two is amazing! She’s not the type he’d usually go for, but he’s drawn to her.
I didn’t want to put this down once I stared. Kristin has a way getting you hooked.
4/5 stars and 3/5 for spice!
I really enjoyed this book. Grumpy/sunshine, age gap, curvy heroine, opposites attract and a single dad.
Ali always has a smile, she’s upbeat even though she’s felt with a lot in her past. She confident, has style and a heart of gold.
Axel he’s Trouble! Staying next door to Ali while caring for his grandpa. He’s been divorced and doesn’t have a great relationship with his kids since they live out of state and he doesn’t like it. He’s also doing community service for a DUI… his punishment? Being a sexy Santa!!
The attraction and chemistry between these two is amazing! She’s not the type he’d usually go for, but he’s drawn to her.
I didn’t want to put this down once I stared. Kristin has a way getting you hooked.
4/5 stars and 3/5 for spice!
November 26, 2022
After being arrested for DUI on his way into town to check on his elderly grandfather, divorced single father and mechanic Axel Chase is sentenced to community service in the form of playing Santa for the holidays. The one bright spot about returning to his hometown of Kissing Springs is meeting his grandfather's new neighbor, dental assistant Alice "Ali" Gardner. There's a mutual attraction from the moment they meet, but their age gap discourages them from pursuing a relationship. Can the magic of the season bring these two wounded souls together?
I enjoyed this sweet grumpy/sunshine romance, which featured likeable characters and a healthy dose of steam. Even with the focus on Axel playing Santa, there wasn't an over-the-top Christmas vibe, which IMO means that the story could be read and enjoyed at any time of the year. Axel was a really good guy caught in a tough situation, and I couldn't help empathizing with everything he was going through. I could tell that he genuinely loved his kids and just wanted to be a part of their lives. As for Ali, while I also empathized with her feelings of abandonment and how Axel's behavior may have triggered them, I couldn't help but feel that she overreacted to his request for time to deal with the situation involving his ex-wife and kids. At that point, their relationship was all of a few days old and hadn't been defined beyond agreeing that they wouldn't hook up with other people; it's not like they were engaged! Even though I liked them together, their whole relationship just moved a bit too fast for me.
Despite that (relatively minor) frustration, I'd recommend "Secret Santa" for all fans of steamy contemporary romance. I look forward to checking out more of this author's books in the future.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this sweet grumpy/sunshine romance, which featured likeable characters and a healthy dose of steam. Even with the focus on Axel playing Santa, there wasn't an over-the-top Christmas vibe, which IMO means that the story could be read and enjoyed at any time of the year. Axel was a really good guy caught in a tough situation, and I couldn't help empathizing with everything he was going through. I could tell that he genuinely loved his kids and just wanted to be a part of their lives. As for Ali, while I also empathized with her feelings of abandonment and how Axel's behavior may have triggered them, I couldn't help but feel that she overreacted to his request for time to deal with the situation involving his ex-wife and kids. At that point, their relationship was all of a few days old and hadn't been defined beyond agreeing that they wouldn't hook up with other people; it's not like they were engaged! Even though I liked them together, their whole relationship just moved a bit too fast for me.
Despite that (relatively minor) frustration, I'd recommend "Secret Santa" for all fans of steamy contemporary romance. I look forward to checking out more of this author's books in the future.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 14, 2022
Okay first let me start off with the fact I have NEVER read a book I didn’t absolutely love by Kristin lee and this one didn’t fall short in the least.
This age gap, steamy, divorcée Christmas love story is one out of a hallmark movie but with twice the steam 💓
Ali and Axel’s character development is so amazing and really shows that with the right person true growth happens. In my honest opinion the sexy ness of this book is honestly just a bonus the love in this book is just so beautiful and quiet frankly realistic and I absolutely adore that simply because it’s relatable.
If you are looking for a sexy Christmas drama love story with so much love it could light a fire in the fire place this is the book for you.
Thanks again to this Amazing author for making my heart swoon.
This age gap, steamy, divorcée Christmas love story is one out of a hallmark movie but with twice the steam 💓
Ali and Axel’s character development is so amazing and really shows that with the right person true growth happens. In my honest opinion the sexy ness of this book is honestly just a bonus the love in this book is just so beautiful and quiet frankly realistic and I absolutely adore that simply because it’s relatable.
If you are looking for a sexy Christmas drama love story with so much love it could light a fire in the fire place this is the book for you.
Thanks again to this Amazing author for making my heart swoon.
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