Santa vs. the Secret Shopper: A Billionaire Holiday Romantic Comedy (Billionaires #IRL

by Ivy Hunt

This year Santa's going on the naughty list... Zach

In order to take over as CEO of my family’s billion-dollar company, my grandfather insists I play Santa Claus in our flagship store. To say it’s the worst job ever is an understatement. I can’t even pretend I want to be good at it.

Enter the merriest, cheekiest, most feisty thorn in my grumpy, workaholic Krista Parr. This secret shopper has no idea who I really am—at least not while I’m wearing the red suit and beard.

We immediately butt heads. But maybe the costume has softened my brain because instead of firing her, I’ve somehow persuaded Krista to teach me to be a better Santa. ( she’s unlikely to succeed.)

It’s becoming alarmingly clear to me that I’ll do just about anything to spend more time with this Christmas-crazy woman. I just hope she’ll forgive me when she finds out who I really am.



Santa vs. the Secret Shopper is a sexy, steamy romantic comedy with no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA

Genres: Christmas, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Forced Proximity, Rom Com, Contemporary

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Ivy Hunt writes contemporary romantic comedies about strong, sexy men and smart, funny women.

She is a passionate New Yorker who left her Happy For Now job in tech to pursue her Happily Ever After as a writer. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s gallivanting the world.

Reviews

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept behind this story was priceless to me - in order to inherit the family business, our guy, Zach, is required to play Santa in one of their chain department stores. He beyond sabotages himself. Lol! Enter Krista, a secret shopper sent to spy on his performance. You can see the fun in this already, right?! They clash but the chemistry is hot between them. Before you know it, the reason for the season becomes clear to Zach and a steamy romance ensues. So entertaining :D

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Santa vs. the Secret Shopper: A Billionaire Holiday Romantic Comedy. Zach isn’t happy his grandfather is making him play Santa for the season in order to take over the family business. Krista has a sparkling personality which annoys Zach but what will happen when this ray of sunshine helps the grump? This unlikely pair have chemistry and their relationship grows but Zach has a secret and what will happen when Krista finds out? This had a cute storyline and likable characters. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Evy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings you in the holiday spirit but with a funny side. The meet-cute was a bit bizar between Krista and Zach but once further into the story it became fun and hilarious. All the things Zach has to endure being Santa, priceless or the way he made Tommy, the security guy, dress up. I loved the banter between Krista and Santa and the chemistry between Krista and Zach. I enjoyed this story very much, it was fun and easy reading, just relax and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krista, hired as a Secret Shopper to evaluate the department store Santa, was supposed to keep her identity confidential. However, after submitting her first critical report about Santa's inappropriate behavior - his profanity, constantly checking his phone, and awkwardness with children - she was exposed to Zach Forester, the store's incoming CEO. Zach was annoyed that his grandfather insisted he play Santa, the final hurdle to becoming CEO, and then discovering he was being spied on worsened the situation. Nonetheless, Zach found Krista's sweetness and passion for Christmas hard to resist. It turned out, Zack did not want anyone to know he was playing the store's Santa and was much better at keeping his secret than Krista had been.

The story contains numerous humorous moments, but be prepared for some hot, sexy scenes mixed with the sweetness.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a grumpy boss romantic comedy.

Krista Parr works as a secret shopper for a company contracted to F&S International to evaluate their flagship department store.

Zach Forrester is the next CEO of F&S International if he fulfills one last clause - act as Santa for the holiday season in the flagship store. He is exceedingly unhappy about the requirement and decided to act it.

Krista's first report ends up in Zach's grandfather's hands and he takes Zach to task for his behavior. Now knowing he is being evaluated, Zach decides to torment the secret shopper. The next day he approached her and asks her to train the Santa to be better, she agrees. Meanwhile her boss almost fired her for writing an honest report, he just wants to keep Zach's company as a client. Business suited Zach becomes friendly with Krista while Santa Zach arrives her crazy. They eventually hookup at the end of her contracted time but circumstances work against them. They later reconcile and get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️

As soon as I read the blurb, I new I had to read this book! 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗦. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗥 was the best kind of sweet and sexy, put me in the Christmas spirit, read in one sitting, holiday romance.

I enjoyed everything from the way Krista and Santa bickered to the heat that flowed between Krista and Zach. I couldn’t believe how long Santa a.k.a Zach was able to keep his identity hidden but in the end, everything worked out for the best.

I’m giving 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗦. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗥 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Hunt's Santa vs. the Secret Shopper is a can't miss holiday romantic comedy. A fabulous premise. Check. (Zach must play Santa at the department store owned by his family's international company in order to take over as CEO on January 1st.) Kindle-melting chemistry between "Santa" and Krista, the secret shopper hired by Zach's grandfather - and eventually between Zach and Krista. Check. Hijinks, entertaining flirting, and so many laugh-out-loud moments that if I hadn't been alone while reading would have merited some eyebrow raising stares. Check. From start to finish, Santa. vs the Secret Shopper is a brilliantly-written holiday romance. Definitely make sure you grab a copy to read this Christmas season - it will be the best gift you give yourself!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naughty Santa

What’s better than a sexy comedic Christmas romp in the depths of a heat wave? This book came along at just the right time. I missed out on the Christmas in July books and figured Christmas in August would be just as good. Now, I’m not an NYC gal, but I loved how Ivy took me right to the center of Manhattan in the middle of December for this great story. Cute billionaire? Check. Sassy Secret Shopper? Check. Confusion? You bet. (Although, stepping aside for half a second, how Krista didn’t recognize Zach’s beautiful eyes was beyond me but this is fiction and we suspend our disbelief.)

This was a sexy, heartwarming story about two people in a relationship that shouldn’t work and yet does. Krista’s job is to rate Santa Claus. Zach’s obligation is to play Santa Claus so he can get the promotion he’s worked his entire life for. When Krista is honest about ‘Santa’s’ performance – rating it as needs work - Zach asks her to help. That means more time between ‘Santa’ and the hottest woman Zach’s met in a while. Only he quickly discovers what’s beneath the imperious nature and the smoking hot body. She’s struggled and is hanging on for dear life. Zach could easily rescue her – like offering her a steady job – but he also acknowledges swooping in might not be the solution. Instead, he’s got to do it the old-fashioned way – he has to woo her.

Oh, be still my beating heart. And bring forth the cold lemonade for these hot scenes.

As I have with Ivy’s other books, I enjoyed this one very much – consuming it in one sitting. I can’t wait for more from her…

[Jamie Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too Much Profanity, Especially for Christmas Romance

I absolutely abhor profanity in books. Not only is it offensive in itself, but it also betrays a lack of creativity and vocabulary/language skills of fiction writers who could use other “author-ly” tricks for characterization. It seems especially profane for Christmas stories, as it disrespects the reason for the season. (And this book adds to the disrespect by tarnishing our beloved image of benevolent Santa… as the hero is particularly foul-mouthed and plays a department store Santa.) I loved the concept for this book when I read it on a book review site, as it sounded like a fun and frothy Christmas romance, but the author stated nothing about the book’s level of profanity. If she had, I would have skipped the book entirely. Three f-bombs in the first chapter alone! Plus other swearing…s-word, a-word. Ugh. In my view, potty-mouthed characters ruin many potentially good books. I truly think authors who write these sorts of books should give warnings in their blurbs—at review sites and booksellers—so that those of us who just cannot stand profanity in books can give theirs a hard pass. Swearing Santa (even if mostly in his thoughts)? Not my idea of a feel-good Christmas romance. If you don’t mind profanity in Christmas romances, you may enjoy this story better than I did.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the official synopsis is missing, I'm quoting it below for other potential readers:

"This year Santa's going on the naughty list...
Zach:
In order to take over as CEO of my family’s billion-dollar company, my grandfather insists I play Santa Claus in our flagship store. To say it’s the worst job ever is an understatement. I can’t even pretend I want to be good at it.
Enter the merriest, cheekiest, most feisty thorn in my grumpy, workaholic side: Krista Parr. This secret shopper has no idea who I really am—at least not while I’m wearing the red suit and beard.
We immediately butt heads. But maybe the costume has softened my brain because instead of firing her, I’ve somehow persuaded Krista to teach me to be a better Santa. (Hint: she’s unlikely to succeed.)
It’s becoming alarmingly clear to me that I’ll do just about anything to spend more time with this Christmas-crazy woman. I just hope she’ll forgive me when she finds out who I really am."

I received this from a holiday collection that BookFunnel was giving away. It was my first book of the author's that I've ever read but it certainly won't be the last! It's a fun, with a dash of spice, dual pov holiday romance story between a sometimes bad-tempered male lead & a mostly cheerful female lead. It also includes a hidden identity & a workplace romance so if you like all that, then this book is for you.

Krista is hired to be a secret shopper for the store that Zach is ordered to act as Santa at. Not only does she take her job serious, but she loves Christmas as well. So, she isn't impressed with santa Zach & doesn't hesitate to let him know how she feels, to his face & in her report that Zach receives as the president of the company. Even though she's reprimanded by her boss to go easy on Zach's company, she agrees to help santa Zach be better by continuing to be honest with her reports to Zach. I liked that Krista didn't fully back down & was trying to be helpful. She was a likeable & lively narrator.

Zach is a workaholic president who doesn't really care about Christmas or children so having him act as Santa is a form of punishment for him. However, it's a family tradition he must fulfill in order to become CEO, which is what he's been working hard for many years. When he first receives Krista opinions about what a poor job he's doing as santa, he's less than thrilled but soon finds himself enjoying having her point out what he could do better. Part of that enjoyment comes from her not knowing that president Zach, who she is charmed by, is the same bad santa she doesn't like. I liked seeing Zach try to make an effort because of Krista's suggestions as well as seeing him fall for her.

Although Zach is keeping his identity a secret from her, he didn't do it out of revenge or as a way to hurt her though of course someone always ends up hurt in secret identity stories so that won't stop you from liking his character. Of course, as their feelings for each other grow, you may wish he reveals who he is but then the story wouldn't be as fun. Maybe some would've liked Krista to make him sweat a bit more before forgiving him but I was okay with them not being separated for too long. I think Krista's relationship with her parents & Zach's own reconciliation with his dad could've been explored a bit more but the story is still good regardless.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming CEO has conditions- one that Zach is less than impressed with. From day 1 he just wants it over, to take the place that is his, that he has dedicated his entire life to. Unbeknownst to him a short little blonde hair blue eyed pixie will turn his world upside down.

Krista takes her job seriously. A job which has her observing Zach and reporting back on his performance. Except her boss doesn't want a real response, he wants one that is pretty and wrapped up in a bow. Krista refuses to lie, and when Zach figures out not only is he being watched, but that Krista is the one watching him, he decides she needs to go. Only he finds her intriguing for reasons he doesn't understand. Instead of firing her he ends up asking her to train Santa, without her knowing he is Santa, and that his position as CEO is dependent on getting through the holiday.

With Krista and Santa butting heads, while Krista and Zach are getting closer, will they end up as enemies, friends, or something more?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this hidden identity RomCom about Krista, a secret shopper who has been hired to evaluate Zach's retail store's Christmas programme. Little does she know, that the Santa working at the store is none other than Zach Forrester himself, her client. She has been infuriated and frustrated by this particular Santa, and the cherry on top is that she has to assist him to improve. This book was very amusing as the reader is taken along on this month before Christmas tale, as Zach tries to keep his dual identity secret. In the meantime, their dealings with one another leads to deeper feelings developing between them. I had many laugh aloud moments, both characters were very likeable and relatable. And it was a heartwarming story with a bonus epilogue available if you sign up for the author's newsletter. The book does contain a lot of swearing and some sexual activity is described. This is the first time I've read this particular author's books and I will certainly look out for more. A highly recommended read.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zach, the male lead, is required to spend a Christmas playing Santa at the family department store before being permitted to become CEO of his family’s company. Krista, the female lead, has been tasked with assessing the performance of Zach’s department store’s Christmas presentation. Whilst he’s initially offended by her assessment of him, he’s also attracted and intrigued by her and asks her to “teach” Santa how to do better. But she doesn’t know he’s Santa…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a funny Christmas romantic comedy. I enjoyed Krista’s vivacity and her love of Christmas, especially given her upbringing. I was amused by Zach’s unnecessary grumpiness and enjoyed his development through the story. I enjoyed the developing relationship and empathised with Krista’s distress at Zach’s deception. I also appreciated Zach’s response and the final ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undercover Boss
It's a good story that begins with an original aspect: Zach, to become the CEO of the family business, must submit to a family superstition: play the role of Santa Claus in their New York store. He doesn't know it at first, but he's being watched by Krista, hired to give her opinion and improve the business (without her knowing who the hateful Santa Claus she's evaluating).
In short, between the attraction under their real identity, the scheme of the boss undercover, the story is rather romantic, tender, simple, but with some twists and good characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent opposites attract story

I really really loved this story. Ivy’s writing style is so easy and readable. There’s dual POV and Krista’s internal dialogue is hugely entertaining in her chapters as she is dealing with a jerk Santa while crushing on the store’s owner. We also get great insight into Zach’s motivations and intentions throughout the book. He has an easy and believable redemption arc too, as he goes from a workaholic Scrooge type character to wanting to be better and living a better life. Yes, there are lies, betrayal, pain, and shame, but also forgiveness. No cheating and an HEA.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fantastic read that kept the smile on my face at all times!!

This is the perfect enemies to lovers story. It's laugh out loud hilarious at parts, with steam coming off the pages. Zach and Krista’s chemistry is undeniable and so addictive to read. I absolutely fell in love with these two. It's a fantastic read that kept the smile on my face at all times if it didn't make me laugh out loud! Loved it. I’ve not read many books by this author but that is definitely going to be changing now. Can’t wait to read more. Happy reading everyone

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect romantic comedy that lightens up the season and is a great escape.

Zach's grandfather is not going to let him get his inheritance or the CEO job that easy, his demand is that Zach plays Santa. Krista was hired to report back on how the Santa is doing. Krista takes pride in her job and tells it how it is, when Zach finds out who she is he is torn between getting rid of her or finding more about her.

Cute lighthearted story that was a delight to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hilarious romantic comedy featuring Zach, who must play Santa in his family’s first department store before taking over the CEO position in the family conglomerate of businesses, and Krista, who is hired as a secret shopper in order to evaluate Santa. Zach, however, finds Krista difficult until he discovers the truth of her job and actually begins to fall for her. I highly recommend this holiday laugh out loud book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, romantic comedy. I enjoyed their attraction and buildup. Things get a little dramatic, as expected. He's a grinch, driven by an excessive desire for riches on top of riches. She's not on his level financially but she's compassionate and happy in her desire to be more successful financially one day. Love his light bulb moment and follow through, prepare to laugh out loud. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Zach to be the CEO of his family’s business he has to play santa in one of his family’s malls he absolutely hates it but he has to do it little did Zach know was that he was being watched by a secret shopper and what Krista wrote about him wasn’t good at all and when Zach finds out he plans his revenge. Fantastic Christmas romance with plenty of chuckle worthy moments I loved it and I highly recommend this book.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely had some good character growth. Zach was such a grumpy, whiny jerk. Even non-Santa Zach wasn't that great. It was nice to see him learn to care more about the kids and the other people though. And he definitely stayed a bit ridiculous and bratty so he didn't have a total personality transplant due to romance. But he softened up just enough to give you hope for a true HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved the humor in the story as Krista tries to get Zach to be a better Santa. Zach is playing a dual role which comes back to bite him. During the time before Christmas, they fall in love. I don't like Zach's grandfather. I liked how Zach realized what is important and gets his girl. Others wise up too and Zach gets both the girl and the job he loves.

[Katrina Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful and engaging read

Ivy Hunt is now on my auto-buy list!
I wanted more from the very first page and quickly got lost in the story.
Zach and Krista’s romance had me laughing out loud in so many places I lost count. At first I was skeptical about the premise; how would they get to a believable and satisfying happily ever after? The characters soon came alive for me and any doubts were swept away with the writer’s sure hand at story telling.

[Halla Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho ho ho

A fun flirty billionaire turned hot santa romance. And a pain in the a ss shopper who.is there to critique his every move. Will santa pass with flying colors and get his xmas wish of being a CEO or will he mess it all up by falling for his shopper...

Eeeep it was an adorable holiday read. Gotta love reading these to get into the xmas spirit.

The spice is a solid 3 outa 5.
🤌🥵

[JOYCE PITTARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun READ

Loved Krista and Zach. When Zach has to play Santa in order to get the CEO job for the store needless to say he's not at all happy. He has no idea there is a secret shopper watching and taking notes. Krista is discussed with him and writes a less than flattering report. Zach is shocked when his grandfather confronts him. So game on when he figures out who Krista is. Fun except she doesn't really know who he is. Funny but emotional at time. A good rea

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Krista and Zach are both doing what their jobs require and at times playing a part. It brings them together with surprises, secrets, friendships, passion and humor during the holidays. It is a cute romance with characters who really like each other even with some bah humbug peaking thru

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach preparing to take over as CEO has been informed he will be Santa for the holidays. Krista is the stores secret who is determined to teach the grumpy Santa, how to enjoy the season. I am new to Ivy, and I seriously loved this book. Looking forward to reading more of her work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry xmas!

Ivy has given all of us romantic readers a wonderful present in her novel. This was a great, fun story of two people who come together and deal their jobs along with the Christmas season. They have secrets, but don't we all. If you want a great seasonal read this story is for you. Have fun and happy holidays.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, sweet book with some heat thrown into the mix. Zach could be a real jerk but he had that underlying vulnerability that is so endearing. Krista was a joy. It was amazing she turned out so well with the parents she had raising her. The banter between the two of them was priceless. The book had me smiling and that says something since I have been doing taxes today.

[MaryAnn Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Fun Galore

Hunt delivers a fun holiday romp replete with secret identities, misunderstandings and sweet sexy New Years resolutions. Her signature wit and word play make for an engaging and enjoyable read. Highly recommend.