My Secret Santa My Stalker

Stalked #3

by Cassi Hart

Ace

When I was thirteen, an angel came into my life. Ella was the only light in a world of darkness. But at eighteen, that darkness threatened to consume me, and I had no choice but to flee. Over the years, I’ve kept an eye on my angel from a distance, never making contact. I’m not the boy she remembers. I’ve learned to thrive in the dark, but I’m still drawn to the light.

Ella

After losing my best friend, my only source of happiness has been the mysterious gifts I receive on Christmas. But my mother’s death has left me with debts I can’t pay. When I’m caught in a dangerous situation, will my Secret Santa step out of the darkness to save me? Will I recognize him if he does?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Novella, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance

64 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2022

About the author

Cassi lives to write brazen OTT, insta-love, short stories, about possessive alphas and the women they love. Stories that will leave you satisfied, and maybe blushing a little. Cassi loves pedicures, being pampered in any way possible, her darling golden Princess, amazing coffee, and traveling to anywhere warm.

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Reviews

[CriSsStina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short, OTT, and spicy read.

I liked this one. It had enough plot and spice intertwined together in a 60-page read.

These two managed to be sweet, adorable, and also hot at the same time. I was so rooting for them 🥰🥹.

Loved their HEA 🥹🤍.

What to expect
- age gap (19 h, 25 H)
- childhood friends
- traumatic background for both of them
- sweet, innocent but strong heroine
- obsessed H
- HEA, epilogue
- would have loved a second epilogue with them and their little family that they wanted to start 🥹🤍

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

I absolutely adored this novella. It might be my favorite by Cassi Hart, and I've read a lot of her books! <3

As kids, Ella and Ace were almost stepsiblings. His father and her mother get together but it's very toxic. Ace's dad is very abusive towards him. One night, he sneaks into her bedroom window and promises to take Ella to see the Christmas lights. Come morning, he's gone... for seven years.

Ella never moved on from him. She gets presents delivered to her house every single Christmas, wrapped in a green bow (her favorite color). The present is always sitting on her bed when she gets home. She knows she has a stalker but doesn't know who it is.

Finally, Axel shows his face and man they're explosive together. But why did he leave her, and will she forgive him?

SAFETY:
Ages: 19h, 26H
Virgin/celibate: virgin heroine, she waited for him. his past was not stated
OM/OW drama: none!
Tropes & Keywords: stalker, childhood friends to lovers, almost stepsiblings
Triggers: parental abuse towards teenager
HEA?: yes!

[Granger McGringot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in a trailer park, our MCs bonded like no other. Hitting adulthood, both realized that they were also attracted to each other romantically, the all-consuming passionate romance. But, one horrifying event separated two best friends. Unbeknownst to our h, our H lurked in the dark, watching her from time to time while redeeming himself for past mistakes. One twisting event, the H came to her defence. Would our h accept him for who he was? with all his mistakes, pain, and flaws?

The story was a pretty straightforward plot of best friends-turned-lovers with some OTT alpha caveman H, sprinkling a bit with stalker-ish tendency. Not much of a drama. Not much of a plot twist. The interesting part was how accepting and welcoming our h was with all the stalkerish tendencies of our H. Well, love is blind, I guess.

Dual virgin
No condoms
Dual PoV, 1st person
No cheating, No OW/OM
No drama/angst
No kink
Safe read-ish, HEA, epilogue
Overall score: 3.5 all-consuming stars

[Kait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, sweet and smutty! I love that they had a past and were finally reunited. Even if it wasn't intentional.

[Kate Russo ❦ (Rina Kent’s Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ngl this made me very emotional I was not expecting that at all

[Kathleen Shevenell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of my Santa my stalker by cassi hart

This books is great short read I have been enjoying it so far cause it has a great story line and continues the series really well. It is also a great short holiday read around Christmas time. I would definitely be recommending this book to anyone who wants to read it. I also want to thank the author for sending me this book for exchange of a honest review I would definitely give this book 5 star rating for enjoyment.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adorable spicy novella.
3.8 stars ⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on a whim looking for a spicy Christmas novella and I was hooked immediately! I couldn’t put this down. This a new to me author, but I will be reading more from her. This book was hot and I loved the writing. Five stars!

[Sherri Leisure · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Secret Santa My Stalker is a book I won't forget about any time soon. Cassi Hart put together a story that was fun to read with a plot that has real substance. The back story for Ace and Ella actually made my heart hurt for these two. I quickly realized that although this is a quick easy read both the hero and heroine were just so likable and definitely relatable. I believe most people can relate to this story on some level because most of us have lost a friend who we never see or hear from again. This was one of those books I read in one sitting because once I started I wasn't putting it down. I am looking forward to reading more stories by this author in the future.

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

[Kayla Lietzau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo freaking good ❤️❤️❤️

OMG I absolutely LOVED it!!! Ace and Ella were not only best friends but true soulmates! My heart broke for how much they missed each other but once they were back together oh my LANTA 🔥 This series just keeps getting better and better! Highly highly recommend this book!!!

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually liked this one.
I loved the idea of Ace still keeping tabs on Ella even though he refused to let her know he was still around watching out for her and ensuring she was safe.
If I had any complaints, I wish we would've gotten to know what a few of the gifts were that Ace was leaving for Ella throughout the years.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick holiday novella. Ace and Ella are great mc's, I just wish the writing style didn't feel so choppy. I thought the plot was complete and the spice was nice, there were just a bunch of weird transitions in chapters that made it feel disjointed. Still a good story.

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Ella had become friends with Ace when their parents first started dating but it was a relationship that was toxic and the best thing that happened was their friendship, that is until the night that Ace climbed through the window of her trailer battered and bruised from a run in with his father. She cleaned up his wounds and they made plans to go to watch the lights together, but he vanished without a trace, and she was left alone with her drug addict mother. Life hasn’t improved for Ella since she last saw Ace, her mother has died of an overdose, and she has been left with the debt. When her mother’s dealer starts to turn up the heat on getting his money a visitor from the past returns. Will Ella finally get the answers that she has wanted for years and is Ace back in her life for good or is this a flying visit?

Ace has loved Ella since the day that they met but the last time that he had seen her had to be the last after what had happened with his father that fateful night when he had finally had enough, and he was caught by none other than his father’s boss. That night he knew that his life was changed and was far too dangerous for her to be involved in. He has checked on her and every Christmas eve and left her a gift in the hope that she knows it is him. However, this Christmas eve changes everything when he finds her in danger and steps in. How will Ella react to his sudden reappearance in her life and when she discovers what he has become since that night, is this his second chance at forever or his swan song?

I am loving this author and her writing style is changing with every book. I was hooked on this one from the start and watching how these two characters return to each other and how Ace has tried to keep her safe after all that she has suffered. Enjoyable read that I highly recommend. 4*

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace and Ella grew up in the same trailer park and they only had each other. Ace's dad was abusive and Ella's mom was a drug addict. One night when Ace was almost 18, he crawled through her trailer's window all beaten up and covered in blood. She helped fix him up and he agreed to take her to town to see the lights the next day but when she woke up he was gone. Years have gone by and she has grown up. Every year she finds a secret Santa present on her bed. Now her mother is dead from an overdose and her dealer is pressuring Ella to pay of her debt. He is about to force Ella to sleep with him when Ace suddenly shows up and rescues her.

Ace has always loved Ella but since that night his life has been too dangerous. He had killed his abusive dad that last night with Ella and was caught by his dad's boss, a mob boss. The last few years he has been working as a hitman for the mob but he has never forgotten Ella. He has dreams of making it out someday and claiming her but when he finds Ella in danger he can't keep his distance any more. He will keep her safe no matter who he has to kill but will she love the killer he has become?.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just recently discovered Cassi Hart as an author and I have to admit that now I am hooked! Her characters are fantastic and well developed. Her stories are multi layered and interesting. The steam is so scorchingly hot you need to a cold shower to cool off. And the endings are all fantastic conclusions befitting the characters and their story.

This stalker romance was different than I expected but in the best of ways. Ace is Ella’s stalker but he’s also her childhood best friend. They have been each other’s rocks for most of their lives until they are separated. Ella feels alone but she’s not really. Ace has always been in the shadows watching over her. Leaving her gifts at Christmas and making sure she is always safe. Secrets never stay secret forever, and Ace is brought out of the shadows and back into her life. Can you handle what his life has become since leaving? Will she still want the man he is now who’s so different from the boy that he was? I adored this stalker romance and loved the characters!! Definitely check out this Christmas stalker romance, you will fall in love with it immediately.

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

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet with steam slightly stalker story.

This was my first story by this author and I really liked it a lot. It was entertaining and enjoyable even though it touched on drug and child abuse. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. Despite the age difference between them, Ace and Ella were best friends for many years. After a particularly bad night they were separated. Ace was protective and possessive of Ella. Ella didn’t know what had happened to Ace. Ace and Ella were too sweet together. Their feelings for each other had grown despite being apart. There was some drama and angst. There was a little bit of steam. Their happily ever after made me smile. I recommend reading this book.

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

[Milica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember seeing that this was a double virgin story. And I expected it based on the blurb. But it wasn't like that. She was a virgin, he wasn't. Nothing was said about his past, but he never stated that she was his first. Which made me dislike this even more, because he was so vocal about being her first and only. It bordered on creepy. Especially considering that there's a 6-7 years age gap between them. He was 13 when they met and she was 6 or 7. He went away when he was 18, and they got together when she was 19. This felt too much like grooming and him taking advantage of her. He said he's not sure when his feeling for her started to change, which hints at her being a minor when that happened and him being an adult. It is creepy and predatory.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ace and Ella grew up in a trailer park and became best friends when their respective parents were together for a short time. But seven years ago, something happened to Ace and he disappears without a word to Ella. She has been stuck bartending and has been unable to move away from her desperate circumstances. She also has her late Mom's unpleasant dealer breathing down her neck and demanding money constantly. Ace suddenly reappears in her life when she is being attacked and she finds out that the gifts she has been receiving every Christmas have been from him. Can Ella forgive Ace for deserting her? A quick, enjoyable read.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas Gift…
Cassi Hart’s books are not only sizzling and hot, but are well written and plotted.
Ella and Ace are youngsters when they meet and become dependent on helping and relying on each other.
Living in a trailer park as neighbors ,they each have an abusive relationship with their parent.
Tragedy hits and Ace disappears for 7 years. And each year he’s gone, a mysterious wrapped Christmas gift arrives for Ella.

This story is very romantic and the interaction between our two main characters is very visceral and beautiful.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

[Birgit Offenhammer Geb Beckmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolle Protagonisten, sie sind authentisch beschrieben, man kann sich sehr gut in sie hineinversetzen und ihre Handlungen sind klar nachvollziehbar.

Das Setting passt perfekt und ist sehr anschaulich beschrieben, man hat sofort alles vor Augen beim Lesen.

Man spürt sofort, dass zwischen den Protagonisten durchaus mehr ist und auch wenn sie sich nicht so verhalten, wie es sein sollte, haben sie doch immer alles in bester Absicht getan.

Die Autorin holt einen sofort ab und lässt es kaum zu, das Buch aus der Hand zulegen, bevor man nicht am Ende ist,

Eine ganz klare Kauf-Leseempfehlung.

5 / 5 Sterne

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ace and Ella were best friends growing up. Both come from broken homes. His with an abusive father and hers with a drug addicted mother. Ace is several years older than Ella but she has been the only one who has ever shown him love.
One night their fates change when Ace is pushed too far. He disappears for 7 years.
Ella is working as a waitress when her neighbor corners her Ace appears.
I love this story. Ace does everything to protect Ella. He stalks her to ensure her safety but stays unnoticed by her to keep her safe.
He plans to claim her but he needs a little more time.
I love how protective Ace is of Ella. She still trust him even after he disappears for seven years.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG wow. I’ve never read a stalker romance book before. These short stories were the perfect intro. They are each provocative and stunning in their own way. Well-written scenes and excellent world building, focusing on each duo’s unique situation. Each character has a unique and powerful voice. I wasn’t sure if I would like this subject matter, but I’m really glad I gave it a shot! If you like insta-love and stalking is not a trigger for you, then these quick reads are definitely worth it!.

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

[Sabrina Flachsmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and sad story for me. Both Ace and Ella have a terrible childhood. They have both been through a lot and Ace is forced to leave after a confrontation with his dad. He never really truly leaves Ella though, coming back to give her gifts every Christmas. He steps in to rescue her one night and she finds out the truth about her childhood friend. Enjoyable read and good HEA.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ace (H25) returns to watch over Ella (h19) and secretly bring her Christmas gift as he’s done for seven years, ever since he left his one time best friends without even a goodbye. Ella is unaware that Ace never really left her and instead has been watching over her from a distance as much as his new life permitted. But when Ella’s safety is in jeopardy, Ace is ready to make his presence known. Hot and steamy best friends to lovers, second chance, protective stalker quickie.

[NadeClow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is the last one of the books that i read of cassi no because its bad but because i would have loved that she made them a little bit more larger, that she develop the story more because the topics are interesting but because of the spiciness the story goes to second term, i know this part its more like a personal opinion that's why if you are looking for something spicy this is your book.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace & Ella - They met years ago and Ace knew even back then that Ella was someone special. He couldn’t stay in her life but has been keeping tabs on Ella over the last 7 years. Ella’s safety is in danger and Ace is ready to protect what is his.

Tropes: Contemporary romance, insta love, age gap, stalking, stalker romance, virgin heroine, alpha male, happily-ever-after
Heat: 3/5.

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

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Ella and Ace were childhood friends who had awful lives. One day after Ace was beaten badly he disappeared. Ella was quite disturbed and upset. During that time Ella’s mom died from a drug overdose. Ella was being held responsible for her mother’s drug payment to her dealer. One day when Ella is confronted by this guy Ace comes to her rescue. Ace is now involved in some illegal activities, will Ella be able to deal with that and will Ace still want to be with Ella?

[Lizette Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this book. Ace and Ella were best friends, and when he flees from a bad situation, he never stops watching over her. Left with debt from her Mom's passing she prays her Christmas angel will help her out of a terrible time. I love their perfect ending, and Cassie has given us another awesome read .

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

age gap

I liked the story but I didn’t love the age gap on this one since the FMC is only 19 and he’s loved her for the past 7 years. He isn’t just a year or 2 older either. It’s significant and a little creepy that you can tell he’s loved her since she was 11…..

That being said, if you can age them up in your head in the story you can get past it.

[kay reads]

childhood friends to lovers romance spicy novella, it is a bit similar to the first book in this mini series. The difference is that they get separated at aa young age or well, one of the characters disappears and reappears again after 7 years.

Alpha protective guardian angel male who is also a contract killer and a classic struggling waitress.