by Alta Hensley
Publisher: Avon
Pub Date: September 16, 2025
Genre: Adult, Romance, Holiday
Format: ARC
Why choose between naughty or nice in this steamy, suspenseful Christmas-themed stalker romance that’s perfect for dark romance fans seeking a spicy, festive listen.
It’s the night before Christmas and I’m alone in the house…
Popular jewelry influencer Chloe Hallman is steeling herself to spend another
holiday on her own. Instead, she finds herself drawn to two different guys… a
smoldering hot fan of her secret, seductive online persona, and a sexy fireman
named Jack who looks out for her in their NYC neighborhood.
She has no idea that I know her better than she knows herself. Her
deepest secrets, her darkest desires—she's careful, but I’ve been watching,
never leaving footprints in the snow outside her home.
Jack was the first responder to the accident that stole a beautiful young
woman's family two Christmases ago, and he's been quietly guarding her ever
since. When Jack uncovers Chloe’s secret account, his obsession only grows.
Both he and Chloe are drawn to the darkness that mirrors their own.
She’s my Christmas wish come true. And I'm hers. She just doesn’t know it
yet.
Will Chloe’s Christmas be a tale of fiery passion...or a dangerous game with a
man whose love knows no bounds?
My Review: HMMMM.... I'm torn when it comes to this book. I've read and loved previous books by Alta and loved them. However, I didn't love this book but didn't hate it either.
Chloe was interesting, the way she lead a double life. The kind and sweet Chloe that markets jewelry and the darker Chloe that dresses more sensual and makes particular videos. Nothing wrong with any of it until she rejects someone who happened to get a hold of the photos, leaked it and possibly costing her career.
Then you have Jack the stalker. He isn't the worst kind you could have, though don't take it as glamourizing it. There are plenty of horrid ones (take it from someone with their own stalker for decades)
Jack simply watches her at first. Shovels her driveway for her. Tries to plan way to run into her, like at the coffee spot she goes to and even what her order is.
When they finally start to talking, it is a bit weird. It's what Jack want's but his inner dialog is all over the place and freaking out about it. They chat and hang out and it seems almost normal despite what it really is.
Overall, the book isn't bad. I wouldn't go diving for this book, but if I had nothing else to read or wanted something holiday themed then I'd have gone for it. The characters were fine. The first half and building up to everything was the better part of the book. It's also not a dark romance as it may suggest, which was disappointing. I'm probably not interested enough to read the next one though.
