Secret Santa

Bluegrass Brothers #2.5

by Kathleen Brooks

Secret Santa is USA Today Best-selling Author Kathleen Brooks' novella to thank her readers for their amazing support and to update them on their favorite characters from her Bluegrass books.
If you're new to the Bluegrass Series, please pick up Secret Santa as her gift to you this holiday season. At the end of the book there is an excerpt from Bluegrass State of Mind, the first book in the series, also currently free.

SECRET SANTA

It wouldn't be Christmas in Keeneston without a party! Everyone's invited, even Santa…

Kenna's court docket is full, Dani's hiding from her in-laws, Paige and Annie are about to burst from pregnancy, and Marshall is breaking up fights at the PTA Christmas Concert. The sweet potato casserole is made, the ham and biscuits are on the table, and men are losing their shirts - and not because of bets placed with the Rose Sisters! All the while, the entire town is wondering one thing: who is the Secret Santa that showed up with special gifts for everyone?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Novella, Short Stories

72 pages, ebook

First published November 15, 2012

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is an animal lover who supports rescue organizations and other non-profit organizations, such as Friends and Vets Helping Pets, whose goals are to protect and save our four-legged family members.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold (2021)
Forever Thrown (2021)

(Shadows Landing)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows (2021)
Endless Shadows (2021)

(Moonshine Hollow)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief

(Web of Lies)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Power)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So here is a question that I somehow never thought to ask...Why is the most hectic and active holiday held during the last week of the last of the year? The weather is freezing, the days are too short for all the shopping we have to do, and the roads are terrible for all the driving. I vote we move the holiday to the summer. 🎄😊

So, every good romance starts with a meet-cute. This one starts with his dogs knocking her to the ground. Meet-cutes should try to avoid physical damage, so don’t worry, no paramedics were called.
Its an adorable love story with Santas involved. 🎅🏻

[Pam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun Novella! Babies all around! <3

Really not much more to say than if you enjoyed all the books up to this one you’re going to enjoy this family filled short.

Again the narration is FANTASTIC!

[Jackie's Bookbytes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many characters in this novella that I'm not familiar with. Everyone and their dog had a name. It just added to the confusion. I was so frustrated at figuring out who this person was in relation to that person . ugh! I just didn't like this small town, such a sad lot. All I know is that two babies were born and there was two Santas and 3 fairy godmothers. A king and queen who finally got pregnant

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 2 out of 5]

31/3 - Not what I was expecting. Like other reviewers I was unaware that it was part of series when I started reading it, so I felt little or no emotion at the revelation of the birth of a couple of babies or the announcement of a long-awaited pregnancy. I did notice there were a lot of c names, which doesn't help an uninitiated reader to untangle all the different people who are thrown at us throughout this story. Plus, to make it even more confusing, everyone seems to be related to almmost everyone else in the town. After I finished reading I had a look at some of the reviews to see if my thoughts mirrored any of the other reviewers'. Of course, they also mentioned wishing they had known it was part of a series, some editing errors (most significantly, grammar problems in my opinion and a mention of "taunt abs"), the bombardment of their senses with people's names (most of whom, even fans of the series, they hadn't heard of), etc.

I was expecting a story more along the lines of 'A man in a Santa suit playing secret Santa. He's giving away gifts to all the townspeople. But he saves extra special, romantic gifts for a certain special girl who doesn't know who Santa is (gifts might include secret, risque notes as well). He gets her to meet him on Christmas Eve for a romantic dinner where he finally reveals himself as her secret crush/love of some time and also reveals that he's had a crush on her for some time as well.' Now doesn't that sound more romantic than what was actually written?

[Bea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a pointless novella. Two thirds of the story is spent introducing us to various characters and their backgrounds and then in the last third two of the women who are pregnant go into labor and pop out babies. Since this novella is part of a series, I imagine that regular readers who don't pick up this novella will be disappointed when they pick up the next book and find they missed the births. There's a third character who keeps trying to get pregnant. She's had a miscarriage already and when she gets pregnant again she wastes no time informing people. Most women who have miscarriages tend to hold off on announcing it. Before she realizes that she's pregnant again, she is uncomfortable being around her pregnant friends and that is realistic.

All in all, a harmless, somewhat disappointing, pretty much pointless story.

[Nelta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Santa "delivers"......
Thank you Kathleen Brooks for this fabulous gift! "Secret Santa" was a quick easy read full of holiday cheer,laughter, new beginnings and "surprises" that I know will find their way into the next book in this series! Excited to see where all these developments are headed....lets get Ahmed something, uhmmm, "someone" super special!
Bets are on!

[Paula Legate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book summed up or was the last book in a series. There were a lot of characters. The book had a shaky start, but the ending was nicely written. This was not a good standalone book. I felt like I should have known the characters already. I did like the small town atmosphere. Everyone is there to help each other, and gossip spreads faster than a wild fire. The author’s description of small town life was perfect. I also loved the way she described the way southern town’s shuts down when it snows. I have lived in a few towns that closed up, when it snowed. I have also lived in places where it snowed often, and was no big deal, life went on as normal when it snowed. The babies was a perfect touch to this Christmas short story.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful story by Kathleen Brooks. I laughed so hard, I had tears rolling down my cheeks! Eric Dove is a fantastic narrator and he does a great job with this one. Great characters anf a great plot. Happy reading!

[Cj Millar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the updates, hated the typos and errors. Referring to Cole as Cade mistakenly was among the worst. Please, please get an editor or proofreader! Something! I love these characters and their outlandish tales as a fun escape from reality. I don't even mind how far fetched it all is, but when the author refers to the wrong character, or flip flops from referring to one character as fiancée, then husband, then fiancée again, which is it?

As always, a cute story but this felt even more rushed than the full novels. As stated before, I will read the next book due out because I enjoy them. I just wish I could give them a better review, but they lack the polish and finished touch of a seasoned writer.

Would I recommend the series? Sure, but be prepared for lots of typos and errors to overlook if you want to enjoy. If you get totally hung up on that stuff, then pass, as the errors are in every novel pretty regularly.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for a quick Christmas read so Secret Santa looked liked what I was hoping for. Not. It sure was about Christmas in a small town but there were so many characters that I just couldn't keep track of who everyone was. I haven't read anything else in this series so maybe that was my problem.

The secret Santa part was great. I liked the mystery of who he was and why he was giving out the unique gifts. I also loved a bit during the delivery of one of the babies. It went like this:

"It hurts!" she screamed.
"Of course it does, that's why it's a woman's job." Marcy joked quietly.

I loved that!

[Cait · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have enjoyed this more if I had been more familiar with the series - there were so many names and I couldn't keep track of who everyone was.

The names were something else! McKenna Mason Ashton, Chrystal Sharp, the Rose sisters. I also struggled to keep track of Cade, Cole and Cy.

Would have preferred it if it just focused on the two expectant couples and Dani & Mo - though found them trying fertility drugs after only six months of trying, then telling their parents they're pregnant as soon as they've done a test, when the last one ended in a miscarriage, when they've got all the pressure to produce an heir a little bit unrealistic.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! In this cute story, Santa delivers what each of the characters need...and we get a sneek peep at another novel in the making!

2021Review: I truly don't remember this story about the Bluegrass Brothers. It's cute. The secret is Santa is delivering exactly what each person needs, and everyone, including the infamous Rose sisters, are trying to guess who Santa really is. But Marcie knows.

Babies are born, babies are conceived, and life continues in Keeneston, KY, home of the second generation of Bluegrass brothers!

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the holiday book. My mystery lover Cy appeared and Paige and Annie had their babies. Dani is pregnant and hopefully she doesn't miscarry. Hopefully Cy kiss with Tammy make Pierce notice her because that story would be hot. All that was missing was Miles and a mystery of Cy actual job has me worried.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to say I loved it!!! I also would like to let some of the other reviewers know that if they had started with the beginning of the series I think they would enjoy it also! It is a novella to go with the previous. Not really a stand alone, or you would be kinda lost! I have absolutely loved the entire series. Can't wait for more!!!

[June Guymon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was hard to get into because of the introduction of so many characters - some even twice - and a plot that at times is hard to follow. Choose another holiday rweas in my opinion.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say....I'm just so in love with this series. Or is it the writing? Depth of characters? Or the storyline? Thank you Kathleen Brooks.

[Felice Foster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really hard to keep the characters straight in this novella. I wanted to like it, but just didn't care by the end.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Secret Santa is Book #2.5 in the Bluegrass Brothers Series and the sixth instalment in the Bluegrass series by Kathleen Brooks. ‘Bluegrass’ combines romance and suspense, with a touch of Southern charm.
A few years ago a friend recommended this author, and her many series, to me - as she had devoured every book and absolutely loved them, singing the author’s praises from high from the hilltops. So, being an avid reader who loves discovering new authors and enticing reads, I took my friends recommendations seriously, and started amassing Ms. Brooks many books, with the plan to have a huge binge session/buddy read with my friend. But with so many books on my TBR, and new, exciting ones releasing every week, I always seemed to get pulled into other books- as these just kept piling up.
Since part of my yearly reading challenges for the past few years has been to dust off my TBR pile/s and read the books that have been languishing there the longest, I decided to finally dive in and get the series read. While I did ‘enjoy’ the books for the most part- I didn’t fall madly in love with them as my friend promised that I would. But that’s ok, I am really happy that she loves them as much as she does. But for me, they were just an ‘okay’ read.
With plenty of small-town drama, intrigue, angst, chemistry, humour, community, family, friendship, charm, mystery, tension, danger, emotion, and suspense- the stories are about finding love unexpectedly and love conquering all.
The books can all be read as standalones if you wanted, without feeling ‘lost’ or like you are missing big pieces of the picture. This is because each instalment introduces its own ‘couple’- providing plenty of romance, a dash of suspense, and some sweet development to make your heart flutter.
But I have to be honest, I found there were a few issues which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the stories/series. Such as the ‘wordiness’ which really slowed the flow of the storyline at times, as there was such an overwhelming amount of detail which didn’t really ‘add’ to or propel the story in any way, except to perhaps distract from the plot. I love details, normally- but not when there are pages of descriptions, as things tend to ‘bog’ down and the flow/pace/plot gets lost amongst the detritus- and also leads to some ‘wandering’ storylines. There were also many loose ends, for me- threads that were left hanging, or not fully woven into the storyline- which I found a bit frustrating.
I really wanted to love this series as much as my friend did…. but instead, I was left a little disappointed.
Happy reading! 📚💙

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!

Secret Santa is a fun, lighthearted novella that serves as a warm holiday treat for fans of the series. Set during Christmas in Keeneston, it’s a short but sweet glimpse into the lives of beloved characters, filled with festive cheer, small-town hijinks, and a little bit of mystery. The town’s matchmaking ways are in full swing, and the humor is as strong as ever.
This isn’t a deep or suspenseful story like the others, but it’s an enjoyable feel-good read. The mystery of the Secret Santa keeps things interesting, and the interactions between the different couples add a cozy, nostalgic feel. It’s best appreciated as a bonus story rather than a standalone, but for fans of the series, it’s a charming addition.

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH A PERFECT STORY!!!!

This book was such a big treat! It had everything.... It was laugh out loud funny in places.... It was very romantic...
And so sweet and satisfying. I absolutely loved every word.... I felt like I was wrapped in enjoyment and contentment throughout the entire book! I want to be careful not to give anything away but it was so beautifully written and a wonderful present any time of the year for readers who have read the Bluegrass series and were reading the Bluegrass Brothers series also! Thank you Kathleen!!!!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories like this where everyone is present and we get to catch up. The couples, the roses (fairy godmothers), the single Davies brothers, Ahmed, the baby updates…all so good and make this town even more colorful and real. The news and secret Santa wasn’t really surprising, but very entertaining and essential to building a great story and community. Can’t wait for the next update and now fully intrigued by Cy and Ahmed’s moment made me love him even more.

[Hannah Hoffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - it was cute but I got whiplash as Kathleen Brooks couldn’t decide if Katelyn and Marshall were engaged or married. Oh and she called Cole, Cade a few times and I was hella confused. Proofreading is important friends

[Crystal L Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas Story

Charming Holliday story. Sexy men and beautiful women celebrate their love of family and community and each other. In the middle of the town celebration true miracles happen.

[Lori Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun easy read!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa

O m g I really truly did love this book it made me laugh and cry it was so good I recommend reading it

[Brittany Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

A short cute story that can be read alone but best with the rest of the series. Doesn't develop the characters much but it is meant to be a companion story. Short and sweet

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fun, fun read. I could not put it down!!

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great interlude in the series. This was a fun short.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short - but Very Sweet! I guessed who Santa was!!! Can you?

[Emily Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as Keensten has their Christmas party with all the character we have enjoyed in the series. Lots of fun and a great story with some surprises.. Loved it!