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Santa Baby

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All she wanted was a quiet Christmas with her baby.
She wasn't expecting to get stuck in a snowstorm in a strange town with a gorgeous stranger and his family... But sometimes getting lost takes us exactly where we're supposed to be.
**Santa Baby is a 15,000 word Christmas novella/short story.

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2019

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About the author

Chelle Bliss

132 books8,646 followers
Chelle Bliss is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico, but hates sand. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and loves everything romance.
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5 stars
461 (46%)
4 stars
305 (30%)
3 stars
164 (16%)
2 stars
42 (4%)
1 star
17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
Profile Image for Nova.
2,600 reviews101 followers
December 24, 2019
This was a great short Christmas read and also what felt like an introduction to the Carelli Family. This is my first book by either author and I really did enjoy the style and the story, looking forward to more from this series.

Maggie is a single mother working as an waitress in a local diner, not having a babysitter or any real support especially from the her ex and father of her six month old Mateo. She finds herself stranded and alone after attempting to make Christmas journey to her aunts only for her car to run out of gas. Scared and in despair the last thing she is ecpecting was a knock on her window and a handsome stranger offering her shelter with him and his family. Can Maggie really believe in a Christmas miracle in the form of Smoke Carelli and his family and a future that they seem to be offering?

Smoke Carelli wasn’t expecting to come across a car or a beautiful woman and her baby, knowing he cant leave them stranded in the car that looks like a death trap waiting to happen and with no heat, he makes the decision that they will stay with him and as a determined powerful man he gives her little chance to disagree. The drama within the Carelli family runs amok but Smoke cannot help but focus his attention upon Maggie and Mateo, the chemistry is electric from the get go and as much as he doesn’t want complications in his life he cannot help but be drawn to them both. Could this be something more and does he want more?

The vibe of this book is great and I am greatly looking forward to reading more of all the Carelli family in the future, especially Smoke and Maggie. Recommended short read.
Profile Image for One chapter more.
786 reviews145 followers
December 27, 2019
Not a happy ending like I was hoping for. I felt it kind of cut off the novella in the middle of the plot, leaving unfinished business.

Other than that it was okay. Very light writing, effortless I could even say. Like the author decided to write something over one evening and she did.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
5,377 reviews189 followers
December 17, 2019
5 star Review Santa Baby (A Carelli Family Christmas Novella) by Chelle Bliss & Eden Butler

AUDIO REVIEW:
Really enjoyed this short holiday novella. Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield this is a quick listen that will get you in the mood for the festive season. Their narration was spot on and really brought the story to life for me.

Alone and stranded with her six month old son, Maggie is at the end of her rope. When Smoke rescues Maggie, she is initially frightened but slowly but surely he draws her in, offering them sanctuary, food and a warm place to rest.

I fell hard and fast for Smoke, such an alpha, caring man who ticked the boxes for me. I don’t think either Maggie or Smoke realized how much was missing in their lives until they met.

This was not only a smoking hot steamy listen but it was also witty and I adored how Smoke was so sweet with baby Mateo; he melted my heart.
Profile Image for gretareadsromance.
937 reviews56 followers
December 10, 2021
Santa Baby is a holiday novella that has me wanting more of the Carelli Family!

What a great introduction to this world. Maggie is down on her luck however things start turning around when she parks her car and has an interesting first meeting with Smoke. This quick story gives us just a taste of what is going to happen and I can't wait to read more and find out all the juicy details of their relationship and the workings of this crime family!
Profile Image for Kate.
Author 4 books29 followers
December 25, 2019
Straight up - I need more! NEED. MORE!

Ugh, sooooo good!

For a sexy holiday short, this one packed a slew of punches. Direct hit to my heart-feels, direct hit to my greedy mind, direct hit to my romance meter, direct hit to my jingle bells and a definite direct hit to my lady-business!

So happy to learn this novella is just the intro to Smoke & Maggie (and Mateo - that dimpled little dude nearly stole the whole shebang), coz holy shit, these two are faaaarr from done!

And as for more from the Corelli Family - based on the maaaany plot easter eggs in this book - Count. Me. In!

Loved every word.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews67 followers
Want to read
November 26, 2020
🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (11/26/2020)!🎁
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,201 reviews84 followers
December 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this quick, holiday Christmas read. It turns out this is just the beginning of Smoke, Maggie and baby Mateo's story. Oh I have theories of what might come about. Looking forward to it!

Lance and Samantha did a great job narrating.

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Amber Boyd.
710 reviews14 followers
January 1, 2024
3.75 Stars for this holiday novella introduction to the Carrelli Family by Chelle Bliss and Eden Butler. Down on her luck Maggie connects with Smoke when she takes a wrong exit on a snowy Christmas Eve night. Bringing Maggie and her baby into his family Christmas party, Smoke is enchanted and wants to give her unforgettable night. While they have chemistry, there is no promise of forever. It’s definitely a happy for now and lots of questions for what’s next.
Profile Image for Shel.
642 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2019
Short and sweet!

I love this little story so much that I want more! I really need to see where this goes. Smoke is hot and so not what he portrays himself to be.
Maggie is strong but a bit weary from the toll life has taken. She is swept up by this family and surrounded by holiday love.

We need more of this story and this family. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Steph.
2,102 reviews299 followers
December 11, 2020
(2.5 stars) I didn't realize it was part of series, but you could definitely tell there was/is more to the story. If I'd read the Carelli Family series, I probably would have enjoyed this more. Jumping in the middle of the world/series for this holiday short made this read, for me, kinda meh.
December 11, 2019
Santa Baby is such a wonderful Christmas novella. Chelle Bliss and Eden Butler gave a nice, sweet and steamy sneak peek of Smoke and Maggie and I can’t wait for more. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about them and the Carelli family.
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,471 reviews67 followers
December 15, 2019
Santa Baby is a sweet & hot insta love holiday novella. It is set in the Carelli world, but can be read as a standalone. I’m actually not familiar with this series but loved this story and definitely plan to read more.

“...you’re about to witness a Carelli Christmas. You might prefer freezing in your car to my crazy family.”

I loved listening to this story on audiobook. It was a bit like having a Halmark Christmas movie ears!
-4 Stars!-
Profile Image for Serena.
732 reviews21 followers
December 31, 2019
Sweet Short read

This is such a beautiful story of the kindness of others, and the instant attraction some feel.
I can't wait to see where Maggie and Smoke go next. They certainly have potential to be a great romance.
Loved this!
102 reviews
July 20, 2020
Smoking hot for Maggie 💕

I love this read even though it's short but actually just as sweet as Christmas came along with sweet little Mateo 💞💕awww I love it thank u😘😘😘
Profile Image for Kimmy.
373 reviews63 followers
December 2, 2019
Santa Baby was the perfect setup for Smoke and Maggie. I can't wait for the rest of their story.

Maggie is traveling with son to her aunt's house for Christmas but she ends up in a small town due to a snow storm and being short on gas money. Smoke comes to the rescue and brings Maggie and her son to family Christmas dinner. Little does Maggie know that dinner will turn into more.
Profile Image for ReadToBreathe.
857 reviews28 followers
December 4, 2019
3 Stars

Here is the thing.
I loved the family vibe in the book. but for me Maggie was an idiot. The fact that she slept with Smoke without protection proved to me that she is an idiot, like seriously woman do you want to get pregnant again, it's not enough that the first guy was a drug addict and now with a guy you just met 😕

I tried to like Smoke but I couldn't, cuz his thoughts when he first met Maggie made me feel uncomfortable cuz he sounded creepy and I couldn't rid of this idea while continuing the book and for some reason I was always distracted while reading it even though it is less than a100 pages.

There are too much events that happened that I wanted more explanation which is bad cuz it sounds like it will become a series and I wasn't expecting that when I started this book so now I'm confused and I don't like series, at least not anymore.

So all in all, this book had more negative than positive for me. Hopefully I will like their book better than the novella.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2019
Unfinished story

I liked the story until the end when I was surprised by the unfinished endings no HEA! just the promise of friendship and a new start UGH! I would have been totally disappointed if it was a long read so thank God it was short and didn't waste more than a hour of my time. But hey if you like soapoperas or stories that span additional books then I say to each his own but for me a hard pass...
Profile Image for Renae.
921 reviews
December 24, 2020
I am such a huge Chelle Bliss fan so I read everything by her! Another great book by Chelle & Eden Butler! those 2 do awesome work together!
Profile Image for AnjaliC.
129 reviews
May 24, 2021
What A Holiday Treat, Even If Santa Was Not In Sight!

I am very surprised that I loved this book and I want to read "Smoke" by Chelle Bliss and Eden Butler. In such a short tale, there was so much laughter, passion, fun and background that it kept me enthralled.

Maggie Ramirez, is a down on her luck single mother, who is driving a very old Monte Carlo with a hole in its floor. However, the love that she has for her infant son Mateo is strong and solid. While her pride and self-reliance can compete with anyone and win. Even as she battles her hardships, she is not bitter but possibly scared about what the future holds.

On a snowy Christmas Eve night, she is stranded on the road. This is where she meets Dmitri "Smoke" Carelli. He is dangerous, threatening and terrifying but within a few minutes we see a kinder and gentler side. He has a streak of protection in him and our damsel in distress with her mijo have caught his attention. He invites her to join their family dinner.

And that is where the fun begins and the sparks fly! We get to read both Maggie and Smoke's point of view. It is a great introduction to many of the characters, some of the plot lines and the back story to the upcoming sequels in the Carelli Family saga.

I am usually not a fan of continuous swearing, but the atmosphere and environment is such, that it makes sense. I love the fact that all the roles are complicated and have their own set of rules. The descriptions of the emotions and expressions makes the reader smile and empathize. It is a roller coaster of a read and longer than I expected.

I am curious to read "Smoke" followed by "Dario" which comes out on July 21, 2021. If you love complicated heroes, strong heroines, a cute kid and some action, you won't be disappointed!
225 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2022
Santa Baby by Chelle Bliss and Eden Butler is a great Christmas novella! This has Chelle written all over it.
Maggie is a hardworking single mom whose life is wrapped around Mateo, her six-month-old son. She has no support system and is really trying her best to make sure she’s around her aunt for the holidays until car problems happen. This is where she meets her Carelli is shining armor.
Smoke Carelli is a very powerful man and as he comes across what he thinks is a stranded car finding a stunning single mom and her little baby, he knew he could not leave them alone to freeze.
I was lucky enough to listen to this on audio as well, Samantha Brentmoor is perfection as always! Lance Greenfield was a great Smoke!
This book has so much family, love, and a little bit of heat to keep you warm through the holidays! Adored this story and it will be in my Christmas rotation next year!
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews56 followers
December 23, 2019
Santa baby is a Carelli family Christmas novella. This book is the first book of this series that I have read. Despite it being a Christmas novella, it left me eager to read the other books. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Maggie is a single mother that finds herself and her son stranded on Christmas Eve. Stone Carelli is a crime boss. Everyone answers to him. When he finds Maggie and baby Mateo broken down, he decides to help them. Will Maggie get the happy Christmas she deserves?
I really like both the characters. Despite the reluctance, the chemistry between them is clear to see. I found Stone’s interactions with Mateo sweet.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more of Maggie and Stone.
Profile Image for Kat W.
612 reviews17 followers
December 11, 2021
Well I’m not normally one for the sickly sweet Christmas themed reads but this was an audiobook I couldn’t pass up. I’ve listened to Chelle and Eden’s NAILED DOWN series and really enjoyed it. So I thought this was a no-brainer seeing as it’s narrated by Samantha Brentmoor (who we all know is a favourite of mine) and Lance Greenfield (another fantastic narrator).


It’s a Christmas novella about Maggie and Smoke. Maggie runs out of gas in Smoke’s town and his good Italian family values has him bringing her into their Christmas celebrations. I loved meeting the Carelli’s and witnessing the different relationships within the family. Maggie although completely down on her luck is fiercely independent, which I love in my heroines. Smoke is that, take no refusals, bossy but gooey on the inside guy, that can’t resist rescuing her, just a little.


Even though this was only a short one there was still plenty of heat and it will leave you wanting more of their story.
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,123 reviews57 followers
December 4, 2019
Santa Baby was just what I needed this holiday season. A story of faith and awe at how one Smoke Carelli saves the tired and hopeless Maggie and her infant son Mateo one snowy night and how they not only feel the fire that is starting to burn between them but have the potential for becoming more.

Bliss and Butler once again give their all (even in a shorter book) writing a beautiful little story with the right amount of steam, humor and what it means to be have another person's back no matter what. The magic of Christmas was never more evident in this great novella as the Carelli family opens up their homes and their hearts to a stranger who I have a feeling might just be the woman who softens that sexy, yet a bit hardened man in Smoke.

5 beautiful stars!
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
5,591 reviews133 followers
December 26, 2019
Audio Review
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas story look no further than this quick novella, Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield are the narrators that bring this magical read to life.
Smoke comes across Maggie when she is at her lowest, alone and stranded with her 6 month old son and when he offers her shelter, food and a place to rest she is initially frightened and weary of the hot strangers motives.....
This book ticked all my boxes, it has a strong alpha male who is caring and a woman who needs a man just like him to bring joy and magic back into her life, it’s a sizzling hot listen with plenty of witty banter and all in all it’s a great magical book that touched my heart on so many levels.
215 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2019
I want more!

Maggie is a single mom of her 6 month old son, Mateo. She works in a diner with a jerk of a boss . On Christmas Eve, she runs out of gas on her way to her Aunts house and ends up in a small town, where she meets Smoke Carelli and his family.

Smoke's family takes her in and treats her to a family meal. She later goes home with Smoke where sparks fly! The next morning, he surprises Maggie and Mateo with a tree full of gifts along with a job in his family's restaurant and a promise to be her friend. WTF!! I want more of their story to be told and for them to be a couple.

This story was short and sweet and absolutely leaves me craving for more for Smoke & Maggie! PLEASE!!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,147 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2019
This was a super quick holiday story that did not disappoint. Smoke and Maggie look like they have just started with their story that includes Maggie's baby Mateo. The chemistry between Smoke and Maggie was palpable from the start. I also liked the little bit that we saw of the other Carelli's and look forward to more stories for all of them.
In the audio version, the narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Lance Greenfield was performed well and the pair did a great job bringing this story to life and making it an enjoyable listening experience.
Overall, I would recommend this quick holiday story to others.
Profile Image for Anelise | 2kidsandagoodbook .
426 reviews19 followers
December 24, 2021
This was quick holiday audiobook that gave me all the happy feelings. Smoke and Maggie’s story seems to begin when Smoke notices Maggie and her son Matteo in her car outside his family’s restaurant. As soon as he realized they were in the car and cold he brought them into the restaurant where they were having a family dinner for Christmas Eve. These two seem to be pulled together even though Smoke doesn’t want a relationship and Maggie just is focused on surviving and raising her son. It was a great introduction to Smoke and Maggie’s story. It was such a feel good audiobook that put me in the holiday spirit.
Profile Image for Diane Yoz.
1,295 reviews53 followers
December 9, 2019
I feel liked I peeked at one of my gifts...
You know that feeling when you sneak a peek at your gift but have to wrap it back up and wait for Christmas? That is exactly how I will describe Santa Baby. I loved it! It is a quick read that had me so engrossed and my ovaries exploding! (you'll see why)  Intriguing that's for sure. A sexy sweet story that has me anxious for more. Don't get me wrong it doesn't end in a cliffy but it ends where YOU WILL WANT MORE!!!  Merry Christmas. thanks for the tease
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews

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