Cute feel good holiday secret Santa romance!

This is a voluntary review and I do not get paid for this review.

This is the second book in this series and it is a great read. I loved Luke he was like a guy that you would say was too good to be true. He was sweet, kind, sexy, and so much more. He didn't have the best childhood and now that he was back home from the military people still thought of him as the kid from the wrong side of town. No matter what he did he felt like he was fighting a losing battle getting people to accept him for who he was now. He closed himself off from the possibility of happiness. He needed to give back to the community because it helped him feel whole again. It helped him fight those demons that plagued him from his past. Then you have Mary who is just as sweet but had a really protective dad growing up. She just wants to find a guy who lives up to what her father thinks is the perfect guy for her. She too closes herself off from happiness because she is afraid of being hurt and of disappointing her dad. When Mary and Luke meet there is definite chemistry but both of them hold a piece of themselves back. They struggle to give themselves wholly to each other. In the midst of all this you have Mary trying to write the story of the secret Santa. I think that Kaylie Newell did a really great job with this book. The only thing missing was I wished there had been a little bit more of Tanner in the book but seeing Maddie again and hearing her wisdom made me smile a lot. I cannot wait to see what Judd's book has in store for us. I am positive that it will just as wonderful as the first two books in the series. Thanks NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

The author captures the exemplary character of human nature perfectly. Warmth is the takeaway from Luke and his innate willingness to give to others for the sole purpose of bringing hope to those who are deserving and need it the most. The lesson of trust that Luke and Mary struggle with is conveyed succinctly and is the secondary message in the story, it was one that left an impression.

I enjoy Maddie’s unique view of her three brothers, and life in general. With the myriad of emotions that her story brings, it’s difficult at best to not fall in love with her brothers and the example they are setting for her. It’ll be interesting to see how Judd contributes to the brothers raising their of little sister.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

4.5 stars
With “Luke’s Gift” Kaylie Newell wrote another fantastic love story, with great characters and a delightful romantic feel. I just adore these wonderfully romantic stories with amazingly honest heroes and heroines.
I loved that the conflict stems from the characters’ inner issues and professional ethics and deontology and not cheating nor other external and/or superficial issues.
Luke is a great hero, so earnest, good and honorable; Mary is a great heroine too, a good reporter when she concludes she has a story even with the anonymity (fantastic resolution for the mystery!).
Newell even plays with Luke’s military man persona and romance novel conventions and expectations, delivering instead a wonderful twist from the predictable “scarred vet” (in Mary’s wise words).
The writing style, the secondary characters and dialogue are great. I missed having more of Tanner, but enjoyed meeting again the fantastic preteen Maddie and watching the siblings tender and loving relationship; and I’m eagerly waiting for Judd’s story.

Great festive read.

This is the second book in this series, but I don't think it matters if you haven't read the first.

Luke is back in town to help look after his little sister. He is in the police now, after being in the forces for years. Local reporter Mary wants to write an article about him - he reluctantly agrees, but would he have ever considered it if he wasn't attracted to her. He is keeping a secret though, so what will this mean for their fledgling relationship?