This is one of the most perfect, sweet and wholesome novellas I've read.

Her Secret Christmas Hero is what the Christmas season is all about – life and love. This is the first Christmas Allie will have without her father. While his death is still fresh and sharp not only in her mind but her heart, she has worked their small ranch while deciding what her future will hold. This Christmas Eve is all about preparing for a Montana snowstorm and keeping her mare, CeCe safe through the storm. CeCe is due to foal in a short time and Allie’s prayer is that she holds off until the vet gets back from his holiday. CeCe will have other plans for Allie.

When a reckless deputy drives himself and his prisoner over an embankment, Allie is the only living soul in the area who can help. She’s a young woman, alone facing a deadly snowstorm and the unknown man in handcuffs in the wrecked car. She can’t leave him to die in the elements so eventually she will release him and lead them back to the safety of her barn.

In the space of around 24 hours the lives of Jake and Allie will be forever changed. A Christmas miracle? Most definitely. But the true miracle is the love that makes no sense, but is as real as though they’d known each other a life time. Allie is willing to believe – will Jake?

Her Secret Christmas Hero is almost totally the isolation of Allie and Jake.. and CeCe and her newborn Star. Their isolation gives the story a somewhat outside of time feel. And within this snow globe it’s possible for logic to be set aside and love to happen when it’s least expected. Jake has explained his family and why he was being transported in the police car. And Allie accepts his word. It really is that simple – and touching. Love knows no timeframes it just is what it is. Allie and Jake will experience the miracle of life and the uncomfortable acknowledgement of caring for someone that is totally illogical but also a fact. Their time together will be short but it will matter to the lives they will lead – hopefully together.

This is a charming Christmas magic story. One that anyone who loves Christmas romances should completely enjoy. I would highly recommend this one for anyone who believes in the miracle of love.

*I received an e-ARC of Her Secret Christmas Hero from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

You never know when Mr. Right will show up.

Allie McHale finds this out on Christmas Eve when she hears an accident on the highway during a snow storm. When she goes to see if anyone needs helps, she finds the driver dead and the passenger desperate to help. Even though the passenger is in handcuffs, she knows she has to help him or he will die too.

Jacob Reeves was born into a crime family but he refused to live that lifestyle. He moved away where no one could find him (or so he thought). He was being transported to testify in court against his father and brother when the deputy lost control of the car and crashed. He was thankful when Allie found and helped him.

That was a night they would never forget. Allie's horse CeCe has a difficult time giving birth and she needed help. Jake knew about horses as he was previously living on a horse farm. Together they help deliver the foal. They also share some very intimate moments together. But the next day Jake is taken away and Allie has to face the fact that she may never see him again. Will this short lived romance be all Allie and Jake have? Or, will luck be on their side and they will have a second chance?

I couldn't put this book down. In a way I was thankful that it was short or I would have been up all night reading. It is an exciting and very touching story.

Allie is getting ready to spend christmas eve in the barn and help her horse if need be have a baby. When she heres what she knows is an accident and knows she has to get out there to see if there are any survivors, what she finds is the last thing she expects and now she knows she has to do the right thing and help who ever is in the car. Jacob is not happy with the way this cop is driving and he's not happy having to be stuck on this road in the snow in the back of a cop car going to fast on christmas eve all because he has to make a choice between his life and his father and brothers. When all starts to spin out of control he knows he needs to find a balance he just never thought he might find it where he did.
Nothing like a tragedy to bring two of the most opposite people together, even for what may seem like a short time. This book is short and sweet and leaves you with everything answered in the end. It was a really fun christmas read and completely enjoyable storyline with a ton of chemistry between the characters. Really the perfect book for a quick afternoon read.

3 - ”I think the time to be careful is over.” Stars.

The synopsis of Her Secret Christmas Hero is what initially grabbed me with this one, I mean who isn’t going to be intrigued by a man in hand-cuffs, and not for kinky reasons either! It started well, the initial meeting between Allie and Jake is the stuff of Christmas nightmares, but once they made it back to the all-important barn, where pretty much the rest of this novella takes place things fizzled out for me.

”We’ll be fine.”

This novella had so much potential, and the authors writing style is easy to engage in, but everything that happened between these two was in the space of hours. Stuck in a barn together overnight (Christmas Eve) Allie goes from wary to wanting to falling for a guy who she has absolutely no background knowledge of apart from what he tells her.

I liked Jake, and I liked them together, I think the author would have made the story more believable (yeah, yeah, I know its fiction) if their blossoming relationship had grown whilst trapped in a snow storm together for a couple of days, rather than overnight, there is plenty enough going on in the novella that it could have been stretched out a bit to accommodate that, and still keep it novella length.

My first book by Mallory Kane, and I would definitely be happy to read more from hr in the future.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

My actual rating on this one would be more 3.5 stars. It's a sweet story with some very interesting characters but it's short and feels very rushed! However, for a little holiday relaxation when you're short on time, this is the perfect read and I would definitely recommend it.

Allie McHale is alone on the family farm. Ready to settle in and ride out the snowstorm in the barn with her beloved horse. When she hears a terrible crash on the road, she fights her way out there only to discover the driver dead and the passenger handcuffed and trapped. She knows that no matter what he's done, she can't leave him out there alone. One crazy night with a stranger and her whole world is changed!!

Her Secret Christmas Hero by Mallory Kane is the sixth book in the multi-authored Secrets of Cherry Lake series. This was a book I wasn't expecting because I thought the series had already ended, but it appears that Christmas has come to the small town of Cherry Lake and since I quite enjoyed the first five books, I'm more than happy to see this series continue. Allie McHale and Jake Reeves are two new characters and while one may wish that they had met under more pleasant circumstances, their love story proves miracles do happen and those that occur over the Christmas season tend to be most memorable.

The dilemma that Jake faces--whether or not to become state's witness against his father and brother--was such an original aspect in this story. You can't help but ask yourself what you would do in his shoes. After all, family is still family, even if they happen to be involved in criminal activities. Meeting Allie becomes a turning point for him, but I liked that he didn't make any rash decisions concerning a future together. She inspires him, but he's also very realistic about his situation with the authorities, so when it comes to believing that the normal life he's dreamed of is a possibility is difficult for him to grab with both hands.

Allie was such a great heroine, facing challenges in her life with her father having recently passed, yet remaining steadfast and hopeful. Her genuine affection for her mare CeCe made her an even more lovable lead character. She's wary of Jake when she initially discovers he's a criminal, and she continues to be careful of him in the beginning, but I loved that she wasn't narrow-minded and saw that there was more to him. Her Secret Christmas Hero was a wonderful addition to the series and I'm hoping it'll be the beginning of a Cherry Lake Christmas spin-off series, though it can be read as a standalone too. Five stars! ♥

The cover and the description of this book really grabbed my attention which is how I knew I needed this book. Also, I am a huge Christmas lover so any book that involves his holiday is a MUST READ for me.

Overall, this was a cute, fluffy, and quick read. I enjoyed reading about the two characters, Allie and Jacob, and the horse, Cece. Moreover, the storyline is quite intriguing because it involves a man who has previously been involved in crime and a sweet young woman who is clearly in need of some company after the passing of her father. So, when the two come together you get a magical spark that shines brighter than the Christmas star! Fans of holiday romance will want to check this book out. It’s a great read, one that will leave you thrilled and smiling until the last page.

LINKS TO ONLINE REVIEW FOR THIS TITLE: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A3NU5MG1VOINFB Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/44344367-elle-the-bookaholic Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrettyLilBooks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettylittlebookreviews Blog: http://www.prettylittlebookreviews.com/my-reviews/-her-secret-christmas-hero-by-mallory-kane

Meet Jake and Allie, an unlikely couple brought together by a car accident in a blinding Montana blizzard. Allie, a horse rancher, rescues Jake from the confines of the wrecked vehicle he was a passenger in and walks him to her barn, where she's waiting out the storm with her horse CeCe, due to foal at any time. Allie is a bit skittish, because Jake is in handcuffs when she finds him. Can she trust a criminal to help her bring CeCe's baby into the world? This is a heartwarming story about love of all kinds - a son's for his family, a daughter's for her father, a girl and her horse, and two people who learn that a fairy tale can come true. A great holiday read. 4 of 5 stars. I was furnished with an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

A heartwarming little Christmas tale! A fast easy read that will make you smile.

Allie McHale is preparing the barn to spend Christmas Eve there with her horse. There's a storm coming, and she wants to be able to keep an eye on CeCe because she's days away from having her first foal. When she's getting the last of her supplies set up in the barn, she hears the unmistakeable sound of a vehicle crashing over the embankment a half a mile from her Montana farm.
She makes her way there through the snowstorm and finds one lone survivor. A prisoner in handcuffs. She gets him loose from the vehicle and takes him back to the barn with her to wait out the storm.

Jake Reeves was being transported back to Seattle to testify against his father and brother who are big into organized crime.

Once the storm passes, Jake is taken back into custody and heads off to testify. Will they be able to forget each other and the night they shared in her barn?

This was between that 3.5 star and 4 read for me. The beginning came out really strong for me but it sort of mellowed as the book went on. Now I know as a reader this Hero is not going to be a bad guy really But Allie just gave up her control to quickly for me. An enjoyable holiday read.but too many unanswered questions.

I was so excited to return to Cherry Lake, and what better than to celebrate Christmas in this wonderful town. Love at first sight, two opposites find them selves together in a barn delivering a foal on Christmas Eve.

Allie is planning on spending Christmas Eve alone in her barn with her horse that is ready to deliver, when she hears a loud crash. What she finds is a car accident that involves a prisoner, whom she rescues. As the night progresses, they find a mutual attraction and feel like they have known each other forever. Is this a temporary love, or will it be forever.

I so enjoyed this sweet romance, finding magic and love at Christmas, will leave a smile on your face. I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

This one was simply not for me. Too rushed, too bizarre, it tipped away from escapist fantasy into "really? I mean REALLY" too quickly.

This was the perfect book to get you in the Christmas spirit. Settle in with your favorite hot coco and play some Christmas music. It was a quick read with a storyline to get you ready for the festive season. I could see this being a gift to people into the Christmas spirit.

3.5 stars

Her Secret Christmas Hero was a sweet, heartwarming read.
I enjoyed watching Allie and Jake open up and connect.
This was a quick good feel read that's perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

Thank you to Tule Publishing via NetGalley for the advance copy.

It is always darkest before dawn. And that is exactly where Allie McHale found herself in a wintry Christmas Eve. Alone with only her pregnant horse for company, Allie rescues crime family scion Jacob Reeves from certain death.

Whether it was because of the danger that Jacob evokes, or Allie who had been alone since October just felt lonely, or perhaps Jacob was so darn good looking, Allie felt attracted to him. Unknown to Allie, the feeling was mutual.

So, when sparks between them finally lit up, Allie was surprised. Yet, the biggest surprise was the morning after when Jacob walked out of her life for good. Or did he?

A poignant story that tugs at your heartstrings, “Her Secret Christmas Hero” gives hope then there was none, when a happily ever after is out of their reach. Still, you want to know what happens when you wish upon a Christmas star.

“Her Secret Christmas Hero” is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content.

It's a return to the pit of Cherry Lake in this first book of this Christmas series. Allie is all alone after the death of her father. Her ranch hands are off holidaying and she is waiting for her favorite mare to give birth. Jacob is wishing he knew what to do after he greed to turn states evidence against his crime family. Unfortunately for Jacob, that decision didn't get him any real leeway and he is headed to Salt Lake City in handcuffs with a deputy who isn't exactly professional but who seems real in a way neither Jacob nor Allie feel.

This is an insta-love story where Allie saves Jacob and then they have sex and deliver a foal. Yeah, that's pretty much it. In between all that, Jacob agonizes over what he is going to do and Allie gives him a snow globe for Christmas that was meant for her father. The emotion is superficial; the story would be forgettable except that Jacob's experience with the law is even less realistic than Lacey's (from Three Nights Before Christmas).

The story wraps up in too neat a bow and it feels like nothing is really resolved except they get to continue boinking. Here's hoping that the next Cherry Lake book isn't rotten too.

Allie McHale's lives in a small town and she hears terrible sound of crash near her barn. She goes to find out what had happen. Usually that corner happens to be accident prone spot. It was snowing and crash was loud and she decided to check out what had happen that's where she finds Jacob. Jacob handcuffed and seating behind the deputy. She was first afraid of him not knowing if he was murderer or not. Since he was only one alive in the car, she rescues him and leads him to her barn where mare is ready to have her foal. Both felt instant connection and they shared very intimate night. Sharing secrets to each other. But one night was only night they were allowed. They realize he has to go back and testify and she is back to her life again. Will she be his one and come back for her?
Story was interesting to read but it felt a bit short on their romance. They were on each others arms so quickly. I thought Allie was rushing into it too quick. It was easy and quick to read.

Allie McHale and Jacob Reeves look like polar opposites on paper yet when they are thrown together after a car crash delivers a handcuffed Jake to Allie's door on Christmas Eve they both feel an instant attraction. Throw in Allie's very pregnant mare Ce Ce, and a blizzard that is sure to have even the hardiest outdoorsman heading for shelter and you have the makings of a very interesting 24 hours or so.
Her Secret Christmas Hero is a warm and tender story. Allie is alone on her ranch having recently buried her father. She's decided to spend Christmas Eve in her barn with her mare Ce Ce, and has everything prepared, ensuring adequate heating, and a suitcase full of clothes, pyjamas, food and the means to heat it. She's a sensible girl from sensible stock, and when a truck takes out alf the guard railing on the road above the ranch, she ventures out to set up warning cones and alert the authorities to he need to get a repair crew out there when the storm is over.
Sadly for Jake, the deputy driving him to Salt Lake City to testify against his crime boss father and brother is not so sensible and has been driving too fast for the conditions, missing the bend and ploughing through the damaged railing and over the embankment. The deputy is killed in the crash but Allie has heard it and rescues Jake before he freezes to death.
I enjoyed watching Allie overcome her concerns about Jake, though I do feel he whole relationship thing came on a tad fast. Despite this, I liked the book and felt satisfied when I reached the end.

Cute story, but a WTF lack of any mention of condoms, birth control or safe sex.

A Christmas novella filled with magical moments.
The blurb got me completely, the interest was born, and the beginning of the story is enticing and tense, the elements of the snowstorm, coming birth with Cece, the accidents, death, prisoner... Just filled with exciting elements.
And it was, exciting. And the birth of Cece's 'baby horse' was sweet, and magical on the Christmas night.
And I liked Jake and Allie. Allie was grieving for her father, and Jake in an impossible situation with his family and law. The snow storm could have given the story the possibility to stretch out for a little longer, there was enough happening that the story could have carried a little bit more substance. Now all is happening in one night, the Christmas night, and the ending left me wanting, wanting more, wanting better conclusion to Jake's problems with the law and family, and just more depth to the feelings between Jake and Allie, and consequences of the unsafe sex. But as the story is, it is cute, it has the Christmas magic in it, and the birth in the stables, reaching the score just to the
~ Three Spoons

Alexandra McHale is facing her first Christmas alone following the untimely death of her father some three months earlier. She lives on the family ranch where her beloved horse, McHale's Christmas Carol or CeCe as she is affectionately called, is due to give birth in about a week. The weather forecast is for storms with heavy snowfall so she's planning on sleeping in the barn with CeCe as the generator in the ranch is unreliable and she wants to ensure CeCe keeps warm despite the weather. As she makes her preparations for her Christmas Eve vigil she hears the horrifying sound of a vehicle hitting the guard rail on a dangerous bend in the road. Worried about the occupants she braves the weather to investigate, discovering a truck has side swiped the rail, taking many of the warning reflectors with it. She calls in the information to the Sheriff's department, places two reflector poles to try to alert drivers to the danger. Returning home to CeCe, tired from the long cross country trek, she then hears another crash, this time followed by the blaring of a vehicle's horn. That is the start of her Christmas adventure, one that will change her life. Read it yourself to see what and who she finds.

This is a well written chicklit with great characters, a lovely horse, danger from the weather and possible mobsters together with, of course, a romance with a potential HEA. It explores attitudes and feelings of 'mafia' family members who make different choices about their lives and is a great read.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

Her Secret Christmas Hero by Mallory Kane is an explosive read. Other than everything happening so fast, it is a marvelous read. The characters are multidimensional and I really would like to have had more time to get to know them as well as them getting to know each other.

What we have here is one Christmas Eve for Jake and Allie in the middle of a snow storm. This one small moment in time is well-written. I think in real life that the couple would need more time to develop a relationship that can stand under the everyday trials and pressures of life. While was glad for the epilogue but still the novella is only 5 chapters, almost a long short story so ½ star off..

3.5 Stars The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

I have received a copy of this book from NetGalley/Tule Publishing for an honest review. "Her Secret Christmas Hero" by Mallory Kane is part of the "Cherry Lake Christmas" series. This is Allie McHale and Jacob Reeves' story.

Allie has just lost her father and is struggling with the loss. Jacob is set to testify against his family who are members of organized crime. They end up spending Christmas Eve night together during a winter snow storm. They are attracted to each other, but there are so many issues so will they act on this attraction?

The characters were likable. Their romance was rushed, but some scenes just didn't flow for me. It's an okay quick read. Contains mature content.
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Kitty's review:

Mallory Kane did a nice job of bringing Montana to life in “Her Secret Christmas Hero”. Unfortunately, she had a hard time keeping me involved and invested in the story.
Allie had me confused. I wasn’t really sure where she was coming from or where she was going. One minute she is holding a gun on Jacob, the next she is begging him to make love to her. She felt scattered, not well thought out and well, just confusing.
As for Jacob, he was a little more settled for me. He knew what his life was going to have in store for him once the snow storm passed. He didn’t expect to be saved by a woman with a big heart. He didn’t expect to be delivering a foal in a snow storm. He didn’t expect to fall in love. Walking away from her and making the decision to either testify or not against his father and brother were the hardest decisions he ever had to make in his life.
Maybe I am just used to strong female characters and Allie just didn’t come off that way to me. She actually depressed me. Granted, she had a rough time with just losing her father but I wasn’t drawn into that part of the story and that seemed to be the premise behind her. Well, that and her horse CeCe. Also, the timelines were confusing to me. At one point I thought it was 1 am on Christmas morning but then Christmas Star was born on Christmas Eve. Again, confused.
The story itself was cute and interesting. It would have been nice to have had a little bit more of a background on the town itself, its occupants and how they all fit together. I just felt cheated in some way of not knowing more about what really brought them to the places where they were at in life. I would love to read more from Mallory Kane to watch and see how she evolves. There were times in this story that I became really involved and then others when I felt disconnected. But, as I said, the story was cute and had a really nice happily ever after.

I guess that I should have known it was going to happen but I SO did not need to read a scene with a horse birthing a foal. TMI!

3.5 stars This is a very quick read with the majority of the events taking place over one night. Allie McHale is getting ready to see out the coming blizzard in the barn with her very pregnant mare CeCe. It is Christmas Eve and she is just settling in when she hears a car crash on the nearby highway.

It is a patrol car and the only survivor is a man in handcuffs, Jake Reeves. Of the Reeves crime family.

Forced to rescue him and take him back to the barn to see out the storm, Allie is torn by suspicion and attraction. Quite a lot happens overnight and Jake is just the man to help out with the mare. But once morning comes, he will have to go and there is a good chance he wont ever come back.

Overall this was a sweet story with some sensual scenes. The short format made it a little hard to get to know this couple but they came across as people you could like. The only thing that really bothered me, and I NEVER thought I would say this, was where are the condoms? Strangers in the night and all that.

I received this arc from Netgalley for review. Honestly.

"Her Secret Christmas Hero" by Mallory Kane. I have been a fan of Ms. Kane's for a while but I have to be honest and say, I was slightly disappointed with this one. I found it a bit incredible the relationship between the two main characters. While I sympathized with Allie and even Jacob, the relationship just didn't work for me. While I do enjoy tales of love at first sight and others about couples that fall in love quickly, for some reason, this one just didn't work for me. I didn't feel the connection between the two. However, the story itself roped me in - bad snowstorm, stranded together, rescues, Christmas - all the makings of a romantic tale. I liked both characters, even if Jacob had a less than stellar background, they were both good people and lonely too. I would have liked to have a bit longer story and had them spend more time together before Jacob had to leave. Not a terrible story, just a bit ok for me. (received copy from NetGalley for honest review)

Allie’s dad had died three months earlier. It is now Christmas eve. Allie loves her horse CeCe who is due to give birth within the next week so Allie decides to stay in the barn with her to make sure she stays warm. She hears a crash and goes out to see what happened she finds a crashed car, the driver is dead and another man- Jacob is handcuffed inside the car. This novella was ok but who hooks up with a stranger especially one in handcuffs. Not realistic in anyway to me , especially in today's world .

Mallory Kane is a great writer and i no this as i have read quite a few of her books. whilst this book is short it sure does pack allot of punch.

It was great being back in town of Marietta and seeing some old and the new faces it made me smile.

This book is perfect for a quick read.

SWEET! love it!

A novella that takes place in the space of an overnight stay in a barn. While I understand that intense situations bring about intense feelings...can't understand love that happens in a few hours...lust yes...

Stuck in a barn together on Christmas Eve, Allie and Jake goes from having major trust issues to doing the horizontal mamba, unprotected!

I think had there been more character and back-story development, this story could have been a whole heck of a lot more...as it is...it felt very rushed and the romance was definitely short-circuited...

Allison “Allie” McHale has suffered a major loss and is now focusing all of her attention on making sure that her mare CeCe doesn’t deliver her foal before the local vet is back in town to ensure a safe delivery. Meanwhile, it’s cold and someone has already knocked down the railing on the road near her house. And, it’s Christmas Eve. Allison has planned on spending the night in the barn but things never go as planned.

Jacob “Jake” Reeves has been put in the uncomfortable position of being forced to travel from his hideaway in Canada to Missoula to testify against his father and brother and hopefully put his crime family business behind him. His police escort is treating him like a hardcore criminal and is speeding through the snow covered roads without a care in the world. Unfortunately, they come across that part in the road near Allie’s house where the railing is out and have a terrible accident. WIthout giving away everything, I will say that Allie saves Jake and he ends up spending a short time with her and she has a profound affect on him.

Her Secret Christmas Hero was a short but sweet book. It hit all of the usual romantic notes. Jake and Allie had an immediate spark and they appeared to be made for each other. It was a nice holiday love affair.

Eh, not as interesting reading The Secret Son (Secrets of Cherry Lake Book 2) by Joan Kilby, Her Secret Protector (Secrets of Cherry Lake Book 4) by Roxanne Snopek & The Christmas Secret (Secrets of Cherry Lake Book 7 but now called Marvells of Montana Book 2) by Jeannie Watt. It was nice and sweet. Very very short romance. The father's stroke felt a bit of a cop out.

This is a voluntary review via netgalley my thoughts are my own!