Off-Duty Christmas

by Tammy Tate

Devastated at losing her parents at eighteen, she continues to mourn their death. Kaitlyn buries herself in her work, dispatching for the Cedar Creek Police Department. When holidays roll around, she works harder. If anyone attempts to get close romantically, she pushes them away refusing to love again.

That’s before Bryce, the handsome new Texas Game Warden comes to town vowing to change everything. Will he succeed in rocking her world, or will she also push him away?

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

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2014

About the author

Tammy Tate was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida but has lived most of her adult life in Texas. Her passion to write began in high school. It follows her everywhere she goes...creating a world where anything is possible. She's been married to the same wonderful man for over thirty years. Her secret to a long marriage? It's easy when you marry your best friend. In her world, Friday night is still date night.

Before she became a full-time author, she was an Executive Secretary, a Computer Consultant/Technician, and a Communications Officer (Police Dispatcher). She doesn't mind a challenge which has allowed her to race a late-model in a women's powder puff race, run barrels and poles in a play-day rodeo and drive an 18-wheeler. Somewhere in between, she and her husband raised three wonderful children. When she's not breathing life into her characters or jotting down ideas for a new book, she and her husband are exploring country roads on their Honda Gold Wing.

Since she believes reading is the next best thing to writing, she enjoys romance, fantasy, science fiction and thrillers. In December of 2013, she signed her first book contract with a traditional publisher. Her books have made Amazon's Best Seller list.

Above all, she loves to hear from you...

Here are ways to connect:
Email: [email protected]
Fan Page: www.facebook.com/tammytateauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authortammytate
Blog: http://authortammytate.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️]

DNF @ 10%

At 10% in, I am already sick of the "Police Manual" *eye roll* rules, the discussion of people wanting law enforcement favors, the boring as fuck soliloquies on the job duties of a one-person show dispatch center *snort* and the incorrect use of a 12-hour clock instead of the 24-hour clock.

This is my fault, I shouldn't have picked this up.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this story featured characters in law enforcement, I’m glad ‘fighting bad guys’ wasn’t part of the plot. Instead, the characters seemed like regular, everyday people and I liked that the story was sweet and fun, not action-based.
Two cops, one dispatcher and a game warden go camping together over Christmas. The main characters, Kaitlyn and Bryce (dispatcher and game warden), are thrust together and romance blooms. Kaitlyn lost her parents when she was 18—it’s hard for her to trust and love again in fear she might lose her loved ones—but she’s attracted to Bryce beyond belief. We don’t learn much about Bryce’s past, other than he grew up on a horse farm, (I wanted to know more!) but he’s a kind, honest man any woman would be lucky to have.
There were a few formatting issues, punctuation mistakes and weak transitions from chapter to chapter but I read an ARC so it's understandable. Other than those minor errors that could be fixed with a good proofread and edit, the book flowed well and kept me entertained.
I enjoyed this story and I plan to check out more books from the author.
4 Stars.

Disclaimer - Thank you, Tammy Tate, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all of the main characters in the story being involved in law enforcement I was expecting some danger to crop up in the story. I was pleasantly surprised. I can happily say that this story doesn't fall into that tired old plot device, instead we're left with a very sweet romance story set during a Christmas getaway.

Kaitlyn makes for a sympathetic character, given her past, and her friend, the outgoing Gina makes for a good prod to push Kaitlyn out of her shell. Bryce isn't as developed as you'd hope but Gina's "friend," Ethan, is and proves to be the biggest surprise of the story. If you're looking for a sweet Christmas story with more than one twist to it, this is a very worthy read.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off-duty Christmas by Tammy Tate is the well-written story of a young dispatcher who because of the loss of her family has closed herself off from love. An alpine cabin vacation with a friend turns into something more with the appearance of the new game warden. Will she take a chance? You'll have to read the story to find out!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me south of my former job as a clerical officer for the PD. Rolling out at 6 am after an all night shift with the little old lady calling because he dog was lose running down Main Street! Cute little read.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

OFF-DUTY CHRISTMAS IS ANOTHER ENJOYABLE LOVE STORY BY AUTHOR TAMMY TATE. I LOVE HER WRITING, HER STORIES AND CHARACTERS. SHE HAS A WAY OF DRAWING YOU INTO THE STORY AND HOLDING YOUR ATTENTION TO THE VERY END. OFF DUTY CHRISTMAS WAS NO EXCEPTION. WE ARE INTRODUCED TO KAITLYN WHO LOST HER PARENTS AT 18. SHE IS AFRAID TO LOVE AGAIN FOR FEAR OF LOSING THEM SO SHE PUSHES EVERYONE AWAY. KAITLYN DEVOTES ALL HER TIME TO HER JOB AND WHEN A FRIEND ASKS HER TO GO AWAY FOR CHRISTMAS, SHE RELUCTANTLY AGREES. SHE MEETS BRYCE, THE HOT HANDSOME NEW TEXAS GAME WARDEN. KAITLYN AND BRYCE CLICK INSTANTLY. THERE IS NO DENYING THEIR CHEMISTRY. AS BRYCE AND KAITLYN SPEND MORE AND MORE TIME AGAIN, THEY FIND THEMSELVES FALLING IN LOVE. WILL KAITLYN PUSH BRYCE AWAY FOR FEAR OF LOSING HIM?

OFF-DUTY CHRISTMAS IS A ROMANTIC LOVE STORY WHICH IS FILLED WITH SOME AMAZING CHARACTERS. YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH BRYCE AND KAITLYN. YOU WILL FEEL KAITLYN'S PAIN AND HEARTACHE. I THINK EVERYONE FEARS LOSING THE ONES THEY LOVE BUT YOU SHOULDN'T ALLOW THAT TO STOP YOU FROM LIVING LIFE AND GETTING CLOSE TO SOMEONE. YOU NEED TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST AS TAMMY TATE EXPRESSES THROUGH THE STORY. OFF-DUTY CHRISTMAS IS A MUST READ. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MORE OF HER BOOKS.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Off-Duty Christmas is a well written Christmas story that is full of surprises. It starts with Kaitlyn and Gina deciding to go to a cabin over Christmas. Much to Kaitlyn's annoyance, Ethan invites himself along. Ethan has been hitting on her but she is not interested so a vacation with him does not appeal. At the last minute, Gina invites Bryce to join them. He is the new game warden in town and doesn't know anyone yet so inviting him was a nice thing to do.

The characters are well developed and very likable. I felt sorry for Kaitlyn with the loss of her parents years before which has left her unable to love anyone again because she is afraid of losing them. Ethan was a huge surprise! I didn't like him much at the beginning but sure did by the end.

The smooth writing in this fun Christmas tale made it an easy read with a few surprises along the way. Kaitlyn and Bryce had been set up for the vacation but fell for each other quickly even though they where forced to be together. I actually thought they hopped into bed too quickly. But maybe I'm just old fashioned.

I recommend this sweet Christmas story.

[Marilyn Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Christmas Read

Kaitlyn is a dispatcher at the Cedar Creek police department. Christmas isn’t her favorite time of year. Holidays are difficult for her, and especially Christmas, since her parents passed away. To her, it’s just another day.
Normally, she works on Christmas, but this year, she’s doing something different—camping with her best friend, Officer Gina Jordan and another police officer, Ethan Miller. When Gina invites the new game warden, Bryce Montgomery to join them, Kaitlyn suspects she’s trying to set them up. Or it could be because he’s bringing their entertainment—snowmobiles. Except for the fact that Gina silently mouths to her, “He’s not married” as they climb up into his truck.
Will Gina’s matchmaking work? And what about the other officer, playboy Ethan, who Kaitlyn suspects has the hots for her? And most of all, will Kaitlyn ever get her Christmas spirit back? Read this enjoyable Christmas story to find out.

[Mae Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novella is a quick read but it leaves you with a wonderfully warm glow. Kaitlyn, who lost her parents as a teen, normally buries herself in work over Christmas, but this year her best friend has other plans. Playing matchmaker, Gina invites her on a camping excursion, along with another officer and—surprise!—the hot new game warden, Bryce Montgomery.

A sweet romance infused with all the magic of the season, OFF-DUTY CHRISTMAS will warm your heart. I especially enjoyed the down-to-earth appeal of these characters and the way the author brought them to life. A lovely Christmas treat!

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was too short and had insta-love which I'm not a big fan of. For some reason Kaitlyn was intrigued by Bryce before even meeting him (only knowing his job) even though she's been pushing men away for years. She only spent two days with him before falling into bed and from that we go to an epilogue where they are married. There was no romance

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

With winter coming up fast, I'm so happy to have found an enjoyable Christmas story written by Tammy Tate. Her writing keeps you guessing with twists and turns, keeps you reading with such great story lines. As with her previous books, I'm very impressed with her style. Keep them coming!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

I love these happy Christmas stories. They help me to keep Christmas Spirit. The love and happiness in them makes you keep reading.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

the story is one that makes people believe in love and romance.the love between two people who work in different types of law invforcement .

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good, though I will say that the way the one character was introduced, I expected him to be the love interest, not the other guy.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas romance.


Since losing her parents when she was only eighteen Kaitlyn's love life has been on hold, she's frightened to get involved romantically so once someone starts to get close she pushes them away.
This Christmas however things are going to change, a little Christmas magic, well ok not so much Christmas magic as simple attraction but it's a Christmas romance so I'm going with the magic.
Kaitlyn's going on a camping expedition with two other officers Gina and Ethan, plus as it turns out an extra someone, the new Game Warden Bryce and yes, the attraction is instant.
Ok, I love Christmas romances I really do especially at this time of year I just can't get enough and this one starts well, I was a bit concerned about the camping but it turns out it's not camping as such they're in a five room cabin, I'm not generally a fan of 'Insta' love but it's Christmas so...
It's an enjoyable read which if I'm being honest felt a bit rushed towards the end but again it's Christmas.

[Jen_C · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 2 chapters were a complete waste and boring to boot. No one needs to know how bad Kaitlyn needs to pee, how often Darren is late for work or the boring details of the procedure manual.

Next the main couple meets and in 2 days hit the sheets...well the floor really when the twin beds they pushed together slide apart. I forgot to mention she admired his taunt skin...not taut? Love typos like that!

[Judy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas isn't everyone's favorite time of year, especially when many of your relatives have passed away. Kaitlyn, a police dispatcher, was having trouble getting excited for Christmas after her parents passed away, so she decided to go on a camping trip with friends from work -- and a new game warden. Suddenly, the world begins to look a little brighter for Kaitlyn, and so does Christmas. A fun romance.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

another good short story. the heroine is dispatcher for the police dept. she does not like the holiday because her haunted past. she goes on a 2 wk vacation with 2 coworkers and a new game warden that her coworker met. there she will learn how to let go of the past and move forward with her future. the story started at a good pace and the ending seemed rushed a bit.

[Sara Galisteo · Rating 2 out of 5]

La verdad es que me esperaba más. No me ha caído bien la protagonista ni prácticamente ninguno de los personajes y todas esas referencias a los códigos policiales me sacaban del ambiente y me fastidiaban bastante.

[Caffenero]

So many no-no situations.
Clearly not edited professionally.