We Don't Need Another Santa

A Bent Oak, Texas Novella

By: Bix Barrow

Narrated by: Declan Winters

One retired hitman, one actor just out of rehab, and a Santa sack full of complications...

Even though I don’t need to pose as a third-grade teacher anymore, I stuck around to keep Seth, one of my students, and his brother Robin from being abused by their slimy stepfather. It’s their lucky Christmas Eve when I find out Robin accidentally killed the jerk while protecting Seth, because who better to help them dispose of the body than a retired hitman-slash-operative?

But Santa also delivers the boys’ uncle, famous actor and tabloid headliner Lucas McCord. I’m trying to decide if I can trust him with the boys’ well-being—and possibly my cold, withered heart—when an ill-timed photo has the press announcing I’m Lucas’ boyfriend and the key to fixing his reputation.

The skills I honed in my former life are strangely useful navigating the perils of Hollywood, but when I come face-to-face with an enemy from my past, I’ll use every weapon in my arsenal to keep Lucas and the kids safe.

We Don’t Need Another Santa is a low-angst, humorous holiday romance featuring a retired hitman, an actor trying to turn his life around, two kids in need, stray dogs, an inconvenient body, barbecued brisket, and beaver onesies.

We Don’t Need Another Santa is a novella continuing the hitman’s story from What’s Santa Got to Do with It but can be listened to as a standalone.

©2024 Claire Ellington (P)2025 Claire Ellington

Great addition to series

Loved that Phillop got a story.
Though a novella, it pretty much reads like a novel. Phillip, retired hitman, rescues a pair of brothers from a bad situation. He meets their uncle, Lucas, an actor and together set about creating a stable home for the boys. Throw in a stepfather to be disposed, cute Buccee onesie holiday pics, a Hollywood party where Phillip's past catches up to him and you have an excellent story.

Loved Declan Winters narration - smooth, emotive, with the right amount of wry humour for Phillip. All the characters had distinct voices, emotions. Had a great time listening.