Santa Has a Six-Pack by Erin Mallon

Narrated by Erin Mallon and Jason Clarke

First in a Christmas RomCom Duet, but it Stands Alone.

Thank you Erin Mallon for an early copy of Santa has a Six-Pack for review.

Erin Mallon has the kind of humor I love. It’s sweet and sexy, a little immature in the best way, and it makes you giggle out loud while still bringing all the feels. Since Erin is a narrator first and narrates her own stories, she writes with audio in mind, which makes the experience even better. Add Jason Clarke’s comedic timing and you have a great audiobook.

“This is the year I’m going balls deep into Christmas”

Santa Has a Six Pack was so much fun. I had a goofy grin on my face the whole time I listened, and I was honestly disappointed when it was over. I didn’t want to wait a whole year for the next one.

Penny is a former dancer who now works in a department store. Because of her dance background, she is put in charge of a new marketing campaign to find the World’s Fittest Santa to help boost sporting goods sales.

When Matt, a school teacher and owner of a new local gym, walks in for the audition, his rap (delivered perfectly by Jason Clarke) wins over the judges. Penny feels an immediate and reluctant pull toward the man she will now be working with as Santa.

“Penny.” He reaches a hand in my direction. “Would you do me the honor of mounting my equipment?”

Penny and Matt end up doing a series of fitness-themed Christmas events, and while Penny tries to treat Matt like the enemy, he never really is. Their attraction simmers from the moment their eyes meet (well at least when her eyes met his abs). Matt is a total cinnamon roll and I adored him, along with his friend Eugene. Penny is a little grinchy at first, but she won me over quickly. Their chemistry is spot on and I enjoyed the slow burn so much.

Erin Mallon is great at creating smart, quirky characters who are easy to love. Even with its light and fun vibe, the story touches on tougher topics like eating disorders, body image, and Alzheimer’s, and Erin handles every moment with care without ever weighing the story down.

The Narration:

Erin Mallon voicing her own characters is always perfect, and Jason Clarke matches her energy so well. Erin and Jason are one of my favorite narrator combinations and they proved why here. I highly recommend the audio (who can resist Jason Clarke rapping?). This story feels designed for listeners.

The Down & Dirty:

Santa Has a Six Pack by Erin Mallon is a sweet and sexy holiday romance with lovable characters that genuinely made me laugh out loud. The cinnamon roll hero and slightly grumpy heroine made such a fun match, and the ending made me so excited for next year’s book. I just don’t want to wait that long.

If you want a feel-good Christmas romance that will put you in a festive mood and make you giggle, pick up Santa Has a Six Pack.