Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Love in Swans Cove #1

# Most Eligible Scrooge

Rate this book
Are you ready to meet your next grumpy book boyfriend?

Fake-dating my brother's grumpy best friend aka my once-upon-a-time high school crush? Definitely not on my Christmas list. Especially after he played Grinch with my heart last Christmas Eve. But when a scandalous video of me sneaking into his luxury hotel in just a teddy with Dasher the Cat in my arms goes viral, we've got no choice: turn him from the "Most Eligible Scrooge" to "Mr. Fixer-Upper Heartthrob" and save my PR gig. Sure, Landon knows all my buttons (annoyingly well) and has this maddening way of making me swoon all over again, but we've got ground rules. Top of the list? No falling in love. Even if we get stranded in the most romantic small-town renovating a house for the holidays.

Dear Santa, it's me, Julie. if you're listening: grant me this one wish and I'll toss in some extra cookies. And carrots for the reindeer, of course!

# Most Eligible Scrooge is the perfect steamy romantic comedy for you if you love Hallmark movies and romcoms with, um, the door open (aka it's getting "hot" in Swans Cove)

Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2023

12 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Elodie Nowodazkij

29 books427 followers
Elodie Nowodazkij writes sizzling rom-coms with grumpy book boyfriends and the bold, funny women who win their hearts. (Think funny Hallmark movie with the door open ;-)) Sometimes, she even writes stories that scare the crap out of her (a mix of Lifetime movies and Criminal Minds). Raised in a small French village, she almost always had a book in her hands. At nineteen, she moved to the U.S., where she found out her French accent is here to stay. Now in Maryland with her husband, dog, and cat, she whips up heartwarming, hilarious, and hot romances or heart-pounding and haunting romantic suspense novels. All of them hard to put down. Ready to take the plunge? The water’s delightfully warm.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
48 (41%)
4 stars
25 (21%)
3 stars
33 (28%)
2 stars
10 (8%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
9,377 reviews139 followers
November 28, 2023
This is a fun, humorous and entertaining holiday romance with strong characters in Julie and Landon. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Sarah  Bittel.
921 reviews28 followers
October 21, 2023
Adorable, fun and definitely another spicy romantic read from Elodie! Love these new adult novels in this series!!
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,038 reviews52 followers
November 30, 2023
🌲          ☃️.        🌲         ❄️          🎄          🦌          🛷


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪

Plot: 3/5


Series: Love In Swan's Cove #1


Place: Swan's Cove 


Tropes: Brother's Best Friend trope; Holiday romcoms;

Fake Dating; Grumpy book boyfriends; Billionaire romance;

Boss romance.


TW: Betrayal, Blackmail, gaslighting 


Main Characters: Julie & Landon



This book started off a year after Once Upon A Christmas Eve ended and Julie and Landon hadn't spoken since then. I immediately felt as if we were back to square one from the first book with Julie and her job. Except it was worse than the last time we saw her. 


I can't say that I didn't have trouble getting into the book and back into the storyline because of that factor. I have felt some type of way about her boss from the Novella and that feeling only amplified. Julie deserved so much better, but refused to see her worth, and how she should have been treated. 


Landon, God love him. He has all the feelings and doesn't know how to express them, much less how to deal with them. He has had to barricade himself against the world for so long, and he has done a disservice to himself and everyone else. Like Julie, he deserves so much more than he is giving himself. If he talked to people the way he should to discuss what was going on, I think he could have been much more successful in his life. 



After the shenanigans that went down with these two and other people I feel as if there was too much conflict all at once. It was like the ship was sinking and everyone was throwing everything at everyone. Or like everyone throwing a bomb in one place and they all detonate. It was wayyy too much conflict. It became too messy too quick. 


I abandoned ship and I'm not going back. Between the miscommunication and unwillingness to communicate, it was  enough. I couldn't keep going. 



I received a complimentary copy via the author and BookSprout. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for ShelfishlyKelly&#x1f4da;.
351 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2024
I was torn between giving this book 2 or 3 stars. It had so many elements I enjoy in a book. Christmas theme, grumpy/sunshine, brother’s best friend, (ex) hockey player, and some slightly over the top cheesiness. But the editing just really was so hard for me to overcome.

There were so many spelling, grammatical or punctuation errors, I lost track. And by spelling I really just mean using the wrong words. I had issues with timelines not matching up. I came to read this book after Once Upon a Christmas Eve, which was meant to be 1 year prior to this book. But sometimes, something was reference as having happened x amount of time ago and it was the same amount of time in the previous book too. Or I could’ve sworn Landon’s engagement ended a year prior to Once Upon A Christmas Eve but in this book there’s a mention of it being years ago. There were times that dialogue that doesn’t make sense. Like there was at least one time where there was meant to be a back and forth between characters but two consecutive lines appear to be spoken by the same character. There was a moment when Landon was wearing sweatpants but then like 3 paragraphs later wearing jeans…and no it’s not cause he changed pants. There were also responses that actually make no sense at all. This time I has to use a direct quote:
“You never cease to amaze me when your capacity to ruin everything.”
“You’re not?”

I got this book and I think 3 others in this series as some type of free or discounted promotional thing, who knows what it was. But either way now I understand why it was on special…

Yes I will torture myself by reading the others I own in this series because they’re already in my library and I have this weird need to keep going. And yes I may be back to continue ranting. We shall see.
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
799 reviews17 followers
November 16, 2023
#Most Eligible Scrooge is a standalone romantic comedy by Elodie Nowodazkij. There are a number of laugh out loud moments that make this kind of like the light hearted Christmas movies that is a guilty pleasure to so many of us during the Christmas season.

This is a grumpy/sunshine kind of romance, featuring a billionaire whose best friend's sister has been hired on to do PR for his image. Apparently his Scrooge like ways are detrimental to both the company and his job as the CEO. The comedy of errors and awkward moment come from the fact that Landon is insanely attracted to Julie. The couple have a great rapport and their chemistry is wonderful. However, Julie and Landon's story is also an emotional roller coaster, and I **may** have cried a couple of times through reading this book. But I also smiled with happiness, too, especially when Landon starts to get things together.

I really admired the strength of Landon, he is a strong character but he seems for the most part a down to earth guy. His declaration of love really shows every good point of his character. Julie is no less strong than Landon, and I like her sometimes quirky thoughts (the zombie jokes are the best) - mostly because I relate to them way too much.

This book hits all the tropes that I'm an absolute sucker for: Brother's Best Friend, Christmas romance, fake dating, grumpy billionaire romance, and romance with the boss.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marie.
870 reviews18 followers
November 23, 2023
Having not read any of Elodie's books before I wasn't sure what to expect. I can say I definitely wasn't disappointed this book has just about everything you want in a christmas book. Julie has held a secret crush for her brother's best friend Landon, but since he's ghosted her after last Christmas she's at a loss as what to do. Landon has secretly wanted Julie in forever but, he feels not good enough. He's let his parents down, his business is failing, someone close to him is trying to sabotage him as CEO of the company. How could anyone want him but most of all he let the best part of him slip through his fingers by walking away from Julie. Now Christmas is coming again can he put this alright again. I absolutely love this story it has just about everything you could want from a festive story and a few candy canes thrown in as well. The characters are both flawed in different ways but together they bring out the best in each other. Dasher is certainly the star of the book. I'm hopeful we might even get to find out more about Poppy and Tristan there is certainly a hidden story between them. As long as you don't mind a bit of a steamy story this is a brilliantly funny, heartwarming story with maybe a few sad bits. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I really hope you'll enjoy it just as much as I have.
Profile Image for J.
4,183 reviews21 followers
November 28, 2023
Oh, what a delightfully sweet and sometimes steamy holiday romance. This is book 1 in Nowodazkij's Love in Swans Cove series and a wonderful start to a promising romantic comedy series. Our main characters are grumpy scrooge billionaire Landon and his best friend's sister Julie. I love the history these two main characters have as well as the difficulties current life has delivered to them both. Julie is sunshine to Landon's darkness and the two just fit. Great character growth and a smooth flowing storyline that includes the humor and angst any good rom com will deliver. A good balance of sweet and steam although some of the sweet was a little overly sweet and a bit monology towards the end but I love the Christmas theme, the small-town setting and the secondary / supporting characters brought in as well. A heartwarming holiday love story! I'm definitely looking forward to more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lita.
2,558 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2024
A little way into this story, maybe 15% I said 'This is so much fun". And it was. It was utterly delightful. A little bit complicated romance because two people couldn't just admit their feelings to themselves and each other. A bit of grief because they were both in the media's eye and their "fake" relationship was becoming public fodder. And a bit of mystery because someone was trying to sabotage Landon and force him from his position as CEO. Then there was the cat who provided a few laughs. If you decide to read this book, I suggest you first read Once Upon a Christmas novella first. It covers the previous Christmas between these two characters, a period referenced in this book more than once.
Profile Image for Barbara Atkinson.
1,015 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2023
This was such a fun adorable short read. Expect to laugh out loud, scream, swoon and cry.
Landon is a Scrooge. A grumpy billionaire whose image needs a little work.
Julie; who is his best friend’s sister, is hired to do PR to improve his image. She is the definition of sunshine. Always puts others first.
After a scandalous photo is taken the two have to start fake dating. Julie has crushed on Landon forever.
Landon hurt Julie previously. Will she be able to forgive him?
Throw in the adorable dog; Santa and Dasher the Cat and you have a fun holiday read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,750 reviews62 followers
December 7, 2023
# Most Eligible Bachelor is a spicy, grumpy-sunshine, fake dating, girl gets her brother's best friend and billionaire romance. Landon is a hunky billionaire with a bad reputation. Julie is his best friend's sister. When she is hired to manage his PR issues, he is insanely attracted to her. They end up fake dating but have real feelings. Can they make things work? What about her brother? This story was an emotional roller-coaster that had me both laughing and crying. I loved the characters, and we do get a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
November 30, 2023
Landon and Julie's Second Chance . . .

Landon Adams, best friend of Julie’s brother, is a grumpy billionaire needing a personality makeover. Julie has had a crush on Landon since high school. He becomes her PR assignment. But when a “situation” forces them to start fake dating, Julie clearly remembers how Landon hurt her in the past. Will he follow all those “ground rules” they set up so she doesn’t get hurt again? And if they can’t follow the rules, can she forgive him and give him a second chance to make it right this time?
1,036 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2023
This book is like a spicy Hallmark movie. I loved it. Julie and Landon play off each other so well. I am such a sucker for all of the tropes here: brother's best friend, forced proximity, fake relationship, and grumpy/sunshine. Add home renovation to the mix and this is the perfect book. Be sure to check out the prequel, Once Upon a Christmas Eve, you don't have to read it to enjoy this book but it adds another layer of fun.
362 reviews7 followers
November 30, 2023
I loved that book. On the one hand, I really liked that the date of the day made the actions of the protagonists even better clear and that it is written in both POVs of Julie and Landon. Julie hast a crush on her brother's grumpy best friend since high school but last Christmas Landon ghosted Julie.
The book made me laugh several times and puts you in the Christmas spirit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
December 9, 2023
London and Julie's story is a perfect holiday romance that pulls you in fast. Their tale is a fast pace read of old crushes, past hurts and a grumpy billionaire whose image needs some Christmas magic to help.

I enjoyed this story as it was perfect by the fire.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
54 reviews
January 31, 2024
Pretending to date is always such a fun trope. Plus, a sexy man who is sweet to cats? Yes please! Also, it’s Christmastime in a small town, which checks even more boxes for me. I’ve seen this book (and the author’s other romcoms) compared to steamy Hallmark movies and they really are! It’s all the sweetness of the movies, but we get to see what happens behind closed doors.
Profile Image for Jessica.
260 reviews
January 10, 2025
I had a hard time with this one and I really wanted to like it. It felt like it was written in separate chunks cause the writing did not flow together. Also I didn't really get any of the characters motivations like why they even liked each other and why they couldn't be together (besides the brother who was extremely minor)
Profile Image for Akemat Flowers.
14 reviews
November 12, 2023
I am an absolute sucker for holiday romantic books. This book has made me laugh, scream, & cry. I loved the characters in this book. I was really hoping Julie would really put Mara in her place at the beginning of the book but it all worked out. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,300 reviews88 followers
November 26, 2023
This is a fantastic grumpy billionaire romantic comedy.. I loved it so much.. It is just total fun! Steamy, sweet, and swoonworthy..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Buttercup1201.
560 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2023
Landon and Julie make the perfect couple. Both hiding their feelings. Julie at times is a walking disaster. Couldn’t help but smile and laugh throughout this read. A perfect holiday romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
182 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2024
I am voluntarily writing a review for an ARC I received and I highly recommend this book! A great romantic comedy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaye Oliva.
15 reviews
March 18, 2024
I had a hard time finishing the book. I normally love fake dating tropes but this one isn't just doing it for me. The plot was just too messy and rushed for my liking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
529 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2024
amazing series

This book really fits into the series. It isn’t as funny as book one but overall needed for the series. Even though it was more serious, it was an enjoyable read. Onward to the next book :)
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,091 reviews51 followers
December 13, 2023
3.5stars

This was a cute and fun read. Julie was a hot mess though. Some how she always seems to be in one situation or another. Which is funny but also annoying.
Profile Image for Net.
104 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2026
cute story

This was a cute read. Down side was all the incorrect words and missing words. With all the mistakes it felt like AI writing.
Profile Image for Izzy SM.
421 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2024
I received and Arc in exchange for an honest review, and I found that this was a lovely and sweet book and if you love rom-coms, I certainly recommend.

The plot was interesting (withing the Hallmark Christmas movie theme) - the why they needed to fake date and all the PR matters were somewhat different and a plus - and the settings where it took place were dreamy!

I loved the MMC to bits! The way he knew he was an ass and the way he kept trying to change and be better was great! He was THE grumpy and still had an amazing communication skill and respect and love for the FMC.

The FMC had a big heart and I loved that. What I didn't love about her was her immaturity (IMO) and constant inner dialogue: "I hate him, I want to f*ck him, but I hate him, but I want to f*ck him". It was too much.

Profile Image for Elle.
423 reviews14 followers
April 21, 2024
# Most Eligible Scrooge by Elodie Nowodazkij is the latest instalment in the Love in Swans Cove series, and is a lovely addition. With the events taking place before # The Leftover Bride and # Sweets for Love, we get glimpses of characters we’ve met in these other books, and it’s handled well, giving you an idea of what these characters were doing prior to their own books taking place.

As for this book specifically, it takes place just under a year after the events in the prequel novella, Once Upon a Christmas Eve. Julie has tried to move on from the events she experienced with Landon, focusing on work and her new relationship. But when she seeks shelter with Landon at his hotel, a released video of Julie just in her teddy surfaces, risking both her and Landon’s positions.

Julie comes up with a plan that could save them both – despite her long-lasting crush on him, she suggests they fake date, putting on a performance and acting deeply, madly in love to convince others Landon is more than the “Most Eligible Scrooge”.

The book is cute, full of festive cheer, and enough grumpy book boyfriend moments to make you melt. From the novella, we already have an idea of how these two feel towards each other, and what’s standing in their way, but here we get it fleshed out, and spending more time with the two characters – plus Dasher, the cat – is really a pleasure.

I admit, this is so far my least favourite of the series, but that’s not saying much as I really do love them all! It just felt like this one in particular was a little stretched out, where it didn’t need to be. But that doesn’t detract from how enjoyable it is as a whole.

I definitely think if you haven’t checked out # Most Eligible Scrooge yet or the other books in the series, you’ll want to rectify that. Nowodazkij really excels at writing these grumpy men, yet giving them all distinct personalities, and the woman are always great to read, tearing down walls and putting their feet down when the guys are acting foolish.

Honestly, for Christmas reads, so far I haven’t found a series that beats Love in Swans Cove.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
372 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2024
This book is adorable. I love the randomness of Santa the dog, Dasher the cat, and our FMC big heart for all of those around her. She is doing everything for everyone and putting herself last. Thrown together for a PR save, Julie ends up fake dating Landon, her brothers best friend. There are some definite hurt feels to resolve before these two find their HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.