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Stranded with Scrooge: A Semi-Royal Enemies to Lovers Christmas Novella

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Nira Mayhew-Sharma is trying to reach London by Christmas Eve. She's been on the road shooting a travel show trying to forget her failed marriage, but is dying to see her family again. A storm threatens her peace. She is forced off her waiting plane, the flight unable to take off in the thunderstorm. As she is returning to the terminal, she runs into August "Auggie" Lear, a grumpy Brit also returning to London.

She thinks he's a scrooge. He thinks she's entitled. Neither is making it out of Quebec City anytime soon. Stranded, they can only do their best to survive a holiday grounded on the other side of the Atlantic.

This enemies-to-lovers tale features forced proximity, a grumpy single dad, a heroine who makes the best out of any situation, and lots of laughs. This grumpy-sunshine novella will delight all readers, but especially those who have followed Winters's Regency and Rivalry and Spare Change series, as it gives an arc to a beloved character from that universe.

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2023

1 person is currently reading
56 people want to read

About the author

Maude Winters

29 books70 followers
Maude Winters is a romance author who writes cozy and spicy fiction. She’s a horse girl through-and-through and lives in the Midwest with her husband, horse girl daughter, and two dogs.

Maude has lived throughout the world but attributes her interest in writing about the intersection of modern politics, feminism, and royalty with her time spent in the UK as a twenty-something.

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5 stars
16 (34%)
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23 (48%)
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6 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,052 reviews
September 1, 2023
Reading a Christmas story in September because I’m ready! Fun and short read, honestly loved the dynamic between the characters(:

I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,555 reviews34 followers
November 2, 2023
All Nira Mayhew-Sharma wants for Christmas is to get home in time to celebrate the holiday with her family in England, but she's stranded in Canada thanks to the snowstorm that grounded her flight. Auggie Lear is also on his way home to England, though not to celebrate; he's recently divorced and his 12-year-old son is spending Christmas with his mother this year. A misunderstanding leads Auggie to believe that Nira is spoiled and entitled, and he doesn't hesitate to let her know what he thinks. Meanwhile, she thinks he's a grinch. The last thing they want is to be stuck together, but neither of them is going anywhere anytime soon. A temporary truce soon gives way to an unlikely friendship...along with a growing attraction that will be impossible for either of them to ignore.

I really enjoyed Nira and Auggie's chemistry and witty banter. They were actually a pretty cute couple once they got past the initial animosity, and I loved that the epilogue brought their story full circle. They ended up in exactly the perfect place, and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I'd recommend this charming novella for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to the author's next release.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Alex.
27 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2023
2.5/5 stars. Im pretty conflicted on this one..it started out good but then it started to feel disjointed and a little confusing. But then it picked back up towards the end and got good again. This is a novella so I'm not sure if that's why some things felt confusing for me because we don't have really any back story on either character or if it was because of the writing.

I will say this was a super easy read and it was really cute. It felt almost like a hallmark movie meets a romcom which i normally don't like either of those things but I didn't mind this book. I think if this was a full book, like a 250-300 pages it could have been a lot better. With it being a novella obviously the spicy scenes felt a little rushed and it's more of a insta love story. I also don't know if I'd classify this enemies to lovers. Did they not particular like each other at first? Sure. But they certainly didn't hate each other..there wasn't time for that true tension/build up that a true enemies to lovers has.

I think a lot of people will like this if they are looking for a quick, cute holiday read with very light spice and hallmark/cozy vibes. Definitely not bad just not necessarily for me!
Profile Image for Bookishandbrewsy.
252 reviews28 followers
October 1, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this from the author.

If you’re looking for a feel-good Christmas novella this is for you. Nothing to warm the heart more than the Grumpy-Sunshine trope and only one bed… Nira and Auggie are the unfortunate victims of Canadian winter weather and flight delays. He misjudges her and makes her cry, for which he promptly rectifies his mistake with an awkward cuddle.

That awkward cuddle quickly leads to awkward rooming together because forced proximity just makes sense. No one wants to sleep on an airport floor anyways. Auggie can’t believe this half royal babe would be into him so utterly misses his chance.

Or does he? Another cancelled flight and another opportunity.

Will Auggie go for it? Or will he continue to say Bah hum but in instant love?

Better pick up this novella and find out!
Profile Image for Elizabeth  Allison.
44 reviews5 followers
October 26, 2023
Listen, this little novella completely stole my heart, and put me in the spirit for Christmas to hurry up and arrive! Nira reminded me so much of myself in the way she reacted to Auggie being a " wanker" about the cupcakes in the airport...She absolutely 💯 % was not having it or him for that matter. I loved how she just shot a come back right at him! You watch these two go from the I loathe you stage to the I Love you stage, and I was all for it! Great read, if Maude Wintwrs writes it, I am definitely going to read it. She is the Queen of Rom-Com
Profile Image for Yes_I_Read_Lots.
330 reviews10 followers
September 15, 2023
What a sweet surprise this novel was. Reading a Christmas novel in September always sets up the Christmas vibes on the right track.

Absolutely loved the dynamic between Nira and Auggie. Auggie is just the sweetest man, and Nira is the perfect partner for him. They complement each other personality wise, and I love the fact that they took a chance on love.

Thank you Maude another wonderful rom com romance read. It’s perfect.
Profile Image for PajamaMom Reads .
84 reviews8 followers
November 11, 2023
Sweet and spicy holiday novella

If you enjoy these:

✨ Hallmark romance
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Some spice
✨ Fast pace
✨ Holiday romance

This one is for you! I super enjoyed reading this book. It's a great way to start the holiday season. There's little I love more than an awkward grumpy love interest 😂
Profile Image for Tiffany.
339 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2023
I absolutely adored this! I want more of Auggie and Nira! This should definitely be added to your fall or holiday TBR! This was a novella, but it flowed beautifully, and I hope this leads to more of this couple. I love the spice Maude adds to her books. It is just enough that keeps it playful and enjoyable. A hallmark movie within a book with added spice!!!

I can not recommend this book enough!
Profile Image for Naturalbri (Bri Wignall).
1,369 reviews119 followers
October 28, 2023
I have completely in love with Maude Winters and their writing style. The way they are able to breath life into their characters, truly making each one jump off the pages, is outstanding. I have love every book I have read and this wee novella is the next in line to become a favourite.
The whole premise of you plans being completely ruined and the thought of not see those you love and had planned to see, just rips your heart out and makes you feel so upset for all those done over, especially the main characters. You find yourself getting to know them and their current situations all the more, and giggling at just what banter is being shared and at how much Auggie doesn’t know about his counterpart.
It is gloriously fun and lighthearted, warming you to the core with the way Nira is able to shrug off the worst and lighten everyone’s mood and she is happy to spend a little to make everyone’s lives that bit easier.
Overall, I just enjoyed getting to know these characters more. I enjoyed their banter, their story and just how interestingly everything unfolded. Definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Brittany Gonzalez.
52 reviews6 followers
November 11, 2023
❤️“𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔, 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑨 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝑨 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑨 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒛𝒆. 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒚, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚.”❤️

Nira and Auggie find themselves stranded together, away from their own families during the holiday season. He thinks she is entitled while she thinks he is a Scrooge. But as they are forced to spend time together they learn BOTH of them are wrong.

What started out as two “enemies” quickly turns into an instant connection. They soon find themselves not wanting the weather to right itself just so they can spend a little more time together.

💚“𝑵𝒊𝒓𝒂 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓. 𝑯𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕.”💚

This was such a cute Hallmark Christmas read!! I really enjoyed the connection these characters had.
This is a novella, so it is faced pace with Insta-Love. This is part of a broader series (Regency and Rivalry Series & Spare Change Series) but can be read as a standalone
Profile Image for Alex DeCoria.
287 reviews7 followers
November 26, 2023
What a great little Christmas novella. I loved that the main characters are older. Both characters are recently divorced and a bit raw from the way they were both treated by their exes. They each make some very broad assumptions of the other in their first interactions and end up overcoming their own differences in a very short time span thanks to their forced proximity.

The old one hotel room with only one bed always makes me happy and add to that the fact that Auggie is a total cinnamon roll of a man and I was smitten. I also loved that Nira was a foul mouthed little thing and isn’t apologetic about it whatsoever.

One thing that I’d suggest to readers before picking this one up is to read any and maybe all of the other books by this author. There are a lot of references to Niras family members and their relationships that aren’t fully explained in this short of a story so it’s almost assumed that the reader is familiar with them.
Profile Image for Sarah.
76 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2024
Plot: 4
Engagement: 4.25
Characters: 4
Style: 4.25

Overall Rating: 4.13/5

Review: I received a copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was a really quick, easy to read novella. It started with a kind of a not so cute Meet-Cute with two strangers trapped in an airport when they can't get flights out for Christmas. They both are a judgmental of each other after making assumptions, but end up seeing their true personalities. Cue some rom com fun!! I actually thought it was a sweet story and I found the chemistry between Nira & Auggie was heartwarming.

There was some light spice nearing the end. It didn't get wildly graphic, but definitely steamy.

My only gripe is that the end seemed weirdly abrupt, which I should have perhaps expected with a shorter story, but still. I just wanted it a bit more fleshed out in the end.

Read if you like: rom com, short and sweet, enemies to lovers, light spice
Profile Image for MV Reads.
178 reviews10 followers
September 7, 2023
This book was a quick, cute read that had me totally engaged and craving more. The premise intrigued me, and I'm eager to explore the rest of the series and get to know the royal family better.

Yes, it had a dash of instalove, but it fit right into the heartwarming holiday setting. After all, what's Christmas without a little magic?

Set during the holiday season with canceled flights due to weather, "Stranded with Scrooge" brought together Auggie and Nira, who started off on the wrong foot but soon kindled a connection that was sweet and spicy!

In short, it's a perfect festive escape, blending romance and holiday spirit. If you're in the mood for a quick, heartwarming read, give it a go!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hilma.
598 reviews
September 15, 2023
Stranded with Scrooge by Maud Winters is a short Christmas story. Thanks to bad weather conditions both Nina and Auggie are stranded at the airport. Both immediately kind of hate eachother: he thinks she’s posh, she thinks he’s Scrooge.

It’s a fun and easy read, with a nice writing style and lovely characters. You can relate to them and during the story you get to know where they are coming from. They are both so very different. The interactions between them and the other stranded people are lovely to read. I found the intimate scenes between Nina and Auggie a little bit rushed. That said, I loved reading this cute and short story, even in September.

If you like a short and fun Christmas story, with some romance, a bit spicy, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for cakecoffeeandbooks.
491 reviews30 followers
Read
October 28, 2023
The blurb for this book sounded interesting but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I struggled to connect with either character and found them both kind of annoying. Their interactions with each other were so awkward and I just didn’t buy that there was any chemistry or feeling between them. They’re supposedly in their mid 30s and mid 40s but in the spicier scenes they were like inexperienced teenagers.

As a Brit, I think this book would massively benefit from some British beta readers to reign in the constant use of British slang words. Yes we use these words but we also use plenty of others! It distracted me from the story and just didn’t work.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Elise Ballard.
273 reviews15 followers
November 18, 2023
It is such a cute story. I giggled at the usage is some words like arse and shag. It made it so cute. I felt like the dialect was right in front of me, like watching a show on TV. This is a HEA. I also loved how the family was opposite of the way they were portrayed. I have no complaints at all. This book has a couple scenes for 18 plus. Spice level 1. I recommend this to anyone above 18 who loves contemporary romance and romcom. Holiday spirit vs. grinch us a perfect descriptions of Nira and August. There was a few moments that made me giggle loud.
1,443 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2023
This was a cute, fun Christmas novella that left this reader with a case of the warm fuzzies at the end. Nira and Auggie seem to be polar opposites, but they have a lot more in common than they think they do, as becomes evident during their forced proximity, stranded in an airport by a Canadian snowstorm, and a hotel room with only one bed. Just the right book to kick off the Christmas season! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,411 reviews38 followers
November 27, 2023
This Christmas novella is so darn cute and completely stole my heart. This would be a great little read to get you ready for the holidays. Both characters are older, and they are both hurt and raw from their recent divorces and dealing with their ex's. Auggie and Nira were great characters, and I loved that Auggie was a total cinnamon roll of a character, while Nira is the complete opposite and will tell you how it is.
Profile Image for Ashley Freeman.
286 reviews15 followers
February 2, 2024
This was such a cute book! I love the Spare Change series, and being able to read more of Nira and see her story was adorable! I loved how meet-cute Nira and Auggie’s love story was and I’m not kidding, this is a cute Christmas book that will give you all the feels! The spice was also pretty tame but in my opinion it worked perfectly with the plot! I really hope we see more of Nira and Auggie in Duke Material because I will need more with them and their adorable family!
Profile Image for Zoe Jae.
Author 4 books6 followers
September 3, 2023
Cozy Christmas read. Made me wish I was wrapped in a blanket in a winter wonderland.

A great easy read, with beautiful characters.

I love romance stories with characters in their mid to late thirties. It always brings more depth to a character and the story development.

A great read. Can’t wait for the author’s next book.
80 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2023
4.5 🌟

This was a really cute one! Short and sweet with a little spice. Strangers meet in the airport and oh no! Flights are cancelled! There’s only one hotel room with only one bed! Whatever shall they do?

Lovable characters and a fun royal family. I got the book box with all the goodies direct from the author, which was super fun. Recommended for a quick, feel-good Christmas-y time.
Profile Image for Shelby Powles.
136 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2023
This book has me singing "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"
Not to mention the chemistry they have is great! It is a short and sweet novella where enemies are forced together. And they are Grumpy X Sunshine?!
SAY LESS, READ MORE! Also perfect little guy to get you to your end of the year goal!

I love Christmas and plan to do a little reread closer to the holidays!
Profile Image for Carly.
173 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2023
A cute love story about two people stranded at the airport during Christmas. They both miss their family, but eventually bond and realize they are attracted to each other.

I'm not big on instalove and I could have gone for a few more details to pull everything together but it was a fun little read!
Profile Image for Gabby.
275 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2023
Aww what a cute read! Stranded with Scrooge is good holiday novella even in the summer. You really feel the feels and it made me remember the older Christmas movies and the ones on the Hallmark channel. I really enjoyed this little Rom-Com with a touch of spice.
Profile Image for Melissa Lindsey.
69 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2023
This author has a way of writing the best cinnamon roll MMC. They are always so sweet 🥹 Yes I read a Christmas book in fall. Yes I loved it 😍 Auggie and Nira were so cute missed flights and all. This book is a quick sweet Christmas read 🎄
Profile Image for Marianne Antonichuk.
304 reviews19 followers
November 6, 2023
This was a fun quick read truly enjoyed the Christmas in this the chapters were amazing and the storyline was amazing it just makes you want to sit with some hot chocolate and a fire so cozy of a read
Profile Image for Tracy.
141 reviews18 followers
November 6, 2023
This ticked all the boxes for me: royalty, Christmas, quirky characters. The characters were well-written with a lot of chemistry. This book is part of a series but was easy to follow as a standalone. I'm off to start book 1 now!
Profile Image for Linda.
2 reviews
October 4, 2023
Two people who are nothing alike and dislike each other at first, find acceptance and true love at Christmas. A feel good romance for Christmas
Profile Image for Danielle.
112 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2023
I ate this novella up! The banter was amazing and the spice was top notch. Its such a perfect comfort read, as usual, the queen of RomCom did it again!
Profile Image for Jenna ❤️.
140 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2023
I got to 37%. This writing style is not for me. It's very YA trying to be spicy. They are words missing and phrasing that are wrong. I tried my best. I have only put one other book down. Sorry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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