Grumpy Bad Boy Santa

by Aria McDow

A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here

Double the holiday heat!
Grumpy Bad Boy Santa now features the sizzling sequel, Naughty Daddy Santa! Find out what happens to Nick, Ivy, and their adorable daughter, Holly.
83 pages of original story size now increased to 194 pages of steamy romance awaits you!

He’s a hot, grumpy mall Santa. He’s also the man I love and wrongly convicted. Some loves never get a second chance...unless you're both on the naughty list.

It was my job as assistant district attorney to help prosecute the man I loved.

He said he didn’t do it.

The evidence said he did.

I thought I was doing the right thing. But two years after his release, I found out I made a terrible mistake.

Nick Kelly’s innocent, and I'm the one who has to tell him.

He's back in town, working as a mall Santa. And he's not happy to see me.

One look at Nick’s glaring hazel eyes, rugged good looks, and broad-shouldered,
perfectly-muscled body and I realize everything my heart and body have always wanted is in front of me.

Between us stands his bitterness, and my district attorney career ambition.

But I'm determined to make things right. Even if it means spending the holiday with my only love- the one man I've hurt the most.

It’s gonna take a Christmas miracle to help us forgive and find the love we were always meant to have.

Naughty Daddy Santa

I thought my grumpy, ex-con turned brilliant lawyer left his past behind...until my own past nearly tore apart my perfect happily ever after.

We settled into married bliss after Nick Kelly was set free from prison and exonerated.

Four years later, he’s still hot and burning up the sheets at night.

He’s the best husband and father to Holly and he can’t wait to meet the little one in my belly.

Sounds perfect, right?

Wrong.

Between the war he’s waging for justice and my demanding law practice, we’re like two ships passing in the night.

Navigating Christmas and Hannukah between family expectations is stressful.

In a blizzard of emotions—pregnant, hormonal me thinks I’ve discovered Nick’s betrayal.

The evidence shows his out-of-town activity is an affair.

I didn’t know he was in the eye of a justice storm battling for another wrongly convicted soul.

Stuck in a snowstorm of misunderstandings, Nick’s the lighthouse I should head for.

But my trust and marriage are shaken and the baby can’t wait to be born.

I need Christmas and Hannukah miracles to keep the love we were meant to have.

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Second Chance Romance, Holiday, Second Chance

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

Aria McDow is an author bringing contemporary romances to readers who love stories featuring hot as all get-out men who have just that right mix of power, charisma, and hidden vulnerability, and sassy, smart women who turn their worlds upside down. Aria is an angst junkie who believes in true love. Whether a billionaire, professor, or grumpy boss, every book is guaranteed a happy ending and readers will enjoy a rich, bumpy ride to get there. Aria lives in Virginia and started her own love affair with romance books when she read them clandestinely in middle school.

She enjoys travel, drawing and hanging upside from rollercoasters. The best part of life is being retired from the military and having time to create as well as enjoy her family, especially her new grandbaby.

Reviews

[Well Read Nurse · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was awful.

The hea only exists because she has no other option🤣 My highlights are hilarious but let's be real. I don't care about it being unbelievable. I literally read monsters. This was just so poorly done. He literally cheated on her and then just calls it part of being a musician... Like what

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great Christmas Novella. The characters captivate you and pull you in. If you love HEA, then you will love this book. I highly recommend this book.

[Brianna Citino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Christmas novella with a wrongfully convicted baddie and his sweet love. You will love the fast paced second chance romance.

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Book Review: *Grumpy Bad Boy Santa: A Second Chance, Forced Proximity, Innocent Ex-Con, Holiday Romance* by Aria McDow**

*Grumpy Bad Boy Santa* by Aria McDow brings readers a whirlwind of passion, redemption, and seasonal magic in a story that combines second chances, holiday romance, and the search for justice. With an expanded narrative that includes the fiery sequel *Naughty Daddy Santa*, McDow creates a heartfelt journey of love tested by separation, career choices, and the quest for truth.

Nick Kelly, a brooding former convict turned reluctant mall Santa, captures the heart of Ivy, an assistant district attorney whose mistake helped land him in prison. Now free and determined to rebuild his life, Nick is confronted by Ivy, who’s driven to make amends for her past errors. As they navigate holiday tension, unresolved feelings, and Nick’s bitter resentment, the story is layered with tension, forgiveness, and passion that rekindles their once-broken connection.

The added sequel, *Naughty Daddy Santa*, delves into their lives post-reunion, with Nick and Ivy now happily married but facing new challenges. Just as Ivy begins to trust in their new life together, a misunderstanding nearly unravels their hard-earned happiness. Balancing family traditions, legal battles, and trust issues, Ivy and Nick’s relationship is put to the ultimate test amid the festive chaos.

McDow skillfully combines the warmth of the holiday season with the intensity of a second-chance romance that’s both steamy and emotionally charged. Readers who enjoy romance novels where love, justice, and forgiveness take center stage will find *Grumpy Bad Boy Santa* a satisfying, festive escape perfect for a cozy winter night.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Kelly was wrongly convicted of a crime two years ago and his girlfriend Ivy as assistant DA for the prosecution is one of the team who sent him down with planted evidence that pointed at him being the perpetrator. Ivy finds out he was innocent all along and has the task of relating this to a furious Nick. He is far too hurt to forgive her when she lands on his doorstep. He was looking at a successful career as a singer before his incarceration, now his choices are limited from his time in jail. Now he’s working as a Mall Santa. Ivy is determined to atone for her past , can there be a reconciliation and possibly a second chance at love . Let’s hope so…. Great writing , fluent and quick easy reading. I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary and in my own words

[Emily Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Believable . . .

Nick was wrongly convicted of a crime and spent two years of his life in prison. The prosecutor was Ivy, his girlfriend, and he had tried to convince her he was set up, that he had not committed the crime. When they found out he was telling the truth, they had already messed up his life. Will she ask him to forgive her for not believing in him when he told her the truth? Will they take a second chance on love? Or is it too late?

Unrealistic. With the conflict of interest, a different prosecutor would have been appointed. Nick’s record would have been cleared so he could get a decent job. If her district attorney career was truly more important than pursuing the truth, then Nick would be wise to walk away from her.

[Jenny Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Ivy & Nick. Nick since getting out of prison is determined to help his mom. The only problem he has been having is no one wants to hire a convict. He knows he is innocent of his crimes but no one will believe him, not even his ex Ivy. Ivy has just learned that Nick was telling the truth about his innocence. The problem is there is no way to go back in time and fix what was broken. Can they find a HEA or will the past be too much to overcome?

Amazing story by this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Bad Boy Santa by Aria McDow is a good, and enjoyable steamy holiday second chance romance read. The story has a good world building story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining intriguing read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy is the assistant DA and is placed in a difficult situation where she has to put her boyfriend on trial and the evidence points to him committing the crime and he is sentenced. Now he is out, and she has learned that he was innocent all along. Will these two reconcile and will it lead them to rekindling the love they had for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny Lynn Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great read by Aria McDow. Super quick and easy read just in time for the holidays!!

Two lawyers working their tales off to help people that have nobody else to rely on while trying to keep their marriage going and growing a family all around the holidays.

When a huge snowstorm hits, will everything go as planned or will baby bean make a surprise arrival??

Find out in this quick and easy read.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming short story about ex's, Nick and Ivy. Nick has just been released from jail and Ivy returns home for the holidays. There is some added complication and miscommunication so will Nick and Ivy have a merry Christmas??.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down! We love a story of redemption, forgiveness, finding your way back to the one you love & are suppose to be with🥹❤️. Nothing like a hot mall Santa and some spice to keep you wanting more🤭. Overall it was a good book and perfect for the holiday season😍!

[TheReaderVert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Holiday Read

For a novella it's cute, short, sweet and not very grumpy. I felt the FMC needed to grovel more and for Nick to be grumpier but the smut was decent. The character arcs were the best but the whole "we dated in college and years later I accused him of a crime" bit was a little melodramatic

[Mette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two sweet and short books in one book. I definitely like the first one more then the sequel, but both was a fun little Christmas read. The first book are about Ivy and Nick and their love story. And the second book is a look into their life 4 years later

[LiLu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting Real ~

I enjoyed reading this story. A very nice first impression for a new to me author. I enjoyed everything about this story except the epilogue. It was brief and rushed.

[D. D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable little story. Two people who drifted apart, but still love each other, found their way back. Many of us enjoyed it, even if some Grinches did not.

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised about this book. I finished this book in one sitting. It held my attention with great characters and chemistry.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

I never thought this book could end the way it did. You really need to read this book. This author is very good.

[Jay myrandomspace2023 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish we could do half stars, because I'd give this a 3.5 to 3.75. It's a cute, sweet novella with some spice to it. Great holiday romance too!

[Lori Laidlaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas story: sexy, romantic, and the characters have depth.

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main Characters:
Nick Kelly & Ivy

Review:
I appreciated having both books in this one because I wasn't sure I believed the HEA at the end of the first book.

Tropes:
-Childhood Friends
-Christmas
-Lawyer
-Novella
-Santa
-Second Chance Romance
-Small Town
-Smut

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick and Ivy’s story is a spicy short read where justice is finally served. Just really needed better editing to make this a five star review for me.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Nick and Ivy’s book. I thought it was an entertaining read. And was a new author, for me. Am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Ivy. Nick and Ivy went to college together and were lovers. He left after 3yrs because of unforseen circumstances. She stayed and became a lawyer now working as an ADA. They fell apart and he became a singer in a rock n roll band and all that comes with. He went to prison for a crime he didnt commite. She helped put him there. She didnt believe he was innocent when he kept saying he was. He had changed so much. After he gets out they find out hes innocent. Shes soryy. He cant forgive her. Loved these two charecters and the story of how they find their way back.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick spent 2 years in jail after Ivy and her fellow lawyers had h8m prosecuted. He told her many times he was innocent. But Ivy and Nick had lost touch with each for many years. Now that he is free he has been exonerated because the police that testified had planted the evidence. Ivy goes back home to their small town to tell Nick and although he is angry with her he forgives her. Unfortunately now that he is free he wants to stay in this small town and she wants to continue living in the city. Great story around Christmas and forgiveness.

[Noriboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for holiday reads, and this novella fits the bill perfectly!
The author did a great job of making the characters well-rounded. Even though it's a short story, I really felt like I got to know both Ivy and Nick's motivations. There's even a twist that I didn't see coming, but it does push them in the right direction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy Bad Boy Santa is a short and steamy, Christmas themed, second-chance romance. Nick is a hunky grump playing Santa Clause at the local mall after having been incarcerated for two years. Ivy is a sassy attorney and his ex-girlfriend. He blames her for being sent to jail when he has maintained his innocence. As new evidence comes to light, he is exonerated, but can he forgive Ivy and the others that put him there? Can Ivy forgive herself? The two still clearly love each other but have so much bitterness over the situation. Their chemistry is hot, though. Can they give love a second chance?After a bit more drama, we also get a happy ending. This was a short and sweet Christmas read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terra Oenning]

This book is so good and will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end and put you in the mood for Christmas and Santa. Nick was in prison for a crime he didn't commit and noe home playing Santa can he find away to let go over his time in prison and the only woman he's ever loved? Ivy and Nick dated but things ended when she went off to college but she's never stopped loving him but can they find away to forgive each other? Great story and enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love Nick and Ivy... this is their second chance... a fast paced short story... Ivy made a mistake ... a huge mistake and it cost Nick two years in prison... can he ever forgive her ??? Ivy is an assistant district attorney and she helped get him convicted.. the evidence pointed at him... he said that he was innocent.. she didn't believe him.. now, he's out .. and he is innocent and she has to tell him... he is so not happy... he's a mall santa !!! so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic holiday read and I loved every second of the story! This author knows how to pull you into the story and you never want it to end. Definitely a must read if you love romance! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.