Snowed in with the Scoundrel

by Kat Sterling

She craves solitude…

When a disastrous holiday party leaves Imogen Radford publicly jilted, she hightails it to her family’s remote cabin in the Cascade Mountains. But her desire to sulk alone with her photography equipment for Christmas is challenged by the arrival of a captivating half-naked scoundrel. A scoundrel who just so happens to be her former childhood best friend…

He’s on the run…

Tommy Solberg prides himself on three tidiness, a robust knowledge of literature, and a knack for book burglary. But when his latest caper lands him in peril of frostbite, he seeks refuge in an isolated cabin. The sole occupant is the one girl–now a vivacious, charming woman–who has the power to melt the ice around his heart.

The storm has other ideas...

As snowstorms rage outside the cozy cabin, Tommy and Imogen find themselves swept up in a whirlwind of desire. But what happens when the weather clears? How will they find the courage to pursue their love beyond their wintry wonderland?

SNOWED IN WITH THE SCOUNDREL is an American historical romance featuring childhood friends to lovers, cabin-fever shenanigans, and steamy scenes guaranteed to keep you toasty all winter long.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Historical Romance, Christmas, Second Chance, Historical, Friends To Lovers

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2023

About the author

Kat Sterling is an author of historical romance featuring rebellious heroines and the swoon-worthy heroes who challenge and support them. She splits her time between Atlanta and Bogotá with her brilliant husband. When she’s not writing, she enjoys nature walks, playing videogames, and drinks with friends.

Let's be friends on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katsterling...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katsterlingb...

Reviews

[Melanie THEE Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tommy and Imogen were childhood best friends until Imogen admitted her feelings for him and he ghosted her. Years later, they reunite at Imogen’s cabin after Imogen is jilted by her fiancé and Tommy is caught in one of her booby traps (long story). Once they realize that they’ll be snowed in during the holidays, they have a rare opportunity to clear the air…and also have sexy times.

This was cute! I’m a sucker for a holiday snowed in romance and this one delivered. Tommy and Imogen’s banter was hilarious and I loved that they were both readers. Imogen has a scandalous career as a photographer (which is why her fiancé dumped her) and Tommy is a book seller, and also a book thief but he has REASONS ok! I also loved that when Tommy does the standard historical romance hero thing of “I’m not good enough for you so I will be making the unilateral decision of leaving you for your own good” Imogen is just like “No 🎄” and she calls him out on being a coward and fights for their relationship. How refreshing.

[ToriLovesHea’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 has really been the year of phenomenal indie HisRoms and Kat Sterling has quickly climbed to an auto purchase author for me. I jumped at the opportunity to read this absolutely delightful holiday novella. It was EXCELLENT and I’m going to make it everyone’s problem 😌 plus, our friend Floyd is on the cover! Hey Floyd! 🫶🏻

Ex-childhood friends that were always in love with each other stuck together in a snowed in cabin for the holidays? Check. A fantastic divergence from historical England/Scotland with Edwardian Seattle? Check check. A scoundrel falling back in love with an heiress that specializes in photography that sometimes gets a little ✨provocative✨? You got it, baby.

I adore reunited friends and I LOVE when they’re thrown into close proximity and finally *cave* to their mutual emotions and attraction. Know what I love more? FMCs that metaphorically thump the MMC on the forehead and call him out for being a baby. Tommy is like “I’m not good enough for you” and Imogen is like “how about you let me decide that for myself, you menace”. Immaculate.

It’s sweet, it’s SPICY, and it’s based on an iconic American photographer, Imogen Cunningham. Kay’s note in the end is fascinating and sent me on a rabbit hole on Google. Love when the romance is rich in history.

I just love Sterling’s voice. She’s true to the historical aspect while still infusing trail blazing qualities into her characters, which I think is top tier writing.

This one was so fun. The cabin is cozy, the characters are feisty, and the ending is sweet and triumphant. Literally what else could you want.

Thank you so much for an ARC, Kat. I can’t wait to see what you bring in 2024!! 💖

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Snowed in with the Scoundrel is a winter, historical romance novella with former childhood best friends getting snowed in together! This novella is set in America (Seattle and the Cascade Mountains) in the early 1900s.

Tommy is on his way back to Seattle and gets stuck during a snowstorm in the Cascade Mountains. He’s transporting a stolen book, after six years of thievery, this was “one last” job to do. Stuck in the blizzard, he stops at a seemingly empty cabin he sees to warm up. Around the same time, Imogen shows up at her family’s hunting cabin, looking for some solace and time to herself, when she spies boot prints outside of it and someone who has snuck in. She hasn’t had the best time as of late with her being jilted by her fiancé, receiving a lackluster reception at her first photography exhibition, and dealing with self doubt and artist’s block. And now she has to deal with the intruder to the cabin! When she finds the intruder inside, she realizes it’s her old friend Tommy, they were friends for a few years when his mom worked for her family as a housekeeper. But one day he kind of disappeared on her. Now they’re snowed in together at the cabin!

This one I thought was okay at times. It didn’t really feel like a historical time, the heroine is a bit abrasive at times, and while there are bits happening in the story (a hair dye scene gone bad—oh no purple hair, baking Christmas treats, photography in the nude), it also just kind of felt like there wasn’t a plot or anything really happening. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I didn’t feel any connection or why the characters liked one another. I will say I liked the author’s note at the end and learning about the actual history these characters were inspired by.

[Historical romance nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance, forced proximity and spanking? Sign me up!

This is set in the Cascade Mountains, which is such a unique setting for a historical romance. Tommy and Genie met as kids. Tommy's mom was a servant in Genie's household. They were great friends, and they both developed feelings for each other as they grew up. Unfortunately, due to their differences in station, her father doesn't support the relationship and convinces Tommy that Genie deserves better.

They end up snowed in at a cabin and rediscover their feelings for each other. There are also booby traps, gingerbread, nude photographs, and tons more fun packed into this holiday novella!

This book comes out 12/18 just in time for your Christmas reading needs!

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****5 Stars!

“That’s the thing about scoundrels,” she said, her heart close to bursting with love. “We make our own rules.”


A big thank you to Kat Sterling for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! This book was an absolute delight to read, I enjoyed every moment of it! I enjoyed how fast-paced this story was and how quickly it pulled me in. The tension between Imogen and Tommy was absolutely perfect, you could feel it simmering between them with each turn of the page. This novella had some of my favorite tropes such as ex-childhood friends to lovers, forced proximity and second chance romance all in a charming historical setting!

Overall I immensely enjoyed this Christmas novella and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future! This is a book I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a sweet and charming Christmas novella!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming little novella about a roguish bookseller/book thief who finds himself in dire need of shelter in the middle of the snowy woods (is this based on a Robert Frost poem?) and then happens upon a cabin owned by the heroine, a girl he used to know as a child and was in love with in his youth. However, he was the son of a cook, and she was the daughter of the wealthy family that employed the cook and so these star-crossed lovers when their separate ways only to be reunited in a cozy little cabin with only one bed. This was delicious and sexy (bathtub scene, OMG), with some light spanking, nude photography, and a "good girl' on a pear tree! Seriously, I WILL be spending my 2025 diving into this author's backlist, the prose is gorgeous, the sex is hot, the MCs are fascinating and so is the time period and setting.

[Carole Burant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful and fun quick read with one of my favourite tropes....ex-childhood friends to lovers:) It was my first time reading a book by Kat Sterling and it certainly won't be the last.

When Tommy and Imogen meet up again as adults, it's in quite a humouress way! And one thing is very clear....the attraction is still there!!! Forced to spend time together in a small cabin while a winter storm howls outside, old hurts are explained and passions flare. Both characters are scoundrels in their own way and it really made me smile.

Now I look forward to reading more stories by Kat Sterling:)

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! I remember people raving about this book when it came out in 2023, so I finally read it. And it’s adorable! Snowed in with the Scoundrel hits all the big points of a low angst holiday novella--a reconnection of childhood friends in a second chance story, forced proximity in a snow storm, oodles of banter and charm, spicy scenes including a fun spanking without focusing on PIV intercourse, and whiskey by the fire. I was charmed by the 1908 setting outside of Seattle and it was the perfect holiday novella. Plus there’s naked photography.

4.5 stars

[Amelia Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowed in with the Scoundrel by Kat Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🔥🔥/5

*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.

❄️ The themes ❄️

▪︎ Childhood friends to lovers
▪︎ Second chance romance
▪︎ Set in early 1900s, Seattle
▪︎ Artistic photographer fmc x Scoundrel w/ thieving tendencies
▪︎ A snow storm that conveniently sticks these two together in a cabin
▪︎ Only one bed
▪︎ Cozy, winter cabin in the forest

Another Christmas-time novella to get me into the mood for winter! Oh, this book makes me long for a snowstorm! I really enjoyed the atmospheric descriptions throughout this love story. The snow falling, making a hush, the warmth of a cabin, fire crackling. Even the description of Tommy scrubbing the seasoning off of the cast-iron pan was enough for me to picture and experience it (me too, Tommy, me too 😔).

I really loved how I felt like we got a well thought out background to each of the characters. Because Imogen and Tommy are childhood friends, it makes the building up of their past that much more important. To see they were in love, we need to know their childhood, hopes, dreams, falling outs, etc. The characters had lives outside of one another and did not lose that. Imogen continued to pursue photography even when her and Tommy parted ways, and Tommy finished his business as well. Inner thoughts added much needed depth.

If you want a cozy, romantic novella to finish off your year, I suggest you read this one! With well-rounded characters and plot, this novella will keep you hooked until the very end :)

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, this book is not steamy so I'm unsure why it says that. But overall this was just fine. I don't have much to say about it because nothing really happens and I will say this is indeed cozy.

I really enjoyed the forced proximity of the novel, especially with the setting being in a cabin and the characters stuck in a snowstorm. I also like how the characters knew each other before being snowed in together. This book has a great foundation for a holiday, forced proximity romance.

My problems with the novel mainly surround how nothing happens and even though the hero/heroine are reunited, I never understood why they liked each other. Like why did they care about each other? This especially was irksome because the author relies on their past friendship to be the driving force behind their attraction. My other qualm was that I thought I was going in for a fun steamy time yet...there was no steam.

Overall, this was fine but sadly nothing memorable.
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.
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I received this as an ARC in exchange for a review from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

When budding photographer Imogen “Genie” Radford is very publicly jilted by her fiance, she decides to take refuge in her family’s cabin, far from the prying eyes of Seattle society. She expects peace and solitude, with time to lick her wounds from both the jilting and a poor showing at a recent photography exhibition, but what she finds is a very naked man in her bed! It only takes a minute to realize that she knows this man – he is her childhood best friend and first love, Tommy Solberg, the son of her family’s former cook and the man she has not seen since the night five years ago when he broke her heart. With recognition comes anger and suspicion, she wants him gone, but under it all she still feels something for him, all the more reason for him to go. However, the weather isn’t cooperating, and no matter how angry she is, she can’t send him out in a storm that would surely kill him.

Tommy can’t believe that this is happening, he needs to get to Seattle as soon as possible, everything he has done since the night he broke her heart has led to this moment and his future depends on it. He isn’t sure how he is going to be able to stay in the same cabin with the only woman he hasn’t been able to forget and a woman he can never have. At first, they avoid each other and things are awkward, but eventually, they figure it out and soon it's like they never parted and the need to get back to Seattle doesn’t seem as urgent any longer. But once they cross the line between friends and lovers, he knows that he will have to walk away because just like years ago, he knows he isn’t good enough for her, no matter how much he wishes it wasn’t true. It isn’t until he walks away that he realizes he has made a huge mistake and hopes it isn’t too late to fix it.

This was a lovely story of childhood friends, second chances, and supporting the dreams of one you love. This story is filled with laughter, photography, books, steamy love scenes, lots of snow, second chances, and finally the promise of a happily ever after. The story is a relatively short novella, but Ms. Sterling executes the book perfectly by beautifully filling in the backstory between Genie and Tommy, so the reader completely understands how they met and what drove them apart, as well as what they have each been doing since they last saw each other. I loved this story and devoured the book, reading it in one sitting, and hated reaching the end because I didn’t want it to be over! This was a standalone title by a new to me author and I am hooked and can’t wait to check out her backlist!

4.5 stars, rounded up

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating is 4.5 ⭐️. A wonderful Christmassy read!
This book is set in 1908 in Western United States.

Tommy and Imogen knew each other for six years when they were young, until Tommy broke Imogen’s heart when she was sixteen by disappearing while she was away at boarding school. She thought that they would be together forever but her father warned him off because he thought Imogen was too good for him.

Years later, Imogen and Tommy are accidentally reunited in a secluded cabin in the woods that Imogen’s aunt owns. She was staying there alone for Christmas and Tommy finds it after getting lost in the snow on his way to sell an important piece that will change his life.

The two are forced to stay together in the small cabin as a snowstorm hits. There’s only one bed and very little privacy except for a screen. They try and work out their differences and mend their broken relationship without losing their hearts. They are snowed in over Christmas. While they are together, Tommy takes care of Imogen, cooks, cleans and tends to her every need. She regains her passion for photography she lost after her exhibitions weren’t as well received as she wanted them to be. He has been running a bookstore but has plans for diversifying and has been stealing expensive books and selling them to make his dreams a reality. As they get closer emotionally and physically, the snow is melting and they both know Tommy will be leaving. They have to decide if their feelings are strong enough to try and find a way to be together.

This book is so well written in the third person with alternate points of view. There are no really significant side characters, so I really got involved with the characters and their relationship without any distractions and it made the book all the more memorable for me. It has humour, with witty banter between the two and fun scenes in the plot. It has steamy scenes with some consensual spanking and nude photography photos. I really enjoyed reading this book. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that I really wanted to read an epilogue to complete the story. I’m looking forward to reading more from Kat Sterling.
There’s also an author’s note with some interesting information about the history and facts that were used in the storyline.

I received a special copy of this book from Bookfunnel as an ARC reader. I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All views and opinions are my own.

[Dr. Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogen and Tommy were childhood best friends until separated by life's circumstances. Now, many years later, Imogen retreats from Seattle society to a small cabin in the Cascades after she is publicly humiliated by her (now ex-)fiancé. Imagine her surprise when she encounters an unexpected man wearing very little clothing in the cabin, on the run following a misunderstanding in the nearby town, who just happens to be Tommy, fully grown.

With the arrival of a major snowstorm, Imogen and Tommy are stuck together in the cabin, where they dissect their past history, bake cookies, get tipsy, and read by the fire. Almost before they know it, their physical attraction and Imogen's curiosity overcome any chance of remaining chaste friends. As they weather the storm, growing closer physically and emotionally, Imogen and Tommy share their dreams, some of which Tommy is able to help Imogen realize by posing for her photographs.

This Christmas novella was a cozy read and I could almost believe I was stuck in a snowed-in cabin in the Cascades. I enjoyed getting to know Imogen and Tommy's characters, although I felt that some of the characterization was rushed (likely due to the short novella length) and the resolution (particularly in the epilogue) occurred too easily. I was also sadly disappointed in the steam level and content, which was less than what I anticipated based on the story description, and why I'm rating 4 stars instead of 5 for the novella. When a title advertises "steamy," I anticipate reasonably paced intimate scenes (meaning a plot that supports the sex) that are open door and involve a variety of sexual acts inclusive of penetration. I counted two specific intimate scenes, neither of which involved penetration (the story attested to her virgin status), along with a summary paragraph about all the other passion they shared. I would've had different expectations with a slightly different title.

SFCP (safe for childless people): no pregnancy, baby, or small children in this novella.

**I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

[Jess (JustMaybePerfect) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5.

This childhood friends to lovers, class differences, second chance, forced proximity, opposites attract, wintery/Christmasy novella was a delight!

I loved Sterling’s debut, Winnie West Has an Agenda, so anticipated enjoying this very much. I did not over anticipate.

Sterling is doing great things with location, time period, and working women in her writing. In Snowed in with the Scoundrel it’s 1908 in Washington State and we meet Tommy Solberg, the son of an immigrant cook, and Miss Imogen “Genie” Radford, the daughter of Tommy’s mother’s employer.

Separated by the demand of her parents years ago, Tommy and Genie are forced back together when he stumbles upon her winter hideaway and they get snowed in. Genie recently broke off an engagement and has no desire to be in society for the Christmas season while Tommy is on his way to sell a book he stole. Yes, Tommy steals books, but it’s for a good cause and trust me you’ll forgive him. Genie also wants some time to focus on her photography.

Honesty, laughter, forgiveness, and a little whiskey* give these two the change to try again. Tommy is very competent, funny, and a caretaker. Genie is kind, supportive, and adventurous.

Also, they are both scoundrels. 😉 🥵 🛁 🛏️ ❄️ 📷

Snowed in With the Scoundrel is out December 18th (tomorrow)!!!

Thanks to Sterling for this #arc in exchange for an honest review.

* nothing beyond a kiss happens until Tommy helps Genie recover from her hangover LOL

One of the things I love about a good friends to lovers story is the (obviously) friendship! In this novella we get to see a genuine rekindling of a good friendship, and through the stress, cooking, caretaking, photography, and intimacy of it all, we watch Tommy and Genie fall in love. Truly, loved this!

p.s. there’s a screaming in a pillow moment we can all relate to

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for a quick read on a cold, winter afternoon. It will more than warm you up! Be prepared, this is one hot, steamy read. Imogen and Tommy were once childhood friends and more. Then life and her father ruined everything. Tommy was her first love and she thought they would be together forever. Lost in her young love and friendship, she didn’t think about the class difference. He was the son of her family’s cook. Now ten years later she is all grown up and hiding from Settle’s society after being jilted by her fiancé. Her aunt, Judith, and her set up traps around her family’s cabin so she would be safe. The last person she ever thought of seeing again was her first love and childhood friend. Tommy has one last job to do before he can start his life's dream. He is a book thief, and he hates it, but he needs the money. Now he needs to find shelter before he freezes to death. Being lost in the Cascade Mountains and mostly naked is not how he wanted to die. He is shocked to find a cabin, with a fire going and food too. His good luck runs out when he is awakened from getting warm in the bed by a gunshot! Of all the people in the world who but the one girl/women he never forgot is holding the gun. So starts a great read of hurt and forgiveness. Both shared what the other didn’t know about their last time together. Best friends with long buried desires stuck in a small cabin with a raging snowstorm anything can happen and does. What a fun, sometime sad, endearing read. I loved all the banter and secrets they finally shared. Also, so much of the story is around reading, books and literature. How he helps her with her photography is wonderful, cute and sexy! Cute read not to be missed and perfect Christmas story. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and was so excited to start this novella. Overall, it is a sweet, quick holiday read with characters that are easy to root for and be swept away by their take and plenty of spice for cold winter nights.

Some slight (maybe) spoilers below but nothing too revealing.

Imogen was a strong female lead and I loved her passion for art and photography. Tommy was sweet and thoughtful from the beginning. I wish their falling out had caused more tension and buildup to their physical relationship but when they got to it they really got going. The spanking was a surprise and the dirty talk from someone so reserved as Tommy in some aspects, but their banter played nicely off one another and they accepted one another’s independence and quirks. I do wish they had either gotten married or “completed” the act fully as I feel like that was the only part missing in their coming back together.

The book was slightly too brief, and I would’ve loved to see them getting in one another’s nerves a little more before reconciling. And the bump at the end was too brief, as well. The time jump needed to be shortened—we needed a bit more of either what Imogen did or if Tommy had troubles when he left her.

I loved that it was a second chance romance and the seclusion aspect of the book kept things fresh and more relaxed within a society that would never allow such blatant time spent alone between a man and woman. That being said, I feel like this was more on the modern end of historical—their language, her photography, etc wasn’t as historically inclined as I’d originally imagined—give them a power outage and snowstorm and it could easily translate to a contemporary romance. But I truly loved spending my evening with Tommy and Imogen no matter the time period.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel "Snowed In with the Scoundrel" is a captivating ex-friends-to-lovers romance that made me feel warm and fuzzy from start to finish.

In December 1906, Imogen, a talented photographer, hides alone during the holidays at her aunt's cabin after being jilted by her fiancé. Unexpectedly, while lost in the same vicinity of the Cascade Mountains, Tommy Solberg, an ex-childhood sweetheart, arrives and adds some much-needed excitement to her life.

Tommy’s Robin Hood persona, stealing from the rich to help the less fortunate, makes him an intriguing, multidimensional character. He is such a loner yet affectionate and attentive. Initially, I wasn’t sure if he liked being independent or if it was a trust issue. However, as they navigate their complicated past, their buried emotions resurface, leading to a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and renewed love.

The rich dialogue and beautiful descriptions of a snowy cabin setting had me completely enthralled. The isolation within the mountains only adds to the emotional conflict between Imogen and Tommy while making for a steamy, slow-burn romance that had me rooting for the scoundrel.

Kat Sterling’s narrative style intricately explores the character’s inner thoughts and emotions, which resonates with me. It is a well-developed short story with a satisfying ending.

What I loved most about the story is that learning to love and making connections requires genuine openness, authenticity, vulnerability, and acceptance, even in the face of personal insecurities. It’s a thought-provoking message that left me feeling uplifted and empowered.

As a history lover, I was thrilled to learn that the characters were based on real individuals who lived in Seattle, Washington, during the twentieth century. Overall, this is an absolute delight to read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming romance.

This review reflects my own opinion based upon a free ARC.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowed in with a Scoundrel by Kat Sterling is a delightful holiday historical romance featuring a jilted heiress and a bookseller ( ahem, thief but for a righteous cause) who were childhood friends that are serendipitously given a second chance at finding love.

❄️ Swipe for full summary ❄️

I really enjoyed the setting of 1908 Seattle and Sterling includes lots of rich historical background within the pages. I love childhood friends to lovers when the characters are meeting again after time spent apart. Their reunion is funny and sweet and the transition from best friends to lovers felt genuine.

I loved that both characters are scoundrels in their own way and the two of them accepted each other exactly as they are. Genie is a strong heroine that knows exactly what she wants for herself, and that includes Tommy. She isn’t afraid to ask, or demand, what she deserves. Tommy is a great caretaker of a hero with his own quirks and anxieties which Genie lovingly teases him for. Their friendship truly shines in this heartwarming story. And the spice! These two are naughty and I LOVED it. There are some truly heated scenes that will warm you on a cold winters evening. 🛀

I was thrilled to receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This novella is out today, yay! Happy Release day, @katsterlingbooks . This was my first Sterling and will certainly not be my last. I grabbed Winnie West last month and cannot wait to read it.

Rating rounded up from 4.5

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowed in with the Scoundrel otherwise known as A Love Letter to the Public
Library System. I was completely lost in all things Genie and Tommy. These two were absolutely captivating. A childhood love denied, now full-grown can those feelings be rekindled. A second chance romance, combined with a cluster of favoured tropes. One bed, forced proximity, class difference, this story has it all. From shared memories to new steamy ones, a lot can happen in a few weeks alone in the woods. Tommy’s nurture love language is enough to make a reader swoon and then you have Genie’s sexual awakening. Genie, rubbing the magic lamp to grant his three wishes. 🥰 Kat Sterling writes a story that washes over you like a river, lost in the calming serenity of young love and then caught up in the tempestuous rapids of unbridled lust. Underneath it all you’ll find insecurity, determination and pure grit. I loved the shadow of a love letter to reading. These two bonded in youth while Genie taught Tommy to read, and that has pushed him through his entire life and led him to build his dreams on making that love of reading accessible to the masses. This story had my whole heart right from the start, not even the start of the story, but from the dedication: “To anyone who has ever questioned their worth. You are more than enough.” And that is my review in a nutshell, this story is More than Enough!

[Ltlmer2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual time period or locale (Turn of century Washington), but I really enjoyed it. The scenes at the cabin felt almost timeless. Two childhood friends, that were denied it becoming more, now are thrown together by chance and rekindle both the friendship and love.

I was all in right from the cute opening scene and Tommy's mishaps. The author has a catchy style that was very engaging. I like how they talked and had fun and you see the relationship growing (again). There were some good emotional moments, and it has a couple 🔥🔥 steamy scenes with a little touch of playful spanking. I do wish we could have gotten a scene where they *fully* come together, but the chemistry was still hot without that. And while I like things extra steamy, I do appreciate that the hero was trying to be considerate of her if he was thinking they weren't going to stay together. It was a nice touch, where many historicals gloss over the loss of a heroine's virginity being a big deal then.

Also, I enjoyed learning it was inspired by a real photographer from the early 20thC.

A sweet and spicy---and refreshingly different--- holiday read.

Loved the cover. So pretty, plus FLOYD!

Update: I think the scene I was hoping for will be offered as a bonus epilogue with author's newsletter. Yay!


I received a free copy from the author. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Alyssa Reads and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowed in with the Scoundrel is a steamy holiday romance. Kat Sterling creates entertaining characters and spins their second chance story into a satisfying novella.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

It’s December 1908 and Tommy is on the run with a stolen rare book, his “one last job” before leaving his life of crime behind. While running through the snowy Cascade Mountains, he finds shelter, and Imogen. Photographer Imogen is hiding out from Seattle society after being jilted by her fiancé. But she recognizes Tommy as her family cook’s son and her first love. Now that they are stuck together, and their attraction is clearly still around, do they have a real chance to be together?

This book is a quick steamy novella, but also a fully developed romance. It helps that Tommy and Imogen are isolated together for most of the story, so it feels more realistic that they’d immediately rekindle feelings. Of course, the fact that their magnetic chemistry jumps off the page just adds to the sheer fun of this story.

I adore the forced proximity of a snowed in story. Snowed in with the Scoundrel has all the elements I love in a hot, quick novella with none of the angst. If you want to read a quick holiday treat, look no further.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical romance set in turn-of-the-20th-Century Washington State. Sick of Seattle society, Imogen is hiding out in her aunt's cabin for the holidays. Tommy, her oldest friend and earliest crush, stumbles across the cabin Goldilocks-style as he's running from an irate family. He's relieved to discover a refuge from the frigid weather. But then, it turns out they're stuck together for several days... ⁠
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These two finally get a chance to talk out their relationship. And once they've made up, you know what they've got to do: Kiss! (And more.) When they're not kissing (and moreing), Tommy and Imogen are bonding over their shared love of reading in front of the fire. ⁠
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The book takes place entirely at the cabin, except for the epilogue. With such a tight setting and focus, the reader is able to really get into their relationship and why it will work. We both had a ton of fun reading this one!⁠

9-Word Summaries:
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Meg: Tommy ghosted Imogen years earlier; now her cabin’s haunted.⁠
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Laine: Of all the sex cabins in all the world…⁠

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thief on his last heist finds himself on the run from an opportunistic innkeeper, and manages to find sanctuary from the winter weather in a cozy cottage in the middle of nowhere…

In the style of Goldilocks and the three bears, Miss Imogen Redford is not impressed to find a scoundrel tucked into her bed… her bed in her private sanctuary!After recently receiving lacklustre reception for her photography and being jilted by her fiancée Imogen is not in the mood for anymore surprises.

But she’s in for one more. Would you find that her would be scoundrel is none other than her childhood love who Abandoned her due to their differing social statuses!

Finding themselves snowed in with one bed and passing the time with some whisky drinking and cookie baking over the holidays puts them in the perfect position for a second chance at love… as long as they can come to terms with what separated them in the first place.

You have to love Kat Sterling and her detailed 20th century historical romance. She has such a unique voice to tell her stories! Not only does she different her settings in turn of the century USA, but she also grabs from history, such unique characters for inspiration, like the photographer heroine she based Imogen.

This was great romance with all the elements you’re looking for!

Thanks to author Kat Sterling for my e-book or you copy. Opinions are my own.

[whatcaroread · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️ Ex childhood friends to lovers
❄️ Forced proximity
❄️ Second chance romance

This was a delightfully cozy snowed in romance featuring ex childhood friends Imogen and Tommy.

Tommy's mother worked as a cook in Genie's family home. They grew up alongside one another, falling in love along the way until sadly, due to their differences in station they were torn apart.

The history between these two is immense which really added to the chemistry and tension. I really enjoyed seeing them rekindle their friendship and desire for each other!🔥

I also loved how Imogen's character is based on a real life female photographer. The author's history note at the end was super interesting to read!

✨️Some highlights✨️
• Strong, modern heroine
• Scoundrel hero with a proclivity for stealing 🤭
• Playful banter
• He bakes for her
• A nude photoshoot 😏
• Hair dye mishap..iykyk 😅

*Thank you to the author for the e-arc, all opinions are my own.

[Belinda Magro · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this sweet, steamy novella. I adored the moment when childhood friends Imogen and Tommy come face to face in the cabin after so many years apart.

Tommy is a cheeky scoundrel and book thief on the run. Seeing Imogen again after all those years, reminded him of why he was told to stay away from by her father and he still believes he is unworthy of her. However he is just so sweet in how he cares and caters to Imogen's every physical and intimate need.

Imogen is a strong, independent woman who hopes to be a successful photographer. She only craves to end her loneliness. So it is fate that the intruder of her isolated cabin in the woods is her old childhood friend, Tommy.

I loved this second chance, friends to lovers Christmas story. It made me laugh, smile and sigh.

I received an arc for free by the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.

[Mara Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic holiday novella and new histrom author discovery!

This story is uniquely set in the Cascade Mountains during the early 1900s, and features a burglar and house party escapee who find refuge in a cozy cabin during a snowstorm.

I adored the photography aspects (seriously, photography is probably one my favorite new tech that features in late 19th century/early 20th century historicals), as well as the fact that the hero/heroine had a history that rather complicated things in the most delicious way.

I also adore Kat Sterling's voice and the way she seamlessly infused so many historical tidbits into the story. You can really tell that she’s taken the time to master this era, and it enriches the story in a way that I know from experience is not easy to achieve. This was my first book by this author, but it most certainly won’t be my last!

*I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC, but all opinions are most assuredly my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't resist diving into this charming holiday novella, and let me tell you, it was a fantastic read! The storyline of ex-childhood friends rekindling their love in a snowed-in cabin for the holidays had me hooked from the start.

This quick and steamy novella manages to be both a delightful romance and a fully fleshed-out story. Tommy and Imogen's isolation together adds a realistic touch to their immediate reconnection, and their magnetic chemistry practically jumps off the page, making the whole experience incredibly enjoyable.

I love the forced proximity element of a snowed-in tale, and "Snowed in with the Scoundrel" nailed it. It's got all the ingredients I crave in a hot, quick novella without the unnecessary angst. If you're in the mood for a rapid holiday treat, look no further.

[Lana Birky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowed in with the Scoundrel is a delightful historical romance novella that will warm your heart on a cold winter day. The story follows Imogen, a jilted photographer who escapes to a remote cabin for Christmas, and Tommy, a charming book thief who seeks shelter in the same cabin after a heist gone wrong. They soon discover that they are former childhood friends who parted ways years ago, and sparks fly as they rekindle their friendship and romance. The novella is full of humor, passion, and adventure, as Imogen and Tommy face snowstorms, booby traps, and their own fears. Kat Sterling has created a captivating couple with great chemistry and witty banter, and the historical setting is vividly described. Snowed in with the Scoundrel is a perfect read for fans of cozy, steamy, and fun historical romances.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved both the previous works I read by this author so I went in to this one expecting the same but sadly I didn’t.

I’m not quite sure what went wrong really, maybe the concept was a bit too much to try and pull off especially in a novella. Mixing in the second chance element was what really through me off as they were meant to have this history but the past conflict was quickly gotten over and then most mentions to their childhood became off hand comments by half way through. I just didn’t feel like these characters had the tension I needed them to have.

It was very satisfying when Tommy finally snapped out of his stupidity of needing to “deserve” Imogen. I also really enjoy the photography moments and Imogen being based on a real person.

I will definitely still be picking up Kat Sterling’s books, this one was just a miss for me.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Winnie West Has An Agenda by Kat Sterling so I was so excited to see she'd written a Christmas novella with some of my favourite tropes! Forced proximity with only one bed! A scoundrel hero who is secretly a sweetheart! An independent, creative heroine! 😍

This sweet steamy novella did not disappoint! There's enough emotional inner conflict there to give the characters depth, but this is a light, cosy, satisfying festive read. It's only short but Imogen and Tommy feel like fully rounded characters and they are so good together.

(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)