The Billionaire's Christmas

The Sinclairs #0.5

by J.S. Scott

Called an eccentric beast by the citizens of Amesport, Maine, handsome, sensual billionaire Grady Sinclair stays isolated in his mansion on a private peninsula. The arrangement suits Grady just fine—until an unassuming woman rings his doorbell, awaking his long dormant passion with her fearlessness. All he wants is to make the fiery blonde his forever. But will he have to become the monster everyone thinks he is to get his Christmas wish?

Emily Ashworth is desperate. The Youth Center has been robbed of all its money, and as the director, she has to find a way to give the town’s needy children the Christmas they deserve. With nowhere else to turn, she ventures to the mansion of a mysterious billionaire to ask for help. Warned to expect a beast, Emily is shocked to find Grady Sinclair a handsome and very sensual man. With steamy kisses under the mistletoe and seductive whispers while hanging the wreath, Emily finds there’s more to Grady than meets the eye. Is this misunderstood billionaire just a lonely soul who needs the gift of love for Christmas?

This edition of The Billionaire's Christmas, which was previously published in A Maine Christmas...or Two - A Duet: The Billionaire's Angel & A Mermaid Isle Christmas, includes editorial revisions.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Holiday, Audiobook

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2014

About the author

J.S. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary erotic romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way! She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two very spoiled German Shepherds.

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjsscott

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authorj.s.scott

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJSScott

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-s-s...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J-S-Scott/e/B0...

Email: jsscott_author@hotmail.com

Reviews

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Emily bittet als Leiterin des Jugendzentrums den Milliardär Grady um eine großzügige Spende.
So fängt die Geschichte an, und plötzlich sind wir irgendwie schon mittendrin. Grady willigt ein, hat jedoch die Bedingung, dass Emily mit ihm Weihnachten verbringt.
Natürlich fühlen sich beide schrecklich zueinander hingezogen und innerhalb weniger Tage ist es die große Liebe.
Ich mag Romantik, und zu Weihnachten darf es auch gerne mal ein bisschen kitschig sein, aber das hier war mir doch zu viel.
Ich habe gar keine Entwicklung gesehen. Zack, große Liebe für immer. Und so ganz nebenbei heilt sie auch noch seine Sozialphobie.
Nein, das war kein Buch für mich, sorry.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexa Riley was discussing this book on the Read Me Romance podcast and got me intrigued. I had to borrow this on KU immediately.

The hero mistakes the heroine for a hooker and then when he finds out she isn’t, he immediately jumps on an idea that will have him taking over her life.

I love when a Hero sees what he wants and just takes it. It’s really not what you’d expect by this type of hero either. He’s anti-social and practically a hermit, but it’s the unexpectedness of it that makes me like it more.

It is a good Christmas novella and I listened to the audiobook. If I had a negative, I thought there was too much inner monologue that really stands out in an audiobook. Otherwise a cute and quick read/listen.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 It's that time of year Stars!

FREE Audio on Kindle Unlimited. I'm usually not into holiday books, but I'm in that mood and this book was PERFECT. I don't like novellas also but for some reason I really liked this quick read.

It was cheesy
It had a billionaire
It had a damsel
Light steam

It was a pleasant read!

She gives herself up for one week during x-mas for 1 million dollars to be donated to her charity. I know AWWWW RIGHT?!

The female narrator was good. I liked her voice transition. I prefer a more girly (younger voice) but that's me.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed all the billionaire series by J. S. Scott and I first read this one in A Maine Christmas....Or Two? last year.
It is definitely one of my faves of the series. I have a super soft spot for Grady. He's gruff and is not good socially but has a soft, protective heart. He has all the money but is closed off and even inspires fear in some. He needs the right woman to break him out of his shell.
I loved Emily equally as much. She is warm and genuine and deserves a break. They both do really. I loved the fact that she is just a normal girl and you can instantly relate to her. They are perfect for each other.
This is a lovely romance with plenty of hotness which I enjoyed it from start to finish.
I would definitely recommend it. Easy 5 stars from me. I eagerly await more great stories in this excellent series :)

[Pilar S.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro entretenido para esta época, pero sin grandes pretensiones.

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun but short novella.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!

I finally found Emily's book!!

Okay, so I sorta of knew that there was a novella to the entire Sinclair series - but it took me forever to find it on my KU account. I was on my phone and that is why it took forever!!

I was not disappointed at all. So in the first book, and every book after, you knew that Emily was married to Grady Sinclair. But you didn't know how they met or any of that fun loving romantic shit. But then I finally got my eyes, ears, and hands on this Kindle book. I enjoyed every second of it.

I loved how Grady and Emily met because honestly I just laughed. He asked her if she was a hooker during a winter storm. It was kind of sad that I was laughing so much while listening to this audio book because I was at work in my little cubicle and I probably got judged by everyone in the office.

Anyways, I loved everything about this. It was very interesting to hear about how they met and everything else they went through. Just like Sarah, in the first book, Emily's life was threatened. That was pretty much the big twist - oh and we were introduced to Hope then too. Hope is the Sinclair sister. I was wondering when we'd get her book but apparently there is already one?!? So, maybe I need to do some more research and see if I can find it.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick

This was a cute book but it was a bit quick. I guess that's why it's a novella.
Emily and Grady made a perfect pair but I needed more.

[Debbie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time I see J.S. Scott's name as the author on a book, I know that I will enjoy it, she never disappoints me. This novella was no exception, in fact I loved it so much that I am going to reread again, as soon as I finish this review.
Grady Sinclair, is a sexy, brilliant, eccentric billionaire, who just wants to be left alone, in his big mansion on the peninsula, working on his computer programs and then selling them. He is not a social man, hates crowds and parties.
Emily Ashworth, is a normal down to earth woman who enjoys helping others. As director of the Youth Center, she has no choice but to approach Grady for a donation, since the Center has been robbed.
Grady agrees to helping, but with conditions. Emily soon realizes that there is much more to Grady than meets the eye.
I loved these two, especially their initial meeting, and I also loved his phone conversation with Simon Hudson. This book made me laugh, shed a few tears, and fall in love with Grady. Can't wait to read about the other Sinclair brothers. Great job as always, J.S. Scott.
I highly recommend this novella, to anyone who loves steamy romance with possessive, protective, billionaires with hearts of gold and the women who bring them to their knees!

[Karen Alleyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this story so many times under the name, A Maine Christmas for two . And it's because, it is wonderful!!! At the beginning the plot brought tears to my eyes. To read a shy and highly intelligent young man being treated so horribly and as a result the emotional scars it leaves him to endure.
Then as an adult on his most dislike season love appears on his door step and he is force to face his demons at the sacrifice of having love. Emily in turn doesn't think she good enough to have such happiness and as a result Mrs Scott address the issue of low self-esteem.
Mrs Scott always makes it he duty to include real life issues and situations into her plot along with the steamy attraction of a yummy alpha. You will enjoy this story so get comfortable and read, now called The Billionaire's Christmas by Author J.S Scott.
Ho ho ho Merry Christmas !!! :)

[Kathy Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love J.S.Scott's books, her writing is amazing. She makes me feel the each character's emotions and carries me away on an adventure each and every time.

The reader meets Grady Sinclair, in this novella. He is the total alpha male, who believes no one can care for him because he is different. However, Emily Ashworth comes on the scene and melts his heart and soul. The emotions from the past Christmas makes you want to cry and hug Grady. Emily is there to as for a donation to the children's home as the guy she was dating ran away with the money from the home's account.

What will Grady ask in return and will he ever have a happy Christmas? Does love at first sight exist? Read this wonderful story to find out these answers.

This is a wonderful afternoon read during the winter days and I would recommend it highly.

[Isa Jones (Jo&Isalovebooks Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I absolutely LOVED this book. Author J.S. Scott is genius at writing Romance.
Grady Sinclair was born into one of the most prestigious families in Amesport, Maine, he has become the town's must talked about eccentric billionaire's unfortunately he has a reputation of being ruthless and he has been given the nickname of beast. Emily on the other hand is a simple but charming woman who after being conned by her ex by stealing all the profits of the Youth Organisation she works for finds her face to face with The Beast as a last resort to salvage the town's Christmas Party and YCenter. What Grady asks in exchange of his help is not at all what Emily expects, so can she not only salvage the Centre but also Grady's soul? A total page turner, romantic from start to finish, The Billionaire's Christmas is a quick but brilliant read. 5 STARS Isalovesbooks

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady Sinclair! What a wonderful hero. He is devastatingly handsome. He has a reputation for being a heartless beast. A stranger at his door. His breath and possibly his black heart comes face to face with beautiful, Emily Ashworth. She is at his door hoping for a donation for some needy children. Will the dark, cold heart of Grady Sinclair defrost enough to help the children and beat for Emily?

I originally read this story as part of the Maine For Christmas book. I am happy that Jan is bringing us the amazing Sinclair men. Her Billionaires are like receiving a present. I love them and the author that brings us such wonderful romances. Warm up this winter with these sexy alpha men!

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️

Cute, spicy, Christmas novella
Full rtc

[Alexis Blayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

The average rating on this is ridiculous, this is histrionic drivel that increased my rage throughout the unbearable three hours and twenty minutes of the audiobook. My god this was so fucking BAD. Why were any good resources, including a very decent narrator, wasted on this?

When the rich, powerful but reclusive male MC starts having repeated 'protective urges' within 20 minutes of meeting 'his women', the down-on-her-luck, poor but full of integrity female MC, you know the story can't be saved.

The 'banter' is actually creepy, the way she is dependent on him hugely unhealthy. This is the sort of book that sets the progression of the role of women in society back at least 30 years. No thanks.

Also, 'do you trust me' is a GREAT reason to forgo proper contraception because of course STDs don't happen to people who are truly in love!!!1!1 And its all good because right after, they confess their love and he proposes.

Honestly, fuck this book.

It's exactly that type of romance that gives the genre a bad name. The only reason I finished was because it's a novella and it'll add to my reading challenge, and even that was not enough of a good reason for the fury it made me feel.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Grady Sinclair and Emily Ashworth’s story!

After a rough upbringing by his father, Grady Sinclair is very much a loner so much so the people in town stay clear of him. Not Emily Ashworth. She runs a youth center that is in need of some funds and she plans to ask Grady for some help. She goes up to his house to ask for a donation. Grady agrees but wants something from Emily-a week of her time. Teach him how to love Christmas again. But will a week be enough? This is another great billionaire love story by J S Scott. Check it out!

[Lindsay Thompson-Sublett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only read The Billionaire's Angel and I loved it. I absolutely love her books and her writing style and I couldn't be more happy with this book. It was short and sweet and I would love to read more of Grady and Emily.

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Take:
2 Stars
I have a problem with this book. This book read more like a pornographic novella than a Romance novella. Yes, I said that. This book is marked as ROMANCE as you can see by the description Amazon has it under below. However, I have not come across and read a book like this before that has not had a warning attached to it that the book contains sexual situations like other books like this one has had, The other thing that is missing is an AGE WARNING. Why not? There is explicit sex written in this book describing EVERYTHING. Here is what Amazon says about this book:

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Holidays
#6 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Women's Fiction > Romance
#11 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Romance > Contemporary

There is ZERO warning that there is explicit sex in this book.

Many people love reading these types of books, and there is nothing wrong with them . . . for the people who like it. The problem lies in that there was nothing mentioned in the description of this book PRIOR TO PURCHASING IT that tells us there will be pornographic scenes in it, and no one can argue the scenes are not pornographic because in erotica it is written differently. Heck, this book is not even MARKED Erotica when it should be!!! Or it should be marked PORNOGRAPHIC! Instead, we get nothing - NO WARNING! Not even an age of 17+ is notated. Go to the Amazon page that lists this book. Anyone could buy this book, including 13 year old teenagers. THAT is my huge problem with this book. I am extremely disappointed in this author and publisher, Montlake Publishing. SOMEONE should have caught this. There NEEDS TO BE A WARNING OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOOK.

There are many people who like ‘clean’ romances, and even some blogs who prefer to highlight clean romance books. Any ONE of them could end up buying this book because of the LACK OF WARNING OF THE CONTENT IN THIS BOOK. They are not going to be too happy about what they end up with when this book is for an audience that likes sexual situations in their books but not for people who prefer clean romances.
Again, my largest concern is for that 13 year old who ends up with this book. Even the parent would not know what is in this book. The parent would have to read this book prior to allowing their child to read it.
THIS IS WHY WE HAVE GENRES! THIS BOOK DOES NOT REFLECT THE CORRECT GENRE IT FITS INTO.
This issues NEEDS to be addressed!

About this book:
This book is a novella in the New Adult Romance genre. I had been dying to get the chance to read this one because the cover looks enticing, so holiday’ish, and it was a very enjoyable story for about almost the first half which is why I kept reading. Although, looking at the cover this large, I see a tie. Is this a kind of reference to 50 Shades? Should 'that' have been my warning about the contents of this book?
Early in this book we learn about a young teenager named Grady Sinclair, who is treated horribly, like dirt, by his own father for no reason at all but for the simple fact that he could. His father was abrupt and abusive to him, treating him less than his other three older siblings, and made sure to say-so out loud in front of anyone, further humiliating him. You really do feel bad for this young boy as he is stuck living with him as that is his father. He was constantly knocked down as being no good. In fact, Grady found out one of his older brothers comes home each year for Christmas because he knows how his father will be treating Grady so terribly, and he is there to help protect him. Truth be told, Grady's father is a raging alcoholic. (I have found when someone needs to scream, yell, and bellow out loud putting other people down so bad that the victim feels berated like Grady does, only shows how little the person who is doing it thinks of “themselves”. In reality, THEY are the true coward! I say this from experience, too, as they look for a weak place wherever they can find one, and once found, they ‘never’ let up. Emphasis again on the word 'never'. It is an extremely sad, sick, and pathetic kind of person who acts like this. This kind of person NEVER changes, and it will rub off on any children around that person who is the victim. The victim(s) need to get out of there!
I LOVED it when something horrible happens to his father! As with anyone who goes through this, though, they often shut down and tend to become mean, too. They have lost ALL self-confidence, and that is awfully hard to build that back up by yourself.
Years go by . . . we meet the main character in this book, a woman named Emily who runs a charity. She had met a new boyfriend who ended up stealing money from her very large charity center she ran. It was tens of thousands of dollars, enough for a christmas party, food, gifts and more to help kids who needed it. Unfortunately, she trusted this man and foolishly left the room that had the money in full sight, and the boyfriend was in the same room. She was called out of the room, never giving it a thought about leaving him in the room with the money, so . . . he stole ALL the money and disappeared. He turned out to be a con artist and definitely conned her. By the time she figured out what happened, the idiot was long gone.
Now what was she supposed to do? How was she supposed to be able to put on this huge charity christmas program that so many people, in particular kids, were depending on her for? Everyone knew it was coming as it had been planned for for so long. Most importantly, how would she be able to give the kids who need so much what they needed? She was devastated.
She got an idea to approach this billionaire she knew, a man named Grady, but supposedly he had a reputation of being very mean man. She wanted to ask him if he would donate money towards the program. Off she went to get up the nerve to go knock on his door and ask him. When she met him, she felt an instant attraction towards him, but figured she had nothing to worry about because she is a larger sized woman, and most men don’t prefer women who are larger but rather very thin. Nothing to worry about at all. In a way it felt kind of good. Later, however, she quickly finds out this did not mean anything to this man, as he was attracted to her despite her being overweight. He actually prefers women who were a little heavier. (She mentions her weight about herself several times in this story, so she really had a hang-up about her weight.) He ended up agreeing to donate money, and ended up giving her a million dollars! There was a catch, though. She had to stay with him and provide him with anything he wanted for one week, through the holidays, too. (This did not seem realistic to me here. Why would you agree to spend christmas with a strange man? What about her family and friends?) She was instantly concerned, worrying this may mean sexual favors, too, (again not believable because she came right out and asked him if that would be something he was expecting. WHO would ask that?) He pretty much said, ‘only if you want it to’. As Emily got to really know Grady, she thought he really was a very unselfish man despite what the rumors about him were. Eventually Emily stays her ‘week’ with Grady, and
As I read further into this story, it completely weakens to no story and ‘all sex’. The sex is extremely descriptive, detailed, and explicit. I'm not a prude, believe me, but I do much prefer more subtle references when sex is involved in a book, or if it is even hinted at, or if it’s written, it’s done so in a way that leaves it more to our imagination rather than the way they it is written in this book. This book has several complete, entire scenes of sexual encounters between Emily and Grady that are so descriptive, detailed, and explicit. Words are used that could be be described as pornographic, not even erotic. Nothing at all is left to the imagination in this book. The sex is so detailed, as much as it could possibly be and then some. We are talking everything, including oral sex, detail by detail. There are so many detailed sexual situations you couldn’t miss them if you tried to as I flipped through the pages after having enough from the first encounter. I’m still left wanting more of this story, but I’m not going to get it. At least not with this kind of sex going on. I can’t say this book is erotica, but more pornographic in nature. I looked up the definition of erotica and pornography in writing. This is what I found: If it has a story to it, it is supposed to be more on the erotica side, and pornography doesn’t really care about the characters or situations. Okay. If that be so, then the last half of this book IS pornographic, even if Emily and Grady DO end up falling in love. (Falling in love? Let’s call it falling in pure lust.) It was the words that are used as to why I am calling this book pornographic. Words “I” can’t even use in a review. I can’t even write an example of the sex in this review because my review would then be considered pornographic. “I” could get into trouble and NOT have my review posted because of the words I used that were in this book.
If this author wants to write this kind of book, then more power to her, but LABEL IT CORRECTLY AND WARN READERS WHO DON'T WANT TO READ SEXUALLY EXPLICIT STORIES AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!

[Rosie AvidReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, sexy and sweet all combined together. Loved the story. Grady the social outcast but billionaire meets Emily, the self conscious woman wanting to save her community center. Watching the two of these characters develop and learn more about their true fears, they find they are met for each other. The sexual tension between the two of them was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Both wanting each other, yet holding out for one reason or another. When they finally dive into each other, the pages practically melt! Can not wait for more from this series. Have to love those Sinclair men!

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady Sinclair, is a brooding sexy man who is also known as a heartless beast with a cold heart of stone. All he wants to do is stay away from people and isolate himself. Emily Ashworth is about to turn his life upside down.

When Emily shows up at Grady's door needing help from the Billionaire she's not sure of what to expect, after hearing the rumors about him. What she finds is a handsome man who is all alpha male. This is a sexy novella, and also a heartwarming story, well worth reading.

[Yulanda Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BILLIONAIRE'S Christmas

I just love the billionaire's series whether it's Simon Sam Max Kade Travis Jason Grady Tate Dante
The way J S Scott gives meaning to their history and love for one another. It's amazing!!!

[Tracey Zelukovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I love the Billionaire series and I love J.S. Scott books, couldn't put it down read in one day

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was really sweet. I loved the storyline and the characters. Looking forward to Dante's story!

[Tammy Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome, can't wait for more about them.

[Joanne Mountford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grady hates everything about Christmas and locks himself away from any and all festivities. Emily needs a quick donation to keep the children's center open for the holidays. It takes one knock on his door and a beautiful woman falling at his feet to break open his heart and not only change his mind about the holidays but also open his heart to finding the one that matters. With beautifully written characters and a storyline that was perfect for season this was a fantastic read.

[Ofelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grady might have had a bad childhood and was ridiculed by his own father which contributed to his dislike to Christmas and any social gatherings but when he meets Emily all that is soon forgotten. Grady becomes a more sociable person. A great fun novella.

[Mou: Fae of Heartfelt ARC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a fan of insta-love trope and it was too short to judge about the main characters. Well, I forgot to mention it was full of cheesiness also. Overall, not too bad that I had to rate it two stars.

[Luu ⁠｡⁠*⁠♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's like a cheap tv movie about Christmas (I enjoy it) 🙈

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

An excellent quick holiday reads getting us ready to meet the Sinclair's. Christmas was never a happy time for Grady Sinclair's. Not until the year Emily shows up on his doorstep and turns his world upside down. Definitely a recommended read.