Grinched by the Mountain Man

by Opal Nicks

When a holiday charity auction accidentally ropes Harper into a weeklong fake marriage with Cady Springs’ grumpiest bachelor, she’s expecting awkward. What she gets is a flannel-wrapped fantasy ... and the one man who might just unwrap her heart for good. Mountain Man Brides For Christmas Series They didn’t ask for a bride. But this Christmas, love is crashing into the mountains wrapped in curves, sass, and a whole lot of heat.

Snow is falling. Fires are crackling. And deep in the wilderness, a group of grumpy, emotionally guarded men are about to have their solitude shattered… by unexpected brides. Whether she’s a fake wife, an accidental bride, a mail-order miracle, or part of a marriage of convenience— she’s not what he wanted. But she just might be everything he needs. Set in snowy small towns and off-the-grid cabins, the Mountain Man Brides for Christmas series delivers swoony, steamy, feel-good novellas packed Broody, protective mountain men💍 Bold, curvy heroines with no intention of falling in love (until they do)🎁 Holiday heat, heartfelt moments, and happily ever aftersEach book in this series is a standalone romance with high heat, real heart, and the kind of cozy spice that will warm you all winter long. COMING NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025!

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Opal’s steamy stories frequently feature independent, strong-willed females who find themselves surprisingly swept away by alpha males who pursue them with vigor and passion. Ultimately, they can’t resist the sweet satisfaction and protection these men offer. Who could?

On Writing
Opal doesn’t like being restricted to what form her stories take. She breaks rules and bends things a bit to keep the tale the way the characters want it told.

In her writing, Opal Nicks explores many different facets of relationships. She hopes to captivate you with the nuances of love. Whether through a budding early relationship or a tension-filled reunion, she gracefully conveys the power and complexity of love-speak.

Her characters often possess an unbridled energy that gives them strength to take risks and traverse peril—all for love.

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heart-warming story! This story had the perfect amount of humor, romance, and quirky characters, that will keep any reader completely engaged. When the grumpiest bachelor of Cady Springs is asked to participate in the annual holiday charity auction, he is totally against it until the mayor makes a deal with him. Harper attends the auction and is adamant that she will not bid on anything. But when Harper accidentally bids on Ethan and wins the package of the holiday bride experience, look out. As the hilarious Mayor puts them through the scheduled activities, will Harper and Ethan continue to pretend to be a couple or really fall in love? This book was entertaining from beginning to end and any reader would not be disappointed. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity Auction leads to an ever lasting
love❤️

“One week. One woman. One fake marriage. One ridiculous itinerary. One honeymoon suite.”

Who could possibly ask for more than a single hot man to be yours for a week? A poignant, uplifting, and engaging read that has all-the-feels. I loved the small town interactions and humor along with joy at two genuinely good people finding happiness after the pain of losing their parents. Grief over losing her mother has turned Harper into all work, no play until her best friend wrangles her into attending the town’s annual holiday charity auction and she wins a week with Ethan. All I have to say is that I am never traveling without chocolates from now on 😉.

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

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful holiday romance. Harper always captures everyone else’s memories in the snow globes she makes. Ethan is a recluse fighting the town for his family’s land. He makes a deal and she accidentally bids on him at auction.
A week in a lodge doing honeymoon activities. As each comes out of their shell, they realize what has been missing from their lives. The journey from fake to real, the real memories made and the continuation of a family history.
A real wedding with an amazing couple who found love in the little things.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking it for Real -
Even though Harper and Ethan were apprehensive about going through the process they begrudgingly agreed to, they soon found themselves enjoying them inside and outside the bedroom. Spending time together allowed them to slowly open up to each other and what started out as a fake relationship, soon turned real. The more time Harper and Ethan spent together each day, brought them closer and allowed their feeling for each other to grow.

Unfortunately, it took some time for Harper and Ethan to gather the courage needed to confess their true feelings, even though they were enjoying ongoing passionate dalliances. Luckily, Ethan took the opportunity to make Harper aware of his intentions, so they could have the happily ever after they both deserved. If you are looking for a spicy grumpy and sunshine close proximity romcom wonderful characters and a heartwarming storyline, then you should definitely should give this book a go.

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

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and sweet holiday romance. I don’t care what time of year it is, holidays are a go to. And Ethan and harrier were great together. Ethan was the true essence of a grinch. That is, until he met Harper. She started warming that man’s heart without even having to try very hard. And I absolutely loved the hallmark feel of this one. I laughed and swooned, and had a great time.

[Vicky Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake marriage for Christmas Festivities

Tricked into a holiday auction and bought by local artist sparks fly for fake couple. A week of events in the town and a week spent at the lodge Honeymoon Suite. Magic happens!
Great read with lots of romance.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute holiday story that I could totally picture the movie of in my head. It had the Hallmark cheesiness that you'd expect with a set up like an auction that leads to a fake marriage and a week of holiday shenanigans in the small town.

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

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it from the beginning, Harper and Ethan are amazing characters, I enjoyed their storyline and the chemistry between them, A page turner,.

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

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Magical Match Cady Springs Annual Holiday Charity Auction and her accidental bidding changed their lives forever. With Holiday Bride Experience for one week as their fake marriage.
Two beautiful characters who just needed stepping out of their comfort zones. And if it happens in Cady Springs where Love basically is extreme sport, you just fasten your seat belts and take the ride.
Loved to characters, the story line and, of course, snowballs that make memories.

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

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grinched By The Mountain Man is the kind of Christmas romance that leaves you smiling from beginning to end. Filled with holiday magic, laugh-out-loud moments, fake marriage antics, and a grumpy mountain man who never stood a chance, it's the perfect cozy escape for the season.

Harper instantly won me over. She's carrying the weight of losing her mother and has buried herself in work instead of allowing herself to truly enjoy life. A simple outing with her best friend turns into a completely unexpected adventure after an accidental bid at the town's holiday charity auction leaves her "married" for a week to the most reclusive man in Cady Springs. Watching Harper embrace the chaos with humor and an open heart made her impossible not to root for.

Then there's Ethan, the mountain man whose dislike of Christmas is almost legendary. He'd rather stay hidden in his cabin than wear a Santa hat or participate in town festivities, but thanks to one determined mayor and a few creative negotiations, he finds himself swept into holiday events with Harper by his side. Beneath all the grumbling, however, is a kind, dependable man whose guarded heart slowly begins to thaw.

The fake marriage trope is absolutely delightful here. Every scheduled holiday activity pushes Harper and Ethan closer together, creating plenty of funny moments, sweet conversations, and undeniable chemistry. Their playful differences—her love of fun and sparkle versus his quiet, off-grid lifestyle—make them a perfect opposites-attract couple.

One of my favorite parts of the story was the wonderful small-town atmosphere. Cady Springs feels like the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, the mayor happily meddles in people's lives, and the community rallies together to spread holiday cheer. The quirky townspeople and festive events add warmth and humor that make the romance even more enjoyable.

As Harper and Ethan begin sharing more than just holiday obligations, their relationship grows into something that feels genuine and comforting. Both have experienced loss, and watching them help each other rediscover joy, laughter, and hope made their happily-ever-after especially satisfying.

This story balances humor, romance, and holiday charm beautifully while delivering plenty of swoony moments along the way. The fake kisses, forced proximity, cozy lodge setting, and grumpy sunshine dynamic all come together to create a romance that's impossible not to enjoy.

If you're looking for a Christmas romance filled with small-town magic, accidental matchmaking, fake marriage fun, a rugged mountain man, and enough holiday cheer to melt even the grumpiest heart, Grinched By The Mountain Man is one you'll want to curl up with this season.

Sometimes all it takes is one accidental bid, a week of pretending, and a little Christmas magic to discover that the greatest gift wasn't under the tree—it was waiting beside you all along.

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

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

Harper and Ethan

GRINCHED BY THE MOUNTAIN MAN is part of the multi-authored Mountain Man Brides For Christmas series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, grumpy-sunshine, fake-dating, charity auction, forced-proximity, curvy girl gets her mountain man Christmas romance. Harper is a sweet, shy, slightly awkward, curvy girl who makes snowglobes. Ethan is a hunky, grumpy, frugal, reclusive mountain man with walls around his heart. When Ethan is coerced into participating in a bachelor auction for charity, he grudgingly agrees in exchange for keeping some family land. Harper goes to the charity auction with a friend never planning to buy anything, although she donates one of her snowglobes for the cause. When she ends up accidentally bidding on Ethan and winning, she is initially mortified as she will be spending a week with him. But feelings turn all to real and they find themselves not wanting the week to end. This was such a sweet story with all the feels. Neither one was looking for love, but found it anyways. Their chemistry was pure fire and the ending was so happy. I loved it.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this story. Some small things about the protagonists and the setup, I would have liked differently. I like their quiet, shy personalities, and some parts of them resonate with me. However, the hero's idea of donating the socks to others is strictly a no-go for me; it's better to recycle or throw them away. It's fun and entertaining how the heroine's plan doesn't go as expected, but at the same time, I consider what one has to go through when it's unwanted or under pressure.
It would be better and more ethical if the main bidding prize didn't involve a donation and it would offer existing couples the chance to bid because it seems wrong to put two strangers in the same room.
The costs for all the setup, I think, are a greater amount than the bidding sum, so for charity, they could have just donated it, which would benefit more than just two people who may not have another chance to get together, or separate a charity from a romantic offer.

If the heroine wants to avoid an embarrassing situation, a great solution is packing capsules.

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

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mountain man Christmas romance starts with a fun premise: the heroine unexpectedly wins a week with a rugged mountain man at a charity auction. It's an entertaining setup that immediately sets the story apart from many other holiday romances.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was that the relationship doesn't turn into instant love. Instead, the characters take time to get to know each other, gradually lowering their defenses and building a believable connection. That slower progression made the romance feel more natural and rewarding.

The Christmas atmosphere adds plenty of warmth and charm, making this an enjoyable seasonal read. It's the kind of story that's easy to curl up with on a cozy evening.

Overall, this is a sweet and entertaining holiday romance with a unique setup and likable characters. Whether you're celebrating Christmas in July or saving it for the holiday season, it's a pleasant read that's sure to put you in a festive mood.

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

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Cady Springs where everyone knows your business. This is a sweet small town romance with a grumpy mountain man, a sweet shy shop owner, a meddling mayor and a little Christmas magic.
Harper owns Fox & Frost and makes beautiful snow globes, preserving the memories of other people’s lives. She attends a charity auction where she accidentally bids and wins a husband for the week.
Ethan is a broken mountain man who loves his solitude. He has some quirky ways and usually sticks to his mountain. However this year the mayor needs bachelors and Ethan fits the bill. She uses a land dispute to entice him.
This was a really sweet romance. Ethan is grumpy but underneath his exterior is a broken man. Harper is sweet and shy and the more time she spends around Ethan the harder she falls. While I really enjoyed this magical Christmas read, I would have loved more of Ethan’s backstory.

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

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grinched by the Mountain Man is part of the Mountain Man Brides for Christmas series. This was a fun interesting read. Harper is a small local business owner in Cady Springs she makes and designs snow globes for her shop, Fox & Frost. She spends more time there than anywhere else, which doesn’t give her much time for anything, including relationships. The town has One Magical Match: Cady Springs Annual Holiday Charity Auction’ which asks for donations and such. There are items to bid on, and sometimes people. This was a great story, the storyline is solid and fun, can make you think about what you would do in that position. The characters were perfect, they moved the plot along and it’s a wonderful five-star read. Grab this book and the rest of the Mountain Man Brides for Christmas series and enjoy!.

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

[Opal Nicks]

Grinched by the Mountain Man began as a simple thought:
What if the town’s biggest holiday curmudgeon was forced into the sweetest fake marriage of the season … and accidentally fell head-over-boots for his Holiday Bride?

From there, Ethan Kinkaid took over the page. Stoic. Reclusive. Too handsome for anyone’s good. He wanted nothing to do with Christmas or with the charity auction that lands him in a honeymoon suite with Harper Fox. And Harper … she surprised me in the best ways. A curvy, soft-hearted artist who makes custom snow globes to capture memories she never got to keep. She doesn’t just bring light into Ethan’s world. She knocks down walls he thought would stand forever.

Together they discover that pretend kisses don’t stay pretend, and that sometimes the best happily-ever-afters start with a fake “I do.”

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, steamy , and entertaining short love story!

Harper is a hard working girl who is grieving the loss of her mother, so she is going through the motion of life and work. So, her friends drag her to the holiday charity auction. Cady is about to lose his land, the mayor makes a deal with him, help in the auction and the festivities in exchange of help. Well, a mistaken bid, and they are both roped into a week of Holiday Bride Experience.

She is the warm, funny, but guarded girl for the grumpy solitaire, controlled man; a week in a one bed room, lots of conversations, moments will lead them to trust, healing, and unstoppable passion.

A sweet funny story that is highly addictive!.

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

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper is a hardworking small‑town artist who designs custom snow globes. She accidentally bids on the wrong paddle at the One Magical Match charity auction and ends up “winning” a week‑long Holiday Bride Experience with Ethan, Cady Springs’ most reclusive, Christmas‑hating mountain man. Ethan is antisocial and only participating in the auction because the mayor strong‑armed him with a land‑tax deal. Harper is glitter, warmth, and accidental chaos. The longer they spend time together, the harder it is to imagine not being together. Will they find that they could have something special together?

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book but then Opal Nicks has been a favorite author of mine since I started reading her books I must admit I was very leery at first but as soon as I read them I was hooked and found I just love them.
Harper and Ethan's unexpected love story is a love story of hope and it just goes to prove with love anything can happen whether in a book or real life, I really enjoyed escaping into this book for a few days just loved it
Opal keep up the good work and keep writing your love stories because I just love them.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friend Ruby gets introvert, Harper, to attend a charity auction where Harper “accidentally” bids and wins bachelor Ethan. Reluctant Ethan was only participating after the mayor negotiated his presence— land deal. Public facing romantic activities were just what this fated couple needed to make them not only fall in love but realize how their town and community was so much more than they thought. Cute story. Cute characters.

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

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'She’s all glitter and giggles.
He grunts and growls.
But when one fake kiss turns real, and one bed starts feeling too small…
This mountain man may just find himself completely un-grinched.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain Man Brides story of Harper Fox and Ethan Kinkaid. This one had me wanting to give both these characters a hug and tell them it will get better. This one had me smiling at what started off a bad dream and ends up being the one thing to bring back happiness and joy to these two character’s lives. The Mayor was just hilarious and a little over the top but so needed in this amazing story.

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining story of two lonely people finding forever in Cady Springs. Ethan is the town Grinch who is also a hoarder, he gets bribed into being the Holiday Bride experience finale for a week. Harper makes snow globes for a living and accidentally bids on Ethan at the auction. Their forever is fun and a must-read.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun read and a heartwarming romance. Ethan, the town Grinch, is pressured to participate in the town auction. Harper, an artist, accidentally bids on him and wins ;) What follows is an entertaining reading ride the brings down Ethan's walls and gives both of them the fab HEA they both deserve. This one was so fun and I really enjoyed how they came together. Felt kind of like fate was lending a hand ;D

[Janet Rivera-Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess, laughter and tears😂

This story has funny parts, serious parts and everything in between, from the gentle young woman who meets a grumpy mountain man to a crazy town mayor, her even crazier bff and everyone in between. It’s cute, wholesome, meaningful and 🥵 hot. Loved Ethan and Harper.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mountain man romance and Grinched by the Mountain Man delivers. The characters are a great match and keep you reading to find out more about what happens between them. I don't go into details as I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. I hope you enjoy!.

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

[Taara Amrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like an adult version of the Grinch and Ms. Who. She is shy, quiet, and lives through the globes of memories she creates. He is tough, a loner, and doesn't like people. The way they are put together and how sweet the instalove feelings are made this a good read.

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great read. I loved the characters, and the storyline was so good. Lots of great laughs. Very entertaining and enjoyable.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this Christmas-vibe-filled book. Enjoyed the characters, and the storyline was well written.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

2026:
She collected memories in glass until he gave her a real one.

Harper Fox only means to donate to a small-town charity auction. She doesn’t mean to lift her paddle, outbid half the room, and end up fake-married for a week to Ethan Kinkaid, Cady Springs’ most reclusive mountain man.

Ethan wants his land protected, his cabin quiet, and Christmas kept at a safe distance. Harper is creative, anxious, kind-hearted, and still learning how to step back into life after loss. Sharing a honeymoon suite is not part of the plan, but one bed, town traditions, and forced proximity start softening both their defenses.

As the week unfolds, festive events, small-town expectations, and unexpected moments of closeness make it harder to remember where the act ends and real feelings begin. The chemistry is immediate, but it's the growing trust, quiet support, and genuine understanding between them that slowly become impossible to ignore.

What begins as an awkward performance slowly turns into something honest. Harper sees the loyal man beneath Ethan’s gruff edges, while Ethan starts wanting more than solitude and survival. Every fake vow, stolen touch, and quiet conversation pulls them closer to a love that feels real. ‍

Harper stops watching life from the sidelines and starts trusting herself with messy, fragile, real memories. Ethan lets vulnerability in without losing the quiet strength that makes him who he is. Their accidental arrangement becomes a relationship built on trust, longing, and the feeling of finally coming home.

An ultra-steamy, grumpy sunshine, fake marriage, forced proximity, one bed, small town mountain romance filled with tenderness, longing, playful banter, and emotional healing. It’s about grief, courage, belonging, and choosing the kind of love that turns an unexpected beginning into a future worth building.

The Elevator Pitch: A shy maker of snow globes accidentally wins a week-long holiday marriage to the mountain recluse everyone else has given up on. What begins as a small-town spectacle filled with forced proximity and awkward traditions slowly becomes a refuge where two lonely people lower their defenses. As winter closes in around them, both must decide whether the life they planned is enough or if love is worth rewriting the future for.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance



2025:
He wanted solitude. She brought snowstorms and sparks.

When Harper accidentally wins a date with Cady Springs’ grumpiest bachelor at a holiday charity auction, she expects awkward small talk and staged photo ops. What she gets is Ethan, a mountain man with a stare that could melt snow and a heart he’s kept locked up tight.

Ethan wants nothing to do with the Holiday Bride Experience. He only agrees to get the town off his back. But Harper isn't what he expected. She’s warm, chaotic in the best way, and keeps slipping past the walls he's built. The rules blur, the chemistry simmers, and suddenly this fake holiday romance starts to feel dangerously real.

Snow globes, cocoa tastings, and one bed lead to shared secrets and late-night moments that matter more than either of them planned. Beneath the lights and holiday chaos, something quiet and real begins to grow. Neither of them went looking for love, but it just might have found them anyway.

Harper begins the week guarded and unsure, still navigating grief and doubt. Ethan's more than content with his silence and solitude. But as the days unfold, she finds her voice and he lets her in. They go from reluctant strangers to something deeper, two people showing up for each other when it counts.

A steamy, small town, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, fake relationship Christmas romance filled with snow-drenched tension, slow burn heat, and unexpected emotional depth. It’s about learning to trust again, healing in the quiet spaces, and choosing love in the mess of real life.

The Elevator Pitch: A quiet mountain man and a reluctant bidder fake a relationship for one week and end up falling into something real. Set in a snow-covered small town full of charm, tension, and building heat, their story blends emotional depth with steamy chemistry. It’s a cozy, heartfelt romance about trust, healing, and unexpected love that refuses to stay pretend.