Snowfall: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Novella

by Mala Scott

He’s already seen her list. Might as well let him check it twice.

I came to this cabin for a cozy, quiet girls’ trip…a little escape before Christmas to finally do something just for me. But my plans fell apart faster than my doomed marriage. My bodyguard called out sick, my brother’s fiancée bailed, and now I’m stuck in a remote one-bedroom cabin with a grumpy, walking thirst trap who is less than thrilled with me.

The worst part? He just stumbled upon my very explicit bucket list. Every fantasy, every kink I’ve been too shy to explore, all laid bare in tiny black letters staring him in the face. But instead of judgment, I find understanding…and maybe even a hint of temptation.

With the storm raging outside and tension hot enough to melt an icicle, I decide to take matters into my own hands for once. Turns out, taking control looks a lot like handing it over to the infuriatingly sexy stranger I’m snowed in with.

Snowfall is a holiday novella full of tension, kindle-melting heat, and just a touch of angst. It is a complete standalone set in the Emberfield Falls world.

Genres: Christmas, Forced Proximity, Novella

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

Mala Scott is a contemporary romance author who writes steamy, emotional love stories featuring resilient heroines and the men who fall hard for them. When she’s not writing about the messy, gritty side of love, Mala can be found lost in a book or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She lives in California with her husband and kids, where she finds inspiration in everyday moments and the beauty of imperfection.

Reviews

[Georgiana Polanco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading the ARC for Snowfall! This was such a sweet and spicy novella! This book will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit! It has all the cozy vibes: snowed in with matching socks, chopping down your own Christmas tree, a cute dog, Christmas decorations, and a naughty list (hehe!) This is a must read for anyone looking for a quick holiday read packed with spice!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you can suspend reality long enough to read this novella, then this spicy smut is for you. Don’t take it too seriously, otherwise the characters will seem delusional.

[That1BookishBrunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a whole new meaning to making a list and checking it twice 🥵

I was fortunate to be able to read an ARC of Snowfall, and I loved it! This was a short, spicy read with lots of character banter and sass. Bonus - I love whenever there is a dog in a story that feels like they’re a human, and Booker supplies all the cuties dog with human assigned personality boxes 🐶

This would be a perfect read if you enjoy open door romance and holiday novellas!

[MB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Mala Scott.

Charming winter holiday romance Novella. Forced proximity and a cozy setting.

Anyone that likes a quickie hallmark type movie book with spice level, moderate just to the left of vanilla. It does have a content list/warning for those that need that.

Well paced, well plotted.

Ready for publishing. This is what an advanced copy should look like.

What I liked: cozy setting, and I liked both the leads. Christmas time was not overly cheesy and not shoved down your throat. I liked that the FMC had a spice bucket list and during role-playing was able to discern what she liked and what she wanted. I liked that the role-playing was discussed between the two characters not just thrust upon the reader. The MMC was great, I really liked that he was pro agency for people, understood her, and that he communicated, and was such a hype girl for her, ha. I thought that the author was quite amazing in portraying the character development in such a concise manner. The tightness of the writing never felt rushed or too condensed. Remember, this is a novella! About 157 pages.


What I didn't like: Not a fan of the rando dog. But I do understand the dog was a device to show the MMC was a kind and caring guy and dad material. And I guess to also get them out of the cabin on occasion.

I really wish romance authors would a spend a little bit more time with some slow sensuality, teasing, and kissing. This is not as bad about just jamming things into sensitive places like some of them are. And frankly, I didn't find the spicy scenes particularly memorable.

But here is what really is the kicker: There were a few odd things in the story. It almost felt like the author had never been in a blizzard before because you're not going be walking out side, trying to cut down a tree in a blizzard. Also that they went in and out of the house with no problem not addressing that with a blizzard there would be huge snow drifts. He said it was 30°. I'm thinking it would be a lot colder than that. And I also thought it was odd that she would describe them sweating in a freezing cold house because they had no heat. Ever been in a freezing cold house? You're going be wearing a lot more clothes than they were, and no one would be sweating.

Because it is a fairly uncomplicated and short book that I liked well enough but not hugely invested. I would normally rate this as a high three star book. I enjoyed it, but will I remember it, probably not, I am sorry to say. I gave it a four star because it was enjoyable, I didn't get fatigued with the characters, or the plot, and the author concisely told the story.

In an additional note, I don't think it really falls under grumpy sunshine trope as it is marketed. I don't think he's particularly grumpy and I don't think she's really a sunshine.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowfall is a sweet and spicy Christmas novella that delivers on holiday vibes. Cassie is a single mom trying to fill her time while her ex has their daughter. She's from a well known family, so security is something that is taken more seriously. Her usual bodyguard is unable to attend the planned girls trip, so she sends Dustin in her place. A snowstorm prevents the other friends from making it to the cabin, so Cassie finds herself stuck with Dustin for an unknown amount of time.

Cassie was very relatable and I loved that she felt like she could finally focus more on what she wanted (a difficult task for any mom). I wasn't as sure about Dustin because started off rather aloof and almost immature, but once he started to really see Cassie as more than just his job, he became a much more likable character.

The beauty of a novella is that you get the good all the fun and minimal drama. Don't get me wrong, sometimes you want a little more to the story, but this was perfect for the holiday novella theme and I finished it in one night.

Thank you to Mala Scott for my ARC of Snowfall!

[shinobu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket while soft snow falls outside. The winter scenery is so vivid and atmospheric you can feel the cold on your cheeks and the glow of cabin lights in the distance.

And Dustin? Oh, he DELIVERED.
The banter, the tension, the way he checks on her at the perfect moments is peak MMC energy. The one-bed trope? Immaculate. The little domestic moments? Him cooking for her? I melted right along with the snow outside their cabin.

There’s a brief moment with an injured animal that was tough to read for someone sensitive to that, but the tenderness of the story as a whole makes up for it.

And let’s talk about how he treats her;
the praise, the protectiveness, the “tell her what to do” confidence, the way he gets angry on her behalf… just chef’s kiss. A GOOD. BOY.

Their support for each other is what really sold it. Soft, sweet, safe, and full of spark.

Overall, Snowfall is a cozy, charming winter romance that left my heart full and my cheeks warm. I really, really enjoyed this story. ✨🤍

[Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when that girls weekend, that was supposed to be fun goes wrong and you end up stuck in a cabin with your security guard/besties replacement?!

Well…..

You end up falling for said grinchy grumpy bodyguard, that’s what!

Cassie (our divorced single mom) and Dustin (the grumpy •but not grinchy• bodyguard), had undeniable chemistry from the first page, he was protective and possessive in the best ways as soon as he laid eyes on her! Once he found her list all bets were off and she was a goner and didn’t even know it yet.

I loved everything about this, the one bed trope, the cozy holiday romance vibes we got, the spice was spicing! The relationship growth with all the characters, main and side. The dynamic between Cassie, Dustin, and Willa.

The plot is there but it’s a fast paced novella so things move fast!

I really enjoyed this read and I think you will too! Grab your copy today!

[Becky Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute, spicy, instalove novel from a new author for me. I really enjoyed it and all the characters in it.

The FMC, Cassie is a single mother to the cutest little girl Willa. Their relationship is a beautiful one, and I was glad to see growth with her ex-husband and his prioritizing Willa by the end of the story.

Cassie's friends put her in an awkward position when she goes on a vacation with them, and they back out leaving her snowbound in a cabin with MMC Dustin (the guy her friend Gia sends in place of her).

Their connection is undeniable and Dustin gives her things that she has always wanted. I loved how Mala wrapped their story up in a big bow.

Thank you @malascottauthor for this wonderful experience! Looking forward to what comes next!

Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Character growth: 5⭐️
Spice: 3.5🌶️

[Emily Handke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowfall is a cute but spicy holiday novella.
Cassie is a recently divorced single mom who is set to go on a girl's trip with her bodyguard and her brother's fiancé right before Christmas. Cassie is able to make it to the cabin before the snowstorm hits but Allie doesn't leave in time and Gia gets sick and sends a replacement bodyguard. It just so happens that the replacement is a 6 foot something grump that is very easy on the eyes. Dustin accidentally sees a spicy wishlist on Cassie's phone but instead of getting mad Cassie decides to ask for help checking things off.
I'm not a huge fan of the instalove trope which knocked it down just a little for me. I know it's a novella and things have to move quickly so it works in this case.
Thank you Mala Scott for the early copy.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This holiday novella was so much fun! It was a fast, short, refreshing read full of delicious spice and humor. I really enjoyed the MCs Cassie and Dustin, I loved both of them instantly. Their meet-cute, the build-up, the anticipation, and the scorching hot spice were all perfection. Mala Scott definitely knows how to pack a punch in a little over 150 pages, leaving me wanting more of this cute as hell couple. I was giddy and giggling like a loon.

Dustin is so sexy and swoooooooony. *silent scream*
"She’s the ray of sunshine I didn’t know I needed."

Tropes:
Grumpy + Sunshine
Snowed in
One bed
Kink list
Single mom
Bodyguard
Dual POV

Thank you Mala Scott for the opportunity to read this eARC.

[Amber Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodyguard x single mom
Grumpy/sunshine
Snowed in
Forced proximity
One bed
Spicy bucket list
Spicy hot tub 🥵
She upgrades
Creative use of a ribbon


This book felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket while soft snow falls outside. The imagery writing is so vivid and atmospheric you feel like you’re in the story, you can feel the cold on your cheeks and the glow of cabin lights in the distance. I read this on mini vacation and I happened to be near the snow and I loved it!
The banter, the tension, the way he checks on her at the perfect moments was everything! Love The little domestic moments like Him cooking for her! I melted, a way right to my heart!
There's a brief heart breaking moment with an injured animal that was tough to read especially for you animal lovers, (I was definitely affected) but the tenderness of the story as a whole absolutely perfect.
And let's talk about how he treats her; the praise, the protectiveness, the way he gets angry on her behalf.
Their support for each other!
This book gives a new meaning to making a list and checking it twice! I would definitely recommend this holiday spicy novella to your list!

[Jordan Farhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowfall is my introduction to Mala Scott and she did not disappoint! Snowfall follows Cassie a newly divorced single mom and Dustin her newly assigned bodyguard while they are unexpectedly snowed in a cabin over Christmas. I really enjoyed their connection and how they showed up for each other and met one and other where they were at. Dustin even stumbles upon Cassie’s spicy wish list and lends a helping hand along with some other things! 👀 I really enjoyed this book it was a fun, quick, spicy Christmas read! Make sure to add it to your holiday TBR! Snowfall comes out on December 2nd available on KU!

[Chaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the opportunity to read Snowfall early and first thing first—I wish I was holed up in a tiny cabin with Dustin Jacobs!! This book was a quick and very fun read. I love the characters and loved the connection they had from the beginning. It was beautiful to see Cassie overcome her lack of confidence and discover what she really wants out of life. Also I am obsessed with the way he proposed to her. There is something about an intimate proposal that is just for the two of you that I don’t think compares to anything else. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more Mala Scott!

[KG Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowfall
This ARC was provided by the publisher/author via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Mala Scott for the advanced copy.

Snowfall is a sweet, but spicy novella. This book really gives a new meaning to making a list and checking it twice.

Since this was a novella- we had less than 200 pages to get to a HEA- so it had to be insta-lust and insta-love. I liked the character development that we did get- and wished we could have gotten a little more.

This book was a vibe read. It was cozy and light. This book is a good palette cleanser!

You’ll like this story if you appreciate the following:
📚Insta-love
📚One bed
📚Grumpy/Sunshine
📚Single Mom

[The TBR Trouble · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy and warm(okay, more like hot❤️‍🔥) Christmas Novella that I absolutely loved. I stumbled across this book by chance, but Mala Scott is definitely an author I’ll be reading more of.

The dynamic and chemistry between Dustin and Cassie completely won me over. The single mom and bodyguard combo wasn’t something I knew I needed, but here I am, devouring every moment and wanting more of them. Dustin may look like a grump on the outside, but he’s a total softie underneath. And Cassie, a natural people pleaser learning to prioritise herself, was so refreshing to see.

Such a delightful, heartfelt, and steamy holiday read. Highly recommend!

[Heidi Lauper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect novella! The storyline sucked me right in and I inhaled this one in one sitting!
Set in the holidays, in a cabin where they're snowed in, Cassie and Dustin add new meaning to making a list and checking it twice.
As always, Mala's characters offer depth and connectability and I found myself nodding along, internally cringing with secondhand embarrassment and just all around on team make it happen! The spice levels are hot.
An absolute must read if you've enjoyed Trustfall and Ashfall!
Thank you for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.

[Medusa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Snowfall is the first book by Mala Scott I’ve read, and she absolutely did not disappoint. This is hands down the cutest, spiciest Christmas novella I’ve ever come across. It was a quick, fun read with perfect pacing and a well-executed plot.

Cassie’s princess (sorry, queen!) of a daughter completely stole my heart. She’s such a cutieee, I couldn’t help but love her. 🥰

I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas TBR this month. Snowfall is already out and available on KU!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The book follows Dustin and Cassie, as Cassie sets off for a girls cabin holiday however it soon takes a turn as her friends cancel and send Dustin (who’s a bodyguard might I add) as a replacement.

I absolutely adored these characters and their storylines! This is the first book I’ve read where the fmc has a child and I’ve not felt like I was overpowering the book. I actually think the spice was a bit too much for me.

Overall a great read and short to get you through the holiday season!

[Nicole Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC copy**
Mala Scott has become one of the few contemporary romance authors that I actually enjoy. Normally I need more action in books but the tension and drama in her story are so engaging they make it hard to put them down. Even her Novellas don't miss. I'm an avid Christmas hatter because that also happens to be my birthday so I normally avoid seasonal reads like these but this one was just too good. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it.

[Jackie • HeyJackieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is recently divorced, single mother going through the motions and her sister in law thinks she needs a girls trip to a winter cabin to lift her spirits. Which sounded like an excellent idea until a blizzard rolls through and Cassie gets stuck in the cabin, alone, with Dustin her personal security.

She’s made a list, he accidentally reads it, checks it twice (pun intended), and agrees to explore her kink bucket list with her.

Snowfall was a cute, cozy and spicy Christmas novella.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie made the naughty list and Dustin definitely checked it twice! This sweet and spicy novella was exactly what I needed. Stuck in a cabin with a hunky, grumpy bodyguard? Yes, please. I devoured it in one sitting!

It’s packed with all the cozy Christmas vibes: snowed-in a cozy cabin, cutting down a Christmas tree, rescuing an adorable pup, and a delightfully sexy naughty list. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your holiday TBR!

Grumpy/Sunshine
Single Mom
One Bed
Naughty List
Snowed-In

[Brooke Cribb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snowed in cabin, one bed, a naughty little list, and a hot body guard that wants to check every box? Yes PLEASE.

This was such a cute little read. The banter was perfect. The author did such a great job of dropping little bits of backstory throughout the story. I feel like that really made me form a deeper connection with the characters.

I don’t typically go for insta love but I really enjoyed this one. And the spice is spicyyy🥵

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowfall is such a cute, fun, sexy holiday novella. I loved the banter between Cassie and Dustin and the perfect cozy, Christmas setting the cabin provides for them. I also loved the way that he took her previous experiences and showed her how much better things can be. When these two start checking off the spicy list, things heat up, but this story also comes with a healthy dose of emotions and a ton of heart.

TROPES:
Christmas Novella
Bodyguard
Grumpy x Sunshine
Single Mom
Snowed In

[Haley Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

MALA YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!

I was chosen to be an ARC reader and omg when I tell you go read this book please run and read this book!

It’s the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit. You have a grumpy bodyguard, single mom who gets stuck in a cabin due to a snowstorm and there is a spicy bucket list involved… sign me up!

[Erin Mangum · Rating 5 out of 5]

She makes the list. He checks it twice! When I say this is the perfect novella to lead into December and alllll the holiday reads, I mean it! It’s quick and flirty and easy to connect with. Gives the all the cozy holiday cabin vibes. And the spicy feels too!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Lynds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back in the Emberfield World for this Christmas Novella. A single mom and bodyguard snowed in for the holiday. Fell in love with these two immediately and their 🔥 chemistry. 5 star read!

[Sarah Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snowfall

This was a cute and quick Christmas novella. I like how Dustin helps build up Cassie’s confidence. If insta love/lust is your cup of tea definitely give it a shot.

Open Door Romance

[Damelys Vientos · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SPICE THE LIST THE EVERYTHING

[Mikaela Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the holiday romance book for you if you love forced proximity, spice, and character development. Dustin and Cassie are so easy to root for.

[Caitlin Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute novella, but I felt the mutual "I love you" was a little fast and the grumpy x sunshine was caricature like.