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Returning for Trouble
She was desperate to be alone. He invaded her solitude. Christmas cheer doesn’t have a chance.
When a sudden blizzard threatens the cabin community of Montana Hideaways, Sierra Chapin hides under the bed with a spider she names Legs to avoid an enforced evacuation. Her one wish for Christmas is to be entirely alone; the blizzard matches the rage inside her, and she welcomes it.
When resort owner Spenser Walker realizes one young woman is still unaccounted for, he makes the trek back to the Hideaway in full-on Grinch mode to locate her. He finds Sierra holed up on purpose and furious at his invasion of her solitude, but now they’re both snowbound until the roads clear.
Attraction sparks. Secrets simmer. And the more time they spend trapped together, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull between them.
But Sierra didn’t plan on company for Christmas—and Spenser didn’t plan on falling for a woman who treats him like an unwanted Christmas present.
Will love need a Christmas miracle to get these two together?
When a sudden blizzard threatens the cabin community of Montana Hideaways, Sierra Chapin hides under the bed with a spider she names Legs to avoid an enforced evacuation. Her one wish for Christmas is to be entirely alone; the blizzard matches the rage inside her, and she welcomes it.
When resort owner Spenser Walker realizes one young woman is still unaccounted for, he makes the trek back to the Hideaway in full-on Grinch mode to locate her. He finds Sierra holed up on purpose and furious at his invasion of her solitude, but now they’re both snowbound until the roads clear.
Attraction sparks. Secrets simmer. And the more time they spend trapped together, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull between them.
But Sierra didn’t plan on company for Christmas—and Spenser didn’t plan on falling for a woman who treats him like an unwanted Christmas present.
Will love need a Christmas miracle to get these two together?
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Brandy Golden
53 books411 followersI live in the Midwest and I love cats, reading, scrapbooking, and swimming. I also love to write romance with humor, a little discipline, and other fun and interesting stuff! I love the alpha male hero, it's always present in my books, and strong feisty heroines who inevitably get themselves into hot water with their man. I am now retired and plan on getting many more wonderful stories out for you to read. I can be found in all sorts of places. Check out my link tree for my newsletter to get a free book, and follow me on Book-bub for updates on new releases as they come out. Much love and appreciation to my readers, Brandy Golden
https://linktr.ee/brandygolden
https://linktr.ee/brandygolden
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 30, 2025
FINDING HEALING TOGETHER
The story takes place in Montana. Sierra Chapin has booked a stay at Montana Hideaways that begins days before Christmas and lasts until January 3rd. She has come to check into a report of a wolf den in the area of the mountain resort near Kalispell. Her friend brought her and dropped her off, and will come back to pick her up. Now, the resort is telling all the guests they must leave.
“All residents are to be evacuated by 3:00 p.m. today. An unexpected blizzard is predicted to bring three feet of snow to the area, and services may be unavailable for an undetermined period of time. Your rentals will be refunded to you for the days you are cut short. Thank you for coming to Montana Hideaways.”
Sierra decides she will not leave, and even hides herself and her luggage in case they come to check. Spenser Walker is one of the owners of Montana Hideaways, and along with other staff members, has been doing a check of guests as they leave. Only one name isn’t checked off the list, Sierra Chapin. Calling the emergency number of Bobbie Stevenson, they learn that Bobbie dropped Sierra off and will pick her back up after the first of the year. It is up to Spenser to return to the cabin, knowing that the weather conditions are deteriorating rapidly and he will be snowed in at cabin five—more than likely, with a recalcitrant guest.
The story is a quick read of two strangers brought together during a major, unexpected snowstorm. But they won’t be alone, because there are wolves—especially one wolf who is injured. Spenser must not only deal with Sierra, who is prone to outbursts of temper, but severe headaches. When she takes things too far, rather than threatening her with a spanking, he will do just that. How will these two cope for days together in a one-bedroom cabin?
The story is another fun addition to the Holiday Ever After series. It does contain power exchange, nonconsensual and dubious consensual discipline scenes, emotional episodes, the lack of coping with a past trauma, and two people, neither in a relationship, finding an attraction to one another. Scenes of intimacy of more implied than shared. Best of all, we do get a view of one year later with our two main characters, and the coveted happy ever after ending.
The story takes place in Montana. Sierra Chapin has booked a stay at Montana Hideaways that begins days before Christmas and lasts until January 3rd. She has come to check into a report of a wolf den in the area of the mountain resort near Kalispell. Her friend brought her and dropped her off, and will come back to pick her up. Now, the resort is telling all the guests they must leave.
“All residents are to be evacuated by 3:00 p.m. today. An unexpected blizzard is predicted to bring three feet of snow to the area, and services may be unavailable for an undetermined period of time. Your rentals will be refunded to you for the days you are cut short. Thank you for coming to Montana Hideaways.”
Sierra decides she will not leave, and even hides herself and her luggage in case they come to check. Spenser Walker is one of the owners of Montana Hideaways, and along with other staff members, has been doing a check of guests as they leave. Only one name isn’t checked off the list, Sierra Chapin. Calling the emergency number of Bobbie Stevenson, they learn that Bobbie dropped Sierra off and will pick her back up after the first of the year. It is up to Spenser to return to the cabin, knowing that the weather conditions are deteriorating rapidly and he will be snowed in at cabin five—more than likely, with a recalcitrant guest.
The story is a quick read of two strangers brought together during a major, unexpected snowstorm. But they won’t be alone, because there are wolves—especially one wolf who is injured. Spenser must not only deal with Sierra, who is prone to outbursts of temper, but severe headaches. When she takes things too far, rather than threatening her with a spanking, he will do just that. How will these two cope for days together in a one-bedroom cabin?
The story is another fun addition to the Holiday Ever After series. It does contain power exchange, nonconsensual and dubious consensual discipline scenes, emotional episodes, the lack of coping with a past trauma, and two people, neither in a relationship, finding an attraction to one another. Scenes of intimacy of more implied than shared. Best of all, we do get a view of one year later with our two main characters, and the coveted happy ever after ending.
December 5, 2025
There is an emotional tenacity to the way Ms. Golden tells her stories, and it never fails to capture my attention. This forced-proximity, second-chance romance is a whirlwind of emotion—despair to acceptance, heartbreak to love. The author does not shy away from sensitive issues, and each one is handled with genuine care. The descriptive dialogue paints a vivid picture of Mother Nature at her most powerful. This book had a profound effect on me, as I could hardly fathom the pain Sierra was forced to endure.
Set in Montana, the story follows Sierra Chapin, who books an isolated cabin at Montana Hideaway for a quiet Christmas week—only to face an evacuation order when a blizzard hits. Spenser Walker, co-owner of Montana Hideaway, checks every cabin to ensure guests have left. It’s only later that he realizes someone is unaccounted for, forcing him to battle the worsening storm to recheck the grounds. Sierra, unwilling to leave, hides herself and her luggage under the bed. To say Spenser was unimpressed would be an understatement.
At first, I struggled to connect with Sierra. But once her trauma and immense loss were revealed, her aggression, anger, and temper tantrums suddenly made sense. She is such a contradiction—completely willing to lose her temper and throw things at Spenser, yet terrified of legs, a spider, and Hermes, an injured wolf.
Spenser, however, is far more layered than he first appears. His tenderness toward Sierra—his instinct to comfort her even when she was at her most difficult—was exceptional. But if she wanted a fight, he was more than capable of meeting her fire with his own. Quick to comfort and just as quick to hold her accountable, he slowly shattered her emotional walls piece by piece. His attraction to her was immediate, but he never pushed, giving her the time and space she needed to heal.
There were no lulls in this short but impactful read. Even amidst the tension, moments of humor made me smile.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book. I buzzed through it and was left wanting more from these compelling characters.
Set in Montana, the story follows Sierra Chapin, who books an isolated cabin at Montana Hideaway for a quiet Christmas week—only to face an evacuation order when a blizzard hits. Spenser Walker, co-owner of Montana Hideaway, checks every cabin to ensure guests have left. It’s only later that he realizes someone is unaccounted for, forcing him to battle the worsening storm to recheck the grounds. Sierra, unwilling to leave, hides herself and her luggage under the bed. To say Spenser was unimpressed would be an understatement.
At first, I struggled to connect with Sierra. But once her trauma and immense loss were revealed, her aggression, anger, and temper tantrums suddenly made sense. She is such a contradiction—completely willing to lose her temper and throw things at Spenser, yet terrified of legs, a spider, and Hermes, an injured wolf.
Spenser, however, is far more layered than he first appears. His tenderness toward Sierra—his instinct to comfort her even when she was at her most difficult—was exceptional. But if she wanted a fight, he was more than capable of meeting her fire with his own. Quick to comfort and just as quick to hold her accountable, he slowly shattered her emotional walls piece by piece. His attraction to her was immediate, but he never pushed, giving her the time and space she needed to heal.
There were no lulls in this short but impactful read. Even amidst the tension, moments of humor made me smile.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book. I buzzed through it and was left wanting more from these compelling characters.
December 3, 2025
A great read that is well written and the plot is totally engaging, highly recommend
Sierra Chaplin has booked a trip and unfortunately finds herself caught up in a blizzard, she decides that she is not going to leave the hideaway and she decides to secret herself and her luggage until the other guests have been evacuated from the resort.
Spenser Walker discovers that Sierras name has not been ticked off and he returns to see if he can find her in the cabin as the weather warning is severe and also knows that this will mean they will be trapped for at least five days, which is annoying as she had been given every opportunity to leave.
These two strangers that are forced into an unexpected circumstance find that they are not alone, there are also wolves one of them is injured. Sierra is not the easiest individual to get on with she has temper outbursts and also suffers from bad headaches and Spenser had to take her in hand a few times.
This was an interesting read; it has emotional issues as well as two people brought together through circumstance and gradually actually begin a relationship that strengthens. I enjoyed the read and think that other readers will be as captivated by this book as myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
Sierra Chaplin has booked a trip and unfortunately finds herself caught up in a blizzard, she decides that she is not going to leave the hideaway and she decides to secret herself and her luggage until the other guests have been evacuated from the resort.
Spenser Walker discovers that Sierras name has not been ticked off and he returns to see if he can find her in the cabin as the weather warning is severe and also knows that this will mean they will be trapped for at least five days, which is annoying as she had been given every opportunity to leave.
These two strangers that are forced into an unexpected circumstance find that they are not alone, there are also wolves one of them is injured. Sierra is not the easiest individual to get on with she has temper outbursts and also suffers from bad headaches and Spenser had to take her in hand a few times.
This was an interesting read; it has emotional issues as well as two people brought together through circumstance and gradually actually begin a relationship that strengthens. I enjoyed the read and think that other readers will be as captivated by this book as myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
December 15, 2025
This is a wonderful story. And just in time for Christmas.
Sierra is at a cabin in Montana and just wants to hide away for Christmas. But the resort owner Spencer was concerned because everyone was supposed to evacuate because of a blizzard coming. And he didn't find Sierra when he checked the cabin because she was hiding under the bed.🤭 So he went back and discovered her and they ended up being stuck in the cabin together. Much to her disappoint at first.
This story is very well written. The characters are fantastic. It was heartwarming to follow their journey. I enjoyed how attentive and gentle he was with her through her emotional trauma. My heart went out for Sierra and what she was going through.
She is feisty and lashes out at him. He is a grinch and his Alpha Male was ready to spank her for her defiance. Their attraction to each other was obvious. And the longer they were stuck together the harder it was for them to resist their attraction to each other.
I enjoyed that she saved and made friends with a Wolf who actually found his mate.
This has a very happy ending my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I even giggled a few times at their antics.
Brandy is a wonderful author. Her stories are fun and enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book and this series.
Sierra is at a cabin in Montana and just wants to hide away for Christmas. But the resort owner Spencer was concerned because everyone was supposed to evacuate because of a blizzard coming. And he didn't find Sierra when he checked the cabin because she was hiding under the bed.🤭 So he went back and discovered her and they ended up being stuck in the cabin together. Much to her disappoint at first.
This story is very well written. The characters are fantastic. It was heartwarming to follow their journey. I enjoyed how attentive and gentle he was with her through her emotional trauma. My heart went out for Sierra and what she was going through.
She is feisty and lashes out at him. He is a grinch and his Alpha Male was ready to spank her for her defiance. Their attraction to each other was obvious. And the longer they were stuck together the harder it was for them to resist their attraction to each other.
I enjoyed that she saved and made friends with a Wolf who actually found his mate.
This has a very happy ending my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I even giggled a few times at their antics.
Brandy is a wonderful author. Her stories are fun and enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book and this series.
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December 22, 2025This is a short, spicy (not totally descriptive), and heartfelt story that will give you something to think about!
Sierra's life has not been easy after trauma that completely destroyed her and manifests in rage, tantrums, and headaches. She wants solitude for the holidays so she has booked a cabin. Spencer is the resort owner who needs to make sure everyone vacates his cabins before the snowstorm hits, but realizes that Sierra is not checked off the list, so he sets to locate her, and finds her hiding in her cabin.
They have no choice but to stay together while the snow ceases and watch out for the wolves cricling around (one of them is hurt) and this will give them time to get to know each other. He sees her pain, understands it, but also knows that she needs an upped hand to assimilate the feeling, so he takes care of it. As they spend time together, their relationship deepens.
As the snow storm is over, they are changed people, the wolf has healed, and now they have to decide what comes next.
A great read about the resilience of love!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sierra's life has not been easy after trauma that completely destroyed her and manifests in rage, tantrums, and headaches. She wants solitude for the holidays so she has booked a cabin. Spencer is the resort owner who needs to make sure everyone vacates his cabins before the snowstorm hits, but realizes that Sierra is not checked off the list, so he sets to locate her, and finds her hiding in her cabin.
They have no choice but to stay together while the snow ceases and watch out for the wolves cricling around (one of them is hurt) and this will give them time to get to know each other. He sees her pain, understands it, but also knows that she needs an upped hand to assimilate the feeling, so he takes care of it. As they spend time together, their relationship deepens.
As the snow storm is over, they are changed people, the wolf has healed, and now they have to decide what comes next.
A great read about the resilience of love!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2025
This is an emotional book. Sierra is recovering from losing her husband and unborn daughter in a car accident. It's been almost a year, but she is still having uncontrollable episodes of rage. With those episodes come blinding headaches. She has come to the Montana Mountains resort to be alone. Ostensibly, she is researching the wolf den established near the Montana Mountains resort, but she also wants to be alone. When the resort is closed because of a blizzard, she hides from Spencer, the co-owner of the resort. He decides to stay, find her, and support her through the blizzard. She is furious, but Spencer finds the right balance between support and accountability.
This is a quick story, but it is engaging. I started reading and didn't put the book down until I was finished. Someday, I hope the author will expand on the story.
This is a quick story, but it is engaging. I started reading and didn't put the book down until I was finished. Someday, I hope the author will expand on the story.
December 4, 2025
Sierra and Spenser story was about healing and a second chance at happiness.
One is recovering from a tragedy, the other had several failed relationships, both are reluctant to try again.
They had a slow journey to recovery, an unusual “pet”, some misunderstandings, insecurities, and an unexpected adventure.
A bit of shenanigans, a bit of teasing, communication and confessions that bring a new light to their past, that how slowly they bonded and healed from their past suffering.
They do find their happiness and form the family they both longed for.
* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion
One is recovering from a tragedy, the other had several failed relationships, both are reluctant to try again.
They had a slow journey to recovery, an unusual “pet”, some misunderstandings, insecurities, and an unexpected adventure.
A bit of shenanigans, a bit of teasing, communication and confessions that bring a new light to their past, that how slowly they bonded and healed from their past suffering.
They do find their happiness and form the family they both longed for.
* this is an ARC review and is my honest opinion
December 8, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed "RETURNING FOR TROUBLE" I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting, intriguing, intense story dealing with a Blizzard, evacuation, hiding, attraction not wanting to be found.
Sierra Chapin heads to Montana Mountains Resort looking for a wolfs den when a Blizzard strikes causing the owner Spencer Walker to evacuate the guests but she hid not wanting to leave, not happy Spencer found her & they both have to stay in Cabin til the roads clear.
Sierra worries about the injured wolf, plus being with Spencer will they survive each other until they can leave a must read to see what happens
Sierra Chapin heads to Montana Mountains Resort looking for a wolfs den when a Blizzard strikes causing the owner Spencer Walker to evacuate the guests but she hid not wanting to leave, not happy Spencer found her & they both have to stay in Cabin til the roads clear.
Sierra worries about the injured wolf, plus being with Spencer will they survive each other until they can leave a must read to see what happens
December 7, 2025
Sierra is on vacation to a cabin in Montana. She finds herself caught in a blizzard and under evacuation orders. She decides to not comply and hinds until everyone is evacuated. Spencer finds that her name is checked off and he returns to get her from the cabin and finds himself stuck due to the weather. At least they are stuck together. He's mad that she didn't leave. She's mad that he came looking for her. There's wolves, bad attitudes, migraines, and 2 people who have a chemistry that can't be denied. Hmmm HEA anyone. Great read!
December 16, 2025
This is Book 4 of the Holidays Ever After Series but can be read as a standalone. The grinchy resort owner and the angry woman he begins to love.
The plot was well written and pretty straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot was well written and pretty straightforward. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
I love the stranded in a cabin holiday trope. Sierra planned to spend her Christmas isolated in a cabin with her grief. But when she gets snowed in with Spenser, her trip turns into an opportunity for healing and a new beginning.
Disclaimer: The MFC spends the majority of the story coping with the loss of a loved one. The MMC is a little too physically alpha for my taste.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Disclaimer: The MFC spends the majority of the story coping with the loss of a loved one. The MMC is a little too physically alpha for my taste.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2025
This is a sweet story of survival, from the trials of life, and how a man can encourage and help shape said survival.
Sierra is a angry young lady, who rages at an unfair past. She hides out in a lodge for privacy and peace, owned by Spenser and his partner.
Spenser goes looking for her and both are caught in a blizzard together.
Enter Hermes; a wolf, and you have a beautiful touch of whimsy to this story and a journey for all of them into the future. Lovely book.
Sierra is a angry young lady, who rages at an unfair past. She hides out in a lodge for privacy and peace, owned by Spenser and his partner.
Spenser goes looking for her and both are caught in a blizzard together.
Enter Hermes; a wolf, and you have a beautiful touch of whimsy to this story and a journey for all of them into the future. Lovely book.
December 12, 2025
I loved this story and it will stick with me. The characters could be your neighbours they are that real. Poor Sierra is stuck in grief and anger. Spenser is angry with life and how it has treated him. I loved their interactions and the wolf. This is a story that will draw the reader in and hold their interest. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving an honest review. An enjoyable well crafted story.
December 14, 2025
I’m not sure how she did it but Brandy Golden catapulted this short quick read to the top of my list of favorites. Sierra booked a solo stay at the Montana Hideaways and ignored the orders to evacuate due to a blizzard. Spenser returns to the cabins in search of her. This is a fabulous close proximity Happily Ever After love story. I have to say I love each and every one of the standalone stories in this Holiday Ever After Series. And this one is my absolute favorite.
January 6, 2026
Beware the Huntsman
Sierra came to the mountains to escape. The weight of her loss was unbearable, and time was certainly NOT healing her wounds. Fresh Montana air and solitude might ease the pain.
When they evacuated everyone ahead of the massive storm, they came up one person short. Spencer couldn't risk a stray camper being injured or killed, so he checked the cabin himself and found both Sierra and a world of trouble.
Can they survive the storm?
Sierra came to the mountains to escape. The weight of her loss was unbearable, and time was certainly NOT healing her wounds. Fresh Montana air and solitude might ease the pain.
When they evacuated everyone ahead of the massive storm, they came up one person short. Spencer couldn't risk a stray camper being injured or killed, so he checked the cabin himself and found both Sierra and a world of trouble.
Can they survive the storm?
December 3, 2025
What a lovely story so poignant, even sad at times and also so warm and tender. Sierra made me laugh when she was under the bed with the spider, but she made me cry when dreaming about her husband. Spenser was so careful with her and admired her treatment of Hermes. The Hermes story almost mirrors S erra’s it was well done. The ending was perfect, a great read.
January 12, 2026
Sometimes, when we’re hurt and trying to heal, we need that one person to come into our lives and refuses to leave…. Because that’s what we secretly want and need, even if we deny it vehemently. We all need a little help sometimes. And, this book captures that concept very well. Good characters and a heartwarming storyline.
December 14, 2025
I enjoyed every moment of this story. Spenser and Sierra, aka Short Stuff, connected from the beginning. The difference being Spenser acknowledged the connection and Sierra spent her time ignoring it. Guess who won? I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
Really got emotional with this one. You could almost feel both Sierra's and Spenser's pain and loss. Had tears several times. Such a hard path to their hea. Definitely will recc
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