Scrooge Me Hard

Paranormal Dating Agency #9.5

by Milly Taiden

ATTENTION READERS: This is a SHORT. This is NOT a standalone full length story. It is intended to be read in order after you read the previous books (1-9).

Paranormal Dating Agency SHORT: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance

Aurelis Fuentes wants one thing: Children. She’d also like for people to stop complaining about the amount of frosting on her cupcakes but that’s another story. When her scrooge of an ex comes back into her life, she’s not sure what to think.

Reed Stone wants one thing: His mate back. He made a mistake but he’s a changed man. In the spirit of Christmas, he’s hoping she takes a chance and forgives him or at least allow him to explain without throwing things at him.

Gerri Wilder is at it again, only this time she’s got the help of some of our previous couples. Catch up with Tally, Nita, Maya, Alyssa and their men while they try to help Auri and Reed find their way back to each other. This is one holiday they won’t soon forget.

Reader Note: This story contains the use of the word Christmas (a lot). It also features a BBW and a hard-headed wolf-shifter along with humor, romance, love and smokin' hot sex. Sound like your type of book? Give this short a try. Remember that this is a follow-up to the previous PDA books. Enjoy.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Shapeshifters, Audiobook, Fantasy, Novella

76 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2015

About the author

Milly Taiden (also writes as April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean (to her) known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.

When she’s not working full-time, texting with her best friend Heidi in England, chastising her son for pulling the dog’s ears, shopping with her sister Jewel or watching scary movies with her husband, she can be found writing on her laptop.

She’s addicted to shoes, chocolate, Dunkin Donuts coffee and JIMMY THOMAS covers!!!

Reviews

[Gi's Spot Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Review to come...

[Barbara➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars

Cute Christmas novella. I finally got up the nerve to read this lol. I'm not much on second chance romances but it turned out to be okay. I really liked the fact that Auri didn't give in to Reed right away and take him back. Reed had issues and he should have told his mate in the very beginning. She was right in not accepting something just because he said it was to be and end of discussion. He did change and try to make things better when he decided to go after her.

Safety Gang: It's safe. There are no mentions of either being with anyone else during the 5 year separation. They are true mates and it's clear that they didn't want anyone but each other.

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ 3 Scrooge Me Hard Stars ~

Scrooge Me Hard was a sweet Holiday read. I enjoy the PDA and this was satisfying. It’s short, delightful, and straight to the point. The author had quite a few of the previous characters pop back in for some laughs and matching with Gerri.

It’s a second chance at happily ever after for Reed and Aurelis, during the Holiday seasons!

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurelis is the owner of a bakery. She has a family she loves and wants a big family herself. She fell in love with a shifter around 5 years ago but their short-lived romance ended when he told her he doesn't want kids and doesn't like celebrating Christmas. Now she's living her life alone and missing her mate.

Reed is a good guy with some issues he needs to get past. Reed's issues growing up led him to hate the holidays and not want any kids himself. His determination against both of those things broke up his fledgling relationship with his mate and he's been kicking himself for it ever since. His views have changed over the years and he decided it's time for him to find his mate and get her back.

This is a second chance romance. Will Aurelis take Reed back? Will Reed decide to want to be a father? Or will Reed stay stuck?

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a lot tamer than the ones before and I hope the ones after, although this is just a novella with lots of small check-ins with some of the characters we have already met. Our main couple for this one is Reed and Aurelis that are already mated; however, they have been apart for 5 years. We get to learn why and if they can fix the rift between them. This one is a very sweet and heartfelt shifter story.

This specific video review will be included in the August 2018 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.

[Wild_irish_rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short story and seeing characters from the earlier stories.

[Malinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This was a very good short story. I really liked both Reed and Aurelis and enjoyed their Christmas reunion.

Aurelis is the owner of a bakery. She has a family she loves and wants a big family herself. She fell in love with a shifter around 5 years ago but their short-lived romance ended when he told her he doesn't want kids and doesn't like celebrating Christmas. Now she's living her life alone and missing her mate.

Reed is a good guy but had some issues he needed to get past. Reed had some issues growing up that led him to hate the holidays and not want any kids himself. His determination against both of those things broke up his fledgling relationship with his mate and he's been kicking himself for it ever since. His views have changed over the years and he decided it's time for him to find his mate and get her back.

In the story, it's almost Christmas time and Reed goes to see Aurelis hoping to talk to her. Aurelis isn't thrilled to see the man who crushed her feelings and then stayed gone for 5 years so her first impulse is to start throwing things at him. With a little help from Gerri and some of the people she's already set up, Reed is able to get Aurelis to listen to him and they talk things out and eventually make up, ending the story in a very merry HEA.

I enjoyed this Christmas short very much. I liked both Aurelis and Reed. My only real complaint is that I wouldn't have minded a little more length. Overall the story works well for it's length but there was a time or two I thought that things could have been expounded on a bit more. Still, I liked the story very much and would recommend it. :D

[Susan Burgess-Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milly Taiden really knows how to keep the Paranormal Dating Agency in business. I love the smarts of Gerri Wilder and how she works to make her perfect matches for her family and friends. I think one of the reasons that this series is so fantastic is that Milly Taiden is a cunning author and this series even goes to another planet.....Milly knows how to grab you at the beginning of the book and holds your attention till the end of the book, even in this Christmas short story.

Aurelis Fuentes is the owner of a bakery and she wants kids. She keeps to herself and people really don't who are what she is. She is doing just fine till her ex husband shows up and acts like Mr. Scrooge. He Ex, Reed Stone wants her back. He made a mistake and he is hoping with the spirit of Christmas that he can convince her to take him back.

Gerri of course just can't stay out of relationships and she runs into Aurelis and Reed having an argument in the bakery. When she realizes that is the Reed that her husband helped to mentor, she decides to step in and help. She talks to Aurelis and then decides just how to get them together. Plus she calls in reinforcements in Tally, Maya, Nita, Alyssa and their men to help. This turns out to be the Christmas Aurelis and Reed will not forget.

A book you must read if you are 18 years or older. You will not be disappointed.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milly always comes through with awesome story, I’ve been reading her series Paranormal Dating Agency and each book as been wonderful. The characters, (got love Geri) the storylines. This one is like having christmas in June and whatever month it is I am always ecstatic to get the chance to read any of Milly’s books.

I’ve never been into second chances, but I’ve always been into Milly and the PDA series so I just had to pick it up. Its short, sassy and oh so sweet. The sweetest confection, wrapped up in a sexy ex. A dream for both, sprinkle a bit of Christmas magic and ta da!
We can say we change, but we must want the change for ourselves, not for anyone else. When that is solid in your head, remember talk is cheap and action always holds volumes.
If you’ve read any of Milly’s books, you know you will love this one as well.. Enjoy

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five years apart can leave a bitter taste in ones mouth. . .

Auri had to make the toughest decision of her life. Now five years later that decision in back and wanting more. Reed had a hard up bringing. He got the mate for his life and then lost her all in a matter of weeks. Now, he was back in her life andwanting to start again, but that was easier a desire than reality. This holiday will be merry or not so merry for two shifters that lost their way.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute holiday read in one of my favorite series! It was great catching up with some of the previous PDA couples, and in a sweet twist letting them play matchmaker. It can be read as a stand-alone in the series but it does touch base with old characters so for the full effect you should read the rest of the series before this one.

[Alisa Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, short and straight to the point!
Quite a few of previous characters from this series pop up for great laughs!
Gerri is just as sassy as always!
Aurelis and Reed get a second chance to be happy, and at Christmas.
Just a couple of steamy scenes, but still hot.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute 2nd chance shifter style!

I love this series with Gerri Wilder's mad matchmaking stories. Each tale is joy to read! A few couples make an appearance!

Auri met her mate Reed 5 years ago when he almost hit her with his car. The second the wolf shifter laid eyes on her, she was his. Their romance was instantaneous--as is all fated mates matches are. On top of their mating, the couple got married as well. But Reed withheld important things from her until he mated her; because it tied her to him forever. He never wants children and he refuses to celebrate Christmas (a big deal for Auri's family) but he doesn't tell her why. She's devastated that he waited until they'd mated to tell her how he feels about children. On their first date, she made it very clear to him that she wanted lots of kids. Now his word is law and he refuses to change his mind or discuss it with Auri?

Auri lost her parents and her extended family raised her. She's an only child. The only thing she wants besides her mate is children. After Reed says "no kids," she tells him to get out and send her divorce papers. At first it was a bluff, but as weeks turn into years she realizes she's not a priority to him.

Five years later, Reed walks into her bakery telling her that they are still married because she never signed the divorce papers. Auri never received any papers from him. The only way she's knows any of his whereabouts is by following him in the newspaper.

Reed only wants another chance with his mate. He's learned a lot in the past 5 years, all due to his four year old little brother. When Gerri Wilder walks into the bakery while the couple are in the middle of an argument, the wise old wolf shifter decides to meddle a bit.

Gerri hires Auri to cater her Christmas party that week. All of Gerri's mated couples will be there to celebrate the holiday season. Seeing all of these happily mated couples makes him envious. She won't even listen to him without throwing something at him.

Reed has a drink with Noah, Ky, Gray, Theron, and Connor who are all happily mated. After listening to each of their individual stories about their mates and babies/pregnancies, it only makes Reed want what they have even more. When all 5 men hear Reed's dilemma, they offer some helpful advice from mated men: Theron & Connor (who are expecting twins with Tally), Ky (mated to Nita) Noah (who's expecting with Maya), and Gray (who's expecting his second with Alyssa.) All the men give Reed the advice he needed.

Downstairs, their mates are doing the same with Auri.

Can she get past alk the hurt and forgive him? Or is she too afraid that he'll change his mind?

[Sandra Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an OK shifter romance, but I did have a few issues with it. It gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded up to 3 stars.

First, I know it was meant to be a short, but it needed more character development. I wanted more backstory on both Reed and Aurelis.

Reed was a bit hard to like. He had been completely unfair to Aurelis early in their marriage, when he told her he didn't want kids and would never celebrate Christmas, but refused to explain why. She had left him over that, since she had told him how badly she wanted kids before they got married. After five years apart, he had changed and wanted Aurelis back, but still didn't seem to want to explain his earlier behavior. He finally did explain to her, and let her see that he had changed -- but only after Geri and his friend's wives intervened. I was actually surprised that she forgave him as quickly as she did.

Aurelis was likable, but I thought she should have made Reed grovel at least a little before she took him back. He had caused her years of pain, and she forgave him way too easily.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[Racy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great short story. This book is not a standalone so you need to read the previous books before reading this one. It was great to see so many characters from the previous books. Have you ever read a series and in the middle of the series wonder what was going on in the other character’s life? I know crazy, but I have often wondered. What are they doing? Any life changing events? Well in this book even though it is centered around Aurelis and Reed we get a glimpse of the life of the previous characters.

It was great to see a story about Aurelis. We got to know her in the previous book. She is the one that owns a bakery. I was wondering when Gerri’s matchmaking skills would come Aurelis way. Well this story is a little different than the other books in the series so far. Aurelis had already found her mate and they were no longer together. Yeah, shocking, right...

Reed had messed up 5 years ago by letting the best thing that had happen to him get away. I have to wonder if Reed really needed that space. Maybe that time helped him grow and helped him realize what was truly important in his life. Things had happened so fast for him and Aurelis.

In this story we get to see the Christmas spirit. Magic is in the air and dreams and wishes do come true. I loved how this story played out. Though I read this book a time when it was not Christmas it was a good story to read. It was a story about hope, love, and forgiveness. It was about friendship and family. Stories liked this are needed throughout the year as a way to remind of the importance of life.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It was different from the previous full-length novels in the series in that Aurelis and Reed have already mated. This story isn't about finding a mate, but reuniting a pair. I enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with some of the characters from the previous novels (the ones who found mates on Earth, that is). It seems everyone is pregnant and many have already had other children. I loved how the women banded together to help Aurelis rediscover love. The one thing that I'm confused about is how all of the women got together in the first place. Tally and Nita are cousins, so that's obvious and Lyss is/was Tally's co-worker. But Maya and Daniella didn't have any connection to previous protagonists. That being said, the connections in the past were typically through the females, so most of the men didn't know each other (and some preferred a more solitary lifestyle, namely Noah and Gray - despite being an alpha to a pack of tigers). I'm not sure how they all became such good friends, but I would absolutely love to find out. Perhaps Milly Taiden could consider writing some more novellas to attach to this series, like this one, that show the characters meeting and becoming the close circle of friends they appear to be. I would definitely read them!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aurelis Fuentes wants one thing: Children. She’d also like for people to stop complaining about the amount of frosting on her cupcakes but that’s another story. When her scrooge of an ex comes back into her life, she’s not sure what to think.
Reed Stone wants one thing: His mate back. He made a mistake but he’s a changed man. In the spirit of Christmas, he’s hoping she takes a chance and forgives him or at least allow him to explain without throwing things at him.
Gerri Wilder is at it again, only this time she’s got the help of some of our previous couples. Catch up with Tally, Nita, Maya, Alyssa and their men while they try to help Auri and Reed find their way back to each other. This is one holiday they won’t soon forget.

Heather's Notes
This book was a short Christmas story, that showed a lot of the couples in the first few books. I do disagree with the author however in that is could have been read as a stand alone. While the other couples were there it was clearly about Reed and Auri. It was nice and I liked the story. I would have liked a little more background, but that is hard to do with a short story. Overall, a solid addition to the series.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

sometimes scrooge is not what you see

Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars

Aurelis and Reed have been separated for five years. Jeri of course sees something she can fix. Not only for a shifer but for someone she care for and help raise. To know all the players and the goings on in this one it is best to have read the prior books. This is a very rug quickie holiday pnr.

Auri had to make the toughest decision of her life. Now five years later that decision in back and wanting more. Reed had a hard up bringing. He got the mate for his life and then lost her all in a matter of weeks. Now, he was back in her life and wanting to start again, but that was easier a desire than reality. This holiday will be merry or not so merry for two shifters that lost their way.

Narration helps things go along but you could g at just as much satisfaction out of reading this one. Narration is no key factor to add to or take away from enjoyment.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed & Aurelis

Reed and Aurelis are fated mates and after a whirlwind romance they get marry. However despite knowing Aurelis greatest wish is to have children ( she made this clear on their first date) Reed waits after they are marry to informed her he doesn't want kids, ever! And when she tried to make sense of it all he refuses to talk any further about that subject. Feeling hurt and betrayed she leaves him, hopping he will come to get her but he never did. Five years pass by before she sees him again when he shows up at her doorstep with a 4 year-old in hand. A four year old that is the spitting image of her future ex husband. It is a nice book for a novella. The story didn't felt rushed . Highly recommended

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the top with the cuteness, I really enjoy these Paranormal Dating Agency books, Geri Wilder is my favorite recurring character. I liked the way Quint and Zaria bristle each other at the beginning and hoe he keeps sticking his foot in his mouth around her. Zaria is cool, but just a little to put together to be believable. They both used "my love" as an endearment excessively, I felt like I needed to check my insulin at some parts. There wasn't a huge complication or conflict in this story, just a few minor ones. It was a cute Christmassy kind of love story that will make you feel warm and fuzzy after you read it.

[Susan Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant story about two Wolf shifters

Read was married to Auri for a very short time when you told her if you didn't want kids and he hated Christmas. He was hurt in his past.

How can he convince Auri that he changed?

The characters are poignant, relatable, and unique. The plot is fast-paced drahma with loving caring people who just want to help.

I love that people can change from their past. I love also the funny scenarios that makes the story charming. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author. I highly recommend these books involving the Matchmaker Gerri.

bookwormsuzy

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurelis Fuentes has always wanted children, as well as folks to stop complaining about the amount of frosting on her cupcakes! When her scrooge of an old ex comes calling again she's really not sure what to think. Reed Stone is a shifter on a mission - he just wants his mate back - the question is will she let him explain or will she start throwing things at him? This time at least Gerri doesn't have to do all the work - some of her previous couples lend a hand too - this will definitely be one holiday season they will never forget!

This was a sweet short story that will put you right into the holiday spirit. Well written and very enjoyable. Contains some explicit sexual content.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a 5* read. It short and so sweet. A Christmas story with a HEA and lots of cute kids. I really enjoyed hearing about Reed and Aurelis' story. They are a cute couple and the HEA is a long one coming. Well done to the author for this sweet short story. This one is perfect for anyone looking for something to read when they are short on time.

The narrator once again did a great job. Looking forward to listening to the next story.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved being able to catch up with some of the past couples and hearing where their relationships were at. I also really like learning about Auri and Reed. They are an adorable couple and I can't wait to hear if they do indeed get those babies they want. I can't wait to read more of the PDA series.

[Lorinda Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Love

This story reminds me so much of what happens to couples when they confuse lust with love and don't communicate and listen to what is expected from each other to build a good relationship.

[Pet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second chance romances are really tricky to get right, and sadly this one didn’t quite work for me. I felt Reed did change but sadly not out of love for his mate, he changed out of love for his brother which didn’t bode well on his so called love for his mate...too little too late IMO.

[Levia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Cute little rekindled romance. I had skipped it and came back to read when I realized. It's awesome getting to know Auri better. But then I like her because she's always giving people chocolate!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too too short

This was a sweet and lovely little story. It was nice to see how Reed changed. Then it was great to see how strong Auri was. It's just something about a Santa suit for making wishes come true.

[Sassafrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, especially with the fact that we got to look in on the Earth shifter couples. The last several books have been on the shifter planet so it was nice to be back on Earth.

I think that this book handled the quick relationship by having it be a second chance romance.

[Diana Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrooge Me Once

Lovely second chance at love between dated mates no better time to make it happen then Christmas. 5⭐️’s for a sweetly hot shifter romance , with a Scrooge like start but a Santa Claws ending !!