Screwing Mr. Scrooge

Windy City Holidates #1

by Nichole Greene

I thought I was thawing the icy exterior of Asher Bennet, turns out, he was melting mine.

Asher Bennett, my new boss for the holiday season, is a billionaire CEO who looks like a movie star and acts like a scrooge. He’s grumpy, uptight, and entirely too serious. But the worst part of all is that he is taking up far too much space in my mind. I’d prefer to stay in my safe zone, help the community where I can, and leave work at work. But this job is forcing us together and the closer we get, the harder he is to resist.

Clara Snow is over-the-top, a mystery wrapped in tacky Christmas packaging. My newest employee, full of sunshine, has kept me on my toes from the moment we met. Every smile she gives me chips away at the walls I’ve built around myself. But I have a company to run and that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.

The problem is, her warmth is inescapable even on the coldest winter night.

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

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2022

About the author

Nichole is a contemporary romance author. When she isn't writing, she's chasing her four children around. Writing has always been her aspiration but it wasn't until her husband suggested she actually follow dreams that she took the biggest step. Her debut novel, Cold and Broken exceeded her expectations and she can't wait to share more of the stories taking up space in her mind.

Her other hobbies include baking, listening to music, and reading. She also has an obsession with true crime podcasts and cheesy 80s movies.

Reviews

[Aly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was bad. But there was smut and Christmas so 2 stars.

[Melanie (mells_view) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dirty talking in the bedroom. Sweet talking at the breakfast table.”

A sweet/steamy holiday office romance novel. I enjoyed Screwing Mr. Scrooge because it also has some emotional bits that had me invested in the characters. If you’re looking for a quick holiday read with some heat and heart, then this is perfect!

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRxmk3HV/

[Lynnzie (lynnziebooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely adorable. I found myself grinning at these two idiots; they are too cute. This is a holiday grumpy/sunshine office romance and I’m in love with these two. It’s a short and story story but don’t worry the spice and plot are amazing. Definitely recommend as we’re approaching the holiday season.

[withryelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

— 2 Stars ☆

If you're looking for a cute, grumpy x sunshine Christmas read then this one is for you. It's a mix of equal parts cute and spicy and overall a really quick read. I'm not a huge fan of CEO x Employee tropes so that's why I couldn't bring myself to rate it any higher. I just find most books that have this trope to be very predictable 🫠

[Raymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has put me in the Holiday Spirit!

Clara is taking a temp job at a big Tech company where her boss is the Scrooge about every thing. Clara is hoping to bring the holiday spirit to Asher.
Asher doesn’t know what it is about Clara. Is it her overly festive clothes? Or the whole Christmas train set on her desk but he just fells drawn to her.

This book was the perfect start to the Christmas season that I needed. It’s a cute office RomCom. We really feel Clara’s festive personality through out the book. There is nothing too deep in the book so it really makes it a good light book that you don’t need to over think.

I think something were rushed. Example was the Paris trip. We got no context after they got there and a quick gala trip. Something’s happened so fast. Still overall a good book.

[Maria Arroyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!! Highly recommend to anyone who wants a holiday read. This was exactly what I’ve been looking for in all my holiday reading. Not going to say more, just go read it.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute

This book is short, spicy, and sweet. There is fun flirting between characters with low angst and a happy ending.

[The Love Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Actual Rating - 3.5 stars)

Screwing Mr. Scrooge was a holiday grumpy/sunshine romance between Asher, founder/CEO of a tech company, and his new temp assistant, Clara. Asher is a workaholic and Clara is full of sunshine and fun holiday outfits. They have physical chemistry from the time they first meet, and it takes a few conversations and interactions for them to realize that they want to take their work relationship to a more personal level.

This book was very bleh. I get it was supposed to be a fun holiday romance, but the story felt very surface level. I didn't connect much to either character and felt like we were told more than shown about their personalities. Also, it wasn't quite instalust, but it felt like the story was moving too fast, not giving us enough time to fully feel an emotional connection to these characters. The ending was also kind of abrupt as well.

I will say the steam was fun, and I liked Asher's sexy side in the bedroom. Asher's friends, Nico and Stella, were fun additions to the story as well. I can't wait for their story next year!

TROPES: holiday romance; grumpy/sunshine; workplace/boss-employee; forced proximity

TRIGGER WARNINGS: brief mentions of addiction, overdose, parental loss, sex work, foster care, and child neglect (per the author's content warning at the start of the book)

[Shaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3 🌶️
*grumpy/sunshine
*boss/secretery
*romcom
*pining
*dirty talking MMC


The pacing in this was so great, especially for a short book. I bought into the couple and chemistry almost immediately.

My heart ached for Clara as she tried to overcome her childhood trauma. Asher’s dirty talk was top tier!

What a great and spicy holiday read.

[Sonia · Rating 1 out of 5]

just no voglio lavarmi gli occhi con la conegrina
Lui fa il geloso a pagina 10 e la prima cosa che pensa e di scoparsela sulla scrivania, il che andrebbe anche bene se non passasse il resto del libro a disprezzarla per come si veste (male) e per come sia amante del Natale. Ma poi tutto molto imbarazzante, i tuoi personaggi zero chimica e assolutamente zero evoluzione, l'autrice comunque brava perché in 140 pagine è riuscita a inserire pure il third act breakup che sinceramente non credevo fosse possibile vedere in così poche pagine.
La cosa più devastante è stato leggere lo spicy brutto, non si salva niente di sta cagata.

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This ended up being boring. I love grumpy/sunshine reads but neither one of them really fit their supposed role. Really she’s just a chick who likes Christmas and he’s a dude who works a lot 🤷🏻‍♀️. I did like that he was a bulldozer though, well before he turned sweet as pie. I didn’t feel the chemistry between them at all.

[valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

*1.5*
The guy's pov was so annoying like these are his thoughts
'I seriously consider kidnapping her for her for a minute'
He says that the girl is his but when she says that then that makes him hers, he CHANGES THE TOPIC
So toxic and if a male species dared BE FRIENDS WITH HER GOD FORBID HE DOESN'T KILL THEM AND/OR MAKES THEM HOMELESS (which he was furious when her homeless shelter coworker was smiling and working with her)
I can enjoy a protective love interest but not when they try make the girl their s*x slave and doesn't let her communicate before shoving his hand down her pants :|

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect kick start to my holiday reading! Just the right blend of sweet and spicy! Asher is grumpy especially with his employees but sweet Clara will soon change his ways which is how their romance blooms! He is so sweet to her and loves making her smile. Clara had a rough childhood and is definitely more leery in her feelings for Asher. There are a few spicy scenes which were perfection. I really loved this little novella and definitely recommend picking up for a quick read this holiday season!

[Taylor Wilson-West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet holiday romance with all my favorite tropes! Enemies to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine, Work Place, just stupid cute!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story! I could not put it down. Her sunshine personality clashing with his grumpy self was played out perfectly. Plus their amazing sexual chemistry made for a great love story!

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing exciting and it’s more of a winter themed story than a Christmas one in my opinion

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

Not great, but not terrible? Better than some recent novellas that I’ve DNF.

[Matilde Alves · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 meh

[Joni (livebythemoon7) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It hooked me in early on, and I didn't want to put it down. This is my first book read by this author and definitely will be reading more from them.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is exactly what it is….

[Teela (bookdragontee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little holiday novella is so freaking good, I loved it! It's the perfect balance of cute and funny and spicy, with that goldilocks zone of feels and angst. Just... all the chefs kisses. This grumpy/sunshine duo was everything I could have possibly wanted - Asher is your hard, asshole exterior with a secret cinnamon roll center type hero, and Clara is pure sunshine, vulnerability, and quiet strength. They complement one another so very well and their chemistry is immediate (which - yes please and thank you).

This baby has officially joined the ranks of my "must read every holiday season" book list.

GAH! I can't stop smiling like an idiot - Screwing Mr. Scrooge is just so much fun and delivered on those feel-good feelings! It's steamy and sweet and an excellent quick read.

10/10 recommend.

[Well Read Nurse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love them!!!!!!!!! I need more

[what chlo reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Screwing Mr Scrooge - Little To No Spoilers Review:

🎄 Clara Snow & Asher Bennett
🎄 Rating: 2-2.5/5
🎄 Genre: Romance
🎄 Dual POV
🎄 Book 1/2 of the Windy City Holidates

"you are my chicken nuggets"

If you are looking for a spicy festive read then this is the book for you, it is around 166 pages long. Clara (who is Christmas obsessed) has a new temporary assistant job for a grumpy billionaire CEO (who obviously is not Christmas obsessed). Their first encounter didn't go so well which created the beginning of the grumpy boss relationship, but once you get to his POV you see he is attracted to her and there is a lot of pining going on. They were both attracted to one another from the get go, and some of his thoughts and actions did feel borderline creepy, but he does have a filthy mouth so I guess that makes up for it?!

Tropes:
🎄 Grumpy X Sunshine
🎄 CEO Billionaire X Temporary Assistant
🎄 Opposite Worlds
🎄 Forced Proximity

I would have rated this book higher, but I felt the timeline skipped quite big parts that I would have liked to see more of such as the aftermath of specific events. I also struggled to relate to the characters, but I think both of these reasonings are due to it being so short and if it was longer then it would be a different story. I loved seeing Clara overcome parts of her childhood trauma, and it was nice to see her happy. There is a slight third act breakup but it's a HEA! We also meet the characters who the second book is based on, which did make me feel excited, and I will be reading that one.

Overall, I think if you are looking for a short/quick novella with spice scenes then this is the perfect read for you!

Trigger Warnings: this book briefly contains the following topics which could be triggering - addiction, overdose, parental loss, sex work, foster care, and child neglect.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute little read!!

I loved how Clara literally barges into Asher’s world with her cheery and festive disposition. Where as Asher is a cranky and broody tech CEO with no desire at all to get into the holiday spirit.

You can’t help but love her and the affect she has on him. Clara has been through so much in her life so it’s somewhat hard for her to open herself up to anyone, especially her boss who she feels like could care less. But then he starts to notice her and care for her. It seems to catch him off guard when he feels so much for her in a short amount of time, but also is not willing to let her go.

I loved them. Asher is so confident that it’s intoxicating at moments but I also loved how Clara is the only one who can put him in his place. Definitely a go to for a spicy feel good workplace romance.

[miks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not really much of a Christmas romance per se. It happened during the Christmas season but I didn’t really get a holiday romance vibe from this book. The plot is a classic workplace romance but it was incredibly rushed so the book was poorly executed.

Asher is supposed to be this wealthy, anal, grumpy and difficult boss but he really is none of those things. He was grumpy on a first day because he was having a bad day but after that he’s literally going out of his way to be nice to her. Not enough grumpiness for me. His character doesn’t really have a personality or anything either. We see nothing about him outside of his relationship with Clara. We know that he doesn’t really interact well with his family and he started the company with his two friends but that’s it.

Clara was…she’s apparently this extremely intelligent woman but refuses to get a permanent job so instead she ends up temping for Asher’s company. Could NOT be me. Of course, she’s quirky so her outfits must reflect that! It irritated me. You got a glimpse into her background and she’s a very cliche good girl who volunteers and cares about the environment. Boring. Overdone tropes.

The writing in this book was not bad but it wasn’t great. Because of how short this book was it felt like I was reading a summary of a book. This didn’t feel like a standalone or first book in a series? The author also used the wrong “wear/where” in Chapter 15 which threw me off quite a bit.

There was a moment at the Christmas party where Tyler made a comment to her and then it’s just never mentioned/resolved. So what really was the point of that? The author just threw in the christmas party so it fit into the “holiday romance” category. Also, the random breakup? It felt so unnecessary and weird. Not every plot needs a dramatic break up and grand gesture. Asher didn’t even grovel much either :(. Spice wasn’t that great either. Felt very…abrupt.

[Stacey(TotalBookAddicts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You shine too bright for some asshole to come along and dull your sparkle.”

“No, because you’re my chicken nuggets.” IYKYK *swoon*

“We’re not ending it.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you.”

This short read totally took me by suprise. I posted in a FB group wanting Christmas novellas/short reads and alot of people suggested this. I just wish it had been longer so it didn't end so quickly. Because I loved it so much.

I'm so glad I read it because it was just what I was wanting. The whole boss Ash is an ar**hole and Clara the heroine is the sweet girl who loves being festive on the holidays that just annoys Ash. But he finds her fascinating. Then she walks in on him on her first day and he's getting changed...

I loved everything about it. It made me laugh, swoon, go wow that was hot, have the hand on the heart moments and even shed a few tears.

[book_nerd13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy sunshine
Office romance
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity


This spicy Christmas novella hit the spot! Did I ever think the line “you’re my chicken nugget” would make me swoon? Absolutely not, but it did.

Clara is a temp filling it for someone on maternity leave, and he’s new boss Asher is quite literally a Christmas grump. Clara loves Christmas! The two immediately don’t hit it off, but it’s not long before sparks fly! The attraction is immediate, but both kind of deny it.

The spice is PACKED in this novella. Also had my favorite “trope” of the mmc gifting the fmc a dress for an event. Overall a great spicy holiday read.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: .5
Writing: .5
World building: .5
Characters: 1
Themes: 1
3.5/5

Spice: 3.5/5
Explicit but it was a slow burn and the scenes were shorter.

What you can expect:
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Workplace Romance
- Insta-love

I really enjoyed this short holiday romance. I feel like there's a lot of potential for a full-length novel. I actually like the characters and think they have depth I wanted to explore more.

There were a few grammer mistakes that I noticed but they didn't really bother me much. Just the little details.

Despite the rating, this was still a fun read and I would recommend it to anyonen looking for a short, spicy, holiday read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara is hired as a temporary executive assistant to one of Chicago’s most eligible bachelors—the successful and dickish Asher Bennett. A huge fan of the holidays and despite her MBA degree, Clara lives life to the fullest. Would she able to charm the Scrooge of the company?

I got major FAKING UNDER THE MISTLETOE vibes in this holiday novella but this Asher was a bit more dominant and had more a Christian Grey-ish personality. Loved Clara though and her charm, her good natured persona, the perfect balance to Scrooge. It was steamy and sweet!

[tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was... okay

I thought this started out okay, it was kind of interesting and I liked the fmc. And then the mmc had his first pov. I really did not like him at all haha.
I understand this is a novella, but I wish there had been more build up and tension between the two of them bc it felt rushed and sorta forced.
Overall, it wasn't terrible? I skimmed the last forty percent and it didn't really seem to get better. It's a short holiday romance and it does have some spice, but I didn't really care for this one :/