Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Serving Scrooge by Katie Nelson: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 



The Book

A holiday hostess takes on her toughest assignment yet—a grumpy tennis pro—and she’s determined to make his spirits bright.

Inside the pristine white lines of a tennis court is where Eddie Evans thrives. But when a career-threatening injury sidelines this rising star, his Grand Slam dreams—and his bank account—are in jeopardy. Just when he’s almost out of options, a Christmas miracle arrives in the form of a major sponsorship, with one catch: he has to attend a week-long charity event at a festive, snow-covered resort.

Enter Maya Torres, the resort’s Christmas enthusiast, whose heart beats to the rhythm of sleigh bells and carols. Her holiday cheer is contagious, but it’s about to be tested. Her unexpected assignment? Play personal elf to the Grinch-like Eddie Evans, ensuring he attends every event and, more importantly, has a great time.

Their personalities clash like tinsel and tennis rackets. She’s a whirlwind of festive joy; he’s a Scrooge in athletic wear, constantly disappearing from her watchful eye. As Maya diligently tracks him down, she uncovers the surprising, heartfelt reasons behind Eddie’s aversion to all things merry and bright. Just as a glimmer of holiday spirit begins to thaw Eddie’s icy exterior, his past catches up to him, threatening to derail everything.

Can Maya, with her boundless Christmas cheer, help Eddie embrace the most wonderful time of the year? Or will his past forever dim his holiday spirit, making this a Christmas filled with coal?

Discover if a little holiday magic can mend a broken heart and, perhaps, even spark an unexpected romance in this heart-warming, laugh out loud, no spice romcom novella.

The Peppermint Playbook Series is about six athletes who find love the week before Christmas. If you enjoy closed-door, small-town holiday rom-coms, this series is for you. Make sure to read them all!


The Author

Katie Nelson writes feel-good stories with humor and heart. When she isn't chasing after her energetic family, you can find her reading a book, watching adorable dog videos, or drinking a chai latte.


Book Review

What a cute addition to The Peppermint Playbook series! In this story, we meet tennis player Eddie and Maya, and I have to admit that their story packed more of an emotional punch than I was expecting--- but in the best way possible. Eddie hates Christmas just as much as Maya loves it... but he's not a scrooge for no reason! The more we get to know him and see that reason, the more I felt for him and wanted to see him get that happily ever after. He and Maya had such a sweet chemistry between them... and QUITE the hilarious and embarrassing meet cute... and I loved it! It was one of many great laugh out loud moments that helped to balance some of the more difficult ones as well. Their story was short, but sweet... and perfect for the busy holiday season. 

Serving Scrooge is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of The Peppermint Playbook series--- a multi-author series each featuring an athlete from various sports finding love the week before Christmas. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4q4LgjI

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"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24