Stranded for Christmas

Holiday Acres #4

by Noelle Adams

A snowstorm. Her much older business partner. One very hot night.

Laura Holiday doesn't believe in romance. Her life revolves around her work and her six-year-old son. The last thing she wants is a fling with her friend and business partner, Russ Matheson, who is emotionally unavailable and thirteen years older than her. But one night in a snowstorm changes their relationship forever.

The Holiday Acres series

Stranded on the Beach (Book 1, Rebecca and Phil)
Stranded in the Snow (Book 2, Olivia and Scott, published in the Snowed in for Christmas anthology)
Stranded in the Woods (Book 3, Penny and Kent)
Stranded for Christmas (Book 4, Laura and Russ)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Novella

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2018

About the author

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread:

I’d forgotten how much I loved Russ and how much more angsty this was. With this reread, I became very emotional when this couple were struggling and I don’t remember doing that the first time around. Perhaps that’s one of the pros of a reread.

Original:

I’ve enjoyed every one of the books in this series but this one is definitely my favorite. I’ve been waiting for Laura and Russ’ story and I was not disappointed.





Laura has always been the one in charge of the family business. She keeps everyone on track and is indomitable. The fact that her heart has been repeatedly broken and she no longer has faith in men, relationships, or love has only made her more so.





Russ is a man who controls every emotion. From an early age he learned to keep things contained and that hasn’t changed. But when there is a brief opening in the door of Laura’s heart, he is eager to make a move in that direction.

This couple were so broken in their own ways and yet both so in need of love of the forever after variety. When they finally take a step toward each other things should be easier to close the distance between them. Instead they each fall into total emotional chaos. I loved having each of their points of view so I knew what they were struggling with and I was urging them on all the way.





This is a fast paced read with some relationship angst to partner with the amazing chemistry between Russ and Laura. The ups and downs of this story kept me reading until the end because I was in desperate need to find out how this couple resolved their differences. In the end, I was cheering and smiling like a loon. It was the perfect resolution and, capped with a sweet epilogue that brought us up to date on all the previous couples, made it a great read!


Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; story indicates that both have been celibate
Triggers some emotional abuse from H’s father when H was young

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

YES I'M READING CHRISTMAS BOOKS IN MAY, SUE ME.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always happy to read a Noelle Adams book and I couldn't help, but pick this one. Stranded for Christmas did meet most of my expectations, but at some point, I just wanted to throw the book to Laura's head and slap her a few times because she wasn't making any sense. She kept going back and forth with what she wanted from Russ and how she wanted it. Instead of asking the right questions, she kept bringing up the same one which was like a trap to me and Russ. The dude was scared of saying something that would make her think that he was moving too fast and it would drive her away. There was no winning with her and after the second time, I got frustrated. Of course, Russ could have man-uped and something, but I get why he didn't. He already had some kind of relationship with her son and Laura wanted to keep these two separated. We got to see him interacting with him and they were cute together. Tommy was a good kid and I liked him. For a short novel, he had time to interact with his mother and Russ, which is a plus. If it wasn't for Laura's trick question, we would have been talking about a 5-star read instead of a 4. Stranded for Christmas can be read as stand-alone, but some of the book's timeline overlaps with the previous books and you will get spoiled if you have read the rest of the books and you plan to. If you don't, you can pick this one up right away!

[atomickitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I gotta admit, when I read: RUSS, I immediately thought of this:



I loved this one. Except the ending.

The miscommunication was really unnecessary. Not when the characters are 31 and 45. It made them sound like high schoolers and I hated that part.

And up to that point, I thought I'd give it 5 stars.
But I gotta drop one star for that.

But dang,

I loved Russ so much!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Laura and her business partner are stranded together during Christmas, their attraction is finally consummated. But, is it just a good time, as Laura fears, or does Russ have real feelings for her? She hasn't had good luck with men in her life, so learning to trust Russ will be difficult for her, especially since the two don't communicate well. Actually, that's an understatement, their communication is horrible, as in, there is no communication between them. Why? Because she's too busy pushing him away, then running away (literally in some cases), and he's too busy playing it safe.



Gah, this book annoyed the hell out of me! I couldn't stand Laura for one. She's wishy washy af. Kissing him and sleeping with him, then pushing him away the next minute just because she "thinks" he's acting weird. Her maturity level was less than my 6 year old nephew's. Sigh...Russ wasn't a whole lot better, but he was a little more mature than she. But in either case, I didn't like or connect with either of them or their boring story. So, sorry, but this holiday story just makes me feel like Scrooge rather than a naughty Santa. I should probably 2 star it but I hate doing that, so 3 stars it is.

ARC via Barclay Publicity for an honest review.

Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely finish to the series! I've been waiting for Russ and Laura to get their happy ending, as they've been secondary characters in the earlier books in the series, and books 2, 3 and 4 occur concurrently. Like the couples in those books, Russ and Laura get trapped in the same snowstorm and have to spend the night together in one of the resort cabins at Holiday Acres.

Laura has had bad luck with relationships, with men who told her they only wanted to spend a 'good time' with her, but not be committed to anything more. She's leery of trusting any man, though she's always trusted Russ, with her business and her son. But with her heart? That will take a lot more effort. Russ on the other hand has also learned to limit his emotional availability but he's been in love with Laura since he first came to work at Holiday Acres. Still, he isn't willing to go out on a limb and tell her the truth for fear of pushing her away. Stuck together, their attraction leads to a sexy night together when their passion overtakes them. But in the cold light of day it will take more than sex to bring them together. Working through their issues involves opening up and being willing to take a chance. It leads to a happy ending, and a lovely epilogue. This is also an older couple/younger woman romance (he's in his mid forties, she's early thirties, and a single mom). I recommend all the books in this novella series!

A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/07/...

4 stars — Yay! It’s like they got better as they went along (though, I remember liking book 2 as well). This one was pretty easy to get into and read. It could have been even higher rated if it weren’t for Laura’s insecurities sabotaging things.

I wasn’t anticipating connecting with Laura as much, and while that’s true to a degree, I did enjoy her more than I was expecting. She was unsurprisingly damaged by quite a few past relationships that made her see a pattern that wasn’t there. She surprised me with her willingness to explore at times, so that was nice.

Russ totally surprised me! I loved that we got to see that vulnerable side, and the story from his childhood that perfectly illustrates why he is the carefully controlled man he is today. He was so much sweeter and marshmallow-y center than I was expecting. I really loved that he saw so much of Laura, and appreciated it.

They were pretty steamy together, for those moments when they got outside their heads. And, to be fair, they were both equally boneheaded in their lack of communication. Not my favourite trope for sure, but I guess I enjoyed other parts of the story enough to make up for it.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Stranded for Christmas is the forth novella in the Holiday Acres series. This is Laura and Russ's story. It is the only one that I have read and it works well as a stand alone. Some of the events in the story make me think this happens around the same time as the other three. However, I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading the other stories.

This is a cute friends/co-workers to lovers story. Both characters were wary of starting a relationship having been hurt in the past by both family and lovers. It was fun to watch them finally realize they should be together. There was a serious lack of communication that frustrated me, but I was still rooting for the couple. I definitely want to go back and read the previous three books in the series.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neither side was looking for love, but it found them nonetheless. Now they have to decide to take a chance and reach for their happiness. Laura and Russ have both been scarred by life. Only they can make the choice to heal that pain and find some joy. Stranded for Christmas will put a little love in your heart. Noelle Adams knows the right buttons to push. She aims for the heart. Hits her target and always leaves me wanting more.

[Sharrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Laura and Russ have been working together for three years. Russ has slowly been falling in love with Laura and her son ever since. When the attraction seems to become mutual Russ takes a chance and tells Laura how he feels. One night when they’re stranded Russ thinks he’ll finally have a chance with her after spending the night together. Except Laura decides it’s too much and changes her mind.

I have to say this book would have been great if Laura didn’t suck so much. I truly loathed her character from start to finish. I got where she was coming from and felt for her until the night with Russ. After that, I seriously thought she sucked. Like how did everything become Russ’s fault when you didn’t tell him anything other than you not wanting anything serious? Ugh!

This is a short and quick Christmas love story.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, quick read. It was a nice ending to the series, which you don’t have to read in order or at all. Each book does well as a stand alone. I wish the characters communicated better, but I also realize that can be an issue in many relationships.

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2018

A snowstorm. Her much older business partner. One very hot night.

Laura Holiday doesn't believe in romance. Her life revolves around her work and her six-year-old son. The last thing she wants is a fling with her friend and business partner, Russ Matheson, who is emotionally unavailable and fourteen years older than her. But one night in a snowstorm changes their relationship forever.

The Holiday Acres series

Stranded on the Beach (Book 1, Rebecca and Phil)
Stranded in the Snow (Book 2, Olivia and Scott, published in the Snowed in for Christmas anthology)
Stranded in the Woods (Book 3, Penny and Kent)
Stranded for Christmas (Book 4, Laura and Russ)

•••••••••

REVIEW: 3.5 stars-STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS is the fourth full-length instalment in Noelle Adams’ contemporary, adult HOLIDAY ACRES romance series. This is friends and business partners, thirty-one year old, single mother Laura Holiday and forty-five year old, Russ Matheson’s story line. STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: There is plenty of bad blood between the Holiday and Matheson families, bad blood that has resulted in a long-standing feud over ownership of the Holiday family owned Holiday Acres in central Virginia. Years earlier, the Holiday patriarch Jed Holiday partnered up with Russ’s father, and then cheated the Matheson family out of their share of the business after the older man died. When Russ’s brother found out, a huge fight ensued wherein Jed Holiday and the two families fell into a heartbreaking feud that ended when both men died. The current generation of Holidays has extended an olive branch hoping to push aside the poison and lies that all but destroyed two families.

NOTE: Several events in Stranded For Christmas crossover with events, and run parallel to events in the previous instalments.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Russ and Laura) STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS follows the friends to lovers relationship between business partners and friends, thirty-one year old, Laura Holiday and forty-five year old, Russ Matheson. Four years earlier the Holiday family offered to make up for the their father’s actions but only our hero, Russ Matheson, took up the offer to share in the Holiday Acres cottage and tree farm business. Fast forward to present day wherein Russ Matheson continues to pine after the woman that calls to his heart, a woman who struggles with betrayal and mistrust due to events in her past. Enter Laura Holiday, Russ Matheson’s business partner, and the woman with whom Russ would fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and sexual relationship between Russ and Laura when a sudden snowstorm traps our couple in a Holiday cottage.

Laura Holiday is a single mother who has no time for relationships except the one with her six year old son. Burned in the past, Laura struggles to accept men at face value including the man with whom she will fall in love. Feisty and belligerent, emotional and overly sensitive (like her sister Olivia-Stranded in the Snow) our heroine battles between head and heart with every encounter with our story line hero. Russ Matheson has never known love including the love from his father. Meeting Laura Matheson, years earlier, found Russ hoping for his own happily ever after, but HEAs are only found in fairy-tales as Russ would soon discover. Miscommunication and a complete misunderstanding forces Russ to walk away from the woman he loves, as Laura continues to focus on the potential for failure fearing betrayal and heart break at every corner.

The relationship between Laura and Russ is a friends to lovers romance. Laura struggles with their age difference, and stepping out of her comfort zone places Laura in a vulnerable position to be burned, once again. Russ has battled his attraction to Laura for as long as he can remember, an attraction he knows is mutual, regardless of Laura’s emotional tirades and outbursts. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


We are reintroduced to Olivia and Scott (Stranded in the Snow), and Penny and Kent (Stranded in the Woods), as well as Laura’s six year old son Tommy.

STRANDED FOR CHRISTMAS is a story of family, friendship, heart break and betrayal. The premise is engaging; the characters are charismatic and colorful; the romance struggles in the face of perceived slights and a distinct case of misunderstanding and miscommunication. I did struggle with the heroine’s attitude, and her need to destroy Russ’s self-esteem and heart. Laura’s back and forth emotional ups and downs were enough to give me whiplash, and I believe Russ deserved a more stable mate than Laura’s quick to run and jump persona. My dislike of the heroine affected my enjoyment of the overall story.

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Jessica CW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura is the oldest Holiday sister and a single mom. She learned early on that romance wasn't possible for her- she was always more attached then them. So one cabin gave and then stole what little romance she had left.

Russ has been in love with Laura for a few years, and absoultely loves her son- but he's held back because there never seemed to be a chance where she might accept and encourage his love. Even given the green light- he still wants to play it safe, so much so it slips through his fingers.

This is the final Holiday acres book and I think it was my favorite. It was a slow burn in some areas and others 5 alarm. Without them being aware they both needed to jump all in. One of the reasons this was my favorite was partially cause they were both the oldest of their families but also because Russ gave advice to his nephews to give them their HEA- so it's fitting he found his.

This story is why I read and especially why I read Noelle Adams books- her characters have flaws they need to work through and with their right match they do. Her women are always hard working and independent with big hearts and the men are big, strong, smart and have hidden romantic hearts that only are shown for their match.

*arc provided by author in exchange for my honest opinion.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this take on a May/December relationship. Laura and Russ have been business partners for four years. The partnership began after Laura's father died and she discovered her father had cheated his family out of their share of Holiday Acres. There has been much growth to the business, not only the Christmas Trees, but vacation cottages, a coffee shop and Christmas store have added to Holiday Acres success.

Laura has a six-year old Tommy who keeps her as busy as the business does, but her sisters and Russ help her out there too. When a bride and her mother take far longer than Laura expects, she heads out in the snow storm that started earlier than expected. First to check on a cabin then to pick up Tommy in town.

Stuck she calls Russ to come get her but not to venture up the hill to the cabin. He makes it there, but there was no way they would be able to leave until the snow stops and the plows come through.

Interesting conversation, and the undeniable attraction between them leads to some sizzle but then it all goes awry.

Laura really has come to terms with her self esteem issues, and Russ has to admit the age difference doesn't matter anymore.

Fun, with family drama and plenty of sizzle. I think I need to go back and read the other books in this series.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is my second favourite book in the series. I really loved seeing glimpses of Laura and Russ in the first books, however here we see what was going on behind the scenes.

Russ is the Uncle to the other men and is 14 years older than Laura. This is something i relate too as my husband is 13yrs older than me. Laura is very organised and has had some really bad relationships, one of which was a one night stand where she ended up pregnant and the father wanted nothing to do with her or her child.

Russ had a hard father, but not like the boys however he too has his baggage, but is was nice to see that both characters this time had things to overcome before they could get their HEA.

It is the guy again who has to chase what he wants and he is very patient with Laura and although the ending was good i really would have loved to have an ending a few years more down the line.

A lovely festive novella series.

[💋Meme Chanell Book Corner💋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are two people that clearly have feelings for one another,but Laura has been burnt one too many times and Russ even though she likes him and he is good to her son. He is 14 years older and Laura needs no man in her life. Russ’s family life was not the best and what would Laura want with a middle aged man.


Russ is a good guy but what happens when he gets stuck with a Laura in a snowstorm. Russ even though he and Laura are perfect together and he knows this but Laura is not giving him a chance. She makes it real hard for him.

Laura unlucky in love runs every chance she gets. Will Russ get his girl?
This story is also part of a series all of the characters are in past books all stuck in a snowstorm. I think this may be the last book in the series with Laura being the last sister. I have enjoyed all of the stories and I only wish that Laura would have stopped and listened and not have ru

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura is a single mother to her six year old son Tommy and he is the driving force in her life. Experience has taught her that romance and relationships are not in the cards for her and she is not about to open her heart just to be hurt again.

Russ is her business partner and friend. His past has taught him to keep his emotions firmly under control so to others he appears brusque and cold. He has always wanted to be more than friends with Laura but he has never tried to pursue anything more as she has shown no interest.

When fate has them snowbound and stranded in a cabin will they have their own Christmas miracle and realize what they have always wanted is standing in front of them if they are brave enough to take the chance? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranded for Christmas was a short(ish) story that had quite a bit angst to my surprise. See Laura Holiday doesn't believe in romance since she's been burned so many times, but lately, she's been feeling differently about her business partner, Russ, but she's terrified to go there. They end up stranded when a snowstorm comes in, and the sparks that they've been fighting flare out of control, it leads to some super sexy times that keeps them very warm. However, the next morning, when Russ tries to keep her from bolting, he says the wrong thing, and she runs. Yeah, that's when there's so much angst, along with push & pull that I'm almost choking on it. And I'm not as mad at him, as I am at her, because she's the one who's too stubborn. So if you want to see how it all pans out, then check this holiday read out by the talented Noelle Adams out that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Perfect Holiday Acres Ending!

After reading the first three books in this series I couldn't wait to read Laura and Russ' story. Laura's character seemed more complex than her Sisters, so I knew this wasn't going to be a quick, easy relationship to fall into. This added an little angst to the story that really added balance from the typical Holiday themed books I've read. I really enjoy when a story includes a child, to me it makes it more endearing and Tommy did just that ~ I loved that he had a relationship with Uncle Russ and he could tell when something was bothering him.

Thank you for giving me a series that helped put me in the Christmas Spirit!

[Tirza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t much better for me than the rest of this series. Laura was okay to me, but Russ was the one that I really couldn’t stand. In the previous three books, he seemed much more sensitive and emotionally insightful than he was in the novel that was about him. First, I was enthusiastic about him, because he seemed more approachable than his nephews. But in this story, he came across to me as a horny teenage boy. And I just couldn’t get behind the way he treated Tommy. The boy adores him, and he just treats him like a bug under his shoes! This just wasn’t one for me. I couldn’t even finish it.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story

Wow this story was really emotional it bought tears to my eye's a few times, Laura and Russ were both a little bit broken, Laura from previous boyfriend's and Russ from his childhood. Laura had feelings for Russ and Russ was in love with Laura but neither could let the other know. When a snow storm happened and left them stranded for the night thing's changed between them. You really need to read this book to truly understand what they both went through. I definitely recommend this book as it is well written and takes you on a journey of self discovery. Noelle is an amazing and writes amazing stories that keep you wanting to see what happens next.

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Holiday is an independent, single mother who has given up on romance and love. Tired of being seen as “just a good time” or being lied to by the men she’s had in her life, she’s determined to rely only on herself. She enjoys working with her partner, Russ, but they get along so well that that’s how she wants things to stay. Ever mind the draw she feels towards him. Russ not so much. He definitely wants to have a deeper relationship with Laura, but he’s determined not to spook her.
Great chemistry between the two main characters, Christmas and a snow storm—all make for a highly enjoyable romance.

[Ana Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle Adams is a wonderful author who can create characters that are so alive, so emotional and human. I love her books and this one is pure her style.
This is the fourth book of the series and it is the best! Russ and Laura have been hinted throughout the series and reading their story made me cry.
The way Laura is afraid of love and how Russ is so committed and do not know how to finally have her after all. They are wonderful characters and the story is so compelling and romantic.
I just loved it!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like most stuff Noelle Adams writes and I thought I would especially enjoy this one as I enjoy gruff/stoic characters. However, this was my least favorite of this series. I did not like the heroine at all. She came off as a shrill shrew who couldn’t make up her mind to save her life. She doesn’t want a relationship. Then she wants to take it slow. When the hero tries to give her what she wants, she flips out multiple times because he can’t read her mind to see that she’s changed her mind again and now wants everything and yesterday.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent ending to a great series! I just loved Laura and Russ and have since they were first introduced. Their romance was so heartfelt, and I loved watching them finally express their true emotions. Tommy is adorable and a great addition to the story. I loved seeing his relationship with Russ as well. The epilogue was just perfect and a terrific end to this series. Looking forward to the next book by this author!

*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Christy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Laura and Russ! Laura's tough-girl exterior that she put on for the world broke my heart a bit. So did watching Russ struggle with loving this woman who he felt he shouldn't love. Ah - these two! They were fabulous - I wanted to shake them both a couple times. I especially loved that with them being the last couple we got to see their side of the siblings events as they overlapped. This was a perfect end to the series and I loved all the characters.

[Melissa Salinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite!

This was my favorite, and maybe because I'm a mom. But Laura puts her son first and loves that little boy. Even though Russ is older hes perfect for her. He's learned to really appreciate women even though he keeps his feelings locked up. He has a beautiful heart and is a wonderful man to love Laura and her son. And he eventually fights for what he wants and won't let it go.

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great wrap up pf the series! We have seen Laura and Russ throughout and they finally admit their feelings for each other. The road is bumpy but Holiday Acres is meant for love, I think. So happy that I stumbled on this author and this delightful winter read. Grab them all and spend a day in Holiday Acres!

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was waiting for Russ and Laura's story. Not for long since I sped read this novellas. I love getting to see more of Tommy and watching the struggles of these 2 characters. I like that with this series all the characters knew each other before and were falling before the storm came and forced them to admit their feelings. I think I found a new author!

[Beanimous · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is best to read the book according to the sequence of the series, I didn’t. Although by reading out of order, it didn’t really diminished any reading pleasure, but it did made characters identification just a little confusing.

Overall a well written comfort book with lovable hero and heroine.