Amazon released five holiday novellas / short stories included in Under the Mistletoe Series written by some of today's best-selling authors. I was fortunate to get advanced e-copies including audio copies of these books prior to release.
Here are my short reviews of these books! Warning for some spoilers!
Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood
Of course, as it is from Ali Hazelwood, it has a women in STEM academia character. Finished this book in 1 hour while listening also to its audiobook.
This is a childhood friends to lovers themed book. There were misunderstandings in between. Male MC has spent years being patient, waiting for female MC to be able to reciprocate his love. Female MC has feelings but has a lot of reservations - not really discussed further on the book.
There were a few cringe-worthy moments.
Very quick read and not too complicated.
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
This one is the least satisfying for me. Given that it’s a Christmas series, I had expected a wholesome-themed novella, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed.
The trope of a seamstress and a big, rugged farmer could have been promising but it's just the first chapter and all I read were female and male MC saying and imagining inappropriate things to each other. It seems to me like one-shot smut books I read on ao3 rather a heartwarming holiday romance.
The only redeeming part was the epilogue, where the characters eventually fall in love.
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Who would have thought that baking cookies and eventually burning them all in a fire accident would make you meet your hot guy? This was the start of Everleigh, a city girl and Griffin, a hot firefighter's love story.
There were laughable scenes because the fmc just keeps on getting herself on disasters. Mmc always saves the day. This novella is cutesy with steamy scenes toward the end.
Yet again, I don't know why this is in a Christmas series. It doesn't have the festive vibes. 😟
All By My Elf by Olivia Dade
Two colleagues, one thinking his best friend is dating the other - spent their holiday doing an odd job for additional income.
I was a bit confused what job did they accepted and only was able to realize about halfway thru the book.
Love that the author represented a plus size woman as her FMC paired with a timid guy.
I would have been frustrated if this is a longer book and the mmc would be so slow on telling his feelings. Thank goodness not.
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daira
Received an ARC (audio book.) This is the first book by Alexis Daria that I have read/listened to!
This short novella revolved around Evie and Theo and their small apartment neighborhood.
Love how fast paced the story is but Alexis was able to give their love story a good foundation.
I like the spicy scenes! They were not overpowering. This story is a fun and easy to read holiday romance.
Huge shoutout to Ruby Corazon who did an amazing work on narrating the book. 💕
While some of them were a fun, light read, others didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I was hoping for more festive vibes! ❄️✨
But, if you’re looking for a quick read or need a break from your usual genres, these novellas might be a nice change of pace! 📚
Amazon Link: Under The Mistletoe
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