Taming Mistletoe

by January Rayne

We need a Christmas miracle to save the Pride The Safe Haven for Lions. And the only person who can save it turned his back on us years ago. Simon St. Rock is far from a Saint. He is hateful. There used to be a time when he wasn't, a time when I thought I loved him, but he showed his true colors after his father's death. He left us struggling and his Uncle is doing everything he can to take advantage. He wants to buy the sanctuary, twisting it into another one of his fortunes. But there's a catch. He can only buy directly from Simon, but no one knows where he is. If I can't find him and bring him home, then we are doomed. My best friend needs to come home for Christmas so he can learn his Uncle is not the man he claims to be. I'll make a wish under the mistletoe. Our childhood tradition never failed before, so what do I have to lose? Only everything. Get ready for this modern, contemporary retelling of The Lion King. A childhood best friend-to-lovers romance that will have you reeling with nostalgia.

Genres: Christmas, Retellings, Contemporary, Novella, Second Chance

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2023

About the author

January Rayne is a pseudonym I decided to use because it sounds better than my given name. I’m a lover of all romance and write in the genres I love most because why limit myself? I want to write anything and everything, from badass men and women to characters who want to rip each other’s clothes off. I plan to ‘take it all’ like the good little girl I am.

Reviews

[JennReads84 · Rating 1 out of 5]

https://images.app.goo.gl/zBKiJA2GVLb...

Story: ⭐️…come on, a decade later they instantly fall in love after not seeing each other and 20min later he’s trying to impregnate her with the 3-4 orgasms they each had in one session 🙄🙄..mmm..ok, then they’re married the next day and the two guys he worked for just completely left their business to follow him. I’d be fine with just reading 80 pages of smut but when you try to put a story in there and it’s not good, I have to be realistic about my ratings.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Spice level: 💦..I was so put off by the story line I couldn’t even enjoy the spice lol

[Brooke Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more!!!!

I actually really loved this book. My only complaint is that I wish it had been a full novel. I would have loved more background. There are a few scenes in the book that felt a tad rushed to me. I just wanted more!!!
Overall great read!
Great spice!

[Nancy]

DNF on page 11. The heroine comes off silly. She is pining after an ex who left town TEN years ago. At one point, she holds mistletoe above her head while she is standing alone on the sidewalk, reminiscing. What?

[Teegs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really know what I just read. It was really fast paced, I guess. They don't see each other for 10 years then just magically all is forgiven cuz he gives her some good D. Hmm. Then at the end when the uncle gets eaten by the lion, like... ok. It was a short Christmas story with a little spice and a whole lot of drama and trauma. Also, how is he so good in bed when he "hasnt been with another woman" in the 10 years after he left that girl? Maybe I'm asking too much and should just take it for what it is.

[Optimisticbooknerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

January has quickly become one of my favourite authors/people this year and I'm so happy to have read all of her books! Taming Mistletoe is different than January's other books but man was it so good!

Childhood best friends to lovers is superior especially when January writes it!

[Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon & Nina: Brilliant Retelling in time For the Holidays! 5 Stars!

Tis' the season for holiday reads and this one has been on my radar for two reasons: It's a fairytale retelling, and it's written by one of my favorite authors, January Rayne.

TAMING MISTLETOE is set in the picturesque town of Mistle Creek where we met a heartbroken Nina, a handler at a lion sanctuary. The holiday seasons brings little cheer for Nina because the fate of the sanctuary's livelihood depends on its missing heir, Simon St. Claire. Simon left town without so much as a 'goodbye' to Nina or the rest of his family after his father died in a tragic accident.

Riddled with guilt, Simon left Mistletoe Creek and his inheritance behind. He blames himself for his father's death. Although he said goodbye to his hometown, he never forgot the one woman who claimed his heart from his childhood, sweet Nina.

Time is of the essence and Nina makes a Christmas wish for Simon to come back to her and the town he grew up in to claim his inheritance, save the sanctuary, and town from his malevolent uncle who wishes to destroy the sanctuary that has helped protect and house the endangered species. A chance meeting puts them both in the right place and the right time. But is it too late to save the sanctuary and reclaim a love lost?

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I am a sucker for a good retelling! I love them! And this has to be one of the BEST reimages of the classic, THE LION KING I've come across. January Rayne has delivered on a story with a rich plot that brought suspense, engaging secondary characters that made me chuckle, with a heavy infusion of adult content with a reconnection love scene between Simon and Nina that will make you squirm, fan yourself, and seek a glass of ice water to cool down! The scenes were steamy and pure genius. This fairy tale retelling stroked the psyche of my inner child while creating a fire in my loins that made me feel all woman!

How??? Just how did she do that?! How did she make this fairytale so damn spicy?!

I enjoyed this book so much and became excited every time I connected a represented character in the story to the actual fairy tale. It was such a fun, quick, sensual read and by far one of the best holiday themed stories I've had the pleasure of reading this year. I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store. I highly recommend this book!

Happy reading!

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He is my home and I have forgotten what that feels like."
I love a good retelling/spin on a classic tale and January did an amazing job with The Lion King in this story. Simon and Nina had amazing chemistry and their connection speaks to anyone that knows what it feels like to have your soul bind to someone. The story was awesome, the spin on the tale was perfect for modern time, the spice was *chefs kiss*

You cannot go into the spice with a realistic expectation of what it would be like having sex for the first time in ten years, the second time ever. The spice is not that of a novice couple BUT this is fiction so don't dwell on it too much. If you like praise, dom/sub, rough sex, mentions of breeding, dubious consent for fluid exchange then please step right this way. While the ending felt very rushed I really enjoyed the whole thing. Because of my love for the way January writes I do wish this had been longer.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I'm not the best with second chance romances, and to be honest I found the reason for the separation in this case really silly. I know, it's a romance novel and seldom are they realistic but to have left your home town, your inheritance, not to mention cutting off all contact with your soul mate AND your mother for the reasons Simon did and for a whole decade? I'm sorry, but that just spoiled it for me. I won't reveal it but there's added plot details regarding the event that led him to leave which gave him all the more reason to have stayed. I like a good steamy story, but this was a bit too much on the dirty side for me. I'm sorry, but it was not my favourite of the series.

[Andrea Mehalco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely adorable – hands down one of the sweetest Christmas novellas I've ever read! I was so excited to dive into a holiday story inspired by The Lion King, and it turned out to be such a delightful experience. The lion sanctuary setting was charming, and the way Simon mirrored Simba at times was just heartwarming. The plot unfolded beautifully, and the characters grew in such a lovely way. It was like playing a delightful game of matching characters to their Lion King counterparts. Huge props to January for creating a novella that not only brought back fond memories but also added some smoking hot spice!

[Nicole Wheelbarger · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was rough.

The original plot was really good… but for a 87 page novella and 50 pages of s3x between 2 people that hated each other, the plot went no where. It was good, then instalove with marriage and moving home… the entire plot was forgotten until 15 pages from the end and someone hit 0-60. Also, if mom is still alive, the kid and the brother wouldn’t be aspects for the will - why didn’t the girlfriend go to mom who clearly was the rightful heir to the billions. Sorry, I wanted to love this “Christmas novella” that had nothing to do with Christmas but it may be the worst one I’ve read yet.

[Crazy4bookscruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so dirty 🥵🥵
It was fast paced and drool worthy… the dominance between Simon and Nina was 🔥 but their devotion and love was to die for.
I was whiplashed so hard with all the emotions thrown into this little novella is was crazy but I loved it and as it creeped to the end I wondered where the January flare was and then because she doesn’t disappoint the flare became a blaze that I absolutely salivated over 😈

The over the top possession/obsession will always be a favorite trope of mine… she nailed it!

[Alexandra Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book from this author, I see her name and I get it with zero hesitation. She never disappoints. Simon and Nina's story was sad and romantic and SOOO spicy. While it's a short read, I feel like the author portrayed their relationship perfectly. They were best friends growing up, destined to be together, started dating, gave each other their v cards, then tragedy strikes and Simon lost his head and left everything and every one. Fast forward 10 years and everything changes. Love is reunited in a explosion of passion and spice. I highly HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. I loved it.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taming Mistletoe by January Rayne is the 8th book in the Mistletoe Creek multi-author series. All books are standalone.

January Rayne gives us a quick, spicy holiday read about two childhood best friends who are apart but by chance find each other again. Simon realizes that he must go back to the town he left 10 years ago to keep his evil uncle from ruining his father's legacy. Nina is so hurt by how Simon left but realizes she can't live without them.

All Snowed Gin is a very quick, very spicy holiday read that will get you in the spirit!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taming Mistletoe is a quick, enjoyable read with a sweet best-friends-to-lovers storyline. While it’s not heavily focused on the holidays, the romance and charm make it a cozy pick for the season.

The Lion King rendition woven into the story was a fun and unexpected twist that added some unique flair. It might not have been the most festive holiday romance, but it still delivered on the nostalgia and sweetness of reconnecting with a childhood best friend.

If you’re looking for a light and heartwarming read with a touch of creativity, this one is worth checking out!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Lion King retelling story that I have read. I liked the creative way in which January wrote this story. This is a quick and festive story. Make sure to put Taming Mistletoe on your holiday read list.

It may have been ten years since Simon and Nina have seen each other but you could still feel the chemistry between them. I love Simon's boldness towards reclaiming Nina. The way that he said his home was Nina is sweet. Yet, when he grabbed Nina and kissed her that was hot.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is he too late?

Guilt had Simon running....ten years later he is still running. Guilt, fear and despair have been crushing Simon for years and your heart hurts for him and the exile he has placed himself in. Thankfully we see a spark of life as Nina accidentally crashes back into his life, we see anger, passion, need and possessive hunger as he works to tame the beast within, the beast that has been dormant for ten years.
It's sexy, dirty and very steamy.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon and Nina

Grief is something that makes us crazy in the sense that, at least according to anyone not experiencing it with us, we do things that go completely against our norm. And yes, it can last for years, the crazy. Sorrow and pain are powerful emotions. Honestly, as Simon and Nina's love demonstrates, love is, quite possibly, the only thing that can break the cycle of Crazy Grief.

[Corrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taming Mistletoe

Nina and Simon's story started from when they were kids. When tragedy strikes, Simon runs easy from his home and true love. For ten years he tries to come to terms with everything that happened. It wasn't until he saw her once more they his healing truly started. This was such a cute second chance, small town Christmas novella! I loved that it was a quick read. The spice was hot! 100/10 recommend this heartfelt novella!

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I enjoyed it very much. Nina and Simon are old childhood friends/sweethearts and are accidently reunited after 10 years of being apart. Their romance in rekindled and Simon returns home with Nina to make a life for them. Although this was a quick read it was very sweet and lovely.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[T'angela Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas and lion king? what a mash up

As the headline says.. when I read Christmas and lion king I was like whaaat? How does that even work? But it works so perfectly.

Simon and Nina are so adorable and the filthy mouth on Simon 🥵. This book had no business being this spicy! I love it! If you love Christmas, if you love The Mouse retellings pleaseeee read this novella right now

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

“From the day I met you, I’ve belonged to you. In your dreams, in your every breath, in your everyday thoughts, there hasn’t been one second where you did not have a claim on me. I am and will forever be yours, even if there is a day where you do not want my love, I’ll still be yours.”

Taming Mistletoe is a holiday themed contemporary retelling of The Lion King. It’s full of emotion and angst. You’ll be rooting for the MC’s the whole way through! This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!

The angst and hurt between the MC’s is THICK… you can feel the hatred that Nina has towards Simon for everything that’s happened. But at the same time, you can see how much she loves him. Even though it’s been 10 years, when they finally see each other it’s explosive. This coupled with watching Simon slowly forgive himself made it an emotional story. There’s a lot of feelings packed into this novella!

[Tiffany Hannick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Mistletoe Creek series.
This is a lion king type of story that will melt your heart. Nina and Simon are soul mates and have been separated by Simon running away to deal with grief after his father died. Fate brings them back together and together they must save his father’s sanctuary from his evil uncle. Their story is scorching hot and very sweet.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina works at Pride Sanctuary and they need a miracle to safe it. Simon is the only one who can save it, but he turned his back on her and it years ago. Simon left town, he never told Nina he felt responsible for his father’s death. Only by chance do Nina and Simon see each other again. He will have to outwit his uncle to save the sanctuary but will it be enough to win Nina back?

[Carol Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I only read this because I needed more January Rayne in my life. This was definitely different from what I'm used to from the queen, but I'm not disappointed. Her usual voice definitely came through in some cracks!
I had fun with the retelling aspect, too. I'll probably come back to this novella series during the holidays!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

short and sweet!

Not only was it short and sweet, Simon and Nina packed some crazy heat between the sheets . I loved how the town they are from is so christmasy . This book was definitely perfect for the winter season. Just enough to keep both sets of cheeks warm and rosy lol. There was a bit of tragedy but that other part was deserved. This was a great little book!

[Chloë Geicht · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first of my Christmas Season reads, but this time I decided to stick to my favorite genre.

With only 84 pages, this was a quick (couple of hours) and easy read, but still steamy.
The only downside because it is so short, I feel like there´s a lot of information missing and I just wished it was a bit longer.

It was cute though.

[Nina Klameth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and spicy retelling

I love this author and have read pretty much everything they have ever written! I love a good Christmas novella, and when I saw it was lion king retelling I was ON BOARD. Love the steamy scenes, January's books are always on point with those, kinda do wish the MMC was a lion shifter though and not just a human lol 😉.

[CAH - malphrusc · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁I enjoyed this storyline as it stayed true to the length of a novella but didn’t leave any loose ends. The characters were well-developed and I didn’t feel as though there were story gaps that made it difficult to follow. 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

[Christain Meshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a super sweet Christmas romance with a Lion King retelling twist. If you want a first love never dies, with a tragic backstory this is your chance. I read this one in one sitting, oopse but not sorry. I loved it and sweet contemporary romance isn’t usually my go to.

[Amber Pickerill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon may be hiding from his grief so when Nina finds him, he remembers how much he needs her. Together can they save the sanctuary before his uncle gets it?
A fantastic story!!
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.