Mistletoe Mistake

Windy City Holidates #2

by Nichole Greene

We’re adults, sharing a bed shouldn’t be a challenge, but toss in some martinis and a little mistletoe…



Stella



I’ve loved Nico for years. Our friendship is the base I’ve built my life on, even if there’s always been a secret yearning to be more. Just a little crush I’ve always kept a lid on. Then he finds out my secret, a diagnosis I’m still coming to terms with. I’m worried it could drive a wedge between us but he’s determined to take it, and me, on. Is he just being a good friend or finally realizing he might feel the way I do?



Nico



I lost my willpower where Stella is concerned the moment we were forced into sharing a bed for our best friend's engagement trip. Not that I ever had much to begin with. The only reason I’ve held myself back is that I’m terrified to lose her. But once we cross that line, all bets are off. When I find out what’s really going on with her, I’ll do everything in my power to show her that we can be more. If that means moving myself into her apartment, I’ll do it. I’m determined to prove that we’re not a mistake.

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

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2023

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

[glavreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

one thing about me is i’m going to eat up a spicy little holiday novella, every. single. time.

such a cute friends to lovers, mutual pining, novella with the cutest acts of service and chronic illness rep!!

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

”I don’t care what you call me as long as it’s yours.”

Awe this was a super sweet holiday/winter vibes romance. Nico and Stella are characters that we met in Screwing Mr. Scrooge and you could definitely feel the tension from them leaping from the page. This was essentially that tension bursting and their years of friendship and love evolving into so much more. That said, Stella gets some health news that changes things for her and that’s something she has to navigate while also navigating her relationship with Nico evolving. I also love that Nico steps in as a supportive partner even though Stella has things covered. He’s still there for her through so much.

Anyway. If you want something quick and steamy, but with story and heart, then absolutely check out Mistletoe Mistake.

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8aBrEDL/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8aBrG6B/

[Cokiereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Mistake

Heard about this on tiktok. I guess it's book 2, but I didn't feel lost not reading book 1, so I think you can still enjoy it without reading the 1st book.

They're longtime friends who've wanted more, but now Stella has a big secret she's been keeping from everyone. Do you make a move when your life is now upside down?

I enjoyed it, very short but sweet and spicy.

[lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

that was cute. I liked this story way more than Screwing Mr. Scrooge.

3.75🌟

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute 🥰

[Caitlyn Daviau · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️2/5 🌶️
Tropes:he falls first, friends to lovers, holiday romance , he takes care of her ,workplace romance
Mistletoe mistake is a holiday romance novel that is apart of the Windy City holidates series but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed book one and this one was good as well. This one is a workplace romance with a male female relationship dynamic and they are friends. Stella is friends with nico and she’s a dedicated worker but has a weird relationship with her family she’s recently been diagnosed with lupus . She is trying to navigate all the different things with this new diagnosis but has yet to tell her friends or family. Nico is her coworker and friend and he’s been in love with her for so long. He has always cared for her and you see throughout this that he would do anything to take care of her and protect her. Their relationship turns from friends to lovers and things can never go back.I enjoyed the moments that he took care of her and stood up for her to her family no matter what. I didn’t like that it was such a short novel and the ending felt a little rushed . This takes place during thanksgiving and Christmas and is a cute novel for the holidays.

[Not your Mother’s Romance(semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her pulse races against my lips as I suck and nibble along her jaw and neck. I could come just from fucking her with my fingers, hearing the obscene sound of her pussy while I work her. How embarrassing would that be, cumming in my pants like a horny teen?

This was a story of untold devotion and mutual pining with a side of realistic health issues.

Stella has been in love with Nico since school and she isn’t willing to put their friendship on the line especially since they also own and operate a company together with their other friend. And what do you know? Nico feels exactly the same way and he is done pretending.

When they both go to Iceland together with their friend Asher and his fiancé to celebrate their engagement and opsie daisy we only have one bed and no other rooms available moment.

This was a really sweet story but it could have been shortened down a bit. Very safe read, no cheating or other woman drama (even though Stella fears Nico is a womanizer) steam was decent but it’s not smut, if that makes sense.

💕💕💕💕/5
🔥🔥/5
😂😂/5
😳/5

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella & Nico stole my heart away in this cute little novella. Nichole did a fantastic thing by writing this holiday story which is perfect for the upcoming festivities of Christmas. I finished it in one sitting and loved every line of this book. It’s PERFECTION.

Nico is a sweetheart and he shows how much he loves Stella when the need arises. Whereas Stella is so strong and has admirable qualities. I equally love both of them. The storyline is so soothing for my heart and mind. It was good to see other characters again. MUST READ.

[Jayelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the equivalent of an all beige house.

[Mishari Zambrano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun! And wild to read a book where the girl has the same autoimmune issue as me. I too am looking for a billionaire to take care of me and buy me slippers

[Katewantstoread · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Kaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not consider this a christmas book at all? It was cute though! Just wish things were more developed. Everything was so rushed, it could’ve been a great full length story.

[L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Revolutionary? No.
Interesting? Meh.
Warm and fuzzy? Maybe.
Christmas? Not found.

[Kelsey Myhrman]

Cheesy good quick holiday romance with SPICEEE 🔥🔥🔥 follow-up from the book Screwing Mr. Scrooge

[Allie]

I will only be reviewing this book's lupus rep because I have lupus and I have Thoughts.

Pros:
- Lupus rep exists! (listen the bar is low)
- Accurately showed how disruptive it is to work/life
- The excessive sleeping. LOL.
- Honestly at first I was like wtf why are they trying to pass off buying slippers and a pill organizer as romantic but on second thought it is kind of adorable (HOWEVER. Why is this man buying slippers from CVS? No sir. Buy bougie sherpa slippers with arch support or none at all.) (ALSO why doesn't this girl own any socks to start with???? Like???? I don't think you have to have Raynaud's to own SOCKS)
- I think the brain fog was intentional and if so it was well done
- Ok super cute that the MMC reads a ton of journal articles about lupus after finding out. 10/10.

Cons:
- The symptoms felt like the author just googled lupus and copied in the WebMD description tbh
- Do people really sit down all their friends and family and tell them they have lupus like they're dying??? I don't get why this was a huge plot point.
- Find me a real rheumatologist who actually sits down their patients and give them a lupus diagnosis like it's cancer instead of being like lol your life is going to suck forever bye next patient pls
- Also how did her diagnosis take like two weeks where do I sign up for that experience next time
- FMC is given methotrexate right away?!?!?! In WHAT WORLD do you not have to wait three years before the rheumatologist finally reluctantly decides to put you on immunosuppressants. And I think she's also already on pain meds which again how?!
- I don't think there was a single reference to being immunocompromised which is a HUGE part of lupus meds especially since she's on methotrexate?
- Everyone knows the first rule of chronic illness is google EVERYTHING so I do not buy that this girl was like hmm why are my fingers turning white in the cold and proceeded to not care

Anyway. Cute enough book. Could've used a sensitivity read. I'll accept it for now, but let's aim higher for our disability representation pls.

[Laura Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Mistake by Nichole Greene is book two in the Windy City Holidate series of holiday novellas. I absolutely loved the first book, Screwing Mr. Scrooge, so I was definitely looking forward to reading this one. This holiday romance story is about Stella and Nico.

Right before a trip to celebrate her best friends engagement, Stella is diagnosed with a chronic illness. She has been dealing with symptoms for a year without her friends knowing, so she decides to wait to tell them about her health until after their vacation.

When they arrive to their destination, Nico discovers the cabin he booked isn't a two room suite like he thought. Stella will have to share a bed with him, and although it wasn't what either of them were expecting, they are going to make the best of it. They have been friends since they attended prep school growing up, but little do they know they both actually have feelings for each other. Will this time together help them both to realize their true feelings for each other?

When Nico finally learns about Stella's health, he is truly amazing and his support is everything. As much as Nico wants to admit his true feelings for Stella, he doesn't want to scare her away. They both don't want to ruin their friendship and I love how patient Nico is in waiting for Stella to be ready for more. I loved it when they finally were all in. Stella and Nico made such a great couple, and I really enjoyed all of the steamy and sweet moments they shared together.

Mistletoe Mistake can be read as a standalone as each book in the series follows a different couple. I do recommend reading Screwing Mr. Scrooge first because you will get to see Asher and Clara's amazing love story and then you will enjoy seeing them more in this second book. If you are looking for a friends to lovers holiday romance story, Mistletoe Mistake is the perfect novella for you.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella and Nico were everything and more! I loved this little novella. The author did a great job at incorporating such a serious topic into the cutest, coziest little Holiday novella.

Stella is besides herself. She just learned what has been going on with her body - she has Lupus and Hashimoto autoimmune disease. Her life is now forever changed. Shes devastated. But her and her best friends are about to embark on a trip of a lifetime. So, devastation needs to wait... at least until the trip is over.

When a mix-up at the hotel really changes their dynamic with one of her best friends, can she keep going on like she always has? When things go where she has always hoped with Nico, she realizes the timing is all wrong and she couldn't possibly put him on this journey she herself is about to embark on. Right?

This little story stole my heart in the best way, and I loved how no matter what, Nico was and wanted to be there for his best friend first and foremost. I loved the awareness of these autoimmune diseases. For people, like me, that do not have them, we really do not know much about them or what they can do to a person. I was grateful for the education. On top of that, I loved how she worked the romance story so perfectly, I only wish it was longer.

Even though this is book two in a series, it can be read as a standalone. Can't wait to see what's next in the Windy City Holidates series.

*Overall 5/5
*Heat? 4/5
*Med Burn
*Dual first person POV
*Eight months later epilogue
*Ends in HEA

[what chlo reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mistletoe Mistake - Little To No Spoilers Review:

🎄 Stella & Nico
🎄 Rating: 3/5
🎄 Genre: Romance
🎄 Dual POV
🎄 Book 2/2 of the Windy City Holidates

"You know what you look like? Mine"

This book is number 2 in the "windy city holidates" series but can be read as a standalone. It is about 170 pages long making it a novella and is the perfect short/quick read. It does follow on from the first book about Clara and Asher, so if you want to read both then make sure you do so in chronological order!

As we are already introduced to Stella and Nico in novella 1, we know a slight dynamic of their relationship, and I think off the bat it is obvious there is something there that is more than friends, but it's suppressed. Stella is diagnosed with lupus at the start of this book, but has been suffering with the symptoms for several years. She wants to go away and celebrate her friends engagement without the weight of her diagnosis hanging over her so she decides not to share it with her friends. During this trip, best friend Nico accidentally booked them into a one bed cabin, even though he thought it was a two bed (yes yes and more yes) and they decide to just get on with it.

It was a typical situation where they both were pining after one another, but they didn't realise the other was too so kept it to themselves. After a little alcohol, things happen and new territories are entered! After a couple of weeks and a little scare, Nico finds out about Stella's diagnosis and let's just say he was incredible. This man stayed up and researched everything he needed to know about it and moved in with her, just so he could take care of her and know what to do if certain things happened. I loved the way the chronic illness was written about, it really felt like we were going through it all with them. It didn't feel skimmed over, like similar topics in other books I have read.

Tropes:
🎄 Friends to Lovers
🎄 One Bed
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 Chronic Illness Representation

"We will never just be friends again. You're mine, and I'm yours"

I absolutely loved reading about these two and seeing their friendship finally turn into something more when they both realised they'd been in love with one another for so long. I struggled with the characters in the first book, just as I didn't connect with them at all but with these two I didn't have that problem. They were both so loveable and relatable and I wish I got more!

If you are looking for a short/quick read with good spice in it, then I highly recommend this one for you! I think if it was longer it would have got a higher rating from me, but due to the length of it, I felt I couldn't go higher.

Trigger Warnings: this book discuss strained family relationships along with a newly diagnosed chronic illness.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I stumbled across a post for this book on social media, I wanted to read it. Having read this author's work a few times before had me wanting to pick it up even more. I got right into the Windy City Holidates world! I enjoyed this story so much!

Stella and Nico's journey pulled me right in! These two are the greatest of friends, the thing is though, Stella and Nico have feelings for one another. When circumstances bring these two even closer together, will they ignore how they feel? Or can giving in under the mistletoe be the best kind of gift?

I really enjoyed Stella and Nico's friendship and the ways in which they were brought closer together. The care they shared for each other and the realness in their journey got me right in the chest. I liked getting to see them tackle their friendship, feelings, and things in their lives. Stella and Nico shared such great chemistry and their connection was so wonderful. I fell for these two!

From the real to the heart and Stella and Nico all the way to the holiday vibes, I thoroughly enjoyed Stella and Nico's journey!

With Mistletoe Mistake, Ms.Greene has created such a good holiday read that brought the real and feels! I loved that this story touched on things I don't see often in books. I can't wait to read what she brings our way next! ❤🎄

Be sure to read the author's note about content.


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[Inthemindofasmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Windy Holidates

“We will never just be friends again. You’re mine, and I’m yours. I will bleed myself dry for you.”

The 2nd installment in the Windy City Holidates series did not disappoint.

After Asher and Clara's engagement, the two of them, plus Stella and Nico board a flight to Iceland, complete with tasks to even out their carbon footprint courtesy of Clara of course.

While in Iceland we get to know more about the history of Stella and Nico, and let me tell you they frustrated the life out of me. Both stubborn as anything, unwilling to talk about their feelings and oblivious to the fact that they're both in love with each other they find themselves forced to share a room, pillow walls and all.

With Stella newly diagnosed with Lupus and determined to hide it from her friends, this isn't ideal. But as the days go on, Nico starts to notice things she wants to keep hidden. After a night of passion Stella boards a plane back home and leaves Nico in the dust. Still blissfully unaware that he's been left in bed alone, when he wakes up to a cold empty bed he's determined to track her down but is advised against it.

Will they manage to overcome their hurdles and figure out that they belong together? Or is the wedding of their two best friends about to get awkward?

“How did you know how to turn it off so easily?”“Toys are teammates not opponents.”

“It’s easy to pick something that will look good when the person wearing it is effortlessly beautiful.”

[Kaitlyn Despard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don’t take the time to leave reviews BUT this book touched my heart and soul and made me realize I have not fully coped or come to terms with my health diagnoses.

Within the first pages you learn the main character suffers from SLE “lupus”, which I was recently given the diagnosis months ago.

I have known for 10+ years I had an autoimmune disease but never had an official diagnosis or name for it until this year. Reading this book and watching Stella hide the information from family, friends and colleagues really hit home. It was a very emotional read watching her go through all the emotions of telling the ones she loved, and then learning to cope with how your future has changed. It really brought my life into perspective that I have not coped or hell even accepted this is my life and the guilt is unbearable some days. Thank you Nichole Greene for writing this story that has related to me and my health journey, you don’t hear about the daily struggles of someone with an autoimmune disease as often and I appreciate this book.

[bookish.nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

• ARC Review •

Mistletoe Mistake by Nichole Greene

Ratings:
⭐️: 4/5
🌶: 2/5

Quote: “I’ve been head over ass in love with Stella James since the very first moment I laid eyes on her.”

Tropes: holiday novella, friends to lovers, heroine with lupus, workplace romance

——————————————————

My Thoughts…..

This quick, holiday romance is perfect for novella lovers. We’re dropped right into the story, and we get to see Stella and Nico finally go from friends to more. While these two have a couple of bumps to get over, the fact that they were already friends meant that there was already a certain level of trust between these two. So, when Stella needed someone more than ever, Nico was more than willing to step up. These two were so cute to read about. I definitely wish their story was a full novel because I want more time with them!

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★. This was such a cute holiday novella about Stella and Nico. Both had unrequited feelings for one another but didn’t think the other did. Stella thought Nico loved his bachelor life and Nico thought Stella was too good for him.

It all changed when Stella found out a diagnosis that will change her life forever. In Iceland is where everything Ah need for them. I love Nico. The minute he found out about ehe diagnosis, he read every article he could find all night and learned everything. He moved in with her, sorted her medicine, bought her slippers. HE WAS SO PERFECT.

Stella, I felt bad for her. She thought she had to suffer alone and seeing her be all alone was so sad. I was so glad that Nico came storming in her hotel room to be with her. I liked how she took the initiative to get with him again. The proposal scene was so cute and I loved how they immediately talked it out.

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️4🌶️

This book follows Asher’s best friends and business partners, Stella and Nico. In “Screwing Mr. Scrooge” their arc was mentioned.

Nico is the fun loving attorney and Stella is the hard working super focused numbers woman. They have been friends for 20 years and danced around each other but never made a move. Until a trip with only one bed. They keep it together for 3 nights but on the 4th the one bed trope takes over. I love how they know each other so well and how they push each other. Nico says at one point something along the lines of its all a surprise but yet so inevitable. You know they are going to be together but you just have to wait.

You also get to see great glimpses of Clara and Asher.

It’s everything you look for in a friends to lovers. I really enjoyed this one and their dynamic. The spice is also giving.

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Mistake is part of the Windy City Holidays Series. Each story follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone.

This story follows Nico and Stella. Friends who work for the same company. They each have fallen in love with each other...The caveat is that they do not know this fact. This is their story about how not communicating and keeping secrets can lead to bad things happening. To top it all off, Stella was just diagnosed with and autoimmune disease and she is dealing with that and not knowing how will effect their relationship.

I loved this book so much. The chronic illness representation was amazing and this is the first book I have read with that kind of element. The author did an incredible job with the accuracy of the medical descriptions and it made this book that much better. I loved both Nico and Stella. I wanted to hit them over the head a few times but alas we get our HEA...even through their stubborn attitudes. This is such a sweet book and I loved it immensely. The holiday aspect made it that much more fun and I recommend to anyone wanting a romance that will make you smile. I give this one 5 stars.

[Alexandra Cowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞.”

Stella, Nico, and Ash have been best friends for a long time. Stella and Nico have also had feelings for each other for a while, feelings that they've kept hidden, not wanting to ruin their friendship. When Stella receives a diagnosis, she keeps it to herself, not wanting to rely on anyone to help her, but also not wanting to spoil the engagement trip Nico has planned for Ash and his fiancé, Clara. When everyone arrives in Iceland, Stella and Nico find themselves not only sharing a cabin but sharing one bed as well. They make the most of the situation, but we all know what happens when there is only one bed 😉

This was such a sweet friends to lovers, holiday romance. Stella is strong, independent, and doesn't want to rely on anyone to help her because of her diagnosis. Nico knows how stubborn Stella can be, but he wants to be there for her. Their chemistry is off the charts right from the start, and there are several spicy moments throughout the book. I'm a sucker for anything Nichole writes, and this was no exception.

[jovialj · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good. A short, sweet read with its spicy scenes. I didn't read the first book with Clara and Ash but it didn't take away from it. I understood their background without needing to read their book. Dominico (Nico) is everything and just what she needed. (Idr her name) her name is Stella. Love them together. They loved each other for years but didn't think the other had feelings. She gets diagnosed with an illness and after not hearing from her for a while he jumps on a plane to see her cuz she was in another state doing some work for the company the three of them own. Nico knew what he wanted and gave her time to decide what she wanted while taking care of her ..awwww isn't that the sweetest thing..💕💕🤗😍😍

[Addy Cleaveland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, this book had me all up in my feels 🥺. As someone who also has a chronic health issue with no cure, leaves me in pain, and causes some unbearable symptoms, I completely knew where Stella was coming from and the invisible mental battle she was dealing with because of her diseases. Everything she went through mentally from not wanting to be a burden to those around her or worry that she would only be dragging them down hit me straight in the gut because it’s all things I have gone through and continue to go through. But watching the way Nico genuinely loved her, cared for her, and fought for her had me in tears! This love story was one for the books and Nico is literally every girl who is battling health issues dream guy.

[Annabelle (annabelles.shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book was the cutest, perfect holiday novella! Nico and Stella have been friends for the longest time and also work together. There’s the he fell first trope, chronic illness rep, and forced prox. I didn’t know I would love this book so much. The way Nico takes care of her, and he does all that cute domestic stuff for her. We love a man like that. This book really punched me in the soul, in a good way. I like Stella, am dealing with a lot of health issues, and I love feeling seen through characters in books. Also I loved seeing the characters from the first book again and their friendship all develop and them being together.

[Rebecca Paioni · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fair little book. Nothing special about it, it all felt very rushed, in different occasions it was as if I had mistakenly skipped the previous chapter cause I felt like I was missing a piece (for example when they find that out and both of them had been in love with the other for a while). But it was enjoyable to the enter the Christmas book. Stella is quite annoying while Nico is a quite nice mfc. My favourite part of this book was the friendship between Stella, Nico, Ash and Clara, it gave me the same vibes from the Non-Judging Breakfast Club from Gossip Girl even though Clara wasn’t part of the “original group”