Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

by Danielle Baker

Noelle

All she wants is a quiet, chill Christmas Eve with the family.
Instead, Noelle Compton has been thrust headfirst into planning and organizing a secret proposal for her sister. And to make matters worse, she forgot the mistletoe, the key component to Beau's romantic Christmas Eve proposal.
When her best friend Theo comes in wearing a full Santa suit, bearing the forgotten mistletoe, Noelle could kiss him.

Theo

Only he doesn't want to stop with one chaste peck on the cheek in thanks.
Oh no, Theo Collins wants much, much more from Noelle.
He's waited years for this moment, and he isn't going to let it pass him by, not when he's finally got her where he wants her--under the mistletoe at last.
So when she teases him and asks him what he wants for Christmas, his only answer... is her.

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

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2024

About the author

Danielle Baker was born and raised in the beautiful city of Petoskey, nestled on the crystalline shores of Lake Michigan. She is blissfully married to the love of her life, Nicholas. Danielle’s love of writing began while she was in high school. At the urging of her family, Danielle was given the boost she needed to ‘Get back in the saddle’ and keep reaching for her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. When Danielle isn’t working, writing, or spending time with her family, she can be found with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.

Reviews

[✿ Deanna Lea ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute spicy friends to lovers Christmas read

This was so cute and spicy read. Aboutsley devoured this , like I devoured the rest ❤️❤️

Perfect vibe for Christmas

Thank you Danielle for allowing me to read and review ❤️

[Candace P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I love love loved this friends to lovers Christmas novella! I definitely fell hard for Theo and couldn't get enough of him and Noelle and how things played out!

I definitely have a favorite scene that involves Christmas lights and a whole lot of dirty talk!

I highly recommend this one to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read my reviews you know that I love me a good smutty Christmas Novella!

This beauty hit all the right places! Theo and Noelle were two spicy little numbers who couldn't hide how much they wanted to make some cookies for Santa!

They even brought out the lights and some dirty talk along the way 😉!

I highly recommend this for anyone looking to get into the Christmas Spirit 😀

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You asked me the other night what I wanted for Christmas. And I said that Santa couldn’t bring me what I wanted,” he says softly, his blue eyes searching mine intensely. “This, Noelle. All I’ve wanted for so long, is this. With you. My best friend.”

✔️holiday novella
✔️best friends to lovers
✔️small town
✔️he falls first & hard
✔️no 3rd act breakup

4.5⭐️

It’s not a secret that I love friends to lovers romance, and I knew I was going to love this one when I picked it up. Theo (MMC) and Noelle (FMC) have been best friends since they were children, and though he exasperates her at times they are inseparable. What she doesn’t realize (and everyone else has), he has been in love with her since he knew what that meant, and this Christmas he is finally making his move because he believes she is ready to hear the truth.

This novella has the perfect balance of plot and spice, and though it is a slower burn the spice is spicy. I like that we see the FMC initially struggle a little with the feelings side of things, because the MMC has had these feelings for her for decades and she is just finding out. It feels more realistic to see her need to take a minute. Overall, this couple is just sweet together and I enjoyed watching them get their HEA. This is the first book I’ve read from this series, but I am looking forward to reading the others when the holidays they correlate with happen this upcoming year!

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This spicy Christmas novella did not disappoint I couldn’t put it down I loved it so much.
It has all the Christmas vibes of winter, family and……. Kissing under the Mistletoe.
Such a cute spicy best friend’s to lovers Christmas read. I promise you won’t be disappointed I highly recommend you read this one.

❤️Best friend’s to Lovers
💚Kiss under the mistletoe
❤️Small town

Noelle

All she wants is a quiet, chill Christmas Eve with the family.
Instead, Noelle Compton has been thrust headfirst into planning and organizing a secret proposal for her sister. And to make matters worse, she forgot the mistletoe, the key component to Beau's romantic Christmas Eve proposal.
When her best friend Theo comes in wearing a full Santa suit, bearing the forgotten mistletoe, Noelle could kiss him.

Theo

Only he doesn't want to stop with one chaste peck on the cheek in thanks.
Oh no, Theo Collins wants much, much more from Noelle.
He's waited years for this moment, and he isn't going to let it pass him by, not when he's finally got her where he wants her--under the mistletoe at last.
So when she teases him and asks him what he wants for Christmas, his only answer... is her.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it's almost a new year, but I can't stop reading Christmas books. Meet Me Under The Mistletoe was my first book by Danielle Baker. It is a short, sweet, and spicy novella. Noelle and Theo have been best friends since kindergarten, and so they know each other quite well. But Theo has been hiding a secret - he loves her, but fears their friendship may be awkward after he tells. This Christmas, he plans on making his first move. It is also a special Christmas for the families as his brother, Beau, is about to propose to her sister, Val. The families have been helping to plan it with the added use of a mistletoe that Noelle is to supply. But she forgets and is saved by none other than Theo. This leads to the proposal and everyone looking at the new engaged couple. That's the opportune moment Theo takes. Okay, so I just read Chelsea Curto's Christmas novella, and that was the spiciest Christmas book I've ever read, but this one comes really close. I mean the bondage, blindfolds, spanking, and teasing. I mean 🥵🔥🌶. To add to it, I also loved the friendship Theo and Noelle share. I can see just how great of a foundation the two have to make this a true relationship. Just as Danielle said, we all need a Theo in our book boyfriend menagerie.

[Sunstarandsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I whizzed through this one in an hour or two - that's how fast it was - but it was so good and engaging.

Noelle and Theo. Best friends & enemies who have grown up together, and have a LONG history. His brother is getting ready to propose to her sister on Xmas and somewhere along the way, during the festive season, Theo bucks up the courage to make his feelings known and surprise, surprise - Noelle reciprocates them.

It was a really sweet story. I loved how their relationship evolved from one that was so jovial and competitive, to one filled with so much passion, emotion and SPICE. Oh goodness, for such a short novel, the spice packed a punch. Theo has the filthiest mouth (who knew!!) and Noelle was there for EVERY.SINGLE.DIRTY.DIRECTIVE. (Ngl, so was I).

The best part - there isn't a lot of background to get lost in. The secondary characters hang around in the periphery and you can absolutely read it as a standalone. I lost myself in this one - thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly HIGHLY recommend.

[Chrissy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, short and sweet story of beaus younger brother Theo and Val’s younger sister Noelle. Theo and Noelle have been besties since kindergarten and now they’re pushing 30. Theo has been in love with Noelle since they were 12 but never made a move.
Just before Christmas they are getting ready to have family Christmas and beau is going to propose to Val. Theo comes over and watches a movie, Noelle falls asleep and he carries her to bed but kisses her forehead and calls her angel. She wasn’t asleep though and that’s when she realizes she really does like Theo more than a bestie and now she is sure Theo likes her more too.
On Christmas Eve he kisses her under the mistletoe after their siblings get engaged and then whispers naughty things in her ear so she takes him home and they let their feelings be known to each other. A year later Theo asks her to marry him under the mistletoe just like his brother did the year before. HEA.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Baker has done it again. She wrote another unique sweet and a little spicy enjoyable read. Perfect little book for the Christmas season. Can I please have a Theo in my life?
Theo and Noelle are lifelong friends literally since they were little. But neither one of them will take that friendship anywhere. Theo finally takes the leap. Will it pay off? Will Noelle feel the same?
I absolutely loved the banter between these two and being to watch these two take the leap to see where the relationship will go.
Danielle once again wrote a great book. Her characters are always so unique and enjoyable to read about. A quick read that is perfect for the Christmas season.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book by Danielle Baker where I picked it up, and I could not put it down. Read the entire book in one sitting. This novella is the perfect recipe; boy next door, friends to lovers, holiday charms, and just the right amount of spice. I love the sass that both Theo and Noelle have. As usual, Danielle Baker writes a book that allows you feel like you are right there watching the storyline unfold in real life. Perfect feel-good, sweet and spicy romance for the holiday season I look forward to reading the next book in the Holiday Novella series.

[Nicole Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe
Danielle Baker

🎄Small town
🎅🏻 Christmas themed
🎄 Friends to lovers
🎅🏻 Romance
🎄 Golden retriever MMC
🎅🏻 Witty FMC

Danielle never disappoints! I love Noelle and Theo so much! Everyone needs a Theo in their lives! This was an absolutely delicious BFFs to lovers romance with a Christmas backdrop. I loved that the Christmas theme wasn’t the focal part of the story. It makes me want to start reading all the Christmas romance books.

Content warnings:
⚠️ there’s a couple in the beginning of the book mainly for the explicit content.

[Alyssa GSell · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ💋

5/5⭐️

Super cute fast spicy Christmas novella!!

Theo and Noelle have been best friends since they were 6 years old. He has always loved her but has never said anything because he didn’t want to loose her..

One night when Noelle asks him if he likes anyone his response makes it seem like there is a mystery girl he’s waiting for👀

He’s goofy and flirty and things heat up between them until he finally kisses her like he has always wanted…

His mouth is 🔥 in the bedroom.. It’s a whole different side of Theo that she is seeing and she loves it!

[Camille Parra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five freaking stars! I am so excited that I was able to receive an ARC for this, in exchange for my honest opinion. Danielle sure knows how to write a sweet and utterly sexy Christmas novella. I want a Theo for my very own! Theo and Noelle are life-long best friends, and their families are so closely intertwined. I loved watching their relationship develop! Danielle has quickly become one of those authors that’s a must read for me.

[Danes_booksta · Rating 5 out of 5]

the perfect spicy novella

This was the perfect spicy Christmas novella.

I love when the golden retriever mmc turns into a dirty talking man. And Theo de-liv-ered on that dirtiness! Holy moly the mouth on that man. Noelle couldn’t help but sass him and i loved it. Her feistiness was perfect for Theo. And the Christmas lights — yes please.

Like i said, quick spicy best friends to lovers novella and it was good!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously couldn't stop reading this story! I was even falling asleep with my phone in my hand trying to read it all. Well I ended up putting my phone down going to sleep then waking at 1am and was like o I can finish this now lol

I feel like it is always the goofy/silent ones who are the freak in the 🛌! Theo and his dirty talking mouth was 🥵 i feel like some times the best of friends make the perfect lovers!

[SimplyKerriReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect! This was a quick novella but it has all the cozy Christmas vibes. I am obsessed with these characters! Theo 🥹 total golden retriever MMC with a filthy mouth and I was here for it🥵 Noelle was the absolute sweetest! When these childhood best friends get under the mistletoe it was instant fireworks 🔥 This was so well written and although it was short it was just the right amount of witty banter, spice and Christmas shenanigans. Loved it!

🌶️🌶️.5

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle and Theo have been best friends forever, with Theo secretly pining the whole time—and that yearning really shines. The holiday vibes were perfect, from mistletoe kisses and snowy moments to a warm, inviting family gathering. For a novella, the relationship development felt strong and emotional, and the spicy scenes were hotter than expected in the best way. Sweet, festive, and surprisingly steamy.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun cute novella. It was the perfect little dip into the holiday romance. It was so cute and had me smiling from ear to ear.

Theo and Noelle are meant to be. He’s long for her. She just hasn’t caught up yet. The Christmas vibe was perfect without being over bearing. The banter between these two was so fun and adorable.

Loved every minute here in this world.

[Ginger_BrownieReads “Michelle aka Chely” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best friends to lovers and it’s always been her!!
The way I this man knows his girl and looks out for her is beyond any girls dreams!
This was also a pretty 🥵 holiday read and I’m not mad about it.
Tied up in Christmas lights, small bell in her hand to ring when it’s too much, and all the secret looks and touches were just perfection.
🎅🏻🎄🎅🏻🎄

[Nicole Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friend For Love

Oh sweet mistletoe! This was such a quick, sweet, spicy, wonderful read! The amount of love that Theo has for his clueless best friend Noelle is the love we all want. This Christmas, with the help of some mistletoe, he's finally getting his chance to show her he's more than a goofy golden retriever - and hot jingle bells does he! All the stars!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect Christmas read

I absolutely adored Theo and Noelle, I fell hard and fast for their story. This was the perfect short Christmas read with having friends to lovers with a lot of spice and an amazing story. I was sucked in from the start and did not want it to end.

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas light scene might actually live in my head for the next 365 days omg 🥵🥵

Out of this novella collection, I’m not sure if Beau or Theo is my favorite man. Theo, is the man during my favorite holiday and he fell first ❤️

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful Christmas Novella and definitely should be added to your Christmas TBR!

Theo and Noelle's story was filled with sweet friends to lovers, banter, and great spice!
Danielle has done it again and I loved the little glimpses of Val and Bue from Be Mine Valentine!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes yes yes

She’s done it again!!!! This queen captures me with every novel and novella. I have absolutely adored reading the holiday romance collection so far. Getting to know the characters and seeing things evolve is so satisfying. I’m so excited for the next book to come out!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was super cute, and I enjoyed the friendship for forever turning into something more. I thought him constantly calling her Noelle, then immediately Angel (for a cute pet name), then Noelle again, then Angel again was very repetitive, and kind of too much.

Everyone has their own preferences and dislikes, so this isn't a serious issue because other people might like it. But me personally, I couldn't stand the "Miss Kitty likes...", I think it is a tad weird to think that your genitals have a mind of their own. And then repeatedly saying "Miss Kitty" made me think the main character was like 12.

[Miss Library Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this quick read. I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to be Theo's 'Angel'. This is a must read Christmas spicy Novella where long time friends finally find each other in a different light. Loved this ♡

[DK · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Danielle never disappoints. This was a short, sweet, and spicy novella about childhood best friends becoming lovers. It was a great addition to the holiday romance novellas.
The MMC was certainly swoonworthy.

[SmuttyEverAfter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yessss! This was such a cute and spicy af friends to lovers novella! I was not ready for the mouth on Theo 🥵🫠. He was such a swoon worthy MMC. This was my intro to Danielle Baker and I can’t wait to read more!

[Nicole Wheelbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet and spicy holiday novella - Noelle and Theo have been childhood besties forever - however Theo is in love with her and she has no idea. Her sister and his brother get engaged and sparks increase when they are drunk and snowed in together.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this best friends to lovers, spicy romance!!! It was sweet. It was funny. It was hot! I love all the characters in these related novellas. So great!