Under the Mistle-Foe

Christmas Falls: Season 2 #5

by Rye Cox

Under the mistletoe with my enemy? What else can we do but kiss?

A family emergency brings me back to Christmas Falls after running away from the loss of my mother six years ago. Not much has changed, and I don't know if that's a good thing or bad, especially when it seems my high school enemy hasn't gotten over his habit of circling around me.

Jett is everything I'm not, so full of confidence like he's never done a single thing wrong in his life. He vibrates life, and I have to admit his presence distracts me from being back in Christmas Falls. What I didn't expect is for him to take all my attention.

He'd gotten under my skin back then and he's only dug in deeper since, and I can't let anyone find out how much I love that fact. Now if only he'd stop stealing my heart with his crookedly perfect smiles...

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT, Queer

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2024

About the author

Be sure to follow to stay updated on latest release: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rye-cox

Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.

Reviews

[Monikat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sorry 🥺. Maybe it's me.
I got up to 77% and just lost interest. It's a sweet book tho.🎄
D N.F.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about two clueless men who finally see the light at Christmas. I particularly loved sugar and spice!

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the Christmas Falls collection.
A low angst romance that has an air of enemies to lovers but it's more that Jett's attention in highschool came across to Remy as bullying more than affection. Remy then moved away from town after the loss of his mother made it too hard to stay but he's back now to help his dad out who recently broke his leg.
Jett's crush on Remy hasn't gone away over the years and now, with the two in close contact as Jett spends a lot of time in Remy's dad's diner, Remy is starting to notice more than he likes about Jett.
It's enjoyable as a slow burn romance as Remy comes to terms with being attracted to another person for the first time and Jett is wonderful in taking their time and just enjoying being with the other man. I always enjoy getting to read as they interact with others around the town that are from series one or are getting their own HEA in this series.
A recommended romance and I'm loving what I've read so far from this festive series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
In questo dodicesimo volume ritroviamo la penna di Rye Cox, che aveva già contribuito con un altro libro nella serie “Pronti, partenza, brillate!” e devo dire che mi è piaciuto molto anche questo.
Jett ha sempre avuto un debole per Remy fin dai tempi della scuola, ma il suo comportamento di ragazzo ricco e di successo, assieme ad alcuni approcci sbagliati, hanno portato Remy a credere che Jett ce l’avesse con lui e di conseguenza è cresciuto credendolo un nemico, anche se in fin dei conti “nemico” è una parola grossa.
Passano gli anni mentre Jett coltiva la sua cotta segreta per Remy, che vive e lavora a New York e che torna raramente al paesello, dove invece Jett risiede, potendo lavorare da remoto nell’azienda di famiglia.
Continua sul nostro blog!

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read that puts you in the holiday spirit. Remy is home at Christmas Falls to help his father run the family diner, but he lost the spirit of the season five years ago, so he just wants to make it through the next six weeks and head back to his real life in NYC.
But his former high school nemesis, Jett, who had a huge crush on Remy since almost ever and now it’s the proper season to change the way Remy sees him.
These two were absolutely adorable as they began falling for one another. Plenty of Christmas Falls fun and sweet.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Jett and Remy had amazing chemistry and though it was a slow burn it was perfect. This story was filled with so many wonderful side characters, I enjoyed it alot.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jett has crushed on Remy for years, unbeknownst to Remy, who thought Jett was a pain in the arse who loved to torment him. With the passing of his mother, Remy leaves Christmas Falls until one day, his dad needs his help at the family diner. Jett can not believe his eyes with Remy back in town and wants to be real friends with him this go around. When these two allow each other to know the real them, the magic is real. They have an undeniable chemistry and just bring each other to life and feel fully cherished for once. With a mistletoe arch bringing cherished memories of Christmas Falls townsfolk to show and cherish, be prepared to smile. Sprinkle in a great group of side characters, animals finding their forever homes throughout the series, will just leave you smiling.

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox is book 5 in the second season of Christmas Falls. We’ve seen glimpses of Jack and Remy in the previous book 12 Dates of Christmas. I couldn’t wait to read these two. I was a little confused in the beginning when Jett was getting texts from Remy and then found out that Remy disliked him. But it soon became apparent how that happened. I thought that when Remy found out that Jett had been texting him under false pretenses it would cause a major blow-up. I was happy that was not the case. I did really like these two together and was relieved when they finally admitted how they felt. This was a very enjoyable addition to the series.

I received an ARC from Neon Rainbow Readers for my honest review

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really liking this story until the MCs finally have sex. Once that happens, the rest of the book is a hurried mess just to get to the sex scenes. Days go by in a couple of paragraphs and we get full-on exposition instead of being shown how things happen. Very disappointing because I liked Jett and Remy a lot.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Pia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️

Soooo cute, what a cozy christmas book. Really warmed my heart.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to see Jett and Remy’s story after briefly meeting them in book 3! And it did not disappoint. Jett has had a long time crush on Remy. But during high school, he wasn’t exactly the best at showing at it. Instead acting more foolish and making Remy think he just straight up didn’t like him. Well, Jett has a chance to change that. Remy has moved back home to take care of his dad after his dad broke his leg. Working at his dad’s diner again brings back some good memories. He had left Christmas Falls after losing his mom and felt like he had to get away to deal with it. But being home feels good. And a surprise for him is how much he seems to like this new friendship with Jett. The more time they spend together, the more he likes him and he begins to wonder what that means. And Jett’s feelings only increase the more they are together. But Jett can’t help but wonder if there is a chance that Remy feels the same. Could he? These two were absolutely adorable as they began falling for one another. Plenty of Christmas Falls fun and sweet romances. This series just keeps getting better!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sweet and cute. Enemies to lovers, low angst, holiday love! I really enjoyed reading about these two, and I'm finding it so fun because they were mentioned in another book or two in the series.

[Fuzzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

Remy Trent, 24, returned to home to help work injured father’s diner-The Snowflake Shack, mother died when he was young, demisexual,

Brown hair
Chocolate brown eyes

Jett Davis, 24, works for parent’s software company-coding, gay, kind,

First person dual POV
Christmas Falls, IL

HS nemesis, continuing HS crush, Asexual rep, sexual awakening, small town, Christmas

The pacing on this one was weird. I didn't understand a lot of the character's motivations and actions. I think the reader was supposed to know Jett was texting Remy as Ford based on clues, but those clues just confused the fuck out of me so…The demi rep was decent. Mostly a quick, pleasant read.

[notachance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit of an odd one. There were several things that were supposed to be romantic that really weren't. All the sticky lolly kissing was so gross. The lack of reaction to the fake Ford texting thing - wtf?

And, what even was Remy's job? There were lots of work buzzwords (mentions of "the company", "you know how companies are" (??!) etc), but I've no idea what he was doing at his New York "desk job".

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox is part of the Christmas Falls Season 2 series by various authors. This is the story of two men who were enemies in high school but find love after a series of interesting happenings 5 years later. Remy Trent grew up in Christmas Falls and worked with his father in The Snowflake Diner that the family owned. He loved working there but when his mother died suddenly he missed her so much and ran away to a new job in New York to avoid the memories the town gave him. He also only saw his father a few times a year and they weren’t as close as they had been so when he broke his leg he didn’t tell Remy and he heard it from his uncle. He came home to help out on an extended leave of 6 weeks. He also knew things had to change. It was the holiday season and Christmas Falls went all out so when his friend, Kaysen, came over he took him to the tree lighting ceremony and it was there that they ran into Jett Davis, his high school nemesis. Jett seemed to always be around him at that time and did things that made him feel weird and stupid. It wasn’t exactly bullying but it made Remy want to avoid him. Jett’s mom and dad had started a software company that now had its headquarters in New York City and Jett worked for them as a coder. He could work from anywhere and chose the diner as that place. It also didn’t hurt that he had had a crush on Remy since high school so he got to see him there. At first Remy was not happy about this but as time went on he had some feelings about Jett that he didn’t know what to do with, especially when he saw him with other men. Eventually they agree to be friends and start hanging out together with decorating Jett’s house, and then spending Thanksgiving at Remy’s house together. Then he saw his father and Jett putting up the mistletoe arch in front of the diner which is something his mother had insisted they put up each year so people could attach their happy memories from the year. This made him mad because he wasn’t asked to help but it led to a heart to heart talk with his father and brought them closer together. It also made Remy realize he needed to figure out where his home was. He went with Jett to foster some kittens, Sugar and Spice, and then was not happy when Jett had a date that was set up by matchmaker Nick which led to a scene where Remy finally figures out his big feelings for Jett and they kiss and decide to be boyfriends. This leads to some more dates as they grow closer and Remy finds out the real reason Jett acted as he did in high school. It also leads to some hot love scenes. The more they are together the more they want each other and their relationship finally feels right for both of them. When it’s time for Remy to return to his job in New York he has some big decisions to make and luckily he chooses to stay with Jett. He’s done running from the people he loves and he loves Jett and Jett loves him back. I really enjoyed this story. Remy was hurt and lost after his mother died and he wasn’t sure where he belonged and had hurt his Dad in the process. But he was determined to make up for this by helping out in the diner when he got hurt. Jett had been clueless about the right way to get Remy’s attention until he came back and they slowly became friends and then more. Remy’s Dad, his Uncle, and their friends played an important part in the story as do Sugar and Spice. I was also tickled about getting the other side of some scenes from other books in the series and seeing what was up with the characters in them. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like enemies to friends to lovers stories with two men who were clearly meant to be together but had to go through some difficult and some fun situations to find love.

[fishreads (back? from hiatus)]

(DNF@27% on January 1st, 2025) I only decided to give this book a try to give this author’s work another chance after trying to read one of their books previously and leaving it in limbo between Currently Reading and DNF.

I was also curious about Jett's character after his brief mention in No Business Like Snow Business. Still, I was on edge from the beginning, questioning everything—from the random character names (Kody, Jenna, and Nikita—was I supposed to know who these people were and actually care about Kody and Jenna's unconventional engagement?) to the characters' interactions. I can't exactly claim that I entered into this with an open mind.

Jett's infatuation with Remy seemed creepy and obsessive. I really found it hard to believe that anyone could still be so infatuated to the point of obsession with a high school crush they haven’t seen in five years. On top of that, Jett's point of view and the way he thought about Remy were entirely too sappy.

As for Remy, I found myself utterly confused by his claim that Jett was completely in his past, as it was obvious from the prologue that Remy was also the same guy who, not long ago, sent Jett a text about his possible promotion at work. Then I remembered another reviewer mentioning the weird catfishing thing, and suddenly the text message made much more sense. But it was only because another reviewer mentioned it that I wasn’t still completely confused about what was going on. The actual plot did nothing to help with my confusion, and I blame it on poor storytelling.

I was completely uninterested in reading about Remy working again at his family diner, the Shrieking Shack (not really, but I can’t be bothered to look it up). The fact that Jett was hanging out at the diner and cozying up to Remy's dad only when he knew Remy would be there didn’t just make him a huge stalker, but also a self-serving asshole. He couldn’t even be bothered to visit Remy’s dad when he heard he broke his leg, but suddenly, now that Remy was back in town, he cared about his dad’s comfort. Yuck.

Just like my initial encounter with this author, I can only conclude that, despite using popular tropes, they manage to make the stories practically unpalatable with the way they choose to write their characters. Jett came across as entirely creepy and stalkerish, and I couldn’t have cared less about Remy and his wallowing.

Themes: dual POV, high school crush, animosity, demisexual character, Christmas, small town

[Marika Schiavone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remy è da poco tornato a Christmas Falls dopo aver scoperto che il padre aveva avuto un incidente e che dovrà rimanere a riposo per far guarire la gamba rotta. Così, lo sostituisce nella gestione della tavola calda di famiglia come cuoco. Difatti, Remy si era allontanato da suo padre per scappare a New York in cerca di una nuova vita, in seguito alla morte della madre, per ritrovare sé stesso. Con il suo ritorno nella cittadina in cui è nato e cresciuto, però, Remy è costretto a fare i conti con tutto ciò che si era lasciato alle spalle, incluso lo strano rapporto con il suo nemico sin dai tempi del liceo, Jett. Quest'ultimo è diventato ormai un uomo, rimasto legato a Christmas Falls, da sempre desidera il vero amore, ma più di ogni altra cosa desidera avere un'unica possibilità con Remy, il ragazzo che da sempre occupa la sua mente e il suo cuore. La sorpresa di Jett è tanta quando scopre casualmente del rientro di Remy per stare accanto al padre, così decide di tentare il tutto e per tutto avvicinandosi poco per volta all'uomo. Questi, purtroppo, sembra piuttosto restìo nel volersi lasciare avvicinare per timore di rimanere ferito, eppure il suo acerrimo nemico ora non fa che dimostrarsi sempre più il contrario di ciò che credeva. Riuscirà Jett con la sua tenacia e il suo affetto a far breccia nel gelido cuore di Remy? Oppure il loro passato sarà troppo ingombrante da far fallire qualsiasi tentativo di costruire qualcosa di bello? A voi lascio queste domande, a cui potrete trovare risposta solamente leggendo Non baciare il nemico di Rye Cox.
Oh ma quanta dolcezza e passione ho trovato fra le pagine di questo Gay Romance tutto natalizio. È la prima volta che incontro la penna di Rye Cox e certamente non sarà l'ultima perché ne sono rimasta totalmente affascinata. In pochissimo tempo mi sono affezionata sia a Remy che a Jett, insieme sono letteralmente l'emblema dell'amore. Nonostante la reticenza iniziale del primo, ho adorato scoprire come, poco per volta, i due uomini si siano avvicinati ed essere stata spettatrice di come i reciproci sentimenti siano evoluti è stato veramente emozionante. L'ho trovato una vera e propria coccola, avevo gli occhi a forma di cuore per tutta la durata della storia che, grazie allo stila incalzante e leggero, scorre rapidamente coinvolgendo pienamente nel corso degli eventi. Quinto volume della serie Christmas Falls stagione 2 può essere letto come Stand alone e perfettamente godibile. Ammetto, però, che avendo letto anche il precedente dal titolo Zampette sotto l'albero di Lee Blair, ho adorato ritrovarmi al rifugio di Elias, nonché vedere qualche nuovo quattro zampe prendere parte in questa meravigliosa storia d'amore. Non vi sono né angst né scene di particolare suspense, pertanto è perfetto se siete alla ricerca di un Romance con la R maiuscola che vi scaldi il cuore e vi faccia sognare il lieto fine. Davvero belli anche i personaggi secondari che circondano di affetto e buoni consigli i due protagonisti, alcuni sicuramente mi capiterà di incontrarli ancora per scoprire le loro storie e di questo ne sono davvero curiosa. Sino ad ora, ammetto sinceramente che Non baciare il nemico è per me il migliore della serie fra i titoli letti. Mi è davvero piaciuto e mi ha fatto provare tante emozioni calorose, facendomi immergere completamente nello spirito del Natale. In attesa di scoprire la prossima avventura e coppia che sarà finalmente colpita dalle frecce di Cupido, non posso che consigliarvi di leggere questo M/M natalizio tutto da gustare. A me non resta anche che recuperare qualche altro titolo firmato Rye Cox e lasciarmi di nuovo travolgere dalla sua dolcezza e romanticismo nel raccontare storie affascinanti di uomini che trovano le loro anime gemelle.
Consigliato, per me sono 5 stelle!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s another terrific tale in a heartwarming series.

Rating: 4🌈

Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox is another adorable holiday romance in the multi-author series, Christmas Falls, now in its second season. A frenemies to lovers story, it’s more a tale of a misunderstanding from school than an actual enemy relationship. But the real theme is one of grief, mourning, and finally recognition of its impact , on families and homecoming at the holidays

Remy returns home after learning of his father’s injury and need for him at the family diner. The loss of his mother and his grief caused him to leave his home for a job elsewhere. Jett, a man who had never left, has always had a huge crush on Remy since school, something that factored into his actions towards Remy being awkwardly inappropriate and unsolicited then.

The story follows the men as they reconnect, as well as Remy struggles with the town and memories he left behind, including the father who loves him.

There’s much about the story that’s beautifully heartwarming and moving. When it dwells on loss, and Remy’s realization that he was still mourning her loss, then he uses her love for the season to move forward, those moments are special and believable.

The romance is cute, the men adorable, and if it’s a bit quickly pulled together, well, it’s the Christmas season and a small town story. Many of the elements are lovely and the town sparks with joy and familiar characters.

It’s another terrific tale in a heartwarming series.

Christmas Falls, Season 2:
The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️
12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn
Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair
Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin
No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry
Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox
Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee
Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox
No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall
Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox
Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that the authors collaborated for a second season of Christmas Falls. This sleepy little Christmas town is absolutely adorable. Jett loves his town and doesn't want to leave. When his mom passed, Remy ran as far and fast from it as he could leaving Jett sad.

When Remy's Dad breaks his leg, Remy comes home to help with the family diner, The Snowflake Shack. As a kid, all Remy wanted to do was take over the diner. Now he's home to help while his Dad heals and he slowly starts to remember how much he loved working at the diner, how much he feels at home in the diner. Even after five years in New York, his apartment is still an apartment, his job just a job. Jett is surprised to see Remy home again. He was hoping that this would be the year he finally got over his teenage crush. Slowly though, they're pushed together and become friends. Jett tells himself not to get his hopes up, he doesn't even know if Remy is gay. Christmas Falls starts to work that Christmas magic and soon these two are more than just friends.

I love Christmas Falls! I love enemies to friends to lovers stories. I love sweet small town romance. Christmas Falls has it all. Rye Cox is the author that drew me to this series last year and I enjoyed every book. This year starting with Under the Mistle-Foe, I'm eager to read the rest of the books. Jett and Remy were the main characters in this story, but there were so many others that drew my attention. Some from last year, some new ones that I'm hoping are in the rest of the books. One of the things I love about Rye's stories is that I can picture her world unfolding in my head. Her descriptions and her characters seem so real and like people you would meet in real life. It's the little things like how Jett acted a certain way with Remy because he had feelings for him. Or how Remy feels guilt for not being there with his Dad, because he left town so he wouldn't drown in grief. The story for Jett and Remy might have some sadness, but as they grow closer you can feel the happiness building. It's my favorite kind of happy ending.

[Elyxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione su copia ARC
In questo dodicesimo volume ritroviamo la penna di Rye Cox, che aveva già contribuito con un altro libro nella serie “Pronti, partenza, brillate!” e devo dire che mi è piaciuto molto anche questo.
Jett ha sempre avuto un debole per Remy fin dai tempi della scuola, ma il suo comportamento di ragazzo ricco e di successo, assieme ad alcuni approcci sbagliati, hanno portato Remy a credere che Jett ce l’avesse con lui e di conseguenza è cresciuto credendolo un nemico, anche se in fin dei conti “nemico” è una parola grossa.
Passano gli anni mentre Jett coltiva la sua cotta segreta per Remy, che vive e lavora a New York e che torna raramente al paesello, dove invece Jett risiede, potendo lavorare da remoto nell’azienda di famiglia.
Quando il padre di Remy, che gestisce la tavola calda in centro, ha un infortunio, il giovane decide di prendersi un lungo permesso e di aiutare il genitore, riscoprendo la sua passione per Christmas Falls e i suoi festeggiamenti natalizi, la gioia cucinare, il locale di famiglia… e un nemico che forse non lo è mai stato.
Giorno dopo giorno, la presenza costante nel locale fa sì che Remy e Jett possano riavvicinarsi e finalmente capirsi. Jett, in particolare, dà modo a Remy di capire la propria demisessualità, grazie a un rapporto che si evolve pian piano, creando un legame affettivo prima ancora che erotico.
Ho trovato questa novella molto dolce, a suo modo divertente nei battibecchi fra il padre di Remy e Rob, un caro amico di famiglia, mentre l’adozione di due gattini addolcisce la narrazione.
Come sempre è piacevole rileggere alcune scene già viste negli altri volumi ma con punti di vista diversi e arricchenti, anche grazie a personaggi secondari che conosciamo già e altri di nuovi.
La famiglia ha come sempre parecchio spazio, qui con una punta agrodolce dovuta alla scomparsa prematura della mamma di Remy, ma questo libro è molto dolce, senza drammi e quindi risulta una coccola perfetta in queste fredde sere di dicembre.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Jett is a computer programmer working for his parents’ company who fell in love with Remy at the age of 5 when the latter was kind to him when he was lost. Remy is home in Christmas from New York because his father broke his leg, and Remy has taken six weeks off from his job to care for him. Remy is working in his father’s diner and trying to keep the father off his leg. After meeting again at the tree lighting, Jett starts spending his days working on his laptop at the diner, much to Remy’s initial consternation. While Remy starts to come around when it comes to Jett, everything culminates in a scene at Trivia Night in the local bar. From there, they wend their ways to a happy ending.

The story is not totally without angst. Remy ran to NYC after his mother’s death 5 years ago and is still recovering. Everything in Christmas Falls reminds him of her. As well, Remy is working out his sexuality, given his developing affection for Jett. The latter helps him work through his problems, while endearing himself to Remy. Both MCs are sweet but to an extent troubled by their attraction to the other. Of course, both are attractive. Remy has his hang-up with his mother’s death as well as his resulting detachment from the town that he seldom visits. This subplot is a bit complex but is well handled by the author. The secondary characters are great and contribute to development of the story. And of course, the mystery of the Secret Santa runs through this book, as it does in the others in the series.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jett & Remy
I love jumping into yet another Christmas Falls story! This small town us so much fun it makes me wish I could move there with each new book I read. ❤️

Under the Mistle-Foe is another take on an enemies (but not) to lovers story. I say that because it becomes clear very quickly that both gentlemen had complicated feelings for one another, but it was more of a discovery for Remy than Jett, and it was never really negative. The evolution of their relationship throughout the story was really sweet, because we're given the glimpse of how much they had each changed over the years since they last saw one another. Remy began to see Jett in a completely different light than in high school, and it opened up his mind and heart to accept the attention that Jett was presenting to him. By the end of the book, you wonder (as do the MCs) how they hadn't realized/recognized what they were feeling, and why it took so long for them to get together.

I loved the side characters in this story too. Remy's dad is a complete hoot, and watching the snark he gives his son as well as his best friend is real entertainment. He always left the scene with a smile.

I really loved Under the Mistle-Foe but of course that did not surprise me, because there isn't a Rye Cox book I haven't loved yet. The life and sweetness she brings to her characters always leave you with a pleasant feeling, and the need to know more. I'm looking forward to reading this book again once all the books in the series are released so I can read them back to back. 🥰

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Christmas Falls Season 2 series. Each book is a standalone read but they all have overlapping characters. This is the story of Remy and Jett. After the death of his mother, Remy left town and didn't look back. When news reaches him of his father's accident, Remy comes home to look after his dad. That includes cooking in the family restaurant. While he loves his dad, their relationship is strained. Jett is still living in Christmas Falls. He is beyond excited that Remy is back in town. Jett has been interested in Remy since high school. But in the way of a typical teenage boy, he managed to say or do the wrong thing every time he was around Remy. So Remy grew up thinking that Jett didn't like him. Obviously, that is the farthest thing from the truth. While working at the restaurant, Jett tries very had to get Remy's attention once again. But this time they manage to connect. Remy is willing to become friends. The only problem with that is that Jett wants so much more. And Remy begins to learn that he wants more as well. This is their story. I really enjoyed this book. It is written well and is easy to read. I liked watching how their relationship grew. I especially liked seeing how Remy and his dad manage to reconnect and build a stronger relationship as well. This is a low angst and warm holiday read.

I received a complementary advanced review copy from the author of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The multi-author Christmas Falls series has become synonymous with low-angst, sweet and swoony holiday romance. As advertised, it really is like an MM Hallmark movie series (with steam). In keeping in line with the others of the Christmas Falls series, Under the Mistle-Foe delivered exactly what I was expecting and then some.

Remi and Jett were enemies in high school, with Jett constantly teasing Remi. After losing his mom, being in Christmas Falls is difficult for Remi, so it's a bittersweet homecoming when he returns after many years away to help his father. While he is happy to spend time with his dad and rediscover the town his mom loved, he's less thrilled that Jett makes himself a constant presence in his life since his return.

Jett has harbored a secret crush on Remi for a long time and is struggling to let go of old feelings and move on. While he tries to connect with Remi, he also pursues dates set up by the local matchmaking service. Gradually, a friendship develops between Remi and Jett (mostly because of Jett's persistence) and Remi realizes that he wants more from Jett than just friendship and doesn't like seeing him go on those dates after all.

For being an enemies-to-lovers story, this one is very low angsty. It is sweet with the right amount of steam. Jett and Remi are both a bit bumbling when it comes to love, but they figure it out eventually. I really enjoyed their story and look forward to more from this series and this author. I hope they return for a Christmas Falls season 3!

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNDER THE MISTLE-FOE is the fifth installment in the Christmas Falls Season 2 series. It is a multi-author Christmas themed series. The books can be read in any order without issue.

Remy left town after his mom died which was more of an escape than anything. But he's back to help his dad run the diner after he recently broke his leg. Remy is hesitant to come back with those memories of his mom and not much has changed in town. Remy always considered Jett his bully in high school for all the attention he gave him. Remy notices how much time Jett spends at his dad's diner and for some reason isn't that mad about it. The more time they spend together Remy seems to enjoy the attention Jett is now still showering him with.

Jett has been in love with Remy for as long as he can remember. Jett is excited he is back in town but he always feels so awkward around Remy. All Jett wants is to find his HEA but he just can't seem to find his person. The one he wants doesn't seem to want him back until Remy sees Jett out on a date and when Remy steps in and makes his feelings known to Jett, Jett couldn't be more excited.

Jett knows Remy has never been with a man and takes his time with him. It's very sweet to watch these two find their HEA. Jett is shocked to find out Remy thought he didn't like him and was bullying him. It was all very sweet and I love getting glimpses of other characters in this series.

I was given a free copy of this book to read and review from Neon Rainbow.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

4++ - This is book 5 in the Christmas Falls series and like the other entries, it is sweet and low angst.
Remy, who took off to NYC after the death of his mom 5 years ago, is back in town in order to help with dad with the family diner, since his dad broke his leg. He misses his mom and finds it hard to be where everything reminds him of her, but at the same time, he misses being around his dad. He does not, however, miss being around that Jett who used to tease him all the time when they were in high school. Why is Jett around all the time now? Little does Remy that Jett has been pining for him for nearly 10 years and maybe, now is time for Jett to shoot his shot? Then again, maybe he should just seek out the local matchmaker and get over Remy already? I really enjoyed seeing Jett basically wear Remy down by just being at the diner all the time. It was really good for Remy to see Jett on dates as well - these boys are idiots, but very sweet ones! When - after becoming good friends - Remy finally recognizes his attraction to Jett, it is just wonderful. I love them together in this cute Christmas town. Jett's smiles were endearing. Something about this one just hit so many right notes for me - I really enjoyed it!

I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really Christmassy story

This is full of the spirit and cheer and good will of the season. The other books in the series are too, but not as much as Jett and Remy's romance is.
I loved seeing the diner and the traditions being continued after Remy's mother's death. It was so easy to imagine the steamed up windows and the cold air blasting in every time the door opened, and the arch outside the front door was just a beautiful idea and perfect for a small community to celebrate their year.
Jett was a sweetheart and I loved how sociable he was, friendly with everyone in Christmas Falls. It made his awkward behaviour around Remy more endearing and more meaningful. Remy was more closed off, still not comfortable being in his home town without his mum. He was hiding instead of grieving and I felt so sad for his dad, who missed him so much.
Their romance itself was gentle and angst-free, with Remy discovering much about himself and Jett realising his heart's desire had finally come home and was looking at him with fresh eyes.
I loved Remy's dad, who was such fun, especially when he was verbally jousting with his best friend, Rob. They were hilarious in their grumpiness.
There were cameos from previous books but this does stand alone. A perfect book to get you into the Christmas spirit. And there were cats.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a enemies-to-lovers, bi-awakening Christmas romance. The enemies are more like misunderstood old teenage schoolmates than your normal trope.

Remy comes home to help his dad after an accident and has to reevalute his life choices. It's a fairly cliche story line but hey, it's a Christmas movie in a book so you know what to expect.

Jett had a crush on Remy all through school and there are tons of misunderstandings which need clearing up.

I love how Remy's dad is playing matchmaker, Remy slowly realising what always went wrong with his previous dating life and twist and turns in the best Christmas Falls tradition and you meet several characters from other books with overlapping events and storylines hinted at.

Remy and Jett are cute together, they have chemistry when they finally realise what is going on with each other and how they move forward.

Remy's memories of his mum, the mistletoe arch, is just a sweet tradition and I can really imagine who it worked and how the community participates.

While the story is nothing really new, it's done interesting enough to have a book you want to read curled up with a hot chocolate and you know you will dig it out next year again when it's Christmas time again.

[VersaiVex_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loose enemies to friends to lovers.

With some hidden details you don't get to see until the end of the book... this is a book full of regret, fear, loss, longing and safety.

The enemy aspect begins in high school for Jett & Remy. But we all know perceptions in high school can be angsty and skewed.

This was great demi sexual rep honestly. Remy was unbothered by the fact he didn't feel deep connections with his previous partners and didn't need to have someone with him at all times. But when he realizes he is attracted to Jett... he becomes a smitten kitten.

I love how their friendship develops and how Jett seems to ground Remy throughout the book without having to do much other then stick around.

They talk through the past issues in high school and eventually it comes to light that Jett has an extreme case of pining over Remy for literal years.

This is great book if you want a little more angst in your books but the flow is good and problems are solved pretty easily with communication and understanding.

I love getting to see the Diner's impact on Christmas Falls and the characters that revolve in and around the building and how much of a staple it is for the community. Not to mention the small town gossip lol.