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Smart is Seriously Sexy #3

Psychology With Mr. Mistletoe

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A Lady Chair can focus on running a holiday fundraiser and not a tempting firefighter…right?

Becoming the new chair for the annual Mr. and Ms. Mistletoe Fundraising Event is an honor Morgan McCann embraces. After all, the competition combines Christmas, honoring local firefighters, and raising money for victims of Colorado wildfires, a cause close to her heart. Minutes into the job, however, she discovers a certain firefighter has been nominated…a man with whom she shares a years-long secret and happens to be her best friend’s older brother.

A firefighter at a crossroads can focus on a holiday competition and not its lovely Lady Chair…right?

Returning to his hometown after being gone five years had never been part of Jason Kinsella’s plan. But experiencing personal tragedy while on the job turned his life upside down. As such, competing to become Mr. Mistletoe is not at the top of his holiday to-do list. But can he really say no to the nomination and the Lady Chair who hasn’t been far from his mind the last sixteen years?

Amidst competition hiccups, nosy eyes and ears, and a secret fighting to break free, Morgan and Jason realize there might be more than holiday magic in the air.

Brigid’s Vista is the place to be this season where brains and brawn meet under the mistletoe in Psychology With Mr. Mistletoe, Book Three in the Smart is Seriously Sexy Series.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Christine Miles

17 books61 followers
Christine Miles is a full-time writer living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

An avid reader and writer since elementary school, her passion for literature inspired her to pursue a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She writes YA and Adult Contemporary Romances with sassy, independent heroines and swoony heroes who love them for their strength.

When not writing romances, she loves traveling, binge-watching shows on streaming apps, reading mysteries and thrillers, listening to music, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and dog.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Thais • tata.lifepages •.
632 reviews1,060 followers
November 21, 2024
This is the third instalment of the Smart is Seriously Sexy series, but it can be read as a standalone! A cozy & festive read for the holiday season.

What you can expect:
🎄Best friend’s older brother
🎄Sexy firefighter
🎄Small town vibes
🎄Cozy holiday romance
🎄Second chance romance

Morgan is a high school teacher and now the chair of the Christmas fundraiser, Mr & Mrs mistletoe, in the small town of Brigid Vista. While Jason; a fire fighter and a paramedic local hero, just got back to his hometown and is nominated for the competition 😍 Their friendship got cold after a summer night they shared years ago, they each moved on with their separate lives for over a decade. It was not easy for Morgan to reencounter Jason and still feel that burning attraction.

Coming back home for Jason wasn’t easy, not only is he fighting fire and rescuing people but dealing with loss & trauma. The story is emotional and raw making it relatable & easy to connect to. Their rencounter is filled with fun dialogues, I found myself anxiously shipping these two 😍

Morgan’s character is portrayed as a smart psychologist teacher, with mentions of lots of interesting fundamentals & topics on the field, which I also loved. The series of funny competition tasks; baking, singing and dancing that Jason got himself involved in the fundraising are really hilarious and I had a blast reading about them .

The magic around the Holidays season also creates a special vibe into the story that I could feel it, since Christmas is around the corner now, plus their romance is a swoon worthy must read’
Profile Image for Maria Elena | pagesofmaria.
784 reviews235 followers
December 2, 2024
I have well and truly stepped into my Holiday Romance era early this year. One that has been keeping me company these past days is Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe, where she’s the new chair for the annual Mr. and Ms. Mistletoe Fundraising Event and he is the firefighter nominated for the event. And also her best friend’s brother. And also a man she shares a steamy secret with from years ago.

The premise is one that never fails to get me excited for a book, and indeed I adored this book. It feels more magical than a Hallmark of Netflix holiday romance (which is saying something because I have seen some truly stunning ones recently.) It gave me all of the Christmas magic early and put me in the mood for even more simply thanks to the wonderful banter between Morgan and Jason—a banter that is this good especially because of their shared history. I highly recommend you add this to your holiday TBRs!

Here’s what you can expect:
🏘️ small town
👀 best friend’s brother
🕰️ second chance at love
🎄 holiday competition

Thank you to the author for gifting me an ebook. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for erikoreads.
521 reviews
November 22, 2024
I really wanted to DNF this book.

It looks like a cute Christmas story, and there’s were no CWs. Yes, the blurb talks about a personal tragedy, and the MMC is a firefighter. But the tragedy is everywhere there’s so much grief and trauma processing that I was not ready for, and also descriptions of a death through a forest fire.

I gave feedback via the book tour company that there really should be TWs / CWs, not sure what happened. But I guess this will be the last book I read by this author. Shame, I enjoyed the other books in the series but it’s not worth it.
Profile Image for Mariette De kock.
139 reviews13 followers
January 1, 2025
romcom. This is book 3 in the Smart is Seriously Sexy series and can be read as a complete standalone.

This book has tropes such as best friend's older brother, returning to hometown, slow burn, Firefighter, secretes and small town romance.

The story follows Morgan as she is becoming the new chair for the annual Mr. and Ms. Mistletoe Fundraising Event. She discovers a certain firefighter has been nominated. A man with whom she shares a years-long secret and happens to be her best friend’s older brother. The story also follows Jason as he is returning to his hometown after being gone five years after experiencing a personal tragedy while on the job. As such, competing to become Mr. Mistletoe is not at the top of his holiday to-do list. But can he really say no to the Lady Chair who hasn’t been far from his mind the last sixteen years?

This was such a cute, quick and fun Christmas romance. This book is dual POV and we follow Morgan and Jason. The small town love is one of my favourite tropes. I love how the small town played a part in bring Morgan and Jason together and how they help them work through their grief. Morgan and Jason has a one night history and I enjoyed seeing them fining their way back together again. We get to see both Morgan and Jason work through their own trauma and grow as characters. The chemistry between them is perfect as it builds up through the story. The book was under 200 pages so there wasn't too much depth. I would have loved to see Jason and Morgan discuss the trauma that bonded them together. This made it a bit more light hearted although the book deals with death due to wildfires.

I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1 & 2.

Thank you Sunny Babe PR and Christine Miles for sending me this books in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Londyn Strandquist.
284 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2024
Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe is a great holiday read for anyone who loves cozy, small-town Christmas romances. Set in the charming town of Brigid Vista, the story follows Morgan as she takes charge of the town’s Mr. and Ms. Mistletoe contest. Things get complicated when her best friend’s older brother, Jason, is nominated—and their unresolved romantic past resurfaces during the festive events.

While the romance has plenty of swoony moments, the book also deals with real-life challenges, like Jason’s struggle with PTSD after losing his best friend in a fire. The friendships and realistic dynamics add depth to the story, making it more than just a sweet holiday romance. It had me also feeling so many feelings!

With a charming small-town setting, slow-burn romance, and holiday magic, this is a delightful, easy read for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and contemporary romance.

Read this if you love:
- Best friend’s older brother
- Small-town charm
- Firefighter heroes
- Slow-burn romance
- Holiday cheer

A heartwarming, festive escape that's perfect for the holiday season!
Profile Image for Jessie.
244 reviews12 followers
January 18, 2025
⚠️TW - loss of a best friend, mention of hysterectomy, discussion of grief, ⚠️


🔥Spice Ahead (varying degrees)🔥
Chapter 15



Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe was a festive small town, second chance, best friends brother romance with a slow burn added in for good measure. Our two characters Jason, a swoon worthy firefighter returned to his home town after a tragic event happened and Morgan, a Christmas loving Psychology teacher who is freshly in charge of the Mr. and Ms. Mistletoe fundraiser were lovable.


Some things I didn't love, the writing style, 3rd person POV just isn't my jam. I like to be emerged within the characters minds and it's not possible with 3rd person POV. I didn't love the "ho-ly shit", it was cute the first time like he needed to be dramatic about whatever he saw, but for it to be every time got to be a bit much. And I had a hard time believing a man in his mid-30s thinks and says "a-okay". 3.5/5⭐
Profile Image for Lola Kilgus.
259 reviews27 followers
December 21, 2024
3.5 stars for me! It was a really cute read and thank god for a no third act break up!!
This was a story of a second chance romance, old friends to lovers. Brothers best friend

Jason is back in town after losing his friend in a devastating way and Morgan has taken over a fundraiser for the town and Jason was entered in to compete. They realize they both have feelings for each other when they seeing more of each other again. It’s history from there!
Profile Image for Margaret Weber.
85 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2024
This book started out as a 5 star read for me, but a fireman, a burning house, a small child, and of course, the sexy fireman who experienced a tragic loss, but finds love. True Hallmark movie vibes that make me want to put up my Christmas decorations, put on a Hallmark Christmas movie, and drink hot chocolate.
2 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2024
Set in a small mountain town at Christmas time, this is exactly the type of holiday read I love. To be honest, the storyline is exactly what you would expect of one of these books, but reading Psychology With Mr Mistletoe does give you all the warm and fuzzy holiday feels you are looking for in a holiday read. While this book is part of an ongoing series, I have not read any of the other books in the series (yet), and the book is easily read as a stand-alone novel. A cute and easy Christmas read that I can recommend!
Profile Image for Off Service  Book Recs.
453 reviews27 followers
January 18, 2025
Thank you to Christine Miles and Sunny Babe PR for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this title!

"Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe" is the third installment in the "Smart is Seriously Sexy" series, which celebrates smart and sassy heroines and the swoon-worthy heroes who love them for their strength. Newly-minted chair of the most important firefighter fundraiser of the year AND high school psychology teacher Morgan McCann has her hands and thought full trying to fill the shoes of her predecessor (who is also her stepmom) and keep the contestants of the Christmas-themed competition on track and in the spirit for the sake of the fundraiser. Firefighter Jason Kinsella is back in town to deal with the aftermath of a personal tragedy, and would never agree to a Christmas competition - unless, of course it's at the behest of his little sister's best friend, who also happens to have haunted his dreams after ~that night~ 16 years ago.

I think I entered this book with a few issues that I hope won't affect other lovers of contemporary romance.

The first issue is that I had the expectation of finding a cute Christmas story that took more of a background to a science/STEM romance - which I would argue was not really accomplished here - and I fear that's really affected my enjoyment of what should have probably been a three-star read for me. This is a cute Christmas-themed romance for sure, and if you loved 2024's "How My Neighbor Stole Christmas" by Meghan Quinn, you really need to five this book a try. What it is not, however, is a really STEM-themed romance. There's some brief gloss-overs of psychology for high schoolers in parts of this book and it's mentioned several times "wow smart, very psychology" the FMC is, but in my opinion it was not really the theme of the book, and I wouldn't necessarily say I would recommend this to people with an interest in psychology or reading about psychology from a fiction perspective. I think this more accurately is a contemporary romance with a side of being a high school teacher, and I think that will ring true for the other books in this series based on this hints dropped throughout the story here (this book can be read as a standalone, but I think would be better enjoyed with context from the other two books), which is not a bad thing, just not what I was looking for.

The second issue I had with this book is actually the fault of another book - "How My Neighbor Stole Christmas" by Meghan Quinn, which I read a month ago and did NOT like AT ALL. These books definitely Venn Diagram each other with themes (Christmas competition, second-chance romance, small town, healing from trauma, spice, etc.), and I couldn't help but compare them while I was reading. Again, if you really like this kind of romance (and especially HMNSC), you will probably really enjoy this book, and I am definitely the problem here and fully admit it.

I think I'd be willing to try another book in this series with a different set of expectations since I think the small-town romance angle was done well, and would encourage others to give this series a try if you are a fan of indie contemporary romance with teachers as FMCs!
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,105 reviews22 followers
December 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was expecting a sweet, cozy holiday romance with this book, but this held so much more than that. I got the holiday romance I wanted, but our characters were dealing with real and deep feelings. The emotions were raw and complex, but it made our MMC easy to relate to. Both characters were relatable and I was able to connect to both easily. I loved the story that Christine wrote. Book 3 in an interconnected series, this book can easily be read as a stand alone.

Morgan is a smart, STEM loving, high school teacher. The Christmas fundraiser is coming
up and she is chairing it this year. She is excited, until a blast from the past arrives back in the small town of Brigid Vista. Her best friend’s older brother has come back home and has been nominated for the Mr. and Mrs. Mistletoe competition. Although they have known each other for some time, they are cold towards each other now. Years ago, one night was shared, but that was long ago. She isn’t excited for him to be back, yet she still holds feelings for him.

Jason has returned home, but not easily. His job, although fulfilling, has left him reeling in loss and trauma. It gives him depth, but also closes him off to the people of his hometown. His raw emotion for dealing with his job was something not expected. However, the Mistletoe competition helped bring out a lighter side of Jason. I loved seeing him become more like himself as the competition took place.

As Morgan and Jason deal with past and new feelings, I loved watching them navigate around each other. As Jason opens up about his PTSD and Morgan can help support him, while showing him leaning on others is not a weakness. I loved how Christine balanced the magic and light heartedness of the season with real life emotions that many people deal with all throughout the year. I was happy to see real life mixed in with the holiday season. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was a great story to end my Christmas reading on.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🚒Best Friend’s Brother
🧪Sexy Firefighter MMC
🚒Smart, STEM Loving FMC
🧪Small Town Romance
🚒Cozy Holiday Romance
🧪Second Chance Romance
Profile Image for BlaireReadsTheThings.
550 reviews21 followers
October 6, 2024
🎄📚 Just finished the ARC of "Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe" by @christinemilesauthor, and I'm buzzing with holiday excitement! Thrilled to be part of @christinemilesauthor's ARC team for "Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe"!
🔥❄️ Big thanks to @literaryinspired for this amazing ARC opportunity.
Dive into a world where holiday cheer meets swoon-worthy romance, as our heroine Morgan finds herself caught between professional duty and personal desire. This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of small-town charm, firefighter heroes, and delicious slow burns.

Release is scheduled for 22nd October. Here's what you can look forward to:
👫 Best friend's older brother romance
🏡 Charming small-town setting
🚒 Hot firefighter hero
🎄 Festive holiday magic
🐌 Delicious slow burn
🤐 Intriguing secrets
🧠 Smart, STEM-loving heroine

I have been a big fan of this series since before the first book came out. I acquired a copy of Off the Charts Chemistry through NetGalley and I got an ARC of the second book Passion Under the Microscope as well. I love the way that women are represented in these books. They are portrayed as intelligent, kind, resourceful, trustworthy, and loyal throughout the series. While my favorite of the series is probably Tanith's story (mostly because she's hilarious and Luke is a big cinnamon roll), this was a wonderful and festive addition to the series. I love the second-chance romance angle along with the trauma healing that was a huge part of the book. I am hoping that I won't have to wait too long for Gia's story. She's a wild one! Thank you again to Christine Miles for letting me be a part of your ARC team! Holiday Cheers! FYI this book's release date is my birthday :)

#PsychologyWithMrMistletoe #HolidayRomance #LiteraryInspiredARCs #ContemporaryRomance #SmartIsSeriouslySexy
Profile Image for Rachael Eslao.
148 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2024
𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘳. 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘦 -𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴

ᴼᵛᵉʳᵃˡˡ ᴿᵃᵗⁱⁿᵍ: 5⭐/5

ˢᵖⁱᶜᵉ ᴸᵉᵛᵉˡ: 4🌶 /5

ᵀᴿᴼᴾᴱˢ:
👨‍👧 Best friend’s older brother
🏡 Return to hometown charm
🚒 Hot firefighter hero
🎄 Small town Christmas magic
🔥 Delicious slow burn
🕵️‍♂️ Intriguing secrets

🚨 ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴛʀɪɢɢᴇʀ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢs 🚨

This book is the perfect magical Christmas story that wrapped me in all the feels! 🎄✨ It’s so much more than just holiday magic—it’s a journey of trauma healing in the most beautiful ways, with just the right touch of mystery to keep you hooked.

I found myself crying more than I’d like to admit; it really hit me right in the heart. 😢 Morgan is such a badass—her character is layered with hints of psychology that made her story so powerful. And Jason? He’s an absolute riot! 😂 I loved watching his character grow and evolve throughout the book.

The dual POV added so much depth, letting us see both sides of this friends-to-lovers romance with a twist of sister’s best friend to lover. I’m a sucker for bad boy vibes, and Jason played the role perfectly—especially as a sexy Santa! 🎅🔥

I also loved the unique occupations of the main characters, with one being a teacher and the other a first responder. It brought an extra layer of realism to their story, especially when touching on the theme of first responder trauma. This book has it all—laughter, tears, and a love story that feels like a holiday hug.

‼️ 𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘳. 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘦 -𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 was gift to me!

📚✨ Disclaimer: This is just my opinion based on my personal rating scale. Don’t come at me! 😉



#BookReview #ChristmasRomance #FriendsToLovers #SistersBestFriend #BadBoyVibes #SexySanta #FirstResponderRomance #TraumaHealing #MagicalReads #HolidayBooks #DualPOV #RomanceReads #MysteryInRomance #BookishFeels #TeacherRomance #RomanceBookLover #Bookstagram #EmotionalReads #MustReadRomance
Profile Image for Chiara | wordsbychiara.
697 reviews347 followers
December 9, 2024
If you love a good Christmas Hallmark rom-com, then you're definitely going to love this book!

Here's what you can expect:
🏠 small town magic
✨ best friend's brother
❤️ a second chance at love
🎄 a holiday competition

Psychology With Mr. Mistletoe is the third book in a series of standalones where brains meet romance. I haven't read the previous two books in the series, but the cameos in this one made me curious to read the blurbs of the other books, and sure enough, those follow some of the protagonist's friends! I'm definitely happy to have other cute rom-coms to fall on after reading this one.

The story follows Morgan and Jason. She is the new chair of the town's holiday fundraiser. He is a firefighter who recently moved back to his hometown after the tragic loss of his friend during a fire. He is also her best friend's older brother and they had one single, perfect, passionate night together years before the events of the story. Now, Jason's been elected as one of the three participants of this year's fundraiser competition, which inevitably forces him and Morgan to spend a lot of time together... Can you smell the holiday magic yet?

This book serves all the best a holiday romance has to offer. A cozy, welcoming small town, all the fuzzy romance feels, fun friendships, but also emotional moments that lead to reflections (loss, abuse, mental health being some of them). As a big fan of second chance romance and the best friend's brother trope, I loved Morgan and Jason's backstory, but I especially loved their adorable, swoonworthy chemistry and the hilarious competitions the contestants had to perform.

If you're looking for a cozy book to curl up with as we wait for Santa, this is it!

Thank you to the author for gifting me an e-copy for review. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for emily.
18 reviews
January 20, 2025
So, I know it’s not Christmas but who can resist a holiday read!! I, for one, cannot!!

Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe is a heartwarming Christmas romance filled with beloved tropes like best friend’s older brother, slow burn, firefighter hero, and small-town charm. Morgan is taking on the role of chairperson for her town’s annual Mr. and Ms. Mistletoe Fundraising Event when she discovers that Jason, her best friend’s older brother, has been nominated. The two share a long-buried secret, and Jason’s return to town after five years forces them to confront their past.

Jason, a firefighter, has been away since a personal tragedy left him grappling with grief. Competing for Mr. Mistletoe is the last thing on his mind, but when Morgan asks for his help, he can’t say no. As they spend time together, old feelings resurface, and they find themselves reconnecting in ways neither expected.

Told from both Morgan and Jason’s perspectives, this quick, dual-POV story captures their emotional growth as they work through their trauma and rediscover their chemistry. The small-town setting plays a huge role in their journey, offering a sense of community and healing. While the book touches on heavier themes like loss and the effects of wildfires, the overall tone remains light and uplifting, making it the perfect holiday read.

If you love small-town romances with a dash of holiday magic and a slow-burn love story, Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe is the perfect cozy escape this season.

Thank you to Christine Miles and Sunny Babe PR for giving me the chance to ARC read this!!

Tropes:
- brother's best friend
- uniform romance (firefighter)
- holiday read
- second chance romance
- small town romance

For more bookish content, follow me @readwithsmiles on insta
Profile Image for serysbookspace.
179 reviews13 followers
January 19, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

💋Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe (book 3 in the Smart is Seriously Sexy series!)
🎄by Christine Miles
💋AVAILABLE NOW

I have a bit of a busy uploading schedule with collabs/partnerships this month so I’m just now getting this review up! Hey, it’s still winter though so Christmas reads are valid in my opinion. 😉

💋 When I first started this read, I immediately connected with Christine’s writing. Reading her words felt like a warm hug from a Hallmark movie and I absolutely loved it!

🎄Morgan McCann is the new Lady Chair in charge of the annual Christmas fundraiser event! To make things more interesting, she quickly discovers that a certain firefighter has been nominated (one she knows all too well!)

🎄enter Jason Kinsella, a hunky fireman who is now supposed to compete for the title of Mr. Mistletoe even though he’s not in the brightest of spirits as he’s been dealing with his own personal tragedy.

🎄This quick and steamy Christmas read has everything that makes for a cozy fun romance while also having some emotional aspects tied into it as well.
I loved this read so much and really enjoyed getting to know these characters!

🎄this read has it all from brother’s best friend, small town romance, second chance romance and more! If you like Ali Hazelwood, you will love the STEM elements of this story. 🩷 I will definitely be reading books 1 & 2 in the series!

🎄Thank you so much to Christine Miles and Sunny Babe PR for providing me with this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review! 🫶🏻🩷
47 reviews
October 21, 2024
After experiencing tragedy, Jason makes the decision to go back to his hometown. I thought the book was quite festive. Just reading that gave me the distinct impression that Christmas had arrived.

The fact that Jason and Morgan still harbored feelings for one another was evident. The feelings began to surface again now that he was returned. They did not escape from their passion; instead, they confronted it head-on.

The tasks were a lot of fun. Jason made the challenges incredibly entertaining, and I would gladly pay to see them all. I would love to see him both baking and wearing an apron. Through his misfortune, Jason received a lot of support from his family and the town as a whole. They also have concern for his mental well-being.

Reading about Morgan's best buddies and their friendships delighted me. Numerous friendships, including that between Jason and the Caldwell brothers. I could see they were there for one another no matter what. Additionally, I was able to gain a thorough understanding of the challenges firefighters encounter and witness on the job. What they do is truly admirable. They should all be safe, I hope.

It is my wish that Gia, Bonnie, and Izzy also find happiness. Everything about the book was lovely, including the snow and Christmas decorations, which added to its entertainment value.
Profile Image for Gretchen -  The Cozy Book Gal .
86 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2024
I'm ready to pull out my Christmas decorations and start playing Mariah Carey's "All I Want Is You" after reading this cozy romance!

I started reading this series because I am a Math teacher and the fact that all the female main characters are STEM teachers really intrigued me. I have continued reading it because of the charming town, Brigid Vista, and the realistic relationships. Don't get me wrong, there are swoony moments, but, it is refreshing to read a romance book in which the couple also has to navigate real world problems. In the case of this book, our male main character struggles with some PTSD from losing his best friend in a fire.

If you're a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you will adore Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe. Our FMC, Morgan, has taken over as chair of the town's Mr. and Ms. Mistletoe contest. She has placed a lot of pressure on herself to ensure the event goes off without a hitch, but she is thrown for a loop when her best friend's older brother, Jason, is nominated for the competition. It wouldn't be a big deal if they weren't hiding a secret...they hooked up years ago and haven't spoken about it since. With each event - baking, Christmas karaoke and dancing, their feelings boil closer and closer to the surface...

Read this book if you love:
👫 Best friend's older brother
🏡 Charming small-town
🚒 Hot firefighter hero
🎄 Festive holiday magic
🐌 Delicious slow burn
🧠 Smart, STEM-loving heroine

Thank you to Christine Miles for gifting me the eARC to this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Robyn.
147 reviews14 followers
November 1, 2024
I have loved every single book in the Smart is Seriously Sexy series. Each book is about one of the teachers in this friend group and the men they fall for. They're all interconnected stand-alones, as they're part of the same friend group. And I adore them. This time, we have a psychology teacher and the firefighter working through some stuff that she's known since childhood.

Yes, you've read that right! This is a second chance, childhood friends, smalltown romance! And he's a first responder! *swooooon*

Morgan and Jason are a beautiful couple. He's working through some on the job trauma, and she is fully there with the support he needs, even if he's not quite ready to acknowledge that just yet. There's some steamy, steam, wonderful banter, and if you're already ready for the jingle bell rock, this is set around Christmas! These two might actually be my favourite couple yet. But if my maths are correct, we've got at least one more couple heading our way so they may take the crown!

Again, Psychology with Mr Mistletoe is available now, and it's a fun little Christmas read with some moderately heavy topics, so as always, you come first. Mentions of death occur as do scenes with a house fire.
Profile Image for Breanna | TalkBooksWithBree |.
176 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2025
Thank you, @sunnybabepr and @christinemilesauthor, for this ARC!

“Psychology With Mr. Mistletoe” by Christine Miles is perfect for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance infused with holiday spirit and personal growth. Fans of romantic comedies that feature strong, relatable female protagonists will find Morgan McCann’s journey as she steps into a leadership role in her community really compelling. Anyone who appreciates complex relationships, especially those with a history or lingering tensions, will be drawn to the exciting dynamic between Morgan and Jason Kinsella. This story is filled with themes of resilience, healing from trauma, and the transformative power of community support during challenging times, and the character’s struggles and triumphs are so relatable! This book is engaging and heartwarming for lovers of cozy, festive settings, the anticipation of holiday events, intertwined with humor and emotional depth.

Overall, it’s perfect for readers looking for a story that mixes romance, personal challenges, and the magic of the holiday season.

If you like:
💋 Holiday Romance
💋 Second Chance
💋 Best Friend’s Brother
💋 Slow Burn
💋 Small Town Vibes
💋 Firefighter MMC
💋Psychology Teacher FMC
…Then this is a book for you!!

Profile Image for Laura Black Reads.
641 reviews11 followers
October 17, 2024
Such an easy-going small town Christmas story. Morgan and Jason are both in their late 30s and find themselves together in Brigid's Vista. Jason has been living away and he's back in time to be nominated for the Mr and Ms Mistletoe Christmas fundraiser. This throws him together with Morgan, who is the new fundraising chair.

A big cast of likeable characters keep everything moving along. It's clearly a standalone but all these people belong to this small town and Christine's other books. Morgan and Jason have history - they hooked up years ago and have been avoiding each other ever since. There are various hurdles to them getting together, namely Jason's sister, the competition itself and their busy jobs and lives. Jason has a painful back story around firefighting and losing his best mate a couple of months earlier. It’s all pretty low angst though and I’m not convinced that such an old hook up is significant - especially after 16 years.

Overall this has wonderful festive vibes, a gorgeous couple and all the small town joy. Recommended for an easy Christmas read.

Thank you Christine Miles, and Literary Inspired for the ARC.
Profile Image for Bookish Lady Night.
530 reviews16 followers
December 31, 2024
Book Review: Psychology With Mr. Mistletoe by: Christine Miles

This was such a cute holiday story! With a holiday contest for the local communities firefighters! Mr. And Mrs. Mistletoe!!! Morgan is the FMC in this adorable holiday story! It’s her first time being the Lady Chair for this fundraising event! And Jason is one of the firefighters and the MMC he has a traumatic past where he lost his best friend during a fire they were fighting.

Morgan and Jason have a past that spans years and it appears that neither of them have ever really moved on. This story has so many moments of a reality contest show and it was so perfect played like a movie in my head! When their past comes back and the fire kindles back to life!

I loved watching Jason heal and open up again while being forced to participate in the holiday events. The emotions that come out in this book was so raw, relatable and endearing!

I loved the cute moments with these two and the side characters! Such a great little story! And there are so many swoony moments you’ll be melting!

🎄Best friend’s older brother
🎄Sexy firefighter
🎄Small town vibes
🎄Cozy holiday romance
🎄Second chance romance
Profile Image for Tara Ptack.
52 reviews4 followers
January 6, 2025
Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe is part of an ongoing series, Smart is Seriously Sexy, but can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the 2 previous stories and had no issues jumping right in.

Set in a small town in Colorado at Christmas time, this is the perfect holiday rom com to cozy up to. Morgan, our FMC, becomes the Lady Chair for the towns annual Mr. And Ms. Mistletoe contest, whom also shares some past history with one of the nominees, Jason the MMC. Jason was reluctant to participate in the contest, due to his past trauma, however, he obliged. Old flames start to rekindle during the events of the contest between the two MCs, none of which surprises the entire small town.

I loved watching Jason heal from his trauma and open up. The author puts so much emotion into this book that’s raw and relatable!

This book gave me true Hallmark vibes with a sexy fireman who experienced great loss causing him to return to his hometown, but finds love.

I’m not huge on holiday romance books, but this was a fast paced Christmas read I can recommend and that you’ll want to add to your TBR!

Thank you to Sunny Babe and the author for this ARC book!
Profile Image for Sophie.
71 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2025
(4.5)

I am thrilled to have been chosen to arc read for 'Psychology with Mr Mistletoe' by Christine Miles and wow, was it fantastic! From the moment I started , I couldn't put it down. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I read the entire book, from start to finish, in a total of 3 hours, 11 minutes and 27 seconds (my app timed me - it was truly captivating!).

This story is filled with warmth, charm and just the right amount of holiday magic. The plot was unique (almost like a Hallmark movie) and the character development really stood out, making me care deeply about the protagonists' journey. The pacing was on point and I found myself laughing, tearing up and rooting for the characters all the way through.

The only reason I’m giving this 4.5 stars instead of 5 is that I felt the ending could’ve been fleshed out a bit more - just a small bit of extra depth would’ve made it perfect. But overall, this book was an absolute delight and I’ll definitely be recommending it to anyone looking for a heart-warming and fun read.

A huge thank you to @sunnybabepr @christinemilesauthor for this ARC – I can’t wait to see more from this author in the future!
Profile Image for Ve (ve_xo).
671 reviews112 followers
November 29, 2024
Perfect for fans of holiday romance with a friends-to-lovers twist, Psychology With Mr. Mistletoe delivers a sweet and satisfying story that’s as heartwarming as a cup of cocoa on a snowy day along with some sexy scenes!

Psychology With Mr. Mistletoe is a delightful holiday romance full of charm, humor, and heartfelt moments. Morgan McCann’s dedication to running the annual fundraiser is admirable, but the real challenge comes in the form of Jason Kinsella, her best friend’s older brother and the firefighter she’s secretly loved for years. (Yup😏 it’s the brother’s best friend)

The story balances lighthearted holiday fun with deeper emotional themes, as Jason grapples with personal loss and rediscovering his place in his hometown. Morgan and Jason’s chemistry is undeniable, with their shared history adding depth to their blossoming romance. The small-town setting, combined with the festive mistletoe competition, creates a cozy backdrop for their slow-burn connection.

While some plot points feel predictable, the warmth and sincerity of the characters more than make up for it. Morgan’s passion for the fundraiser and Jason’s reluctant return to the spotlight make their journey both relatable and endearing.

Huge thanks to the author for gifting me an ebook. All opinions are my own.
245 reviews10 followers
December 16, 2024
Summary:
Morgan is stepping up as the chairperson for her small town’s annual Christmas fundraiser—and one of the contestants for Mr and Ms Mistletoe is a blast from her past. Jason, her best friend’s brother and former one night stand, is competing and raising money while fighting some inner demons. Can they keep pretending that night so many years ago never happened? Or will sparks ignite into something more?

Title: Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe
Author: Christine Miles
@christinemilesauthor
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5

Tropes:
Second Chance
Small Town
Best Friend’s Brother
Forbidden Romance




Triggers:
Fighting fires/danger from fire
Trauma from loss in fires (off page)


Whitney’s Thoughts:
This was a very sweet romance with a touch of forbidden romance and forced proximity. The holiday background of this story is fun but can be read any time of year and enjoy a sweet story of people finding each other at the right time! There isn’t a lot of spice but the tension is on point! Thank you Sunny Babe PR for this e-ARC!
Profile Image for Maria Kring.
235 reviews6 followers
December 27, 2024
🎄✨ Book Review: Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe by Christine Miles ✨🎄

A big thank you to SunnyBabePR and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book!

If you're looking for a cozy holiday rom-com with a mix of brains, brawn, and just the right amount of Christmas cheer, this one checks all the boxes. Morgan McCann and Jason Kinsella’s story is a blend of sweet chemistry, long-standing secrets, and festive shenanigans, all set against the backdrop of a holiday fundraiser in charming Brigid’s Vista.

While I adored the Christmas vibes and the heartwarming themes of community and second chances, I did find the plot a bit too convenient at times, and there were a few minor plot holes that left me wanting more depth. The writing style wasn’t entirely my cup of cocoa, but it still delivered an easy, cute, and quick read—perfect for cozying up with during the holiday season!

All in all, Psychology with Mr. Mistletoe is a solid 3.5-star read for me: fun, festive, and full of feel-good moments. If you're a fan of Christmas romance, give this one a try! 🎅🎁💖
Profile Image for Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books.
1,009 reviews50 followers
January 17, 2025
🌶️

This was a cute holiday romance with some unexpected tragic history. I did love how the talk of therapy was done in this book, but I do wish that it didn’t end quite so nicely wrapped up without the MMC investing in therapy for himself. The competition was entertaining, and the slow burn of the romance paid off. Overall a good holiday read.

❤️Tropes❤️
💋 small town romance
💋 firefighter romance
💋 best friend’s older brother
💋 second chance romance
💋 slow burn

Morgan is taking over for her stepmom as Chair of the big fundraising event “Mr. And Mrs. Mistletoe”. And now she needs to convince her best friend’s older brother, back in town after losing in partner in a big wildfire that they were fighting together, to take their small town’s nomination. But he is different. Withdrawn, exhausted, and depressed. Will the competition draw him back to himself? Or maybe the certain Lady Chair that he had an incredible night with so long ago before they both pretended it never happened.

Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Destiny Imperati.
1,040 reviews38 followers
January 17, 2025
ARC Review ✨️

☆Morgan & Jason♡

Morgan is the chairman for the annual Fundraising Event, Mr. And Ms. Mistletoe. Jason is her bestfriends older brother, and they have a history together that no one knows about. Now they're forced to rehash it.

Morgan was great. She was super sweet and very relatable as far as her wanting everything to be perfect for the event. Jason is a firefighter still navigating through his journey of grief. His character sheds a lot of light on the mental health world as far as PTSD goes.

The story came together perfectly, and the dual pov was the best. While reading this, I felt like I was in a Hallmark movie, and I loved that! 🖤🙌 There were so many cute and swoonworthy moments but also moments full of emotions. If you're a fan of Christmas romances, I highly recommend this one!

Tropes:
❄️Dual POV
🖤Best friends, older brother
❄️Firefighter MMC
🖤Holiday romance
❄️Second chance

Thanks so much to the author and Sunnybabe PR for the ARC!
Profile Image for Brittany Forsyth.
16 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2024
A small town holiday romance. This was a great way to start off my holiday reading. I haven’t read the first two books in this series (yet) but that was just fine. It’s my understanding this series can be read together or as a standalone. The author did a great job of filling in the background information and establishing the relationships of the supporting characters so even though I came in on book 3, I didn’t feel lost or like I was missing something. I thought the charters were all fun and entertaining in their own way. Enough so it made me want to go back and read the first two books in the series. There are some elements to the story I was worried might drag on when what I was really interested in was the budding relationship between to two main characters, but they didn’t. The author kept things moving at a pretty good pace. Overall a nice sweet holiday read to get you into spirit of the upcoming season.
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