Mistletoe And Mayhem: A Christmas Novella

by C. Smith

The Meadowside gang are back and we're just in time for Christmas.

One cabin.
Three child free days.
Four couples and a single man.

It all started with a phone call and a wild idea, the next thing you know, you're thrown into a Christmas cabin in the middle of nowhere with eight other adults. Santa is on his way and so is a snow storm, will the children make it there in time?

There's fun, there's festive frolics and there's a whole lot of love. There are also a few surprise visitors which could either make or break this Christmas getaway.

Will the Meadowside gang get their very merry Christmas or will there be a whole lot of mayhem under the mistletoe this year?

Mistletoe And Mayhem is a sweet and spicy Christmas novella, linked to The Finding Forever Series. Best read in order.

The Reading Order So Far ...

Stripped
Lost And Found
Found And Flirty
Mistletoe And Mayhem

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2024

Reviews

[Roz Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very late in reviewing this one as life got in the way a little. However, this was the best way to end my year! This is my 200th book of 2024 and it is up there as one of the highlights. 


This series is just so feel-good, it makes you feel like you are reuniting with loved ones. Each book gives a little bit more depth to the story. This novella was great as we got to see the story unfold from multiple pov which I enjoyed. It is also lovely to see time pass and children appear as relationships mature. Chrissie has created a magical cast of characters.


Christmas is a difficult time for me but this book just brought so much joy. The characters are all so loveable and I love that they all found each other and decided they should be one big family. Chrissie is great at balancing emotion with laughter,  love and of course lots of spice. I cannot recommend this series enough.


For those of us who love Ace... that ending has me needing my next fix! 

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back at Meadowside and Ace has been planning the perfect Christmas for his found family. Needless to say everyone is in board, especially with a few child free days ahead of the busy families. Kids safely tucked away with their grandparents, the gang is on their way to a beautiful cabin in the middle of nowhere. But Ace wouldn't be Ace if he didn't have a lot more surprises in store for his friends and everyone is going to get an amazing, magical Christmas.
Boy, it's good to be back with these characters for a cozy, heartwarming, magical Christmas adventure. All the couples we got to know before and the ones yet to come in the series together in one big cabin. Sparks are flying as the busy couples reconnect with each other and with their friends. This is the perfect read to cozy up under a warm blanket and to say goodbye to this fictional family for the year, knowing they had a happy Christmas and to make you excited for more stories from Meadowside and C. Smith!!

[book_queen_forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I just want to say that I absolutely adore Chrissie! She is by far one of my favourite indie authors 💕🫶🏻

I loved Lost & found when I read it earlier this year, and this series is just perfection! No other words, then AMAZING!! I just love the setting, I love the characters and oh my goodness the depth of emotion that goes into these books are incredible.

And for a short Christmas novella, mistletoe and mayhem didn’t disappoint! It was absolutely beautiful, it had Christmas vibes, it had spice, it had laugher, found family! It was just a perfect read!

Ace is by far my favourite! And I cannot wait for the rest of this series!!! I highly recommend this series because it’s a must read!!

[Jenlovestoread7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this Christmas romance! I was hooked from the first page, it's a great festive read, perfect for this time of year.

Mistletoe and Mayhem has lots of charm and creates a cozy atmosphere for the reader, with very lovable characters and just the right amount of holiday magic, humour, sweet moments and spice.

The story really captured the true spirit of Christmas-family, love, romance. As always @c.smith_books did an amazing job blending romance with the holiday spirit.

This book is a must read for anybody who loves Christmas romances and the found family trope. I read it in one sitting and can't wait to read Ace's story in 2025.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow oh wow
5/5 stars
I truly loved this magical Christmas novella.

I felt like I was on holiday with this amazing group of friends that have so much respect and love for each other. There is no competition between them, just genuine friendship and support. A joy to read.

The Christmas vibes were vibing hard and the spice was spicing. Let’s just say the hot tub has seen some things and my Santa role play daydreams has been fulfilled. So hot.

I read this book in one sitting and I adored it and couldn’t get enough. I need more. The past trauma some of the friends had been through and survived brought tears to my eyes. This book has it all. Friendship, relationships, past trauma, festive moments, holiday vibes and found family. Oh and a tonne of spice that will knock your fluffy socks off.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book.

[Marie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers from me, just an honest opinion.....

This book is AMAZING!! Full of fun, festive spice and the Meadowside shenanigans.

Highly recommended xx

[Just A Girl In Bookworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, C. Smith has the honour of breaking my Christmas book virginity & she has certainly now set a very high standard for any following Christmas books. She has set the tone for future Christmas reads. Because this little read was just perfection. 

I was hooked from the moment Ace called. I just knew it would be good because that man is a pure angel. What he did & created … god it warmed my heart. He really created something so magical, making this book give you all the warm, fuzzy, cosy, holiday magic feels with humour & a little bit of spice thrown in. It really is the perfect festive read. And when you read this book, you will find yourself wanting to be there, because the story really captures the true spirit of Christmas, love, family, friends & romance. It also shows you that you don’t need to be blood to be family.

The way this book is written, you can feel the love the characters have for each other. The depth of emotions C. Smith's books have is incredible.

So, if you’re after a quick, cosy, fluffy, funny, Christmassy read, then this is definitely the book for you. But I do strongly advise you to read the first three books of the series so you can follow each one of the characters throughout this book more easily. But it isn’t necessary. I just advise it.

Spice Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Lillies__Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, we find ourselves returning to the charming community of Meadowside, where Ace has meticulously planned an unforgettable Christmas for his beloved found family. Excitement is in the air, especially with a few rare child-free days on the horizon, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. The kids are happily settled with their grandparents, and the gang is setting off on a scenic journey to a stunning cabin nestled in the serene wilderness, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

But, as we know, Ace wouldn’t be the heart of this group if he didn’t have an array of delightful surprises up his sleeve for his friends. This year, he’s determined to create a truly magical holiday experience, one that will leave everyone in awe and filled with joy.

It’s a joy to be reunited with these beloved characters as they embark on this cozy, heartwarming adventure. Familiar couples from previous stories mingle with new couples ready to add their own spark to the celebration, all gathered together under one roof in this enchanting cabin. The atmosphere is electric with the warmth of rekindled connections and the thrill of shared memories.

Laughter fills the air as they engage in festive activities, from decorating the cabin with twinkling lights to preparing a lavish feast that showcases the best of the holiday season. The fireside crackles with warmth, inviting intimate conversations under the stars. It’s the perfect backdrop for everyone to not only reconnect with each other but also to reflect on what truly matters in their lives—the bonds of friendship and love.

This heartwarming tale is perfect for curling up under a plush blanket, sipping hot cocoa, and immersing oneself in the enchanting world of Meadowside. As the story unfolds, readers can relish in the joyous moments and feel a sense of fulfillment alongside this fictional family. With hearts full and spirits high, it’s a bittersweet farewell as we say goodbye to these characters for the year, cherishing the memories of their happy Christmas and eagerly anticipating more adventures from the ever-expanding universe of Meadowside and the talented C. Smith!

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Emotion:💧💧

Ma’am, another time you’ve had me read one of your books all the way through the night! 😅 they’re so addictive!

Mistletoe & Mayhem follows the Meadowside Gang as they go on a well needed break away from their daily lives to let loose, relax and enjoy the holidays. With steamy moments (the hot tub 🤣), family/found family sweetness overload 🥹, and emotional moments, this is a perfect Novella for the Christmas period ☺️🎄

There’s a quote in Mistletoe & Mayhem that really describes the level of love, detail & passion put into the Authors books and reading them, you’ll know just how true it is:

”No matter how many stories came from my heart, no matter how many happy ever afters I put out into the world, every single one of them holds a little piece of me. When somebody reads my books, they hold a little piece of my heart in their hands”

Thank you C. Smith for having me on your street team and allowing me to advance read Mistletoe and Mayhem ❤️

[Nikita Botting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I could fall anymore in love with Ace but yet again @C.smith you pulled it out of the bag. I absolutely devoured this Novella so quick 😍

I wish you could write faster as I definitely need Ace’s story like NOW 🥵🥰 I cannot wait to finally be in the loop about Lily and find out all the drama that I hope will come with it!

This Christmas novella gives you all the feels and definitely made me 100% more excited for Christmas and made me wish I had a cabin in the forest covered in snow 🙄😂

As always I LOVE the characters and their little mini stories and POV you get and I’m glad this brought them all together in one place and filled me with so much happiness 😍

If you haven’t already read the finding forever series start with Lost and Found, Found and Flirty, Stripped And then Preorder Mistletoe and Mayhem ASAP! Releases November 28th ♥️

[Kaylene Ledger · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Mistletoe and Mayhem is part of the Finding Forever series, which is best when read in order.

Reading this book felt like reading about my best friends! I fell in love with these characters throughout the series and I’m so happy to see what they’re up to since their books. And I love that they’re spending the holidays together 🎄♥️

I adore the cozy, winter vibes with the log cabin, the snow, the fireplace, the hot tub, all of it. As someone who grew up in Canada, but now lives in Australia, I miss the white Christmas and this book to me back to those Christmases growing up in the snow and cold ❄️

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This was the most perfect Christmas novella. I adore every single one of these characters with my whole heart, I think Ace has to be my favourite so I’m so glad we got so much of him in this novella. He truly is a sweetheart and I cannot wait for his book. Chrissie writes this found family so perfectly, they’re sweet and wholesome and they also have a laugh but most of all they always show up for each other, which truly makes this series so special. I devoured this book, especially because the spice (as per usual) is 10/10 and is written perfectly. If you havent already picked up this series, I highly recommend it because it is one of my favourites of all time!

[Victoria S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas novella, following the Meadowside gang. This book has so much all rolled into one, with all the characters we’ve seen so far and the ones we’re yet to read about. This is the 4th book in the series.

I really enjoyed the dynamic of the cabin and how they all fit together, but can be alone. The spice in this book was with almost every character, so almost every chapter there was something frisky going on!

I loved Ace! Again! I literally cannot wait for his story, finally, next year we will get it! I’m also hoping there’s something there for Maverick too, he seems like a character that needs to be unravelled.
Thank you for the opportunity for ARC reading this book. Loved it!

[Natalie’s_world_in_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

C.Smith you never fail to amaze me! Absolutely love this Novella!

Where do I even start!
One cabin.
Three child free days.
Four couples and a single man.


Such a fab festive read, perfect for this time of year! Will get you in the holiday spirit!
This book will give you all the feels! Great banter! Spice 🥵🥵🥵
The characters are perfection! Love them all. Ace has to be my favourite 😍

Quote - Sophie was it for me, my life, my soul … my entire reason for existence.

You’re a fantastic writer! Get writing! I need more! 😂🫣

Go and read finding forever series now!

[Kindle And A Cuppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in our favourite small town of Meadowside? Yes please!

I love, love, love this series so getting this novella to check in on our little town was such a Christmas treat that Chrissie has spoiled us with.
Our beloved Ace, with all his golden retriever energy, has planned a very special retreat in a log cabin with all our favourite couples (new and old) for three child free days to reconnect with his muffin and his found family.
It may be a short read but this little novella is packed with sweet and tender moments, laugh out loud antics and all the Christmas feels as well as some teases of what we have to come in the rest of the series. With chapters from our faves we get some great glimpses at some of our favourite characters.
Mistletoe and Mayhem is a sweet and spicy, cozy, Christmas novella filled with spice and laughter just in time for the holidays. I cannot wait now for the New Year and what Meadowside has in store for us next

[Eliza Rockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Holiday RomCom with So Much Spice!

This novella was so much spicy fun—I cannot recommend it enough! I’ve not yet read all of the books in this series (I have a tendency not to read series in order), but the author does such a good job developing the characters that I was able to still be immersed without feeling lost. I can 100% say I will definitely be finishing Lost & Found and Found & Flirty asap—I have to know the beginning of Mac & Masie/Hugh & Sophie’s love stories! I’m also so excited to read Ace’s story—he is such a lovable goof who so deserves his HEA! As an American I also absolutely adored how deliciously British the book is—it pulls you further into the story and makes the whole Meadowside gang really come to life. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s work!

[Shauna's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so privileged to have received an ARC of Mistletoe and Mayhem. Thankyou!

Another fantastic book in the Finding Forever series!

The vibes of this novella are immaculate! The perfect seasonal read and the spice was SPICING!🔥

I absolutely loved getting snapshots of each character with their own chapters. I desperately wish I was part of this amazing friendship group. I'd like a 1 way ticket to Meadowside, please!

Ace remains a firm favourite of mine, and I can't wait to read his story next!

[Marie Alker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg C Smith has done it once again. I love this series, I love the spice, I adore the characters and I need more.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out now, I NEED to know what went on between Ace and Lily.
This is the best romance series I’ve EVER read.
They’re so quick and easy to read, lots of ups and downs giving you a rollercoaster of emotions, loads of spice and such lovable characters.

[Téa Arney · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There is just something about the characters in the Finding Forever series that just warms my heart. The family that this group of friends has become is one of my favorites.

This Christmas novella is definitely what I needed to get more into the Christmas spirit. I loved getting to see this group together again and this book excites me for what is to come in the series.

Mistletoe and Mayhem was definitely a spicy read but it was also so beautiful. Getting to see a little bit from each person’s POV made it even better. I devoured this book. I absolutely loved it!!

[Lolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book to get me out of my 3 month reading slump as well as getting me in the mood for the Christmas season (even if my Xmas tree has already been up for 2 weeks but that’s not the point!)
I always count down the days/weeks/months until I get to experience the lives of the Meadowside lot and this novella did not disappoint! To get to see all my favourite couples and get to know the rest of the couples all together for a few days in a cabin is something I didn’t ask for but definitely needed.
Tbh anything with Ace in is always needed, he’s by far my favourite character in the entire series and I can’t wait for his book to come out!
I absolutely loved getting to see more of Maverick too, but I’m very jealous of how much Ace saw 👀😂that scene had me crying laughing! Iykyk

[Roberta Kime · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Meadowside with the gang for Christmas! This is a sweet and spicy holiday novella set in a log cabin! All the gang are together along with the kids and grandparents…let the Mayhem begin!

Ace is by far my favourite character and I love the fact that we see more of him in this book! I cannot wait to see how his relationship progresses with Elle. He deserves his happy ending after all he’s been through!

As usual, Hugh and Sophie, and Mack and Maisie get down and dirty with each other making for some delicious spice! We have a few token chapters about Maverick and I’m intrigued to get into his past!

This book will have you laughing, emotional and hot under the collar! What are you waiting for?! Dive into the finding forever series now!

Overall ratings
🌟 5/5
🌶️ 3/5
☠️ 1/5 (TW brief mentions of grief and alcoholism)

[Tashii Sainsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Omg! This novella !

I absolutely loved this novella! Even though it's a short book, it's still packed with emotions and heat! 🥵

I love how the storyline is portrayed and how the characters are linked as always!

Ace is a caring gentleman with a heart of gold, but does his heart become whole for Christmas?

Ace made Christmas and I absolutely love how he pulled it off!

This is a perfect Christmas novella and is a must read!

I would recommend reading Lost and Found, Found and Flirty and Stripped before this as they all interlink.

[Tamiee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much having all the characters back together again. The spice was 🌶🌶🌶🌶. Can't wait for the next 😍

[Camilla Kjellander-Spinardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the loveliest christmassy smutty holiday read ever! I could feel the Christmas spirit through the whole book and it’s a true celebration of Ace, the fun uncle who loves big and does everything for all of his friends.

This shows the trope found family in the truest of ways, one cabin filled with family and friends and kids!

[Annie✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun Christmassy read! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with Christmas themes. So if I read any more this year, it will be hard to beat this one.

This author’s books never disappoint! 🧡

[Spicy_bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s better than meeting all your favourite Meadowside characters again? Oh, in a Christmas setting, where the couples and Ace decide to ditch the kids and spend some time in a cabin.

Oooo this book gave me all the holiday feels. I loved seeing the all the characters again, and it was just super sweet and spicy. I’ve actually not read Stripped (Jax’s story) yet but boy am I loving it up on my list because the man is delicious.

This was another delightful and smexy read and I’m just festively obsessed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Lea Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Chrissie for letting me read this ARC ☺️

This was such a warm, festive read and the spice… 🥵 I loved being back with these characters—absolutely adored it and I can’t wait for more Ace

[Cjlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a perfect novella to get me in the Christmas mood. It was my first Christmas book this year!

I loved how we got to catch up with the couples from the other books in this series. If I had to sum up this book in a sentence it would be Christmas at a cabin in the woods with spice! 🌶️🎄

This has made me so excited for Ace’s book which is next. But also I NEED a book about Mav!

[A Wimbleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh so good to be back in Meadowside for some Christmas fun and lots of frolicking.

This lot always put a smile on my face 🥰

Ace and his puppy dog antics never fail to make me laugh. He has the biggest heart ever and I can't wait to see him get his happy ever after. I do sense a bit of drama on the horizon though.....

I fully enjoyed getting to know a more of the other characters and More of Maverick please!! Big burly older Scottish viking 😍😍

Chrissie knows how to give you that perfect blend of banter, spice and tender moments. The addition of more kids makes my heart melt too! 

Another great addition to the Finding Forever series and it will always hold a piece of my heart ❤️ 

Thank you so much for the ARC 💕