Dad Bod Under the Mistletoe

by Coco Elliot

An ex-hockey star’s Christmas wish is for the curvy cutie he once rejected to fall-a-la-la-la for him. ‘Tis the season for second chances, right, Santa?

CASSIE
One time in hockey camp, I offered Mackenzie Tate my heart. Okay, I mean my v-card. And to my eternal embarrassment, he said no. I never thought I’d see him after he retired, much less work with him. Now, I can’t escape his big, burly, barrel-chested body or sinfully suggestive mouth since he pops up all over the office like a sexy elf on all my damn shelves.

When we’re tasked with pulling off a Christmas miracle, I have to set aside my grudge long enough to deck the halls without decking him. But Mackenzie’s different from the boy I remember, and the man swears all he wants for Christmas is me. Clearly, my lady parts miss the must-resist memo because it’s not long before we end up more tangled than tinsel.

Jingling his bells might be the naughtiest thing I’ve done all year, but when the past catches up with us, will this holiday hookup end with another heartbreak?

MACKENZIE
After my career-ending accident, I learned to seize the day and every opportunity. So when I join the Scorpions’ front office, I already know my second career comes with a second chance to woo the One Who Got Away. Too bad the curvy Christmas-obsessed firecracker across the hall is determined to deny my wish for a do-over.

But I know Cassie De La Cruz is more sugar than spice, no matter how much bite she packs into her gingersnaps. And when we join forces for the festive fundraiser, one combustible kiss under the mistletoe leads to a not-so-silent night. We both know making merry is easier than owning our past mistakes, but I’m prepared to prove she can take comfort and joy in my love.

Not just for the holidays, but for forever.
___
If you like your extra fluffy cinnamon roll book boyfriend to fall first and fall hard for a strong, sassy, plus-sized heroine, then you’ll love Dad Bod Under the Mistletoe! This short and sweet holiday romance novella is a light-hearted enemies-to-lovers tale full of feels that can be read in about two hours. Perfect for the busiest, most wonderful time of year!
SERIES BLURB
This November, get your jingle on with Dad Bod Christmas. Join your favorite instalove authors for all the festive feels as these irresistible Dad Bods unwrap their soulmates and find true love under the mistletoe. (Because it ain't the Holidays without the D... Dad Bods, you dirty-minded lot!)

Genres: Second Chance, Romance, Sports, Enemies To Lovers, Sports Romance, Christmas

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author Coco Elliot writes flirty romances starring curvy, diverse heroines and dirty-talking sweethearts who fall fast, hard, and first. She delivers big heart and high heat in every bite-sized story across contemporary and paranormal romance.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

FREE today (July 2, 2025) on Amazon.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Dad Bod Under the Mistletoe" by Coco Elliot, particularly Cassie and Mack’s story. I always appreciate a personal twist that shows characters overcoming hardships and growing from them, and this book delivered on that front. While it wasn’t as steamy as I would have liked, it was still a good read. Not bad overall, and a nice addition to the holiday romance genre.

[Curvy Girls Read Romance]

DNF @ 58%

[Elisa Llewellyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

unapologetic elf

i totally get how she would choose to connect with men. but why would a free spirit care about a v-card?

[Lexi]

This wasn't too bad, but a little flat

[Tracey Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five-Star Holiday Hockey Romance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This entertaining holiday hockey romance completely captivated me from start to finish. Packed with spice, heart, and emotional depth, this second-chance love story delivers everything I love in a festive romance—steam, vulnerability, humor, and a truly satisfying HEA.

Cassie De La Cruz works for the Soltero Beach Scorpions Hockey Club alongside her family and has always been a force to be reckoned with. Labeled “too much” her entire life, she learned to keep her guard up—especially after the one man she trusted shattered her heart. Mackenzie Tate, a retired professional hockey player with a swoon-worthy dad bod and total cinnamon-roll energy, is that man. Years ago, he walked away. Now he’s back—and determined not to lose her again.

What makes this story shine is its emotional authenticity. The characters share a painful past rooted in timing, rejection, and a life-altering accident that changed Mack’s future. I appreciated how the trauma and recovery were handled with care and honesty rather than being glossed over. Both Cassie and Mack have grown, changed, and fought their way forward, making their reunion feel earned and deeply satisfying.

The chemistry between them is steamy, the banter is fun, and the holiday setting adds just the right amount of mistletoe-fueled sizzle. I loved watching Mack work to prove that Cassie is his forever, and watching her slowly learn to trust again was incredibly rewarding. His grand plan to win her heart? Perfection.

Tropes I loved:
🏒 Second chance romance
🎄 Holiday / Christmas vibes
🔥 Enemies to lovers
💪 Curvy heroine
❤️ Cinnamon roll hero
🏒 Professional hockey
✨ Dad bod
🎁 HEA

This is a quick, addictive read filled with heart, humor, perseverance, and passion. If you love holiday romances with depth, strong characters, and undeniable chemistry, this one is a must-read. Never too late for love—and this book proves it beautifully.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie’s world is turned upside down when her teenage crush, Mackenzie Tate, reappears as the Scorpions’ new Director of Player Transitions. Years ago, Mack left Cassie heartbroken, choosing his dreams of making it big in the hockey league over their budding romance. Now, sidelined by an injury that’s ended his career, Mack is back—and determined to win her heart. When a snowstorm threatens the team’s annual fundraiser, Mack and Cassie are forced to work together, creating the perfect opportunity to rekindle old sparks. I absolutely loved how Mack told Cassie exactly what to expect, but she was going to make him earn her forgiveness; she wasn’t about to let him waltz back into her life without a fight. Her spirited “take no bull” attitude and self-respect were such a breath of fresh air. What really stood out to me was Mack’s growth. Despite Cassie’s lingering resentment, it was so satisfying to see her gradually recognize how much he had changed and matured over the years. The author also deserves kudos for not leaning on Mack’s devastating injury as a ploy for sympathy. Instead, his journey showed an inspiring resilience, proving that even life-altering setbacks can’t stop someone from living a full and meaningful life. The festive Christmas setting added just the right amount of sparkle and seasonal cheer. This heartfelt, second-chance romance had me rooting for Cassie and Mack from start to finish!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad Bod Under the Mistletoe is part of the multi-authored Dad Bod Christmas series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her dad bod hunk, second-chance Christmas romance. I LOVE the De La Cruz family and was excited to finally get Cassie's story. Cassie is a sassy, feisty, curvy girl with a love for life and Christmas. She lives by the motto, "Go big or go home." She works in operations for the Soltero Beach Hockey team and played in the past. Mack is a hunky, retired pro-hockey player and her first love from hockey camp 10 years ago. Back then, she wanted him to be her first, but she thought he rejected her and was hurt. Now, he appears as the new Director of Player transition for the same team. He sustained a career ending injury and claims he is there to claim Cassie, the one that got away. He is also of the "go big or go home mindset."" These two had enough chemistry to burn down California. I thought they were perfect together and loved how much Mack was doing everything to show her he loved her exactly as she was. We also got an amazing ending. This was such a great, feel good, Christmas romance. I loved it so much!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suznacky · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

3.75 Stars ⭐

Another sweet, short read in this universe. I really enjoyed Cassie and Mackenzie, although their story did feel a little rushed at times. I think this one could have benefited from being just a bit longer.

Cassie works in operations for the Scorpions Hockey Club and has a bubbly personality while still being a strong, no-nonsense woman. A rejection from Mackenzie when they were younger definitely left its mark, though, and she hasn’t exactly had much luck in the romance department since.

Mackenzie is a former professional hockey player who was forced to retire after a career-ending accident. When he gets the opportunity to work for the Scorpions Hockey Club—and be close to Cassie—he takes it.

They have great chemistry, and despite the short length, their story is believable. There’s hardly any drama, which I always appreciate, and we get appearances from several characters from the previous books. I love those little connections, and this is becoming quite the extensive universe... swoon.

Sweet, easy, low-drama, and another enjoyable addition to the series. Let’s see where the next book takes us!

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Cassie (h), the single wild child of her family, finds herself organizing a Christmas fundraiser for her family’s hockey team, the Soltero Beach Scorpions, she’s more than ready to take on the task. But a blast from her past shows up to turn her world upside down. Mack (H), her teenage crush turned Scorpions' new Director of Player Transitions, is the one man who ever truly got under her skin. Years ago, Mack let her go, but now he’s back, determined to win her over just in time for the holidays. With the team snowed in and the event falling apart, Cassie and Mack have to work together to pull off a Christmas miracle, and somewhere between the rink and the mistletoe, they realize they might just be each other’s perfect match. Hot and steamy hockey, curvy girl, second chance, Christmastime romance, exploring love, second chances, acceptance, taking chances, self-doubts, and belonging.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is over the top, she always has been. With dating this has always been a problem, they want to sleep with her but don't want to stick around because she is "too much". Except to him. To him she is perfect, and the one that got away. He wasn't ready for her all those years ago when they first met, but he has held on to her memory and when he knows it is time to claim his girl, he is all in, go big or go home. He has been through some things, things left him knowing it was time to put his fears aside and live. This is a sweet little story. When he starts pursing her, he lets her know in no uncertain terms that she is everything to him. They have some spice, there is a little hockey, and a sweet happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Dad Bod Christmas - 10 books :
❌1. Dad Bods and Blizzards: A Reverse Harem Romance by Sylvie Haas - 12 November 2024;
❌2. Dad Bod Under the Mistletoe by Coco Elliot - 14 November 2024;
❌3. Dad Bod Secret Santa: A BBW & Mountain Man Christmas Romance by Lana Love - 18 November 2024;
❌4. Dad Bod's Candy Cane by Jessa Joy - 19 November 2024;
❌5. Sugar Dusted Dad Bod by Cassie Mint - 22 November 2024;
❌ 6. Dad Bod's Naughty List : Bodyguard Holiday Romance by Cassi Hart - 25 November 2024;
❌7. Dad Bod's Daring December by Violet Rae - 27 November 2024;
❌8. Dad Bod Snow Job (A Small Town Grumpy Sunshine romance) by Fern Fraser - 28 November 2024;
❌9. Snowed in with the Dad Bod by Annie Charme - 29 November 2024;
❌10. Dad Bod's Curvy Neighbor by Loni Ree - 03 December 2024;

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

hokey romance.
Cassie is a young woman from a family of hokey players, when she was younger she attended the hokey training camps where she met Mackenzie. He had started hanging out together but when things started to get serious he rejected her. So when she sees him again as a co-worker the grudges from the past come back as well as these feelings.
Mackenzie is a hockey player in full glory unfortunately following an accident he can no longer play hockey. His accident put a lot of things back in place, so he decided to win Cassie back.
Will Cassie forgive Mackenzie and will Mackenzie be able to win Cassie back despite the scars from his accident….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad Bod Under the Mistletoe is another remarkable sports romance by Coco Elliott. This author continues to show me what an amazing author they are. I couldn’t set this book down for very long before picking it back up. I absolutely love both Cassie and Mackenzie and I enjoyed reading their story. I thoroughly enjoyed this sports romance book which I thought to be suspenseful and a definite page turner. This author continues to show me what an amazing storyteller and remarkable writer they are. I absolutely would recommend this book for anyone to read. I’m looking forward to reading more fascinating romances from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the series and I loved seeing Mack and Cassie get their second chance at love. She's resentful of him rejecting her, years ago, and his near death accident has taught him to live life to the fullest... He's back and aims to win her heart and treasure her as she should be. Of course, she's feisty and full of attitude so there was definite fun banter to go with the hot chemistry. He was so sweet and caring with her and I loved his determination. Thankfully, love won out and they got their fab HEA. So fun and I can't wait for what's next by this author :D

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A career ending accident that almost takes his life, changes what Mack finds important in life. He manages to work his way into a job with the Scorpions Hockey team with intent of getting the girl rejected years ago.

Cassie is surprised when the man who broke her heart comes to work for the Scorpions, he had to know she was working her. His new office is just right across from hers, looking hot heck. Now she is stuck working with him in order save community event from failure.

Can he convince her to give him a shot?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Too Late for Love . . .

Cassie De La Cruz took a chance back in their early days and offered herself to Mackenzie Tate. When he rejected her, she never forgot the pain and embarrassment, never considering that maybe it was too soon for them to get serious. When his priorities change later in life and he retires from hockey due to an accident, he knows what he wants for himself now and returns to convince the woman he left that he wants her back in his life. Will his plan work out for him this time? Or is she still hurting over losing him and afraid to open her heart to him again, even after that kiss under the mistletoe?

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Dad Bod Under the Mistletoe. Years ago Cassie offered Mack everything and he turned her down. She’s surprised when suddenly he’s working in her office. The accident took away Mack’s hockey career but it made him see the mistake he made letting a Cassie go. His goal is to win back the woman he loves. He has to take a chance and tells Cassie everything. Can Cassie trust what Mack tells her and open her heart? I loved the storyline and the characters. It was a sweet and quick read. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of a multi author series called Dad Bod Christmas series. Mack had a career ending near death accident a few years ago. He decided to live life to the fullest which means to go after the one that got away Cassie. Cassie is resentful of Mack's rejection years ago. Cassie is sassy, feisty, and in your face attitude. I loved her character. Mack was sweet and caring especially with Cassie. Enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soltero Beach Scorpions Hockey Club home office has a new employee. Cassie is stunned to see the man that rejected her years ago at her workplace. Mack has faced many challenges but this is his biggest-to convince the “wild child of the De La Cruz clan” that she is his forever. I enjoyed this second chance story that was filled with vulnerabilities, humor, mistletoe sizzle, perseverance and so much more. Great HEA holiday read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie works for the Scorpions hockey club with the rest of her family.
Mack is a retired professional ice hockey player.
I really enjoyed this book. Quick read, dad bod, second chance, enemies to lovers, sports, professional ice hockey, curvy woman, cinnamon roll, holiday, Christmas, HEA romance.

A huge thank you to Coco Elliot and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 for Dad Bod Christmas series starring Mackenzie Tate and Cassie De La Cruz. This is the perfect cozy romance holiday second chance love story with two characters that are very similar but also opposite in some ways. I have to say all the little snippets back and forth had me laughing. I think these two are my all time favorite characters so far.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie had always been a force to be reckoned with and was judged as being ‘to much’ all her life. The one man she had let her guard down for and regretted it is back in her life and Mack is determined to keep her. Old hurts and fears keep her from believing in him but that doesn’t stop him. Love the grand plan to keep her and treasure her. It’s a perfect HEA for two people who definitely belong together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book 2 in The Multi-Author, Dad Bod Christmas Book Series has a Holiday Romance Story, a well-crafted world, and intriguing characters. These characters have complicated histories, unique personalities and believable interactions. This story has Curvy Woman rejected 10 years ago, an Ex-Professional Hockey Player, a career ending accident, fear, healing, Second Chances, twists, turns, chemistry and Love.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack & Cassie: Part of the Dad Bod Christmas Collection: Enemies to lovers/ second chance/ workplace/ hockey Christmas romance: Sweet & spicy quick read. I enjoyed reading Coco Elliot’s addition to this series. Great characters with an endearing storyline. Beautiful story about finding love and forgiveness this holiday season.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance with the one who got away. Intriguing storyline as these characters have history, but also something tragic has changed one’s direction in life a bit. Liked that this subject was not glossed over, but explained of the traumatic experience and working thru recovery to come out different, but a fighter in all aspects.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining holiday hockey second chance romance book that holds your attention captive from beginning to end. The spicy storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This piece was truly captivating from beginning to end. The imagery and descriptive language were skillfully woven together. It evoked a range of emotions and left a lasting impression. Thank you for sharing such a beautifully written work. I look forward to reading more from you.

[Amy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

.....

I offered him her v-card & he declined!
I hoped I'd never have to see him again but since he's retired he pops all over the office like a sexy elf on the shelf.

Extremely sweet second chance romance that made my teeth hurt with how sweet Cassie & Mack were.
I would have happily read a full length book centred around these two.

[Teabunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It's a warm, heartwarming, and festive hockey romance with just the right amount of spice. The story beautifully explores missed chances, rekindled romance, and Mack's inspiring journey to recover from a life-changing accident. A perfect holiday read!