Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute

by Ellie Hall

I’m a ghostbaker—covertly making Christmas cookies for the dough-challenged—and a virtual assistant on the side. When an impossibly attractive guy in flannel kisses me under the mistletoe, sparks fly, then fizzle. He’s my boss.

Maddie
You know the saying, “Things are coming up roses”? More like they’re last year’s wilted and withered poinsettias. To cap off a series of unfortunate events, I accidentally sent my boss another client’s content. He didn't find the first kiss quote social media graphic amusing. Despite never meeting face-to-face, I doubt anything could make the grumbler smile.

However, when I get a cookie baking contract in a charming small town, I can’t help but think this is my big chance to pay off Gran’s medical bills. Then I realize I’m competing with the Stone’s Coal Co., my boss’s business.

Duffy
My mother fancies herself Mrs. Claus. She and her merry band of matchmaking elves are determined to find me “The One.” Home for the holidays, the “Not-The-One” who single-handedly ruined me for romance, is at the company holiday party. Acting rashly, I kiss a cute woman under the mistletoe. When our lips touch, it’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle. But it turns out she’s my virtual assistant.

Instead of stomping on the brakes, we go on a fake dating spree, resulting in entering the Annual Christmas Charity Bake & Bazaar Auction. I tell myself after the oven timer dings, it’ll be over. But I’m tangled in tinsel as secrets and lies pile up.

Even if we leave Santa cookies, I have a feeling if we keep up the charade, we’ll end up with coal in our stockings. But can we somehow make it work and land on the “Good List?”

This is a clean, sweet, closed door, small town, Christmas romantic comedy featuring a grumpy boss, mistaken identity, a fake relationship, a chorkie named Pop Tart, and lots of holiday merriment.

More about the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs Get ready to jingle all the way into the festive season with twelve Christmas novelettes that are like little bites of sweet and swoony delight. These heartwarming and feel-good romances feature second chances, enemies to lovers, fake dating adventures, and more, all wrapped up in the cozy merriment of Christmas. Plus, there’s a cookie recipe in each book!

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Novella, Holiday, Clean Romance, Fake Dating, Contemporary

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

♥

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

♥

Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

♥

The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

♥

Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

♥

Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

♥

Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

♥

The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

♥

The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

♥

Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

♥

On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Madelyn- The Squeaky Clean Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and cute!

This was sweet, cute, and I loved the mistletoe kisses!
I loved the fake dating trope, and all of the cookies! Plus Pop Tart was a fun addition

💋Sweet kisses
⚠️ Grandma with Alzheimer's

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was super fun! Great enemies to more vibes and some you’ve got mail vibes too. I loved the fast pace and the fun Christmas puns!

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute by Ellie Hall (2024)
Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs #4
Future Unnamed Series #0.5 or #1
+77-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-65

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Short Story

Featuring: Note from Author - Easter Eggs, Creative Liberties, Tie-in to Future Series; Grumpy, Ghost Baker, Fake Relationship Trope - North Pole, Alaska; Fictional Small-Town New Hampshire, Concord, Hampshire; Jilted Trope, Dog - Chorkie, Sisters, Text Graphics, Tricenarians, Virtual Assistant, Identity Trope, Close Proximity Trope, CEO, Boston, Massachusetts; Christmas Town, Meddling Matchmaking Mother, Grumps, Fake Dating Trope, Alzheimer's, Festivities, Graphics, Recipe & Bonuses - Madeleine's Cookies Recipe, Christmas in July Bonus Scene, Maddie's Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches Recipe, Covers for 11 of Ellie Hall's Christmas Romances, Part of New Series - Costa Brothers, Author's Links, Link to Newsletter and FREE copy of The Secret Book Boyfriend, Author's Links, Bibliography for Ellie Hall

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee, "Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber, "Deck the Halls" by Megan Nicole

Books and Authors mentioned: A Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, James Bond by Ian Fleming, Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, The Santa Clause by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, Dr. No by Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood, and Berkely Mather [based on] Dr. No by Ian Fleming; Elf by David Berenbaum, How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, The following titles all by Ellie Hall - The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series, Only Christmas with a Billionaire, Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow, An Unconventional Christmas Love Story, Summer with the Carpenter, The True Romance Renovation: Christmas Edition, Kissing the Christmas Cowboy, The Naughty or Nice List, The Christmas Romance Wish, The Kiss Class

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🥠🍪🐩💋🎄

My thoughts: This story was already a 5-star read for me, but that bonus scene may have been better than the whole book. Another author I'm going to be enjoying in 2026. I have to stop myself from adding her catalog to my TBR. I'm just sticking to the Christmas book for now.

Recommend to others: Yes! These just get better and better.

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs
1. Baking Spirits Bright! (2024) Kaci Lane
2. Christmas Tree Connection (2024) Elle Rush
3. Holiday Lights and Cocoa Cookie Nights (2024) Meg Easton
4. Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute (2024) Ellie Hall
5. Molasses and Mr. Christmas (2024) Lindsey Jesionowski
6. Pistachio Craze for the Holidays (2024) Kimberly Krey
7. St. Nick and Me Are Mint to Be (2024) Tamie Dearen
8. Tying the Knot with her Sweet Scrooge (2024) Ginny Sterling
9. 'Tis the Gingerbread Season (2024) Monique Brasher
10. The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas (2024) Danae Little
11. Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush (2024) Jessie Gussman
12. The White Chocolate Christmas Wish (2024) Jess Mastorakos


Memorable Quotes: Joshy Henderson and I met in kindergarten. I always believed he was the one. Having reached thirty, my sisters said to take my shot. Either that or they were tired of me pining. They said to go for it. So I did. I professed my undying love for Joshy. After being swept into us taking things to “The next level” and spending Thanksgiving together, he texted on Black Friday, telling me he wanted to “Drop things down to the previous level.” Ba dun, dun.

The worst part of it is that we haven’t been in touch since the text. I lost my best friend and the guy I thought I loved at the same time.

Don’t get me wrong. I have a pretty great life. But with Anisette, Praline, and Tassie scattered all over the world and Gran three hours away at the Memorial Memory Care Center down in Concord, life in Liberty Lake can get a little lonely.

For a second, I thought she was going to ambush me with a “Meet cute”—what she calls a meet-up with a potential future Mrs. Stone. But with the company party later, her request checks out.

[Krislyn Vergara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeleine (Maddie) is a woman with many talents! She has multiple side gigs to pay the bills including a ghost baker and a virtual assistant. She gets an opportunity to go to North Pole, AK to bake cookies for a company. When she arrives in North Pole, she realizes that it is a small world as her boss from her virtual assistant gig is in the same town. She actually runs into his mother at a grocery store and gets invited to their Christmas party. At the party, with the help of holiday magic aka mistletoe, Duffy's meddling mother, and Maddie's adorable pup Pop Tart, they keep getting caught under the mistletoe. First kissing at the Christmas party to push away Duffy's snobby ex, and other times happy coincidences. When hitting it off, they realize fake dating is the best way to get Duffy's ex off his back for good, but the more times they are under the mistletoe, the more their feelings become real.

This was truly a feel-good holiday romance that I didn't want to end! It felt like the warmth of sipping hot cocoa or being wrapped in a big hug!.

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

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful holiday romance! Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute had me hooked from the start with Maddie’s unique double life—working as a virtual assistant while secretly ghost-baking for the dough-challenged. When her baking gig takes her to North Pole, Alaska, the last thing she expects is to kiss a stranger under the mistletoe… only to discover he’s her grumpy boss, Duffy! From fake dating to holiday shenanigans, this story is packed with humor, charm, and all the festive feels.

I loved the dynamic between Maddie and Duffy—their banter, their sweet moments, and the way their relationship blossomed amidst sledding, baking, and, of course, mistletoe kisses. And can we talk about Pop Tart, the adorable Chorkie? He completely stole the show!

At under 100 pages, this is the perfect bite-sized holiday romance to cozy up with alongside some cocoa and cookies. It’s clean, closed-door, and brimming with holiday cheer. If you’re a fan of sweet Christmas rom-coms, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your festive TBR!

[Jules Inman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Heavy on the Christmas puns but pretty cute.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

[Tricia Anson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute and swoony Christmas novella! A bit of fake dating and secret identity with a grump, cookie baking, a sweet meddling mom, and a cute pup to round things out!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short read kindle unlimited

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super cute story.

I loved the characters in this story. They have chemistry and the story was really fun and quick to read.

[Talia Duffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy af but sometimes you need that

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you a story about Tinsel and her Chorkie called Pop Tart bless her heart. She really is a beautiful soul and with her family she already has it all. But this Christmas they’re all split up ,in different places. She has to work even over Christmas for mister Scrooge himself that won’t leave this elf on the shelf until after New Year. Well she does have a charity gig in her capacity of a ghost baker. Her company is Covert Cookie This is going to make her funds that she can use to help pay off her gran’s medical bills. So she is off to North Pole ,it’s real and fills her with zeal. She even stays in a place called Sleigh Bell Lodge . Her other job as a virtual assistant is causing more dismay because her Scrooge of a client Cavell wants her working Boxing Day! She is 00M on their work texts ,they’ve never met ,as yet. When she’s on,her merry way and meets Mrs Stone at the Kringle’s Christmas Market, she’s invited to their Christmas soirée and she thinks why not. “I was looking for my favorite Pop Tart,” he coos “And my favorite Christmas present.” He whispers, “Please play along.” “You made it.” “Cavell, it’s such a treat to see you,” “Duffy, I see you’ve met Madeleine.” “Madeleine.” “Of course, I know Madeleine.” “You do?” “And Pop Tart.” “We met at the market.”
I add, “And we met about a month ago.” “Right after Thanksgiving,” “It was one of those things.” “When you know, you know.” She beams “Oh, look. You two are under the mistletoe.” And they are hearts aglow. “Can I kiss you?” “What’s going on?” “Can I explain later?” . “Christmas Town?” “Being back in North Pole, I can’t explain it. But I can explain the kiss.” “Is that so? If fireworks were a classic Christmas tradition, they would’ve blown off the roof, which would be a shame because this is a lovely home.” “Madeleine was lovely. I have an idea,” his mom says,”We need to keep Stone’s Coal in the community, so I signed you up for the Annual Christmas Charity Bake & Bazaar Auction” “You what?” “The Stones can do anything they put their mind to. Figure it out.” Well that’s him told , he’s still her child truth be told. Time for come cleans as he asks Maddie a favour “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I was hired to ghost bake for a local business for that very auction. If we’re going to have this conver- sation, I need chocolate. A hot chocolate,” “You’re terrible at selling this. Do you want to be a fake couple or not?” Of a sudden…”Ava- lanche, incoming.” “Look, it’s North Pole’s local love birds.Cavell-poo, I thought what we had was special, long-last- ing, forever” “My sister recently found a cockroach in her shower cap.” “She freaked out but then put on her big girl britches—not literally because she was in the shower. She washed that roach down the drain. Some things in life are like that. You have to say buh-bye.” You have to love this girl ,she’s a breath of fresh air and his ex just got burned so there. Ellie Hall had me in stitches and rooting for them .her awesome quips and expertly dreamt up scenes. The whole thing is amazing and kept me raptured like star gazing.
Everything and anything she puts a pen to. Has your attention held until the last page. Enraptured at every stage. Bravo! Encore . Of course I want more . Always do . It’s a no brainer . That’s why with Ellie Hall books she’s a retainer .

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series but meant to be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Maddie & Duffy’s points of view

– it is mentioned that a character’s relative deals with memory loss

– it is mentioned that a character discovered that their parent had cheated & has another family (past event, discovered within the last year)

Review:

Quick and sweet! I enjoyed getting to know Maddie & Duffy as they connected the dots of how they really know each other. I enjoyed all the mistletoe showing up wherever they went. I loved that Duffy’s mom (and her crew) took to Maddie quickly and welcomed her into the fold. I loved that Maddie’s dog was also welcomed and that Duffy was sweet with the pup as well. I loved that Duffy didn’t stay grumpy too long after getting to know Maddie. And I loved all the sweet wintery & Christmassy activities they enjoyed together!

Summary:

Maddie has multiple jobs so that she can make a living and contribute to the care of her Gran. Her virtual assistant job has a few clients and they are fairly easy going, except for her most regular client who is a bit of a grump and a workaholic. So when her other job as a ghost cookie maker (think like a ghost writer) gets a large order with the request to work on site for the duration of the job, Maddie isn’t about to work for her other boss -the Scrooge- when she’s meant to be ‘off’ anyways. She never expected to run into the man himself while away, nor that he’d need her help in keeping an ex away and his mother at bay…

Duffy is home for the holidays, but they aren’t looking merry and bright. First, his virtual assistant isn’t making a major appointment that could bring his company to the next goal. Then, his mother reactivates her nagging about finding someone to settle down with. And everything almost comes crumbling when his ex who broke his desire for love appears at the company Christmas party. But when Duffy’s eye catches on the one woman who makes him consider more, he finds joy in getting to know her. As his fake girlfriend…

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Traveling for work sounds fun – but going to Alaska and freeze may not be for me!  But that didn’t stop Maddie for putting her other jobs on hold while she takes on her biggest Covert Cookie order to date! 

Maddie is newly minted 30 and is determined to turn her life around after some “fatal mistakes”!  She was hoping for the best friends to more trope to swing in her favor, but sadly that didn’t happen!  While wallowing, an offer comes in to help bake her biggest Covert Cookie request on location and even better, she can bring along her faithful furry companion, Pop Tart!  So off to pack her bags, tell her sisters as well as Gran, and let her other boss know that her VA skills would be away from the office for a while!  Done, done and done… now off to the North Pole!  Upon arrival in the town, that clearly Santa designed himself, she meets and secures an invitation to a Christmas party from a woman, who embodies all things Mrs. Claus!

Duffy, a mid 30 something, has come home for the holidays, but also to make sure things are still going well for his father’s company that he runs remotely with the help of a VA!  His mother is ready with bells on (possibly quite literally) for his arrival!  True to form, she is ready to play matchmaker for her only child and the young lady she just met in the market is perfect!  Oy!  Having the woman his mother invited to their annual Christmas party, not only show up but end up under the mistletoe with was definitely not part of the plan- but plans can change on a dime and this time for all the better!  She kissed back and suddenly his vacation plans are set to revolve around this captivating woman!

This novelette is nothing but pure Christmas magic!  The only downer of this was that it was over too soon!  But it’s the perfect stocking stuffer size Christmas read that will leave your heart happy and have you dreaming of sugar plums or perhaps Madeline’s dancing in your head as you sleep!  Merry Ellie Christmas!

[Kelly | Bookmarks 'n Blankets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adorable, clean, closed-door romcom short story is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Set in the charming town of North Pole, Alaska, it’s brimming with wintery vibes, holiday cheer, and festive descriptions that beautifully capture the magic of the season.

With grumpy/sunshine and fake dating—two of my favorite romance tropes—this story delivered plenty of fun. Maddie and Duffy’s banter was sharp and playful, their tender moments tugged at my heartstrings, and the chemistry between them sizzled without venturing into graphic territory, which I appreciated. Plus, Maddie’s Chorkie, Pop Tart, was the sweetest little companion.

If you’re a fan of holiday puns, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, and fast-paced stories, this quick read will be right up your alley. While it felt a bit too condensed at times, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it—the engaging plot, cozy setting, lovable characters, heartwarming romance, and festive charm. I only wish it had been a full-length novel!

This story is part of the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series, a collection of 12 sweet, closed-door romance novellas, each featuring its own cookie recipe. Best of all, they’re all available on Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful holiday read! *Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute* had me hooked from the start with Maddie’s charming double life—she’s a virtual assistant by day and a secret ghost-baker for the baking-impaired by night. When a baking job takes her to North Pole, Alaska, she never expects to kiss a stranger under the mistletoe... only to find out he’s her grumpy boss, Duffy! From fake dating to holiday shenanigans, this story is packed with humor, heart, and all the festive magic you could ask for.

Maddie and Duffy’s chemistry is spot on—witty banter, sweet moments, and a relationship that blossoms in the midst of sledding, baking, and mistletoe kisses. And let’s not forget Pop Tart, Maddie’s adorable Chorkie, who absolutely steals the show!

At under 100 pages, this clean, closed-door rom-com is the perfect cozy escape for the holidays. It’s full of wintery charm, holiday cheer, and all the feel-good vibes. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic and fake dating trope deliver plenty of fun, and while the story felt a bit rushed at times, I still loved every page. If you’re a fan of sweet, fast-paced Christmas rom-coms, this is a must-read!

This novella is part of the *Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs* series, a collection of 12 sweet, closed-door romance novellas, each featuring its own cookie recipe. If you're looking for a short, festive read, this one is perfect for your holiday TBR!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Hall has wrote another wonderful holiday book. This is a sweet short holiday story that will have you smiling. I had so much fun reading this book. Maddie is going through some unfortunate events and is hoping to find a light at the end of the tunnel. Maddie is a baker and ends up getting a baking contract in a small town. She think she will finally get a chance to payoff her Gran's medical bills. But when she gets to the small town she finds out the company she works for as a virtual assistant is the competing company so she will be going up against her boss. Duffy is her boss and things start getting a little interesting. They decided to fake date and well things start falling into place once they land under more mistletoe! I always love that Ellie puts dogs in her books and I fell in love with the Chorkie in this book named Pop Tart! I mean how can you not love a dog named Pop Tart?! This was a quick read but it will have you enjoying every second your reading it. You will swoon, laugh, smile and left in the holiday spirit. I would definitely recommend this book! This is a multi author series and I have enjoyed the other books I have read from them as well. Grab a blanket and some Cocoa and ENJOY!!

Thanks Ellie Hall for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Hannah Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄ARC REVIEW🍪

This was such a fun little treat! The characters were great, especially Madeleine’s dog, Pop Tart, and Duffy’s Mom, who just may have something to do with the reoccurring mistletoe!♥️ The plot and storytelling was done so well, especially for being a novelette under 100 pages! 😍

Madeleine also known as Maddie, is a woman with many jobs so she can help with her grandmothers medical bills. When she isn’t being Duffy/Cavill’s (a coal company owner in North Pole, Alaska) virtual assistant, she is a ghost baker (which means she bakes for people who are challenged in the kitchen, without getting credit).
Maddie gets the opportunity to go to North Pole, Alaska and bake for a fundraiser. She had no idea she would end up kissing a stranger under the mistletoe, or for that “stranger” to be her boss! After the kiss, they end up on a fake dating extravaganza, but is it really fake?
What happens when the holidays are over, and it’s time to get back to normal life?

Maddie and Cavill’s journey is such a fun one! ♥️
I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a quick, hallmark like, romance that feels like a cup of hot cocoa after a day out in the cold! 🥰

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read a copy in advance and share my opinions!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet surprise meeting
Madeline has two jobs. The first is a virtual online assistant working for people she hasn’t met. She works well with her clients but one, Cavell, is a demanding grump. The second job is the Covert Cookie, a place you can order homemade cookies for the baking challenged to present as their own. When she is contacted about a large job to be baked in North Pole, Alaska, she quickly agrees. Arriving in North Pole with her puppy Pop Tart, she stops at a market to pick up supplies for her and her dog. While there she meets Carol and gets invited to a party at Carol’s home. When she arrives at the party, she is drawn to an unknown man. When she hears him being referred to as Cavell and then he rapidly approaches her only to warmly welcome her including a kiss, things start to get interesting. Mix that surprising introduction with an aggressive ex-girlfriend, cookies that resemble coal more than edibles, and mistletoe that is always appearing and you have a wonderfully sweet, short read for a busy holiday season. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series- a multiauthor series of short and sweet standalone Christmas romances.

What a cute holiday romance this was! Right away I was drawn into the story with Maddie's multiple jobs--- working as a VA for a few clients and- more interestingly- ghost baking (like ghostwriting, but with baked goods). When the latter takes her to North Pole, Alaska, the last thing she expects is to find herself under the mistletoe sharing a kiss and agreeing to fake date a stranger--- who just so happens to be her grumpy boss! For such a short story, there sure is a whole lot going on, right!? Yet, it all came together in a super fun and festive story that I couldn't help but enjoy! At under 100 pages, it's definitely a quick read, easily read in just one sitting making it the perfect bite sized romance for the busy holiday season (and one you'll definitely want to have a sweet treat ready for!)

Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[R.S.05 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in the Christmas spirit now that December is here, and this book was right up my alley!

Such a fun and cozy short read, featuring a bunch of wonderful characters and great tropes!

This book had everything from grumpy x sunshine, mistaken identity, “enemies” to lovers, and fake dating!

I am now in desperate need to go visit the charming small town North Pole😩

Duffy and Maddie were so right for each other, and I was happy they both figured that out!

I was giggling and screaming, kicking my feet (I do not giggle nor do I kick my feet), but this book had something in it that had me fangirling so hard.

The writing style wasn’t the best I’ve stumbled upon, and a few times I was a bit confused as to where the author was going, but still, for me this was something I could look away from because I was swooooning at the way the story was portrayed.

This was my first book from Ellie Hall, and let me tell you, I was a big fan! I can’t wait to read more of her work!

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great festive read this is, perfect to curl up in a comfy chair and hot chocolatein an afternoon. Maddie has given up on finding the one. Falling for her best friend and finding out he only used her to get over his ex. Yeah not good now he's not even a friend. Throwing herself into her work, she bakes for others and is a virtual assistant for three businesses. Although working for Grumpy Cavill for Stone's Coal Company isn't perfect due to his grumpiness. But its a job. Cavill hated going back to his hometown for the holidays but loves his mom and his main business is there. Having ended his previous relationship due to her cheating he knows his mom will be playing matchmaker. When Maddie meets Duffy and pretends to be his girlfriend she doesn't know his first name is Cavill. Let the fun begin. Between matchmaking mom, a fiesty dog called pop tart and an ex resurfacing. This is a hilarious sweet closed door read that would even get Scrooge feeling festive

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute is the fourth book in the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series. This one ended too quickly, and I wanted so much more!

Maddie is a fun, talented virtual assistant plus a ghost cookie baker. Loved her virtual assistant name of 00M and the meaning behind it. Duffy is the grumpy boss she’s never met in person and has been scorned by love in the past.

Maddie and Duffy’s chemistry is perfect – there is wit, sweet moments, some sass, lots of fun, comradery, and mistletoe kisses. The side characters are also delightful – cue in Duffy’s mom and Maddie’s Chorkie, Pop Tart.

Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute is a fun fake dating, Christmas story that is heartwarming and full of holiday happiness!

- Sweet Christmas novella
- Hidden Identity
- Super cute meet cute
- Mistletoe, of course!
- Fake dating
- Coworkers
- Grumpy MMC
- Christmas sunshine FMC
- Lots of cookies
- Christmas magic

Happy reading!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I had fallen into a Christmas edition of Candyland. North Pole, Alaska made the little girl inside of me giddy with excitement.

Maddie is a covert baker (you will understand more when you read the book), virtual assistant, website designer and basically a jack of all trades and master of many. What she doesn't count on when she arrives in North Pole for her baking gig is an unexpected kiss under the mistletoe with a man that she soon realizes is her mysterious boss. A boss that she has never met, so he does not know who she is at this point.

Everything about this book was a delight, including a dog named Pop Tart, who is a Chorkie, a dreamy location and characters you will fall in love with. This festive little nugget will enhance your holiday spirit and steal your heart.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeleine's Mistletoe Meets Cute~Kisses & Cookie Crumbs Series by Ellie Hall.
Publisher Description
I’m a ghostbaker—covertly making Christmas cookies for the dough-challenged—and a virtual assistant on the side. When an impossibly attractive guy in flannel kisses me under the mistletoe, sparks fly, then fizzle. He’s my boss.

This is a delightful short story from Ellie. Though it is part of a series, it is also the start of a new one.
This book has been written well, the storyline just draws you in, and it is also believable. The way Ellie writes brings the characters to life and you feel that you know them.
This is Maddie and Duffy's story they've met before but cannot remember,
he's the opposite of her. fake relationship, boss and worker, Christmas romance and a Chorkie (Yorkshire terrier x Chihuahua) named Pop Tart.
I highly recommend this to all, and it's a great start to a new series that will follow.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, and Wonderful characters

[Meg (thyme.for.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maddie isn’t working as a virtual assistant she’s a baker-for-hire, making cookies for those challenged in the baking department. She’s excited to receive an offer to ghostbake for an event only to find that she’ll be competing against her other boss.

Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute is the fourth book in the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series. Each book in this sweet collaborative series can be read as a stand-alone.

What a cute little holiday romance! At just about 80 pages this novella is perfect for a one sitting read. The small town meddlers are always my favorite characters and Duffy’s mother is a delight. She’s such a good matchmaker the match made itself. I love that there is a cookie recipe in the back of the book. I may need to find my own ghostbaker to make me a batch.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The virtual world spills into real life

In our increasingly virtual world, Maddie is making the most of her talents. She is a virtual assistant for an author, a pet accessory e-store, and a novelty coal company. Plus she has a side gig as TheCovertCookie, a ghost-baker, doing the work and allowing the client to take all the credit.
I loved the quirky nature of Maddie's jobs, and the fact that her VA clients might not recognize her on site. Duffy certainly didn't. It was so fun to watch Duffy & Maddie navigate getting to know someone IRL that they have been working with for a period of time. The mix of newness and underlying familiarity was an absolute treat. Plus, I got a new recipe to make in the new year.

I bought a copy of this story on Amazon and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's another cute snack sized Christmas story. This one is by Ellie Hall. And it made me smile the whole time I read it. Which, unfortunately, wasn't very long.

I loved Madeleine. Among other things, she works as a PA for Cavell Stone, and he is a grump. Madeleine, on the other hand, is complete sunshine. I loved her and her little dog Pop Tart.

It made me laugh so hard that she ends up accidentally meeting Cavell Stone, aka Duffy, in North Pole, Alaska.

Duffy is not as big of a grump as he likes to make himself seem. I loved the way he opens up and changes as he goes through his fake relationship with Madeleine.

This is such a cute, short read. I didn't want to put it down!

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was darling and funny!Maddie had a quick wit that kept me laughing. Duffy was a solid character and I loved seeing his grumpy side and also his sweet and fun side.

Favorite Quotes:
Not wanting to give my mother an opportunity to introduce me to the potential future “Mrs. Stone,” I move us away from the meat section—not to be confused with the meet section, which is the rest of the store if you’re my mother.

“You probably dodged a snowball with that one.”

“What if I don’t want to? You’re not the boss of me.”

When I open the door, the scent of dough and cheese fills the house. When we dig in, Maddie says, “That settles it, you do know your way to a woman’s heart.” Maddie’s heart? I sure hope so.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with Maddie and Duffy while reading their heartwarming meet cute and HEA. When they both find themselves in Tinsel, Alaska for the holidays, these two very different people bond over Maddie’s adorable dog, among other things.

Maddie is there as a ghost baker for a local bakery and Duffy has gone home to spend Christmas with his mother. They pretend to be dating to get Duffy’s ex off his back, and become even closer after Maddie admits to Duffy that she is actually his virtual assistant. Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute is another sweet and romantic story by Ellie Hall and I’m excited for the upcoming stories about her sisters.