St. Nick & Me Are Mint to Be

by Tamie Dearen

In the battle of the ex vs. the fake boyfriend, guess who wins? It's not the ex.

My Christmas? It’s a hot mess express. I caught my ex cheating, now he’s here at the airport like he’s still invited to my family holiday. And guess what? He’s telling everyone within shouting distance that I’m lying about having a new boyfriend. Which is true, but still! It’s like that nightmare—the one where you show up at work wearing nothing but your underwear. Kill. Me. Now.

My Christmas? Boring as a fruitcake. Or at least it was until I saw that jerk making a scene at the expense of his girlfriend. I can't just sit back and watch him humiliate her. I have to step in. And it has absolutely nothing to do with how cute she is. Well, maybe a little. But still, she needs a hero, and I volunteer as tribute!

You’ll love this accidental kiss, secret billionaire, fake relationship Christmas romance from USA Today bestselling author Tamie Dearen, complete with laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy kisses, and a family recipe for Chocolate Brownie Mint Bars. (Besides, it's got the best meet-cute ever!)

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, Holiday, Novella, Billionaire Romance, Contemporary, Fake Dating

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Tamie Dearen has published more than twenty books, including The Best Girls Series and the Limitless Clean Billionaire Romance Series. Tamie believes real life is already full of enough heartache, so she gives her book-characters happily-ever-afters, no matter how difficult their paths.

Tamie Dearen lives in Texas with her incredibly romantic husband and two dogs. She hates dusting and exercising and loves anything musical or artistic. When she's not writing books, you might find her playing with her grandkids or drilling on someone's tooth.

Join Tamie Dearen's VIP Newsletter and get a free book as a welcome gift. Copy and paste: http://www.tamiedearen.com/enter-to-win/

Reviews

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ this was good but not great, tried to be cuter than it was!!

I am so far behind in my reviews that I am not going to do a recap… they will likely be fairly short too… just been so strapped for time.

Not sure if you can tell yet but my favourite kinds of RomComs appear to be Fake Dating and Christmas Theme 🤣 OH and it must be clean… closed door thank you!!

This was that… but it just missed the mark a bit and became a little cringe. I didn’t mind it but I thought at one point I would DNF, but I tend to push through and then want to know what happens with the lovers… spoiler (not really) alert … they always get together hahaha.

This was no different but this had a secret billionaire … hmm ok then a little bit too far fetched but I read it anyway… and I didn’t hate it I just do enjoy the ones where the characters are a little more real.

This was fine… but I was glad it was on KU cause I wouldn’t have liked to have had to pay extra for it.

[Keisha | A Book Like You · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was it insta-lovey? Yes. Was it absolutely adorable, though? Also yes. 🤭💕

[Kirsten Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

st. nick and me are mint to be
3.25 ✨

overview: short n sweet!

characters: all cuties (except for the ex)!

romance: I didn’t expect a book this short to have some really sweet romance scenes! And the meet-cute was funny 🤭 I love how Reid was so protective and respectful of Syanne.

✨ insta-like
✨strangers to lovers
✨fake dating

”Listen.” I touch my lips to her forehead, and she blinks up in surprise. “I don’t want to just see what happens, because I’m all in. Do you get it? If we do this, I’m giving it everything I’ve got. I’m giving you everything I’ve got.”

“I’m afraid I’ll…” She swallows hard. “…fall for you.”
Joy floods my veins like an injection of glucose. “I hope you do. And when it happens, I can catch you.” I slide my arms around her back and draw her close, noting how perfectly we fit together. “Because I’ve already fallen.”
“You barely know me.” I hear the doubt in her tone.
“I know enough of you to know I can’t wait to know the rest of you.”

writing: fast paced, easy to read, cute lil quotes.

atmosphere: airport meet-cutes, peppermint kisses, snow angels, and scheming grannies.

season: winter.

———

content: language (n/a). sexual (touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (mentions of off page death of a family).

———

💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3

[RD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darling Christmastime novella! A cozy, quick-read that leaves your heart happy. From the dreamy "to the rescue" opening scene to the many sweet moments between Reid and Syanne, this story is brimming with holiday romance. Sweetest line: "It's as if his kiss is whispering, telling me I'm a treasure." I love the refreshingly open communication, which is more common in novellas (no time for multiple misunderstandings and breakups/makeups). I wholeheartedly recommend this clean, uplifting and entertaining story, which I was lucky to receive an early copy (a positive review was not required).

[Sherri Korn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas story that complements Tammie’s “Underground Granny’s” series. He saves her worst nightmare with her cheating ex boyfriend. She is supposed to be the ex boyfriend to her family Christmas vacation but she caught him cheating. A man at the airport hear her telling phone call telling her sister the whole story about catching her cheating the boyfriend cheating and how she doesn’t want her grannies to find out because they are determined to get her married. I don’t want to spoil the story but needless to say through a series of events she and the man the man at the airport end up bonding with each other and the perfect romance between them develops.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, clean Christmas romance with not too much drama. I liked both of the main characters for the most part, although I had a bit of a hard time sympathizing with Syanne's "no more men" stance after one bad breakup. I enjoyed the innocent Christmas fun the two of them had together and how they both tried to do what was best for the other. And although the kisses got uncomfortably long at times, I appreciated that they weren't overly descriptive. Not a deep story but a sweet one overall.

3.5 stars

Note that there are a few references to Twilight/vampires in the beginning and mention of a cheating boyfriend being caught "in the act" with another woman.

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two are adorable. I love Reid’s Nanna and her reaction to Syanne. While Reid and Syanne definitely had an unconventional start, I’m so glad they instantly clicked like they did. Their story is so sweet especially in the way they try to help each other (Syanne with her bucket list and Reid with making better Christmas Eve memories).
This is a dual pov, clean romance. It is part of a multi author series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

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

Short, sweet and hilarious!

This novella is short and sweet and absolutely hilarious from the first chapter!
Immediately we're invested in this fake relationship and it was amazing!

Loved the swoony Christmas moments!

💋Swoony kisses
⚠️Grief from loss of family members prior to story. Jerk ex boyfriend

[Ang Hoehner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 sooooo cute! Felt like I couldn't give a novella a 5 because I actually want a full length novel on Reid and Syanne! Seriously, great quick story. I am definitely looking into the other novels with these Granny meddling matchmakers!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun sweet Christmas-y romance. This Novella was a quick and easy read and I loved reading about Syanne and Reid's meet cute from the very beginning of the story. It was adorable to see how their story evolved as the days led up to Christmas, all while they recalled Christmas memories and traditions of their past. If you like Hallmark type holiday romance, you'd enjoy this read!

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable and perfectly festive treat of a book! *St. Nick and Me are Mint to Be* is part of the *Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs* series—bite-sized novellas with a delicious recipe included in each one! Though short, this story felt complete and gave me exactly what I wanted. Lately, I’ve been loving books with the cutest meet-cutes, and this one was no exception! Syanne didn’t know Reid before meeting him at the airport, where they ended up seated next to each other. While she was on the phone, her ex suddenly showed up, loudly declaring he was going on the same flight and making a scene about how she didn’t really have a boyfriend. Reid overheard the whole ordeal and, being the charming stranger he is, stepped in as her fake boyfriend. What follows is pure fun with an accidental kiss, a secret billionaire twist, fake dating antics, and even a sweet bucket-list adventure. This novella was such a cozy holiday escape, and I can’t wait to try out the recipe for a yummy treat included at the end!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very much insta love which is not my favorite but it was cute & sweet. Perfect mushy holiday romance. The twilight references were funny!

[mirandas.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

0/5 peps

[Carole Bebout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an arc copy of this book and loved it. Tamie's characters are so relatable and you will fall in love. GeeBee is up to her antics again. You definitely don't want to put it down.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cringe.

[Connie Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

short sappy hallmarky christmas story at St Nicks cabins. he’s a billionaire and defends her while they are waiting for a flight and her ex shows up

[Amanda Benkendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sweet Christmas Novella that is a quick read & has fake dating, this book is for you! Reid & Syanne meet by chance & decide to help each other out by fake dating during family holidays. Reid is so sweet as he comes to Syanne's rescue!

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

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Syanne Macilheron caught her ex-Grant cheating on her with his PA first thing this morning. So, she calls her sister for help to get Gramma and GeeBee to stop and not try and set her up during the holidays, otherwise, she will not get on the plane. She would be fine to tear up the ticket and stay in Houston for Christmas. She won’t get on the plane and stay right where she’s at if her sisters can’t get a guarantee from their two grandmothers.

Meanwhile, Reid Nicholson is sitting in the seat right next to her, overhearing her whole conversation. Why you ask? She is wearing Airpods and can’t determine her voice range with them on. So, several around her are invested at this point. Even Reid thinks this ex is a cade. As the saga continues, she tells her sister, she never wants to date, another entitled rich millionaire CEO.

“Grant barely blinked an eye. The arrogant schmuck just gave me a bored look, and said it didn’t mean anything... Yeah, he used those exact words. He said there was no reason to be upset because it was only physical.” Ughh. The man isn’t merely a jerk. He’s a caveman—the kind of guy who makes all of us look bad. “That’s when I lost my composure.”

Reid was angry on her behalf, him being, the CEO of St. Nick’s, and thought to himself, “Who wouldn’t lose it under those circumstances? I’m fuming, and I don’t even know these people.” The kicker was when Grant showed up thinking he was seriously still going on vacation with Syanne. So when shows up, and starts being overbearing and calling her a liar. When she tells him he’s been uninvited, she has a new boyfriend to take. That’s when Reid jumped in to help her out. Making the people around them even happier.

The airport scene is funny. The rest reads more like a Hallmark movie which is fine, I love those.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
In the battle of the ex vs. the fake boyfriend, guess who wins? It's not the ex.

My Christmas? It’s a hot mess express. I caught my ex cheating, now he’s here at the airport like he’s still invited to my family holiday. And guess what? He’s telling everyone within shouting distance that I’m lying about having a new boyfriend. Which is true, but still! It’s like that nightmare—the one where you show up at work wearing nothing but your underwear. Kill. Me. Now.

My Christmas? Boring as a fruitcake. Or at least it was until I saw that jerk making a scene at the expense of his girlfriend. I can't just sit back and watch him humiliate her. I have to step in. And it has absolutely nothing to do with how cute she is. Well, maybe a little. But still, she needs a hero, and I volunteer as tribute!

MY TAKE
The sweet morsel of a story is set in the Underground Granny Matchmakers and is such a delight! Syanne is a younger sister to Harmony from the first book in the series, and she's heading to a resort for a family Christmas. Her now ex-boyfriend was supposed to come too--until she catches him cheating on her. So now she's sitting at the airport trying to figure out how to explain it to her family (and set her matchmaker grandmother working on a new man for her).

And guess who shows up at the airport like she hadn't literally caught him with his pants down? Seriously unbelievable. And shame on Syanne for not seeing the signs.

But then a handsome stranger steps in, claiming to be her boyfriend.

It's not a long read, so I won't say more, but what follows is a heartwarming and swoony romance that includes a lot of healing for both of them. Loved it!

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of Reid Nicholson coming to the rescue of Syanne MacIlheron when her ex-boyfriend shows up and tries to be too forceful with her after she caught him cheating on her. Reid and Syanne are complete strangers waiting for their flight in the airport when her ex shows up to still go with her on a Christmas getaway with her family. The getaway happens to be at the St. Nick’s Getaway Cabins where Reid is CEO for the multi-billion dollar corporation. After ridding her of the ex, the two decide upon a fake relationship to keep their respective grandmothers off their backs but as we all know those fake relationships never work the way they’re planned, I loved Reid from the beginning and his tragic story brings light to why he buried himself in his work. I thought the way the author has him overhearing Syanne’s phone conversation and his reactions were a perfect way to introduce the couple and bring Reid’s character out. And of course, I had to sympathize with Syanne from the beginning and I knew she was saying a lot that she really wasn’t going to be able to stick to which made me relate to her real well. There were several sweet romantic gestures to love throughout the book even beginning from the very start when Reid stepped up against the ex and the ending was sweet. Maybe we all need an emergency intervention every once in awhile. This is a clean, think Hallmark movie worthy, Christmas romance for all to enjoy. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one thing I love about the Christmas season, it’s the fact that I don’t have to hide my year-round obsession with chocolate and mint combined!  So, I feel like I might have been destined to read this novelette!  This is also my first exposure to Tamie Dearen’s writing!

Let it be said I haven’t had to fly during a holiday, so I can only imagine how the first of this story could have gone down!  Nobody likes a crowded airport and finding an open place to sit is practically impossible even on a good day!  But I think it’s safe to say Syanne lived out probably the biggest nightmare, not only was her conversation overheard but having an irrational man yell at her was NOT on her Christmas list!  Thanks to some heroics by someone who was sitting next to her, the embarrassment subsided, and she gained an ally!

Reid didn’t mean to hear the awkward phone conversation, and he didn’t plan on coming to the random woman’s aid when she was accosted, but somehow, he was exactly where he needed to be.  As fate would have it the pair were headed to the same exact destination and the two forged a secret pact to fake a relationship to spare their grandmothers.  Seeing how she was going to be there a few days before the rest of her family, Reid manages to help her check off some winter wonderland bucket list items! 

 While not everything may not go according to itinerary, perhaps the best plan is to go with the flow!  I loved the instant connection that they forged, while it’s not often written, it’s one of my favorite tropes when done right!  Bravo Tamie!

[Hannah Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎅🏻ARC REVIEW🎄

This is the 3rd book of the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series, and it is my favorite so far! 😍 I loved this little novella so much, I had it finished in less than 30 minutes!

Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
No spice, just sizzling kisses (emergency induced only 😉)

Both swearing off love, Reid Nicholson (aka Edward Cullen), and Syanne Macilheron, are two opposites who weren’t expecting an attraction to spark at the airport. After catching her ex cheating on her, Syanne, has officially sworn off men, especially rich ones! When her ex shows up at the airport, claiming he wants her back, Reid chimes in and saves the day, suprise kissing, and pretending to be Edward Cullen just for her, might just make her fall for the guy she has sworn off. Except she doesn’t exactly know Reid is the one who owns St. Nicks!

Add in the fake dating, and matchmaking grandma’s, and you have the perfect romance story! Will Reid and Syanne forget their reservations on dating, and will the secret Reid’s keeping drive Syanne away?

I highly recommend this story to anyone that enjoys sweet romance, and Christmas of course! This story features all the right details and anticipation that us romance readers crave, even though it is super short! It’s so easy to read, the characters are amazing, as well as the world building! Can’t forget the mint brownies, and the story behind them!
👩🏻‍🍳You’re also getting a FREE recipe at the end of each book!! 📖

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

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Nick & Me Are Mint To Be is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series--- a multi-author series of short and sweet holiday standalones. This one is also connected to the author's Underground Granny Matchmakers series. I had not personally read any books from that series, and found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.

This was such a fun holiday romance! There's something about a MMC sticking up for a FMC when they are still strangers that will absolutely win me over every time... so of course, I loved Reid and Syanne's meet cute, when he overhears a private phone call and then he comes to her rescue when her cheating ex shows up. It was the sweetest thing and really set the tone for the story. They decide to help each other out with a little fake dating to get their grandmothers off their backs... fun, right? Throw in some emergency kisses, lots of Christmas cheer and a good Twilight joke or two and there was so much to love packed into this short and sweet romance (easily read in just a sitting or two). If you love meddling grannies and all the Hallmark vibes, this is certainly one to add to your holiday TBR.

St. Nick & Me Are Mint To Be is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

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

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Tamie Dearen and it won't be the last. I thought this novella was absolutely AMAZING! I didn't want this book to end at all. I was so wrapped up in his story and just wanted to keep going. I fell in love with all of the characters. Reid over hears Syanne at the airport talking to her sister about her jerk of an ex and how she is giving up on men. But she told her ex that was cheating on her that she found someone else. Well her ex shows up to the airport and Reid steps in to save the day as her boyfriend. So they decide to fake date for their families sake this holiday season.

There are some emotional parts in this story that will pull at your heartstrings. I have to say for most of this book you will be smiling like a fool! These characters will suck you in and you won't be able to keep yourself from smiling. If you want a feel good romcom that will get you in the holiday spirit then please grab this book.

I would HIGHLY recommend this novella. This is a quick read so just grab a cozy blanket, coffee or cocoa and sit back and ENJOY!!

Thank you Tamie Dearen for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I know enough of you to know I can’t wait to know the rest of you”

St Nick and Me are Mint to Be by Tamie Dearen is a super cute novella that gives plenty of reasons to laugh and smile during the holiday season! This is MINT to BE (see what I did there?? 😊 ) a fun quick read and it is one that I will be thinking about again and again. Reid and Syanne are a match made in heaven…or by ??? (iykyk)

Things to love:
Fake Dating
Dual POV
The MEET CUTE! Seriously, so good!
“He’s a keeper honey. Way better than the other one”
“I was there to be your Edward Cullen at the airport”
Brownies
Building a snowman
Grand Gesture
Nanna and the grandmas


This book is part of the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series, but can be read as a standalone. Sweet kisses only and a fun recipe included at the end! This author is new to me and I am excited to check out her other books too!


CW: mentions of a boyfriend cheating, mild scene of ex-boyfriend pushing the girlfriend and calling her a “slut”

[Read Letter Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, I'm not always a billionaire romance fan, but I am a fake dating and holiday fan so I gave this one a go. There were just too many gimmes/coincidences for me (even with the 'surprise' ending) and I rather disliked Reid. Usually I don't mind Mr. Billionaire lying about his wealth/identity because he doe it so that the woman will treat him 'normally' and that was one of Reid's reasons, but the other was Syanne straight out told him she wasn't into rich guys, so his concealing his identity felt very self-serving.

It also felt like everything happened too fast, and maybe a two-hour read is tough for more than a meet-cute, so I should have expected such, but I wanted a bit mroe character development.

It was cute, I did like the 'emergency' kisses, that was funny. And the brownie bars sound delicious. I know the series is sold as Hallmark movie types, and maybe on film this story would work when we could see their exchanges and read into them more, but I think trying to keep the word-count low hurt this story a bit.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbooks...

Title: St. Nick and Me are Mint to Be
Author: Tamie Dearen

Ch: 13 plus epilogue

Pg: 80

Series: Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs

Genre: Christian Rom Com

Rating: 4 stars


St. Nick and Me are Mint to Be is a Christmas Novella by Tamie Dearen heavy on the novella as its only 80 pages. 80 pages that I finished on Thanksgiving. What's worse than breaking up with your cheating ex before the holidays? Him showing up for the flight to your family's Christmas. I loved that Reid jumps to Syanne recuse. I enjoyed this Christmas rom com complete meddling grandma's Christmas hi jinx a troublesome ex and an airport meet cute. Can't wait to read more by this author.

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Nick & Me Are Mint to Be is the third book in the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series. It is related to the Underground Granny Matchmakers series by Tamie Dearen.

Reid is all dimples and chivalry but doesn’t have time for a relationship. Syanne is done with men after catching her boyfriend cheating. But sparks fly when they meet at the airport.

I loved this short and sweet story so much that I went out an bought the rest of the Underground Granny Matchmakers series. It has the BEST first kiss ever! Reid and Syanne are meant to be together from the start!

St. Nick & Me Are Mint to Be is a fun fake dating, Christmas story with meddling grandmas, an eavesdropping hero, swoony kisses, heart, and a happily ever after. A sweet treat of a read!

- Sweet Christmas novella
- Secret Identity
- Super cute meet cute
- Fake dating
- Meddling but adorable grannies
- Dual POV
- Christmas magic

Happy reading!

[Tanya Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was just too short. I hope the author makes it into a full length novel because I was fully invested in these two people.
Syanne is confronted by her cheating ex who demands to still attend her family vacation. The guy next to her might just be her ticket to getting out of this mess.
Awesome meet cute.
Reid steps up to be the hero and in the funniest way with a new name and everything. But he has a secret of his own and it’s not that he has never met this girl in his life. Nope, something else. Something Syanne won’t like.
Holiday fun, sweet romance, and a funny fake dating scenario you won’t want to miss.
This book is part of the multi author Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series.
-fake dating
-secret billionaire
-fun meet cute
-sweet holiday romcom
-Christmas cabins
-free recipe
-meddling grannies

[Manda| Little Bitty Delights · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is totally worth the .99 and the hour of pure joy you’ll get from it! It’s like taking that first bite of a warm, gooey brownie—so satisfying! You’re in for a sweet beginning with an adorable meet-cute and a hero who swoops in to save the day, even though the heroine is definitely not a damsel in distress.

Then, get ready for the wonderfully chewy middle filled with all the feels, winter activities that spark some romance, and a delightful ending that leads to a happy ever after. Honestly, I could have devoured even more of Reid and Syanne’s story—just like trying to eat a whole pan of brownies! I wanted more time with Nanna and the quirky underground grannies, and more cozy moments in those snowy mountain cabins. Enjoy the read!

Thank you to the author for the arc copy. All thoughts are my own