A Little Mischief and A Lot of Mistletoe

by Clint Chico

Cassidy Lane and Ashlynn Harris are in love.
They're also in a lot of trouble.
They're in deep with Carter High School's version of the Mafia, and the only way out is to win a bet.
Their challenge? To Improve twelve people's lives before Christmas Eve.
Their plan? Find six potential couples and help them fall in love just in time for the holidays.
Not an easy task, even for two Christmas-obsessed girls like Ash and Cassie.
A challenge like that requires a little mischief.
And a lot of mistletoe.

316 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2024

Reviews

[Cosette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this high school ‘drama’ romance, that has everything you expect from a high school romance story: there’s school, homework and sports taking up time. Parents that butt in and have their own drama. The insecurities of teenage love and friendship. Who’s who and where on the social ladder that's so important during high school. There are ‘enemies’, bullies and unfairness. However it’s all worded and constructed together in a non-annoying way. It doesn’t feel like your typical high school drama and romance story. The story is charming and unique. There’s festive holiday cheer, and there are unique twists and turns in the story. The main characters act with cleverness, in a crafty way and a bit sneaky. The Mafia system in place on Carter High gives a unique way to portray the social status of every student in school. How strong it can be, but also how fast you can lose your status and how unfair that can make you feel.

The book is fast paced. I was hooked on the story from start to finish. The main characters are part of the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community, and are strong and proud. There’s humor, warmth and witty banter in the story. It’s a YA story, however it works for all ages. It’s a fun read for the holidays with all the mischief and mistletoe going around.

[Debby Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited some time for Clint Chico's next release, and it did not disappoint! I love to meet his new characters and get to know them. They are always crafty, clever, and a bit sneaky! No exception in this book. It took me a bit to adjust to the idea of a mafia syndicate in a high school, but what an idea! I'm kind of glad I didn't go to the school! I would never have been a made man! But this book makes it work, even if at times it's a bit uncomfortable. I love the main character, and I love how Clint develops all of his characters to be strong and proud. They are unapologetically part of the LBBTQ+ community, and they all rise up to fight the good fight, especially when it comes to defending those who can't defend themselves. And they have hidden talents, which are usually fun! This story is unique and charming, and keeps you coming back to the very last page. A fun book for readers of all ages!

[Jan farnworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Bit of Mishcief and a Whole Lot of Mistletoe has a warm holiday vibe.
The Christmas setting isn't merely background decoration; it shapes the tone. The combination of wintry magic, the pressure of a deadline (Christmas Eve), and the urgency of the bet keeps the story moving. It feels like a mistletoe-fueled race toward redemption and connection. The mischief elements — scheming, matchmaking efforts, awkward interactions — provide levity. But there are also moments of heartbreak, vulnerability, and risk. That balance helps prevent the narrative from feeling flat or overly saccharine. The “twelve lives / six couples/deadline” framework builds the story's structural tension. Each subplot or matchmaking effort keeps one asking: Will they make it in time? This tension helps sustain momentum. Overall, A Little Mischief and a Lot of Mistletoe is a cozy, earnest YA holiday romance with real stakes, charming characters, and just enough mischief to keep things fun. It may not reach profound depths in every subplot, but its heart is in the right place, and it delivers the feel-good + bittersweet combo many readers look for in a Christmas romance.
If you like YA romance, holiday settings, light suspense, and stories that make you root for love against odds — this book is worth your time. I’d give it 3.5 to 4 stars (out of 5), especially for readers who enjoy mixing romance with a dash of chaos and hope.

[Jasmine Drowne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: A Little Mischief and A Lot of Mistletoe
Author: Clint Chico
Genre: Young Adult (YA) Romantic Comedy
@Elaina Wall
#bookloungereviewteam
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
"A Little Mischief and A Lot of Mistletoe" was a fantastic read! As my first book centered on an established same-sex couple, it absolutely did not disappoint. The story revolves around the ultimate holiday challenge for Cassie Lane and Ashlynn Harper, a deeply devoted couple at Carter High. After running afoul of the school's social "mafia," they're forced to become reluctant matchmakers with a monumental task: successfully pairing twelve classmates into six couples before Christmas Eve. Driven by their witty personalities and Christmas cheer, their hilarious mission uses plenty of "mischief and mistletoe" to ensure everyone gets a holiday happily-ever-after—or else! 10/10, definitely recommend this gem.

[Sweetpea4me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid 4.5 stars! Since half stars aren't an option, I rounded it up to 5. This book is a whole vibe. It's the PERFECT holiday read! There are a lot of fun elements: a little match making, a little high school Mafia, lots of banter, etc. I love the LGBTQ representation and the fact the chapters had titles. (My fav was The Mischief Queen's Gambit.) The events leading up to Cassie and Ash's goal was so heartwarming. I was almost reaching for my Kleenex a couple times. The hijinks and sweet chemistry brought it all together. It could easily be a comfort read. There is a small list of tw, but don't let that take away from this outstanding gem .oh! and it made me look up apoplectic lol One thing is for sure. I will definitely be reading more of Clint Chicos books!

[Merriann Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This holiday high school romance has it all. The drama, the romance, and the whole holiday vibe. It's heartwarming and full of festive cheer with just the right amount of mischief. The story weaves in toxic and emotional abuse, blackmail, bullying and suicidal ideation, all the things that show the dangerous side of the teenage world. I was hooked from the 1st chapter. I was on the edge of my seat as the challenge unfolds wondering if Cass and Ash would win. I liked that the chapters had titles and the delicate way the author wrote about the hard topics of real teenage life. I was impressed at how LGBTQ teenage community was represented with strong and proud characters. All in all, this was a quick, fun and charming holiday read for all ages!

[Katieharris662 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Little Mischief and A Lot of Mistletoe" by Clint Chico is an absolute holiday delight! This charming tale is the perfect blend of heartwarming romance, festive cheer, and just the right amount of mischief. The characters are lovable, and the witty banter will have you smiling from start to finish. The story weaves together humor and warmth, making it an ideal read for anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit. Clint Chico's writing is engaging and full of charm, making this book a must-read for the season!

[Karen Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a little different --a mafia system of sorts in high school , (but not really).. more like a system of favors and checks & balances. The characters, including our heroines Cassidy & Ashlynn each had their own strengths, weaknesses and history which lend to the story. They stand up for each other, even through some uncomfortable situations that a typical LGBTQ teen might face. It was a fun holiday read.
TW: Conversational mentions of toxic & emotionally abusive relationships, blackmail, LGBTQ themes

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ash and Cassie's characters. They are funny and determined to win their challenge by the Carter High-school Mafia.
Now, just because there is a "mafia," that doesn't mean there is a ton of violence. It just means there is a lot of mischief going around, lol. This was a fun read for the holidays.

[Dulce Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gonna lie this was almost a dnf for me but I was determined to finish. So 3 stars, because the ending was cute and I love a good lgbtq representation. But I could do without all the so yeah’s.