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Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe
Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but I guess you could say this December is not exactly going the way I hoped.
After divorcing my cheating ex-husband, I’m determined to get out of the city and find a fresh start. Unfortunately, fate has other plans, and I find myself caught in a bizarre snowstorm and wind up totaling my vehicle, which means I’m stranded in the small town of Springside, Alabama, for the holidays.
Thankfully, one of the local townspeople comes to my rescue and calls in a favor with the mayor. When Mayor Brian Jones offers me a job planning the annual Christmas events at Deer Valley Inn, I don’t really see any reason to say no.
Between organizing the Midnight Mistletoe Maze to coordinating the annual Gingerbread Gala, I have my hands full with all the holiday cheer. Despite the fact that I’m definitely not looking for a relationship, I can’t seem to stop thinking about my hot new boss, especially when random accidents keep forcing us to spend more time together.
Ending up in Springside wasn’t at the top of my Christmas list, but the more time I spend with Brian I can’t help but wonder if a happily ever after might be in my future after all.
After divorcing my cheating ex-husband, I’m determined to get out of the city and find a fresh start. Unfortunately, fate has other plans, and I find myself caught in a bizarre snowstorm and wind up totaling my vehicle, which means I’m stranded in the small town of Springside, Alabama, for the holidays.
Thankfully, one of the local townspeople comes to my rescue and calls in a favor with the mayor. When Mayor Brian Jones offers me a job planning the annual Christmas events at Deer Valley Inn, I don’t really see any reason to say no.
Between organizing the Midnight Mistletoe Maze to coordinating the annual Gingerbread Gala, I have my hands full with all the holiday cheer. Despite the fact that I’m definitely not looking for a relationship, I can’t seem to stop thinking about my hot new boss, especially when random accidents keep forcing us to spend more time together.
Ending up in Springside wasn’t at the top of my Christmas list, but the more time I spend with Brian I can’t help but wonder if a happily ever after might be in my future after all.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2024
35 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
December 24, 2024
Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe was so cute! It has all the small-town Christmas vibes that I love from books like these and the CUTEST romance between an out of towner who’s stranded and the towns mayor. This book is festive, fun, has a decent amount of spice towards the end, and an excellent number of townies who I’d love to see books for. All around, just a sweet little read and it felt like a warm hug. Now, my only complaint was that Millie (who is from the DC area) was written in a way that SHE had a southern twang and none of the people from this small Alabama town did. It should have been the opposite and unfortunately it bugged me throughout the novel. However, that is my only complaint!
Read this if you want a quick and festive holiday romance!
Read this if you want a quick and festive holiday romance!
November 23, 2024
Oh my gosh this was such a cute & fun holiday romance & I loved that it’s set in Alabama too! Millie & Brian were adorable!
December 11, 2025
⭐ 3.75 Stars
If you love a good Hallmark-style romance with a little extra spice, this one is right up your alley.
You’ve got:
• A girl who gets stranded
• A hot single mayor
• Nosy townsfolk who fully take matters into their own matchmaking hands
I really enjoyed this story, especially watching the FMC slowly come back to herself after her divorce. Seeing her regain her confidence and find joy again was honestly the best part. It’s cozy, festive, and just the right amount of small-town meddling to make you smile.
If you love a good Hallmark-style romance with a little extra spice, this one is right up your alley.
You’ve got:
• A girl who gets stranded
• A hot single mayor
• Nosy townsfolk who fully take matters into their own matchmaking hands
I really enjoyed this story, especially watching the FMC slowly come back to herself after her divorce. Seeing her regain her confidence and find joy again was honestly the best part. It’s cozy, festive, and just the right amount of small-town meddling to make you smile.
December 5, 2024
#Review: *Matchmaking under the mistletoe* - Hollie Luckie - ARC [18+]
4.2/5✨
3/5🌶️
Still in my Christmassy era, so I got the chance to read this book as an advanced copy😊. Thank you Hollie for this opportunity🤗.
Millie has just divorced from her husband, which had been cheating on her with multiple women. That was a big hit for Millie and made her take a drastic decision: to leave everything behind and start over in a new place. The problem was she didn't have any idea were to go and settle in.
A weird storm came into Millie's path, with strong snow, for which she definitely wasn't prepared. One thing over another, a lost deer made her crush her car into a tree. But she was lucky enough to be found and be taken to a place where she will feel more like home than she ever felt before.
Millie was even luckier when she meets the town's mayor, named Brian. A pretty young man for this high position, but a very competent one. And absolutely attractive! Even from their first meeting they both felt those sparks between them, which will be transformed in something else pretty fast.
Being in close proximity, after Millie was hired by Brian, they started acting towards what they were feeling, which led to many sweet scenes and other funny, but some were full of fire too. Now, the question was: will Millie stay in this little town or it was only a fun time for her and she will move pass this little love story?
I kind of like these Christmassy books more if they are shorter and this one was just what it should be. Directly on point, with very lovable characters, a nice plot, funny scenes and lots of good vibes. The perfect book for holidays and relaxing times.
✨Tropes
#SmallTown
#WorkplaceRomance
#HolidayRomance
#CityGirlSmallTownBoy
#FoundFamily
4.2/5✨
3/5🌶️
Still in my Christmassy era, so I got the chance to read this book as an advanced copy😊. Thank you Hollie for this opportunity🤗.
Millie has just divorced from her husband, which had been cheating on her with multiple women. That was a big hit for Millie and made her take a drastic decision: to leave everything behind and start over in a new place. The problem was she didn't have any idea were to go and settle in.
A weird storm came into Millie's path, with strong snow, for which she definitely wasn't prepared. One thing over another, a lost deer made her crush her car into a tree. But she was lucky enough to be found and be taken to a place where she will feel more like home than she ever felt before.
Millie was even luckier when she meets the town's mayor, named Brian. A pretty young man for this high position, but a very competent one. And absolutely attractive! Even from their first meeting they both felt those sparks between them, which will be transformed in something else pretty fast.
Being in close proximity, after Millie was hired by Brian, they started acting towards what they were feeling, which led to many sweet scenes and other funny, but some were full of fire too. Now, the question was: will Millie stay in this little town or it was only a fun time for her and she will move pass this little love story?
I kind of like these Christmassy books more if they are shorter and this one was just what it should be. Directly on point, with very lovable characters, a nice plot, funny scenes and lots of good vibes. The perfect book for holidays and relaxing times.
✨Tropes
#SmallTown
#WorkplaceRomance
#HolidayRomance
#CityGirlSmallTownBoy
#FoundFamily
November 29, 2024
3.5
This was a fun little time if you want a quick Christmas read. For being under 200 pages, it gets everything you need plus some into and feels like a full length novel... without the length. I liked the characters, the town and the Christmas feels.
This was a fun little time if you want a quick Christmas read. For being under 200 pages, it gets everything you need plus some into and feels like a full length novel... without the length. I liked the characters, the town and the Christmas feels.
December 4, 2024
I was so excited to head back to Springside, Alabama again!
Millie and Brian's story is a quick cozy read that will have you in the holiday spirit. I loved their meet cute and how all the townspeople were in on getting those to all cuddled up and friendly. Their chemistry was great and once the spice hit, it was HOT.
I love how Brian was there to help Millie really find herself after going through a rough divorce. On her adventure throughout Springside she realizes she can have the man and everything she wants in this quaint small town.
If you want all the hallmark spicy Christmas vibes then this novella is for you!
Millie and Brian's story is a quick cozy read that will have you in the holiday spirit. I loved their meet cute and how all the townspeople were in on getting those to all cuddled up and friendly. Their chemistry was great and once the spice hit, it was HOT.
I love how Brian was there to help Millie really find herself after going through a rough divorce. On her adventure throughout Springside she realizes she can have the man and everything she wants in this quaint small town.
If you want all the hallmark spicy Christmas vibes then this novella is for you!
December 4, 2024
This is such a fun novella with all the Christmas feels. If you are looking for a fun book that's both spicy and sweet this Christmas season, this one is for you! I absolutely love this small town and all the people in it. They are so meddlesome, and it's so fun to read.
This couple is perfect for each other, and I was obsessed with both of them together from the moment they first meet. The pacing of their relationship was done so well in this novella length book without feeling too insta-love or too slow burn. It was perfect, and I enjoyed every second.
Thank you to the author for an ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinions.
This couple is perfect for each other, and I was obsessed with both of them together from the moment they first meet. The pacing of their relationship was done so well in this novella length book without feeling too insta-love or too slow burn. It was perfect, and I enjoyed every second.
Thank you to the author for an ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinions.
January 19, 2026
I love reading love stories where the MMC is a mayor. This is why I was so excited to read this book.
Millie is a fresh out of a divorce when she decides she needs time to find herself again. Suddenly, a heavy snowfall prevents her from exploring, and she arrives in the small town of Springside. By chance of fate, she becomes the town organizer and her boss becomes the handsome town's mayor. From the first moment they saw each other, there is this sizzling attraction between them that grows bigger and bigger every day. But none of them wants to make the first step. When the attraction becomes unbearable, they finally get together.
Even though this was a short Christmas novella, it had plenty of steam. Every love scene between them was so damn hot and the spice was at the top level.
Overall, I loved reading Brian and Millie's love story and I can't wait to read more books by Hollie Luckie.
Millie is a fresh out of a divorce when she decides she needs time to find herself again. Suddenly, a heavy snowfall prevents her from exploring, and she arrives in the small town of Springside. By chance of fate, she becomes the town organizer and her boss becomes the handsome town's mayor. From the first moment they saw each other, there is this sizzling attraction between them that grows bigger and bigger every day. But none of them wants to make the first step. When the attraction becomes unbearable, they finally get together.
Even though this was a short Christmas novella, it had plenty of steam. Every love scene between them was so damn hot and the spice was at the top level.
Overall, I loved reading Brian and Millie's love story and I can't wait to read more books by Hollie Luckie.
November 24, 2024
4.5 Stars!
A Hollie Luckie Christmas is a beautiful one indeed! I always love a “redefine your life” type of romance and this one was just right. Millie and Brian meeting at the right place and right time (with a little meddling from some nosey small town people) was just perfect. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Hollie book but even with a novella like this, everything clicked right back in. There were small cameos of characters from other Hollie books that thankfully didn’t just appear randomly. Such a cute read to get you in the holiday mood.
A Hollie Luckie Christmas is a beautiful one indeed! I always love a “redefine your life” type of romance and this one was just right. Millie and Brian meeting at the right place and right time (with a little meddling from some nosey small town people) was just perfect. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a Hollie book but even with a novella like this, everything clicked right back in. There were small cameos of characters from other Hollie books that thankfully didn’t just appear randomly. Such a cute read to get you in the holiday mood.
November 22, 2024
Thank you Hollie and your team for this ARC. I loved being able to get my hands on this novella before release day!
It was a quick but sweet, cozy read!
If you love - small town (everyone knows everyone), workplace romance, city girl and small town boy, with a touch of Christmas chaos…then you need to add this to your TBR! It was so easy falling in love with Brian + Millie and watching their story unfold!
It was a quick but sweet, cozy read!
If you love - small town (everyone knows everyone), workplace romance, city girl and small town boy, with a touch of Christmas chaos…then you need to add this to your TBR! It was so easy falling in love with Brian + Millie and watching their story unfold!
December 1, 2024
Arc Review💖
✨Matching Under the Mistletoe by Hollie Luckie is the perfect holiday romance to get you in the festive spirit! This heartwarming story captures all the magic of the season.🎄
💕Millie and Brian are wonderfully relatable and full of personality, making it easy to root for them from the start.🔥The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their journey from uncertainty to undeniable connection is as sweet as it is satisfying.🥹
💝This book is a delightful read that’s perfect for fans of festive, feel-good romances. I can’t recommend it highly enough! 🙌🏽
Tropes: ⭐️
Forced Proximity
Small town
Small town boy and city girl
Hallmark with spice
Workplace romance
Mayor MMC
Event planner FMC
✨Matching Under the Mistletoe by Hollie Luckie is the perfect holiday romance to get you in the festive spirit! This heartwarming story captures all the magic of the season.🎄
💕Millie and Brian are wonderfully relatable and full of personality, making it easy to root for them from the start.🔥The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their journey from uncertainty to undeniable connection is as sweet as it is satisfying.🥹
💝This book is a delightful read that’s perfect for fans of festive, feel-good romances. I can’t recommend it highly enough! 🙌🏽
Tropes: ⭐️
Forced Proximity
Small town
Small town boy and city girl
Hallmark with spice
Workplace romance
Mayor MMC
Event planner FMC
December 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ so cute and cozy!!!
January 1, 2025
This was such a cute book!! I love Millie and can relate to her so much. Her growth in this book was amazing, and inspiring. 💞
December 8, 2024
Super cute!
October 29, 2025
наприкінці трохи забагато хаосу, але загалом непогана різдвяна новела.
3/5 ⭐️
3/5 ⭐️
November 22, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and it was so freaking adorable! It was like reading a Hallmark Christmas movie with spice. Brian is the greenest flag ever! It was definitely more fast paced than other books I've read but I'm totally fine with that. I would definitely recommend this book!
November 23, 2024
First of all, I want to thank Hollie Luckie for gifting me the eARC of Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe 🎄
🌟🎄❄️I give this book 4.5✨ I’m a goner for small town romances. The nosey and meddlesome townsfolk, the cute locations and sweet interactions between all the characters. Adding Christmas into the mix and showing the holiday spirit just puts the star on top of the tree for me. ❄️🎄🌟
💚❄️❤️Matchmaking Under The Mistletoe follows Millie and Brian as they fumble their way into realizing what they want and what they need are sometimes the same thing. Millie, who recently got divorced from a man who treated her like a staff member or servant rather than a wife and a partner, decided to go find herself and figure out who she is and what she wants out of life. As she is driving through Alabama a freak snow storm and an indestructible deer cause her to get stranded in a town called Springside. This is where she meets Brian, who is the mayor, inn and winery owner, and an eligible, handsome and smart bachelor. He was coasting through life, taking care of everyone around him, neglecting to think about himself and his future as a person. After Brian meets Millie he hires her to help with event planning for the inn/town while she is stuck in Springside until after Christmas. Even though there is mutual attraction and want between them, they don’t think they should cross the employer/employee boundaries. Can Millie open her heart again and see if Brian could be everything she wants and needs?💚🎄❤️
❤️❤️🩹💝❤️While reading this book, Brian and Millie reminded me that it is ok to want things out of life. That you deserve to be treated as someone who is special, wanted and needed. That being treated as a convenient option or as a last thought isn’t something you should settle on. You are more than an unwelcome inconvenience to those around you. That sometimes it’s ok to have to lose yourself before you can find what you deserve, need and want. You just need to find your person, the one who will lift you up and pour love into you, no matter who you are or what you have been through. ❤️❤️🩹💝❤️
❄️✨❤️🎄❤️✨❄️ I 100% believe that if you love Hallmark Christmas movies, small town quirky characters and silly/awkward disasters and situations, you should definitely pick up this book on December 4th,2024 when it comes out! 🎄❤️✨❄️✨❤️🎄
🌟🎄❄️I give this book 4.5✨ I’m a goner for small town romances. The nosey and meddlesome townsfolk, the cute locations and sweet interactions between all the characters. Adding Christmas into the mix and showing the holiday spirit just puts the star on top of the tree for me. ❄️🎄🌟
💚❄️❤️Matchmaking Under The Mistletoe follows Millie and Brian as they fumble their way into realizing what they want and what they need are sometimes the same thing. Millie, who recently got divorced from a man who treated her like a staff member or servant rather than a wife and a partner, decided to go find herself and figure out who she is and what she wants out of life. As she is driving through Alabama a freak snow storm and an indestructible deer cause her to get stranded in a town called Springside. This is where she meets Brian, who is the mayor, inn and winery owner, and an eligible, handsome and smart bachelor. He was coasting through life, taking care of everyone around him, neglecting to think about himself and his future as a person. After Brian meets Millie he hires her to help with event planning for the inn/town while she is stuck in Springside until after Christmas. Even though there is mutual attraction and want between them, they don’t think they should cross the employer/employee boundaries. Can Millie open her heart again and see if Brian could be everything she wants and needs?💚🎄❤️
❤️❤️🩹💝❤️While reading this book, Brian and Millie reminded me that it is ok to want things out of life. That you deserve to be treated as someone who is special, wanted and needed. That being treated as a convenient option or as a last thought isn’t something you should settle on. You are more than an unwelcome inconvenience to those around you. That sometimes it’s ok to have to lose yourself before you can find what you deserve, need and want. You just need to find your person, the one who will lift you up and pour love into you, no matter who you are or what you have been through. ❤️❤️🩹💝❤️
❄️✨❤️🎄❤️✨❄️ I 100% believe that if you love Hallmark Christmas movies, small town quirky characters and silly/awkward disasters and situations, you should definitely pick up this book on December 4th,2024 when it comes out! 🎄❤️✨❄️✨❤️🎄
December 3, 2024
4.5 ✨
What a fun read for the Christmas season! Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe was a “redefine your life” romance that captures the spirit of Christmas and the support from a small town community. I’m ready to move to Springside to meet all of its fun, quirky residents! It’s a short, quick read that feels like a full length book - Hollie Luckie does a great job at building lots of character and plot development in under 200 pages and I exactly could have read another 200 pages of this story. It was super easy to get sucked into the small town Christmas magic and root for the two main characters as they get to know each other and planned Springside’s Christmas festivities. This was my first book by Hollie Luckie and I can’t wait to read others by her!
Recommend? ✨ If you love a classic Hallmark Christmas movie, then this should be at the top of your TBR list! It was a festive and heartwarming read and will put you in the holiday spirit in no time!
Read if You Like…
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Workplace Romance
🩷 Boss x Employee
🩷 Small Town
🩷 All the Hallmark Vibes
Thank you Hollie Luckie for the Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe ARC. All opinions are my own.
What a fun read for the Christmas season! Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe was a “redefine your life” romance that captures the spirit of Christmas and the support from a small town community. I’m ready to move to Springside to meet all of its fun, quirky residents! It’s a short, quick read that feels like a full length book - Hollie Luckie does a great job at building lots of character and plot development in under 200 pages and I exactly could have read another 200 pages of this story. It was super easy to get sucked into the small town Christmas magic and root for the two main characters as they get to know each other and planned Springside’s Christmas festivities. This was my first book by Hollie Luckie and I can’t wait to read others by her!
Recommend? ✨ If you love a classic Hallmark Christmas movie, then this should be at the top of your TBR list! It was a festive and heartwarming read and will put you in the holiday spirit in no time!
Read if You Like…
🩷 Dual POV
🩷 Workplace Romance
🩷 Boss x Employee
🩷 Small Town
🩷 All the Hallmark Vibes
Thank you Hollie Luckie for the Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2024
ARC Review: Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe by Hollie Luckie. This charming small town Christmas romance was sweet with the perfect amount of spice!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🎄Small Town Romance
💕 Workplace Romance
🎄 Mayor MMC
💕 Event Planner FMC
🎄 Recently divorced FMC
💕 Starting over in a new city
🎄 Christmas Novella
💕Matchmaking
Thank you to Author Hollie Luckie for an advanced copy of Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely devoured Millie and Brian’s story! There insta- list story had me turning to the pages to see how their story unfolded! When recently divorced Millie, ends up in small town Springside AL, after her car gets totaled from a deer. She’s saved by the local Huey, who finds her a place to stay and a job all in one go. When Millie meets her new boss Brian the town mayor and owner of the inn, she swooning over his good looks. What can go wrong when Brian and Millie spend day in and out together planning the towns Christmas events, oh and they become roomies…
You don’t want to miss out on adding this one to your tbr! Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe is releasing on December 4th! 💕🎄
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🎄Small Town Romance
💕 Workplace Romance
🎄 Mayor MMC
💕 Event Planner FMC
🎄 Recently divorced FMC
💕 Starting over in a new city
🎄 Christmas Novella
💕Matchmaking
Thank you to Author Hollie Luckie for an advanced copy of Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely devoured Millie and Brian’s story! There insta- list story had me turning to the pages to see how their story unfolded! When recently divorced Millie, ends up in small town Springside AL, after her car gets totaled from a deer. She’s saved by the local Huey, who finds her a place to stay and a job all in one go. When Millie meets her new boss Brian the town mayor and owner of the inn, she swooning over his good looks. What can go wrong when Brian and Millie spend day in and out together planning the towns Christmas events, oh and they become roomies…
You don’t want to miss out on adding this one to your tbr! Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe is releasing on December 4th! 💕🎄
November 21, 2024
Thank you, Hollie Luckie, for gifting me with this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: 4.5 ✨
I am a sucker for a small town romance, and with this one also being a Christmas romance it was exactly what I was looking for! I devoured it in a day, and enjoyed every page ❄️
Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe follows Millie as she is leaving town in the wake of her recent divorce. She is unmoored with no idea where she’s going, and gets stranded during a freak snowstorm in Alabama. This leads her to the small town of Springside, where she magically has lodging and a job handed to her within 24 hours of arrival. Oh, and her boss is hot. You get all the quintessential small town characters, including meddling townsfolk that gossip worse than teenagers. But they mean well. If you enjoy Christmas infused, romantic shenanigans you will love this story!
The best part of this story for me, was the notion that sometimes to have to get lost in order to find yourself again. It has a wonderful reminder that you are worthy of someone who won’t treat you like an inconvenience 🤍 Definitely would recommend picking up Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe when it releases on December 4, 2024 🩷🎀🎄
Rating: 4.5 ✨
I am a sucker for a small town romance, and with this one also being a Christmas romance it was exactly what I was looking for! I devoured it in a day, and enjoyed every page ❄️
Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe follows Millie as she is leaving town in the wake of her recent divorce. She is unmoored with no idea where she’s going, and gets stranded during a freak snowstorm in Alabama. This leads her to the small town of Springside, where she magically has lodging and a job handed to her within 24 hours of arrival. Oh, and her boss is hot. You get all the quintessential small town characters, including meddling townsfolk that gossip worse than teenagers. But they mean well. If you enjoy Christmas infused, romantic shenanigans you will love this story!
The best part of this story for me, was the notion that sometimes to have to get lost in order to find yourself again. It has a wonderful reminder that you are worthy of someone who won’t treat you like an inconvenience 🤍 Definitely would recommend picking up Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe when it releases on December 4, 2024 🩷🎀🎄
March 7, 2025
You know what my favorite thing is about Hallmark and Netflix holiday romance movies? First of all, my favorites are the ones set in small towns. The towns are always so adorable and cozy, filled with friendly people who go all out for Christmas. But my absolute favorite is how the plot is so predictable with a HEA, and all set at my favorite time of year.
This novella is exactly that. It’s filled with Christmas cheer, charming (but nosy!) neighbors, romance, and a happily ever after without any surprises. You know what you’re going to get and enjoy the sweet journey to get there 🫶🏼 Oh! And there’s spice. Not a ton of spice, but the spice that is there is descriptive. So if you don’t like spice this might not be for you. Or you could just skip those parts.
While I enjoyed the book overall, I had a difficult time getting lost in it. I was aware I was reading the entire time and there were a couple parts that had me a little confused. But that very well could just be a me problem, and again, I still enjoyed it overall.
This novella is exactly that. It’s filled with Christmas cheer, charming (but nosy!) neighbors, romance, and a happily ever after without any surprises. You know what you’re going to get and enjoy the sweet journey to get there 🫶🏼 Oh! And there’s spice. Not a ton of spice, but the spice that is there is descriptive. So if you don’t like spice this might not be for you. Or you could just skip those parts.
While I enjoyed the book overall, I had a difficult time getting lost in it. I was aware I was reading the entire time and there were a couple parts that had me a little confused. But that very well could just be a me problem, and again, I still enjoyed it overall.
December 14, 2024
Such a heartwarming holiday romance! After a snowstorm leaves her stranded in the small town of Springside, Alabama, the recently divorced protagonist finds herself organizing Christmas events at the charming Deer Valley Inn—and falling for the town’s swoon-worthy mayor, Brian.
Filled with festive charm, from the Midnight Mistletoe Maze to the Gingerbread Gala, the story perfectly blends holiday magic, humor, and romance. The protagonist’s journey from heartbreak to joy feels authentic, and her chemistry with Brian is both sweet and irresistible.
Perfect for fans of small-town romance and cozy Christmas tales, this book is a delightful reminder that life’s detours often lead to unexpected blessings.
Filled with festive charm, from the Midnight Mistletoe Maze to the Gingerbread Gala, the story perfectly blends holiday magic, humor, and romance. The protagonist’s journey from heartbreak to joy feels authentic, and her chemistry with Brian is both sweet and irresistible.
Perfect for fans of small-town romance and cozy Christmas tales, this book is a delightful reminder that life’s detours often lead to unexpected blessings.
July 9, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥☄️(0-5) I bump up for public-ish places/outdoor spaces.
What I'm Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The tropes: cheating ex husband, snowstorm, car accident/stranded, small town, workplace, forced proximity, secret attraction & pining.
🤩 The situation & setting: Holiday event planning at Deer Valley Inn in small town Alabama.
What I'm Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 The wind knocked out of them scene did not seem like when I've had the wind knocked out of me.
💫 0-60 in 5.2.
💫 I was hoping for so much more from the extra forced proximity. It would have been great to use it for more build up to the steam. It might have helped if the extra forced proximity came later.
💫 There were times I just started to skim. I wasn't as captivated as I would have liked.
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥☄️(0-5) I bump up for public-ish places/outdoor spaces.
What I'm Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The tropes: cheating ex husband, snowstorm, car accident/stranded, small town, workplace, forced proximity, secret attraction & pining.
🤩 The situation & setting: Holiday event planning at Deer Valley Inn in small town Alabama.
What I'm Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 The wind knocked out of them scene did not seem like when I've had the wind knocked out of me.
💫 0-60 in 5.2.
💫 I was hoping for so much more from the extra forced proximity. It would have been great to use it for more build up to the steam. It might have helped if the extra forced proximity came later.
💫 There were times I just started to skim. I wasn't as captivated as I would have liked.
December 16, 2025
As a small town romance lover, it hurts my soul to say I didn’t like this book. There were Hallmark movie vibes, sure, but this time it wasn’t a compliment. Being a novella, it was too short for the character’s relationship to develop enough to make me root for them and I don’t think they actually had that much chemistry. Attraction at first sight is not worth very much to me and unfortunately that’s the only way to describe what happened between these two. There was no connection, no defining, life changing moment, no clicking. Just cringy lines and even cringier spice.
November 26, 2024
Thank you Hollie Luckie for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.
After reading some heavy fantasy books, a cute and romantic christmas was just what the doctor ordered.
After going through a quick divorce, Millie just drove as far as she could from D.C. and who could blame her. I loved her willingness to trust, and how easily she fitted into the town.
Brian (while not the most sexiest name) was definitely a very swoon worthy MMC. How he was immediately taken with Millie and his internal dialogue about wanting her, but only just meeting her was adorable.
I loved the small town antics! They were all in on the match making and it just made me chuckle and warmed the heart.
-small town
-close proximity (roommates)
-mutual pining
-he falls first
-friends to lovers
-workplace
This fast paced novella is perfect for those who just need a cosy book to get stuck into. Perfect for getting into the christmas spirit.
After reading some heavy fantasy books, a cute and romantic christmas was just what the doctor ordered.
After going through a quick divorce, Millie just drove as far as she could from D.C. and who could blame her. I loved her willingness to trust, and how easily she fitted into the town.
Brian (while not the most sexiest name) was definitely a very swoon worthy MMC. How he was immediately taken with Millie and his internal dialogue about wanting her, but only just meeting her was adorable.
I loved the small town antics! They were all in on the match making and it just made me chuckle and warmed the heart.
-small town
-close proximity (roommates)
-mutual pining
-he falls first
-friends to lovers
-workplace
This fast paced novella is perfect for those who just need a cosy book to get stuck into. Perfect for getting into the christmas spirit.
December 5, 2024
I loved it! The “getting lost” trope fits in so well with the development of this story and I fell just as in love with this small town as our FMC does, esp for its mayor! Millie has my dream job of being an event planner and really glows into her new role in this town! It was lovely seeing her thrive after such a nasty wreck of her marriage and I especially liked seeing her not wallow in self pity. She chose to move forward and go with what was presented to her in such a positive attitude that she is an idol for me!
December 10, 2024
What a funnnnn holiday Novella 🤭
After a messy divorce, Millie is ready for change. She packs her bags and sets off to find something new. What she finds is Springside, Alabama, a whole slew of meddling busy bodies AND a hot, single Mayor.
This book gave off all the fun Hallmark Christmas movies vibes with all the spice. It was so much fun. And the town folks had me cracking up!! Definitely recommend adding this short holiday read to your tbr! 🤭
After a messy divorce, Millie is ready for change. She packs her bags and sets off to find something new. What she finds is Springside, Alabama, a whole slew of meddling busy bodies AND a hot, single Mayor.
This book gave off all the fun Hallmark Christmas movies vibes with all the spice. It was so much fun. And the town folks had me cracking up!! Definitely recommend adding this short holiday read to your tbr! 🤭
December 26, 2024
This was a cute and easy read for Christmas. I love holiday novellas! I thought the plot was excellent and it was so fun getting to know the MMC & FMC. The side characters were so fun throughout this also!
The writing felt juvenile in regard to the conversations and interactions with characters. The smut scenes were written so well, but everything else just felt awkwardly laid out in terms of writing.
Still a fun read for the holidays if you want something light and cute!
The writing felt juvenile in regard to the conversations and interactions with characters. The smut scenes were written so well, but everything else just felt awkwardly laid out in terms of writing.
Still a fun read for the holidays if you want something light and cute!
December 8, 2024
Cute little holiday read. New divorcee gets stranded in a small town only to meet the townsfolk who make her finally feel seen, important and cared for after a decade long loveless marriage. She finally gets to be loved the way she’s always deserved too at a second chance romance. The light spicy scenes were spicyyy
December 16, 2024
This book was perfect for the holiday season, it had all the feels of a Hallmark movie (with funny jokes throughout). It was a quick read ( around 200 pages) but gave you the feels of a full length book. I adored all the characters especially Millie's sister. Millie herself had such good character growth and deserves all the good she gets!
Thank you Hollie for an ARC copy!
Thank you Hollie for an ARC copy!
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