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Under The Mistletoe Collection #1-5
Under the Mistletoe
Curl up by the fire with some of today’s hottest authors as they serve up enough holiday sweetness and sizzling spice to melt the frostiest heart. As the temperature drops, friends and neighbors might need to turn up the heat, and even old enemies just might get a second chance. Get ready to tingle all the way ...
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories in a delightfully sexy short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
A single mother working in a thrift store. A gentle giant farmer who can’t find jeans that fit. When opposites attract, they find themselves making alterations in more ways than one in this smoking-hot short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
Secret crushes, spicy Christmas treats, heinous holiday traffic, and a fateful snowstorm bring good friends together in a funny, sexy short story by bestselling author Olivia Dade.
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
This Christmas, a hot fireman makes a holiday rescue and sparks fly in this sizzling holiday short story by bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially for a comic book illustrator whose late-night naughty fantasies become real in a festive and spicy short story by bestselling author Alexis Daria.
©2024 Cruel Winter with You © 2024 by Ali Hazelwood. Merry Ever After © 2024 by Tessa Bailey. All by My Elf © 2024 by Olivia Dade. Merriment and Mayhem © 2024 by Alexandria Bellefleur. Only Santas in the Building © 2024 by Alexis Daria. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories in a delightfully sexy short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
A single mother working in a thrift store. A gentle giant farmer who can’t find jeans that fit. When opposites attract, they find themselves making alterations in more ways than one in this smoking-hot short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
Secret crushes, spicy Christmas treats, heinous holiday traffic, and a fateful snowstorm bring good friends together in a funny, sexy short story by bestselling author Olivia Dade.
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
This Christmas, a hot fireman makes a holiday rescue and sparks fly in this sizzling holiday short story by bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially for a comic book illustrator whose late-night naughty fantasies become real in a festive and spicy short story by bestselling author Alexis Daria.
©2024 Cruel Winter with You © 2024 by Ali Hazelwood. Merry Ever After © 2024 by Tessa Bailey. All by My Elf © 2024 by Olivia Dade. Merriment and Mayhem © 2024 by Alexandria Bellefleur. Only Santas in the Building © 2024 by Alexis Daria. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Audible Audio
First published November 12, 2024
292 people are currently reading
4801 people want to read
About the author
Ali Hazelwood
28 books176k followersI'm Ali, and I write contemporary romcom novels about women in STEM and academia. I love cats, Nutella, and side ponytails. I'm also currently learning to crochet, so as you can tell I'm a super busy gal with an intense and exciting life!
I only use Goodreads as a reader, to review and hype books that I've loved (many of these book are ARCs received from fellow authors).
I only use Goodreads as a reader, to review and hype books that I've loved (many of these book are ARCs received from fellow authors).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 656 reviews
November 5, 2025
Das Buch hat mich enttäuscht. Ich hatte auf fünf weihnachtliche, romantische Kurzgeschichten gehofft, aber tatsächlich hat mir nicht eine der Geschichten wirklich gut gefallen. Romantik habe ich hier nicht gefunden, Anziehung und Lust schon. Aber mit Weihnachten hatten die Geschichten nur am Rande zu tun; sie hätten auch zu jeder anderen Zeit spielen können.
December 13, 2024
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
Tropes: snowed in, best friend's little brother, second chance (sort of)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
AH's books are hit or miss for me, but this was actually good??? & I lol'ed a lot. Honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed this.
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Tropes: small town, cowboy, single mom
Rating: ⭐⭐
All of the tropes I enjoy and a whole lot of potential, but somehow so cringe and off-putting.
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
Tropes: coworkers, snowed in (sort of), only one wiener truck
Rating: ⭐⭐
This was weird and could have been so much better if it were longer.
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Tropes: fireman, damsel in distress
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Honestly the constant trouble Everleigh got into made me laugh, the chemistry between her and Griffin was fantastic, and this was just all around a good time! I did wish there was an epilogue or something, as this ended very abruptly but whatevs.
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Tropes: neighbors, secret admirer
Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5
It was cute but I didn’t feel a connection between Evie and Theo at all
Tropes: snowed in, best friend's little brother, second chance (sort of)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
AH's books are hit or miss for me, but this was actually good??? & I lol'ed a lot. Honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed this.
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Tropes: small town, cowboy, single mom
Rating: ⭐⭐
All of the tropes I enjoy and a whole lot of potential, but somehow so cringe and off-putting.
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
Tropes: coworkers, snowed in (sort of), only one wiener truck
Rating: ⭐⭐
This was weird and could have been so much better if it were longer.
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Tropes: fireman, damsel in distress
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Honestly the constant trouble Everleigh got into made me laugh, the chemistry between her and Griffin was fantastic, and this was just all around a good time! I did wish there was an epilogue or something, as this ended very abruptly but whatevs.
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Tropes: neighbors, secret admirer
Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5
It was cute but I didn’t feel a connection between Evie and Theo at all
December 27, 2025
Ali Hazelwood delivered again
November 18, 2024
100% preferred the february ones but i digress. alexandria bellefleur’s came to serve and the rest were there xx
December 29, 2024
Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood
the setup…
Jamie Malek has returned home to northern Illinois spend Christmas with her father after having completing her pediatric residency in San Francisco. He’s sent her on a mission in the middle of a blizzard to borrow a copper pan from the family home of her childhood best friend (Tabitha) but it’s her younger brother Marc Compton who greets her at the door. He’s a tech billionaire who’s also home for the holidays…the one who got away because she sent him packing and not very nicely. Jamie really wants forgiveness and Marc just wants Jamie.
the heart of the story…
It begins with present day and then backs up to provide all the right context. Talk about the most adorable meet cute! She was 2 1/2 years old when he was born and placed in her toddler arms. It just gets better from there.
the narration…
Vivienne LaRue made this story even more delightful with her voices for Jamie & Marc and her excellent storytelling.
the bottom line…
It’s a short story but the character and story development felt like a novel experience. There was even time for a little spice. This is a great lead off for the collection with plenty of Christmas spirit and romance. Treat yourself to the audio version if you want to elevate the experience even more.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
the setup…
Evie Crowe is a single mother with an infant son, trying to forge a new life in Texas. She’s working at a thrift store but has a corner for her own designs, hoping to launch her own fledgling business. In walks Luke Ward, a physically imposing man with a shy, quiet nature. He’s a farmer who struggles to find jeans that fit. She’s secretly attracted to him but isn’t interested in a relationship; he’s looking for much, much more.
the heart of the story…
It’s almost Christmas Eve and these two lonely people are destined to be together. I liked the promise of Evie and Luke who’s obviously a good man and was looking forward to a sweet romance. But it turns hot and steamy in a nanosecond and the coarseness of it was off putting and the sex talk was a turnoff.
the narration…
I loved the performances, especially Connor Crais whose voice is absolutely dreamy.
the bottom line…
Without the steamy scenes, this is a lovely romance with a wonderful little epilogue. Two great characters who you can’t help but root for to find their way to each other.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
the setup…
Nina, William and Claudia are underpaid adjunct professors at Dogwood University in Newport News, Virginia. It’s the three-week holiday break and they’ve signed up as seasonal workers for Mrs. Claus’s Mincemeat Treats…driving a repurposed weinermobile that’s now got a roll of phyllo dough on top, filled with mincemeat and drizzled with caramel. And, they’re dressed as elves. It’s snowing heavily but Nina and William are still expected to make an appointment in Washington, DC and traffic is now at a standstill. She’s had a crush on him for four months but it looks like he and her best friend Claudia are in a relationship. But, they need to cuddle up to stay warm while they wait out the storm.
the heart of the story…
The start is hilarious as Nina has to deal with other drivers engaging with her at stoplights, all believing they are the first to come up with every bad joke imaginable about that car. Nina’s clever, pun-laden comebacks are also a riot. Of course, it doesn’t take long to figure out that William really has eyes for her, too. But the pivot to a much too steamy encounter took some of the shine off what is the start of a lovely romance.
the narration…
I’ve enjoyed listening to Andi Arndt’s storytelling for many years and she handled this one nicely, especially those terrible (but funny) double entendres.
the bottom line…
If you can forget about the intimate encounter in the mincemobile (it was as “distasteful” as it sounds), this was a funny, sweet holiday story with a very cute title.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
the setup…
Everleigh Dangerfield is in Port Angeles this Christmas, preparing her late beloved grandmother’s house for sale. She’s determined to continue some of the holiday traditions in her honor but they’re turning out to be more like holiday disasters. First was an oven mishap while baking cookies that has the fire department showing up. Firefighter Griffin Brantley comes to her rescue and more sparks fly. When he has to show up the next day for another disaster, it’s hard to ignore there’s something smoldering between them (enough puns for you?).
the heart of the story…
Everleigh seems to be living up to her last name! While she’s definitely attracted to Griffin, she lives two hours away in Seattle and a short term fling or long distance romance isn’t something she’s interested in. The encounters are definitely hilarious and unique meet cutes. I enjoyed the story but again, the pivot to steamy is abrupt and ill timed.
the narration…
Amelie Griffin nails both Everleigh and Griffin, as well as the lightness of the story. Her performance was wonderful.
the bottom line…
This was perfect merriment and mayhem with a heavy dose of romance. I just wish the temperature on the steam could have had a lower flame.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
the setup…
Evie Cruz is a comic book illustrator and she’s on serious deadline despite it being almost Christmas. When she’s under the gun, everything else goes by the wayside, including decorating her NYC Upper East Side walk up. But someone in her new apartment building is leaving beautiful handmade tree ornaments hanging on her door. First a snowflake, next an origami crane and then an evergreen tree silhouette. Evie’s mind is solely focused on finishing the Starsong panels…and Theo, her handsome next door neighbor.
the heart of the story…
Evie’s so preoccupied with her deadline she misses cues from Theo until it becomes a bit too obvious to overlook. Their connection at a neighbor’s Santa-themed party was pretty cute and romantic. Of course, it cut to steamy pretty fast, which took some of the shine off the story.
the narration…
Ruby Corazon was perfectly suited as the frazzled Evie and even her voice for Theo worked. She delivered a fine performance.
the bottom line…
Most of the story involved Evie’s efforts to meet deadline which left little time to get to know Theo or for the romance to solidly connect. It’s still a cute story and just a bit too steamy for the brevity.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy of the entire collection. All opinions are my own.)
the setup…
Jamie Malek has returned home to northern Illinois spend Christmas with her father after having completing her pediatric residency in San Francisco. He’s sent her on a mission in the middle of a blizzard to borrow a copper pan from the family home of her childhood best friend (Tabitha) but it’s her younger brother Marc Compton who greets her at the door. He’s a tech billionaire who’s also home for the holidays…the one who got away because she sent him packing and not very nicely. Jamie really wants forgiveness and Marc just wants Jamie.
the heart of the story…
It begins with present day and then backs up to provide all the right context. Talk about the most adorable meet cute! She was 2 1/2 years old when he was born and placed in her toddler arms. It just gets better from there.
the narration…
Vivienne LaRue made this story even more delightful with her voices for Jamie & Marc and her excellent storytelling.
the bottom line…
It’s a short story but the character and story development felt like a novel experience. There was even time for a little spice. This is a great lead off for the collection with plenty of Christmas spirit and romance. Treat yourself to the audio version if you want to elevate the experience even more.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
the setup…
Evie Crowe is a single mother with an infant son, trying to forge a new life in Texas. She’s working at a thrift store but has a corner for her own designs, hoping to launch her own fledgling business. In walks Luke Ward, a physically imposing man with a shy, quiet nature. He’s a farmer who struggles to find jeans that fit. She’s secretly attracted to him but isn’t interested in a relationship; he’s looking for much, much more.
the heart of the story…
It’s almost Christmas Eve and these two lonely people are destined to be together. I liked the promise of Evie and Luke who’s obviously a good man and was looking forward to a sweet romance. But it turns hot and steamy in a nanosecond and the coarseness of it was off putting and the sex talk was a turnoff.
the narration…
I loved the performances, especially Connor Crais whose voice is absolutely dreamy.
the bottom line…
Without the steamy scenes, this is a lovely romance with a wonderful little epilogue. Two great characters who you can’t help but root for to find their way to each other.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
the setup…
Nina, William and Claudia are underpaid adjunct professors at Dogwood University in Newport News, Virginia. It’s the three-week holiday break and they’ve signed up as seasonal workers for Mrs. Claus’s Mincemeat Treats…driving a repurposed weinermobile that’s now got a roll of phyllo dough on top, filled with mincemeat and drizzled with caramel. And, they’re dressed as elves. It’s snowing heavily but Nina and William are still expected to make an appointment in Washington, DC and traffic is now at a standstill. She’s had a crush on him for four months but it looks like he and her best friend Claudia are in a relationship. But, they need to cuddle up to stay warm while they wait out the storm.
the heart of the story…
The start is hilarious as Nina has to deal with other drivers engaging with her at stoplights, all believing they are the first to come up with every bad joke imaginable about that car. Nina’s clever, pun-laden comebacks are also a riot. Of course, it doesn’t take long to figure out that William really has eyes for her, too. But the pivot to a much too steamy encounter took some of the shine off what is the start of a lovely romance.
the narration…
I’ve enjoyed listening to Andi Arndt’s storytelling for many years and she handled this one nicely, especially those terrible (but funny) double entendres.
the bottom line…
If you can forget about the intimate encounter in the mincemobile (it was as “distasteful” as it sounds), this was a funny, sweet holiday story with a very cute title.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
the setup…
Everleigh Dangerfield is in Port Angeles this Christmas, preparing her late beloved grandmother’s house for sale. She’s determined to continue some of the holiday traditions in her honor but they’re turning out to be more like holiday disasters. First was an oven mishap while baking cookies that has the fire department showing up. Firefighter Griffin Brantley comes to her rescue and more sparks fly. When he has to show up the next day for another disaster, it’s hard to ignore there’s something smoldering between them (enough puns for you?).
the heart of the story…
Everleigh seems to be living up to her last name! While she’s definitely attracted to Griffin, she lives two hours away in Seattle and a short term fling or long distance romance isn’t something she’s interested in. The encounters are definitely hilarious and unique meet cutes. I enjoyed the story but again, the pivot to steamy is abrupt and ill timed.
the narration…
Amelie Griffin nails both Everleigh and Griffin, as well as the lightness of the story. Her performance was wonderful.
the bottom line…
This was perfect merriment and mayhem with a heavy dose of romance. I just wish the temperature on the steam could have had a lower flame.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
the setup…
Evie Cruz is a comic book illustrator and she’s on serious deadline despite it being almost Christmas. When she’s under the gun, everything else goes by the wayside, including decorating her NYC Upper East Side walk up. But someone in her new apartment building is leaving beautiful handmade tree ornaments hanging on her door. First a snowflake, next an origami crane and then an evergreen tree silhouette. Evie’s mind is solely focused on finishing the Starsong panels…and Theo, her handsome next door neighbor.
the heart of the story…
Evie’s so preoccupied with her deadline she misses cues from Theo until it becomes a bit too obvious to overlook. Their connection at a neighbor’s Santa-themed party was pretty cute and romantic. Of course, it cut to steamy pretty fast, which took some of the shine off the story.
the narration…
Ruby Corazon was perfectly suited as the frazzled Evie and even her voice for Theo worked. She delivered a fine performance.
the bottom line…
Most of the story involved Evie’s efforts to meet deadline which left little time to get to know Theo or for the romance to solidly connect. It’s still a cute story and just a bit too steamy for the brevity.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy of the entire collection. All opinions are my own.)
December 27, 2025
Under the Mistletoe vereint fünf weihnachtliche Kurzgeschichten, die sich trotz ähnlicher Grundstimmung sehr unterschiedlich anfühlen. Genau das macht die Anthologie für mich so gelungen.
Den stärksten Eindruck hat Ali Hazelwoods Beitrag hinterlassen. Die Geschichte rund um Jamie und Marc, die sich seit Kindertagen kennen, lebt von leisen Momenten, unausgesprochenen Gefühlen und einem erzwungenen Wiedersehen durch einen Schneesturm. Auf erstaunlich wenig Seiten entsteht hier echte Nähe und emotionale Tiefe. Für mich ganz klar das Highlight der Sammlung.
Tessa Baileys Novelle geht in eine deutlich heißere Richtung. Die Geschichte um Evie, die als alleinerziehende Mutter neu anfängt, und Luke ist sehr direkt, körperlich und schnell erzählt. Das passte grundsätzlich zum Ton der Autorin, fühlte sich aber stellenweise etwas überhastet an. Trotzdem mochte ich den optimistischen Blick in die Zukunft, den das Ende vermittelt.
Bei Olivia Dade treffen zwei hochintelligente, leicht nerdige Figuren aufeinander, die gemeinsam in einer absurd-komischen Situation feststecken. Die Geschichte punktet vor allem mit Humor, Wortspielen und sympathischen Charakteren. Die Romance ist eher ruhig, dafür aber süß und charmant.
Alexandria Bellefleurs Beitrag bringt klassische Rom-Com-Vibes mit: Chaos in der Küche, wiederholte Feuerwehreinsätze und ein sehr offensiver, aber herzlicher Love Interest. Die Geschichte ist verspielt, flirtend und genau richtig, wenn man etwas Leichtes mit Weihnachtsfeeling sucht.
Den Abschluss macht Alexis Daria mit einer Nachbarschaftsromanze, die sich langsam aus kleinen Alltagsmomenten entwickelt. Die Dynamik zwischen Evie und Theo war für mich besonders angenehm, weil sie natürlich wirkt und gleichzeitig genug prickelnde Spannung bietet.
Natürlich merkt man bei allen fünf Geschichten, dass der Platz begrenzt ist. Nicht jede Romanze entfaltet sich gleich tief. Trotzdem funktioniert die Sammlung als Ganzes hervorragend. Jede Novelle bringt etwas Eigenes mit, und gemeinsam schaffen sie genau die richtige Mischung aus Humor, Gefühl und festlicher Stimmung.
Under the Mistletoe ist damit die perfekte Lektüre für die Weihnachtszeit: kurzweilig, romantisch und ideal, um sich für ein paar Stunden in winterliche Wohlfühlromantik fallen zu lassen.
Den stärksten Eindruck hat Ali Hazelwoods Beitrag hinterlassen. Die Geschichte rund um Jamie und Marc, die sich seit Kindertagen kennen, lebt von leisen Momenten, unausgesprochenen Gefühlen und einem erzwungenen Wiedersehen durch einen Schneesturm. Auf erstaunlich wenig Seiten entsteht hier echte Nähe und emotionale Tiefe. Für mich ganz klar das Highlight der Sammlung.
Tessa Baileys Novelle geht in eine deutlich heißere Richtung. Die Geschichte um Evie, die als alleinerziehende Mutter neu anfängt, und Luke ist sehr direkt, körperlich und schnell erzählt. Das passte grundsätzlich zum Ton der Autorin, fühlte sich aber stellenweise etwas überhastet an. Trotzdem mochte ich den optimistischen Blick in die Zukunft, den das Ende vermittelt.
Bei Olivia Dade treffen zwei hochintelligente, leicht nerdige Figuren aufeinander, die gemeinsam in einer absurd-komischen Situation feststecken. Die Geschichte punktet vor allem mit Humor, Wortspielen und sympathischen Charakteren. Die Romance ist eher ruhig, dafür aber süß und charmant.
Alexandria Bellefleurs Beitrag bringt klassische Rom-Com-Vibes mit: Chaos in der Küche, wiederholte Feuerwehreinsätze und ein sehr offensiver, aber herzlicher Love Interest. Die Geschichte ist verspielt, flirtend und genau richtig, wenn man etwas Leichtes mit Weihnachtsfeeling sucht.
Den Abschluss macht Alexis Daria mit einer Nachbarschaftsromanze, die sich langsam aus kleinen Alltagsmomenten entwickelt. Die Dynamik zwischen Evie und Theo war für mich besonders angenehm, weil sie natürlich wirkt und gleichzeitig genug prickelnde Spannung bietet.
Natürlich merkt man bei allen fünf Geschichten, dass der Platz begrenzt ist. Nicht jede Romanze entfaltet sich gleich tief. Trotzdem funktioniert die Sammlung als Ganzes hervorragend. Jede Novelle bringt etwas Eigenes mit, und gemeinsam schaffen sie genau die richtige Mischung aus Humor, Gefühl und festlicher Stimmung.
Under the Mistletoe ist damit die perfekte Lektüre für die Weihnachtszeit: kurzweilig, romantisch und ideal, um sich für ein paar Stunden in winterliche Wohlfühlromantik fallen zu lassen.
November 27, 2025
Leí estos relatos en diciembre del año pasado y, para ser totalmente honesta, no puedo recordar casi nada de la trama de las historias, lo cual creo que dice mucho de lo que significó para mí esta colección. Esta, sin duda, es el tipo de lectura que entretiene en el momento, pero no deja un impacto significativo en mí.
Por suerte, califiqué individualmente cada relato y al leer la sinopsis pude recordar los sentimientos que me generó cada uno.
•Cruel winter with you de Ali Hazelwood (3/5): Es ligera, pero para mí sorpresa es la que tuvo más desarrollo. Ali Hazelwood sabe manejar de forma increíble el formato corto.
•Merry ever after de Tessa Bailey (1,5/5): Siento que las historias en general de la autora no me terminan de convencer...
•All by my elf de Olivia Dade (1/5): Me pareció aburrida y no me gusta usar la palabra cringe, pero creo que es la que más se acerca a describir lo que sentí con este relato.
•Merri-ment and mayhem de Alexandra Bellefleur (3/5): Es una de las mejores de la colección. Muy instalove, pero bueno, es lo que hay.
•Only santas in the building de Alexis Daria (2,5/5): ¿Entretenida? Sí. ¿Predecible? También. Además, los diálogos se sentían muy forzados...Eso no quita que pase un buen rato leyendola.
En general, son historias entretenidas, pero que les falta desarrollo (odio el instalove; eso pudo haber influido mucho en mi opinión).
Por suerte, califiqué individualmente cada relato y al leer la sinopsis pude recordar los sentimientos que me generó cada uno.
•Cruel winter with you de Ali Hazelwood (3/5): Es ligera, pero para mí sorpresa es la que tuvo más desarrollo. Ali Hazelwood sabe manejar de forma increíble el formato corto.
•Merry ever after de Tessa Bailey (1,5/5): Siento que las historias en general de la autora no me terminan de convencer...
•All by my elf de Olivia Dade (1/5): Me pareció aburrida y no me gusta usar la palabra cringe, pero creo que es la que más se acerca a describir lo que sentí con este relato.
•Merri-ment and mayhem de Alexandra Bellefleur (3/5): Es una de las mejores de la colección. Muy instalove, pero bueno, es lo que hay.
•Only santas in the building de Alexis Daria (2,5/5): ¿Entretenida? Sí. ¿Predecible? También. Además, los diálogos se sentían muy forzados...Eso no quita que pase un buen rato leyendola.
En general, son historias entretenidas, pero que les falta desarrollo (odio el instalove; eso pudo haber influido mucho en mi opinión).
December 31, 2025
✨ Мій рейтинг + короткі враження:
1️⃣ «Жорстока зима з тобою» Алі Гейзелвуд
Улюблена авторка! Все як я люблю й очікую від Гейзелвуд - тут є! Трошки драми й серйозності, багато мімімі, хороші сцени сексу, гарна хімія між героями. А ще тут хлопець молодший за дівчину і це дуже класно обіграно! Джеймі - найкраща подруга старшої сестри Марка, вони буквально виросли разом. Проте якщо в дитинстві дівчина завжди захищала його від узурпаторства сестри, то в підліткові роки все зійшло на пси через низку конфліктів. Після чергового скандалу, Табіта розповіла найбільший секрет Марка - він уже роками сохне за Джеймі... Вона ж спихнула це на гормони й всяке таке, не сприймаючи хлопця серйозно. Однак минали роки, а він так і не відступив. Чергова зустріч, у передріздвяну ніч, стане доленосною у їхніх стосунках... Їй 27, йому 25 - і вони нарешті зможуть обговорити все!
2️⃣ «Санти в одній будівлі» Алексіс Дарія
Чудова історія про те, як інколи ті, кого ми навіть не підозрюємо, можуть робити для нас дуже милі й водночас важливі речі! Фрилансерка Іві майже не вилазить зі своєї квартири, бо весь час горять дедлайни, а в ті рідкісні моменти вилазок у великий світ - були катастрофічними, бо весь час вона натрапляла на шалено привабливого Тео, сусіда поверхом вище, коли сама виглядала не дуже... Однак, як сказав колись мій дідо, не полюбить на грязну, то й на чисту тим більше! Тут усе завершилося гепіендом! Жирний плюс цій історії від мене - вони користувалися презервативом. Алілуя!
3️⃣ «Кохання під ялинкою» Александрія Беллефлер
Мила й пікантна історія про дівчину, яка приїжджає в рідне містечко, щоб продати бабусин будинок, але під час цієї затії відбувається низка халеп, з яких її щоразу визволяв пожежник із 911... Мені загалом сподобалося, єдина бісячка - вони займалися сексом без презерватива, бо в неї спіраль, але, бляха, скільки є історій, що навіть у такому випадку можливість завагітніти не нульова...
4️⃣ «Наодинці з ельфом» Олівія Дейд
Це було доволі непогано. Тут теж є різниця у віці, де дівчина старша, їй 37, а йому 35, і вони викладачі, професори на одній кафедрі, які через брак фінансування змушені під час канікул підробляти ельфами на Різдвяні свята. Стається прикрість, Ніна і Вільям опиняються в заторі через сильну заметіль і щоб зігратися, починають дізнаватися одне одного більше... Виявляється, у них обидвох були таємні почуття. Прикольний момент із цього оповідання - секс сцена в бусіку, хто ж знав, що сором'язливі професори можуть бути такими гарячими.
5️⃣ «Різдвяне "довго й щасливо"» Тесса Бейлі
Таке щось... Ну, не подобається мені як пише ця авторка. Якось воно мене не проймає, а моментами навпаки відштовхує, це набридкіше оповідання, бо тут головний герой «зволожує» жінку слюньою, бляха. Фу. Сам сюжет прикольний, бо тут історія про бойову таку матір-одиначку й самотнього фермера. Але сцени сексу перекреслили все... На жаль.
Якщо коротко про збірку загалом - мені сподобалося, поставила їй 4/5. Прочитала за декілька годин, було прикольно.
Так як це збірка 18+, то головну мою бісячку тут ви могли відчитати: відсутність презерватива... «в мене спіраль», «я на таблетках», «я нещодавно проходив медогляд», «в мене є результати аналізів, хочеш, можеш глянути» - і не дивляться! Коротше, не вау. Мені категорично не подобається така тенденція у книжках, бо це нормалізує незахищений секс, який може привести до низки неприємних результатів - небажана вагітність, ІПСШ. Про використання слюни, замість лубриканта, чи якусь базову гігієну - я взагалі мовчу...
1️⃣ «Жорстока зима з тобою» Алі Гейзелвуд
Улюблена авторка! Все як я люблю й очікую від Гейзелвуд - тут є! Трошки драми й серйозності, багато мімімі, хороші сцени сексу, гарна хімія між героями. А ще тут хлопець молодший за дівчину і це дуже класно обіграно! Джеймі - найкраща подруга старшої сестри Марка, вони буквально виросли разом. Проте якщо в дитинстві дівчина завжди захищала його від узурпаторства сестри, то в підліткові роки все зійшло на пси через низку конфліктів. Після чергового скандалу, Табіта розповіла найбільший секрет Марка - він уже роками сохне за Джеймі... Вона ж спихнула це на гормони й всяке таке, не сприймаючи хлопця серйозно. Однак минали роки, а він так і не відступив. Чергова зустріч, у передріздвяну ніч, стане доленосною у їхніх стосунках... Їй 27, йому 25 - і вони нарешті зможуть обговорити все!
2️⃣ «Санти в одній будівлі» Алексіс Дарія
Чудова історія про те, як інколи ті, кого ми навіть не підозрюємо, можуть робити для нас дуже милі й водночас важливі речі! Фрилансерка Іві майже не вилазить зі своєї квартири, бо весь час горять дедлайни, а в ті рідкісні моменти вилазок у великий світ - були катастрофічними, бо весь час вона натрапляла на шалено привабливого Тео, сусіда поверхом вище, коли сама виглядала не дуже... Однак, як сказав колись мій дідо, не полюбить на грязну, то й на чисту тим більше! Тут усе завершилося гепіендом! Жирний плюс цій історії від мене - вони користувалися презервативом. Алілуя!
3️⃣ «Кохання під ялинкою» Александрія Беллефлер
Мила й пікантна історія про дівчину, яка приїжджає в рідне містечко, щоб продати бабусин будинок, але під час цієї затії відбувається низка халеп, з яких її щоразу визволяв пожежник із 911... Мені загалом сподобалося, єдина бісячка - вони займалися сексом без презерватива, бо в неї спіраль, але, бляха, скільки є історій, що навіть у такому випадку можливість завагітніти не нульова...
4️⃣ «Наодинці з ельфом» Олівія Дейд
Це було доволі непогано. Тут теж є різниця у віці, де дівчина старша, їй 37, а йому 35, і вони викладачі, професори на одній кафедрі, які через брак фінансування змушені під час канікул підробляти ельфами на Різдвяні свята. Стається прикрість, Ніна і Вільям опиняються в заторі через сильну заметіль і щоб зігратися, починають дізнаватися одне одного більше... Виявляється, у них обидвох були таємні почуття. Прикольний момент із цього оповідання - секс сцена в бусіку, хто ж знав, що сором'язливі професори можуть бути такими гарячими.
5️⃣ «Різдвяне "довго й щасливо"» Тесса Бейлі
Таке щось... Ну, не подобається мені як пише ця авторка. Якось воно мене не проймає, а моментами навпаки відштовхує, це набридкіше оповідання, бо тут головний герой «зволожує» жінку слюньою, бляха. Фу. Сам сюжет прикольний, бо тут історія про бойову таку матір-одиначку й самотнього фермера. Але сцени сексу перекреслили все... На жаль.
Якщо коротко про збірку загалом - мені сподобалося, поставила їй 4/5. Прочитала за декілька годин, було прикольно.
Так як це збірка 18+, то головну мою бісячку тут ви могли відчитати: відсутність презерватива... «в мене спіраль», «я на таблетках», «я нещодавно проходив медогляд», «в мене є результати аналізів, хочеш, можеш глянути» - і не дивляться! Коротше, не вау. Мені категорично не подобається така тенденція у книжках, бо це нормалізує незахищений секс, який може привести до низки неприємних результатів - небажана вагітність, ІПСШ. Про використання слюни, замість лубриканта, чи якусь базову гігієну - я взагалі мовчу...
November 23, 2025
6/10
Мій рейтинг новел - від тієї, яка сподобалась найбільше, до тієї, яка сподобалась найменше:
1️⃣ «Кохання під ялинкою» - Александрія Беллефлер
Моя оцінка: ★★★★☆
Хоч в анотації до збірки написали «Тесса “Мікеланджело брудних розмов” Бейлі», саме Александрія Беллефлер показала, як треба писати dirty talks *облизується*
Мені дуже сподобалась ця новела.
Головний герой - гарячий, трохи самовпевнений пожежник, а насправді - просто солодка булочка з корицею. Він - мій улюблений чоловічий персонаж з цієї збірки, який, до того ж, закохується перший. Дуже мило, затишно і гаряче. Мені навіть не вистачило - хотілось більше, ніж ті 50+ сторінок, які я отримала *емодзі сумної жабки, яка плаче у ванній на підлозі*
2️⃣ «Жорстока зима з тобою» - Алі Гейзелвуд
Моя оцінка: ★★★★☆
Ну дивіться, в нас тут високий, накачаний технічний магнат, який завжди був закоханий в старшу за нього на два роки подругу сестри і який завжди знав, що рано чи пізно вони будуть разом.
Додайте сюди вимушену близькість, суміш другого шансу та miscommunication тропу, а також її бажання не вступати у стосунки через страх бути покинутою, і ви зрозумієте, чому мені сподобалось.
Багато кліше? Так. Нереалістично великий член? Так. Банальні проблеми, які можна було б вирішити просто поговоривши? Так. Але я насолоджувалась кожною секундою.
І так, після Марка, написаного Гейзелвуд, я запідозрила в себе слабкість до молодших, надійних, як швейцарський годинник, впевнених в собі технічних геніїв, які складають плани по завоюванню коханої жінки. Алі, шо ж ти наробила?
3️⃣ «Наодинці з ельфом» - Олівія Дейд
Моя оцінка: ★★★★☆
Дуже мила, тепла і сповнена зелених прапорців історія про те, як 37-річна плюс-сайз викладачка вже майже пів року таємно закохана у свого колегу, який на два роки молодший і ніби як зустрічається з її подругою. А потім бум: різдвяні свята, заметіль, вимушена близькість, «я ніколи не» і багато відвертості, чуттєвості і справжності - все, що я люблю у книжках Олівії Дейд, вона дала нам і в цій короткій історії. Це було прям дуже затишно.
4️⃣ «Санти в одній будівлі» - Алексіс Дарія
Моя оцінка: ★★★☆☆
Це просто було непогано. Мила різдвяна історія про сусідів, які давно закохані одне в одного, але думають, що їхні почуття не взаємні. Не можу сказати, що це прям вау - по сюжету, по емоціях, по героях, по любовній лінії, але на один раз може бути.
5️⃣ «Різдвяне “довго й щасливо”» - Тесса Бейлі
Моя оцінка: ★★☆☆☆
Ну історія мила, але написана вона відверто погано. І справа навіть не в тому, що все відбувається занадто швидко (це новела, заради Бога), а в тому, що герої сексуалізують одне одного буквально з першої сторінки; на чому будується їхній звʼязок - не дуже ясно, а постійне наголошування на тому, який головний герой великий (тут навіть чоловіки Гейзелвуд відпочивають) трохи бісило. Плюс мені не сподобався переклад цієї історії, особливо сцен 18+ (навіть якщо в оригіналі dirty talks звучали більш-менш нормально, то можете бути впевнені: «цицечки», «дерти», «гамселити» і десяток інших антиовуляційних слів в українському перекладі зможуть вбити навіть найсильніше лібідо).
Мій рейтинг новел - від тієї, яка сподобалась найбільше, до тієї, яка сподобалась найменше:
1️⃣ «Кохання під ялинкою» - Александрія Беллефлер
Моя оцінка: ★★★★☆
Хоч в анотації до збірки написали «Тесса “Мікеланджело брудних розмов” Бейлі», саме Александрія Беллефлер показала, як треба писати dirty talks *облизується*
Мені дуже сподобалась ця новела.
Головний герой - гарячий, трохи самовпевнений пожежник, а насправді - просто солодка булочка з корицею. Він - мій улюблений чоловічий персонаж з цієї збірки, який, до того ж, закохується перший. Дуже мило, затишно і гаряче. Мені навіть не вистачило - хотілось більше, ніж ті 50+ сторінок, які я отримала *емодзі сумної жабки, яка плаче у ванній на підлозі*
2️⃣ «Жорстока зима з тобою» - Алі Гейзелвуд
Моя оцінка: ★★★★☆
Ну дивіться, в нас тут високий, накачаний технічний магнат, який завжди був закоханий в старшу за нього на два роки подругу сестри і який завжди знав, що рано чи пізно вони будуть разом.
Додайте сюди вимушену близькість, суміш другого шансу та miscommunication тропу, а також її бажання не вступати у стосунки через страх бути покинутою, і ви зрозумієте, чому мені сподобалось.
Багато кліше? Так. Нереалістично великий член? Так. Банальні проблеми, які можна було б вирішити просто поговоривши? Так. Але я насолоджувалась кожною секундою.
І так, після Марка, написаного Гейзелвуд, я запідозрила в себе слабкість до молодших, надійних, як швейцарський годинник, впевнених в собі технічних геніїв, які складають плани по завоюванню коханої жінки. Алі, шо ж ти наробила?
3️⃣ «Наодинці з ельфом» - Олівія Дейд
Моя оцінка: ★★★★☆
Дуже мила, тепла і сповнена зелених прапорців історія про те, як 37-річна плюс-сайз викладачка вже майже пів року таємно закохана у свого колегу, який на два роки молодший і ніби як зустрічається з її подругою. А потім бум: різдвяні свята, заметіль, вимушена близькість, «я ніколи не» і багато відвертості, чуттєвості і справжності - все, що я люблю у книжках Олівії Дейд, вона дала нам і в цій короткій історії. Це було прям дуже затишно.
4️⃣ «Санти в одній будівлі» - Алексіс Дарія
Моя оцінка: ★★★☆☆
Це просто було непогано. Мила різдвяна історія про сусідів, які давно закохані одне в одного, але думають, що їхні почуття не взаємні. Не можу сказати, що це прям вау - по сюжету, по емоціях, по героях, по любовній лінії, але на один раз може бути.
5️⃣ «Різдвяне “довго й щасливо”» - Тесса Бейлі
Моя оцінка: ★★☆☆☆
Ну історія мила, але написана вона відверто погано. І справа навіть не в тому, що все відбувається занадто швидко (це новела, заради Бога), а в тому, що герої сексуалізують одне одного буквально з першої сторінки; на чому будується їхній звʼязок - не дуже ясно, а постійне наголошування на тому, який головний герой великий (тут навіть чоловіки Гейзелвуд відпочивають) трохи бісило. Плюс мені не сподобався переклад цієї історії, особливо сцен 18+ (навіть якщо в оригіналі dirty talks звучали більш-менш нормально, то можете бути впевнені: «цицечки», «дерти», «гамселити» і десяток інших антиовуляційних слів в українському перекладі зможуть вбити навіть найсильніше лібідо).
March 8, 2025
Under the Mistletoe collection.
Holiday novellas to cheer in the season.
Cruel Winter by Ali Hazelwood
Part of the Under the Mistletoe holiday stories.
Contemporary romance novella. Best friend’s brother troupe.
Jamie Malek has known Marc Compton since the day he was born. She vows to protect the ugly little baby and be his friend forever. And she kept that vow. At least until she broke his heart. They avoid each other now. When Jamie’s father sends her to the neighbor’s house for a pan, she doesn’t expect Marc. She doesn’t expect a snowstorm or that he’d take care of her. She doesn’t expect they’d talk about their lives, dreams and misses.
A fortuitous snowstorm for the win.
Sentimental and swooning in the end. The perfect romance novella for a lunch time read.
5*
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary romance novella. Steamy.
Evie Crowe is a single mother starting over in a small town. She’s found a job at the local thrift store where she can also design and sew clothes. Luke Ward has gone into the thrift shop a couple times trying on jeans that don’t fit his large frame. Evie sees him a pair to fit and walks to his house with the baby to drop them off. Luke is impressed with her caring and generous nature. Evie wants to stay single, so after Luke makes his interest clear, she offers a friends with benefits scenario.
Very steamy with little prelude. Maybe because of the limited page count. It didn’t resonate with me. The Daddy vibe is not a favorite but I liked the epilogue years later proving their relationship is happy and continuing.
3*
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary holiday romance novella.
Nina and Willam have agreed to promote and drive the university rehabbed Mincemeat (aka wiener) mobile for Mrs Claus Mincemeat Treats. Nina thinks William is there for her friend but he actually has a crush on Nina. When they get stuck in sudden traffic overnight because of a snowstorm, it’s the perfect time to clear up the misunderstandings and see if they can have a future together.
Lots of funny puns and two high level nerds finding romance.
3.5*
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary holiday romance novella. HFN
Everleigh Dangerfield is staying her her grandmother’s house for the Christmas holiday. Trying to make cookies ends up a disaster as flames bring the Fire Department. Griffin Brantley is smitten and makes his interest clear but Everleigh doesn’t do casual. A ladder slip trying to put up holiday lights brings Griffin back to the house. More cookies and another fire and rescue takes both Griffin and Everleigh into the inevitable merriest of times.
Gotta love those fit firemen. Flirty, and fun until it gets steamy and happy.
4*
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary holiday diverse romance novella.
Evie Cruz moved into a new apartment three months ago and while she’s met and liked the other building tenants, she’s also had a work deadline drawing and writing a comic book and hasn’t had any time to get to know anyone very well. Except maybe Theo Winters who lives above her and helped drag up her Christmas tree and then changed a lightbulb for her recently. The building Christmas party is after her completed story and Evie is ready to party. She has eyes only for Theo at the party where they both decide to continue the celebrations privately. Wink wink.
Enjoyable story from flirty to sexy and steamy.
4*
Holiday novellas to cheer in the season.
Cruel Winter by Ali Hazelwood
Part of the Under the Mistletoe holiday stories.
Contemporary romance novella. Best friend’s brother troupe.
Jamie Malek has known Marc Compton since the day he was born. She vows to protect the ugly little baby and be his friend forever. And she kept that vow. At least until she broke his heart. They avoid each other now. When Jamie’s father sends her to the neighbor’s house for a pan, she doesn’t expect Marc. She doesn’t expect a snowstorm or that he’d take care of her. She doesn’t expect they’d talk about their lives, dreams and misses.
A fortuitous snowstorm for the win.
Sentimental and swooning in the end. The perfect romance novella for a lunch time read.
5*
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary romance novella. Steamy.
Evie Crowe is a single mother starting over in a small town. She’s found a job at the local thrift store where she can also design and sew clothes. Luke Ward has gone into the thrift shop a couple times trying on jeans that don’t fit his large frame. Evie sees him a pair to fit and walks to his house with the baby to drop them off. Luke is impressed with her caring and generous nature. Evie wants to stay single, so after Luke makes his interest clear, she offers a friends with benefits scenario.
Very steamy with little prelude. Maybe because of the limited page count. It didn’t resonate with me. The Daddy vibe is not a favorite but I liked the epilogue years later proving their relationship is happy and continuing.
3*
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary holiday romance novella.
Nina and Willam have agreed to promote and drive the university rehabbed Mincemeat (aka wiener) mobile for Mrs Claus Mincemeat Treats. Nina thinks William is there for her friend but he actually has a crush on Nina. When they get stuck in sudden traffic overnight because of a snowstorm, it’s the perfect time to clear up the misunderstandings and see if they can have a future together.
Lots of funny puns and two high level nerds finding romance.
3.5*
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary holiday romance novella. HFN
Everleigh Dangerfield is staying her her grandmother’s house for the Christmas holiday. Trying to make cookies ends up a disaster as flames bring the Fire Department. Griffin Brantley is smitten and makes his interest clear but Everleigh doesn’t do casual. A ladder slip trying to put up holiday lights brings Griffin back to the house. More cookies and another fire and rescue takes both Griffin and Everleigh into the inevitable merriest of times.
Gotta love those fit firemen. Flirty, and fun until it gets steamy and happy.
4*
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Part of the Under the Mistletoe series.
Contemporary holiday diverse romance novella.
Evie Cruz moved into a new apartment three months ago and while she’s met and liked the other building tenants, she’s also had a work deadline drawing and writing a comic book and hasn’t had any time to get to know anyone very well. Except maybe Theo Winters who lives above her and helped drag up her Christmas tree and then changed a lightbulb for her recently. The building Christmas party is after her completed story and Evie is ready to party. She has eyes only for Theo at the party where they both decide to continue the celebrations privately. Wink wink.
Enjoyable story from flirty to sexy and steamy.
4*
November 11, 2024
Thank you Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Such a cute (and a little spicy!) collection of short stories. Perfect if you’re looking for a quick holiday read. All of these authors were new to me, but I’m excited to now check out some of their other works. My favorites in the collection were Cruel Winter with You and Only Santas in the Building.
Cruel Winter with You 5⭐️
Merry Ever After 3⭐️
All by My Elf 2⭐️
Merriment and Mayhem 4⭐️
Only Santas in the Building 5⭐️
Such a cute (and a little spicy!) collection of short stories. Perfect if you’re looking for a quick holiday read. All of these authors were new to me, but I’m excited to now check out some of their other works. My favorites in the collection were Cruel Winter with You and Only Santas in the Building.
Cruel Winter with You 5⭐️
Merry Ever After 3⭐️
All by My Elf 2⭐️
Merriment and Mayhem 4⭐️
Only Santas in the Building 5⭐️
December 3, 2025
Нажаль 3 історії були повним розчаруваням, але 2 інші чарівними знахідками ❤️🔥
December 31, 2025
Дивлячись на середню оцінку, я думала, що буде гірше)) але насправді 3 з 5 оповідань для мене на 4/5 ⭐️
Про фермера і пожежника на 3, так що загальна оцінка виходить 3,75 - округлюю до 4 👌🏻
Про фермера і пожежника на 3, так що загальна оцінка виходить 3,75 - округлюю до 4 👌🏻
December 21, 2025
Reseña final de todo el estuche de Bajo el muérdago
Ya he terminado los cinco relatos del estuche y, siendo sincera, ha sido una lectura bastante irregular. De los cuatro primeros, ninguno ha terminado de convencerme del todo. Todos siguen un patrón muy parecido: protagonistas femeninas poco trabajadas, demasiado centradas en el sexo y relaciones que avanzan sin base ni desarrollo. En muchos casos, las escenas spicy me han parecido forzadas y metidas con calzador, cuando la historia pedía más conversación y construcción emocional.
Para mí, eso ha hecho que los relatos pierdan encanto y que conectara muy poco con los personajes.
La gran excepción ha sido Un invierno cruel contigo, de Ali Hazelwood. Con diferencia, el mejor relato del estuche. Me ha encantado desde el principio: los personajes son entrañables, conecté con ellos rapidísimo y la historia está muy bien contada. Se nota muchísimo la pluma de la autora y confirma por qué sigue siendo una de mis favoritas en romance.
Sinceramente, creo que el estuche merece la pena única y exclusivamente por este último relato que he leído. Si se pudiera comprar por separado, recomendaría hacerlo así. Aun así, en mi caso, me ha compensado haber comprado el estuche solo por poder leer esta historia💙
Ya he terminado los cinco relatos del estuche y, siendo sincera, ha sido una lectura bastante irregular. De los cuatro primeros, ninguno ha terminado de convencerme del todo. Todos siguen un patrón muy parecido: protagonistas femeninas poco trabajadas, demasiado centradas en el sexo y relaciones que avanzan sin base ni desarrollo. En muchos casos, las escenas spicy me han parecido forzadas y metidas con calzador, cuando la historia pedía más conversación y construcción emocional.
Para mí, eso ha hecho que los relatos pierdan encanto y que conectara muy poco con los personajes.
La gran excepción ha sido Un invierno cruel contigo, de Ali Hazelwood. Con diferencia, el mejor relato del estuche. Me ha encantado desde el principio: los personajes son entrañables, conecté con ellos rapidísimo y la historia está muy bien contada. Se nota muchísimo la pluma de la autora y confirma por qué sigue siendo una de mis favoritas en romance.
Sinceramente, creo que el estuche merece la pena única y exclusivamente por este último relato que he leído. Si se pudiera comprar por separado, recomendaría hacerlo así. Aun así, en mi caso, me ha compensado haber comprado el estuche solo por poder leer esta historia💙
December 10, 2025
Ja also, das war eher nichts 😂 die Stories haben alle nur am Rande mit Weihnachten zu tun und ich hatte mich eigentlich richtig auf X-Mas-Stimmung gefreut 🫠 außerdem geht’s eigentlich immer nur ums Eine und es hat dann irgendwann genervt.. total schade, aber alles, was mit Ali Hazelwood zu tun hat, ist in letzter Zeit einfach nur reine Enttäuschung 😭
December 26, 2025
Якщо у вас мало часу, а до кінця року хочеться святковий Різдвяний настрій, ця книжка - чудовий варіант.
Треба визнати, що написати коротку історію і мати змогу закохати читача в героїв це талант. Історії милі, веселі, солодкі. Високі, широкі, великі і добре пахнуть - всі чоловіки тут. 🫣🤣
Тверда 4* від мене, рекомендую
Про пожежника, напевно, моя улюблена історія 🥰 бо героїня приколюха 😂
Треба визнати, що написати коротку історію і мати змогу закохати читача в героїв це талант. Історії милі, веселі, солодкі. Високі, широкі, великі і добре пахнуть - всі чоловіки тут. 🫣🤣
Тверда 4* від мене, рекомендую
Про пожежника, напевно, моя улюблена історія 🥰 бо героїня приколюха 😂
December 11, 2025
я провела дуже хороший час з цією книгою; вона – саме те, що треба напередодні Різдва 🥰хоч і не всі історії для мене «вау»
мій рейтинг:
1. «Жорстока зима з тобою» 5⭐️
2. «Санти в одній будівлі» 5⭐️
3. «Кохання під ялинкою» 5⭐️
4. «Різдвяне „довго й щасливо“ 2⭐️
5. «Наодинці з ельфом» 2⭐️
дві останні історії взагалі не зайшли, було нудно 🥱
мій рейтинг:
1. «Жорстока зима з тобою» 5⭐️
2. «Санти в одній будівлі» 5⭐️
3. «Кохання під ялинкою» 5⭐️
4. «Різдвяне „довго й щасливо“ 2⭐️
5. «Наодинці з ельфом» 2⭐️
дві останні історії взагалі не зайшли, було нудно 🥱
December 2, 2025
Це було схоже на секс: багато очікувань, пару коротких заходів і такий легенький післясмак типу «я це точно повторю, але не сьогодні».
November 16, 2024
Cruel Winter With You
3,5 / 5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶
Spicy chapter: 7 (the last one in the story)
Marc (MMC) and Jamie (FMC)
This is a short novella that was entertaining and well written. I didn't love the story as much as other books written by AH, as I found it unbelievable, and imo Jamie spent too much time being scared about admitting her feelings towards Marc, even to herself. I found this very frustrating...
The plot is about Jamie and Marc, who are childhood friends, both with successful jobs as adults (she's a pediatrician, while he made a lot of money by starting his own tech company). Marc admits to being in love with Jamie since he was 15 years old and carries a pic of her as the background on his phone that he took on prom night, even years later. The two MC's become somewhat estranged as adults, yet Marc makes sure to stay in touch with her, never truly giving up on getting her to love him back someday. He's so freaking patient and obsessed with her for some reason 🤨🤨🤨.
I found it unreasonable how much (and how often) Jamie rejects Marc, yet he never gives up. It gave me some "desperate puppy love" vibes if I'm being honest...
Anyway, I don't regret reading this, and perhaps you won't either. Enjoy! 📚
---
Merry Ever After
4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
3,5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 3, 5, Epilogue
Jake (MMC) and Evie (FMC)
Dual POV, yay! 🤩
Quick and cute (and spicy 🌶!!!) read about a single mom and a giant farmer who has the hots for her.
Evie works at a 2nd hand clothes shop and also sells her own designs. She is a single mom who works full time and is staring anew in a small town, far away from her previous life in the city. Jake visits the store where she works a few times, trying to find jeans that fit him well, unsuccessfully. He also seems to have a crush on Evie, which I found so sweet.
Anyhow, Evie offers to make his custom jeans that fit him, but Jake doesn't want to "make a fuss". They are adorable together ❤️.
Total insta-love story, as it is often the case with TB's stories, but it's weet, hot, and it will leave you with a cozy feeling inside - like a warm hug.
Happy reading! 📚
---
All By My Elf
3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐
2,5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: One, towards the end of the book
William (MMC) and Nina (FMC)
Third person POV narration 😓
---
Marriment and Mayhem
3 / 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 3, 4 🔥
Griffin (MMC) and Everleigh (FMC)
Third person POV narration 😩
---
Only Santas in the Building
4 / 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapter: 5🔥
Theo (MMC) and Evie (FMC)
First person POV narration 🙆♀️
3,5 / 5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶
Spicy chapter: 7 (the last one in the story)
Marc (MMC) and Jamie (FMC)
This is a short novella that was entertaining and well written. I didn't love the story as much as other books written by AH, as I found it unbelievable, and imo Jamie spent too much time being scared about admitting her feelings towards Marc, even to herself. I found this very frustrating...
The plot is about Jamie and Marc, who are childhood friends, both with successful jobs as adults (she's a pediatrician, while he made a lot of money by starting his own tech company). Marc admits to being in love with Jamie since he was 15 years old and carries a pic of her as the background on his phone that he took on prom night, even years later. The two MC's become somewhat estranged as adults, yet Marc makes sure to stay in touch with her, never truly giving up on getting her to love him back someday. He's so freaking patient and obsessed with her for some reason 🤨🤨🤨.
I found it unreasonable how much (and how often) Jamie rejects Marc, yet he never gives up. It gave me some "desperate puppy love" vibes if I'm being honest...
Anyway, I don't regret reading this, and perhaps you won't either. Enjoy! 📚
---
Merry Ever After
4.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
3,5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 3, 5, Epilogue
Jake (MMC) and Evie (FMC)
Dual POV, yay! 🤩
Quick and cute (and spicy 🌶!!!) read about a single mom and a giant farmer who has the hots for her.
Evie works at a 2nd hand clothes shop and also sells her own designs. She is a single mom who works full time and is staring anew in a small town, far away from her previous life in the city. Jake visits the store where she works a few times, trying to find jeans that fit him well, unsuccessfully. He also seems to have a crush on Evie, which I found so sweet.
Anyhow, Evie offers to make his custom jeans that fit him, but Jake doesn't want to "make a fuss". They are adorable together ❤️.
Total insta-love story, as it is often the case with TB's stories, but it's weet, hot, and it will leave you with a cozy feeling inside - like a warm hug.
Happy reading! 📚
---
All By My Elf
3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐
2,5 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: One, towards the end of the book
William (MMC) and Nina (FMC)
Third person POV narration 😓
---
Marriment and Mayhem
3 / 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapters: 3, 4 🔥
Griffin (MMC) and Everleigh (FMC)
Third person POV narration 😩
---
Only Santas in the Building
4 / 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
2 / 5 🌶️
Spicy chapter: 5🔥
Theo (MMC) and Evie (FMC)
First person POV narration 🙆♀️
November 21, 2024
Perfect holiday short novellas for people who love romance and Christmas! get ready to cozy in and read 5 very different festive love stories.
I was familiar with 3/5 of the authors before going into this and was excited to see what they did. I listened to the audio along with reading.
1. Cruel Winter With You, Ali Hazelwood. 3/5 stars. While I'm fine with a friends to lovers/best friend's sibling romance, the fact that she held him as a baby was weird. Also he is almost painfully down bad for her.
2. Merry Ever After, Tessa Bailey. 5/5 stars. AMAZING. I need more farmer romances now. A little cliche that he is SO big and she is SO small but who cares. This one was so cute and spicy.
3. All By My Elf, Olivia Date. 3/4. Eh. Underpaid professors have a side gig in a weird food truck and definitely break food safety codes to get it on in a snow storm.
4. Merriment and Mayhem, Alexandria Bellefluer. 4/5. Love a firefighter moment! even if the FMC is painfully clumsy, this one was funny and sexy.
5. Only Santas in the Building, Alexis Daria, 3/5. If people would just use their words... then this wouldn't have had a plot lol. But it was cute in the end.
Each of these is available separately on KU with the audio included!!!
Thank you to the publisher, authors, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was familiar with 3/5 of the authors before going into this and was excited to see what they did. I listened to the audio along with reading.
1. Cruel Winter With You, Ali Hazelwood. 3/5 stars. While I'm fine with a friends to lovers/best friend's sibling romance, the fact that she held him as a baby was weird. Also he is almost painfully down bad for her.
2. Merry Ever After, Tessa Bailey. 5/5 stars. AMAZING. I need more farmer romances now. A little cliche that he is SO big and she is SO small but who cares. This one was so cute and spicy.
3. All By My Elf, Olivia Date. 3/4. Eh. Underpaid professors have a side gig in a weird food truck and definitely break food safety codes to get it on in a snow storm.
4. Merriment and Mayhem, Alexandria Bellefluer. 4/5. Love a firefighter moment! even if the FMC is painfully clumsy, this one was funny and sexy.
5. Only Santas in the Building, Alexis Daria, 3/5. If people would just use their words... then this wouldn't have had a plot lol. But it was cute in the end.
Each of these is available separately on KU with the audio included!!!
Thank you to the publisher, authors, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2025
«Колекція омели»
Збірка з 5-и різдвяно-романтично-сексуальних оповідань.
6,5/10 💙
По-перше збірки оповідань це все таки не моє, а читати 5 настільки схожих історій підряд - це помилка. Думаю, їх варто розділити та читати у перервах між іншими історіями.
Перша історія- «Жорстока зима з тобою» Алі Гейзелвуд 8/10
Все у стилі Алі. У такому маленькому оповіданні вона використала декілька сюжетних ліній, розкрила конфлікт головних героїв та дала явні характері риси головній персонажці.
Друга історія - «Різдвяне «довго й щасливо» від Тесси Бейлі суттєво зменшило оцінку цієї збірки.
1/10
Мої очі закочувалися прямо до мізків. Цій жінці не можна писати секс-сцени, бо це дуже крінжово.
«Наодинці з ельфом» Олівія Дейд.
У цій історії мені найбільше сподобався головний персонаж, піднята проблема працівників освіта та смішний автомобіль.
7/10
«Кохання під ялинкою» Александра Беллефлер
7/10
Мені сподобалася ідея з головним героєм- пожежником. Насправді, я б хотіла прочитати повну історію про цю пару.
Але у форматі оповідань фінал був досить кострубатим.
«Санти в одній будівлі» Алексіс Дарія
9,5/10
Найкраще оповідання збірки! Я стільки разів умилялася, посміхалася, навіть хіхікала.
Бо це найбільше схоже саме на ромком, а н�� просто сцену 18+ з додатковими ремарками.
Тут був гумор, цікаві персонажі, історія та кішка.
Ця історія рятує всю книжку для мене.
Збірка з 5-и різдвяно-романтично-сексуальних оповідань.
6,5/10 💙
По-перше збірки оповідань це все таки не моє, а читати 5 настільки схожих історій підряд - це помилка. Думаю, їх варто розділити та читати у перервах між іншими історіями.
Перша історія- «Жорстока зима з тобою» Алі Гейзелвуд 8/10
Все у стилі Алі. У такому маленькому оповіданні вона використала декілька сюжетних ліній, розкрила конфлікт головних героїв та дала явні характері риси головній персонажці.
Друга історія - «Різдвяне «довго й щасливо» від Тесси Бейлі суттєво зменшило оцінку цієї збірки.
1/10
Мої очі закочувалися прямо до мізків. Цій жінці не можна писати секс-сцени, бо це дуже крінжово.
«Наодинці з ельфом» Олівія Дейд.
У цій історії мені найбільше сподобався головний персонаж, піднята проблема працівників освіта та смішний автомобіль.
7/10
«Кохання під ялинкою» Александра Беллефлер
7/10
Мені сподобалася ідея з головним героєм- пожежником. Насправді, я б хотіла прочитати повну історію про цю пару.
Але у форматі оповідань фінал був досить кострубатим.
«Санти в одній будівлі» Алексіс Дарія
9,5/10
Найкраще оповідання збірки! Я стільки разів умилялася, посміхалася, навіть хіхікала.
Бо це найбільше схоже саме на ромком, а н�� просто сцену 18+ з додатковими ремарками.
Тут був гумор, цікаві персонажі, історія та кішка.
Ця історія рятує всю книжку для мене.
December 14, 2024
Cruel Winter with You - 3.5 ⭐️
Merry Ever After - 3 ⭐️
All By My Elf - 2 ⭐️
Merriment and Mayhem - 4 ⭐️
Only Santa’s in the Building - 4 ⭐️
Merry Ever After - 3 ⭐️
All By My Elf - 2 ⭐️
Merriment and Mayhem - 4 ⭐️
Only Santa’s in the Building - 4 ⭐️
December 22, 2025
Не розумію чому такий низький рейтинг
Так, в цих історіях є кліше, деякі історії слабші за інші, але я знала, чого саме чекаю від цих оповідань
Книга потрапила в настрій, тому я непогано провела з нею кілька вечорів ✨️
Так, в цих історіях є кліше, деякі історії слабші за інші, але я знала, чого саме чекаю від цих оповідань
Книга потрапила в настрій, тому я непогано провела з нею кілька вечорів ✨️
dnf
December 13, 2025die tessa bailey geschichte ist so schlecht, ich hab keine lust mehr
November 24, 2024
Ali Hazelwood, Alexandria Bellefleur & Alexis Daria - loved these and I think it’s because they had a little something extra in them
Olivia Dade’s didn’t do it for me but was fine
Wtf was Tessa Bailey’s?
Olivia Dade’s didn’t do it for me but was fine
Wtf was Tessa Bailey’s?
December 21, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
5 Books, each 1.2-2 hours in length if you want some quick Holiday listens.
The Under the Mistletoe Collection series is a group of five short stories about an hour and a half to two hours in length all from different authors. I enjoyed the Valentine's Day series in a similar format and was excited to try out a few new authors in this series. I liked most of the stories and there were a few authors below that I will read some of their other works because I enjoyed them.
Cruel Winter With You – by Ali Hazelwood (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 1) ♥♥♥♥♥
This was my favorite story out of the collection. Marc was Jamie’s best friends brother growing up. He had a huge crush on her and she always liked him but they have some history. Trapped together in a snow story before Christmas, the reader will get some insights into their pasts and when and how everything went wrong.
This was a cute second chance friends to lovers story that I really bought into because of their history.
Narration: Vivienne LaRue did a fantastic job at capturing both Jamie and Marc’s voice and really making me care about the characters. She brought the story home for me and I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed
Merry Ever After - by Tessa Bailey (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 2) ♥♥♥
There isn’t a lot of time in these stories but this was about a single mother and a gentle giant. It went from 0-60 in no time flat and I wish we would have had a little more set up. Evie and her baby work at the Thrift Store where Luke sometimes comes to try on pants. Only problem is he is a big guy and nothing really fits. As a gift, Evie makes him a part of jeans and from there they find there is a spark between them.
I liked the idea of the story but wish we could have got a little more character and interaction time before they started jumping each other’s bones. This was the sexiest of all the shorts. We did get a cute epilogue which was nice.
Narration: I appreciate the dual narration for this. Connor Crais was a good narrator for this and got Luke's voice really good. Summer Morton did a good job with Evie as well and kept up with Crais. The sex scenes were steamy and they did great with them.
All By My Elf by Olivia Dade (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 3) ♥♥♥
As adjunct professors Nina and William took up a job through the holidays selling mince pies out of a traveling mobile that looks a lot like male genitalia. This does make for some funny moments while stuck in traffic. Nina has had a crust on William since she came to the university. But hasn’t had the courage to do anything about it. Stuck in the middle of the highway in a snow storm just might be a good time for some Christmas confessions.
This was probably my least favorite story of the collection. You could tell that William had a thing for Nina and I just wanted to get it all out in the open. Then the sex scene in the mince meat mobile was way too politically correct with all the can I touch you stuff after I thought it had been made pretty clear that they both wanted to do all the touchy touchy things. Also a sex scene in something that in my head looked a lot like the Oscar Wiener Mobile was just not sexy to me.
Still Nina and William were sweet if incredible dense about telling each other how they feel. It wasn’t a bad story I just liked all the others more.
Narration: Andi Arndt is a pro narrator and brought her A game. The voices and emotions were great and they made the funny scenes even funnier than if I would have read the book.
Merriment and Mayhem By Alexandria Bellefluer (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 4) ♥♥♥♥
Hot fireman to the rescue…um yes, please.
Everleigh Dangerfield is living up to her name and accidentally set the kitchen on fire while trying to bake some cookies. She is determined to do the things she used to with her grandmother as a way of saying goodbye to her. The only problem, some of the stuff in the house is a little old and temperamental, hence the fire. Griffen is a little smitten at first sight after showing up to assist in putting out the fire, but Everliegh is leaving soon and isn’t looking for anything.
What ensues are a few funny situational moments that involve needing to be rescued and Griffen being just the man for the job.
This was really cute, even if it was fast. I really liked the story but would have loved a small epilogue to the end as it cute off pretty fast.
Narration: Amelie Griffin captured the fun of this book. She made the situational moments funny and Everliegh’s inner dialogue a lot of fun. She even did well on Griffin’s voice making him seem a little dreamy too.
Only Santa’s in the Building - By Alexis Daria (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 5) ♥♥♥♥
Evie is on deadline and hasn’t had the time to decorate her Christmas Tree. When some cute handmade ornaments start showing up on her door she is on a mission to figure out who they are from to thank them. But for now she needs to focus and get all of her drawings in on time, so it would help if she could stop thinking about her sexy handyman neighbor who sometimes fixes things for her.
At the building Christmas party she might just get a chance for him to see her in something that isn’t her comfort clothing while she is on deadline. She is hoping she’ll knock his socks off but with a little help from some Mistletoe she might just get her socks knocked off too.
I thought this was a super cute and fast read. I liked Evie and her drooling over a nice guy who lives upstairs and I was pulling for her to finally make a move.
Narration: Ruby Corazon was a perfect fit for Evie’s character since this was a singe PoV. She got the slight accent right and it made the story better as Evie came to life.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
5 Books, each 1.2-2 hours in length if you want some quick Holiday listens.
The Under the Mistletoe Collection series is a group of five short stories about an hour and a half to two hours in length all from different authors. I enjoyed the Valentine's Day series in a similar format and was excited to try out a few new authors in this series. I liked most of the stories and there were a few authors below that I will read some of their other works because I enjoyed them.
Cruel Winter With You – by Ali Hazelwood (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 1) ♥♥♥♥♥
This was my favorite story out of the collection. Marc was Jamie’s best friends brother growing up. He had a huge crush on her and she always liked him but they have some history. Trapped together in a snow story before Christmas, the reader will get some insights into their pasts and when and how everything went wrong.
This was a cute second chance friends to lovers story that I really bought into because of their history.
Narration: Vivienne LaRue did a fantastic job at capturing both Jamie and Marc’s voice and really making me care about the characters. She brought the story home for me and I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed
Merry Ever After - by Tessa Bailey (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 2) ♥♥♥
There isn’t a lot of time in these stories but this was about a single mother and a gentle giant. It went from 0-60 in no time flat and I wish we would have had a little more set up. Evie and her baby work at the Thrift Store where Luke sometimes comes to try on pants. Only problem is he is a big guy and nothing really fits. As a gift, Evie makes him a part of jeans and from there they find there is a spark between them.
I liked the idea of the story but wish we could have got a little more character and interaction time before they started jumping each other’s bones. This was the sexiest of all the shorts. We did get a cute epilogue which was nice.
Narration: I appreciate the dual narration for this. Connor Crais was a good narrator for this and got Luke's voice really good. Summer Morton did a good job with Evie as well and kept up with Crais. The sex scenes were steamy and they did great with them.
All By My Elf by Olivia Dade (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 3) ♥♥♥
As adjunct professors Nina and William took up a job through the holidays selling mince pies out of a traveling mobile that looks a lot like male genitalia. This does make for some funny moments while stuck in traffic. Nina has had a crust on William since she came to the university. But hasn’t had the courage to do anything about it. Stuck in the middle of the highway in a snow storm just might be a good time for some Christmas confessions.
This was probably my least favorite story of the collection. You could tell that William had a thing for Nina and I just wanted to get it all out in the open. Then the sex scene in the mince meat mobile was way too politically correct with all the can I touch you stuff after I thought it had been made pretty clear that they both wanted to do all the touchy touchy things. Also a sex scene in something that in my head looked a lot like the Oscar Wiener Mobile was just not sexy to me.
Still Nina and William were sweet if incredible dense about telling each other how they feel. It wasn’t a bad story I just liked all the others more.
Narration: Andi Arndt is a pro narrator and brought her A game. The voices and emotions were great and they made the funny scenes even funnier than if I would have read the book.
Merriment and Mayhem By Alexandria Bellefluer (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 4) ♥♥♥♥
Hot fireman to the rescue…um yes, please.
Everleigh Dangerfield is living up to her name and accidentally set the kitchen on fire while trying to bake some cookies. She is determined to do the things she used to with her grandmother as a way of saying goodbye to her. The only problem, some of the stuff in the house is a little old and temperamental, hence the fire. Griffen is a little smitten at first sight after showing up to assist in putting out the fire, but Everliegh is leaving soon and isn’t looking for anything.
What ensues are a few funny situational moments that involve needing to be rescued and Griffen being just the man for the job.
This was really cute, even if it was fast. I really liked the story but would have loved a small epilogue to the end as it cute off pretty fast.
Narration: Amelie Griffin captured the fun of this book. She made the situational moments funny and Everliegh’s inner dialogue a lot of fun. She even did well on Griffin’s voice making him seem a little dreamy too.
Only Santa’s in the Building - By Alexis Daria (Under the Mistletoe Collection Series 5) ♥♥♥♥
Evie is on deadline and hasn’t had the time to decorate her Christmas Tree. When some cute handmade ornaments start showing up on her door she is on a mission to figure out who they are from to thank them. But for now she needs to focus and get all of her drawings in on time, so it would help if she could stop thinking about her sexy handyman neighbor who sometimes fixes things for her.
At the building Christmas party she might just get a chance for him to see her in something that isn’t her comfort clothing while she is on deadline. She is hoping she’ll knock his socks off but with a little help from some Mistletoe she might just get her socks knocked off too.
I thought this was a super cute and fast read. I liked Evie and her drooling over a nice guy who lives upstairs and I was pulling for her to finally make a move.
Narration: Ruby Corazon was a perfect fit for Evie’s character since this was a singe PoV. She got the slight accent right and it made the story better as Evie came to life.
Listen to a clip: HERE
October 29, 2024
I got a digital ARC of this short story collection and discovered each of these stories are about pining and yearning during the holidays and I love a good pining story.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
Marc has been in love with his older sister's best friend ever since they were young kids. This short story is sweet and sexy and Jamie, now a pediatrician, finally allows herself to be vulnerable and admit to tech millionaire Marc that his once unrequited feelings are very much reciprocated. 5/5 stars
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Standard Tessa Bailey with the typical smol heroine (Evie) and tall hero (Luke) (everything is apparently very large on this guy but the heroine is made to fit him). I liked the single mom and the soft caretaking hero but endless mentions of how big he was (all over) grew tiresome. 3/5 stars
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
This one included a forced proximity between two adjunct college professors embarking on a holiday side hustle aboard a wienermobile turned mincemeat mobile. Only Olivia Dade's brilliant mind could conceive of such a plot and make it work so very beautifully. William is the soft and tenderhearted hero pining for Nina who, unbeknownst to him, is pining back just as hard. 5/5 stars
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Everleigh is trying to sell her late grandmother's house and also throw one last Christmas celebration the way her grandmother always did. Unfortunately for her, everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, from a kitchen oven on fire to a broken ladder leaving Everleigh stranded on the roof with no way down. Enter Griffin Brantley, the sexy firefighter who keeps riding to Everleigh's rescue. This one was super fun and sexy and I wish it had been just a few pages longer. 4/5 stars
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Another story involving grandmother loss and grief, comic book illustrator Evie is on a strict deadline while also navigating a crush on her upstairs neighbor, Theo. Likewise, Theo has been harboring a crush on her as well. These two are so sweet and adorable as they find their way to each other. 5/5 stars
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
Marc has been in love with his older sister's best friend ever since they were young kids. This short story is sweet and sexy and Jamie, now a pediatrician, finally allows herself to be vulnerable and admit to tech millionaire Marc that his once unrequited feelings are very much reciprocated. 5/5 stars
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Standard Tessa Bailey with the typical smol heroine (Evie) and tall hero (Luke) (everything is apparently very large on this guy but the heroine is made to fit him). I liked the single mom and the soft caretaking hero but endless mentions of how big he was (all over) grew tiresome. 3/5 stars
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
This one included a forced proximity between two adjunct college professors embarking on a holiday side hustle aboard a wienermobile turned mincemeat mobile. Only Olivia Dade's brilliant mind could conceive of such a plot and make it work so very beautifully. William is the soft and tenderhearted hero pining for Nina who, unbeknownst to him, is pining back just as hard. 5/5 stars
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Everleigh is trying to sell her late grandmother's house and also throw one last Christmas celebration the way her grandmother always did. Unfortunately for her, everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, from a kitchen oven on fire to a broken ladder leaving Everleigh stranded on the roof with no way down. Enter Griffin Brantley, the sexy firefighter who keeps riding to Everleigh's rescue. This one was super fun and sexy and I wish it had been just a few pages longer. 4/5 stars
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Another story involving grandmother loss and grief, comic book illustrator Evie is on a strict deadline while also navigating a crush on her upstairs neighbor, Theo. Likewise, Theo has been harboring a crush on her as well. These two are so sweet and adorable as they find their way to each other. 5/5 stars
November 4, 2025
Cruel winter with you - Ali Hazelwood
★★★★
Merry ever after - Tessa Bailey
★★★
All by my elf - Olivia Dade
★★★
Merriment and mayhem - Alexandria Bellefleur
★★★★
Only santa's in the building - Alexis Daria
★★★★
Gemiddelde beoordeling van het boek: 3,6⭐️
★★★★
Merry ever after - Tessa Bailey
★★★
All by my elf - Olivia Dade
★★★
Merriment and mayhem - Alexandria Bellefleur
★★★★
Only santa's in the building - Alexis Daria
★★★★
Gemiddelde beoordeling van het boek: 3,6⭐️
December 25, 2025
2,5 | Wenn ich ehrlich bin, dann hatten die Geschichten nicht viel mit Weihnachten zu tun. Es gab in jeder Geschichte etwas Vorgeplänkel und alles endete in SnuSnu. Es liest sich wie ein Fiebertraum und bleibt überall gleich absurd.
Besonders die zweite Geschichte liest sich wie „Warum liegt hier Stroh?“. Musste dabei viel lachen. Spezialangefertigte Stühle? Er weiss nicht, wie sich ein Fahrrad anhört? Ach cmon.
Die Namen in den Geschichten waren teilweise genauso absurd (Dangerfield, echt jetzt?).
Wenn man auf süße und kitschige Weihnachtsgeschichten hofft… lieber Finger weg. Es geht in dem Buch primär um Spice.
War ganz funny und ich betrachte es mehr als Trash Read. Lasst euch aber nicht vom Cover täuschen.
Besonders die zweite Geschichte liest sich wie „Warum liegt hier Stroh?“. Musste dabei viel lachen. Spezialangefertigte Stühle? Er weiss nicht, wie sich ein Fahrrad anhört? Ach cmon.
Die Namen in den Geschichten waren teilweise genauso absurd (Dangerfield, echt jetzt?).
Wenn man auf süße und kitschige Weihnachtsgeschichten hofft… lieber Finger weg. Es geht in dem Buch primär um Spice.
War ganz funny und ich betrachte es mehr als Trash Read. Lasst euch aber nicht vom Cover täuschen.
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