Mistletoe Rewind

by Skye McDonald

[December 1987]
Valerie

Last Christmas, I would've given him my heart. But he stared at me under the mistletoe and whispered two little

I can't.Now, it's just another year as a mall video store clerk. My days are filled with work, school, and the occasional flirt from Danny, the cute guy from the record shop. Oh, and ignoring my grinch of a boss, Noah. Even though we work together all the time, we barely speak.

We definitely don't talk about that embarrassing moment under the mistletoe at last year's party.

But when Noah starts revealing unexpected layers under his grumpy exterior, my carefully guarded world begins to shift. From stolen kisses in the stockroom to a magical dress that changes everything, this Christmas is about to teach me the thrill of taking risks, embracing my desires, and uncovering the unexpected warmth of the holiday season.

"Mistletoe Rewind" is a heartwarming, steamy holiday romance packed with 80s nostalgia, sharp wit, and all the sparks of a perfect winter's night.

Genres: Romance

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2024

About the author

Skye McDonald is a wellness coach, blogger, and contemporary romance novelist. She believes in the power of falling in love with oneself as the real path to a happily ever after. Her books and coaching draw on her own life experiences. Her novels are sure to make you laugh, cry, and swoon.

Skye's first novel, *Not Suitable for Work*, won the Linda Howard Award for Romance in 2019. Her co-authored Unlikely Pairings series (written with Sarah Smith) have been Amazon bestsellers and #1 New Releases. Skye shares her thoughts on living life with an open heart in her "A Bit Much" Substack.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Skye now lives and works in Montclair, New Jersey. In her free time, she hikes with her dogs, runs Spartan races, travels, Scuba dives, and is learning to ski. Someday she’ll chill out, preferably on a beach. But not yet. There’s so much life to live first.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect spicy Christmas novella! It reminds me of when I worked at a few shopping malls. I love that even though Valerie doesn’t know what she wants of her love life at first, Noah is in love with her and brings out what she desires most. Thank you to Skye McDonald for giving her Facebook group readers a chance to read it early.

[Abigail Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay first things first - I did NOT love the attempt at 1980s dialogue - it felt really forced and awkward. Almost like if the 80s was a theme for a party and people dress over the top costumes of the 80s, when the reality is most real life non-celebrities in the 80s didn’t dress that way… that’s how some of the dialogue here felt. Forced, not believable , and one too many “As if”’s for my liking.

Other than that - this was a fast pace workplace romance short story with a Christmas theme that was just so/so. It felt like I was reading 2 completely different books. The writing style of the first half was very slow paced, kind of lackluster, and just wasn’t doing it for me — then the romance kicks up a notch and it felt like someone else took over writing the book. The steamy scene was fun - I like the direction the short story went - but overall this was not a cohesively written book and the good spicy scene just couldn’t make up for what was otherwise a pretty poorly executed book.

[Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Rewind by Skye McDonald is just enough to get you hooked! It starts out with main character Valerie working at a video store, almost leading me to believe she's slightly younger than her actual age. As the novella quickly moves forward and Valerie's story unfolds, her maturity is evident. It is easy to take on her persona as she reveals her true self. The chemistry between her and Noah is so hot and steamy yet the creative writing style of the author is so subtle and endearing. The story, though erotic is very easy and comfortable to read. Believing in a fairy godmother or father, as it may be in this story, in a store tucked away in an alley, brings warmth to my heart during this holiday season! Cheers to Skye McDonald for once again showing strength, self-awareness and love in a strong female character, as well as a connection to an equally balanced male character. Highly recommend!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Rewind by Skye McDonald is such an amazing workplace holiday romance. It features the slow burn of romance, the getting to know each other, and the growing friendship /relationship connection. It has wonderfully written main and supporting characters which are rounded and unique. It follows with an entertaining and engaging storyline full of romance, steam, sass, wit, and charm. Valerie and Noah work together and develop in their work and personal connection and relationship as the story progresses. Mistletoe Rewind is a short holiday, well written romance that is worth the read.

[Rodney Wiedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, we have a grumpy sunshine short sweet and spicy romance here. The main characters are crushing on each other really bad, and you can tell that they are basically in love with each other. When they find themselves still in the store after claening up, Valerie unloads on him about what happened at the last christmas party at the mall where they work. Noah does make up for it after embarrassing her again by giving her the key to his apartment. There was some christmas magic going on in this book, and they made the most of it. Definitely worth reading.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have new favorite Author of the genre - Steamy holiday short story. Outstanding!
Loved everything about it - 80s, workplace romance, grumpy/sunshine, mistletoe rewind.
Amazing! Kind of perfection even! Easiness and playfulness of the story, amazing writing style.
Valerie and Noah's - Queen Valerie and her Grump. Loved all those references - Cinderella for real.
ANd YES - appropriately festive. Can't wait to find more books of the Author!

[Find Me Behind a Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and festive holiday read! For a short story, Mistletoe Rewind delivers great character development and excellent chemistry between the leads. The tension between them—especially with their awkward past and workplace dynamic—was perfectly done.

Overall, this was a quick, heartwarming holiday romance that packed a lot into a short read. I really enjoyed the characters and their chemistry and would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a festive, feel-good romance.

[K Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to review my advanced readers copy of this novella of two groups colleagues who find their spicy happy beginning, circa Christmas of 1987!

The setting and time period brought back so much nostalgia for me.

I enjoyed this brief romance!

This book is absolutely a Winter's Wonder of escape.

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[The Literary Chimera · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Triggers:
Single mom
Taking care of an injured parent
Workplace romance
Sex

A sexy bit of holiday nostalgia

I love that this story took me back to the 90s and early 2000s when video stores were around and "Be kind, rewind" was a common phrase. It's a spicy bit of holiday workplace romance with a bit of a grumpy/sunshine trope. It's a quick and satisfying holiday treat.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mistletoe Rewind by Skye McDonald is an enjoyable, easy read with a cozy holiday atmosphere. It’s a light, predictable romance with some spice that’s perfect for fans of festive reads but may not leave a lasting impression.

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Rewind: A grumpy/sunshine, steamy holiday short story
by Skye McDonald

A romance fiction about a girl Valerie and Danny and her l8fe moments from the video shop ,school and their romance.

[Cathy Mesaric-Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like short, sweet and spicy stories? Grab this one! This is the perfect fun read when you want to completely relax and be entertained after a long day. Sunshine/Grumpy, the 1980’s and a perfect dress! Loved it!

[Nicole Milazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Rewind by Skye McDonald is a grumpy/sunshine romance that'll charm you with its 80s vibes and steamy moments. It's about Valerie, a mall video store clerk, who gets stuck with her grinch of a boss, Noah, after hours. I loved their slow-burn spark! Perfect Christmas novella!

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorably cute throwback to the 80's with a romance that was quite believable for something that would have happened back then. It was innocent, yet not. I loved the hip fairy godmother who gave Valerie all the armor she needed to face another Christmas party.

[Amanda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick read. It is an entertaining story that I enjoyed reading. I liked the storyline and the characters. And it has character development, tension, romance, and some spice. A holiday romance that packs in just enough to grab your attention from beginning to end.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story was a perfect ending to my busy day. This couple were so hot together for the Christmas party! The plot was so good! I’m definitely recommending this story to my friends to read!

[Bookend Gal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Rewind is such a cute story. I found it easy to read, entertaining and playful. This short story is a palate cleanser and enjoyable.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, fun holiday read. I enjoyed this fast read and I thought the characters were interesting and lovable.

[Chelsea Echegaray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh

[Zondra.Hallyahoo.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.