Mischief and Mistletoe

Sagebrush Cowboys #6

by Atreus Rosewood

One burned-out executive. One annoyingly charming cowboy. A Christmas kiss that turns their world upside down.

Hayden LA chewed me up and spit me out. I didn't come to Sagebrush for romance. I came to hide. I wanted silence. I wanted to forget the startup that failed and the ex who ruined me. Then Diego Mendez rode into town. He’s younger, reckless, and pure trouble wrapped in a pearl-snap shirt. He calls me "Hollywood" like it’s a dare. He looks at me like I’m the only present he wants to unwrap. I should run. But when he backs me under the mistletoe, I don't want to escape. I want to surrender.

Diego I’m a drifter. I work hard, ride hard, and never stay in one place too long. Then I saw Hayden. He’s all icy stares and stiff shoulders, trying so hard to be invisible. But I see him. He thinks he’s broken. I think he just needs the right pair of hands to put him back together. I know I should keep my distance. I’m not the settling down type. But one taste of him in our shared hotel room, and suddenly, leaving is the last thing on my mind.

Welcome to Sagebrush, Texas. Where the snow is falling, the whiskey is pouring, and the mistletoe is just the beginning.

Mischief and Mistletoe 🎄 Grumpy City Boy x Flirty Cowboy 🤠 Age Gap Romance ❄️ Holiday Heat & Mistletoe Kisses 🔥 "Only One Bed" vibes ❤️ Finding Home

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Christmas

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

About the author

Atreus Rosewood is a gay romance author living in Michigan with his two boyfriends, two cats, a spoiled dog, and all the beaches he could ask for. He writes constantly to the detriment of all else and that's just the way he likes it. If you happen to find him wandering a beach and mumbling to himself, iced coffee is how you’ll lure him back to civilization.

Atreus writes under three separate Pen Names:

--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance

--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance

--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy

Reviews

[Axalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden (25) et Diego avec un Culomètre à 🥵

Hayden, après une rupture, retourne au Texas chez sa tante. Il trouve Sagebrush calme et solitaire jusqu'à ce que Diego arrive. Diego, charismatique, l'attire malgré sa réticence. Diego, un cowboy, remarque l'intérêt d'Hayden et, bien que préférant éviter l'attachement, se sent différent avec lui. Ils partagent un baiser sous le houx.

- On est dans une relation à durée déterminée puisque Hayden doit rester à Sagebrush pendant un mois et demi.
- C’est fou comme Sagebrush est une plateforme tournant de cowboys gays huhu~
- Merci la vie, ils partagent un cheval !
- Tout le monde essaye de leur arranger le coup, mais le futur départ de Hayden et la non-volonté d'attachement de Diego sont vite problématiques.
- Ils se laissent une vraie chance et ça fait toute la différence dans une romance de ce type.

Bref, un tome vraiment parfait en tout point, exactement ce que j'attendais de l'auteur. Les deux protagonistes sont attachants et mignons tout plein. On en veut juste plus !

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite of the series so far. Hayden and Diego were adorable. Loved their mutual pining, being snowed in together, and all their ups and downs.
It's a fast burn in the best way, and has that sweet festive atmosphere alongside.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first couple of books in this series, but these last two have felt off. Both start conflict and character driven but then switch quickly to insta-love. While I like insta-love, it feels like these stories are disjointed and struggling to develop. The conflicts are resolved superficially or by just stopping the mentions of the conflict. The timeline is odd and often unclear, and character growth falls flat. The sudden violent conflict at the end of the last two books feels forced to try to wrap up the story and provide “closure”.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot can happen in a few weeks, and for Hayden and Diego, it's eyeopening and lifechanging.
After being dumped and realizing his life hasn't been good for a while, Hayden moves in with his Aunt Dolly (an amazing secondary character in this book, as well as from previous books in this series) while he tries to figure things out.
What Diego learned from growing up in foster care and being tossed from one place to another, is that it's better for him to leave before anyone else decides to throw him out, so that's why he never stays working on any ranch for long and why he doesn't date.
Both men only planned to be in Sagebrush for a short time, but the amazing people there and the peaceful atmosphere have them feeling a bit settled, and once Hayden and Diego meet, their feelings begin to change in more than one way.
While both try to deny the feelings growing between them, they are no match for the town's matchmakers - Dolly, Maybel, and Lucas - who scheme to find ways to get them together, and it works spectacularly as both Hayden and Diego feel an instant attraction to one another. Giving in to their feelings leads to some steamy sexy times, but it's the hours of quality time spent talking and connecting - mostly off page - that turns their spark into love, and gives them a sweet HEA.
This book is definitely sweet and spicy. What I liked is that the story was interesting, it has two likeable MC's and a plethora of wonderful secondary characters that add so much depth to this story, and I really loved the found family aspect that runs through this book and the series.
What I didn't like about this book was the lack of on page, deep conversations that showed their bond growing - it was told rather than shown. The other issue is that there are quite a few inconsistencies throughout this book - even in the blurb. Examples: the blurb states that Diego is younger, but the book says Hayden is younger; blurb says Diego calls Hayden 'Hollywood', but that never happens and he actually calls him 'freckles' - which is something that is really sweet between them; there is a scene where they are driving to the city and it has statements like Hayden gripping the steering wheel, which indicates he's driving, but then a little later, Hayden is telling Diego which turns to make, which indicates he's the passenger; when they left to go to the city, Hayden had driven to the ranch to meet Diego so they could leave from there, but when they return from the city, Diego offers to drive Hayden home, but he chooses to walk. There are more, but you get the point.
As I read an ARC of this book, I am really hoping these things will be fixed for the final copy, but regardless of those inconsistencies, I did find this book to be enjoyable.
This review is my honest opinion.

[Kurohagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sagebrush is still a very welcoming town. It's a pleasure to return there for this new installment.
I particularly enjoyed discovering Hayden, Dolly's nephew.
Diego and Hayden are two very different men, yet both equally scarred by their pasts, making it difficult for them to trust and commit. The attraction between them is immediate, but they need a little help from their adoptive family to truly admit their feelings.
A beautiful romance set in snowy Texas, with two men who learn to trust each other as the pages turn.

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Sagebrush est toujours une ville très accueillante. Un plaisir de s'y retrouver pour ce nouvel opus.
J'ai particulièrement apprécié y découvrir : Hayden le neveu de Dolly.
Diego et Hayden sont deux hommes très différents et à la fois, tout aussi échaudés l'un que l'autre par leur passé pour faire confiance et s'engager facilement. L'attraction entre eux est pourtant immédiate, mais il leur faut un coup de pouce de leur famille d'adoption pour vraiment s'avouer leur sentiment.
Une belle romance dans un texas enneigé avec deux hommes qui apprennent au fil des pages à se faire confiance.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Atreus Rosewood brings us to smalltown USA, Sagebrush Texas. Diego Mendez, the new manager of the Turner Ranch was raised in the foster system. Not used to Beau and Lucas' found family, he doesn't plan to put down roots. Hayden Wolfe lost his home and career when his boyfriend cheated on him and kicked him out. His parents are in Europe, he needs a place to crash for a month and his only relative is his Aunt Dolly.
Hayden is by turns depressed and angry. While he finds Diego tall, dark and cowboy, he doesn't want to start anything. Diego tries to sneak a very public kiss and gets slapped. Lots of ups and downs as they build a relationship. It's a hurt comfort, city boy/country boy story, set in December from the town tree lighting to Christmas day. Pretty fast moving, nicely paced. The MCs from the earlier books all cameo in. Dolly, the outrageous clothes and her diner have a big part to play.
A very sweet holiday story with just a bit of spice. I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my review.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific Christmas tale !!!

Neither Diego, ranch hand, nor Hayden, a model who was getting respite from a split from his ex, saw this Christmas n ending coming.
We see all the awesome guys from the series, and they are great, Hayden’s Aunt, and the whole town is marvelous.
Both men were attracted from the beginning and we see all the folks who see it, so they keep setting them up together.
We get all of the doubts and fears, and the flirting leading to hot sexy times.
You’ll enjoy these two and their story.
Have fun !

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[lori forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic perfect

I love this series soooooo much!!!!! But this book might just be my favorite - it really is a perfect romance between opposites that are really perfect for each other not for lack of matchmaking by their friends!!!! I hope more are coming especially for the weddings
Thanks so much - Lori

[la review bleu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was sweet. Perfect for a cozy evening. A very lovely story, and I loooove Dolly. One of the best side characters ever. It wasn't hard to fall in love with Diego and Hayden. Great story, lovely to see how they both fall in love. A lot of spicy times. It was amazing to see how Hayden stood up for himself against his ex. Love this series so much!

[Rick Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freckles...ugh

This is an excellent series of books. I love me some Sagebrush Cowboys.
This fell just a little short of the previous five. It seemed very rushed. And, a bit impractical. Still, a nice quick read.
Except for one thing. I hope I never read another book with the word "freckles" in it. Super annoying.

[Stuart King · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no spoilers in this review. I just finished this book. It has been a while since I really truly enjoyed a book so much. I laughed and I cried, not out of sadness though, out of how happy I was. The characters were so real and the plot was so thought out. This was my favorite of all 6 but all 6 have been amazing. Don't forget to read them in order and get out the tissues for this one.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Christmas Romance

Another good installment for this series, and an entertaining read. Good character development, interesting quirky characters, both old ones and new ones, and the positive, happy holidays ending we all enjoy.

[Tris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m quite disappointed in this book. It started off really good but I dislike meddling people a whole awful lot and Lucas drove me mad. Like insanely mad. What a nuisance

So yea. That did not work out well.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

You outdid yourself with this one, Atreus. Diego notices Hayden almost immediately, but Hayden takes a while to warm up to Diego. It happens when Diego and Hayden are snowbound in Amarillo, and they decide to stay at Sagebrush. By the end of the book, they are engaged.

[Scott Royer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart rendering love story

A dramatic cowboy and a sassy city boy story with a love/hate relationship that develops into a bond between them.

[Simera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hayden and Diego have a hate-love relationship. Their story has some angst, secrets and some really fun side characters. Getting to their HEA few bumps along the way.

[Jimbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun holiday romp. The falling in love was quick, but it worked well.

[Holden Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series just keep getting better! This was such a good little Western Christmas story! I was glued to my kindle from start to finish!

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok I went in with no expectations and was genuinely surprised at how well written and how great these characters were! people might be sleeping on this series! 👀

[NBRuJaDo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Me fastidia tener que darle tan mala nota, porque de verdad que la historia y los protagonistas son los que más me han gustado de los seis libros por ahora.
Pero lo de la traducción clama al cielo. Hasta el capítulo once no va mal (algun caos en la escena de la ducha y quién hace qué). Pero aunque es idioma latino y no castellano, tiene un pase. Pero es entonces cuando la traducción empieza a hacer aguas. Empieza a referirse a uno de los protagonistas en femenino siendo hombre. En la secuencia de la camioneta no tiene claro quien conduce y quien va de copiloto (en plan "Gira a la izquierda aqui" cuando se supone que el que lo dice va al volante. Y pasa no pocas veces).
Así es imposible disfrutar de la historia. No creo que sea tan difícil contratar a un traductor, uno baratito aunque sea. Al menos no confunfirá masculino y femenino. Autores, que las IAs no sirven. A ver si se enteran. NO SIRVEN.
Por suerte al estar en unlimited no he tenido que pagar un duro por el libro. Porque de verdad que el autor no se merece un centavo.

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Irgendwie eine süße Geschichte, andererseits kann ich sonst nicht mehr viel darüber sagen. Sie erscheint mir oberflächlich.
Mir fehlt eine Verbindung zu den Charakteren, ich konnte auch kaum eine Weiterentwicklung erkennen. Was z.B. wünscht sich Hayden oder was möchte er beruflich machen.
Abgesehen davon sind mir eher Fehler aufgefallen. Ungereimtheiten, wie z.B. erst trug er eine Jeans, plötzlich war es eine Jogginghose, Verwechslung Fahrer/Beifahrer und Diego nennt ihn nicht Hollywood, wie in der Einleitung steht, sondern Sommersprosse. Tut mir leid, aber diesmal hat mich das Buch nicht abgeholt.
Ich freue mich aber auf die nächste Geschichte.