What do you think?
Rate this book
Mistletoe Between Friends
All lifelong friends Lily Cavanaugh and Cameron Greene want is a chance to enjoy the Christmas season. What's stopping them? Their matchmaking parents who seem determined to set the two of them up on some of the worst blind dates in the history of dating.
They've identified the problem and have come up with the perfect solution - they will pretend to be dating in order to get their parents off of their backs and finally have a chance to enjoy a peaceful Christmas.
It was a simple concept; spend some extra time together pretending to like one another. But neither of them expected long-hidden desires to come to the surface or that a pretend relationship could suddenly feel very real.
They've identified the problem and have come up with the perfect solution - they will pretend to be dating in order to get their parents off of their backs and finally have a chance to enjoy a peaceful Christmas.
It was a simple concept; spend some extra time together pretending to like one another. But neither of them expected long-hidden desires to come to the surface or that a pretend relationship could suddenly feel very real.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2014
45 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,355 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 26, 2020
Such a sweet best-friends-to-true-love romance! Novella length, but had depth and heart. Perfect short holiday read and I loved the little twist at the end!
Vanessa DeSilvio's performance was a delight. I listened at 1.4x-1.5x.
Vanessa DeSilvio's performance was a delight. I listened at 1.4x-1.5x.
December 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s
Just a fun, delightful Christmas romance. A quick, easy listen perfect this close to Christmas.
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/Audible audio
Read by Vanessa DeSilvio
Duration: 3 hrs, 39 min. 1.25x Speed
Just a fun, delightful Christmas romance. A quick, easy listen perfect this close to Christmas.
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/Audible audio
Read by Vanessa DeSilvio
Duration: 3 hrs, 39 min. 1.25x Speed
May 9, 2018
Favorite Quote:
Seriously, the woman needed to come with a manual because he couldn't keep up with her.
My Review:
Sneaky plans were brewing in several corners during this seasonal friends to lovers novella. Parental pressures to date led to a couple of life-long friends staging a fake romance during the holidays as a reprieve from blind dates and fix-ups. He was a serious scientist that gave every move considerable thought, and she was a flighty, impulse, flibberty-gibbet who never stuck with any job, hobby, or trend. It was quick, sweet, and sexy holiday read.
Seriously, the woman needed to come with a manual because he couldn't keep up with her.
My Review:
Sneaky plans were brewing in several corners during this seasonal friends to lovers novella. Parental pressures to date led to a couple of life-long friends staging a fake romance during the holidays as a reprieve from blind dates and fix-ups. He was a serious scientist that gave every move considerable thought, and she was a flighty, impulse, flibberty-gibbet who never stuck with any job, hobby, or trend. It was quick, sweet, and sexy holiday read.
September 30, 2016
This just became one of my all-time favorite Christmas reads. When friends turn in to lovers is one of my favorite story lines and at Christmas not much is better than that.. I couldn't put it down.
December 4, 2020
Fun, quick, audio listen.
November 23, 2017
Lily and Cameron have known each other since childhood and were always best friends. Each also secretly crushed on the other too, but never wanted to confess it for fear of ruining their friendship. (Yeah, didn't see that coming, right?). Both, under pressure from their parental units, decide to fake date each other. With the holidays coming up, neither want to be setup and just want to be left alone.
Predictable, but sweet. The story worked well for the length. In fact, if this were longer, I would have been ready to slap and yell at both Cameron and Lily. It was amazing at how well they knew each other, but at the same time, didn't.
Predictable, but sweet. The story worked well for the length. In fact, if this were longer, I would have been ready to slap and yell at both Cameron and Lily. It was amazing at how well they knew each other, but at the same time, didn't.
November 20, 2019
This was cheezy, sappy, and totally lifetime movie. Which was exactly what I was looking for.
Read
January 2, 2021It was free. That is my review.
December 9, 2021
I read this a few years ago as part of a holiday book bundle and remember enjoying it, so I thought I'd give it another try since it was available at the library and I was in the mood for a holiday romance. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much this time around. There were some cute moments and the characters were likable enough, but the communication problems drove me crazy.
November 27, 2023
This was a very cute holiday romance story. The author did a great job at interweaving the perspectives of both main characters into the narrative. Their relationship was adorable (although the fact that Cam couldn't tell that Lily was in love with him that whole time was slightly unbelievable). I also appreciated that they brought out the best in each other while being their authentic selves. However, the plot did feel rushed, the tension didn't really get a chance to build. I was also disappointed that Lily didn't really have any growth by the end. She was able to help Cam relax and throw out his rules and his plans and live in the moment, but she remained a people-pleaser right up to the end. They're only together at the end because Cam goes through the process of realizing what she means to him and puts himself on the line. Lily told Cam what she thought he wanted to hear even though it wasn't true and meant she'd lose him, then let him leave and made no move to stand up for herself and her feelings. Although I liked how much Cam stood up for her, she should have learned to do that for herself by the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2017
This book was a super cute, very short Christmas read. It's about Lily and Cam-- best friends who decide to pretend to date to get their families off their back for the holidays. Both families have been setting them up with a bunch of people who turn out to be duds and they are so sick of the pressure. So, of course, as they're pretending to date they actually fall in love. The plot was nothing spectacular and nothing I haven't read before, but I really liked both Lily and Cam and I was rooting for them all along. I'd recommend this book if you're looking for something quick and fun to read over the Christmas season.
September 14, 2023
I friend liked my update for this book, and I couldn't remember reading it so I deleted it from my shelf, thinking it was a Goodreads glitch. Jokes on me, I probably forgot that I read it, so I'll read it again! Anyway, my original review pre-deleting it was 4/5 stars with no comments
December 10, 2017
Sweet, predictable read. Perfect for a cold dreary day when you want a break from the Hallmark Channel!
November 28, 2019
A cute friends to lovers Christmas story.
December 22, 2017
Meh. Cute concept but the character were way too over the top cheesy for me and came off flat. On the plus size, it was a novella so a pretty quick read.
February 11, 2017
A very enjoyable book. I read an excerpt from the book and it seemed promising so I bought it and I do not regret that. It was funny and light most of the time and the emotions of the characters going in waves from depression to ecstaticness.
June 28, 2020
In true Samantha Chase style this is another perfect story about finding love and making memories. Lily and Cameron find true love between best friends as they try to fake their relationship in order for their families to stop setting them up with others, only to find out that their mutual attraction is there for the long haul - what better way to spend the holiday.
August 9, 2020
I love the best friend turned lover stories, they rock!
December 19, 2016
Super cute cheesey romance novel. Perfect for Christmas and a really easy quick read.
December 18, 2022
3.5 stars
My perspective on this one was slightly altered because this had a similar plot line and tropes of friends to lovers and fake dating that Lovelight Farms, which I loved, so it was hard not to compare the two especially practically reading them back to back.
I did like the plot line of Lily and Cameron to fake date in order to get their matchmaking mothers off their back. They already had a good rapport, bond and relationship from being friends for years so it wasn’t hard for the family to buy it.
Like Lovelight Farms, both the hero and heroine had unrequited feelings for one another. So, there was some pining and longing going on, but not in intense way. I think that could have been built up a little more as well as the tension. But I did like the feelings were there.
Then the story went weird for me after they slept together for the first time. I felt it happened such a weird way even though Lily and Cameron want to and had for years. It set the pacing off because I thought happened sooner than I wanted. It was just off. The fact that it was a fade to black scene(s) didn’t make me exactly happy either. It just didn’t fit the tone for where I thought it was heading.
After that it was kind of an average story, though it was really sweet to see their interactions with the family during the holidays. It wasn’t until Christmas where Cameron set up a private Christmas for himself and Lily that my rating went a half star higher. It was because the time and depth that he put in for them to have this romantic moment between them was everything. The gifts they gave each other were so special and meaningful. It warmed my heart when they did that. I wish more those moments were carried through the entire book, instead of just this one then it would have taken the story beyond average.
The twist at the end with the mothers made sense, but I totally didn’t see that coming, but it brought the story around full circle. I really liked that. It just made the story so worthwhile that it got to that point.
Overall I liked it. Most of it was average and not as compelling as of read compared to Lovelight Farms. This one had it’s moments, but there was only really that private Christmas scene that was the standout, everything was just okay. It needed a little more oomph in my opinion.
My perspective on this one was slightly altered because this had a similar plot line and tropes of friends to lovers and fake dating that Lovelight Farms, which I loved, so it was hard not to compare the two especially practically reading them back to back.
I did like the plot line of Lily and Cameron to fake date in order to get their matchmaking mothers off their back. They already had a good rapport, bond and relationship from being friends for years so it wasn’t hard for the family to buy it.
Like Lovelight Farms, both the hero and heroine had unrequited feelings for one another. So, there was some pining and longing going on, but not in intense way. I think that could have been built up a little more as well as the tension. But I did like the feelings were there.
Then the story went weird for me after they slept together for the first time. I felt it happened such a weird way even though Lily and Cameron want to and had for years. It set the pacing off because I thought happened sooner than I wanted. It was just off. The fact that it was a fade to black scene(s) didn’t make me exactly happy either. It just didn’t fit the tone for where I thought it was heading.
After that it was kind of an average story, though it was really sweet to see their interactions with the family during the holidays. It wasn’t until Christmas where Cameron set up a private Christmas for himself and Lily that my rating went a half star higher. It was because the time and depth that he put in for them to have this romantic moment between them was everything. The gifts they gave each other were so special and meaningful. It warmed my heart when they did that. I wish more those moments were carried through the entire book, instead of just this one then it would have taken the story beyond average.
The twist at the end with the mothers made sense, but I totally didn’t see that coming, but it brought the story around full circle. I really liked that. It just made the story so worthwhile that it got to that point.
Overall I liked it. Most of it was average and not as compelling as of read compared to Lovelight Farms. This one had it’s moments, but there was only really that private Christmas scene that was the standout, everything was just okay. It needed a little more oomph in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2024
Mistletoe Between Friends by Samantha Chase is a Christmas romance. Lifelong friends Lily Cavanaugh and Cameron Greene know each other inside and out. Their matchmaking mothers seem determined to pair them up on blind dates. As the Christmas season is approaching, they come up with the perfect solution: pretend to date each other and break up after the holiday. It will get their meddling mothers off their backs at least for a while and have a chance for a peaceful Christmas without the constant questions. Simple, right? What could go wrong? As they pretend to date and suddenly the feelings are becoming very, very real. Will they continue to pretend? Or will they face the possibility that they have fallen in love?
Mistletoe Between Friends is a sweet friends to lovers, fake dating Christmas romance. A quick paced, page turner, it was easy to fall in love with Lily and Cameron, to root for them and cheer as they reveal their true feelings. I loved their friendship banter and their uneasiness as they experienced more romantic feelings for each other. I cheered when Cameron defended Lily against her sister’s backhanded comments. I especially loved the epilogue. I won’t say why because it would spoil the ending but it was so good! Mistletoe Between Friends is a great read for an afternoon of romance and the magic of Christmas. If you love a friends to lovers, fake dating romance with the magic of Christmas, I highly recommend Mistletoe Between Friends.
Mistletoe Between Friends is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
Mistletoe Between Friends is a sweet friends to lovers, fake dating Christmas romance. A quick paced, page turner, it was easy to fall in love with Lily and Cameron, to root for them and cheer as they reveal their true feelings. I loved their friendship banter and their uneasiness as they experienced more romantic feelings for each other. I cheered when Cameron defended Lily against her sister’s backhanded comments. I especially loved the epilogue. I won’t say why because it would spoil the ending but it was so good! Mistletoe Between Friends is a great read for an afternoon of romance and the magic of Christmas. If you love a friends to lovers, fake dating romance with the magic of Christmas, I highly recommend Mistletoe Between Friends.
Mistletoe Between Friends is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook
January 5, 2021
I loved this story! It was relatively short, but sweet. Lily and Cam have been friends their whole lives. Best friends. They are fed up with their mothers trying to pair them up with awful after awful match. Going into the holiday season especially, they don't want to deal with their mothers' matchmaking proclivities. So they decide to pretend to be dating each other. It doesn't take long for both to wonder, are we really pretending anymore? Do I want to be pretending? (The answer to both of which is a big no.) Cam and Lily are incredibly different people. Cam is shy and nerdy. Lily is outgoing and creative. But they compliment each other beautifully. Overall, great story.
The performance of the book by Vanessa DeSilvio was pretty good, but not great. I really enjoyed the tone of her voice, but her range isn't the greatest. Other than not always being able to tell who was talking (Cam or Lily), it was a very enjoyable listen.
The performance of the book by Vanessa DeSilvio was pretty good, but not great. I really enjoyed the tone of her voice, but her range isn't the greatest. Other than not always being able to tell who was talking (Cam or Lily), it was a very enjoyable listen.
December 20, 2017
Mistletoe Between Friends, by Samantha Chase, was a super cute friends-to-lovers Christmas-themed story. Lily has been secretly in love with her best friend Cameron for a long time, and he with her. Tired of being set up on blind dates by their moms, Cameron devises a plan that he and Lily pretend to be in a relationship to avoid setups for the Christmas season, but it only takes one kiss beneath the mistletoe for both of them to realize that their plan is far more complicated than they first thought.
I wish Lily had thought a little more of herself, but I did like seeing Cameron stick up for her. He was supposed to be a genius nerd, but to me he was more of this reserved, by-the-rules sort of guy. Lily was a free spirit who forced him to loosen up and live in the moment. I really liked them together. This one was quick and cute and a perfect little Christmas story.
I wish Lily had thought a little more of herself, but I did like seeing Cameron stick up for her. He was supposed to be a genius nerd, but to me he was more of this reserved, by-the-rules sort of guy. Lily was a free spirit who forced him to loosen up and live in the moment. I really liked them together. This one was quick and cute and a perfect little Christmas story.
December 10, 2019
Grade: B+ | 4 stars
A very sweet friends-to-lovers Christmas novella. I only picked this one up because I was looking for Christmas romances and it’s on Audible Escape. But I was pleasantly surprised! I really liked both Cam and Lily. They were surprisingly fleshed out given how short the novella is. Their romance is cute and had the perfect amount of tension. The sex scenes were closed door but it was a little bit sexy despite that. Recommended if you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romance. And the audiobook is great.
A very sweet friends-to-lovers Christmas novella. I only picked this one up because I was looking for Christmas romances and it’s on Audible Escape. But I was pleasantly surprised! I really liked both Cam and Lily. They were surprisingly fleshed out given how short the novella is. Their romance is cute and had the perfect amount of tension. The sex scenes were closed door but it was a little bit sexy despite that. Recommended if you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romance. And the audiobook is great.
December 1, 2017
2.75 stars. This book reminded me of why I dislike Hallmark and Lifetime movies so much. While I love friends-to-lovers tropes, I struggled to like either character. For people who have been friends so long, they seemed to feel uncomfortable around each other pretty often, and there were a lot of hot and cold moments. Overall, it was a quick read but not memorable.
August 21, 2023
Cameron gets a great idea to be in a pretend relationship for the holidays with Lily. They want to keep their families off their backs, but realize that they are really good for each other. Both like to hide their feelings for the other person so it takes a major event for them to tell each other how they feel. It was a really good book!!
December 9, 2025
Lily and Cameron have been best friends forever. Both have been on a string of terrible dates. Cameron hatches a plan for them to pretend to date for the Christmas season to keep their parents off their backs. But… they both have suppressed feelings that come to the surface. Will they get together for real? A good fun Christmas book.
February 7, 2019
Cute little romance!
Very cute. Made me smile at all the shenanigans they got into while pretending to be an actual couple. Loved the ending. Good clean book for anyone who enjoys romance but doesn't want all the dirty talk to go along with it.
Very cute. Made me smile at all the shenanigans they got into while pretending to be an actual couple. Loved the ending. Good clean book for anyone who enjoys romance but doesn't want all the dirty talk to go along with it.
March 14, 2020
There's nothing particularly offensive about it, it's just ridiculously short and completely pointless- practically a novella. Though the majority of actual short stories I've read have better character development...
March 13, 2017
This had snow on the cover so I was able to use it in my library's winter reading challenge. Just a cute, enjoyable romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews