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Messy Under the Mistletoe: A Holiday Rom-Com Short Read
🎄 Messy Under the Mistletoe—because nothing says Christmas like falling for the tree guy.
A sweet, flirty Christmas novella perfect for a cozy evening read...Ad executive Sloane Delaney is one big pitch away from the promotion she’s been working toward all year. All she needs is the perfect face for her new men’s grooming campaign—someone who captures every version of the modern man. When she spots a flannel-clad Christmas tree vendor with an annoyingly perfect jawline, she sees more than lumberjack vibes—she sees potential.
Reid McAlister would rather stay behind the scenes at his family’s tree lot than be anyone’s holiday fantasy. But when Sloane dangles a paycheck big enough to fix his money problems—and maybe win back the woman who dumped him—he reluctantly agrees.
What starts as a business arrangement soon turns personal. One kiss for the camera becomes something that feels dangerously real—especially under the mistletoe. Now Sloane’s juggling a high-stakes campaign, a suspicious fiancé, and a heart that refuses to follow the rules.
Because this Christmas, love might just be the messiest miracle of all.
A sweet, flirty Christmas novella perfect for a cozy evening read...Ad executive Sloane Delaney is one big pitch away from the promotion she’s been working toward all year. All she needs is the perfect face for her new men’s grooming campaign—someone who captures every version of the modern man. When she spots a flannel-clad Christmas tree vendor with an annoyingly perfect jawline, she sees more than lumberjack vibes—she sees potential.
Reid McAlister would rather stay behind the scenes at his family’s tree lot than be anyone’s holiday fantasy. But when Sloane dangles a paycheck big enough to fix his money problems—and maybe win back the woman who dumped him—he reluctantly agrees.
What starts as a business arrangement soon turns personal. One kiss for the camera becomes something that feels dangerously real—especially under the mistletoe. Now Sloane’s juggling a high-stakes campaign, a suspicious fiancé, and a heart that refuses to follow the rules.
Because this Christmas, love might just be the messiest miracle of all.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
92 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 1, 2025
I loved this “Messy” holiday Novella by Ashley Farley.
Sloan is given the lead assignment on a new advertising campaign. She needs to find a male model and quickly for a men’s grooming company. She just happens to see Reid selling Christmas trees while on her way to her parents. He fits her idea of the “Woodman”, rugged, good looking.
When Sloane gets to her parents home she is surprised by a proposal from Chase. They have been dating for 6 months. She feels pushed into accepting by her parents and Chase.
Sparks fly between Sloane and Reid. Will love win out? Will Sloane go through with marrying Chase?
Sloane has some hard decisions to make, will some new information sway her future?
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Sloan is given the lead assignment on a new advertising campaign. She needs to find a male model and quickly for a men’s grooming company. She just happens to see Reid selling Christmas trees while on her way to her parents. He fits her idea of the “Woodman”, rugged, good looking.
When Sloane gets to her parents home she is surprised by a proposal from Chase. They have been dating for 6 months. She feels pushed into accepting by her parents and Chase.
Sparks fly between Sloane and Reid. Will love win out? Will Sloane go through with marrying Chase?
Sloane has some hard decisions to make, will some new information sway her future?
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
July 21, 2025
I loved this fast holiday novella by Ashley Farley!!
Sloane meets Reid and basically instantly falls in love with him but she’s engaged to a snob who is out to get her father’s company!!
All comes to a head and all get what is coming to them - the good and the bad!!
Sloane meets Reid and basically instantly falls in love with him but she’s engaged to a snob who is out to get her father’s company!!
All comes to a head and all get what is coming to them - the good and the bad!!
December 14, 2025
This was such a heartwarming holiday read. The story moves quickly, but it’s packed with charm and characters you’ll want to spend time with. Sloane and Reid’s first meeting at the Christmas tree lot sets the perfect festive tone, and after that kiss, their chemistry is undeniable.
What I loved most was the balance—there’s plenty of lighthearted holiday magic, but also real emotion, growth, and a few ups and downs that make the romance worth fighting for. Ashley Farley captures the spirit of the season while delivering a story that’s both fun and heartfelt. I absolutely loved Sloane and Reid.
If you enjoy Christmas novellas, this one is a delightful escape and definitely worth picking up.
What I loved most was the balance—there’s plenty of lighthearted holiday magic, but also real emotion, growth, and a few ups and downs that make the romance worth fighting for. Ashley Farley captures the spirit of the season while delivering a story that’s both fun and heartfelt. I absolutely loved Sloane and Reid.
If you enjoy Christmas novellas, this one is a delightful escape and definitely worth picking up.
July 23, 2025
I loved this Christmas Novella written by Ashley Farley. The romance is "Messy" as the title suggests....."Messy Under the Mistletoe". Sloane has been dating Chase, who works in her Dad's investment firm, for 6 months. Her parents abd Chase push her to accept Chase's proposal. Meanwhile, Sloane is given an assignment to find a male model for a men's grooming company. She stumbles across Reid, who is selling Christmas trees with his cousin after being ousted from Sloane's father's firm. Will love win out in the end? Lots of backstabbing until Sloane discovers her Christmas true love. Ms. Farley continues to amaze this long time reader of her books! Loved, Loved this XMAS story.....maybe one day, it will be made into a Hallmark movie!
September 30, 2025
A KISS CHANGES EVERYTHING!
Up-and-coming ad executive Sloane Delaney has been given the opportunity of a lifetime: to create the entire ad campaign for Gentry House. The only catch? She has to complete it over the Thanksgiving holiday!
In a stroke of inspiration, Sloane encounters a drop-dead gorgeous man at a Christmas tree lot. Who is this Mystery Man? He isn’t a model or a businessman; he’s the Christmas tree vendor, Reid McAllister. Sloane envisions him as the perfect face for Gentry House's campaign. The Gentry Man brand highlights six distinct personas for the modern man: Woodsman, Executive, Adventurer, Creator, Caregiver, and Waterman. Sloane’s brilliant idea is to feature Reid as THE GENTRY MAN—a single model representing all six personas!
They decide to use his Christmas tree lot for the photoshoot. Sloane guides Reid through every shot, helping him loosen up and capture the looks they need. Near the end of the session, Reid playfully grabs a piece of mistletoe, holds it over Sloane’s head, and pulls her in for a quick kiss. Caught off guard, Sloane finds the kiss exciting but faces a dilemma: she’s engaged, even though she isn’t wearing her ring. She immediately demands that the photos of the kiss be deleted.
Despite this mishap, the first rollout of the ad campaign is a tremendous success! Congratulations pour in from everyone—until snarky gossip and social media posts surface, including those of the kiss. A smear campaign ensues, threatening to derail one of the best marketing campaigns of the century. Yet, neither Sloane nor Reid can shake the memory of that kiss. Will either of them find the courage to pursue what they truly want amidst all the noise? After all, who cares if your wedding is already planned when you realize the groom is the wrong guy? A kiss, it turns out, can truly change everything!
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
Up-and-coming ad executive Sloane Delaney has been given the opportunity of a lifetime: to create the entire ad campaign for Gentry House. The only catch? She has to complete it over the Thanksgiving holiday!
In a stroke of inspiration, Sloane encounters a drop-dead gorgeous man at a Christmas tree lot. Who is this Mystery Man? He isn’t a model or a businessman; he’s the Christmas tree vendor, Reid McAllister. Sloane envisions him as the perfect face for Gentry House's campaign. The Gentry Man brand highlights six distinct personas for the modern man: Woodsman, Executive, Adventurer, Creator, Caregiver, and Waterman. Sloane’s brilliant idea is to feature Reid as THE GENTRY MAN—a single model representing all six personas!
They decide to use his Christmas tree lot for the photoshoot. Sloane guides Reid through every shot, helping him loosen up and capture the looks they need. Near the end of the session, Reid playfully grabs a piece of mistletoe, holds it over Sloane’s head, and pulls her in for a quick kiss. Caught off guard, Sloane finds the kiss exciting but faces a dilemma: she’s engaged, even though she isn’t wearing her ring. She immediately demands that the photos of the kiss be deleted.
Despite this mishap, the first rollout of the ad campaign is a tremendous success! Congratulations pour in from everyone—until snarky gossip and social media posts surface, including those of the kiss. A smear campaign ensues, threatening to derail one of the best marketing campaigns of the century. Yet, neither Sloane nor Reid can shake the memory of that kiss. Will either of them find the courage to pursue what they truly want amidst all the noise? After all, who cares if your wedding is already planned when you realize the groom is the wrong guy? A kiss, it turns out, can truly change everything!
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
July 21, 2025
Once again, Ashley has crafted memorable characters who linger in our minds—some we adore and others we love to dislike. This delightful story is the perfect kickoff for the holiday season.
Sloane is both exhilarated and slightly panicked when she finally secures the lead on a new advertising campaign for one of her company’s biggest clients, Gentry House, an upscale men’s clothing store. Despite it being the long Thanksgiving weekend, she is tasked with presenting a solid marketing plan on Monday. While en-route to her parents’ house for their Thanksgiving Eve party, she opts to walk, believing that a bustling crowd inspires her best thoughts. As she strolls, she stumbles upon a man selling trees at a Christmas tree lot. He embodies the ideal “Woodman” for her ad campaign—handsome, rugged, with a dazzling smile and charming dimples. After an engaging conversation with Reid, she convinces him to allow a photographer to take a few pictures, hoping to gauge his photogenic potential.
However, her detour delays her arrival at her parents’ house, where she feels ambushed the moment she walks in. Chase, her boyfriend of six months, drops to one knee and proposes. Overcome with shock and utterly speechless, Sloane can only nod, unable to voice a refusal.
This captivating story unfolds as Sloane’s focus is on developing the ad campaign, while at the same time Chase and her mother are pressing her to choose a date for the wedding, select a dress and take care of other wedding preparations. At the same time information is revealed that could totally change the course of several lives important to Sloane. As Christmas approaches some tough decisions must be made.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Sloane is both exhilarated and slightly panicked when she finally secures the lead on a new advertising campaign for one of her company’s biggest clients, Gentry House, an upscale men’s clothing store. Despite it being the long Thanksgiving weekend, she is tasked with presenting a solid marketing plan on Monday. While en-route to her parents’ house for their Thanksgiving Eve party, she opts to walk, believing that a bustling crowd inspires her best thoughts. As she strolls, she stumbles upon a man selling trees at a Christmas tree lot. He embodies the ideal “Woodman” for her ad campaign—handsome, rugged, with a dazzling smile and charming dimples. After an engaging conversation with Reid, she convinces him to allow a photographer to take a few pictures, hoping to gauge his photogenic potential.
However, her detour delays her arrival at her parents’ house, where she feels ambushed the moment she walks in. Chase, her boyfriend of six months, drops to one knee and proposes. Overcome with shock and utterly speechless, Sloane can only nod, unable to voice a refusal.
This captivating story unfolds as Sloane’s focus is on developing the ad campaign, while at the same time Chase and her mother are pressing her to choose a date for the wedding, select a dress and take care of other wedding preparations. At the same time information is revealed that could totally change the course of several lives important to Sloane. As Christmas approaches some tough decisions must be made.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
I have the perfect book recommendation to put you in the mood for Christmas stories and movies. It is Messy Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Farley. It is a novella that takes place during the holidays and it’s so much fun, but it’s a mess as the title says.
Sloane Delaney has been working hard all year long for a promotion at work and on Thanksgiving weekend she is handed a large project. It is an inopportune time but if she can just pull it off that promotion just might be hers. She finds Reid McAlister at a Christmas Tree Lot who is the perfect model for her Ad Campaign. Let’s put it this way, he is perfect in every way!
The characters in this book are perfect. Well, some are not. They are all there for a reason and they fulfill their reason for being in the book with perfection. I flat out didn’t like some of them and I was definitely rooting for the Sloane and Reid team. I can’t tell you how it all worked out. You deserve to enjoy every delicious moment of this little gem of a book.
The storyline is fast paced since it is a novella. I enjoyed that immensely. There were not any boring or slow parts. I enjoyed my time with the characters and kind of felt like I was a mouse in the corner following them through the storyline.
You may want to consider a copy of this book for your nightstand. Messy Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Farley is one of those books to take to your cozy bed with a hot cup of tea to enjoy until you finish it and drift off into dreamland. You might want to consider a few copies for stocking stuffers! Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Sloane Delaney has been working hard all year long for a promotion at work and on Thanksgiving weekend she is handed a large project. It is an inopportune time but if she can just pull it off that promotion just might be hers. She finds Reid McAlister at a Christmas Tree Lot who is the perfect model for her Ad Campaign. Let’s put it this way, he is perfect in every way!
The characters in this book are perfect. Well, some are not. They are all there for a reason and they fulfill their reason for being in the book with perfection. I flat out didn’t like some of them and I was definitely rooting for the Sloane and Reid team. I can’t tell you how it all worked out. You deserve to enjoy every delicious moment of this little gem of a book.
The storyline is fast paced since it is a novella. I enjoyed that immensely. There were not any boring or slow parts. I enjoyed my time with the characters and kind of felt like I was a mouse in the corner following them through the storyline.
You may want to consider a copy of this book for your nightstand. Messy Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Farley is one of those books to take to your cozy bed with a hot cup of tea to enjoy until you finish it and drift off into dreamland. You might want to consider a few copies for stocking stuffers! Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 30, 2025
Messy Under the Mistletoe is the perfect Christmas story, one you can get lost in to escape reality for a bit. It's a quick read, filled with loveable characters.
Sloane and Reid meet at the Christmas tree lot—the perfect way to meet in a Christmas story, right—and sparks fly. Sloane wants to keep it professional, since Reid is the perfect model for the role she is trying to fill, but the chemistry between the two of them is electric. There are definite ups and downs, as there are in any holiday romance story, but there's also a lot of growth and discovery right along with the angst. It's what makes for a fun, enjoyable story, right?
I loved Messy Under the Mistletoe, and Ashley did not disappoint with this one, another one of her great stories! I highly recommend it and if you love Christmas stories as much as I do, you will love this one for sure.
Sloane and Reid meet at the Christmas tree lot—the perfect way to meet in a Christmas story, right—and sparks fly. Sloane wants to keep it professional, since Reid is the perfect model for the role she is trying to fill, but the chemistry between the two of them is electric. There are definite ups and downs, as there are in any holiday romance story, but there's also a lot of growth and discovery right along with the angst. It's what makes for a fun, enjoyable story, right?
I loved Messy Under the Mistletoe, and Ashley did not disappoint with this one, another one of her great stories! I highly recommend it and if you love Christmas stories as much as I do, you will love this one for sure.
September 23, 2025
A cute, quick read to get you in the mood for the upcoming season. The main characters, Sloan and Reid have a great working relationship until a sweet kiss under the mistletoe throws everything into turmoil. Especially since, not all are happy about the kiss. Can everything go back to normal? Or is there an underlying nefarious agenda also at work? Don’t miss this one by Ashley Farley, as she once again brings joy and contentment to her readers.
July 23, 2025
The title is spot on for this short holiday novella. I enjoyed this story so much. The only con is that I wish it were a full-length novel. I wasn't ready to leave these characters yet.
Thank you, Ashley Farley for allowing me to beta read this for you. I never take for granted getting to read your stories. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you, Ashley Farley for allowing me to beta read this for you. I never take for granted getting to read your stories. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
MESSY UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a delightful new holiday novella in the When Sparks Fly series by Ashley Farley. Sloane Delaney is just one assignment away from the big promotion she has been working toward. She is given the lead on new advertising campaign for a high-profile new men’s grooming line set to launch for the holidays. She needs a male model that will embody her vision for the line. When she spots Reid McAllister selling Christmas trees on his family lot, she knows she has found the perfect guy. Now all she has to due is convince Reid to play along. He reluctantly agrees when he sees that the paycheck he will receive will solve his current money problems. An unexpected kiss in front of the cameras send sparks flying for Sloane and Reid, but there is one small problem – Sloane has just unexpectedly become engaged to Chase. It’s not long before some information is revealed that could change the lives of everyone involved. I really enjoyed this fun and romantic holiday story. Thank you to Ashley Farley for the chance to read an early copy.
November 24, 2025
The perfect short story for this holiday season. A story of regret, forgiveness, hope and second chances. The attention to detail on how Ashley Farley describes the city at Christmas definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. The lights and the atmosphere, the description of the elf gifts. I could vision the lights and hear the crowds and taxis and see the snow falling in the snow globe.
October 18, 2025
This is a great short and sweet novella with great characters. The author knows how to weave an excellent story. This is a must read if your in the mood for a great romance holiday story.
Thanks for the ARC
Thanks for the ARC
November 9, 2025
OBSESSED with the rich girl falls in love with the Christmas tree farm man who actually has a financial background! Like what? This is a true Hallmark movie book that has you rooting for the shy guy! I read this so quick and will be recommending to all my bookish besties! The perfect holiday read!
September 13, 2025
Love, love, loved Messy under the Mistletoe. From Sloane's first glance at Reid, until the end. Thanks Ashley for yet another great read!
September 13, 2025
I just loved this fun romantic quick read. This was so enjoyable and had me laughing and cheering. This really is a must read that should only take a couple of hours
September 18, 2025
A sweet story with love, family, and making the best choices in life. A quick read that will make you smile. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
November 20, 2025
cute, but predictable.
It’s like a Hallmark Special. You know where it will end at the very beginning. Interesting characters but the premise feels forced.
It’s like a Hallmark Special. You know where it will end at the very beginning. Interesting characters but the premise feels forced.
December 7, 2025
What just happened
September 27, 2025
Messy Under the Mistletoe by Ashley Farley is as usual a top rated, cute Christmas love story! It’s cute and quirky and a quick read that will keep you entertained throughout the whole story. Highly recommended to everyone.
September 30, 2025
Wow! Another amazing book by Ashley Farley! I absolutely loved this book/novella. The only thing wrong. it was too short.
The author did an excellent job with keeping my interest and the story flowed so easily. Once I started I couldn't stop. The writing pulls you into the story and it's like watching a movie in your head while reading. I loved it!
Sloan and Reid are great together. The chemistry between them was hot but Sloan is in engaged to be married. Does Sloan realize that she may be engaged to the wrong man? Or will Sloan walk away from Reid once his job is done for her. You will have to pick up the book to find out because I don't give away the story.
Highly recommend! I mean RUN don't walk to your nearest library, bookstore, or computer and get this book! You won't regret it.
The author did an excellent job with keeping my interest and the story flowed so easily. Once I started I couldn't stop. The writing pulls you into the story and it's like watching a movie in your head while reading. I loved it!
Sloan and Reid are great together. The chemistry between them was hot but Sloan is in engaged to be married. Does Sloan realize that she may be engaged to the wrong man? Or will Sloan walk away from Reid once his job is done for her. You will have to pick up the book to find out because I don't give away the story.
Highly recommend! I mean RUN don't walk to your nearest library, bookstore, or computer and get this book! You won't regret it.
December 2, 2025
Great RomCom all the great holiday feels .Really enjoyed it. Ashley always brings you a great story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews