Touchdown Under the Mistletoe

by Sophie-Leigh Robbins

Sharing a roof with my brother’s best friend and NFL superstar might just be the ultimate Christmas gift… if only I can keep my heart from getting tackled.

Riley
My cozy Christmas break in Maplewood Springs goes sideways when a plumbing catastrophe forces our entire family to squeeze into the house next door. The one where Travis Steelbird—my brother’s best friend and the NFL star I’ve secretly crushed on since forever—is staying for the holidays.

Not that anything can ever happen between us. The tabloids are buzzing about his relationship with a Hollywood rising star, and I’m not about to come between them.

So imagine my surprise when Travis reveals the his celebrity romance is nothing but a PR stunt to boost his endorsement deals. But knowing this doesn’t change anything. His contract forbids any real relationships during the campaign, and one leaked photo of us together could cost him millions.

No matter how much every flirtatious comment and accidental touch cranks up the tension between us, I can’t let my feelings ruin everything he’s worked for.

Touchdown Under the Mistletoe is a sweet holiday romcom full of laughter and feel-good vibes that’s meant to be read in two hours or less. If you love a swoony brother’s best friend romance, a football star that melts hearts, hilarious family dynamics, Christmas, and forced proximity, then this is the perfect read for you. It’s got all the feels and fun, without the explicit content.

Genres: Sports Romance

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Sophie-Leigh Robbins writes fun, feel-good romantic comedies that will make you laugh and swoon.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

football Christmas romance

This series keeps getting better and better! To me this was the perfect read with football and Christmas! It was friends to romantic partners, forced proximity and family fun! So sweet and clean….a short read that kept me captivated! I loved it! Highly recommended 🤗

[Rachel Raber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas has arrived in Maple Springs, and nothing could’ve prepared me for being under the same roof all Christmas break with my childhood crush. Honestly… who am I kidding? He’s still my crush, even after all these years.

🚫Forces proximity
🫶🏻Brother best friend
📍Small town vibes
🏈Football star
❌ No Spice

Thank you for the ARC! Touchdown Under the Mistletoe releases November 17th.

[Saskia Budzák · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐/5

🇸🇰 Ďakujem za možnosť prečítať si túto knihu v rámci ARC tímu!
Táto krátka romantická komédia bola presne tým typom príbehu, ktorý si otvoríte “len na chvíľu”… a zrazu je preč celý večer. Malomestská atmosféra, Vianoce na každej stránke, rodinné vzťahy, blikajúce svetielka, vôňa škorice, silné priateľstvá a láska, ktorá klíči z detstva – jednoducho dokonale spojenie, čo sa číta jedným dychom.

Travis je hráč NFL, ktorý sa po rokoch vracia domov, aby si počas sviatkov konečne oddýchol. Netuší však, že znovu stretne svoju susedku – blízku priateľku a dávnu tajnú lásku. Riley je učiteľka, ktorá trávi sviatky ako vždy s rodičmi… no ani len netuší, že práve tieto Vianoce môžu všetko zmeniť.

Spoločne prežívajú chvíle, ktoré pripomínajú ich bezstarostnú minulosť. No môže kamarátstvo prerásť do niečoho väčšieho? A čo Travisova aktuálna priateľka? Dostanú druhú šancu?

Kniha, ktorá pohladí dušu a vyčarí úsmev. Perfektné k horúcej čokoláde a k večernej pohode. Ak hľadáte oddychové vianočné čítanie, určite po nej siahnite.

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🇬🇧 Thank you for the opportunity to read this book as part of the ARC team!
This short romantic comedy is exactly the kind of story you open “just for a moment”… and suddenly the whole evening is gone. Small-town charm, Christmas on every page, family dynamics, twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon, strong friendships, and a love that sprouted in childhood — the perfect cozy mix you fly through in one sitting.

Travis is an NFL player who returns home for the holidays after years away, hoping to finally slow down and recharge. What he doesn’t expect is to run into his neighbor, a close friend, and his long-buried childhood crush. Riley is a teacher spending Christmas with her parents as always… completely unaware that this holiday might change everything.

Together, they relive moments that echo their carefree past. But can friendship grow into something more? And what about Travis’s current girlfriend? Will they get a second chance?


A book that warms the soul and brings a smile to your face. Perfect with hot chocolate and a cozy winter evening. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday read, definitely pick this one up.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the relationship just didn’t make sense to me. They were friends as kids, but now they’re 35 and 38 and they just seemed to click right back into a childhood crush without any real reason, communication or connection. For example, I found it off that Riley was “hurt” when Travis talked about his (fake) girlfriend the day after she sees him again. It just felt like they didn’t actually know each other at all and just liked the idea of each other.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I absolutely loved the story of NFL player Travis and his childhood neighbor Riley. When things go sideways at Riley’s parents’ house right before the holidays, these two end up staying with Travis’ family. This novella was such a cute read, but my only complaint is that it wasn’t longer! Their story definitely deserved more! If you’re looking for a non-spicy, quick Christmas read, this one needs to be on your holiday TBR.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story where childhood crushes finally come true. Over a Christmas flood in Riley's parents' house everyone crams into their neighbours for a few weeks until repairs can be done. Travis is home from the NFL for the holidays and discovers he still prefers Riley to anyone else. Their HEA is a page-turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super cute holiday rom-com.. I liked it so much! It is adorably sweet, and heartwarming.. Lovely characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley and Travis. This was a great read. Very hallmark, small town feel. With a lot of hot chocolate and good time feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute, sweet, clean, and light read. It takes place at Christmas and is the perfect book to read next to a cozy fireplace with some hot chocolate and marshmallows! It’s part of a series but is easily read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

[Jerry Lenington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella

This is the third novella in this series. I have loved every one. I especially enjoyed this one with its Christmas theme. Looking forward to Beau’s story next. Highly recommend.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the Maplewood Springs novella series, and am looking forward to book 4 about Riley’s brother.

I picked these up when I found out they were leaving KU - had a fun time with the quick reads. Book 3 was my fave, especially being Christmas themed (very timely). The boy next door and both grown kids home for the holidays, with the hugely unrealistic flood plot - it was brilliant!

[Barbara Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

a sweet Christmas story

I love the childhood crush in Touchdown Under The Mistletoe, so much harder when. The object on your affection is yours and your brother’s best friend. And you couldn’t ask fora closer proximity either. HEA and swoony kisses,too

[Barbara Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the childhood crush in Touchdown Under The Mistletoe, so much harder when. The object on your affection is yours and your brother’s best friend. And you couldn’t ask fora closer proximity either. HEA and swoony kisses,too. A sweet Christmas story.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one so much! Later in life love with the boy/girl next door and it was so sweet! Adored Travis & Riley together. A cute, quick read perfect for this holiday season!

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!

This is a short and sweet story, and it’s just what I needed to read today. I’m glad I picked it up!

[Annelies Thuwis · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a cute story. perfect for this time of year. it has everything...the swoon, the heartache, the longing, the love, yed even the comedy. It is a fun and short read. Ideal for 'in between'.

[September Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pocket-Sized Review

Touchdown Under The Mistletoe by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is book three in the Maplewood Springs series. Each book is a novella and can be read in under a couple of hours.
I really loved this heartfelt romance. You get all kinds of fun tropes from forced proximity, brother’s best friend, secret crushes. He’s a famous NFL player with a fake romance and she's a sweet english teacher with a love of reading and writing. I loved all the Christmas fun there: a cute ice skating scene, mistletoe kisses, and a talent show. One of my favorite characters was Grandma. She was a hoot. I do hope Beau gets his own story sometime.