DJ Max Petrakis just wants to throw an epic Christmas party for his family—but his niece's buttoned-up nanny, Aria, has other plans. She acts like she owns his house, lectures him like he's the six-year-old, and has the audacity to always be right about well, everything.
It doesn’t help that she’s infuriatingly gorgeous. And Max just can’t stop thinking about her.
When Christmas Eve brings too many people, a sprig of mistletoe, and a kiss that neither of them saw coming, Max and Aria realize their fighting has just been foreplay to an undeniable, explosive attraction.
So they make a one night to get it out of their systems.
Kat Fallons, a Texas native, has long harbored her literary talents behind closed doors. Encouraged by friends, family, and her supportive partner, Kat finally took the plunge into the world of publishing. Her debut novella, 'Finding the DJ,' is a captivating tale of two best friends falling hard for the girl of their dreams, leaving readers craving more.
When not immersed in her writing, Kat balances her workaholic tendencies with quality time spent alongside her friends, amazing partner, and family—especially her adorable nephews. An avid baker and daydreamer, she finds solace in the pages of romance novels, particularly those with a spicy edge.
Aria and Max dislike each other even though she's his niece's nanny. Max is a fun loving DJ and Aria likes everything neat and orderly. At a Christmas Eve party, they decide to have a truce, to try to get along for the evening. Some well placed mistletoe leads to a life changing kiss and eventually more. The next day, they try to fight their feelings when they get devastating news about Max's brother and sister in law. Ends on a cliffhanger that leads into the next book in her series.
DJ Max Petrakis just wants to throw an epic Christmas party for his family—but his niece's buttoned-up nanny, Aria, has other plans. She acts like she owns his house, lectures him like he's the six-year-old, and has the audacity to always be right about well, everything.
It doesn’t help that she’s infuriatingly gorgeous. And Max just can’t stop thinking about her.
When Christmas Eve brings too many people, a sprig of mistletoe, and a kiss that neither of them saw coming, Max and Aria realize their fighting has just been foreplay to an undeniable, explosive attraction.
So they make a one night to get it out of their systems.
Mistletoe & Mixtapes is part of the Christmas Playlist Series an interconnected multi-author series. This installment is brought to us by Kat Fallons.
Kat has done it again, she’s managed to deliver a warm, emotionally rich holiday novella that managed to deliver on all the perfect notes – the soft, sweet, and even a little bit chaotic, and it’s filled with that kind of love that manages to sneak up on you when you never expect it.
Mistletoe & Mixtapes follows Max and Aria. Their lives have both been orbiting around the same bright little star: Sofia. Sofia is Max’s niece and Max is her devoted uncle; and Aria is her nanny who cherishes that little girl like she’s her own flesh and blood.
Max has always gone all out to make sure that Sofia has always had the most perfect magical holiday he can possibly give her, including imaginative touches like a real reindeer at his annual Christmas party. It felt festive, fun, and I could feel that it was full of real heart…. and then fate happens one night with a single sprig of mistletoe that hangs over Max and Aria and what they think is the wrong – but fate thinks – is the very right moment.
All it takes is that one single kiss. In that moment the lines between them are suddenly redrawn. And after that is a tender, passionate, “just a single night” encounter that they both try to say is going to just be a single night of uncomplicated grown-up fun. But, in typical Kat fashion, she weaves in these beautiful twists: where sometimes that one single night changes everything, for the better.
And the morning after everything shifts in Max’s, Aria’s, and Sofia’s world in ways that none of them could have ever foreseen. This novella perfectly balanced the fluttery excitement of unexpected romance with the emotional weight of the new responsibilities, the new truths that have been revealed, and a future that now suddenly not only feels terrifying but also feels full of new promise.
Kat’s writing shines like the sun in those small, intimate moments – in Max’s quiet devotion, in Aria’s fierce protectiveness over Sofia, and even in Sofia’s young innocence that anchors both Max and Aria in small almost imperceptible ways. And most of all, this is a story about finding and choosing a family, finding and choosing love, and how a single kiss under twinkling lights can rewrite your life.
And one of the things that I really loved is that this isn’t the end of the journey for these characters. Kat has hinted that there’s going to be deeper, more meaningful journeys ahead, and for those of us who loved this story, we can look forward to Finding Our Frequency in 2026.
Mistletoe and Mixed Tapes is a charming, festive read that wrapped me up in holiday warmth from the start. What really stood out was the chemistry between Aria and Max—even though she’s his niece’s nanny, their connection builds in such a gentle, respectful, and natural way. There’s no rushing it; instead, their feelings grow through small moments, shared music, and the kind of quiet understanding that sneaks up on you.
Aria’s kindness and creativity blend perfectly with Max’s steadier, more grounded energy. Watching them navigate those early sparks while still keeping their responsibilities and boundaries in mind made their relationship feel even more genuine. The Christmas setting adds a soft glow to everything, making their scenes together feel extra cozy.
A couple of moments moved a bit slowly, but the emotional payoff and the sweet buildup between Aria and Max made it worth it. Overall, it’s a heartwarming holiday romance with just the right mix of chemistry, music, and mistletoe magic
Mistletoe & Mixtapes is a romance that wraps your heart in joy and won’t let it slip away! Beware of that cliffhanger though!
Aria, the determined nanny, and Max, the magnetic DJ uncle, find themselves tangled in family duty, festive chaos, and one unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe. Add in Sofia the spirited niece who steals every scene and you’ve got a trio that makes this novella sparkle.
Kat Fallon blends humor, heat, and tenderness with effortless charm. The banter is sharp, the chemistry undeniable, and the holiday magic feels both nostalgic and fresh. Just when you’re basking in the glow of twinkle lights and reindeer antics, Fallon throws in a twist that leaves you gasping and desperate for more. I cannot wait - but also Kat c'mon! Don't leave me like that hanging on that cliffhanger!
Mistletoe & Mixtapes was a short, sweet, and impossible to put down - a perfect one-sitting read that feels like unwrapping a mixtape made just for you.
Kat Fallon delivers a warm, emotionally rich holiday novella that hits all the right notes—soft, sweet, a little bit chaotic, and filled with the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Mistletoe & Mixtapes follows Max and Aria, two people whose lives orbit around one bright little star: Sofia. Max is the fiercely devoted uncle; Aria is the nanny who adores the little girl like she’s her own. Max goes all out to ensure Sofia has the most magical holiday possible, complete with whimsical touches like a real reindeer at his annual Christmas party. It’s festive, fun, and full of heart… and then fate hangs a sprig of mistletoe over Max and Aria at exactly the wrong—or very right—moment. One kiss. That’s all it takes to redraw the lines between them. What follows is a tender, passionate, “just one night” encounter that both try to package as uncomplicated grown-up fun. But Fallon weaves in a beautiful twist: sometimes one night changes everything. And for Max, Aria, and Sofia, the morning after shifts their world in a way none of them could have foreseen. The novella balances the fluttery excitement of unexpected romance with the emotional weight of new responsibilities, new truths, and a future that suddenly feels both terrifying and full of promise. Fallon’s writing shines in the small, intimate moments—Max’s quiet devotion, Aria’s fierce protectiveness, and Sofia’s innocence anchoring them both. It’s a story about chosen family, found love, and the way a single kiss under twinkling lights can rewrite a life. And the best part? This isn’t the end. Fallon hints at deeper journeys ahead, and readers can look forward to Finding Our Frequency in 2026 for more of this heart-tugging world.
Once again Author Kat Fallons manages to create these two incredible characters with off the charts chemistry! This short and steamy little novella gives you a quick peak at what's to come next in this series. The MMC, Max is a famous DJ that wants nothing more than to spend the holiday spoiling his family, more specifically his niece, and his friends. The FMC, Aria is the best friend of Max's sister-in law and nanny to said favorite niece...shes the calm in all the chaos and the structure that keeps the family running smoothly. These two have this crazy chemistry and fighting is definitely their foreplay! But when they finally give into each other you see the potential for so much more. Cue a crazy cliff hanger and we're left counting down for the release of the next book in the series that will feature this said couple!
While I enjoyed the story overall, the novella does end on a cliffhanger, which I have not seen from a novella before and I didn't quite like that. The two main characters were written in a way that made them easy to connect with, even though we didn’t get much of their background. The story jumps right in without much introduction, so I wasn’t sure if these characters had appeared in previous books or if that was just the style. Since this is my first read from this author, I couldn’t tell!
It looks like there’s another book coming in 2026 that will continue the story, and I’m really hoping it’s a full-length one. I definitely want more background and more time with these characters. The potential here is so good, and the characters are strong, so I’m excited to see what comes next.
Mistletoe & Mixtapes is a Christmas holiday cheer story wrapped in tragedy. Max is Uncle to Sofia. Sofia is an adorable, lovable, sweet little angel. She also has a nanny, Aria. Max and Aria's relationship have been challenging where the care of Sofia is concerned. But that all changes on Christmas Eve, when Aria and Max end up under the mistletoe on accident and Sofia demands that they kiss. That kiss leads into something so much more. But before they could even allow their feelings to grow and see where this is going to go between them, tragedy strikes and Sofia's parents are in the hospital with their lives in the balance. This was a very short novella that leaves you wanting more. But that little cliffhanger in the end had me screaming because I need to know what happens next! Kat Fallons did an amazing job hooking the reader to the story line and leaving us wanting!
Mistletoe and Mixtapes by Kat Fallon is the second book in The Christmas Playlist Series. It's short and cute in parts.
The story focuses on the FMC—Aria, Sophia's Nanny—and the MMC—Max, Sophia's Uncle. Both Aria and Max clashed over various things involving Sophia and what they considered her well-being. For the sake of the holiday and Sophia, they make a truce.
This holiday truce allows them to more or less 'embrace' the holiday spirit with a little misplaced mistletoe. Giving them a night to come to terms with all the feelings stuffed down that they never wanted to admit.
The spice is minimal and not the focus of the story, but its there. If only for a small taste.
However, this story doesn't end on an HEA, unfortunately, it ends on a cliffhanger. These characters will return in Kat Fallon's - Finding Our Frequency in March 2026.
Aria is her best friend's nanny to her daughter Sophia, she went to help and be by her side when she needed her most. This Christmas Max, Sophia's uncle, is having a Christmas party with friends and family. Max works in the music industry, and a lot of people he works with are going to be there. Sophia is so excited about the party but gets overwhelmed easily and can struggle with it. Max secretly likes Aria but doesn't want to admit it. At the party, everyone is having a great time and making Sophia feel like the most important person in the room, until she catches Aria and Max under the mistletoe. She decides to announce it to the entire room, they stand the awkwardly until everyone is staring at them waiting for them to kiss. Will that go any further? Can it last while facing an unexpected event that can change everything?
There is no HEA in this novella it ends on a cliffhanger. I was not aware of that going in so I was a bit confused when I was nearing the end but the story was no where near wrapped up. But the story overall was cute. The FMC and MMC seem to be a bit of the teenage crush we like each other so we are going to pick at and annoy each other- to lovers style they are not really enemies and don’t seem to have a reason for bugging each other otherwise. The one spicy scene was spicy and the plot was cute I just wish there had been some more spice and that the story moved a bit more in the span of this novella. Overall a very cute winter read if you want a short spicy tail. I received this book as an ARC from twisted chaos pa. Spice:🌶️🌶️ Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️.5
Five stars, easy. “Mistletoe and Mixtapes” is the kind of holiday novella that sneaks up on you and steals your heart like it’s swiping the last candy cane off the tree.
A nanny with grit, a DJ with charm, and—because Christmas refuses to be outdone—a hired reindeer that kicks the whole story into delightful chaos. Kat Fallon balances humor, heat, and genuine sweetness without ever slipping into cheesy territory. The chemistry crackles, the banter lands, and the holiday magic feels old-school and timeless in the best way.
Short, festive, funny, and warm enough to thaw a Grinch. A perfect one-sitting read that leaves you smiling like you just heard your favorite song on a mixtape made just for you.
Mistletoe & Mixtapes is book two of The Christmas Playlist Series.
Max and Aria clash about a lot of things. Aria is the nanny to Max's niece, Sofia, and they clash about things related to her. Max wants to hold a big party for all of his friends and family, and make this an amazingly festive holiday. However, Aria is worried this will overstimulate Sofia. They decide to hold a truce with everything for the party. However, with them not bickering with each other, they are able to acknowledge the feelings they have for each other. What we get is a sweet story about these two coming together for one night, which could turn the rest of their lives onto a different path.
📚✨ Mistletoe & Mixtapes by Kat Fallons ⭐️4/5 | 🌶️2/5
Kat Fallons delivers a warm, emotionally rich holiday novella that hits all the right notes.
One kiss. That’s all it takes...
A couple of moments moved a bit slowly, but the emotional buildup and chemistry between the FMC and MMC were worth it.
However, readers should know this novella is a direct prequel.
If you're looking for a fast, festive read, this one delivers, and you might find yourself diving straight into the rest of the series once you get a taste!
That aside, Kat Fallons does it again. Making me fall for her characters and her writing is the easiest task because it’s always so fantastic.
In sub-100 pages, Aria’s quiet strength shone so beautifully. The way she protected and cared for Sofia was so sweet. And Max. Something about him. He might just become my favorite MMC in the Heart Beats universe and that’s saying something because I’ve read about Brian McCarthy 👀 I loved them as the stars of this novella and I think their dynamic world well 🤌🏻
If anything this made me need to get my grubby little hands on Finding Our Frequency even faster 🤭
I'm over here minding my own business ready for some cozy holiday fun with plenty of heat, not trying to be up in my feels!
Max seems like a dynamite character from what I've seen of him in prior stories. I love the way he interacts with his niece and the rest of his family. But you poor sweet summer child.....one night was never going to be enough
I'm really looking forward to reading Max and Aria's full-length story, mostly to get that explanation for Aria's pet name! I need to know when this happened and why!
If anyone needs me, I'll just be here WAITING ON A CLIFF......clinging by my fingertips.....
Kat Fallons again delivers characters with undeniable chemistry in Mistletoe and Mixed Tapes. It's a charming holiday read that pulls you right into the festive spirit, with Aria and Max's connection shining from the very start. Granted, it's a short novella, but it packs in the sweetness, with just enough spice, ohhhh, and a hell of a cliffhanger that leaves you eager for the next installment in the HeartBeat Series. It's the perfect setup for what's to come, and I'll definitely be waiting to see how Max and Aria's story continues.
Huge thank you to the twisted chaos pa team as well as the author for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review as part of the Christmas playlist series.
This was such a beautiful little Christmas novella to read. I adored Max and Aria as their banter and undeniable chemistry came to life in the chapters of this book. Seeing Max slowly break down aria’s walls and show her what it’s like to be loved just truly made my heart melt. Plus the overall theme of family and love in this was perfect for the holiday season. This book does lead up to another book coming out next year so keep that in mind as you read! I really would love to check out this authors other books!
Thank you Twisted Chaos for this short spicy holiday read! I like the forced proximity, found family and opposites attract aspect. Even though it’s a novella you can feel the love the nanny Aria and uncle Max have for Sofia which is so endearing! I didn’t really like that it left off in a cliff hanger. The novella really felt like it’s an in between book. Aria & Max’s story will continue in Finding Our Frequency that releases in March 2026.
This holiday novella was good. I didn't like that it ended on a cliffhanger. I didn't like the side characters, especially Sofia's parents. I don't understand people who have a child, just to hire someone else to raise them full time like that. And I thought Sofia to be pretty unbelievable. I just can't see a child doing and saying things like she did. But, put all that aside and, I really enjoyed Max and Aria.
Mistletoe and Mixed Tapes is a charasmatic, festive short read that is wrapped in holiday warmth & festive feels, but what really stands out is the explosive chemistry between Aria and Max, their connection builds in such a beautifully gentle and natural way.
I would have liked more spice but thats personal preferrence
I am excited to read more of these characters in kat's upcoming book finding our frequency
I liked this Christmas novella. It's about Max who is throwing a Christmas party for his family. His niece is there and also her gorgeous nanny named Aria. They have to kiss under the mistletoe and one thing leads to another. This is a short novella but I'm not sure why we needed a cliffhanger. And also the end was sorta sad. I would've liked a more complete and happy ending. But I guess there will be a part two at some point .
Enemies to more, no-nonsense nanny Aria eventually finds love with fun-loving Max. This is a quick read, involving one precocious niece, a Christmas party, reindeer in Vegas, and a very involved family. One night? Maybe more… But… this ends on a cliffhanger with their story to continue… which is actually frustrating, and disappointing.
Very well written and emotional novella, about a famous and rich DJ and his niece's nanny, who grew up in foster care, who are opposites in so many ways. The reason I only give 3 stars it's because it's not a full story but the prequel of a book that will be published in 2026, and it's not announced.
This was a great short read, and the chemistry between Aria and Mac was fantastic. I was hooked from the start. I thought this was going to be a cute little Christmas story, but I should’ve known better—Kat Fallons has made me feel all the emotions before, and this was no different. I can’t wait for the rest of Mac and Aria’s story.
This is a mostly sweet novella about Max and Aria. Aria being the nanny for Max’s identical twin’s daughter. They seem to have a prickly history, but find themselves under the mistletoe together. Sparks fly and who can ever resist the natural chemistry? It’s a fast read, full of family and just enough spice.
This is some good reading. Short and steamy, the best combination in my opinion. Max and Aria have some real chemistry that you can feel oozing off the pages. This author really understands how to develop characters that are dynamic and connect so well together. And the spice was just right. Gave it a smattering without overwhelming the story. I need more from this author.
This book follows Uncle Max, his niece Sofia, and her nanny who she called Aunt Aria 💗 Max and Aria have an enemies to lovers vibe happening and accidentally find themselves under the mistletoe. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Sofia who is persistent about the magic of a mistletoe kiss. 💋
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I am so bummed this ended on a cliff hanger 😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Enjoyed reading this short story. It gives you insight into the next book that will be coming out in the HeartBeat series. Definitely need more of this couple's story. I hope it comes out soon. I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Mistletoe and Mixed Tapes is a charming, spicy Christmas romance. I absolutely loved Aria & Max and Max's spirited niece Sofia. I dove into this Novella, not expecting the cliffhanger ending! I need more Kat!!!