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Mistletoe Kiss on Ice
❄️ A Christmas away from home. One unexpected reunion. A recipe for disaster--or rekindling?
Vada Carter came to Mistletoe Springs for her daughter’s basketball tournament and a picture-perfect Christmas away from home. She didn’t expect to spend it under the same roof as her estranged husband, Jalen Carter.
Jalen was supposed to be her past. But in the glow of the holidays—and with old sparks refusing to stay buried—will this be a recipe for one last Christmas together as a family, or the right mix of coincidence for a second chance at love?
Mistletoe Kiss on Ice is a heartfelt, funny, and swoony Christmas romance about family, forgiveness, and falling in love when you least expect it.
Vada Carter came to Mistletoe Springs for her daughter’s basketball tournament and a picture-perfect Christmas away from home. She didn’t expect to spend it under the same roof as her estranged husband, Jalen Carter.
Jalen was supposed to be her past. But in the glow of the holidays—and with old sparks refusing to stay buried—will this be a recipe for one last Christmas together as a family, or the right mix of coincidence for a second chance at love?
Mistletoe Kiss on Ice is a heartfelt, funny, and swoony Christmas romance about family, forgiveness, and falling in love when you least expect it.
- GenresChristmas
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
61 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 14, 2025
I love Christmastime & second chance romance books - I couldn't wait to read this one.
I liked how this one focuses more on family and forgiveness, so you don't get a full on "hot & heavy" romance. A divorce is on the rocks in this story, plus a teenage daughter is in the picture!
There's just a touch of spice, but keeps the jolly Christmas spirit, even though Vada is a bit .. Grinchy. I'm not gonna lie, Vada had me rolling my eyes a time or two 😅. I loved how Jalen was very much a "girl Dad" & just kept it moving (cautiously) with the Vada's sudden mood swings 🩷. Oh yeah...the Birdman reference had me LOL!
I'm ready to visit Mistletoe Springs for the holidays- the description of this place had me picturing it all like a movie.
*Thank you Danielle Brooks for the eARC of this book! (I'm late!)
I liked how this one focuses more on family and forgiveness, so you don't get a full on "hot & heavy" romance. A divorce is on the rocks in this story, plus a teenage daughter is in the picture!
There's just a touch of spice, but keeps the jolly Christmas spirit, even though Vada is a bit .. Grinchy. I'm not gonna lie, Vada had me rolling my eyes a time or two 😅. I loved how Jalen was very much a "girl Dad" & just kept it moving (cautiously) with the Vada's sudden mood swings 🩷. Oh yeah...the Birdman reference had me LOL!
I'm ready to visit Mistletoe Springs for the holidays- the description of this place had me picturing it all like a movie.
*Thank you Danielle Brooks for the eARC of this book! (I'm late!)
November 24, 2025
A second chance at love makes for a perfect Christmas novela! On the brink of divorce, the MC’s are pushed together (one bed trope 🥰) and forced to communicate some hard truths. Witty banter, family reunions & second chances with a cozy Christmas setting made this a sweet & quick read.
December 8, 2025
I’m not typically a second-chance romance girl, but *Mistletoe Kiss on Ice* had me completely invested. Vada and Jalen, separated and navigating divorce, are forced together when their daughter’s basketball tournament lands them in a festive small town for the holidays. The forced proximity? *Chef’s kiss.* Vada is NOT here for reconciliation initially, but watching them work through their hurt and do the work of listening was healing. The secondary characters delivered too—Simone and Marcus brought the friendship energy, and smart-mouthed Jayda had me laughing with her “just want my parents happy” agenda. The Mistletoe Springs setting gave all those Black Hallmark-Mahogany vibes—festive, intimate, and full of heart. The author balances sweetness with genuine emotion, though the writing got a bit wordy toward the end. This one’s a winner for anyone who loves holiday romance with substance and a happy ending that actually feels earned.
November 26, 2025
Second chance holiday romance alert! This Christmas novella is the ultimate combo of cute and hilarious. Nothing beats a good ol' reunited love story, and I was totally cheering for them. They were practically shoved together by fate, and I adored the little green-eyed monsters they turned into when anyone else dared to glance their way. That's true love, folks! Vada and Jalen were a match made in holiday heaven; they just needed some festive magic to jog their memory. And their daughter Jayda—what a gem! Her personality sparkles brighter than tinsel, and her bond with her parents is heartwarming. This quick read was a delight. Big thanks for the ARC! Happy holidays!
December 6, 2025
5✨ and 1.5🌶️
❄️🩵Mistletoe Kiss on Ice - A divorced couple, Vada and Jalen are forced to celebrate the holidays together due to their daughter's basketball tournament in a cute snowy and Christmasy town. It's giving Black Hallmark Mahogany vibes.
Vada and Simone were two besties I loved reading about and Jay? He was down bad for my girl. I loved the push and pull between these two and there was a little drama as well. And I was finding myself yelling at Vada to LISTEN!!
❄️🩵Mistletoe Kiss on Ice - A divorced couple, Vada and Jalen are forced to celebrate the holidays together due to their daughter's basketball tournament in a cute snowy and Christmasy town. It's giving Black Hallmark Mahogany vibes.
Vada and Simone were two besties I loved reading about and Jay? He was down bad for my girl. I loved the push and pull between these two and there was a little drama as well. And I was finding myself yelling at Vada to LISTEN!!
December 27, 2025
On Ice
She could have kept the last 15% of this book. It was aggravating and one of the main reasons I hardly give second chance romances a try. I also found that I didn’t like the authors writing style all that much. At times the prose was really good and others it was wordy and unnecessary imagery. Then Vada being childish about what her real issue was. Jalen being passive about his marriage and family all the way up till the end. Even the daughter was kinda annoying. Cute covers make me want to love a book but I just couldn’t with this one.
She could have kept the last 15% of this book. It was aggravating and one of the main reasons I hardly give second chance romances a try. I also found that I didn’t like the authors writing style all that much. At times the prose was really good and others it was wordy and unnecessary imagery. Then Vada being childish about what her real issue was. Jalen being passive about his marriage and family all the way up till the end. Even the daughter was kinda annoying. Cute covers make me want to love a book but I just couldn’t with this one.
December 2, 2025
Thank you Danielle Brooks for my gifted ARC.
Love a good holiday read. Then make it second chance with a sprinkle of sports while adding forced proximity and now we have a party. Can’t lie Vada had me taking her side. Slowly we find out the truth and I was right there with Simone and Marcus. You can tell the love between Vada and Jalen is very much real. However, when communication, being open and honest is no longer on the table that’s when the bond starts to break. What did The Carters say “No one wins when the family feuds.”
So, when these two start finding their way back to each other in the most perfect town, Mistletoe Springs, they have to go for it. This was l cute, funny, sweet and cozy. Jalen really understood what Vada was saying and the ending was perfect. Family first.
Let me not forget miss Jayda. She caught a couple eye rolls from me (Vada did too) but miss thang alright with me LOL. She wanted her parents happy regardless.
Love a good holiday read. Then make it second chance with a sprinkle of sports while adding forced proximity and now we have a party. Can’t lie Vada had me taking her side. Slowly we find out the truth and I was right there with Simone and Marcus. You can tell the love between Vada and Jalen is very much real. However, when communication, being open and honest is no longer on the table that’s when the bond starts to break. What did The Carters say “No one wins when the family feuds.”
So, when these two start finding their way back to each other in the most perfect town, Mistletoe Springs, they have to go for it. This was l cute, funny, sweet and cozy. Jalen really understood what Vada was saying and the ending was perfect. Family first.
Let me not forget miss Jayda. She caught a couple eye rolls from me (Vada did too) but miss thang alright with me LOL. She wanted her parents happy regardless.
December 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this! Such a cozy second-chance romance and exactly what I needed this holiday season. I was really rooting for Vada and Jalen to repair their relationship during this weekend of forced proximity and save their marriage before their divorce became finalized. I literally found myself thinking, “Jalen, you better pull out your best stuff and get your woman back!” And their daughter, Jayda, was easily my favorite. She brought the best comedic relief. The story as a whole had so many hilarious moments. Definitely recommend!
January 13, 2026
Vada got on my nerves. The end. lol. No sorry. The book is good for a nice little second chance romance. I do feel like a little more drama was necessary for all the back and forth Vada put Jalen through. We find out early on he never cheated. I get Jalen was unable to be there for his daughter (I love how much he love his daughter) and his wife, Vada because of his sport life. Vada refuses to listen half the time. She wanted him to show how much he loved her. Other issues dealing with family was in play. It was just ok to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2025
ARC Review
This was a cute second chance romance that takes place around Christmas time. It definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit with the festivities that took place in the book. Vada and Jalen are on the verge of divorce because of what he thinks is a picture on the blogs that was taken out of proportion but it is so much deeper than that which he comes to learn.
It seems like there could have been more communication on Vada's end with how she was feeling before the "straw that broke her back" and made her file for divorce but it also seems that Jalen would not have been as receptive to what she said at the time. The way in which we see him attempt to change to do better by her and their daughter was sweet to see and or course there were some scenes between the two of them that added that little bit of spice.
There was sometimes that had you questioning if Jaden could really do better to win Vada's trust back in the end but that little bit of Christmas magic definitely had him pulling through in the end to show that he heard her and really was about making his family whole again. Overall, I thought this had a good storyline, good character development and just enough spice.
This was a cute second chance romance that takes place around Christmas time. It definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit with the festivities that took place in the book. Vada and Jalen are on the verge of divorce because of what he thinks is a picture on the blogs that was taken out of proportion but it is so much deeper than that which he comes to learn.
It seems like there could have been more communication on Vada's end with how she was feeling before the "straw that broke her back" and made her file for divorce but it also seems that Jalen would not have been as receptive to what she said at the time. The way in which we see him attempt to change to do better by her and their daughter was sweet to see and or course there were some scenes between the two of them that added that little bit of spice.
There was sometimes that had you questioning if Jaden could really do better to win Vada's trust back in the end but that little bit of Christmas magic definitely had him pulling through in the end to show that he heard her and really was about making his family whole again. Overall, I thought this had a good storyline, good character development and just enough spice.
December 11, 2025
⭐️ 3.8 stars
🌶️ 0
This one was a cute second-chance romance set right in the middle of the holiday season. We meet Vada and Jalen—exes forced to spend Christmas together thanks to their daughter’s basketball tournament. And y’all know forced proximity + unresolved tension = vibes!
The unspoken feelings, the longing, the awkward moments in close quarters? Yeah, it gave what it needed to give emotionally. But whew, Vada had me side-eyeing her. Filing for divorce based on rumors and not even having a convo with her husband about it? Girl, be serious. And when she finally does let him talk, it’s in front of a whole room of people?? Be for real.
Thankfully, Jalen got in his bag, spoke his piece, and went and got his woman back like a real one. Because Vada was absolutely playing in his face 😂
This was my first Danielle Brooks book and while there were some frustrating character choices, I wasn’t disappointed! Definitely interested in checking out more from her catalog.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨ Second Chance Romance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Holiday Romance
✨ Minimal Drama, Maximum Feels
🌶️ 0
This one was a cute second-chance romance set right in the middle of the holiday season. We meet Vada and Jalen—exes forced to spend Christmas together thanks to their daughter’s basketball tournament. And y’all know forced proximity + unresolved tension = vibes!
The unspoken feelings, the longing, the awkward moments in close quarters? Yeah, it gave what it needed to give emotionally. But whew, Vada had me side-eyeing her. Filing for divorce based on rumors and not even having a convo with her husband about it? Girl, be serious. And when she finally does let him talk, it’s in front of a whole room of people?? Be for real.
Thankfully, Jalen got in his bag, spoke his piece, and went and got his woman back like a real one. Because Vada was absolutely playing in his face 😂
This was my first Danielle Brooks book and while there were some frustrating character choices, I wasn’t disappointed! Definitely interested in checking out more from her catalog.
Tropes You’ll Love:
✨ Second Chance Romance
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Holiday Romance
✨ Minimal Drama, Maximum Feels
December 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was a cute read, I liked the infusion of sports and holidays. The Christmas Day games are a huge thing in my house every year so that felt fun for me. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance so always high marks for that. The main reason this isn’t a solid 4 star read for me is the thing that’s making it a second chance kind of feels like a drawn out miscommunication. In a lot of romances it’s normal but the circumstances of this one just felt questionable to me. Definitely not a read I’d suggest anyone stay away from though!
The book is fun, bantery, short but makes you like the MCs and side characters. It was definitely a fun little holiday read.
This was a cute read, I liked the infusion of sports and holidays. The Christmas Day games are a huge thing in my house every year so that felt fun for me. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance so always high marks for that. The main reason this isn’t a solid 4 star read for me is the thing that’s making it a second chance kind of feels like a drawn out miscommunication. In a lot of romances it’s normal but the circumstances of this one just felt questionable to me. Definitely not a read I’d suggest anyone stay away from though!
The book is fun, bantery, short but makes you like the MCs and side characters. It was definitely a fun little holiday read.
December 26, 2025
This was cute! If you are a seasoned married person, this will resonate with you. It’s so easy to get into the mundane and forget about nurturing your marriage and this touched on that. One thing that I did love about this book is the setting. I was able to put myself into the story and I loved that!
December 21, 2025
3.5⭐️ Cute 2nd chance romance.
December 5, 2025
ARC Review
Thank you to Danielle Brooks for the ARC
What better time to have a second chance romance than during the holidays? I went into this blind not even reading the synopsis because it’s Danielle Brooks and I’m going to read anything she writes. The moment I realized what was happening I just started smiling because I just love a forced proximity story.
So you meet the FMC Vada, she is taking her 14 year old daughter Jayda to her basketball tournament, a few days before Christmas, and decided to make it a little getaway because she loves the holidays. She has been separated from her husband for months and is inching closer to her divorce. She checks into the resort and gets to her villa only to find said husband there due to a booking mixup and now has to share space with the man she has been separated from for the entirety of her trip.
Jalen ex basketball and now coach is not yet ready to let go of his bunny, and when he saw a sliver of a chance to win her back he goes for it.
This was the perfect book for me to kick off my holiday reads. It was cozy, funny, and felt like a very black hallmark Christmas movie. I would love to watch this on tv.
Vada was witty, funny, it was giving WAGS, basketball wives but without the throwing of hands. I loved the different relationships, mother daughter, father daughter, and Vada & her best friend Simone.
This story was a good representation of how hard it can be when families have to work during the holidays, how important time with your love ones is. It’s a story of second chance, being willing to fight and put the effort in for the ones you love. It had all the holiday vibes, the music mentioned, the activities everything. This story had so much depth and I enjoyed it
Thank you to Danielle Brooks for the ARC
What better time to have a second chance romance than during the holidays? I went into this blind not even reading the synopsis because it’s Danielle Brooks and I’m going to read anything she writes. The moment I realized what was happening I just started smiling because I just love a forced proximity story.
So you meet the FMC Vada, she is taking her 14 year old daughter Jayda to her basketball tournament, a few days before Christmas, and decided to make it a little getaway because she loves the holidays. She has been separated from her husband for months and is inching closer to her divorce. She checks into the resort and gets to her villa only to find said husband there due to a booking mixup and now has to share space with the man she has been separated from for the entirety of her trip.
Jalen ex basketball and now coach is not yet ready to let go of his bunny, and when he saw a sliver of a chance to win her back he goes for it.
This was the perfect book for me to kick off my holiday reads. It was cozy, funny, and felt like a very black hallmark Christmas movie. I would love to watch this on tv.
Vada was witty, funny, it was giving WAGS, basketball wives but without the throwing of hands. I loved the different relationships, mother daughter, father daughter, and Vada & her best friend Simone.
This story was a good representation of how hard it can be when families have to work during the holidays, how important time with your love ones is. It’s a story of second chance, being willing to fight and put the effort in for the ones you love. It had all the holiday vibes, the music mentioned, the activities everything. This story had so much depth and I enjoyed it
December 6, 2025
act like why want it!
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this Christmas novella definitely holds its own. Vada is just months away from finalizing her divorce from her former NBA player turned WNBA coach husband, and the holidays are already emotional. When the lodging place accidentally books only one room for Vada, her ex, and their teen daughter, they try to fix it, but their 15-year-old daughter plays the guilt card and tells them all she wants is one last Christmas together under the same roof. And of course, they fold.
What I appreciated is that even though Vada is conflicted and still has love for her husband, she’s not immediately falling back into old patterns. She’s standing firm and protecting her heart, and I loved that she even had someone else checking for her. Meanwhile, our MMC Jalen had me irritated more than once. Yes, he insists the situation that led to their divorce “isn’t what it seems,” but my thing is this: he never should have been in that position in the first place. And instead of communicating like an adult, he let her find out on her own. Their marriage was already struggling because he fell into that trap a lot of men do, showing up as a provider but not being emotionally present.
Jalen swears he wants his wife and family back, but he has to prove through his actions that he’s committed. He has some real choices to make about whether his career and money will keep coming first or whether he’ll finally prioritize his family in the way they deserve.
We also get some fun and festive moments in here, and overall I’m pleased with how everything ended. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind another book about them because I would love to see where their story goes next.
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this Christmas novella definitely holds its own. Vada is just months away from finalizing her divorce from her former NBA player turned WNBA coach husband, and the holidays are already emotional. When the lodging place accidentally books only one room for Vada, her ex, and their teen daughter, they try to fix it, but their 15-year-old daughter plays the guilt card and tells them all she wants is one last Christmas together under the same roof. And of course, they fold.
What I appreciated is that even though Vada is conflicted and still has love for her husband, she’s not immediately falling back into old patterns. She’s standing firm and protecting her heart, and I loved that she even had someone else checking for her. Meanwhile, our MMC Jalen had me irritated more than once. Yes, he insists the situation that led to their divorce “isn’t what it seems,” but my thing is this: he never should have been in that position in the first place. And instead of communicating like an adult, he let her find out on her own. Their marriage was already struggling because he fell into that trap a lot of men do, showing up as a provider but not being emotionally present.
Jalen swears he wants his wife and family back, but he has to prove through his actions that he’s committed. He has some real choices to make about whether his career and money will keep coming first or whether he’ll finally prioritize his family in the way they deserve.
We also get some fun and festive moments in here, and overall I’m pleased with how everything ended. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind another book about them because I would love to see where their story goes next.
December 5, 2025
Y’all already know I’m gonna read anything Danielle drops, so when I got early access to this second-chance Christmas novella! I was GEEKED. And whew, Vada and Jalen… they are such a perfect example of how you can have all the love and all the good intentions, but if you’re not actually communicating. Your relationship will feel it.
I felt Vada’s silent suffering in my chest. Being a wife to a man chasing his dreams is hard. Especially when you think you’re doing everything “right,” but you’re low-key ignoring your own needs. And Jalen wasn’t wrong either! He was chasing those dreams for his family, but from Vada’s POV it looked like she and their daughter were on the back burner. So many relationships fall into this exact push-and-pull, and the book captured it so well.
Now baby… let’s get into the forced proximity😂 They pull up to the resort and boom one room left, guess who’s sharing? Watching them fall back in love during Jayda’s basketball tournament was so cute and so real. Jayda a whole 15-year-old comedian. She had me cracking up.
And listen… the spice. Danielle said second chance but make it “we remember exactly what we had.” I was kicking my feet.
And the Christmas vibes were everywhere. In the outfits, the scenery, the whole atmosphere. This was a real Christmas novella — cozy, festive, messy, spicy, and sweet.
I felt Vada’s silent suffering in my chest. Being a wife to a man chasing his dreams is hard. Especially when you think you’re doing everything “right,” but you’re low-key ignoring your own needs. And Jalen wasn’t wrong either! He was chasing those dreams for his family, but from Vada’s POV it looked like she and their daughter were on the back burner. So many relationships fall into this exact push-and-pull, and the book captured it so well.
Now baby… let’s get into the forced proximity😂 They pull up to the resort and boom one room left, guess who’s sharing? Watching them fall back in love during Jayda’s basketball tournament was so cute and so real. Jayda a whole 15-year-old comedian. She had me cracking up.
And listen… the spice. Danielle said second chance but make it “we remember exactly what we had.” I was kicking my feet.
And the Christmas vibes were everywhere. In the outfits, the scenery, the whole atmosphere. This was a real Christmas novella — cozy, festive, messy, spicy, and sweet.
January 28, 2026
Danielle keeps dropping gem after gem! Holiday vibes with a sports romance trope 😍 I fell in love with the book before even reading it. It’s sweet without being cheesy, romantic without feeling rushed, and the winter atmosphere is so vivid you can practically feel the cold air and smell the hot cocoa.
I loved the dynamic between Vada and Jalen—there’s this perfect mix of flirty banter, quiet vulnerability, and that slow-burn tension that keeps you turning pages. What surprised me most was the emotional depth. There’s love, of course, but also lessons about trust, second chances, and letting yourself believe in joy again. By the end, I was grinning like an idiot and fully rooting for them.
I loved each character!!! Everyone fit so well within the story and let me address how the name blending for Vada’s and Jalen’s daughter, Jayda, was perfect. She was every bit of a daddy’s girl following in his footsteps playing basketball 🥰
This novel is romantic, cozy, and just the right amount of winter magic. If you love characters with heart and chemistry you can’t fake, definitely read this one. It gave me all the holiday feelings in the best way.
I loved the dynamic between Vada and Jalen—there’s this perfect mix of flirty banter, quiet vulnerability, and that slow-burn tension that keeps you turning pages. What surprised me most was the emotional depth. There’s love, of course, but also lessons about trust, second chances, and letting yourself believe in joy again. By the end, I was grinning like an idiot and fully rooting for them.
I loved each character!!! Everyone fit so well within the story and let me address how the name blending for Vada’s and Jalen’s daughter, Jayda, was perfect. She was every bit of a daddy’s girl following in his footsteps playing basketball 🥰
This novel is romantic, cozy, and just the right amount of winter magic. If you love characters with heart and chemistry you can’t fake, definitely read this one. It gave me all the holiday feelings in the best way.
December 6, 2025
Mistletoe Kiss On Ice
Danielle Brooks
Vada is determined to be in the holiday spirit. Everything is going according to plan until a certain estranged someone is forced in to her space. Vada doesn’t want Jalen anywhere near her. For the sake of being civil, she tempers her displeasure.
Jalen is devastated that the family he sacrificed so much for is completely falling apart. He more than understands that this is his last chance to get in Vada’s good graces. Unfortunately, for him, Vada is definitely not in the mood for true reconciliation.
Clear and compassionate communication is the bedrock of a solid relationship. Although Vada and Jalen can’t see eye to eye, their hearts sing the same tune. In the evolution of what role they play in the beginning to now, they’ve lost something. They’ve lost each other.
I’m team “get your wife back”. What a shame it would be if someone else got an opportunity to fill your spot 👀😬?
#readandtellwithshantel #daniellebrooks #mistletoekissonice
Legacy Christmas Time Andra Day
Danielle Brooks
Vada is determined to be in the holiday spirit. Everything is going according to plan until a certain estranged someone is forced in to her space. Vada doesn’t want Jalen anywhere near her. For the sake of being civil, she tempers her displeasure.
Jalen is devastated that the family he sacrificed so much for is completely falling apart. He more than understands that this is his last chance to get in Vada’s good graces. Unfortunately, for him, Vada is definitely not in the mood for true reconciliation.
Clear and compassionate communication is the bedrock of a solid relationship. Although Vada and Jalen can’t see eye to eye, their hearts sing the same tune. In the evolution of what role they play in the beginning to now, they’ve lost something. They’ve lost each other.
I’m team “get your wife back”. What a shame it would be if someone else got an opportunity to fill your spot 👀😬?
#readandtellwithshantel #daniellebrooks #mistletoekissonice
Legacy Christmas Time Andra Day
December 5, 2025
Thank you Danielle Brooks for this eARC.
If you’re looking for a cute, swoony, cozy holiday read, this second-chance romance novella is perfect for you. Jalen and Vada are just months away from finalizing their divorce when they find themselves in a one-condo, one-bed situation 🤭. With a little Christmas magic—and a whole lot of unresolved feelings—the two find themselves drawn back together. There is some miscommunication along the way, but it’s well written, heartfelt, and full of witty banter.
I’ll be honest: I don’t like kids in adult books, but Jayda is the exception. Her humor, insight, and little nuggets of wisdom for her parents completely won me over. For a teenager, she handled everything well.
I also adored their friends Simone and Marcus, who knew Jalen and Vada were meant to be and weren’t afraid to give them a gentle nudges about it.
Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): YES
Troupes: Second chance romance, one bed, forced proximity, miscommunication
If you’re looking for a cute, swoony, cozy holiday read, this second-chance romance novella is perfect for you. Jalen and Vada are just months away from finalizing their divorce when they find themselves in a one-condo, one-bed situation 🤭. With a little Christmas magic—and a whole lot of unresolved feelings—the two find themselves drawn back together. There is some miscommunication along the way, but it’s well written, heartfelt, and full of witty banter.
I’ll be honest: I don’t like kids in adult books, but Jayda is the exception. Her humor, insight, and little nuggets of wisdom for her parents completely won me over. For a teenager, she handled everything well.
I also adored their friends Simone and Marcus, who knew Jalen and Vada were meant to be and weren’t afraid to give them a gentle nudges about it.
Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): YES
Troupes: Second chance romance, one bed, forced proximity, miscommunication
November 25, 2025
Trope Buffet: Second chance,One bed ,Forced proximity, Holiday romance realness
Now listen, I’m the type who does not do second chances. Soon as Vada started talking, I was like, “Girl, forget him and go be with Anwar.” Maybe I should’ve minded my business because Jalen wasn’t even that bad he just needed to learn that FAMILY. COMES. FIRST.
Jayda… I adored that girl. The way she navigated her parents’ almost-divorce with so much maturity… whew. She had hope for them regardless, whether it was mom + dad or mom + Anwar LMAO. She kept me laughing the whole time.
And Simone and Marcus being Team Carter and never switching sides? Loved that for them.
Overall, this read felt like a cozy holiday hug , family, friendship, Christmas mess, Christmas joy. A true feel-good story.
Now listen, I’m the type who does not do second chances. Soon as Vada started talking, I was like, “Girl, forget him and go be with Anwar.” Maybe I should’ve minded my business because Jalen wasn’t even that bad he just needed to learn that FAMILY. COMES. FIRST.
Jayda… I adored that girl. The way she navigated her parents’ almost-divorce with so much maturity… whew. She had hope for them regardless, whether it was mom + dad or mom + Anwar LMAO. She kept me laughing the whole time.
And Simone and Marcus being Team Carter and never switching sides? Loved that for them.
Overall, this read felt like a cozy holiday hug , family, friendship, Christmas mess, Christmas joy. A true feel-good story.
December 5, 2025
"Okay mom, do me a favor though. The Grinch doesn't look good on you. Add a little Mrs. Claus to your attitude. Mmkay? Love you...bye" Jayda
Thank you to the author for the ARC review. This was such a great quick holiday read that drew me in instantly. Vada and Jalen were college sweethearts months away from a divorce sparked by distance, communication and infidelity rumors. A hotel mix up at their teenage daughter's tournament causes proximity that changes the course of their relationship. Jayda's banter and wittiness was by far my favorite in the story. This is a holiday read I'll be sure to pick up each holiday season.
Thank you to the author for the ARC review. This was such a great quick holiday read that drew me in instantly. Vada and Jalen were college sweethearts months away from a divorce sparked by distance, communication and infidelity rumors. A hotel mix up at their teenage daughter's tournament causes proximity that changes the course of their relationship. Jayda's banter and wittiness was by far my favorite in the story. This is a holiday read I'll be sure to pick up each holiday season.
November 27, 2025
Vada Carter heads to Mistletoe Springs hoping for a picture perfect Christmas with her daughter, only to discover she’ll be sharing a roof and a bed with the one man she thought she was leaving in the past: her estranged husband, Jalen. Oh boy!
What comes next is a mix of tension, tenderness, and vulnerability. The story shines in the subtle moments of stolen glances, gentle gestures, and all the unspoken feelings balanced with just enough humor and warmth to soften the heartache.
To me, this book is ultimately about forgiveness, family, and the unexpected ways love finds its way back home. With its cozy vibes, heartfelt emotion, and irresistible second chance charm, Mistletoe on Ice is everything we love about a holiday romance and absolutely belongs on your reading list!
Available December 5, 2025
What comes next is a mix of tension, tenderness, and vulnerability. The story shines in the subtle moments of stolen glances, gentle gestures, and all the unspoken feelings balanced with just enough humor and warmth to soften the heartache.
To me, this book is ultimately about forgiveness, family, and the unexpected ways love finds its way back home. With its cozy vibes, heartfelt emotion, and irresistible second chance charm, Mistletoe on Ice is everything we love about a holiday romance and absolutely belongs on your reading list!
Available December 5, 2025
November 29, 2025
Thank you to Danielle Brooks for the advance copy of Mistletoe Kiss on Ice. This one is sweet, heartfelt, and full of that holiday tension that sneaks up on you.
Vada comes to Mistletoe Springs for her daughter’s basketball tournament and a picture-perfect Christmas, not to end up under the same roof as the husband she thought she left in the past.
Jalen still knows her in all the small ways that count, and the holidays have a way of pulling old sparks right back to the surface. Their chemistry is warm and familiar, layered with years of love, hurt, and unfinished business.
The story blends family moments, soft humor, and second-chance tenderness in a way that feels comforting and real. A cozy Christmas romance about forgiveness, family, and finding your way back to the person who still feels like home.
Vada comes to Mistletoe Springs for her daughter’s basketball tournament and a picture-perfect Christmas, not to end up under the same roof as the husband she thought she left in the past.
Jalen still knows her in all the small ways that count, and the holidays have a way of pulling old sparks right back to the surface. Their chemistry is warm and familiar, layered with years of love, hurt, and unfinished business.
The story blends family moments, soft humor, and second-chance tenderness in a way that feels comforting and real. A cozy Christmas romance about forgiveness, family, and finding your way back to the person who still feels like home.
November 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4/5
- This was a cute second chance holiday romance. This cozy novella gave me all the feels — The vulnerability and slow burn tension shared between Vada and Jalen will have you turning pages and rooting for their reconciliation.
- I loved their daughter, Jayda, she was the perfect blend of the two. Her bond with her parents was beautiful.
- This is the perfect novella to pick up if you want to read a cozy winter romance with all of the holiday feels, undeniable love and chemistry.
Pub Date: 12/5/25
4/5
- This was a cute second chance holiday romance. This cozy novella gave me all the feels — The vulnerability and slow burn tension shared between Vada and Jalen will have you turning pages and rooting for their reconciliation.
- I loved their daughter, Jayda, she was the perfect blend of the two. Her bond with her parents was beautiful.
- This is the perfect novella to pick up if you want to read a cozy winter romance with all of the holiday feels, undeniable love and chemistry.
Pub Date: 12/5/25
December 4, 2025
This was an ARC and my first holiday read of the season . . . Actually maybe my first holiday read ever. This is a second chance romance about Vada and Jalen.
Now I’m not good with all the tropes and such but I know this should be labeled miscommunication as well because when we get the details on what led to Vada filing for divorce I was left thinking . . . A simple conversation could have solved this but then we get what the real issues were and I can actually understand why she filed.
But the book isn’t all serious it definitely has its funny moments too mostly thanks to Vada and Jalen’s teenage daughter Jayda.
This is another novella I wish was actually a full length book because I feel like there’s a lot that we could have gotten in a longer book.
Overall I enjoyed the read and would recommend.
Now I’m not good with all the tropes and such but I know this should be labeled miscommunication as well because when we get the details on what led to Vada filing for divorce I was left thinking . . . A simple conversation could have solved this but then we get what the real issues were and I can actually understand why she filed.
But the book isn’t all serious it definitely has its funny moments too mostly thanks to Vada and Jalen’s teenage daughter Jayda.
This is another novella I wish was actually a full length book because I feel like there’s a lot that we could have gotten in a longer book.
Overall I enjoyed the read and would recommend.
December 3, 2025
A Second Chance Wrapped in Tinsel
Vada had my nerves stretched thin, and I was absolutely Team Jalen the whole time. Their dynamic felt so real that I kept pausing to shake my head like, “Y’all… please get it together.” The push-and-pull, the history, the stubbornness, it all hit in a very relatable way.
What I loved most was how the holiday setting softened everything without fixing it for them. They still had to face their mess, their misunderstandings, and the truth of what went wrong. The funny moments landed, the tender moments were earned, and the hope that they might actually find their way back kept me turning pages.
A warm, heartfelt second-chance romance that almost convinced me it wouldn’t happen… until it did.
Vada had my nerves stretched thin, and I was absolutely Team Jalen the whole time. Their dynamic felt so real that I kept pausing to shake my head like, “Y’all… please get it together.” The push-and-pull, the history, the stubbornness, it all hit in a very relatable way.
What I loved most was how the holiday setting softened everything without fixing it for them. They still had to face their mess, their misunderstandings, and the truth of what went wrong. The funny moments landed, the tender moments were earned, and the hope that they might actually find their way back kept me turning pages.
A warm, heartfelt second-chance romance that almost convinced me it wouldn’t happen… until it did.
December 5, 2025
Initial thoughts:
Loved the festive second chance romance
The prefect blend of festivity , forgiveness , comedy and rekindled loved
Book review:
Vada is looking forward to completing her divorce to her husband an ex NBA Player Jalen. Unfortunately fate has another plan , she gets forced to share an apartment with him and their daughter Jayda at mistletoe Spring.
Will she ignore her feelings for her soon to be ex-husband or will she give love a chance by hearing him out . Did he really cheat ?
Read the story to find out
Loved the festive second chance romance
The prefect blend of festivity , forgiveness , comedy and rekindled loved
Book review:
Vada is looking forward to completing her divorce to her husband an ex NBA Player Jalen. Unfortunately fate has another plan , she gets forced to share an apartment with him and their daughter Jayda at mistletoe Spring.
Will she ignore her feelings for her soon to be ex-husband or will she give love a chance by hearing him out . Did he really cheat ?
Read the story to find out
December 14, 2025
Give Love At Christmas time
A couple on the verge of finalizing their divorce ends up stuck sharing hotel accommodations due to an error. Vada is done with her marriage and has 2 months before the ink hits the divorce papers. Little does she know an AA basketball tournament is about to change all of her plans.
One scandalous picture is the reason Jalen is about to become a new divorcee. A party game changes Jalen’s possibilities of getting his wife back. It’s just one thing, his actions must match his words.
Cozy holiday read with banter that keeps you entertained.
A couple on the verge of finalizing their divorce ends up stuck sharing hotel accommodations due to an error. Vada is done with her marriage and has 2 months before the ink hits the divorce papers. Little does she know an AA basketball tournament is about to change all of her plans.
One scandalous picture is the reason Jalen is about to become a new divorcee. A party game changes Jalen’s possibilities of getting his wife back. It’s just one thing, his actions must match his words.
Cozy holiday read with banter that keeps you entertained.
December 6, 2025
I love a good second chance romance. I am a mood reader and really enjoyed the winter/christmas vibes in this story. This is also somewhat of a sports romance which i enjoyed that aspect of the book as well. Vada is ready to call it quits due to a scandal her WNBA Coach of a husband is caught up in. Jaylin is ready to fight for his relationship before the door really closes. Although this was a short read, the storyline didnt feel rushed. A well written second chance romance.
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