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The Wynter Brothers #3
Elf on the Edge
Hire a hitman to take out my cheating ex? It was an eggnog-fueled mistake, I swear!
On Christmas Eve, my perfect fiancé stands up at the altar to declare his pure undying love… for my evil stepsister.
Cue public humiliation, a ruined wedding, and me crawling back to my small hometown to work minimum wage at my granny’s Christmas café.
Just living the holiday dream.
But I refuse to show up sad and alone to my cheating ex and man-stealing stepsister’s engagement party.
I’ll be devoured by gossipy small-town vultures.
So I do what any rational woman empty her bank account, max out her credit cards, and hire a high-end escort with the Merry Christmas package.
Too bad I mess up the number and accidentally hire… a hitman.
Oops.
This is why I hate making phone calls.
I realize I’m screwed when Talbot Wynter crashes the party all combat boots, dirty jeans, and washboard abs.
He feels me up, drinks all the booze, flirts with my grandmother, then tries to off my cheating ex in his hotel room.
I scream and make him stop him because I may or may not still pathetically have feelings for my ex.
Talbot thinks I’m insane.
He might be right.
But his company has a strict no-refunds policy.
Now I’m stuck dragging this six-foot-five, potty-mouthed menace of an ex-Marine to Christmas tree cuttings, gingerbread baking, and holiday parties—
All while he tries to convince me to let him take out my ex so he can go snowboarding.
But what if my ex is moved by the holiday spirit and realizes he still loves me and comes home for Christmas?
Or, he would if I could just get this hitman out of my bedroom… and my panties.
Holiday hamster-wheel victims assemble! We’re dodging holiday drama, downing peppermint schnapps, and fending off meddling grandmothers with boundary issues and a death grip on our dating lives. This standalone holiday romantic comedy is packed with chaos, Christmas cookies, and a filthy-mouthed bad boy (and that’s not steel in his pants) guaranteed to leave you swooning under the mistletoe. Happily ever after and holiday cheer guaranteed!
On Christmas Eve, my perfect fiancé stands up at the altar to declare his pure undying love… for my evil stepsister.
Cue public humiliation, a ruined wedding, and me crawling back to my small hometown to work minimum wage at my granny’s Christmas café.
Just living the holiday dream.
But I refuse to show up sad and alone to my cheating ex and man-stealing stepsister’s engagement party.
I’ll be devoured by gossipy small-town vultures.
So I do what any rational woman empty her bank account, max out her credit cards, and hire a high-end escort with the Merry Christmas package.
Too bad I mess up the number and accidentally hire… a hitman.
Oops.
This is why I hate making phone calls.
I realize I’m screwed when Talbot Wynter crashes the party all combat boots, dirty jeans, and washboard abs.
He feels me up, drinks all the booze, flirts with my grandmother, then tries to off my cheating ex in his hotel room.
I scream and make him stop him because I may or may not still pathetically have feelings for my ex.
Talbot thinks I’m insane.
He might be right.
But his company has a strict no-refunds policy.
Now I’m stuck dragging this six-foot-five, potty-mouthed menace of an ex-Marine to Christmas tree cuttings, gingerbread baking, and holiday parties—
All while he tries to convince me to let him take out my ex so he can go snowboarding.
But what if my ex is moved by the holiday spirit and realizes he still loves me and comes home for Christmas?
Or, he would if I could just get this hitman out of my bedroom… and my panties.
Holiday hamster-wheel victims assemble! We’re dodging holiday drama, downing peppermint schnapps, and fending off meddling grandmothers with boundary issues and a death grip on our dating lives. This standalone holiday romantic comedy is packed with chaos, Christmas cookies, and a filthy-mouthed bad boy (and that’s not steel in his pants) guaranteed to leave you swooning under the mistletoe. Happily ever after and holiday cheer guaranteed!
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
1562 people are currently reading
1205 people want to read
About the author
Alina Jacobs
87 books1,601 followersIf you like steamy romantic comedies with a creative streak, then I'm your girl!
Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…
Sign up for my mailing list to get special bonus content, free books, giveaways, and more!
http://alinajacobs.com/mailinglist.html
Architect by day, writer by night, I love matcha green tea, chocolate, and books! So many books…
Sign up for my mailing list to get special bonus content, free books, giveaways, and more!
http://alinajacobs.com/mailinglist.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
November 8, 2025
I was really looking forward to this book, but almost DNF’d it when the FMC with very low self esteem took her ex fiancé back. It honestly just pissed me off because she was actually showing some character growth and it all evaporated when her internal monologue said “I didn’t love him, but I was going to marry him anyway.” 🙄🙄🙄
Also, her stepdad Ryan should’ve long ago put his mother and sister in their place for constantly berating his wife and stepdaughter. And while he tried to rebuild his relationship with his stepdaughter exactly how genuine was the effort if he still wasn’t standing up for his family??? But sure, buy her a house because that fixes everything 🙄
Also, her stepdad Ryan should’ve long ago put his mother and sister in their place for constantly berating his wife and stepdaughter. And while he tried to rebuild his relationship with his stepdaughter exactly how genuine was the effort if he still wasn’t standing up for his family??? But sure, buy her a house because that fixes everything 🙄
November 6, 2025
I could not finish this book.
It was all over the place and I couldn’t keep up.
I hated all of the characters. No one had redeeming qualities.
Skip.
It was all over the place and I couldn’t keep up.
I hated all of the characters. No one had redeeming qualities.
Skip.
November 9, 2025
I don’t understand how this book got so many 5 stars. All of the characters are horrible and not likeable at all. Plot was also all over the place and extremely hard to follow. Also, I’m seriously suppose to accept that she just “happened to know” hitmans passwords and managed to hire an assassin instead of an escort…. Sure coz it’s just that easy 🤦♀️
November 10, 2025
Instagram click bait got me again
Rage bait, trauma dumping and just the same plot for the third time in one series
Hard pass
Rage bait, trauma dumping and just the same plot for the third time in one series
Hard pass
November 13, 2025
So, this was a super generous rating, in the spirit of Christmas and Talbot.
It was a a tad (okay more than a tad) disappointing. Normally I love Alinas books, they're right up my alley and that's why I kinda had high hopes for this one too, since I also loved the previous Wynter brothers books. This one was more annoying than anything. In this case, Misty was the annoying one who kinda ruined the book. She was just GAHHHHHHH, I couldnt stand her. I thought that after the locker room scene I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel but, alas, guess I was just blind. Not even in the end I could get the pleasure of her being changed and maybe grown a bit of backbone. Nop. I just can't with characters like her. And like I said, instead of getting better she just kept on disappointing. There was some funny scenes during the book, which made it a bit more bearable, and then we also had Tolbot that I liked..... But that was about it. 😭😫
It was a a tad (okay more than a tad) disappointing. Normally I love Alinas books, they're right up my alley and that's why I kinda had high hopes for this one too, since I also loved the previous Wynter brothers books. This one was more annoying than anything. In this case, Misty was the annoying one who kinda ruined the book. She was just GAHHHHHHH, I couldnt stand her. I thought that after the locker room scene I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel but, alas, guess I was just blind. Not even in the end I could get the pleasure of her being changed and maybe grown a bit of backbone. Nop. I just can't with characters like her. And like I said, instead of getting better she just kept on disappointing. There was some funny scenes during the book, which made it a bit more bearable, and then we also had Tolbot that I liked..... But that was about it. 😭😫
December 7, 2025
Misty is painfully pathetic… Talbot and the dog are okay but I just can’t bring myself to finish this book.
January 4, 2026
unfunny. fatphobic. misogynistic.
these are the three words that best describe this book. i genuinely cannot believe that anyone could unironically enjoy this book. it’s absolutely awful.
you’ve got a fmc, misty, who got stood up at the altar by her childhood friend, austen, because he cheated on her with her stepsister. then, she stupidly agreed to plan their wedding (low self-esteem, remember?) because she thought that he would somehow regret his decision and marry her eventually. throughout it all, she happily managed his career and did all the unappreciated labor of organizing christmas activities while withstanding verbal abuse from every single member of her family. get this, not even our mmc, talbot, respected her in the beginning.
it’s so infuriating. that man absolutely hates women but there was also some truth in what he said. she genuinely no self-respect! on one hand, i understand why she was such a doormat. considering how abusive her family was to her, it wasn’t surprising that she would have a negative self-concept. at the same time, this is a fictionalbook. i love self-deprecating heroines but when you read a fictional book, you want the character to grow.
unfortunately, she never get a character development that i hoped for. about 80% into the book, she said yes to another marriage proposal from austen, only to be left at the altar again. just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, she begged him to take her back!
i just don’t understand how something this awful could ever be touted as a romantic comedy. how could anyone enjoy something like this? i tried so hard to enjoy what ever i could but fatphobia and misogyny just permeated every part of it. it was impossible. i wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy.
these are the three words that best describe this book. i genuinely cannot believe that anyone could unironically enjoy this book. it’s absolutely awful.
you’ve got a fmc, misty, who got stood up at the altar by her childhood friend, austen, because he cheated on her with her stepsister. then, she stupidly agreed to plan their wedding (low self-esteem, remember?) because she thought that he would somehow regret his decision and marry her eventually. throughout it all, she happily managed his career and did all the unappreciated labor of organizing christmas activities while withstanding verbal abuse from every single member of her family. get this, not even our mmc, talbot, respected her in the beginning.
“He doesn't like you. He doesn't want to marry you or move in with you, and probably at this point doesn't even want to fuck you. And trust me, it's not him, it's definitely you. No man in their right mind would fall in love with you. Desperate and crazy just oozes out of you."
She jerks her hand away.
I grab her before she can turn away from me.
"Why was he with you? I don't know if it's because you gave great blow jobs or let him take you up the ass, and I really don't care, because I'd rather fuck GrandPam than let you anywhere near my dick. You're insane. Austen sees it. I see it. Cocoa sees it."
it’s so infuriating. that man absolutely hates women but there was also some truth in what he said. she genuinely no self-respect! on one hand, i understand why she was such a doormat. considering how abusive her family was to her, it wasn’t surprising that she would have a negative self-concept. at the same time, this is a fictionalbook. i love self-deprecating heroines but when you read a fictional book, you want the character to grow.
unfortunately, she never get a character development that i hoped for. about 80% into the book, she said yes to another marriage proposal from austen, only to be left at the altar again. just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, she begged him to take her back!
i just don’t understand how something this awful could ever be touted as a romantic comedy. how could anyone enjoy something like this? i tried so hard to enjoy what ever i could but fatphobia and misogyny just permeated every part of it. it was impossible. i wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy.
November 6, 2025
As always, these are some of my favorite romcoms. If Alina Jacobs writes it, I’m gonna read it.
Misty accidentally hires Talbot, a hitman, when she meant to hire an escort to be her fake boyfriend for her step-sister’s wedding (where she’s marrying Misty’s ex, who basically left her at the altar). Absolute insanity ensues as Talbot spends almost the entire time trying to convince Misty to just let him finish the job, all the while, he’s falling in love with her. The things that come out of Talbot’s mouth are literally laugh out loud funny, and we get a new unhinged grandmother!
4🌟
3.5🌶️
Misty accidentally hires Talbot, a hitman, when she meant to hire an escort to be her fake boyfriend for her step-sister’s wedding (where she’s marrying Misty’s ex, who basically left her at the altar). Absolute insanity ensues as Talbot spends almost the entire time trying to convince Misty to just let him finish the job, all the while, he’s falling in love with her. The things that come out of Talbot’s mouth are literally laugh out loud funny, and we get a new unhinged grandmother!
4🌟
3.5🌶️
November 17, 2025
I’ve never wanted to shake a FMC more…
Rate: 3.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book irked me. I felt like I spent the entire book rolling my eyes HARD at the FMC until literally 85% in. I pushed through because I was determined to see her wake the eff up! She was a pushover, annoyingly naive, she had loved ones that tried HARD to make her see differently and she still refused to see the light. Yea I ain’t like it. BUT tho it took FOREVER, I’m glad her and the MMC made it.
The spice was spicyyyyyyy! That basically made it up for it.
I mean…yay Christmas but I could have gone a different route.
Rate: 3.25
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book irked me. I felt like I spent the entire book rolling my eyes HARD at the FMC until literally 85% in. I pushed through because I was determined to see her wake the eff up! She was a pushover, annoyingly naive, she had loved ones that tried HARD to make her see differently and she still refused to see the light. Yea I ain’t like it. BUT tho it took FOREVER, I’m glad her and the MMC made it.
The spice was spicyyyyyyy! That basically made it up for it.
I mean…yay Christmas but I could have gone a different route.
November 6, 2025
I realize that I haven't finished this book (87% finished so far). but Jeez, can the MFC (Misty) please get it together?! I have read multiple of this authors books, I know what I'm getting into. They're usually pallet cleansers after reading a dark romance. And I've read the other Wynter brothers books, they like the same type of chic. But Misty is just too much for me, like how are you still thinking you should get with your ex. even if you didn't want the MMC. Like, girl, get some self respect. I'm about to DNF this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
SO.MUCH.DIALOGUE
Let’s just say the books is…eh. From the family dynamic to how much dialogue there is, makes it soooooo bad. She’s still a pushover in the end, her family is weird, their chemistry isn’t it.
Let’s just say the books is…eh. From the family dynamic to how much dialogue there is, makes it soooooo bad. She’s still a pushover in the end, her family is weird, their chemistry isn’t it.
November 7, 2025
DNF. I detest Misty. This is a weird story. It could have been hilarious. the idea of accidentally hiring a hitman and the story behind it.
December 10, 2025
Ah, Maplewood Falls, you never fail to deliver on the unhinged, alcohol fueled Christmas shenanigans. Honestly, this was the best one in the series. It actually had a coherent plot and some decent character & relationship development. If the writing wasn’t so damn choppy and chaotic I could have easily rated this higher. Misty and Talbot are my favorite couple so far.
Until the next Christmas season, Maplewood Falls!
Until the next Christmas season, Maplewood Falls!
October 30, 2025
When Brielle ruined Misty's wedding to Austen, her friends decided she needed a fake boyfriend to make him jealous. What they didn't realise was that they had really hired an assasin. But as Talbot gets to know Misty, he really doesn't want to hurt her - and it seems that she is still in love with her ex. How will this situation be resolved? Will Talbot go through with the the contract? Loved the characters and the twists and turns!.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2025
The blurb for this book was so intriguing, I thought I'd give this author another go after the trainwreck that was the first book in this series. But alas, at 3% read I could tell it was going to be the same. Same doormat female main character. Same horrible supporting characters. Unrealistic. DNF. I'm moving on. This author clearly isn't!
November 25, 2025
I don't usually DNF books but this was... horrible. Was reading waiting for a dentist appointment first time I was happy to be called in.
- Cover art is stunning though I totally give you that!
(DNF 10%)
- Cover art is stunning though I totally give you that!
(DNF 10%)
November 13, 2025
DNF at 59% This book is so bad. Every chapter, I asked myself why I was still reading until finally I couldn't do it anymore. There is not a single likable character, except for maybe the 9-year-old stepsister. She seemed fun. How am I supposed to root for a couple when the woman is the dumbest doormat ever, and the man constantly talks down to and embarrasses her? And the stepdad seems like he supports Misty, but for someone bankrolling the lives of everyone around him, you would think he would have a backbone and put an end to the crappy behavior. I'm sorry, Alina Jacobs, but I hate this book.
November 7, 2025
So many stupid things happen in this romantic comedy set at Christmas. There are many clueless ice hockey players, a hunky Hitman hero and a confused heroine - who bakes, knits, etc. She's completely downtrodden by her family and horrible ex fiance. There's a cute Corgi, a wicked stepsister, and many, many, many, family members, townsfolk, friends and enemies.
I usually can't stand this amount of side characters, but this story needs them and dare I say, it would make such a fun Christmas movie. Providing the dialogue didn't change...
Read it slowly though, or you'll miss something. A great escapist, very long, and steamy romance that is also making fun of the genre - just a teeny bit.
It's silly, fun, wacky. 4.5 stars.🤣❄️🎄
I usually can't stand this amount of side characters, but this story needs them and dare I say, it would make such a fun Christmas movie. Providing the dialogue didn't change...
Read it slowly though, or you'll miss something. A great escapist, very long, and steamy romance that is also making fun of the genre - just a teeny bit.
It's silly, fun, wacky. 4.5 stars.🤣❄️🎄
November 5, 2025
Repetitive but Fun
So maybe the characters are far too similar to the other books. Maybe the dialogue and the smut scenes are too. Maybe maybe. I'm still a fan because I get to escape the real world and cackle like a goon at grannies and best friends.
Misty and Talbot are a riot. As per usual I hated him in the beginning and wasn't a huge fan of her. But he improved and gained a real person and Misty found a backbone. I do wish that the family got a real wakeup call or comeuppance. They definitely deserved one.
So maybe the characters are far too similar to the other books. Maybe the dialogue and the smut scenes are too. Maybe maybe. I'm still a fan because I get to escape the real world and cackle like a goon at grannies and best friends.
Misty and Talbot are a riot. As per usual I hated him in the beginning and wasn't a huge fan of her. But he improved and gained a real person and Misty found a backbone. I do wish that the family got a real wakeup call or comeuppance. They definitely deserved one.
November 5, 2025
Crazy and hilarious
What did I just read?! Like other Alina Jacob books, this one starts out so outrageous and unbelievable you think it can get any more absurd...then it does! A hilarious misunderstanding turns into a bizarre fake relationship. I loved the dynamic: Talbot is determined to get his mark and Misty just wants to win her ex back. I enjoyed Talbot being morally gray and just as crazy as Misty and watching their outlandish chemistry grow. This book has everything; an adorable corgi, sex-crazed granny, and some extremely spicy moments. Another masterpiece!
What did I just read?! Like other Alina Jacob books, this one starts out so outrageous and unbelievable you think it can get any more absurd...then it does! A hilarious misunderstanding turns into a bizarre fake relationship. I loved the dynamic: Talbot is determined to get his mark and Misty just wants to win her ex back. I enjoyed Talbot being morally gray and just as crazy as Misty and watching their outlandish chemistry grow. This book has everything; an adorable corgi, sex-crazed granny, and some extremely spicy moments. Another masterpiece!
November 7, 2025
Where to start
I guess I am just plain old. Did a lot of page skipping, as in,"Are they done yet? No? Lets skip some more pages then." Did not find the main characters to be all that likeable. Did like the family hockey game. That was fun. Really enjoyed the first series of Harrowgate Svennsons.
I guess I am just plain old. Did a lot of page skipping, as in,"Are they done yet? No? Lets skip some more pages then." Did not find the main characters to be all that likeable. Did like the family hockey game. That was fun. Really enjoyed the first series of Harrowgate Svennsons.
December 1, 2025
Hohum
It was a hard read because Misty is SUCH a doormat. An unbelievably gullible doormat. But I wanted to see her get an HEA anyway and kept reading. The sex scenes would've been hotter if the choreography made sense. Half the time I didn't know who was doing what and whether their clothes were on or off. Also, a few abrupt scene changes were jarring. Overall, it was entertaining even if some of the characters were over the top ridiculous.
It was a hard read because Misty is SUCH a doormat. An unbelievably gullible doormat. But I wanted to see her get an HEA anyway and kept reading. The sex scenes would've been hotter if the choreography made sense. Half the time I didn't know who was doing what and whether their clothes were on or off. Also, a few abrupt scene changes were jarring. Overall, it was entertaining even if some of the characters were over the top ridiculous.
January 7, 2026
I DID NOT READ THIS BOOK BY CHOICE (part 4?). I can’t even describe how revolting I found this book. Every character is insufferable from beginning to end, there was not even a hint of character development. The main character (after she marries this disgusting pig of man) will be named Mistletoe Wynter. This book was just gross and bad. I’m glad it’s over
December 2, 2025
This book was chaos! The characters were hilarious, wild, annoying, all over the place, and so much fun! I did get annoyed with Misty and her continuous Austin obsession, like girl, get a clue, but Talbot made up for it by being persistent! A very fun read!
December 30, 2025
Chaos and spice and everything nice
This book is probably my favorite from the series. The FMC is a badass hiding behind a dingbat personality and the MMC is delightfully unhinged.
This book is probably my favorite from the series. The FMC is a badass hiding behind a dingbat personality and the MMC is delightfully unhinged.
November 23, 2025
Dnf’d so quickly I got whiplash. Someone tried to mash up a Hallmark Christmas movie with a hitman-client romance novel AND a hockey romance. It could have been cute and charming. It is not. Do yourself a favor and skip this one
December 3, 2025
I enjoyed the back and forth between the main characters but found the FMC not relatable at all
December 7, 2025
This book was a hot mess. The FMC was miserably insecure, the MMC was an asshole, I had no clue what people were even saying most of the time, and why was everyone always so drunk?? A wild read and not in a good way.
January 8, 2026
This book was a joke. Misty is a wet blanket heroine.
December 25, 2025
I was actually going to rate this one much lower until the very end when the FMC had a real heart to heart conversation with her stepfather and I fucking bawled. Any book that can make me cry is automatically 5 stars because the thing is… to me, at least, that’s real writing. If an author can make me feel something I didn’t know was there… that is magic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews