Lauren Murphy Hates Mistletoe: A Sweet Christmas Romantic Comedy

by Jordan Millsaps

Winston Maxwell is the worst—and now he’s also my assistant. Merry Christmas to me.

My life was going great—until my brother’s best friend made my assistant quit just as my event planning business hit its December frenzy, complete with a sleigh-load of mistletoe decor. Now I’m juggling all the parties and weddings solo, including one major event that has the potential to launch my business to the next level.

To my infinite surprise, when Max hears about my predicament, he offers to be my unpaid assistant for the month, despite denying any responsibility. I refuse, of course—until my best friend points out that help from Max is better than no help at all. I’m running myself ragged, so what do I have to lose? If only he didn’t get on my very last nerve with his infuriating charm, flirtatious winks, and stupidly handsome face.

The longer we work together, the more I come to rely on him and the more I realize I have a new it’s getting harder to remember why I hate him and easier to remember why I used to have a crush on him. He's bringing back all the old feelings I buried a long time ago, along with some holiday baggage I was perfectly happy to leave in the past.
If I don't lose my mind first, I just might lose my heart.

Lauren Murphy Hates Mistletoe is the third sweet, clean romantic comedy in the Marriage on My Mind series but can absolutely be read as a standalone. If you like chemistry but no spice, fun banter, and a cozy happily ever after, you won’t want to miss this Christmas romance!

What to expect from Lauren Murphy Hates Mistletoe:Enemies to moreBrother’s best friendHoliday romanceAnesthesia-induced confessionsSupportive friendsDual POVNo cursing, kisses only

Genres: Christmas

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Felecia Vincil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan never disappoints. This novel is clean, sweet, and beautifully written. It perfectly depicts the happily ever after that comes once you learn to let go of trauma and heal. The last book of the series is always my favorite because it shows you how life has played out with the characters from the other books in the series. It’s the perfect read for the upcoming holiday season. You definitely don’t wanna miss out on this!

[Alex Banwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very satisfying end to a 3-book series in which each story focuses on a trio of female friends. it has a Christmassy theme, but this wasn’t overdone, meaning the book could be enjoyed at any time of year. The main female character, Lauren, is obsessed with lists and routines. There is no room in her life for romance or adventure. This makes her a little frustrating at times. However, she is balanced out by her brother’s best friend Max. A misunderstanding has made them enemies for many years, but their relationship changes as the book progresses. I like Max because he is the open, loving, and giving sort. I sometimes felt sorry for him, having to put up with Lauren’s cold shoulder and rejection. A fun read. Ideal for cosy winter evenings.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Thanksgiving week is upon us & I’m wondering how you take your pumpkin pie—straight pumpkin, buried under a mountain of whipped cream, or hard pass altogether?

My mom makes the most amazing Pumpkin Chiffon pie, but with a small family & no family around us to help us eat it, we end up passing so we don’t waste it…if anyone lives nearby and wants half of an amazing pie, let me know😂

Okay, let’s get into this fun book!

“Two thoughts flutter to the front and hover in front of me as the rest swirl wildly: Lauren is still one of the most beautiful women I know, and for some reason, she still doesn’t seem to like me.”

Lauren Murphy Hates Mistletoe by Jordan Millsaps (book 3 in the Marriage on My Mind series) is AVAILABLE NOW—and honestly, this series is just pure joy. You can read this one as a standalone, but trust me…you’re going to fall for this friend group and want all of their stories.

Lauren is the definition of a boss babe—efficient, organized, and absolutely committed to a well-executed plan. Romance? Not exactly penciled into her December calendar…even if it involves Max, the man of her teenage dreams and her brother’s best friend.

Max, on the other hand, is determined to prove he’s not the chaotic, inconsiderate kid Lauren remembers. He’s willing to do anything—truly anything—to show her he’s changed. Even becoming her unpaid assistant during the busiest month of her event-planning career. Forced proximity? Check. Swoony banter? Double check. Adorable moments that make you grin like a Hallmark heroine? Oh, absolutely.

This is a fantastic second chance, forced proximity, workplace romance with heart, humor, and the sweetest reminder that some people are worth giving another chance. It’s charming, heartfelt, festive, and just a delightful Christmas read from start to finish!

Add this one to your Christmas TBR and don’t leave me hanging…how are you eating your pumpkin pie this week?

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content/trigger: divorced parents with altered views of marriage; romance—kisses only.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

Jordan is one of my tried, true and trusted RomCom authors! If you’re looking for a perfect balance of character depth and humor, she’s your girl. There’s an authenticity to her writing that really stands out. She writes from her heart and pens RomComs that make you laugh and smile but also cause you to think and feel.

This is a brother’s best friend story and by far the BEST brother character I’ve ever read. Usually, the friend is the obvious star of the show, without too much focus on the brother himself. Lauren’s brother is just amazing in this story. He’s so incredibly protective and supportive of his sister. A truly amazing side character that really had his own moments to shine. You could FEEL the importance of his relationships with both his sister and his best friend, Max.

The idea of romance has left a bitter taste in Lauren’s mouth ever since her parents’ divorce. She refuses to date. And marriage!? – don’t even think about it! Lauren has instead chosen to be married to her career as an event planner and thrives daily off the routine and organization of it all. When Lauren’s assistant up and quits on her, which she oddly blames on Max, she’s left in quite the predicament without enough help to successfully pull off a MAJOR event she has coming up. Max steps in and volunteers his time to assist in anything Lauren needs. She practically detests the man but is so desperate that she agrees to his offer. Their working relationship is rocky at first, but she slowly starts to realize how dependable he is. You’ll love experiencing the growth between them. It’s not all roses and sunshine, but it’s rewarding and inspiring.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful 5 star read this was for me and I must offer thanks for my ARC of this book. There was so much about this book that I could relate to. I remember having my wisdom teeth out very well and worrying about whatever dry sockets were. I could truly appreciate Max's boredom with his job. He seemed the wrong personality for his chosen career. The characters were all fabulous and were all written beautifully. The conversations were a treat to read and I did find myself laughing on occasion and crying on occasion. This needed no gimmicks to make it work. It was a great story written so well and I cannot wait to read the next Jordan Millsaps book. To her fans, this is a must read and for those not familiar with her, give this a try. It can be read as a stand alone and you won't be disappointed.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a mix between grumpy/sunshine and my fav, brother's best friend! Lauren, married to her job and opposed to love and marriage, finds herself in a pickle when her assistant quits and she is juggling way too much with her event planning business. And of course, she somehow blames Max, her brother's best friend, for it! Max tries to help but is rebuffed. Finally, after realizing she cant do it alone, she reluctantly accepts help that she doesn't want but desperately needs. These two have a rocky, rollercoaster ride relationship that, if given a chance could become everything. They have a long way to go though. I loved watching them traverse the hills and valleys! We can't forget Lauren's brother's either. He was absolutely the best!! Well done!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren has had disappointment and family trauma in her life, vowing to never marry so she will avoid any more pain. But, an old childhood crush comes back into her life, and she must make a decision to let go of the past or live with regret. Max was extremely patient and kind in showing Lauren how much he cared for her. The repairing of relationships and choosing to forgive makes this a very sweet love story.

Things to enjoy:
dual POV
event planner
enemies to more
brother’s best friend
he falls first
personal assistant
chocolate eclairs

I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! Jordan Millsaps is my happy place when it comes to romance novels and this one did not disappoint! I absolutely fell in love with Max! He was the perfect golden retriever hero and his playful and flirty personality was so much fun to read! Lauren was admittedly prickly, but I loved how Max took that as a challenge and brick by brick broke down her walls. There were hints of Christmas without it being overtly too holiday central which makes it a perfect starter holiday read! These characters seemed real and genuine and I was rooting for their romance!

[Shelby Beecher · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main guy Max is so patient and so kind to her and she is just so mean to him when she told him to leave the reception after he spent $800 and ran around looking for flowers to save the day. Also why couldn’t she just pay him for his work while he was helping her out? Also the reason she hates mistletoe was really lame. It was weird that she hated him so much for that one comment he didn’t even say to her.

[Tammy Niederhauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5